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Keep your home feeling fresh with the best carpet cleaning company for you
By
Erica Puisis
Erica Puisis
Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. She's contributed to Forbes and smart home blogs like Smart Home Solver and TechDigg.
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Updated on 03/20/22
Reviewed by
Katie Berry
Reviewed byKatie Berry
Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for Housewife How-Tos. She is the author of several books about homemaking.
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Elizabeth Berry
Fact checked byElizabeth Berry
Elizabeth Berry is a Fact Checker for The Spruce and has three years experience copyediting and researching content for lifestyle publications. She has also written evergreen and SEO articles for digital and printed publications.
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The Rundown Best Overall: Coit "All of Coit's specialty technicians are trained in IICRC cleaning methods, are certified, and have undergone a background check." Best Budget: Green Choice Carpet "If you have more room in your budget, you can opt for a deeper clean with carpet shampooing or other heavy-duty treatment options." Best for Allergies: Stanley Steemer "The company removes an average of 94% of the most common household allergens." Best Fast-Drying: Chem-Dry "Chem-Dry has a hot, carbonating extraction process that uses 80 % less water than conventional, carpet steam cleaning." Best Eco-Friendly: Oxi-Fresh Carpet Cleaning "With a low, water-usage rate, you can feel at ease knowing that your carpet cleaning process is reducing water consumption." Best for Pet Stains: USA Clean Master "USA Clean Master offers comprehensive carpet care, along with a pet package that specifically targets your furry friend’s house training mistakes." Best for Emergencies: SERVPRO "SERVPRO is an ideal cleanup solution if you've had flood or smoke damage, or another home emergency." Coit is one of the leading carpet cleaning companies, offering a suite of services and competitive prices that make it a top option. The brand utilizes a hot water extraction process that deep cleans carpet fibers to remove visible stains and hidden dirt. One of the key features that sets Coit apart from other services is that all specialty technicians are trained in IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) cleaning methods, are certified, and have undergone a background check. This gives you peace of mind that the service provided by Coit will be effective and professional. Additionally, the company guarantees your satisfaction, or they will provide a complimentary re-cleaning or a full refund of the service fee. Same-day service is not a standard option, but appointments are generally available within a few days, so you may not have to wait weeks for a service technician. While the majority of carpet cleaning companies aim to keep a competitive price, you will appreciate the variety of affordable options from Green Choice Carpet. You can opt for a basic steam extraction cleaning which starts at around $29 per room. Or, if you have a larger budget, you can opt for a deeper clean withcarpet shampooingfor about $55 per room. The company also offers heavy-duty treatment options that will cost approximately $65 per room and includes everything from pre-groom to overspray protection. With any level of service, there is a minimum requirement of treatment for three rooms. The advantage of this carpet cleaning company is a unique pricing structure that lets you spend your money based on your budget or according to the needs of your home. Carpet fibers are notorious for trapping dirt, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, which can trigger allergies to flare up. This is one reason allergy-sufferers should periodically hire a company to provide an at-home refresh. It’s generally recommended, to use steam carpet cleaning (a hot water extraction process) to ensure the most thorough removal of allergens with their truck-mounted equipment. Stanley Steemer is one of the most well-known names in the carpet cleaning business, and the company removes an average of 94% of the most common household allergens. The biggest drawback to hot water extraction is the drying time: It can take anywhere from eight to 24 hours for carpeted surfaces to fully dry (depending on humidity, airflow, and other factors). Stanley Steemer has a nationwide network of service providers, but keep in mind that the price for their services is a little steep compared to other carpet cleaning companies. For this reason, Stanley Steemer is also a better value for individuals with a lot of square footage to clean. If you want to spend less time waiting for your carpets to dry, then look for a carpet cleaning company that can deliver a thorough clean with shorter drying times. Chem-Dry promotes an absorption rate of one to two hours. To make this happen, Chem-Dry has a hot, carbonating extraction process that uses 80% less water than conventional, carpet steam cleaning. As a result, you can have your carpets cleaned and host a party the same day, without worrying about dampness. Chem-Dry has a proprietary carbonated solution that uses tiny bubbles to break up and push dirt, bacteria, and allergens to the surface of carpet piles. A minimal amount of water is then needed to suction the loose grime into the machine. This type of carpet cleaning service is also recommended for carpeting where color-fastness might be an issue. You can find Chem-Dry in the majority of cities nationwide. The fine print indicates that rooms over 200 square feet may incur additional charges. Since some other carpet cleaning companies stretch the size of each room to 300 square feet, this may be a factor to consider if you have particularly large rooms. Eco-friendly carpet cleaning is an alternative option if you are looking for a method that omits the use of harsh chemicals that may cause irritation. This is especially important if you have children or pets that come in close contact with those freshly-cleaned fibers. Oxi-Fresh Carpet Cleaning is an affordable option for a green service. The company’s primary formula has received the EPA’s Safer Choice label for product ingredients. Additionally, their machines avoid overly saturating the carpet fibers, reducing the chances for mold and mildew. With a low, water-usage rate, you can feel at ease knowing that your carpet cleaning process is reducing water consumption. If you share your home with a furry friend, you’re likely no stranger to pet stains on your carpets. Despite your best efforts to surface-clean these stains, odors can linger. Plus, your pet may return to the same spot repeatedly—further soiling the area. To solve this dilemma once and for all, search for a carpet cleaning company that specializes in pet stains. USA Clean Master offers comprehensive carpet care, along with a pet package that specifically targets the evidence of your furry friend’s house training mistakes. The company uses an enzyme-based cleaner to dissolve organic matter, like urine, feces, blood, or vomit, so that it can be easily eliminated during the carpet cleaning process. Since stains can vary in complexity and size, your carpet cleaning professional can give you a more accurate cleaning estimate once they are on site. If you’ve had a flood, smoke damage, or another home emergency, SERVPRO specializes in home-cleanup that can remedy the situation. The company is equipped with needed tools and carpet cleaning strategies, this nationwide company has technicians that can accurately assess whether or not your carpet can be restored. SERVPRO offers both steam extraction carpet cleaning and dry cleaning options. Since the focus of the business is on post-emergency clean-up, you’ll appreciate the fact that they offer 24-hour a day emergency services. Pricing varies based on the type of damage incurred, the square footage affected, and the methods required to resolve the situation. It’s best to call your local SERVPRO office directly for more information if you need emergency carpet cleaning. The cost of professional carpet cleaning varies, depending on the level of cleaning, square footage, and location. On average, basic cleaning of a room costs up to $100. Treatment options such as heavy-duty stain removal and overspray protection are additional fees. Some companies have a minimum rate of $200 or $300 per job, many offer discounts for multiple rooms. Hiring a carpet cleaning service will give your carpets a thorough, professional clean and may even extend their longevity. Compared to do-it-yourself rental equipment, a carpet cleaning service’s equipment and tools are professional grade, which gives you a higher level of cleanliness, improved moisture removal, and better sanitizing. In addition, getting your carpets professionally cleaned will save you the time and hassle of doing a labor-intensive chore yourself. In general, tipping is not required or expected for most carpet cleaning services, but you could give a tip to each technician if you’re happy with the service. Best Overall: Coit
Best Budget: Green Choice Carpet
Best for Allergies: Stanley Steemer
Best Fast-Drying: Chem-Dry
Best Eco-Friendly: Oxi-Fresh Carpet Cleaning
Best for Pet Stains: USA Clean Master
Best for Emergencies: SERVPRO
FAQs
What’s the Average Cost to Hire a Carpet Cleaning Service?
Is Hiring Carpet Cleaners Worth It?
How Much Should You Tip a Carpet Cleaner?
FAQs
Who is better Stanley steemer or Zerorez? ›
STANLEY STEEMER- The solution is an EPA Safer Choice. Considered safe for pets and children. ZEROREZ- Zerorez is not currently approved by any association when it comes to healthy and safe cleaning.
What carpet cleaners do professionals use? ›Hot Water Extraction
Otherwise known as steam cleaning, this is easily the most common professional carpet cleaning technique. Steam cleaning uses hot water at high pressure to penetrate into carpet fibers, breaking down the dirt and bacteria stored deep within.
When choosing between steam cleaning and shampooing your carpet, you really can't go wrong with both, but steam cleaning would be the better option. It removes more unseen pests and dirt, and can handle heavy-duty cleaning without making you wait long for drying.
Is it worth getting carpets professionally cleaned? ›The short answer to this question is yes. In most cases, it is always worth it to get your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year though in some cases, it may not be the best idea to get your carpet professionally cleaned.
Is Chem-Dry better than steam cleaning? ›Yes! Unlike many typical steam cleaners who use harsh detergents, Chem-Dry uses a safe and non-toxic cleaning solution called The Natural® as our core cleaning solution. This not only means that it is free from harsh chemicals, but is a more effective method of cleaning your carpets.
How often should you get your carpets cleaned professionally? ›To keep your carpet looking and performing at its best, The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends having your carpet professionally deep-cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Bear in mind that this recommended frequency is a general guideline only and can vary based on your particular circumstances.
How often should carpet be shampooed? ›Your carpet is a major part of your home's comfort, and you want it to look its best. People wonder, “How often should you shampoo carpets?” and “Do carpet cleaners get stains out?” Professionals recommend having someone professionally clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove dirt.
Is Bissell a good brand for carpet cleaner? ›The Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner did the best job of cleaning messes in our tests, and the big tank allows you to clean large rooms without stopping. The Hoover FH52000 SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner comes with an antimicrobial pet tool, which is ideal for cleaning stains.
What should I look for when buying a carpet cleaner? ›- Pricing is Key. ...
- The Type Of Cleaning. ...
- Knowing The Needs. ...
- Check Insurance, Licensing, and Bonding. ...
- Choosing The Type of Cleaning Fluids. ...
- The Appearance of the Company. ...
- Years of Experience. ...
- A Solid Guarantee.
Start by sprinkling baking soda over the carpet and vacuum thoroughly to remove loose debris. (The baking soda also works to remove odors.) Add two drops of carpet shampoo and warm water to a clean spray bottle. Spray the mixture over the carpet, taking care not to saturate the fibers.
How do professionals clean carpets at home? ›
EASY Way to Clean an Area Rug (NO SCRUBBING) - YouTube