How much does it cost to clean a rug?

Area rugs are great elements for style, comfort, and function. However, with heavy foot ¹ traffic and wear, rugs often find themselves in need of a cleaning. In fact, rugs in high-traffic areas are recommended to be cleaned at least once a year. Almost every rug cleaning service charges by the square foot ¹ instead of by the hour and typically cleans the rugs at your home.

Size

The most common way to charge for rug cleaning is by size. The average cleaning cost is $2-$7 per square foot, which means a standard 8’x10’ rug would cost $160-$560 to clean. The higher cost processes typically include a decontamination bath.

Rug material

Synthetic area hugs are the most resilient and the least expensive to clean. Natural fiber rugs, such as silk and wool, are more delicate and require a different cleaning process, which can raise the price by up to 20%. Rugs that are older or more delicate may also have a higher cleaning fee, up to 35% more than standard costs.

Cleaning method

Most cleaning companies start by vacuuming the rug. The traditional method is steam cleaning, which soaks the rugs with water and cleaner, removes the dirt, and then requires rugs are dried for a few days. Chemical cleaning involves less water but more cleaning solution and a faster drying time. The price for the two processes is comparable (around $2-$7 per square foot ¹), and more services will inspect a rug before making a decision on how to best clean it. Some companies wash rare and delicate rugs by hand and hang them to dry. This is the most labor-intensive option and regularly the most expensive, averaging $4-$8 per square foot ¹.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• For rugs that are stained or have pet dander, many cleaners will offer a spot-cleaning service. This option focuses on pre-cleaning and deodorizing solutions on the affected areas before the entire rug is cleaned as normal. Prices range from an extra $1-$3 per square foot ¹.
• Some rug cleaning services offer pickup and delivery services, typically for $25-$50 per rug.
• Adding a protective sealant can help the rug sustain further damage and stains. The process averages $0.50 per square foot for wool and silk rugs and $0.25 per square foot ¹ for synthetic rugs.
• Older rugs may be susceptible to moths, which can destroy the fibers. A professional cleaning usually gets rid of moths, but you can also add a special moth treatment solution for around $50.

Additional considerations and costs

• The DIY method of renting a rug cleaner from a store kiosk works for most rugs. The average rental cost is $30-$60 per day.
• In-house cleaning can be slightly more expensive because of travel fees, but if helps you avoid transporting a large rug.
• Off-site cleaning doesn’t disrupt your home with the cleaning process and drying time, but it can be difficult to transport large or fragile rugs, so it requires pickup and delivery services, which will increase the total cost.
• Some rug issues require the use of additional specialists. For example, fixing burn holes could require a carpet repair specialist, at a cost of $150-$225. Some rug cleaning services will repair mold and water damage for an additional fee (around $200-$300 on average), while others may refer you to a restoration specialist.
• Many rug cleaning companies offer coupons, or discounts if you schedule regular maintenance appointments.
• Note that some providers require a minimum price or rug size to clean your rug.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Foot: A support for the foundation of a house that also helps prevent settling. It is typically made of concrete reinforced with rebar, but can also be made of masonry or brick. It is usually built under a heavier part of the house like a wall or column, to distribute the weight of the house over a larger area.