Carpet Cleaning Cost

How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost?

This article is all about carpet cleaning and the costs charged by professional carpet cleaning contractors throughout the UK. The vast majority of carpet cleaning companies will offer quotes which are based simply on the shape and size of the room, plus whether or not there were any stubborn stains that needed to be removed.

So, what method is best?

There are a variety of different carpet cleaning methods used within the industry, some methods use more water whereas others depend more on mechanical action or chemicals to clean.

The most important thing is that the technician has the required training and experience to carry out the carpet cleaning properly and safely. National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) members have a recognised qualification in carpet and upholstery cleaning and are fully trained in the use of all recommended cleaning methods, so can advise on the most appropriate methods for any situation.

Most of the carpet cleaning done today in the UK uses the "hot water extraction" or steam cleaning method as the majority of carpet manufacturers recommend hot water extraction as their preferred method of cleaning to preserve the lifespan of their carpets.

Many carpet cleaning companies also offer an upholstery cleaning service, so it makes sense to get your furniture cleaned at the same time as the carpets as the rates charged will be slightly more competitive for larger jobs at the same address.

How does the process work?

Though there are a variety of methods in use for carpet and upholstery cleaning, each process should include a similar process. For example, with the most popular hot water extraction method, first of all there is the vacuum pre cleaning to remove any surface dust and dirt, any spots, stains or heavily soiled areas should be pre-treated, then the carpets should be steam cleaned (hot water extraction) followed by a thorough rinse ensuring carpets will be completely dry within 24 hours.

Leaving the carpet too wet can cause shrinkage, in addition, after cleaning your carpet it must be dried thoroughly to prevent mould and mildew. The way most carpet cleaning professionals take care of this is to use a carpet cleaning machine that dries the carpet as you push it across the floor. This makes carpet cleaning easier and allows customers to start walking on the carpet sooner.

Can I do this myself?

Carpet cleaning is a necessary part of maintaining carpets and is a safe and healthy way to keep your carpets looking like new - as long as they are cleaned properly and safely. If cleaning the carpets yourself and hiring a machine, it’s always wise to fully read the instructions for both the machine and the cleaning products that come with it.

Cleaning chemicals are generally labelled with specific instructions as some chemicals shouldn’t be used on specific types of carpet, so be sure to get it right to avoid ruining the carpets instead of cleaning them! In fact, if using chemicals you are unfamiliar with it may be an idea to test the product in a hidden spot to make sure it won’t damage your carpet.

If your carpet is beyond cleaning then you might want to bite the bullet and get a brand new carpet. Check out our page on hiring a flooring specialist to fit a carpet.

15%

Materials
£30

85%

Tradesmen
£170

0%

Waste Removal
£0

FAQ's

Can I just hire a carpet cleaning machine and clean the carpets myself?

Some will try and reduce cleaning costs by hiring a carpet cleaning machine but a carpet cleaner hire is around £25 for one day and the shampoo required will be another £15. So if you spent all day cleaning every carpet in your home you would make a saving, assuming you didn’t mess anything up and ruin any of your carpets. But for most people it's much easier just to hire a professional and get the job done right first time at a reasonable cost. An experienced carpet cleaner can have the carpet in your front room looking like brand new in less than half an hour!

Will my carpet be wet afterwards?

If you use a professional and reputable cleaning company the carpets should only be slightly damp after cleaning, not soaking wet. Just turn on the heating and open a window to allow any moisture to escape and everything will be fine. The use of the latest carpet cleaning equipment means that carpets should be completely dry in 2 to 24 hours (the more heavily soiled the carpet the longer it will take to dry).

How often should I have my carpets cleaned?

Most carpet manufacturers recommend professional cleaning every 12 months. Contrary to popular belief, carpets should be cleaned on a regular basis to extend the life of the carpet. Allowing carpets to become heavily soiled will significantly reduce the life of a carpet.

Should I have my carpet dry cleaned or steam cleaned?

Most major carpet manufacturers now recommend hot water extraction (aka steam cleaning) as their preferred method rather than "dry cleaning" using chemicals. Steam cleaning is highly effective in removing soil and other dirt from your carpet. When it comes to carpets even "dry cleaning" uses water as much of the soil in your carpet is water soluble, but for more stubborn dirt chemicals are used as opposed to steam.

Do I have to move furniture?

In most cases carpet cleaning technicians will be happy to move furniture before cleaning, however there may be an additional fixed charge for moving the furniture, or if they are charging by the hour, moving the furniture will obviously take more time so will add to the overall cost. It is cheaper for you to move the furniture out of the room to be cleaned before hand, if possible. Even if leaving furniture for the carpet cleaning operative to remove, it is a good idea for you to remove any breakable/valuable items that are on the furniture such as ornaments and china from table tops or bookcases.