What is professional rug cleaning?

Author: Dr. Esteban Kutch PhD  |  Last update: Sunday, December 14, 2025

Professional rug cleaning offers a deep clean that regular home cleaning methods can't achieve. Experts use specialized equipment and techniques to remove deeply embedded dirt, stains, and allergens. This process not only revives the appearance of your rug but also ensures a healthier living environment.

How does professional rug cleaning work?

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. The hot water is then extracted via vacuum.

What is the average cost to clean an area rug?

Steaming cleaning a small rug can cost as little as $60, while professionally hand washing a large Oriental rug can cost over $600. U.S. The cost to clean an area rug ranges anywhere from $60 to $600, or an average of $180 for a standard 5-foot-by-8-foot rug.

Is rug cleaning the same as carpet cleaning?

A real rug cleaning business washes rugs remotely in a dedicated rug cleaning plant that only specializes in cleaning and repairing area rugs. Carpet cleaning and rug cleaning are two entirely different procedures.

What is considered professional carpet cleaning?

How Do Professionals Clean Carpet?
  • Injects a cleaning solution deep into your carpet's fibers.
  • Agitates the solution using brushes to loosen dirt and release stains and odors.
  • Rinses the carpet using hot water sprayed from a high-pressure hose attached to a truck outside your home.

Persian Rug Gets First Clean In 20 Years | Deep Cleaned | Insider

Does professional carpet cleaning lift the pile?

Professional cleaning can help. By using advanced cleaning technologies, experts can gently lift a carpet's pile again, so that it enjoys a fuller texture and form, just like when you first bought it.

Is it worth it to get a rug cleaned?

This process not only revives the appearance of your rug but also ensures a healthier living environment. Here's why professional rug cleaning is essential: Deep Cleaning: Removes dirt, dust, and allergens that regular vacuuming can't reach.

Why do carpet cleaners charge more for area rugs?

Not only does the method of cleaning affect the cost, but the material the area rug is made of also affects the cost. Often, the cost of the area rug when you purchase it will also indicate whether it will be expensive to clean, as the more expensive materials are more difficult to clean and therefore cost more.

Does Rug Doctor really clean carpets?

Sorry to disappoint all you do-it-yourselfers but the answer is no. You should never clean your carpet with a Rug Doctor. In fact you should never clean your carpet with any portable or any rental machine. Unfortunately these machines just don't have what it takes to do the job properly.

How often should rugs be professionally cleaned?

NYU Microbiologist Phillip Tierno recommends cleaning area rugs once every six months, while the American Lung Association recommends deep cleaning carpets once every year. We recommend frequent routine cleaning when your rug is in a high-traffic area or there are household members with health and respiratory concerns.

How much is rug doctor cleaning fee?

The cost to rent an upright carpet cleaner is $39.99* for 24 hours. Many locations allow you to choose 48 hour rental for $49.99* so you can get an extra day for just $10 more!

Can I take my rug to the cleaners?

When you take your rug to a dry cleaner, they treat both the prominent stains and the rug as a whole to give your rug a full cleaning and a new, fresher life. The end results are great, but so is the lack of hassle that comes with taking your rug to a dry cleaner.

How much is Stanley Steemer?

Stanley Steemer typically charges around $50-$75 per room for areas exceeding 400 square feet. The cost may increase depending on the level of dirt or stains present. It's important to note that these prices are estimates and can vary depending on your location and specific requirements.

Is professional carpet clean worth it?

Most carpet manufacturers recommend having carpet professionally cleaned every 12-18 months, depending on how much foot traffic your home gets. A professional carpet cleaning company can help you get the deepest clean possible and avoid the hassle of renting a machine.

How do you professionally clean a rug at home?

How do you deep clean a rug at home?
  1. Identify the rug's material. ...
  2. Vacuum the area to remove dirt and debris. ...
  3. Prepare your cleaning solution. ...
  4. Wash the rug. ...
  5. Rinse the rug. ...
  6. Remove excess water. ...
  7. Let your rug air dry completely.

Do you tip the carpet cleaning guy?

If you're hiring a professional carpet cleaner near you, it's not necessary or expected to give them a tip. However, if they're prompt, courteous, do a wonderful job, or exceed expectations by doing extra work at no charge, it's a nice gesture to tip them. It's also nice to tip service providers around the holidays.

Is it cheaper to rent a carpet cleaner or buy one?

Although buying a carpet cleaner will cost you more up front than renting one, it will almost certainly be cheaper than hiring a service, especially since you'll be able to use the appliance as often as you need.

Are professional carpet cleaners better than doing it yourself?

Professional carpet cleaning generally offers several advantages over DIY methods: Deeper Cleaning: Professional cleaners have access to more powerful equipment and specialized cleaning solutions that can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers, removing dirt, allergens, and stains that DIY methods might miss.

Is it better to steam clean or shampoo a rug?

Although we offer both approaches, in our opinion, steam cleaning tends to be the better option in most situations. Here's why: It can usually remove ingrained dirt more effectively – particularly stubborn stains that have embedded themselves deep into the fibres.

How long does it take for carpet to dry after cleaning with Rug Doctor?

It takes around two to four hours for carpets to dry after a Rug Doctor clean. However, this depends on ventilation to the room, whether the room is unheated and the outside temperature. The machine vacuums up about 80% of the water it dispenses on to the carpet.

Do carpets get dirtier after cleaning?

After the cleaning crew leaves, the gunk remaining in your carpeting acts like a magnet for a whole new layer of grime. Thankfully, there are ways to slow this process. Let's look at the starting point. After just one year, even new carpeting can hold as much as one pound of dust, dirt and mold per square inch.

Who moves the furniture when carpet is cleaned?

Professional carpet cleaners typically assess the room and decide the best approach to take. They might move light furniture but usually don't handle large or fragile items. The homeowner's role is to prepare the room beforehand and provide any necessary information about the carpets.

How long does professional carpet cleaning take?

How Long Does Carpet Cleaning Take? Although there is no definite answer, we estimate that professional carpet cleaning takes around 30 minutes for a room. Just keep in mind that it may take longer than this if your floors are stained or there is furniture you would like to be moved.

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