Do you suspect your rugs need a cleaning? It's possibly more urgent than you think. 

There are nasty germs lurking in your rugs, and they may even be making you sick. A 2018 study showed that uncleaned rugs and carpets can lead to health problems and a worsening of symptoms for people with allergies and asthma. 

Before you decide you hire a company for a professional rug cleaning, you want to know about the costs and what's included in the process. 

Let us give you all the details about how a rug cleaning cost is determined, and we'll reassure you that clean rugs are only a call away. 

How Much Does a Rug Cleaning Cost?

The differences between rugs are immense. From size to fabrics to the conditions the rug is in, these varying factors will all be considered when quoting the price for a rug cleaning service. 

Size of the Rug

Most rug cleaning services give an estimated charge based on the size of the rug, at a per metre cost. The cost by size varies because there are other factors besides size when pricing a rug cleaning, such as fabric and the condition of the rug.

A larger rug will require more labour and cleaning products than a smaller rug, so it will cost more to have cleaned. A range of £80 - £120 should be expected for a large rug, as an estimate, depending on the fabric. 

Fabrics

This is a very important factor when quoting the cost of a rug cleaning. Some rugs, such as cotton or synthetic rugs, are simpler to clean and need less cleaning time. However, there are some fabrics, such as wool, silk or Persian rugs, that require a more delicate and time-consuming cleaning process. The time it takes to clean the specific type of rug fabric will affect the cost. 

  • Cotton or synthetic rugs - estimated £10 - £25 per square metre
  • Wool rugs - estimated £15 - £30 per square metre
  • Silk rugs - estimated £20 - £40 per square metre 
  • Persian rugs - estimated £30 - £60 per square metre

The final price will be determined by additional factors such as size and treatment needs. 

Condition of the Rug

If your rug has a tough stain or is heavily soiled, it will affect the cost of the rug cleaning. In some cases, the rug may need additional treatment or deep cleaning, which will cost more due to the extra products needed and labour costs. 

At Home or Pick-Up Service 

Many rug cleaning companies will offer a pick-up service and an at-home service. Various factors determine the price of these two options. 

With a pick-up service, a team will come to your home to pick up your rug, often free of charge. The rug will be delivered to the rug cleaning location, carefully cleaned, inspected and returned to your home. 

At-home services will be rendered in the comfort of your own home, at a pre-determined date and time. Rug specialists will then clean your rug on site. You will be able to enjoy your rug almost immediately, but it's recommended to wait 30 minutes to one hour after the cleaning. 

Removal of Furniture

Sometimes clients request rug cleaning services upon moving into a new home or after home renovations. To avoid the extra charges associated with having to move large pieces of furniture, try to make sure your rug is easily accessible. As an alternative, be sure to mention the presence of furniture upon getting a quote to avoid any additional costs. 

Special Treatments

There are some additional treatments that may affect the cost of your rug cleaning. Some of these include pre-treatments (which may be necessary for heavily soiled rugs), Scotch Guard treatments and anti-insect treatments. 

What Are the Different Methods for Rug Cleaning? 

The most common methods for professional cleaning are hot water extraction (also called steam cleaning) or foam encapsulation. 

Hot water extraction is a pressurized water system that removes dirt, dust and hair, but also removes odours from your rugs. It's a hygienic option that is safe for children and pets, and it's also an environmentally friendly method. 

Foam encapsulation is a low-noise and low-moisture option for rug cleaning. The system cleans and scrubs your rugs without the need for a lot of water. 

One method may be preferred over the other depending on your needs and preferences as well as the condition, size and fabric of the rug. Your rug specialist will be able to give you professional recommendations depending on these factors. The costs for the usage of these different methods may vary slightly as well. 

What Are the Benefits of a Professional Rug Cleaning?

While there are ways to go about cleaning a carpet yourself, rug cleaning professionals are trained to assess the best and most efficient way to clean your rugs. There are many benefits to hiring a professional rug cleaning company. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Professional rug cleaners are trained for rug cleaning and know all the best practices for rug care.
  • A rug cleaning company has all the tools, products and equipment needed for the job.
  • When you add up the costs of renting the proper equipment and product, it can be a costly option.
  • It's a thorough and time-consuming process.
  • Your rug may need extra care or treatment that only professionals should handle.
  • Professionals are knowledgeable about the care of different fabrics and can treat delicate rugs with the care they need.
  • There are some stains and soiled rugs that will be difficult to clean.

How Do I Obtain a Quote for a Rug Cleaning Service?

We offer quotes by phone, online, and by visiting your residence to assess your rug needs. Reach out to us and we can start the process of providing you with a quote for your rug cleaning. 

By visiting your home, we can make a full, no-obligation survey and provide you with an accurate quote. If you make an inquiry online or by phone, you will need to provide us with details such as the fabric and size of your rug as well as your location. These details will be helpful in giving you an accurate price for your rug cleaning needs. 

How Can I Make My Rug Cleaning More Cost-Effective?

When a rug needs cleaning, it should be done right away. Thankfully, there are several ways to get your rug cleaning done in a financially-friendly way! 

Bundle Your Cleaning Services

One way is to bundle your cleaning services. Our company offers many other cleaning services, such as cleaning carpets, curtains, leather and floors. If you combine the services into a bundle, there is a cost-saving for you! There is also the option to get everything done at pre-determined intervals. Many people choose this option to get everything cleaned once a year!

Take Advantage of a Payment Plan

We also offer our clients a 3-month, 0% interest payment plan which helps with the financial planning of having your rugs cleaned. This is a great option for people on a fixed budget. Just be sure to let us know in advance so we can arrange this for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Answering our clients' questions is an important part of our work! The following are some questions we are frequently asked about professional rug cleaning. 

How Often Should I Have Someone Clean My Rug?

Because rugs are full of pet dander, food particles and other various germs, most need a professional cleaning every 6-12 months. However, if you have pets or children, you may want to clean your rug more often. You may also want to consider additional cleaning if your rugs have been exposed to an extreme amount of dirt or dust. 

How Will I Know if I Hired the Right Company?

To ensure a rug cleaning company you choose is a good fit, Make sure you do your research before hiring them. Verify past customer reviews and testimonials. They should be professionals who are courteous, transparent about the process and happy to address any questions you may have. 

How Long Does a Rug Cleaning Take?

This depends on the size of a carpet and the care it needs. If your rug is cleaned in your home, the time can vary.  If your rug is being picked up, ask your rug cleaning specialist for the expected turnaround time. 

For the Love of Your Rugs

Rugs are an important part of your home. They are aesthetically pleasing, comfortable to walk on and turn every house into a lovely home. 

A rug cleaning cost is worth every penny to provide a more hygienic home environment for you and your family and adds years to the life of your rug.

Everyone wants a clean, neat and pleasing home. A professional rug cleaning is worth every penny. Our polite, trustworthy team is here to answer any questions you may have and to provide you with a no-obligation quote. Give us a call or fill out the contact form. We would love to hear from you! 

(originally written Spring 2022, updated July 2023)