The cost of rug cleaning is important if you want to preserve your investment and maintain the original appearance of your house.
Your rug’s life can be prolonged and its beauty preserved for years with professional cleaning.
I’ll outline the precise cost of rug cleaning services for you.
You’ll find how the cost varies depending on size, material, and cleaning techniques. Everything is covered in this guide, including add-on services and basic costs.
We’ll talk about average prices per square foot, costs by rug size and material, various cleaning techniques, additional services, and ways to cut costs. You can budget with confidence because I’ve done the research.
You’ll know exactly what to anticipate when you make a cleaning service call by the end.
Understanding Rug Cleaning Costs
Most rug cleaning runs $1 to $7 per square foot, with the national average around $3 to $4 per square foot.
To calculate your cost, multiply your rug’s length by width to get square footage, then multiply by the price per square foot. For example, a 5×8 rug (40 square feet) costs $120 at $3 per square foot or $200 at $5 per square foot.
Prices vary based on several factors. Material makes the biggest difference, wool costs more than synthetic fibers, while silk requires the most care and expertise.
Handmade rugs need gentler treatment than machine-made ones.
Heavily soiled rugs or tough stains like pet urine and wine increase the price. Add-on services like stain protection, deodorizing, and pickup also bump up your total.
Location matters too, with urban areas typically charging more than rural regions.
Rug Cleaning Cost by Material
Different rug materials require specific care methods, which directly impacts what you’ll pay for professional cleaning services.
Wool Rugs: $3 to $5 per square foot
Wool is durable but needs professional attention. The fibers absorb moisture and hold dirt deep within the pile.
Wool rugs shed and retain stains more than synthetics, requiring pH-balanced solutions and thorough drying to prevent mildew.
Silk Rugs: $5 to $8 per square foot
Silk is the most expensive material to clean due to its delicate nature. Professionals hand-wash silk rugs using gentle solutions, and the process requires expert knowledge.
Colors can bleed if water temperature and drying aren’t precisely controlled.
Synthetic Rugs: $1 to $3 per square foot
Polyester, nylon, and polypropylene are the most affordable to clean. These materials resist stains, dry quickly, and handle standard steam cleaning well.
Regular vacuuming keeps them looking good between professional cleanings.
Specialty Rugs (Oriental, Persian, Antique): $4 to $7 per square foot
These valuable rugs require hand-washing to preserve their integrity. Antique rugs need extra care as fibers weaken over time.
Proper cleaning protects the rug’s value. Poor cleaning can cause significant damage.
Rug Cleaning Cost by Size
Use this pricing table to estimate your rug cleaning cost based on material type and dimensions.
| Rug Size | Wool | Silk | Synthetic |
| 2×3 (6 sq. ft.) | $18-$30 | $30-$48 | $6-$18 |
| 5×8 (40 sq. ft.) | $120-$200 | $200-$320 | $40-$120 |
| 8×10 (80 sq. ft.) | $240-$400 | $400-$640 | $80-$240 |
| 9×12 (108 sq. ft.) | $324-$540 | $540-$864 | $108-$324 |
Rug Cleaning Methods and Their Costs
Professional cleaners use different methods depending on your rug’s material, condition, and the level of cleaning needed.
Dry Cleaning: $2 to $5 per square foot
This method uses minimal moisture and specialized solvents. It’s suitable for rugs that can’t handle water or need quick turnaround.
Drying time is much shorter than wet methods, but it may not remove deep-seated dirt as effectively. Best for maintenance cleaning rather than heavy soiling.
Steam Cleaning (Hot Water Extraction): $1 to $4 per square foot
The most popular method for deep cleaning. Hot water and cleaning solution are injected into the rug, then extracted with dirt and allergens.
It removes dust mites, pet dander, and bacteria effectively. Rugs need 24 to 48 hours to dry completely.
Foam Cleaning: $1 to $3 per square foot
Light foam encapsulates dirt, then gets vacuumed away once dry. This method uses less water than steam cleaning and works well for routine maintenance.
It won’t tackle heavy stains or ground-in dirt as effectively as other methods.
Manual Hand Washing: $2 to $7 per square foot
Reserved for antique, handmade, or extremely delicate rugs. Cleaners wash by hand using gentle brushes and solutions.
This allows complete control over pressure, moisture, and chemical exposure, making it the safest option for valuable pieces.
Additional Rug Cleaning Services and Costs
Professional cleaners offer extra treatments that protect your rug and address specific problems beyond basic cleaning.
| Service | What It Does | Cost per sq. ft. |
| Stain Guarding | Creates a protective barrier against spills and dirt | $2-$4 |
| Moth Proofing | Prevents insect damage to natural fibers | $1-$3 |
| Anti-Allergen Treatment | Removes dust mites and pet dander | $0.50-$1 |
| Deodorization | Eliminates light odors from pets or mustiness | $0.75-$1 |
| Antimicrobial Treatment | Removes bacteria from pet urine or smoke damage | $2-$3 |
| Rug Pads | Provides cushioning and prevents slipping | $2-$4 |
Pickup and Delivery Services
Some companies include pickup and delivery in their base price. Others charge $50 to $150 extra depending on distance and rug size.
Many professional rug cleaning facilities offer free pickup and delivery within a certain radius. This is more common with established companies that specialize in rug cleaning.
On-site cleaners or companies outside your immediate area usually charge for the service, typically $25 to $75 each way.
For large or heavy rugs, the convenience is worth it. A 9×12 wool rug can weigh 80 pounds or more, making it difficult and messy to transport. Large rugs also need specialized facilities for proper cleaning.
Small rugs are easier to transport yourself. If you have a 2×3 or 4×6 rug, dropping it off saves money.
Calculate the total cost including pickup fees, especially if you’re dealing with multiple rugs or live in an apartment.
How to Save on Rug Cleaning Costs
Seasonal Discounts and Promotions
Book during off-peak seasons for the best deals. Winter months often bring discounts as business slows down.
Many companies run sales in January and February, so ask about seasonal promotions when requesting quotes.
Loyalty Programs and Bundles
Some companies offer 10% to 20% off when you clean three or more rugs at once. Ask about repeat customer discounts and bundle your area rugs together for savings.
DIY Maintenance Between Professional Cleanings
Regular vacuuming prevents dirt from settling deep into fibers. Vacuum high-traffic rugs twice weekly and rotate them every six months.
Clean spills immediately by blotting with water. Use doormats and skip shoes indoors. Well-maintained rugs only need professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months.
How Long Does Professional Rug Cleaning Take?
Most professional rug cleaning takes one to two weeks from pickup to delivery. The actual cleaning process takes a few hours, but drying requires days.
Several factors can extend the timeline. Repairs like fixing loose fringe, holes, or damaged binding can add several days to a week.
Heavy stain treatments need multiple applications, and stubborn pet urine or old wine stains may require soaking and retreatment.
Odor removal takes longer due to antimicrobial treatments and thorough drying. Hand-washing extends the schedule for delicate or antique rugs.
Busy seasons like spring cleaning mean longer waits, so book early or choose off-peak months. Some companies offer rush services for 25% to 50% more. Plan ahead if you need your rug for a specific event.
Conclusion
I’ve had my rugs professionally cleaned for years, and knowing the price up front makes budgeting much simpler.
The size, material, and condition of your rug all affect how much it will cost to clean, but now you know what to anticipate.
Estimate your total by measuring your rug, determining its material, and using the price ranges in this guide.
To save money, don’t forget to hire a professional cleaner. Frequent maintenance keeps your house healthier and safeguards your investment.
Are you prepared to begin? For a precise quote based on your distinct requirements, get in touch with a nearby rug cleaning expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to clean a 5×8 rug?
A 5×8 rug (40 square feet) typically costs $40 to $280 depending on material. Synthetic rugs run $40 to $120, wool costs $120 to $200, and silk ranges from $200 to $320.
Can I clean my rug myself instead of hiring professionals?
You can spot-clean and vacuum regularly yourself. However, professional deep cleaning reaches embedded dirt and allergens that home methods miss. DIY cleaning also risks damaging delicate fibers or setting stains permanently.
How often should I have my rugs professionally cleaned?
Clean high-traffic rugs every 12 to 18 months. Low-traffic area rugs can go 18 to 24 months. Homes with pets, children, or allergies benefit from annual cleaning.
Do rug cleaners charge extra for pet stains and odors?
Yes, pet urine requires antimicrobial treatment costing $2 to $3 per square foot extra. This removes bacteria causing persistent odors. Basic cleaning won’t eliminate the smell completely.
Is pickup and delivery included in rug cleaning prices?
It depends on the company. Some include it within a certain radius, while others charge $50 to $150 extra. Always ask about pickup fees when requesting quotes to avoid surprise charges.
