Do Carpet Cleaning Companies Move Furniture?

Get your home ready for the carpet cleaning pros

Interior view of a living room
Photo: Gayrat Tolibov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Interior view of a living room
Photo: Gayrat Tolibov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Carpet cleaning companies may move lighter furniture, such as coffee tables or small chairs.

  • Carpet cleaning companies typically do not move heavy or fragile items due to liability issues.

  • Consult your local carpet cleaning service about whether they move furniture during the booking process to ensure clarity on responsibilities.

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Dirty and stained carpets are not only an eyesore, but they also negatively affect the resale value of your home. Dingy carpets are a sign it’s time to hire a professional carpet cleaning company to restore them to being bright and fresh. As you prepare for the service, you’ll likely wonder whether carpet cleaning companies move furniture as part of their service. 

Let’s examine whether carpet cleaning professionals will haul around your heavy furniture or if it’s a task you will have to handle yourself.

Do Carpet Cleaning Companies Move Furniture For You?

There isn’t a straight yes or no answer to this question. Whether carpet cleaners move furniture depends on the company and the type of furniture that needs to be moved. For example, some companies may move lighter furniture, such as coffee tables, small chairs, and other similar items, to clean carpets. But most carpet cleaners will not move heavy or fragile furniture, such as pianos, hutches, beds, or couches. 

There are several reasons why heavy lifting is not part of carpet cleaning services. Heavy lifting can cause injury to the cleaners, and there is also the potential of causing damage to the items. You will need to ask the carpet cleaning professional if they move furniture or if you need to move it beforehand. 

Should You Move Furniture To Clean Carpets?

It is best to move furniture out of the room before cleaning the carpets. This prep step allows for a more thorough cleaning, so the carpets will be evenly cleaned throughout the entire room. Furniture can hide dust and debris and leave imprints due to its weight. 

However, if some pieces of furniture are too delicate or heavy to move, professionals can clean  around them if necessary. 

How to Prepare Your Home for Carpet Cleaning 

There are a few things you need to do before the carpet cleaners arrive. Here are some things you will most likely need to do beforehand:

  • Confirm the service: You should discuss with the carpet cleaning company what their service entails and ask for the specific steps you should take to prepare the areas.

  • Clear the room: Move any furniture, personal items, and toys off the carpet that needs cleaning. This will ensure the cleaners can clean the entire area without anything in the way.

  • Vacuum thoroughly: Once everything is out of the room, you should give it a good vacuuming. This will loosen and remove dirt and debris, allowing the carpet cleaning to be more effective. 

  • Secure pets and children: You should put pets and children in another safe space in the home that isn’t getting cleaned. The equipment can be noisy and disturbing to animals and kids, so it’s best to have them somewhere they feel secure. Plus, it also prevents them from walking on the carpets before they are dry.

Is It Worth Hiring a Professional Carpet Cleaning Company?

Worker cleaning carpet with vacuum cleaner
Photo: AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

While you can clean carpets yourself, you’ll need to purchase or rent the required equipment to tackle the task. Doing it yourself can be a less expensive option for carpets that aren’t heavily soiled, but it is a labor-intensive task, and there is the potential for damaging the carpet if done incorrectly.

Professional carpet cleaners use various methods to get the best results and have the proper cleaning supplies and equipment that is needed. Hiring a carpet cleaning company near you can ensure the job is done right and can definitely be worth the cost. 

The price depends on several factors, such as the number of rooms, the type of carpet, and the location. The average cost to have carpets cleaned professionally ranges between $120 and $240 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

The time it takes professionals to clean carpets depends on the size of the room, the cleaning method, and how dirty the carpet is. You can expect carpet cleaning services to take 30 to 45 minutes per room, but it will vary based on these factors. Drying time depends on the method used, but it can range from 6 to 12 hours.

Steam cleaning carpets uses less water and has faster drying times. Shampooing carpets involves applying a carpet shampoo and using a machine that works it into the carpet and fibers. This method uses more water, so it tends to take longer for the carpets to dry. Which method should be used depends on the type of stains, level of dirtiness, and preference.

The frequency depends on several factors, such as whether you have pets or children, the type of carpet, and the level of activity in your home. We recommended that you have your carpets professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. However, if you have children, pets, or allergies, you may want to clean them more frequently, like every 6 to 12 months instead.

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