Is Professional Carpet Cleaning Worth It?

A pro can give your carpet a fresh start

A family of three playing on the carpet
Photo: Zinkevych / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A family of three playing on the carpet
Photo: Zinkevych / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Professional carpet cleaning uses specialized equipment to deep clean and restore carpets, extending their life span.

  • The benefits of hiring a pro carpet cleaner include stain removal, extends lifespan of carpet, removing allergens, and more.

  • DIY methods are cheaper but do not achieve professional results.

  • Professional carpet cleaning costs about $125 to $245, depending on the size of the carpet and method of cleaning.

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You've invested significantly in carpeting your home, but is professional carpet cleaning worth it to keep it looking its best? While vacuuming is effective for surface cleaning, it leaves behind dirt and allergens embedded deep within the fibers. Investing in professional carpet cleaning can help extend your carpet's life. Discover the pros and cons to make an informed decision.

What Is Professional Carpet Cleaning?

Professional carpet cleaning uses specialized equipment and cleaning products to deep clean carpets beyond what regular vacuuming can achieve. Typically, trained technicians combine a chemical solution with hot water and steam or a dry cleaning process to remove embedded dirt, stains, allergens, odors, and bacteria—making not just the carpet but your entire abode feel cleaner and healthier.

The key takeaway for homeowners is that while professional carpet cleaning costs between $125 and $245, the final result is a carpet with a significantly improved appearance, extending its life span.

ProsCons
Deep cleansCosts more than to DIY
Removes stains and odorsSome stains may remain
Extends carpet lifeNeeds time to dry
Reduces allergensUses chemicals

Pros of Professional Carpet Cleaning

6 carpet cleaning benefits, including reduced allergens, remove stains, and improved appearance

There is nothing like a clean carpet to make a home feel fresher and make breathing easier. Here are the advantages of hiring a house cleaning service near you to clean your carpet.

Deep Cleans

This point is worth repeating. Professional carpet cleaners use advanced equipment and cleaning solutions to remove dirt that your standard vacuum or consumer rug cleaner can never reach. This deep cleaning process helps restore your carpet's appearance and texture, making it feel new.

Removes Stains and Odors

Over time, spills, pet accidents, and daily foot traffic can lead to stubborn stains, lingering odors, and a flattened carpet pile. Professional cleaning services specialize in removing these tricky spots and fluffing up the carpet fibers, leaving your carpet fresher.

Extends Carpet Life

Dirt and debris damage carpets over time by wearing down the fibers. When you remove the buildup, you preserve the integrity of your carpet, making it last for years to come.

Reduces Allergens

Your carpet is a magnet for dust, pet dander, and other allergens. When these elements accumulate, indoor air quality is significantly impacted. Professional cleaning reduces these allergens, making breathing easier, particularly for allergy sufferers.

Alternatives to Professional Carpet Cleaning

A man vacuuming a carpet
Photo: enigma_images / E+ / Getty Images

These alternatives offer varying levels of cleaning effectiveness:

  • DIY carpet cleaning machines are available to purchase or rent, but they aren’t as powerful as professional equipment.

  • Daily vacuuming is excellent for regular maintenance but doesn't deeply clean carpet fibers.

  • Spot cleaning with a commercial stain remover or a home remedy like seltzer water directly after a spill can work, but these methods may not remove old, stubborn stains.

  • Carpet cleaning powders are quick fixes that can be sprinkled directly on the carpet and then vacuumed up. They absorb some surface dirt and mask foul odors.

Is Professional Carpet Cleaning Right for You?

Deciding if professional carpet cleaning is the best choice for you comes down to the value it offers. For homeowners looking to protect their investment, professional cleaning to remove deep-seated dirt will extend the life span of your carpet. 

Unlike DIY methods, pros have the equipment and experience to tackle tough stains, odors, and allergens. While deep cleaning costs more than DIY cleaning, the benefits can save you from costly carpet replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're wondering if steam cleaning is better than shampooing carpet, it is generally considered better. Whether the process uses a cleaning solution or not, steaming uses heat to penetrate and extract dirt without leaving behind a sticky residue. Conversely, shampooing can leave behind a soapy film that winds up attracting dirt, defeating the purpose of cleaning.

Carpets can turn brown after cleaning due to a phenomenon called "wicking." It occurs when deep-seated dirt and moisture rise to the surface as the carpet dries because of excessive water or improper rinsing. Additionally, not allowing the carpet to dry thoroughly before walking on it can lead to browning.

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