How Much Does Professional Rug Cleaning Cost?

Professional Rug Cleaning Cost by Method

The $1 to $8 per square foot price depends in large part on the cleaning method. Take a look at some of the common rug-cleaning methods and their average cost.

Dry Cleaning Rugs Cost

You can expect to pay between $1.50 and $5 per square foot if the expert uses a dry or low-moisture wash. This method uses a chemical detergent worked into the fiber with a special machine. The chemicals work out the soil and then the pros vacuum everything out, requiring a short dry time.

Steam Cleaning Rug Budget

Steam cleaning your rug costs $1 to $4 per square foot. Most carpet manufacturers recommend this service because the deep clean tends to remove soil and dirt without damaging any fibers.

Rug Hand Washing Prices

Hand washing an area rug costs $3 to $8 per square foot. Sensitive materials like wool or cotton may require hand washing. It's the most time-intensive method, requiring separate steps for applying shampoo, scrubbing, and rinsing. The higher price makes hand washing relevant only for delicate and unique pieces.

Rug Cleaning Prices by Material

In addition to the method, the rug material determines how much you'll pay. Low-price, synthetic fibers are durable and inexpensive to maintain. Natural fibers, especially when hand-woven, like wool and silk, require the most care when washing.

Wool 

Wool rugs cost $5 to $8 per square foot to wash. Machine-woven wool and wool blends tend to cost less or about $3 to $7 per square foot. For most hand-woven wool rugs, hand washing is the best and only option.

Cotton

Cotton rugs cost $2 to $8 per square foot to clean. You’ll pay on the higher end if the rugs are all-natural with no additives or hand-woven features. Cotton blends with synthetic fibers can often use synthetic washing methods, like steam cleaning. 

Silk

Silk rugs cost $4 to $8 per square foot to clean. They almost always need hand washing and dry cleaning. It’s a costly, time-consuming process to avoid harming the silk. 

Synthetic

Synthetic fiber rugs cost $1 to $4 per square foot to clean. This rug type is usually durable and inexpensive to make, meaning it stands up to harsh shampooing and steam cleaning without damaging the fibers. 

Sheepskin

Sheepskin cleaning costs run from $4 to $8 per square foot. You should clean sheepskin rugs annually using hand wash methods. Your rug cleaning pro will use specially formulated detergents that avoid drying or cracking the hide. 

Sisal

Sisal rugs cost $4 to $7 per square foot to clean. Sisal rugs are made from woven agave plant fibers and they’re highly absorbent, making them tough to clean. You’ll need a liquid-free cleaning method used by hand to clean this type of carpet. 

Other Materials

There are a few other types of rug materials with some slightly varying costs. If you have a rug made of one of the following less-common materials, you can expect to pay within these price ranges for its cleaning.

• Cowhide: $3 to $8 per square foot

• Rayon: $3 to $8 per square foot

• Seagrass: $4 to $7 per square foot

• Jute: $4 to $7 per square foot

Rug Cleaning Costs by Style

While rug-cleaning costs are primarily based on the material, the weave and style often play a role in determining the cost of cleaning Oriental or Persian rugs. 

Oriental Rugs

Oriental rug cleaning costs $5 to $8 per square foot. The knitting and delicate materials require hand washing. Ensure that the rug-cleaning pro uses sensitive cleaners without many chemicals to avoid damaging the fragile fibers.

Persian Rugs

Persian rug cleaning costs $5 to $8 per square foot. The process of cleaning this rug type is identical to Oriental rugs. The only discernible difference between the two rug types is the kind of knot.

Other Styles

A few other styles and weaves that might increase the price, including the following options.

• Woven: $3 to $8 per square foot

• Flat Weave: $3 to $8 per square foot

• Indian: $3 to $8 per square foot

Cost to Clean a Rug by Size

Rug cleaning prices often change by the size of the rug that needs attention. The table below breaks down the prices by either dry and wet cleaning methods. 

Rug Cleaning Treatment Prices

In addition to standard rug cleaning, you may want to add on treatments for stains, odor, and other protections to extend the life of your rug.

Rug Cleaning Cost Factors

Other carpet maintenance factors, such as pickup and delivery, repair, location, and ease of access might increase the service price. You’ll want to consider adding these costs onto the base price to estimate your area rug cleaning costs.

• Pickup and delivery: You can expect to pay $25 to $50 per delivery. You may pay more if you live outside the company’s delivery area. 

• Location: Rug cleaning costs about 25% to 40% more in areas with a high cost of living, such as New York City.

• Rug repairs: Repairs include services like color corrections, reweaving, mold damage, repairing edges, blocking, and straightening. You can expect to pay $2 to $8 per square foot or $200 to $500. 

DIY Rug Cleaning vs. Hiring Professionals

DIY rug cleaning works well for synthetic rugs. But for hand-woven or delicate materials, it’s best to hire a local rug cleaner to avoid damaging your carpets. Plus, renting a rug-washing machine costs $30 to $60 per day. 

Hiring a rug cleaning expert has the added benefits of recommending the right treatments, suggesting potential add-ons, and often offering a warranty to protect against any damage for an additional fee.

FAQs

How much are rug cleaning prices in NYC?

Rug cleaning prices in New York City range from $150 to $900. The higher price compared to the general average is due to the increased cost of living and the higher transport and travel rates.

How do you clean an area rug?

You have four options to clean your area rug: shampooing, steam cleaning, dry or chemical treatments, and hand washing. Shampooing and steaming methods offer a deep and relatively inexpensive treatment, while chemical alternatives have faster drying times. Hand washing is best for delicate, hand-woven materials.

How often should you clean rugs?

The cleaning frequency of rugs depends on their type, style, and how much foot traffic it gets. Most rugs should be professionally cleaned annually, with regular vacuuming, rotating, and spot treatment for stains. Consult a local rug cleaner for advice on how often you should clean your specific type and style of rug.

Can you take a rug to the dry cleaners?

You shouldn’t take any natural fiber area rugs or hand-woven rugs to a dry cleaner. This option won't damage machine-made rugs, but a specialized carpet cleaner will do a better job.

How much does it cost to clean a 9-by-12 rug?

Cleaning a 9-foot-by-12-foot rug costs between $80 to $865. The exact price of your service depends on your rug’s material and style.

Does Stanley Steemer clean area rugs?

Stanley Steemer is a national carpet-cleaning company that cleans area rugs for $100 to $250 or more. 

Is professional rug cleaning worth it?

Cleaning and maintenance are crucial to preserving your rug, which can double its lifespan. Professional cleaning is worth it to achieve a clean carpet free of allergens and dirt, specifically if you own natural fiber or hand-woven area rugs. 

How much are average carpet cleaning prices?

Professional carpet cleaning costs $125 to $235 for most homeowners. Your local carpet cleaning experts will either charge by the room or between $0.20 and $0.40 per square foot.

What is the best way to clean area rugs?

The best cleaning method depends on the material. Hand washing is best for hand-woven, natural fibers. Steaming is better for synthetic and cotton fibers. Ask an expert to inspect your rug and provide a professional recommendation.