How much does rug cleaning cost?
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Price guide
$105 - $383
low
$105
median
$278
high
$383
Last Updated on
If you are worried about dust, dirt, and mold on your rug but do not have the time to even vacuum it, hire a professional cleaner to help. Services such as deep cleaning and stain treatment, which they often offer, can extend the life of your rugs.
The average rug cleaning cost is $278. This estimate is based on rug size, but more factors influence the total cost. To budget properly, check out this rug cleaning price list.
Rug cleaning price list
One of the biggest factors that impact the cost of cleaning a rug is its fabric. Expect a high cleaning price for luxury rugs requiring special techniques, skills, or equipment.
Rug type |
Description |
Average cleaning cost |
Oriental |
Made of wool or silk, authentic Oriental rugs are hand-knotted by skilled weavers in many parts of Asia. It features brightly colored patterns and no hand-sewn fringes or edges. |
Oriental rug cleaning costs between $3 and $10 per square foot. Because the material is water-absorbent, steam cleaning does not work. Instead, it requires a multistep process that includes handwashing to retain its color. |
Sheepskin |
Sheepskin rugs can be synthetic or natural. Fake ones feature acrylic or plastic combined with wool fibers. Natural sheepskin rugs are made of authentic wool. |
The average sheepskin area rug cleaning cost is $5 to $10 per square foot. The price drops to $2 and $4 per square foot if the rug has synthetic material. Cleaners can use steam to lift dirt from this rug and even wash it in a washing machine using wool-friendly detergent. |
Persian |
Authentic Persian rugs come from Iran, woven using traditional techniques handed down through generations. |
The Persian rug cleaning cost is similar to that of an Oriental rug. The price can double if the rug is vintage or antique. Usually, Persian and Oriental rugs last up to 200 years with proper care or maintenance. |
Silk |
Made from tightly-knitted thin silk, this rug is famous for its comfort and sheen. |
Silk rug cleaning costs $3 to $7 per square foot. One cannot apply heat to the material. Otherwise, it will shrink. |
Wool |
Wool rugs feature sheared sheep fur. They are well-known for their durability and resilience. They can “bounce back” after being crushed or stepped on and usually prevent soiling. |
Wool rug cleaning costs at least $3 to $8. It is significantly cheaper than sheepskin rug cleaning, which, as its name suggests, includes the skin of dead sheep, preserved even after the tanning process. |
Other factors affecting rug cleaning prices
Cleaning type
How much does it cost to have a rug cleaned? It also depends on the type of cleaning you are looking for. A professional cleaner usually provides pre-inspection, where they examine the rug. They check for:
- Pre-existing damage, such as frayed edges and discoloration
- Smells, which can indicate mold growth or difficult-to-see stains, such as urine
- Other stains, such as wine, coffee, or ink
- Material issues
The average cost of rug cleaning using steam is around $1 to $4 as long the fabric doesn’t have stubborn stains. The price can already include the following:
- Pre-treatment, which speeds up stain removal
- Rinsing to help restore the material’s natural texture
- Inspections before and after steam cleaning
Dry cleaning, meanwhile, is slightly more expensive because of the chemicals used. It usually starts at almost $2 per square foot. At nearly $10 per square foot, handwashing is the priciest cleaning method because it is also the most time-consuming. It is best for Oriental and Persian rugs, which should be thoroughly cleaned every 2 to 3 years.
Some cleaners offer add-ons, according to rug size or material, to help reduce professional cleaning services in the future. These include stain and moth protection, which costs $1.50 to $2 per square foot. Removing odors from urine or mold, as well as stains, can cost you up to $40 per rug. You might need special quotes for the following:
- Emergency rug cleaning, especially after a flood
- Patchwork or repair
- Rug restoration
Rug size
Some professionals simplify their price list by focusing on rug size. Refer to the table below for the possible rug cleaning prices based on the material’s dimensions:
Rug size |
Average cleaning cost |
5 x 8 feet |
$60–$280 per rug |
8 x 10 feet |
$75–$600 per rug |
9 x 12 feet |
$80–$875 per rug |
Note that many professionals often ask for a minimum fee, including travel expenses, on top of these costs. If they also have to deal with carpets, they may charge an hourly or daily rate, depending on the size of the room and job complexity. On average, a small home with carpets in different rooms could cost you at least $75 for basic cleaning.
Hire a rug cleaner on Airtasker
Now that you have these factors, you are better prepared to hire a professional rug cleaner on Airtasker. Include the following details when posting a task:
- Your location, budget, and timeline
- Type of cleaning you are looking for (e.g., standard cleaning, vacuum, pre-treatment, emergency, stain removal, or repair)
- Sizes and numbers of rugs for cleaning
- Rug size, material, or type
- Questions, such as “What is the cost of rug cleaning with stain and odor removal?”
- Other details that can help rug cleaners give you the best estimate
So how much does rug cleaning cost? It is about $278, which might already include standard services, like off-site steam cleaning, inspection, and treatment. But the prices still vary widely. Use the information in this guide to help you find a professional rug cleaner within your budget.
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FAQs
Yes, but it might not be ideal for carpets and rugs with natural fibers, such as wool and sheepskin. To be safe, use it only for machine-washable materials. Read the labels to know the ingredients and the best way to apply the cleaner.
Yes, but it is not ideal for more delicate types, such as Oriental and Persian rugs. The heat can cause the color to run, spreading to other rug areas. Too much heat can also damage silk rugs, causing the material to shrink.
Yes, but only to rugs that require light treatment, like silk. The supplies they use, such as compounds and solvents, might not be suitable for all materials, especially vintage or antique, as well as Persian, Oriental, and wool rugs.
Yes, using a pressure washer can help loosen dirt, grime, and other debris in carpets. But make sure that your pressure washer has the appropriate settings for carpets. Also, use a cleaning solution with the equipment to prevent damaging or overly wetting the rug.
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