The Pros and Cons of Professional Carpet Cleaning
A pro can give your carpet a fresh start
Highlights
Professional carpet cleaning uses specialized equipment to deep clean and restore carpets, extending their life span.
Vacuuming doesn’t remove embedded dirt, allergens, or odors.
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deep cleans | Costs more than to DIY |
| Removes stains and odors | Some stains may remain |
| Extends carpet life | Needs time to dry |
| Reduces allergens | Uses chemicals |
Pros of Professional Carpet Cleaning
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.
Cons of Professional Carpet Cleaning
Despite all the good stuff that comes with professional carpet cleaning, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks.
Costs More Than DIY
DIY cleaning is more affordable if you own a consumer carpet cleaning machine. You can also purchase a carpet cleaning product that costs much less than professional cleaning. But we would be mistaken if we didn't share that the results you will achieve will fall short of professional cleaning.
Some Stains May Remain
Although professional cleaners can remove most stains, they’re not guaranteed to eliminate all of them. Particularly old and deeply set stains may not disappear completely. When that’s the case, investing in a new carpet may be better than salvaging what you have. The average cost to install a carpet is $1,780.
Needs Time to Dry
Depending on the professional's carpet cleaning method, your carpet may need time to dry, which could take several hours. That means no one can walk on the carpet, making the room temporarily unusable.
Uses Chemicals
Typically, professional cleaning services use chemical-based products, which can be bad news for those who are sensitive to them and the environment. However, many cleaning services offer eco-friendly options, so it's worth asking.
Alternatives to Professional Carpet Cleaning
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.