Get Quotes from Top Carpet Cleaning Services in Charlotte, NC

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaner

It is recommended that you deep clean your carpet or rug at least once or twice a year. However, deep cleaning carpets or rugs by yourself is a tedious job that requires exposure to cleaning chemicals and leasing some equipment like a dehumidifier, air scrubber, and heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. Besides all the stress, your lack of carpet cleaning skills may see the carpet discolored or disfigured. For less than $0.20 per square foot, you can save yourself all these burdens and hire a carpet cleaning service in Charlotte to complete the job as expected. 

However, when you are searching for a carpet cleaning pro in the city, ensure to determine the proficiency of the technician by asking the following questions:

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Carpet Cleaning Companies in Charlotte?

It is always important to find out the price you are expected to pay for the services before going ahead to sign off on hiring any carpet cleaner in Charlotte. Carpet cleaning companies in Charlotte usually map out their charges either by using the room rate - a flat rate is charged per number of rooms you require cleaned, or the square footage rate - a fee is charged per square foot of carpet cleaned. Note, several factors could also affect the total cost of these charges, some of which are:

  • Type of carpet
  • Carpet size
  • Cleaning supplies and cleaning method used
  • Carpet condition
  • Your location within the city
  • Labor costs
  • Added services like house cleaning and pet odor removal

Several professional carpet cleaners in Charlotte usually provide free cost estimates for their services, and it is always a good idea to get and compare estimates from at least three to four carpet cleaning companies before you eventually make your decision. If a carpet cleaner avoids giving you an estimate or eventually gives you an estimate that is ridiculously higher or lower than the others, you should take that as your cue to leave such negotiations. Most of the time, this is a sign that the individual is planning to dupe you.

The list below makes the average costs for different types of carpet cleaning services offered by professional carpet cleaning companies in Charlotte available:

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Square Foot:

250 square feet
$45 - $90
500 square feet
$90 - $180
1,000 square feet
$180 - $400
1,500 square feet
$270 - $540
2,000 square feet
$360 - $800
2,500 square feet
$450 - $1,000

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Room:

1 room
$40 - $80
2 rooms
$50 - $170
3 rooms
$75 - $310
4 rooms
$95 - $310
5 rooms
$145 - $620

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Carpet Type:

Wool Carpet Cleaning
$110 - $450
Synthetic fiber carpets
$60 - $300
Silk Carpet Cleaning
$100 - $400
Berber Carpet Cleaning
$90 - $320
Natural fiber carpets
$100 - $450

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Cleaning Method:

Dry Cleaning
$65 - 135
Steam/Hot Water Extraction
$105 - $350
Shampooing
$110 - $250
Bonnet
$30 - $95
Carbonated
$135 - $450

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Type of Service:

Carpet stain removal
$40 - $70 per stain
Upholstery cleaning
$50 - $100 per furniture
Green carpet cleaning
$40 - $80 per room
Chem-Dry carpet cleaning
$75 - $110 per room
Stair carpet cleaning
$4 - $8 per stair
Water extraction
$500 – $2,200
Furniture moving
$10 - $50
Carpet patch repair
$110 - $300
Carpet re-stretching
$110 - $350
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?

In addition to adequate knowledge and competence, reliability is another critical aspect to consider when searching for carpet cleaning companies in Charlotte. It is not uncommon for most companies to conduct background checks on their employees to ensure that they are people of integrity. Given that carpet cleaners usually provide their services inside your home, it is always a good idea to ensure that the carpet cleaning company you contract has conducted background checks on the cleaners it sends to your home. Consider it a red flag if any carpet cleaning company you are in talks with cannot assure you that their employees have been thoroughly checked.

Hiring carpet cleaning companies that conduct thorough background checks also gives you a measure of confidence that your personal belongings will remain safe and untampered with during the execution of your requested cleaning services. To this end, professional carpet cleaning companies in Charlotte typically look into the following records when conducting background checks on their employees:

  • Driving records
  • Court records
  • Criminal records
  • Credit records
  • Sex offender lists
  • Education and certificate verification
  • Property ownership
  • Financial records

Are Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians Certified By the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC)?

The level of training that the carpet cleaning company gives its workers would determine the skill they possess to provide you with satisfactory services. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) ranks as the most common and well-known training organization for the cleaning and restoration industry and is responsible for certifying some of the best carpet cleaning technicians globally. Note that carpet cleaners that wish to earn this certification would be required to gain relevant work experience and pass some written examinations to prove this attained experience.

To this end, it is always a good idea to look out for carpet cleaners that have been IICRC-certified, as this is usually an indication that you can expect top-noth and professional services from them.

What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?

Another aspect to consider when determining whether the carpet cleaning company you wish to hire in Charlotte can give you your desired result is the kind of cleaning method they use. Making inquiries into this would help you determine if they have the kind of knowledge and types of equipment to work on your kind of carpet. Carpet cleaning companies typically decide on the right cleaning supplies and cleaning methods for a particular job based on several factors, such as the type of carpet fiber involved, the kinds of stains and dirt, and your preference for commercial or eco-friendly cleaners. Out of these factors, the type of carpet and carpet fiber involved typically plays a key role in the cleaning methods that the carpet cleaner ultimately chooses for the job. Some of the common carpet fibers found in homes across Charlotte include

  • Nylon: this is one of the most durable but relatively inexpensive carpet fibers. This kind of fiber is also moisture- and stain-resistant.
  • Polyester: this is almost like nylon carpet, but it is softer and sold as a budget alternative to nylon.
  • Polypropylene: these kinds of carpets are not as durable or comfortable as nylon, but they are quite water-resistant.
  • Wool: wool carpets exude luxury, they are very comfy, durable, and relatively stain-resistant. The downside is that the colors can fade in sunlight and they typically require high maintenance.
  • Cotton: this is fairly expensive because it is sourced naturally which makes it extra comfy. However, cotton carpets are not as strong and durable as wool and have little to no stain resistance.
  • Triexta: this is a hybrid-synthetic fabric that holds color well, is recyclable, and is also quite sustainable.

Carpet cleaning companies in Charlotte usually make use of some of the cleaning methods listed below when they provide their services concerning the earlier mentioned carpet types:

  • Carpet shampooing: this involves using specialty detergents and a lot of water to clean the carpet, similar to shampooing your hair. A rotating brush is often used in scrubbing the shampoo into the carpet to loosen debris and dirt, and clean water is then used to extract the shampoo until the carpets are free of residues.
  • Hot water extraction/Steam carpet cleaning: this method involves the use of hot water and pressure to eliminate dirt, dust, mud, and other debris from the carpet
  • Foam cleaning carpeting: this is mostly used for filthy carpets. It involves the use of special cleaning products that bubble and expand; the expanding foam in turn traps dirt and debris, thereby leaving a clean carpet
  • Dry carpet cleaning: with this method, special powders or chemicals, and little-to-no water or liquids are used to clean the carpet
  • Bonnet cleaning: this involves the use of a machine with a motorized spinning pad that applies the cleaning product to the surface of the carpet and then extracts it along with trapped dirt and debris

The table below provides the pros and cons of each of these carpet cleaning methods:

Method Pros Cons

Carpet Shampooing

Eliminates dirt molecules from carpet fiber


Removes embedded and stuck pet hairs from carpet fibers

Wrongly removed shampoo can leave the carpet looking unclean

Excess moisture can stick to the foam padding thereby leaving mold and fungal growth over time

Hot Water Extraction/Steam Carpet Cleaning

Effective elimination of bacteria and dirt from carpet

Retained moisture may leave mold related issues later on

Foam Cleaning Carpeting

Quick-drying


It does not depend on water or electricity

Usually ineffective for deep stains, only applicable to surface stains

Dry Carpet Cleaning

Safe for all types of carpet



No drying downtime

Not suitable for homeowners with allergies or breathing difficulty

Bonnet Cleaning

Useful for light stains


Quick drying

Not suitable for deep cleaning

You should always make inquiries into the kind of cleaning method that your preferred carpet cleaners plan to use for your carpet and make sure that they have the necessary equipment to execute the job satisfactorily. If you have any allergy or breathing difficulty, it is also good to let the carpet cleaning company know about this to inform their decisions on the kinds of cleaning chemicals to use or not to use on your carpet.

Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?

Another important matter to discuss when in search of a carpet cleaning company in Charlotte is the type of cleaning products that would be used. While reputable companies do not typically make use of products that would harm kids, family members, pets, and the environment, it is still crucial to ask rather than assume. Several conventional cleaning products comprise harmful chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bleach, ammonia, and artificial fragrances which could have serious health effects on children and pets. Some of the health risks that these chemicals and cleaning solutions could cause are

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Eyes and skin irritation
  • Allergic reaction
  • Sore throat
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Allergic reaction
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular issues
  • Increased risk of asthma

It is therefore expedient to guarantee the safety of your household by sorting the issue of harmful cleaning agents out with any carpet cleaning company you intend to hire in Charlotte before proceeding to work with them. To this end, you should strongly consider requesting a list of the cleaning agents that would be used for your carpet. You can also look these products up online through the EPA’s Safer Choice platform, which provides interested members of the public with a list of cleaning products that have been certified safe for use.

What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?

Although several carpet cleaning companies in Charlotte exclusively provide carpet cleaning services, others offer cleaning services that are not totally carpet-related. As such, if you have other cleaning tasks that you need to attend to, it is a good idea to find out if your intended carpet cleaning company offers these services. Some of the additional services that carpet cleaning companies in Charlotte provide include

  • House Cleaning Services: this service typically involves sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and the like. It normally costs an average of $50 - $210 or more. Note that this depends on the number of rooms to work on or the size of the house at large
  • Deep Cleaning Services: this is mostly recommended for much more intense cleaning jobs, especially for areas that are not frequently used in the home. This typically costs an average of $210 - $500 or more, depending on the number of rooms or the size of the house
  • Window cleaning: this involves the cleaning of your windows as well and can cost you $2 - $14 per window
  • Pet odor and stain removal: this kind of service has to do with the elimination of the foul odors and stains that are left by pets, it can cost you within $150 - $850
  • Pressure washing: this has to do with the cleaning of hard surfaces like roofs, walls, gutters, and the likes. This costs an average of $100 - $750
  • Laundry services: this has to do with the carpet cleaner doing your laundry. It typically costs an average of $10 - $20
  • Upholstery cleaning: this involves furniture and sofa cleaning that requires technical cleaning. It costs an average of $20 - $270 per item
  • Disinfection and sanitization services: this focuses on the prevention of the growth of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. This service costs an average of $200 - $450 or more, depending on the number of rooms
  • Green Cleaning Services: this type of cleaning is carried out with organic and non-toxic products. It typically costs an average of $100 - $250 or more, depending on the number of rooms
  • Pest control cleaning services: this kind of service focuses solely on the prevention of the infestation of rodents and pests. It can cost you anywhere from $100 - $1,500. Note that a state-issued occupational license may be required for this kind of service
  • Rug cleaning: rugs are similar to carpets, but they are not fixed to the floor. This kind of service costs an average of $150 - $500
  • Mattress cleaning service: this has to do with cleaning dirty mattresses and costs an average of $50 - $150
  • Tile and grout cleaning: this service has to do with cleaning tiles. Tile and grout cleaning would cost an average of $35 - $55 per hour
  • Hardwood floor cleaning: this service is similar to tile and grout cleaning, but it focuses on cleaning hardwood floors and the use of cleaning equipment and supplies that would ensure that these floors not only stay undamaged but also retain their original look. This service costs an average of $45 - $70 per hour

Ensure to always confirm the kinds of services that the carpet cleaning company provides before signing off any contract with them. Some cleaning companies offer discounts on packages that include two or more cleaning services, and it is ideal to find out if your carpet cleaners do this as well.

How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?

Making inquiries into the duration of time it would take for your carpet to dry is crucial, most importantly if you have kids and pets that usually play on the carpet or even guests who you are expecting at your home. Although it usually takes an average of four to ten hours for a carpet to dry professionally, certain factors typically influence the overall drying process. These are

  • Carpet fiber: carpets made of synthetic fiber typically dry faster than those made of natural fiber
  • Cleaning method used: the type of cleaning method used could also determine how fast the carpet would get dried. Carpets that are cleaned with methods that require little to no water like dry carpet cleaning and encapsulation usually dry faster than those cleaned with methods that require a lot of water like steam cleaning and carpet shampooing
  • Temperature and airflow: indoor temperatures and airflow would also affect how quickly or slowly the carpets will dry
  • Humidity: environments with low humidity typically dry carpets faster

Also, there are several steps that you can take to fast track the overall carpet drying process, some of which include:

  • Let fresh air in by opening your window and doors if it would not pose danger to you and your household
  • Make use of fans
  • Move the furniture away from the wet carpet
  • Turn on the AC in situations where opening a window is not an option
  • Make use of a dehumidifier if you live in a relatively humid area
  • Use a wet vacuum cleaner to soak up the moisture

Are You Insured and Bonded?

Workers and service providers who gain access to work in your home may get injured, injure one another, or even destroy some of your belongings while working. For carpet cleaners specifically, some of the hazards that are typically associated with their job include:

  • Injuries from specialized pieces of equipment and cleaning tools
  • Exposure to chemicals, harmful solutions, flammable liquids, and other harmful substances
  • Damages to clients’ homes or belongings

It is therefore expedient to hire only properly insured and bonded carpet cleaning services so as to remain legally and financially protected if any of the aforementioned incidents occur while your carpet is being cleaned.

Although insurance and bonding seem related because they both serve as financial guarantees designed to protect business owners and clients whenever things go awry, note that they are not the same. Bonds usually protect the client and make sure that they incur no loss in case the carpet cleaning company does not keep up to their promises. However, insurance typically protects both the client and carpet cleaning services and ensures that the client does not make personal expenses in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Some common types of insurance policies that professional carpet cleaners typically maintain include

  • General liability insurance: which covers any property damage, bodily injury, and personal injuries
  • Workers’ compensation insurance: which covers only the injuries to the employees of the carpet cleaner. Note that, per state ordinance, all cleaning companies that operate in Charlotte must maintain workers’ compensation insurance or get an exemption where applicable.

To this end, ensure to always verify that your intended carpet cleaners have been appropriately bonded and insured before going ahead to sign any contract with them. This can be done by requesting their bond and insurance certificates and then validating these documents with the appropriate organization.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Carpet Cleaning Service in Charlotte

Complaints against bad cleaning services in Charlotte can be filed with the North Carolina Department of Justice, which has been saddled with the responsibility of protecting residents of the city from fraudulent and deceptive individuals and businesses.

Although there are legitimate carpet cleaning companies in Charlotte, there are still scammers, dubious folks, and con artists that seek out unsuspecting individuals for the sole purpose of duping them. An effective way to avoid these types of individuals when searching for professional carpet cleaning services in the city is by looking out for certain warning signs and red flags, such as:

  • The carpet cleaner offers you ridiculously low rates
  • The carpet cleaner shows up at your door uninvited
  • The carpet cleaner gives a very different quotation from the prior estimate
  • The carpet cleaner demands full upfront payment
  • The carpet cleaner offers to use a special cleaning method that would be higher than the normal rates and tries to justify this by claiming that your carpet is made from a unique blend of fibers

You can avoid these scams by taking the following precautions when seeking to hire a carpet cleaning company in Charlotte:

  • Always compare rates from different carpet cleaners before making your hiring decision
  • Do not hire unsolicited carpet cleaners
  • Consider asking friends for referrals to good carpet cleaning companies
  • Ensure that you do your due diligence on any carpet cleaning company that you desire to hire. You can also check for testimonials and reviews on the prospective carpet cleaning companies online via websites like Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Review, and other similar platforms
  • Always compare rates from several carpet cleaners before deciding on who to hire
  • Do not pay the full upfront payment for the carpet cleaning services
  • Avoid verbal agreements. Endeavor to get a written agreement from your preferred carpet cleaning company and ensure that this agreement includes the kinds of services to be provided, the cost, and any promises that the carpet cleaner makes.

If you suspect that you are dealing with a fraudulent carpet cleaner or you have already fallen victim to one, you can file a complaint online concerning the matter with the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice. You can also contact this department at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM ,or (919) 716-6000 for callers outside the state, for assistance in handling these matters.

Lastly, matters involving allegations of criminal behavior by carpet cleaners in Charlotte should be reported to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.