Costs of cleaning a carpet
Rug cleaning costs 2026
Professional rug cleaning costs on average between €150 and €750 per project. These prices are determined by the size of the rug, the type of weave, and the level of soiling. Professional cleaning removes deep-seated dirt, allergens, and stains from the fibres, restoring its appearance and extending its lifespan. In this price guide, you will read about the costs of rug cleaning and what to look out for.
Table of Contents
- How much does rug cleaning cost?
- Carpet cleaning costs by material and method
- Price-determining factors for rug cleaning
- Additional costs and surcharges for carpet cleaning
- How does the professional clean a rug?
- How can you save on cleaning your rug?
- Common causes of carpet soiling
- Find the best professional for cleaning your rug
- Frequently asked questions about rug cleaning
- Book a professional for cleaning your rug
- Useful links
How much does rug cleaning cost?
Professionally cleaning a rug costs an average of €450 per project. Most jobs fall within a range of €300 to €650, depending on the size and condition of the rug. Professional carpet cleaners usually charge per square metre, with rates between €5 and €25 per m². These costs include both the cleaning and any pre-treatments for stains.
Overview of carpet cleaning costs
| Cost type | Price |
|---|---|
| Average costs | €450 |
| Average range | €300-€650 |
| Minimum costs | €150 |
| Maximum costs | €750 |
The minimum cost of €150 applies to smaller rugs with a simple weave structure and light soiling. The maximum price of €750 is seen with large or delicate rugs requiring intensive cleaning, such as hand-knotted Persian carpets or rugs with stubborn stains. The exact price depends on the material, dimensions, and chosen cleaning method.
The stated costs include 21% VAT and labour. Additional services such as collection and delivery may incur extra charges.
Carpet cleaning costs by material and method
The costs for cleaning a rug mainly depend on the material and the chosen cleaning method. Synthetic rugs such as polypropylene are the most economical to clean, while luxury materials like silk and wool require more attention and care. Below you can see the price per m² for various materials and methods.
Costs per carpet material
| Material | Price per m² |
|---|---|
| Polypropylene | €5-€10 |
| Viscose | €10-€15 |
| Sisal | €10-€20 |
| Seagrass | €10-€20 |
| Jute | €10-€20 |
| Cotton | €10-€20 |
| Silk | €15-€25 |
| Wool | €15-€25 |
Costs per cleaning method
| Method | Price per m² |
|---|---|
| Steam cleaning | €1-€5 |
| Dry cleaning | €3-€7 |
| Shampooing/hand washed | €4-€10 |
| Washing machine | €3-€8 |
Price-determining factors for rug cleaning
The costs for cleaning a rug are determined by several factors. Each element influences the required time, materials, or complexity of the task. Below you can read which aspects increase or decrease the price.
Material type
Natural fibres like wool and silk require milder cleaning agents and more attention during the process. These materials are sensitive to shrinkage, discolouration, and damage from incorrect treatment. Synthetic materials like polypropylene are more robust and can be cleaned faster, which reduces labour time.
Size of the carpet
Larger surface areas require more time and cleaning agents. A rug of 10 m² costs more than a rug of 3 m². However, many professionals apply a lower price per square metre for larger areas, as preparation and completion take relatively less time.
Level of soiling
Lightly soiled carpets can be treated with a standard cleaning session. Heavily soiled rugs with deep-seated dirt or multiple stains need pre-treatment, longer working time, and stronger agents. This increases both labour costs and material usage.
Cleaning method
Steam cleaning is the fastest and most economical method for synthetic rugs. Hand washing or dry cleaning takes more time and requires specialist knowledge, especially for delicate materials. The chosen method directly determines the hours the professional needs.
Extra treatments
Stubborn stains such as wine, coffee, or pet stains require targeted pre-treatment. Each stain requires extra attention and specific products, which increases costs. Odour removal for pet urine or mould requires enzymatic agents and longer drying times.
Collection and delivery
If the carpet is cleaned externally, transport costs are added. The professional must collect the rug, take it to the workshop, clean it, and return it. This adds travel time and logistics to the total costs.
Urgency and planning
Urgent jobs cost more because the professional must adjust their schedule. A cleaning scheduled in advance during a quiet period is more economical. The availability of the professional determines how much flexibility they have in their schedule.
Weekend and evening work
Cleaning during the weekend or in the evening falls outside regular working hours. This requires extra compensation for irregular hours, increasing the total price.
Accessibility of the workplace
If the rug is under heavy furniture or difficult to reach, moving and clearing it takes extra time. A well-prepared workspace saves labour time and lowers costs.
Location and travel distance
A local professional saves on travel costs and arrives faster. For greater distances, travel and transport costs are added, which makes a noticeable difference especially for smaller jobs.
Preventative maintenance
Regular cleaning prevents dirt from settling deep into the fibres. A well-maintained carpet is easier and cheaper to clean than a rug that hasn't been treated for years. This lowers total costs over its lifespan.
Transparent price agreements
With platforms like Zoofy, you know what you pay in advance. No call-out charges, no surprises afterwards. This helps you oversee the total costs and prevents unexpected additional expenses.
Additional costs and surcharges for carpet cleaning
Extra costs depend on the situation. At Zoofy, you pay no call-out charges.
- Urgency surcharge: For urgent jobs, a surcharge often applies because the professional must adjust their planning.
- Weekend surcharge: Work during the weekend is more expensive than during the week.
- Stain protection: €3 to €6 per m² for a protective coating after cleaning.
- Antimicrobial disinfectant: €6 to €9 per m² for eliminating bacteria and allergens.
- Stain removal: €30 to €150 per stain, depending on size and age.
- Odour removal: €50 to €150 per rug for unpleasant smells caused by pets or smoke.
- Collection and delivery: €25 to €50 extra per rug if external cleaning is required.
How does the professional clean a rug?
The affiliated professional follows a structured process to achieve optimal results.
- Intake and inspection: The professional evaluates the carpet to identify the material and determine the best cleaning method. UV lamps and moisture meters are used to locate stains and moisture damage.
- Pre-treatment: Stubborn stains are pre-treated with chemical or enzymatic solutions that break down dirt before the main cleaning begins.
- Cleaning method: Depending on the material, steam cleaning (kills 99% of bacteria), dry cleaning for moisture-sensitive materials, shampooing, or machine washing is applied.
- Extra treatments: If desired, the professional applies stain protection, antimicrobial treatment, or odour removal for long-lasting protection.
- Drying and final inspection: Excess moisture is removed. Drying time varies from 1-2 hours for dry cleaning to 24-48 hours for hand washing. The professional checks the result and potentially applies a protective coating.
An on-site cleaning takes 1-3 hours; external cleaning can take several days including transport. Remove furniture from the rug beforehand and vacuum thoroughly.
How can you save on cleaning your rug?
There are several ways to reduce the costs of cleaning your rug.
- Prevention: Vacuum weekly (twice in busy zones) and dab spilled liquids immediately without rubbing. Treating small stains early prevents expensive deep cleaning.
- Preparation: Remove furniture from the carpet and vacuum beforehand. This saves the professional time and reduces the total price.
- Timing: Book during the week instead of the weekend and avoid urgent assignments. This saves on surcharges.
- Season: Plan cleaning in spring or autumn for faster drying times due to moderate temperatures. This lowers the risk of mould and shortens the total job duration.
- Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after the job is completed.
Common causes of carpet soiling
Various factors cause carpet soiling and determine the intensity of the required cleaning.
Heavy foot traffic
Dirt and debris accumulate in the fibres, especially in busy zones like hallways and living rooms. Constant treading breaks down fibres and pushes dust deeper into the weave, making the appearance dull and increasing cleaning costs if treatment is delayed.
Pets
Hair, urine, and odour require more frequent cleaning and enzymatic treatments. Urine penetrates deep into the underlay and causes permanent odour problems and discolouration. Regular cleaning prevents permanent damage to the fibres.
Moisture and mould
Carpets that become wet and do not dry within 24 to 48 hours develop mould and musty smells. This worsens air quality and affects the fibre structure, eventually leading to irreversible damage to the rug.
Find the best professional for cleaning your rug
Incorrect cleaning methods can permanently damage your rug through warping, shrinkage, or colour loss.
- Reliability is crucial: Choose a specialist with experience in your type of material (silk, wool, antique) who selects the correct cleaning method and offers insurance for any damage.
- No call-out charges: You only pay for cleaning the rug, not for the professional's travel.
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs are before the professional starts, without surprises later.
- Quick booking without quote hassle: Choose a time immediately and schedule a professional without requesting multiple quotes.
- Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the work is finished and you are satisfied with the result.
- Reliable, vetted professionals: All affiliated professionals are verified, so you can be sure your rug is in good hands.
Frequently asked questions about rug cleaning
How long does the cleaning process take?
An on-site cleaning takes an average of 1-3 hours. For external cleaning where the rug is collected, cleaned, and returned, it can take several days.
How long does it take for my rug to dry?
Steam cleaning requires 6-12 hours of drying time, dry cleaning 1-2 hours, and hand washing 24-48 hours. Drying also depends on ventilation and humidity in the room.
How often should you clean a rug?
On average once a year for normal use. With pets or children, twice a year is recommended; with little use, every two years suffices.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?
For on-site cleaning, you must be present for access and coordination with the professional. For a collection service, you only need to be available for the handover of the rug.
Are the cleaning agents safe for children and pets?
Ask for environmentally friendly, biological, or hypoallergenic options. Steam cleaning without chemicals is a safe alternative that is also effective.
Is it cheaper to clean your own carpet?
Cleaning it yourself initially saves costs, but increases the risk of damage from incorrect products or methods. Professional cleaning guarantees safe treatment and better results.
Can all stains be removed?
Not all stains can be completely removed. Old or deeply ingrained stains can sometimes only be diminished, but immediate treatment significantly increases the success rate.
Can you take a rug to the dry cleaners?
Yes, many service providers offer a pick-up service. The price per m² remains the same, but transport incurs €25 to €50 in extra costs.
What does cleaning a Persian carpet cost?
The costs for cleaning a Persian carpet are between €10 and €30 per m² due to the delicate fibres and often necessary hand washing. These costs are higher due to the intensive care.
Can I walk on the carpet immediately after cleaning?
Wait until the carpet is completely dry to prevent new soiling and fibre damage. You may use fans to speed up the drying process.
Book a professional for cleaning your rug
Ready to have your rug professionally cleaned? At Zoofy, you can book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs in advance, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, vetted professional. You only pay when the job is done.