Rug Cleaning Cost: Prices for Cleaning Natural & Synthetic Area Rugs
How Much Does it Cost to Clean an 8×10 Rug?
$120 – $560
On average, it costs between $120 and $560 to have an 8×10 sq/ft rug cleaned by specialist cleaners. Cleaning costs will be estimated by the square foot size of the rug (typically $1.50 to $7.00 per sq/ft), taking into account the rug’s material and the cleaning method needed. Heavily soiled rugs or rugs made of a delicate material will increase cleaning costs.
Last Updated: February 16, 2023, by: Rob Parsell
What does rug cleaning cost? Fine rugs can’t be tossed into the clothes washer. They must be cleaned by an experienced professional cleaner using proper techniques in order to get out dirt and stains and restore the rug’s color vibrancy without damaging the rug fibers.
This professional rug cleaning cost guide covers the cost of rug cleaning by rug size, rug type, the cleaning method used and how extra services affect area and Oriental rug cleaning cost.
BASIC RUG CLEANING COSTS BY METHOD
There are three standard methods to get the job done. Here they are along with the rug cleaning prices of each. These are average prices for basic rug cleaning before extra services are added.
- Steam cleaning cost: $1.25-$4.00 per square foot
- Dry cleaning cost: $1.50-$5.00 per square foot
- Hand washing cost: $4.00-8.00 per square foot
Synthetic rug cleaning costs are lower than wool rug cleaning costs and the costs for other natural materials including silk and cotton. The area rug cleaning estimates given above reflect this difference.
Hand washing is usually done only when the rug is very delicate. It is time-consuming for both the washing and drying, so costs more.
Here are Oriental and area rug cleaning price samples for common rug sizes when they are steam cleaned or dry cleaned.
- 2’x4’: $10-$40
- 4’x8’: $40-$160
- 6’x 10’: $75-300
- 3’x5’: $18.75-$75
- 3’ round: $9-$36
- 6’ round: $35-$140
- 8’ round: $63-$260
- 12’ round: $140-$560
If you’re determining your rug’s square footage (its area), here are the formulas:
- Rectangles (including squares): Length x Width = Area
- Circles: πr2=A a.k.a. Pi x Radius Squared = Area
And if Pi x Radius squared makes your head hurt here is an online calculator for the area of a circle (just measure from the middle of the rug to the edge).
FACTORS THAT AFFECT RUG CLEANING PRICES
The cost given for basic rug cleaning represent quite a range, and there are reasons for this. Companies that specialize in rug cleaning often charge more than companies that also clean carpet, upholstery and drapes. Those with a reputation for cleaning high-end or rare rugs are pricier too. Where there is more competition among rug cleaners, prices are typically lower. Repeat customers and customers with a large number of rugs often get discounted prices.
THE COST OF RUG CLEANING IN YOUR HOME
The rug cleaning prices given are for rugs dropped off at the cleaning facility. When the rug cleaning company comes to your home, there is typically a minimum fee of at least $75. In some areas with a high cost of living, the service fee can exceed $150.
EXTRA RUG CLEANING COST ITEMS
Most rug cleaning companies upcharge for extras. Here are additional area or Oriental rug cleaning costs you might incur:
- Stain removal: $10-$40 per rug depending on severity
- Odor removal: $15-$30 per rug depending on rug size
- Stain protection: $1.50-$2.50 per square foot
- Moth protection: $1.00-$1.75 per square foot
RUG CLEANING COST TABLE
We’ve put all of the area and Oriental rug cleaning cost factors into a table to assist you in estimating what your rug will cost.
| Material | Sq.ft. cost | In-home fee | Stains | Odor | Stain Guard | Moth Guard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic | $1.25-$3.50 | $75-$150 |
$10-$40/rug
|
$15-$30/rug | $1.50-$2.50/sq. ft. | $1.00-$1.75 |
| Natural fiber | $1.75-$5.00 | $75-$150 |
$10-$40/rug
|
$15-$30/rug
|
$1.50-$2.50/sq. ft. | $1.00-$1.75 |
Most professional rug cleaners recommend having your quality rug cleaned every two to three years depending on the amount of traffic it receives. You can keep your rug cleaner by vacuuming it weekly to remove dirt and sand that diminishes its color and destroys its fibers over time.
Raise the brush bar on the vacuum to reduce the amount of agitation and damage it causes, or turn off the brush altogether. If you plan to have your rug cleaned, consider taking a few pictures of it before and after for comparison. You’ll probably be quite impressed with the results of proper rug cleaning.
Further Reading: Where to Buy Area Rugs in Store
About the Author: Rob Parsell
Rob joined the Home Flooring Pros team in 2014 and is a freelance writer, specializing in flooring, remodeling and HVAC systems (read more).
“I’m the son of an interior designer and picked up an eye for design as a result. I started hanging wallpaper and painting at 14 and learned enough on the job to be the general contractor on two homes we built for our family and did much of the finish plumbing, electrical, painting, and trim work myself.”