You may already know this or may half suspected this. So here is the truth. Not all carpet cleaning companies are created equal. While most companies promise quality service for a low price, you may not always get it. 


Using the tips below and asking the right questions will help you select a professional carpet cleaning company that will provide the most value for your dollar.

9 Questions to ask a carpet cleaner

  • Do you offer free estimates?

    Leo Griffith, owner of Leo’s Dry Carpet Cleaning in Royersford, PA says his company offers free estimates over the phone. 


    “We encourage people to get two or three estimates so that they are comfortable with their decision,” Leo says.

  • What cleaning method do you use?

    Most carpet cleaning companies use hot water extraction or low moisture cleaning methods.  Leo adds that a carpet cleaning technician’s experience can play a big role in the quality of work done. He recommends doing research on the carpet cleaning company, including checking consumer reviews.

  • What is included with the cleaning service?

    At a minimum, the cleaning should include dry soil removal, soil suspension, soil extraction, grooming, and drying.

  • Does the price quoted include specialty treatments?

    This includes treatments such as enzyme for pet stains, high traffic area treatment and carpet protection application. Many times these are done at an additional cost. 

  • Will you move my furniture?

    Typically, furniture moving is not included in the price of carpet cleaning unless you ask for it.

  • Will you finish the cleaning with a low or neutral pH treatment?

    Many companies use high pH cleaners on carpet. While they clean well, it makes your carpet a magnet to dirt, allowing it to re-soil easily, and can have a sticky or crunchy feel. This can damage the carpet’s fibers and shorten its useful life. Ask whether the carpet’s pH will be lowered or neutralized following the cleaning to help it stay clean longer.

  • Do you guarantee your work, and for how long?

    A good carpet cleaning company should offer some type of guarantee. Sometimes stains come back or other issues occur, so you want to know if you have options should this occur. Also, ask about the time frame for the guarantee so you can be sure you call in time if there is a problem.

  • How long will it take for my carpets to dry?

    Most carpet cleaners tell consumers to allow 24 hours for complete carpet drying, due to many variables such as fiber type and humidity. However, Leo says, there are ways to shorten the drying time, such as opening windows, using fans or turning up the heat in the winter.  His unique method allows carpets to dry in under an hour.


    Some carpet cleaning services also provide booties to wear so you don’t have to leave the home while the carpet is being cleaned, and Leo recommends keeping pets off the clean carpet while it dries.

  • How much is the service going to cost?

    If a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Typically, you get what you pay for, and price should never be the main reason for choosing a carpet cleaning company. Always read the fine print on advertised specials.

We're open for business. Submit this form to get an Estimate.