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Last updated: 16 July 2024
The complete guide to carpet cleaning
A professional carpet cleaning service will keep your carpets looking their best for longer. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about preparing for a carpet clean.
5 reasons why carpet cleaning is important
Using the hoover twice a week will remove surface-level dirt from your floors. However, professional cleaning equipment can reach deeper into the carpet fibres.
There are several reasons why cleaning your home's carpets is so important. Deep cleaning your carpets every six months will:
Reduce the risk of mould and mildew growing in the carpet fibres
Remove unpleasant odours
Prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
Remove stains
Prolong the carpet's lifespan
Professional carpet cleaners will use the best products for the condition of your carpet without compromising the appearance or integrity of your carpet.
Using strong chemicals and hard scrubbing techniques can damage the fibres of your carpet. Hiring an experienced carpet cleaner helps avoid such damage.
How often do carpets need to be cleaned?
Dirty shoes, muddy pet paws and dropped crumbs can turn your carpet into a breeding ground for germs. How regularly you carpet clean depends on your home...
Frequent vacuuming at least once a week will keep your carpets looking fresh. However, deeper cleaning will be needed from time to time.
When your hoover is unable to lift all the dirt from your carpets, a professional cleaning service is the perfect solution.
Carpet deep cleaning is required twice a year to make sure carpets stay as germ and dirt-free as possible.
Carpet cleaning is recommended every three months if:
You have pets or children
A lot of people come and go in your home
Someone in your home smokes
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Types of carpet cleaning
It's important to familiarise yourself with the different types of carpet cleaning available before hiring a professional. Each method has its pros and cons.
The success of a deep clean will be influenced by the methods used and the condition of your carpets.
Here are some of the most common professional carpet cleaning methods in the UK...
Dry carpet cleaning
Dry compound cleaning is a popular choice due to the lack of drying time and the deep cleaning potential. As such, it's often used in large commercial spaces.
Here's a quick summary of the dry carpet cleaning process:
Applying a biodegradable powder or compound to the carpet
Using a rotating brush, the compound effectively absorbs dirt from the fibres
The compound is cleaned away, leaving your carpets looking clean and fresh
Unfortunately, this technique can't be used in all homes as the chemicals used can be harmful to pets.
Hot water extraction
Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, is another popular carpet cleaning solution. Steam cleaning equipment uses high-pressure hot water to dissolve dirt from the carpet.
Carpets will need to be left to air dry but, as no harsh chemicals are used, it's a safe method for homes with pets.
Steam cleaning offers varying results depending on the equipment and cleaning agents used.
If in doubt, speak to an experienced local carpet cleaner who can let you know if steam cleaning is suitable for your carpet.
Bonnet cleaning
Bonnet cleaning involves using a machine with a rotating towel-like head to apply a cleaning solution to carpets.
Similar to shampooing, the bonnet machine rubs the solution into the carpet and removes dirt from the fibres.
This method is often used in large commercial buildings, such as hotels. Bonnet cleaning has a quick drying time but only removes dirt from the top layer of the carpet.
Choose an alternative cleaning method if you want to remove dirt from beneath the carpet's surface.
Soft washing vs deep cleaning
Not all professional carpet cleaners offer a thorough cleaning service. Many professionals offer a soft wash and do not remove all dirt, germs and stains from the carpet fibres.
A soft wash often includes using only a steam cleaner. These services are often cheaper and take less time to complete.
High-quality carpet cleaning involves several steps, including:
Vacuuming the carpet to remove dust, dirt and surface soiling
Applying a pre-clean treatment spray to soak the carpet fibres
Using a specialist cleaning machine to remove all debris
Using a steam cleaner to thoroughly finish the cleaning with hot water extraction
This thorough carpet cleaning process is more expensive than a soft wash but will give the best results. As the saying goes though, you get what you pay for!
Benefits of a deep carpet clean
You now know the different types of cleaning methods available and a professional can advise the right option for your home.
Let's now take a closer look at all the benefits of hiring a professional carpet cleaner:
Eliminates odours
Standard vacuum cleaners can struggle to remove odours from carpet fibres. Spilt drinks, pets, old food particles and a build-up of dirt can all make your carpet smell bad.
A smelly carpet equals a smelly home! You don't have to put up with bad smells though, a professional deep clean will remove unpleasant odours.
Removes insects
Carpet fibres make a cosy home for flea eggs and dust mites. Professional cleaning methods can remove these microscopic unwanted guests from your home.
Reduces allergy symptoms
Dust mites and their droppings can cause problems for people with allergies. As well as these tiny insects, carpets are often full of many other allergen particles.
Every time you walk into your home you bring dirt and allergens in from outside. The particles can live in your carpet and will also spread into the air.
Deep carpet cleaning will remove allergens from the carpet fibres, improving the air quality in your home. Cleaner carpets lead to reduced allergy symptoms and improved overall health.
Effective stain removal
Removing stubborn stains from carpets can be tricky. Not all carpet shampoos offer good results and intense scrubbing can cause more harm than good.
Expert cleaners know the best products and equipment to use. A professional deep clean can be all you need to say goodbye to ugly carpet stains once and for all.
How to prepare your home for carpet cleaning
Hiring a professional service is the best way to make sure your carpets are as clean as possible.
The experts will do the majority of the work for you but you must prepare your home first. Follow these steps to make sure your home is ready for professional carpet cleaning.
Step 1 - Ask questions before hiring a cleaning service
It is always important to ask questions before hiring a tradesperson. Before committing to a cleaning service, make sure you ask the following:
What is included in the price? For example, does the price include vacuuming or any additional treatments?
Should the carpet be vacuumed before the cleaners arrive?
Who is responsible for moving large pieces of furniture?
Will harsh chemicals be used? If so, how long until it is safe for pets to enter the room again?
Once your questions have been answered, you will know what preparations are needed.
Step 2 - Move furniture
Many carpet cleaning companies will move large pieces of furniture for you. This is not always the case though so it is best to check in advance.
Always use safe lifting techniques when moving large pieces of furniture. Make sure to tell your tradesperson if it is not going to be possible for you to move the furniture before they arrive.
A professional can easily clean your entire carpet when the room is empty. However, removing all furniture from the space is not always necessary.
Step 3 - Remove valuables and fragile items
Make sure there are no valuable or fragile items in the room before the cleaners arrive. Carpet cleaning equipment can be large and the last thing you want is a precious vase getting knocked over.
Professional cleaners will treat your home with care and respect but accidents happen occasionally. Clear your space in advance to reduce the risk of any damage.
Step 4 - Clear the floor
Clear your carpets before the professionals arrive. Remove toys, shoes, coins and everything else you can see.
Powerful cleaning equipment can suck up small items. Stop any of your belongings from going missing by making sure your carpets are completely clear.
Step 5 - Keep curtains out of the way
Floor-length curtains must be tied up before your carpets are cleaned. Make sure you secure your curtains at least six inches above the floor.
Curtain fabrics can absorb moisture from carpet cleaners. Tying back longer curtains will keep them dry and the fabric safe from any potential damage.
Temporarily removing the curtains is an effective solution if you are unable to easily keep them off the ground.
Step 6 - Dust
Don't leave dusting your rooms until after the carpets have been cleaned. Dust furniture and skirting boards first to avoid particles from falling onto your freshly cleaned carpet.
Step 7 - Vacuum the carpets
Some cleaning companies will ask for the carpets to be freshly vacuumed before they arrive. This will remove all surface-level dirt and debris ahead of the deep clean.
Pre-clean vacuuming may be included in your service price. Ask your cleaner about this before the day of your appointment to avoid any confusion.
Step 8 - Make plans for children and pets
Carpet cleaning equipment can make children and pets feel anxious. The machines can be loud and many animals and children can feel unsettled when there is a stranger in their house.
Keep your animals happy by moving all water and food bowls, baskets and toys into a room far away from the carpet cleaners. For example, a spare bedroom upstairs or the conservatory.
Alternatively, your pets could stay outside and you could make arrangements for children to visit their grandparents.
Booking a carpet cleaning appointment during school hours is another possible solution.
Keep your children and pets safe and happy by arranging somewhere else for them to be on cleaning day.
Step 9 - Make parking arrangements
Professional carpet cleaners will need to have easy access to your home. Let your tradesperson know in advance of the best place to park.
Clear your car from the driveway if possible. Carpet cleaning equipment is often large and heavy. The closer your cleaner can park to your home the better.
Step 10 - Pinpoint problem areas
Take the time to show your cleaner any stains before they get to work. The professionals can offer the best service when they know exactly what they are dealing with.
Tell the cleaner the cause of any stains so they can use the best cleaning solution. Make sure you discuss all problem areas and stains before cleaning work begins.
Professional carpet cleaning costs
The cost of professional carpet cleaning varies between jobs. The following factors will impact the final price:
Type of cleaning methods needed
Furniture removal fees
Severity of stains
Additional treatments - for example, anti-insect treatments
Type of carpet
Minimum charges - it often works out more cost-effective to have all carpets professionally cleaned at once
The average hourly rate of a professional carpet cleaner is£60 - £120. Carpet cleaning companies charge an average fee of £50 per small 4m x 4m room.
When estimating carpet cleaning costs, it is important to factor in the average minimal charge of £85 per visit. Read our detailed carpet cleaning cost guide for a full price breakdown.
For the most accurate price for your job. we recommend speaking with local carpet cleaning services.
Hiring a reputable local carpet cleaner
Use Checkatrade to find the best carpet cleaning services near you. We only approve tradespeople who work to our high-quality standards.
Find the best local carpet cleaner by entering your postcode into the search box below. Alternatively, request a quote online today and our local members will contact you directly.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job