Learn about our selection process.
= Featured Provider
While not mandatory, it is customary to tip carpet cleaning technicians. The standard tip range for carpet cleaners is between $5 and $20, and customers can choose to tip higher or lower based on services received. It isn't customary or required to tip the owner of a carpet cleaning business, even if they perform the services.
There are several types of carpet cleaners used for commercial and residential jobs. Deep cleaning machines combine moisture, shampoo, and suction to clean carpet fibers and pull out dirty water. Steam cleaners utilize hot steam to penetrate carpeting. Carpet scrubbers feature rotating brushes that scrub stains with carpet shampoo. Both steam cleaning and carpet scrubbing are followed up with suction.
On average, carpet cleaning technicians in the United States make a base of $15.30 per hour. However, the pay rate may vary with technicians depending on factors such as geographical location, overtime or emergency after-hours services, and experience or length of time on the job.
Most carpet cleaning technicians are trained to safely move furniture during cleaning procedures. Depending on company policies, certain items that a carpet cleaner might not move include pianos, beds, and other heavy items. Carpet cleaning technicians advise customers to move electronics and other items before service.
Home improvement and hardware stores offer carpet cleaning machine rentals, and customers may also rent professional machines directly from carpet cleaning service providers. Stores that carry carpet cleaners include Home Depot, Walmart, and Lowes Home Improvement. Customers are required to purchase cleaning solutions when renting carpet cleaners.
Bleach contains chemicals that remove color, leaving a white stain. While carpet cleaning machines cannot remove bleach stains with standard steam cleaning or suction, a carpet cleaning technician may reverse the stain with techniques such as vinegar application or coloring in the bleached areas.