Get Quotes from Top Carpet Cleaning Services in San Diego, CA

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaner

Typically, dust mites, debris, pet dander, and mold get trapped within carpets. These pollutants and allergens cannot be easily removed by your regular vacuum. So also are those stubborn odors, stains, and "traffic tracks." Hence, it is recommended that you should call in a professional cleaner once or twice a year to deep clean your carpet. These professionals are conversant with the right techniques to clean any type of carpet and are well-trained to handle all kinds of cleaning chemicals and equipment. 

However, when looking for carpet cleaning services in San Diego, you should always go with cleaners who are experienced, insured, and who can answer the following questions satisfactorily:

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Carpet Cleaning Companies in San Diego?

Hiring the services of a professional carpet cleaner at least once a year not only helps you get rid of tough stains but also extends the lifespan of your carpet. Although professional carpet cleaning offers these amazing benefits, the uncertainty that usually surrounds the overall cost of a carpet cleaning service makes it difficult for some homeowners to invest in them. The cost of a professional carpet cleaning service in San Diego is typically dependent on several factors, namely:

  • The size of the carpet
  • The carpet type and material
  • The amount of damage done to the carpet
  • The amount of time it will take to complete the job
  • The cleaning method and solution that will be used
  • The urgency of the service
  • The location of the customer within the city
  • The carpet cleaner’s reputation

Given that there are many factors influencing the cost of a carpet cleaning service, it is not surprising that the cost of the same carpet cleaning service may vary for each homeowner. Nonetheless, homeowners can ensure that they are getting a fair price for the service by obtaining and comparing estimates for a carpet cleaning service from multiple carpet cleaning companies in the city. Many carpet cleaning companies in San Diego offer free estimates to anyone interested in their services. Be wary of any company that refuses to provide you with an estimate for the service they intend to provide. 

A carpet cleaning service estimate typically contains the scope of the service and a breakdown of how the cost of the service was calculated. Professional carpet cleaners in San Diego calculate their charges using either the per square footage rate, where the client is charged for each square foot cleaned or per room charges where a fixed amount is charged for each room that is cleaned.

Listed below are the average costs for different kinds of carpet cleaning services offered by professional carpet cleaning companies in San Diego:

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Square Foot

250 square feet
$50 - $100
500 square feet
$105 - $200
1,000 square feet
$210 - $400
1,500 square feet
$310 - $500
2,000 square feet
$410 - $800
2,500 square feet
$510 - $1,000

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Room

1 room
$58 - $90
2 rooms
$60 - $170
3 rooms
$85 - $350
4 rooms
$10 - $360
5 rooms
$150 - $650

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Cleaning Method

Steam/Hot Water Extraction
$105 - $370
Carpet Shampooing
$105 - $260
Dry Cleaning
$70 - $150
Bonnet
$32 - $90
Encapsulation
$85 - $200

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Carpet Type

Synthetic fiber carpets
$62 - $300
Natural fiber carpets
$100 - $450

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Type of Service

Green carpet cleaning
$115 - $240
Carpet stain removal
$32 - $450
Upholstery cleaning
$55 - $100
Pet stain and odor cleaning/removal
$32 - $50 per hour
Stair carpet cleaning
$3 - $5 per stair
Water extraction
$400 – $2,000
Furniture moving
$15 - $50
Carpet patch repair
$100 - $250
Carpet re-stretching
$100 - $300
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?

Finding out whether the necessary background checks have been conducted on the carpet cleaner sent to your home is very important, especially as these individuals will be working in your home alone. Most professional carpet cleaning services in San Diego conduct background checks on prospective employees to avoid hiring dishonest people who will not only tarnish the company’s reputation but will also expose the company to a lot of liabilities. Some of the background checks conducted on prospective employees include:

  • Criminal record check
  • Credit record check
  • Driving record check
  • Court record check
  • Educational and certificate verification
  • Sex offender record check
  • Social security number check
  • State licensing record check
  • Worker’s compensation record check

Before allowing anyone to come into your home, ensure that you have verified these vital records with the carpet cleaning company that sent them.

Are Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians Certified By the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC)?

When choosing a carpet cleaning company in San Diego, make sure that their technicians are certified by professional bodies like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC). The IICRC guarantees the quality of cleaning services by training and certifying cleaning professionals, including carpet cleaners. Carpet cleaners who are certified by the IICRC are more likely to be updated on the latest carpet cleaning techniques and developments than their counterparts. More so, these professionals are less likely to engage in fraudulent activities since they must comply with the professional standards outlined by the IICRC.

Carpet cleaning companies in San Diego can earn their certification from the IICRC by taking an IICRC-approved course, passing a written examination, and demonstrating proof of skill acquisition in the specific area. Companies with at least one certified IICRC technician, business license, and the right insurance coverage can also obtain the IICRC badge alongside relevant certifications.

What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?

There are no single best cleaning methods for carpets. As such, homeowners need to research the cleaning methods that are better suited for their carpet and confirm whether their preferred carpet cleaning company specializes in providing the cleaning solutions that work best for them. It is important to note that professional carpet cleaners put several factors into consideration when choosing a carpet cleaning solution. Some of these factors include the type of carpet and carpet fiber, the nature of the dirt or stains on the carpet, and the client’s preference for eco-friendly or commercial cleaning products. Among these factors, the type of carpet has a significant impact on the cleaning solution that will be used to clean a carpet.

Most carpets are made from either natural or synthetic fibers and each may require a different cleaning method. Some common carpet fibers include:

  • Nylon: this carpet material is resistant to mold, wear, and abrasion and is mostly used in rooms with high traffic. Nylon is used to make different carpet styles and constructions
  • Polyester: this carpet material is similar to nylon but not as resilient. Polyester is highly resistant to water-based stains. However, oily spills or stains can chemically bond with this fiber, making it impossible to clean
  • Wool: this carpet material is durable, stain-resistant, and difficult to burn. However, wool is prone to attacks from moths, beetles, and other types of insects.
  • Acrylic: this carpet material is similar to wool. It is durable and resistant to stains. However, it is not widely available
  • Cotton: this type of carpet has a soft and plush exterior that allows it to hold high traffic very well. Cotton carpets are easy to maintain and clean. However, they are prone to fading and require high maintenance
  • Olefin: this type of carpet is resilient, durable, stain-resistant, and moisture-resistant, which makes them a great option for outdoor use. However, olefin can easily lose its texture if they are not maintained properly
  •  Triexta: Triexta is a synthetic fiber carpet and is considered durable, extremely stain and moisture-resistant, and relatively easy to maintain

Carpet cleaning companies in San Diego make use of one or more of the following cleaning methods in dealing with the aforementioned carpet types:

  • Hot water extraction: this method involves the use of hot water and cleaning agents with high pressure to clean carpets. The combination is sprayed onto the carpet at high pressure, allowing dust, mud, thick dirt, and other debris to come out from the care
  • Carpet shampooing: this involves the use of a specifically formulated shampoo and water to clean carpets. The shampoo is applied to the carpet with the help of a rotating brush, and a machine is used to extract the shampoo until the carpet is clean and dry
  • Dry carpet cleaning: this typically involves the use of special powders or chemicals, with little-to-no water or liquids
  • Bonnet cleaning: bonnet cleaning is performed with the help of a machine with a motorized spinning pad. The machine is used to apply the cleaning product to the surface of the carpet and then extract it along with trapped dirt and debris
  • Encapsulation carpet cleaning: this entails applying a cleaning solution to a carpet so that the solution penetrates deeply and crystallizes around the dirt in the carpet before vacuuming

The table below lists the pros and cons of each of these carpet cleaning methods:

Method Pros Cons
Steam Carpet Cleaning/Hot Water Extraction Carpet Cleaning Effective for removing dirt and bacteria from carpets
Can help neutralize pollens, dust, and other allergens 
Requires hours of downtime to dry
Retained moisture may cause mold or mildew-related issues
Carpet Shampooing Separates and removes dirt molecules from carpet fibers
Strips embedded pet hairs from tightly wound carpet fibers
Improperly removed shampoo molecules can end up making your carpet look dingy over time
Excess moisture may soak into your carpet’s foam padding and create mold and moisture-related issues down the line
Dry Carpet Cleaning No drying downtime
Safe for all types of carpets
Powders and detergents used can be pungent
Not a good option for homeowners with breathing difficulties or allergies
Bonnet Cleaning Effective for light stains 
Quick-drying
Not effective for deep cleaning 
Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning Environmentally friendly
Quick-drying 
Does not rely on water or electricity 
Only useful for surface cleaning and is usually ineffective for deep stains and odors 

Finally, it is important to consider the pros and cons of any carpet cleaning method that you intend to use in your home. This will help you choose the best cleaning method for your carpet and a carpet cleaning company that is experienced in providing the exact cleaning method you need.

Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?

Professional carpet cleaners are aware that some conventional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that can harm children, pets, and the environment. These carpet cleaners not look for safer alternatives, but also adopt Best Management Practices (BMPs) when their use is unavoidable. BMPs are techniques or controls used to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants into the environment and areas that children and pets can access. Exposing children and pets to unsafe cleaning products can lead to any of the following:

  • Eyes and skin irritation
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Sore throat
  • Allergic reactions
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Increased risk of new on-set asthma 
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular and lung issues

When choosing a carpet cleaning company, make sure you find out whether the cleaning products they intend to use are safe for you and your family. You can ask the carpet cleaning company for a list of cleaning products that will be used for the job and look them up online using the EPA's Safer Choice platform. The EPA's safer choice platform contains a list of cleaning products that have been certified as safe for use.

What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?

While carpet cleaning companies are typically known to offer different carpet cleaning solutions to interested persons, some of these companies offer additional cleaning services such as house cleaning, upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, and more. As such, if you need other cleaning services alongside carpet cleaning, you should ask your preferred carpet cleaning company what other cleaning services they can provide. This will help you determine if you need to contact another cleaning company for additional services or not. Listed below are some additional services that many carpet cleaners in San Diego offers:

  • House cleaning services: this service typically includes dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, wiping countertops, and emptying the trash. Professional cleaners can charge anywhere between $40 - $190, or more, depending on the size of the house or the number of rooms cleaned
  • Deep cleaning: this is a more intense cleaning that includes grout scrubbing, disinfecting wastebaskets, cleaning toilet base, and cleaning off soap scum and limescale from fixtures. Deep cleaning can also include cleaning shower doors, curtains, and crevices. On average, this service can cost anywhere between $200- $500, or more, depending on the scope of the work.
  • Window cleaning: this involves washing and wiping your windows. Professional cleaners providing this service can charge you anywhere from $1.50 – $12.50 per window
  • Pet odor and stain removal: more often than not pet owners are faced with the inconveniences that come with keeping and having pets. Such inconveniences include unpleasant smells and stains left by pets. This service involves any activity that helps remove this unpleasant odor and stain and can cost you anywhere from $120 - $700
  • Pressure washing: this service focuses on removing loose paint, mold, mud, and dirt from hard surfaces like walls, roofs, and sidewalks with the help of a high-pressure water spray. Pressure washing services cost an average of $150 - $650 
  • Laundry services: this generally includes washing, folding, and ironing clothes, uniforms, and other types of fabrics. Laundry services cost an average of $12 - $20 per load
  • Upholstery cleaning: household furniture sometimes need cleaning. This service involves cleaning all kinds of household furniture with special cleaning equipment and supplies. This service costs an average of $30 - $230 per item
  • Disinfection and sanitization services: this service helps keep viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms to a bare minimum and actively kills germs in the home. This type of service can cost anywhere between $230 - $450 or more, depending on the number of rooms that require cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization.
  • Pest control cleaning services: typically, this type of cleaning service is carried out in homes where there is fear of pest infestation or there has always been a pest infestation. The aim is to prevent, control, or treat the issue of pest infestation. This service can cost $65 - $1,200. Make sure you find out whether an occupational license is required to perform this service.
  • Rug cleaning: this typically involves removing stains and dirt from a rug. Rug cleaning costs between $140 and $500 on average this focus on getting rid of stains and dirt on a rug
  • Mattress cleaning services: this service is provided to remove stains from dirty mattresses, Mattress cleaning costs between $50 and $150 per mattress.
  • Tile and grout cleaning: this service involves cleaning any area covered with tiles with special attention paid to the tile grouts. This type of service costs anywhere between $25 - $47 per hour 

You must ensure that the carpet cleaning company you wish to hire is experienced in providing the kind of service you require. For clarity, you can ask for a list of people they have provided similar services to in the past, as well as their contact information. Contact anyone listed as a reference to confirm any claims made by the carpet cleaning company you intend to hire.

Note that it is equally necessary that you ensure that the cleaning company you intend to hire has the necessary equipment needed for the job as some cleaning services might require the use of sophisticated equipment.

How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?

Finding out how long it will take for your carpet to dry is important since you may want the time frame to coincide with other personal plans. Although professionally cleaned carpets typically take four to ten hours to dry, homeowners must have it in mind that the actual time it takes for their carpet to dry is determined by other factors like:

  • The carpet material: the type of material your carpet is made of significantly determines whether it will fast after cleaning. For instance, synthetic fiber carpets like nylon and polyester typically dry faster than natural fiber carpets like wool and cotton. 
  • The cleaning method: it is important to note that some cleaning methods should be avoided when the homeowner wants the carpet to dry quickly. For instance, if you want your carpet to dry quickly, you should avoid cleaning methods like shampooing.
  • Humidity: carpets typically dry faster in areas with low humidity and vice versa
  • Temperature and airflow: indoor temperatures and airflow also affect how quickly or slowly carpets will dry

You can speed up your carpet’s drying time by taking any of the following steps:

  • Turn on your fans
  • If possible, open your windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate
  • Turn on the air conditioner, when opening a window is not an option,
  • Use a dehumidifier If you live in an area with high humidity 
  • Remove furniture from the wet carpet
  • Use a wet vacuum cleaner to absorb moisture

Are You Insured and Bonded?

In San Diego, there are no mandatory specific insurance requirements for carpet cleaners. However, carpet cleaning services, like every other business in California, must carry workers' compensation if they have employees, commercial auto insurance if they have a work truck, and general liability insurance to give the company all-around protection against unforeseen circumstances.

In addition to these insurance policies, carpet cleaning services may also obtain janitorial bonds to protect their clients from any liability that may result from failure to do the work or dishonesty on the part of an employee of the company.

When searching for a carpet cleaning company in San Diego, always make sure that the company you intend to hire is insured and bonded. This will ensure that you are not held liable for work injuries, property damage, property theft, and the company's failure to provide the agreed-upon services. 

You can ensure that the carpet cleaning company you intend to hire is insured and bonded by requesting proof of insurance and a bond certificate from them and verifying the documents with the appropriate agencies.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Carpet Cleaning Service in San Diego

Complaints involving bad carpet cleaners can be filed with the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the San Diego City Attorney.

Cleaning-related scams are not new in the city. In fact, the San Diego City Auditor recorded 70 active consumer fraud reports in the third quarter of 2021, 12 of which were related to safety and sanitation, and 7 of which involved waste management. Although no specific figures are indicating the prevalence of carpet cleaning scams in the city, residents should be aware that unscrupulous individuals may pose as cleaning services to steal from them. Residents of San Diego should be able to identify warning signs when dealing with a prospective carpet cleaner. Some of these warning signs include:

  • The carpet cleaner shows up at your door uninvited
  • The carpet cleaner is offering ridiculously low rates
  • The carpet cleaner appears in an unmarked truck 
  • The carpet cleaner does not remove area rugs before cleaning 
  • The carpet cleaner insists on full payment before starting the work

Residents can protect themselves from dishonest carpet cleaners by taking the following precautionary measures: 

  • Avoid anyone who shows up in front of their door uninvited. Ask friends and family that have successfully had their carpets cleaned for referrals to reputable carpet cleaning companies in the city 
  • Visit third-party websites such as Yelp, Better Business Bureau, Google Review, and other similar platforms for reviews and testimonials on prospective carpet cleaning companies.
  • Get and compare rates from at least three different carpet cleaners before deciding on who to hire
  • Always ensure that your preferred carpet cleaner is properly insured and bonded
  • Avoid paying for the full cost of the service upfront
  • Get a written agreement for the service. Make sure the contract contains information about the types of services to be offered, their cost, the types of products to be used, and any guarantees that the carpet cleaner makes concerning these services

If you suspect any fraudulent activity on the part of your carpet cleaner, you can report the carpet cleaner to the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the San Diego City Attorney. You can submit your reports by completing a citizens report and informal complaint form online.