Get Quotes from Top Carpet Cleaning Services in Detroit, MI

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaner

It is recommended to thoroughly clean your carpet and rugs once or twice a year to eliminate health hazards caused by debris, mold, fungus, and mites. However, this tough job is best left to well-equipped professionals who can handle the required cleaning chemicals properly and ensure

  • The odors are eliminated
  • The carpet’s aesthetics is maintained
  • The effects caused by traffic lane are reduced

However before you hire a professional carpet cleaning company in Detroit, it is important to determine that they have competent, experienced, and insured technicians. You can confirm this by asking the following questions:

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

When choosing a carpet cleaning company in Detroit, it is important to consider how much they will charge for their services. There are various pricing structures that carpet cleaning companies can use. For instance, they can charge per square foot or per number of rooms to be cleaned. Asides from this, carpet cleaning companies also take into account various factors, such as:

  • Labor intensity
  • The condition of the carpet
  • The client's preferred cleaning method
  • The urgency of the cleaning service
  • The carpet's material and size
  • The client's location within the city
  • Furniture moving and other labor costs
  • Other additional services like room cleaning, water damage cleaning, and stain and odor removal

Typically, a carpet cleaning company provides an estimate that includes all the services involved in the job. As such, before choosing a preferred carpet cleaning company in Detroit, it is important to get and compare estimates from at least three companies. This will ensure you get the best deal and prevent you from getting scammed by unscrupulous individuals. Avoid carpet cleaning companies that refuse to provide estimates or do not provide them in writing. Often, these companies charge significantly higher fees when the work starts. Also, be wary of carpet companies that offer low estimates without a valid explanation.

Below is a list of the average costs of various carpet cleaning services in Detroit:

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Square Foot:

250 square feet
$38 - $50
500 square feet
$55 - $100
1,000 square feet
$150 - $250
1,500 square feet
$225 - $400
2,000 square feet
$300 - $800
2,500 square feet
$500 - $1,100

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Room (with no furniture):

1 room
$35 - $50
2 rooms
$45 - $80
3 rooms
$60 - $95
4 rooms
$85 - $150

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Cleaning Method:

Dry Cleaning
$90 - $150
Encapsulation
$70 - $150
Steam Cleaning
$100 - $300
Bonnet
$20 - $100
Carpet Shampooing
$75 - $300

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Carpet Type:

Synthetic fiber carpets
$50 - $250
Natural fiber carpets
$70 - $400

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Type of Service:

Upholstery cleaning
$50 - $150
Carpet spot removal
$40 - $85
Carpet restretching
$0.45 - $0.70 per square foot
Carpet repairs
$85 - $300
Green carpet cleaning
$65 - $100 per room
Pet stain and odor cleaning/removal
$100 - $150 per room

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?

While hiring experienced and skilled technicians is important, it is also important to hire a good candidate with a good reputation and a clean background. It is important to know the background of your preferred cleaning technicians since they have access to your homes. Typically, carpet cleaning companies in Detroit conduct background checks on potential employees to avoid ruining their company's reputation. Note that not all carpet cleaning companies conduct these checks. To this end, before hiring a carpet cleaning company, ensure you confirm they have conducted all necessary background checks on the carpet technicians working in your home.

Some of the background checks that carpet cleaning companies typically conduct on employees in Detroit include:

  • Court records
  • Credit records
  • Criminal records
  • Driving records
  • Financial records
  • Sex offender lists
  • Social Security number
  • State licensing records
  • Worker's compensation records
  • Educational and certificate verification

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

When choosing a carpet cleaner, you should also look out for certification that can help improve your expertise and skills. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC is a recognized organization that provides training to the cleaning industry and certifies eligible cleaning technicians. It offers various courses designed to help technicians develop the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs. It guarantees the quality of service to be expected from the technician. To be certified by the institute, a cleaning technician must have earned it through experience and passing written exams.

A carpet cleaning company in Detroit with at least one certified technician, necessary business licenses, and insurance coverage can apply and earn the IICRC badge.

What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?

When choosing a carpet cleaning company in Detroit, it is important to consider their cleaning methods. The right cleaning method guarantees the quality of their work. A carpet cleaning company considers different factors when choosing the right cleaning method and supplies for a carpet, like

  • Clients' preference for eco-friendly and conventional cleaning products
  • The type of dirt or stain on the carpet
  • The type of carpet and carpet fiber.

The type of carpet and the type of fiber used are the most important factors that a carpet cleaning company considers when choosing the right cleaning method. Typically, carpets are made from either synthetic or natural fibers. They can also come in various types, such as:

  • Nylon: This type of carpet is known for its strength, making it an ideal choice for homeowners. This carpet is wear-resistant. However, it is prone to stains.
  • Polyester: Even though this carpet is similar to nylon, they are less durable.
  • Wool: wool carpets are long-lasting and stain-resistant but require regular maintenance and are vulnerable to fading.
  • Acrylic: Although acrylic is an affordable alternative to wool carpets, these types are not commonly available.
  • Cotton: Although soft and easy to clean, cotton carpets are prone to fading and require regular maintenance. It is also not stain resistant.
  • Olefin: Due to its resistance to mold, mildew, and moisture, olefin carpets are used for the basement and outdoors. However, they are hard to walk on.
  • Triexta: This is a highly durable and long-lasting synthetic carpet that is easy to maintain and stain resistant.

Detroit-based carpet cleaning companies have different cleaning methods to get the best results, like:

  • Carpet shampooing: This process involves using water and specialized cleaning agents to eliminate dirt and stains. Usually, the carpet is shampooed using a revolving brush.
  • Hot water extraction/steam carpet cleaning: This method involves high-pressure water to remove dirt, dust, and other particles on the carpet.
  • Bonnet method: This method involves using a motorized spinning pad to apply a cleaning solution to the surface of the carpet and then extract any dirt and debris that was left behind
  • Dry carpet cleaning: It involves using specialized chemicals or powders to get rid of dirt and other particles on the carpet.
  • Encapsulation carpet cleaning involves using special cleaning agents designed to bubble and trap dirt and debris on the carpet.

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

Method Pros Cons
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
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
Bonnet Cleaning Effective for light stains 
Quick-drying
Not effective for deep cleaning 
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
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 

Before you start a carpet cleaning job, it is important that you know the type of cleaning methods that the company will use. This will allow you to ensure they can thoroughly clean your carpet. You should also inform the company about any allergies they may have so that they can use products that will not trigger any reaction.

Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?

Many cleaning supplies and products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and artificial fragrances that can negatively affect people's health, especially children and pets. Some of the risks associated with these chemicals include:

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


Even though some companies use eco-friendly cleaning equipment, it is still important to confirm that they use the right ones for the job. As such, before you hire a carpet cleaning company in Detroit, make sure that you confirm the type of cleaning products they will be using. To confirm that the products they use are safe, ask the company to provide a list of the cleaning supplies they will use. Then, you can check the safety ratings of the products through the EPA's Safer Choice portal. This platform constantly updates a list of products that have passed the safety tests.

What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?

While some carpet cleaning companies in Detroit mainly focus on cleaning carpets, others also provide other services. It is essential to check if the carpet cleaning company you prefer offers additional cleaning products and services that you may need. Detroit-based carpet cleaning companies provide other services such as:

  • House cleaning services: These include dusting, vacuuming, polishing, and sweeping. Depending on the size of the house and the number of rooms, these services can range from $50 to $225.
  • Deep cleaning: This is a more thorough process that involves paying extra attention to the hard-to-reach areas of the house. This type of cleaning costs around $200 to $400.
  • Window cleaning: This usually involves either washing or cleaning your windows. It can cost around $1.50 to $13.50 per window.
  • Pet odor and stain removal: This process involves removing the hard-to-clean stains and unpleasant smells from pets. It can cost around $150 to $800.
  • Pressure washing: This cleaning is usually done on hard surfaces such as walls, driveways, and roofs. It can cost from around $100 to $700.
  • Laundry services: These services usually involve either washing, folding, or ironing your clothes. They can be around $10 to $20 for each load.
  • Upholstery cleaning: This type of cleaning involves removing the dirt and other harmful substances built up on your furniture using specialized cleaning tools, supplies, and methods. Cleaning a chair or sofa can cost around $15 to $250.
  • Disinfection and sanitization services: These services mainly focus on preventing the spread of harmful microorganisms and bacteria. The price of a sanitization and disinfection session can vary depending on the number of rooms in the house. It can cost from around $180 to $400
  • Green cleaning services: These services use only organic cleaning products and supplies. Green cleaning sessions can range from around $100 to $275, depending on the size of your house.
  • Pest control cleaning services: These services are usually focused on preventing rodents and pests from entering your house. They can range from around $80 to $1,500. You must have a state-issued certification and license to offer these services.
  • Rug cleaning: While rugs have similar compositions and makeup to carpets, they are typically smaller and do not have attached pads. Rug cleaning can range from $150 to $500.
  • Mattress cleaning services: This includes the removal of stains from mattresses, as well as the washing of bedding items. It can cost between $50 to $150 for each mattress.
  • Tile and grout cleaning: This usually involves cleaning tile and grouts. It can cost around $30 to $50 an hour.
  • Hardwood floor cleaning: This focuses on hardwood floors, which are protected with supplies that ensure natural beauty and longevity. These services typically run around $40 to $65 per hour.

Before you sign an agreement with a carpet cleaning company, ensure that the scope and nature of their additional services are confirmed. Before agreeing to work with a carpet cleaning company, You should also inquire if they offer discounts to their clients who sign up for multiple cleaning services.

How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?

It is important to know how long it will take to dry your carpet, especially if you have pets or young children who you want to keep away from the wet carpet. Professional cleaning services typically take around four to ten hours to dry, and this can be affected by various factors, such as:

  • Carpet material: Most synthetic fiber carpets, such as nylon and polyester, can be dried faster than natural fibers like wool and cotton. On the other hand, natural fibers can take up to a day or more to dry completely.
  • Cleaning method: Most people use methods that only use minimal amounts of water, such as encapsulation and dry carpet cleaning, to get the best results. They can help speed up the drying process compared to methods that use a lot of water, like steam cleaning.
  • Temperature and airflow: The airflow and temperature of the room can also affect how quickly your carpet will dry.
  • Humidity: low-humidity environments typically have faster carpet drying times

You can also use the following techniques to reduce the overall drying time of your carpet:

Using fans

  • Opening windows and doors for fresh air
  • Moving furniture away from the wet carpet
  • Using a wet vacuum to remove moisture
  • Using a dehumidifier if you live in a high-humidity location
  • Using the air conditioner if you cannot leave your windows or doors open

Are You Insured and Bonded?

On-the-job injuries and exposure to toxic substances are some hazards that carpet cleaners face. This is why hiring a carpet cleaning company with adequate insurance and bond is important. Hiring a company that is insured and bonded ensures that you do not incur any financial or legal liabilities for any damages or injuries that may occur while cleaning your carpet.

Although insurance and bonding are financial guarantees designed to protect a business's owners and clients, they are not the same. Bonds protect the clients if the carpet cleaning business does not provide the agreed-on services. While insurance is mainly designed to protect the carpet cleaning company, it also provides a financial cushion for the client in case something unexpected happens. Typically, carpet cleaning companies carry the following types of insurance coverage:

  • General liability insurance coverage: This is designed to cover various types of third-party injuries and property damage.
  • Workers' compensation insurance coverage: This type of insurance coverage is required for carpet cleaning businesses in Detroit to provide coverage for the employees of the company.
  • Employee dishonesty insurance coverage: This type of insurance covers the damages caused by unethical conduct or employee theft.

Before you agree to work with a carpet cleaning company, ensure they are bonded and insured. You can also contact the issuing organizations to validate any document they provide. This ensures you can rely on them to protect you and your property.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Carpet Cleaning Service in Detroit

Individuals can file complaints about carpet cleaning services in Detroit with the Michigan Attorney General's Office. Consumer complaints about poor quality and shoddy service delivery are among the top ten complaints filed in the United States. When choosing a reputable carpet cleaning company in Detroit, it is important to be aware that con artists and dishonest individuals may be trying to scam you. Some warning signs that you might be dealing with a scam artist or cleaner include the following:
  • The cleaner offer ridiculously low rates
  • The cleaner demands full payment upfront and always prefers cash
  • The cleaner shows up at your home uninvited and offers unsolicited services
  • The cleaner does not remove area rugs before cleaning and claims that it is not necessary
  • The cleaner offers to use specialized cleaning methods that will cost you extra
  • The company claims your carpet may have a tough or specific type of stain that requires special cleaning solutions.
  • The cleaning company quotes prices that vary significantly from their published rates.
When planning to hire a carpet cleaning company in Detroit, you can use take the following preventive actions to avoid being scammed by dishonest carpet cleaners:
  • Make sure that your preferred carpet cleaners are bonded and insured
  • Never pay the total cost of your carpet cleaning services upfront, and avoid paying in cash
  • Do not hire unsolicited cleaners, and never let them into your home
  • Get and compare price quotes from several carpet cleaners before making your final hiring decision
  • Ask your friends and family to recommend reputable carpet cleaning companies that have provided similar services to them.
  • Conduct background checks on the individuals you are planning to hire to clean your carpets. Also, check with the carpet cleaning company to ensure they carry out their background checks.
  • Avoid carpet cleaners insisting on taking cash-only payments. This is because it can be hard to trace. 
  • Check out reviews of previous clients on various online websites such as Google Review, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp before hiring a carpet cleaning company.
  • Be wary of carpet cleaners who downplay the importance of a written contract. Ensure you execute a written contract with the carpet cleaning company and confirm that the terms of the contract include the scope of the services, tools, equipment, product, and price.

Over 10,000 consumer complaints are submitted annually to the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division regarding various matters, such as unfair business practices and scams. To this end, if a carpet cleaning company in Detroit has scammed you, you can file a complaint with the state Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. You can complete a complaint application form online or by mailing a pdf consumer complaint form, along with copies of relevant supporting documentation, to:
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909-77