Get Quotes from Top Carpet Cleaning Services in Seattle, WA

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaner

One in every two Americans likes to clean their carpets by themselves without proper knowledge of handling cleaning chemicals or the right technique to wash their type of carpet. Note that a square foot of carpet can hold up to one pound of dirt. No wonder, due to overwetting, over-scrubbing, and over-application of chemicals, most DIY carpet cleanings end with a poor result - carpet shrinkage or discoloration, dampness, delamination, or mold buildup. For less than $0.50 per square foot, you can hire a cleaning pro in Seattle to handle this tedious task of deep cleaning your carpet or rug. 

However, before you hire any carpet cleaning service in the city, ensure their cleaning technicians are experienced, insured, and well-equipped by asking the following questions:

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

When you decide to hire a carpet cleaning company for your home or office in Seattle, it is important that you have the necessary information about their pricing and services. To calculate the cost of a professional carpet cleaning service in Seattle, companies use the hourly rate or per square footage rate. In addition to this, several other factors influence how much you will be charged for a carpet cleaning service, like:

  • The size of the carpet size
  • The urgency of the job
  • The extent of the damaged carpet
  • The type of carpet material involved
  • The location of the client in Seattle
  • The cleaning method and cleaning supplies to be used
  • The labor intensity of the job

As such, before you agree to a deal with a carpet cleaning company in Seattle, get a free estimate to see how much it would cost you. To ensure you get a fair deal, ensure you get and compare rates from multiple carpet cleaning companies in Seattle. Avoid companies that refuse to provide an estimate, as this often means they are not sincere and scamming their clients. Also, be wary of carpet cleaning companies that offer high or too low rates because some companies use this to entice customers to scam them easily. 

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

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Square Foot

250 square feet
$41 - $100
500 square feet
$95 - $200
1,000 square feet
$170 - $400
1,500 square feet
$290 - $500
2,000 square feet
$380 - $800
2,500 square feet
$500 - $1,000

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Room

1 room
$41 - $70
2 rooms
$45 - $160
3 rooms
$70 - $300
4 rooms
$90 - $300
5 rooms
$140 - $600

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Cleaning Method

Steam/Hot Water Extraction
$90 - $350
Carpet Shampooing
$90 - $250
Dry Cleaning
$60 - $140
Bonnet
$30 - $90
Encapsulation
$80 - $200

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Carpet Type

Synthetic fiber carpets
$55 - $300
Natural fiber carpets
$90 - $450

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Type of Service

Green carpet cleaning
$110 - $235
Carpet stain removal
$30 - $450
Upholstery cleaning
$50 - $100
Pet stain and odor cleaning/removal
$30 - $50 per hour
Stair carpet cleaning
$2 - $5 per stair
Water extraction
$350 – $2,000
Furniture moving
$8 - $50
Carpet patch repair
$90 - $250
Carpet re-stretching
$90 - $300
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?

In Seattle, many carpet cleaning companies conduct background checks on potential employees to create a secure and trusting environment for their customers. Unfortunately, not all carpet cleaning companies do the necessary background checks on potential employees. To this end, when hiring a carpet cleaning company, you should confirm if they have carried out all relevant checks. This is particularly essential since these workers will gain access to your home.

Before hiring a carpet cleaning company for your planned cleaning services, ask the company to provide you with the relevant information about the following types of checks:

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

Note that it is a red flag if a carpet cleaning company cannot assure you that it has conducted background checks on its workers.

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

When choosing a carpet cleaning company, ensure that carpet cleaning technicians have been certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC). Hiring an IICRC-certified company guarantees you are getting an experienced and reputable professional carpet cleaner. This is because carpet cleaning technicians holding an IICRC certification are known to uphold the industry standard. The requirements for attaining IICRC certification include the following:

  • Attending an approved course.
  • Passing a written exam.
  • Documenting the skills they have learned in the specific subject area.


Carpet cleaning companies with at least one certified technician, a business license, and adequate insurance coverage can apply and earn the IICRC badge.

What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?

Understanding the different cleaning methods and products used by carpet cleaning companies in Seattle is important. Using the wrong cleaning method can compromise the quality of the carpet and make it depreciate in quality within a short time. As such, before finalizing a deal with a carpet cleaning company in Seattle, it is important that you know the cleaning products and methods they intend to use. You should also confirm if the preferred cleaning method matches your carpet type.

Typically, carpet cleaning companies consider various factors when choosing the best cleaning products and methods for your carpet. Some of these include your preference for commercial or eco-friendly cleaning products and the nature of the dirt and stains. Most importantly, the type of carpet and carpet fiber plays a vital role in the best cleaning method for the job.

Carpets are made from synthetic or natural fibers, each of which has unique characteristics. Some common carpet fibers include:

  • Nylon: It is resistant to various types of wear, molding, and abrasion. This material is commonly used in areas with high traffic.
  • Polyester: This material is easily recyclable and stain-resistant. Although it is comparable to nylon in several ways, it is not as resilient.
  • Wool: Even though it is eco-friendly and stain-resistant, wool carpets are prone to get attacked by various insects and moths. It can also fade under sunlight.
  • Acrylic: Although it is an economical alternative to wool carpets, this type of carpet is not widely available.
  • Cotton: Cotton carpets are also easy to clean but prone to fading and stains and require high maintenance.
  • Olefin: olefin carpets are resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew. They are ideal for outdoor use but can quickly lose their texture and are not resilient.
  • Triexta: This type of synthetic fiber carpet is easy to maintain and is considered to be incredibly stain-resistant and durable.

When rendering their services to clients in Seattle, carpet cleaning firms use varying cleaning methods depending on the type of carpet they are dealing with, like:

  • Hot water extraction: This method is commonly used to clean and remove dirt and stains from carpets. It involves heating the water, pressure spraying it onto the fibers, and extracting it.
  • Carpet shampooing: This method uses water and detergent to clean the carpet. It usually involves using a rotating brush to apply a liquid shampoo to the carpet and a machine to extract the shampoo until it is clean and dry.
  • Dry cleaning: It involves using a combination of chemicals and powders to get rid of dirt and stains from the carpet. This method does not require water or liquid.
  • Bonnet cleaning: This method works by using a machine with a motorized pad to apply the cleaning solution to the carpet's surface. It then extracts the debris and dirt trapped inside it.
  • Encapsulation carpet cleaning: This method is usually carried out before the carpet is vacuumed. It involves getting a cleaning solution on the carpet to penetrate the dirt and get deep into the area.

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 

Having a good idea about the various cleaning methods that are ideal for your carpet will allow you to choose the right one for your home. This is why it is important that you confirm with the carpet cleaning company the type of cleaning product and method they will be using for your carpet. Also, inform the company about any allergies you may have so that they will be informed of the cleaning product they will use for your carpet.

Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?

Most cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals that may adversely affect pets and children. To this end, before you hire a professional carpet cleaning service in Seattle, it is important that you confirm that the cleaning product they will be using will be safe for your family and pets. Some of the health hazards associated with the use of cleaning products that contain dangerous substances 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

You can prevent these health issues by asking the cleaning company for a listing of the cleaning products they use. After the company gives you a list of the cleaning products they will use, you can check the safety ratings of the products online through EPA's Safer Choice platform. The platform contains a list of certified safe cleaning products.

What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?

In Seattle, many carpet cleaning companies provide both carpet cleaning and other cleaning services. If you plan to have your carpet cleaned and you need additional cleaning services, it is best to confirm with your preferred carpet cleaners if they offer these other services. This will help you determine if they can accommodate your other needs. Below are some of the additional services that some carpet cleaners in Seattle provide:

  • House cleaning services: This usually involves sweeping, dusting, and wiping surfaces like walls and table tops. In Seattle, house cleaning costs between $20 to $250 depending on the size of your house and the number of rooms that need to be cleaned.
  • Deep cleaning: This cleaning service is usually more intensive than house cleaning. The average cost of this service is $150 to $400 or more, depending on the scope and complexity of the work.
  • Window cleaning: This cleaning service involves cleaning and dusting windows. This costs between $1.20 and $12.50 for each window.
  • Pet odor and stain removal: This service usually removes the unpleasant smell your pets leave behind. The average cost of this service is $100 to $750.
  • Pressure washing: This cleaning involves using high-pressure water to remove dirt, mold, and loose paint from hard surfaces such as walls and roofs. Pressure washing services cost an average of $90 - $700
  • Laundry services: This service involves washing and cleaning various fabrics, such as clothes and uniforms. It can cost around $8 to $20 for each load.
  • Upholstery cleaning: This process involves using unique cleaning supplies and techniques to clean your furniture thoroughly. These services averagely cost $15 to $300
  • Disinfection and sanitization services: This cleaning service focuses on killing harmful microorganisms and keeping the home clean. It can cost between $180 to $550, depending on the number of rooms needing sanitization and cleaning.
  • Green cleaning services: This cleaning method involves using organic products and supplies to get the job done. Green cleaning usually costs around $100 to $300, depending on the number of rooms and the size of the home.
  • Pest control cleaning services: This cleaning type usually focuses on preventing and controlling pests in your home. It can cost between $60 to $1,200 depending on the scope of the work involved. Before hiring a professional cleaning company, ensure they have the necessary licenses to carry out the work.
  • Rug cleaning: This cleaning process mainly focuses on removing dirt and stains from a rug. It can cost around $150 to $500, depending on its condition.
  • Mattress cleaning services: This cleaning process involves using a variety of products and techniques to get rid of dirt and stains from your mattress. It can cost around $50 to $150 for each mattress.
  • Tile and grout cleaning: This type of service is usually focused on removing dirt and stains from tile and grout areas. It can cost anywhere from $20 to $55 per hour.

To this end, before concluding the hiring arrangement with your preferred carpet cleaning company, confirm if they have additional cleaning services other than carpet cleaning. If the company offers other services, ensure you confirm the carpet cleaner technician has the necessary experience and equipment to handle the task. Note that some carpet cleaning companies offer discounted packages when they offer two or more cleaning companies. Ensure you confirm if your preferred carpet cleaning offers such a package.

How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?

Although professionally cleaning carpets takes around four to ten hours, you should be aware that the actual drying time is dependent on various factors like:

  • The carpet material: The type of your carpet determines how fast or slow the drying process will be. For instance, synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon tend to do so much faster than natural fibers like cotton and wool.
  • The cleaning method: Some cleaning methods, such as shampooing, tend to take longer to dry than those that only require minimal water, like dry cleaning.
  • Temperature and airflow: The airflow and temperature inside your home can affect how quickly your carpets can dry.
  • Humidity: carpets typically dry faster in areas with low humidity

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

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

Are You Insured and Bonded?

In order to protect their clients and themselves from various liability issues, many carpet cleaning firms in Seattle purchase insurance policies and bonds to cover their risks. These companies are aware of the risks that come with providing their services to their clients. For instance, they are exposed to chemicals, flammable liquids, and other potentially harmful cleaning substances. To minimize the liability issues that can arise due to property damage and work injuries, many carpet cleaning firms in Seattle maintain insurance policies such as:

  • General liability insurance: this covers bodily injuries, property damage, and personal injuries caused to third parties by the carpet cleaning technicians
  • Workers' compensation insurance: this covers injuries to the carpet cleaner's employees
  • Employee dishonesty insurance: The dishonesty insurance policy provides coverage for the losses caused by their employees' fraudulent or theft activities.

Besides these insurance policies, many carpet cleaning firms also purchase bonds to protect their clients from losses caused by carpet cleaning companies' failure to provide the agreed-on services. Note that carpet cleansing companies in Seattle are mandated to carry workers' compensation insurance on their employees. 

Hiring a bonded and insured carpet cleaning company can provide financial and legal protection against various risks while working in your home. To ensure that the company you hire is bonded and insured, you can ask for proof of these coverages from them and ensure you contact the appropriate agencies to verify any documents provided.

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

The Washington Attorney General's Office handles complaints related to carpet cleaning services in Seattle.

In 2020, the Washington Attorney General's Office reported that several cleaning companies using unfair and deceptive methods to get their customers were found guilty. In Seattle, residents are usually targeted by dishonest carpet cleaners who are looking for potential victims to scam. To this end, before hiring a carpet cleaning company, it is important that you thoroughly carry out your due diligence on the preferred carpet cleaning company and its services. Doing so will help distinguish legitimate companies from misleading ones. Typically, a dishonest carpet cleaner uses the following tactics to scam:

  • Showing up at your door unsolicited
  • Offering ridiculously low rates to entice their customer
  • Appearing in an unmarked truck or lack of verifiable office address
  • Fails to remove area rugs before cleaning
  • Insisting on full payment before starting the work and prefers cash payment

To avoid getting ripped off by a dishonest carpet cleaner, you can take the following precautionary steps:

  • Find out more about a potential carpet cleaning company by checking reviews and testimonials from other consumers on various online review websites such as Google Review, Better Business Bureau, or Yelp.
  • Make sure that you execute a written contract that clearly states the scope of the service and the products that will be used before you agree to a deal with a carpet cleaning company.
  • Avoid hiring door-to-door carpet cleaning companies or individuals who use pressure sales tactics to get you to hire them.
  • Get recommendations from reputable carpet cleaning companies from friends and relatives who successfully had their carpets cleaned.
  • Get and compare estimates from at least three different carpet cleaners in Seattle before choosing who to hire
  • Confirm that the carpet cleaner is insured and bonded
  • Avoid making full payment for the service upfront.

According to the Washington Attorney General's Office, it receives more than 25,000 written consumer complaints annually. As such, if you or a loved one has been a victim of a cleaning scam fraud in Seattle, you can file a complaint with the Washington Attorney General's Office. You can file a consumer complaint online or mail a pdf version of the complaint form to:

Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
800 5th Avenue
Suite 2000
Seattle, WA 98104-3188

Alternatively, you can contact the Attorney General's Office at (206) 464-6684 or toll-free number 1-800-551-4636 between 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays to make inquiries on its consumer complaint process. Note that the toll-free number listed above cannot be used for official complaints and only work for callers within Washington state.