Get Quotes from Top Carpet Cleaning Services in Boston, MA

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaner

Due to a lack of technical knowledge, most DIY carpet cleaning attempts end in mold and mildew growth, backing separation, or carpet discoloration. Professional carpet cleaners use cutting-edge equipment and have mastered a variety of deep cleaning techniques to:

  • Deal with any carpet material brand
  • Preserve the life of your carpet
  • Handle cleaning chemicals appropriately
  • Reduce the effects of "traffic lanes."
  • Remove even the most stubborn stains and odors.

When looking for carpet cleaning services in Boston, it is wise to pick insured and bonded cleaners with the right expertise who can satisfactorily respond to the following inquiries:

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

Before entering into agreements with any Jacksonville carpet cleaners, you should always determine the cost of the necessary carpet cleaning services. The majority of carpet cleaning businesses in Boston base their prices either on square footage rates, where the customer is charged per square foot cleaned, or per-room rates, where a set fee is applied to the cleaning of each room. Numerous factors, including those listed below, frequently affect the total of these payments.

  • Furniture moving fees as well as additional labor costs
  • The carpet's dimensions and type
  • The cleaning process and supplies used
  • the project's urgency
  • The state of the carpet
  • Other services like cleaning up after water damage, removing stains and odors, and room cleaning

You should think about acquiring quotes from at least three different businesses and comparing them before making a decision. Many reliable carpet cleaners in Boston provide free service estimates. If a carpet cleaner refuses to provide you with an estimate before you sign any paperwork or if any estimate you receive is noticeably more or lower than the others, think twice before hiring them. This frequently suggests that a carpet cleaning company is unreliable and may be attempting to cheat you.

The list below includes the price ranges for various carpet cleaning services provided by reputable carpet cleaning businesses in Boston.

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Square Foot:

250 square feet
$45 - $100
500 square feet
$100 - $200
1,000 square feet
$200 - $400
1,500 square feet
$300 - $500
2,000 square feet
$400 - $800
2,500 square feet
$500 - $1,000

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Room:

1 room
$45 - $80
2 rooms
$55 - $165
3 rooms
$80 - $310
4 rooms
$95 - $310
5 rooms
$145 - $615

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Cleaning Method:

Steam/Hot Water Extraction
$100 - $350
Carpet Shampooing
$100 - $250
Dry Cleaning
$65 - $140
Bonnet
$30 - $90
Encapsulation
$80 - $200

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Carpet Type:

Synthetic fiber carpets
$60 - $300
Natural fiber carpets
$100 - $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
$400 – $2,000
Furniture moving
$10 - $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?

It is essential that you check the reputation of the carpet cleaner you choose. Without mincing words, it is insufficient to determine someone's suitability for a job based just on their skills and experience. Today, the majority of businesses do background checks on employees to confirm their dependability. For services like carpet cleaning, these inspections are also recommended. It is crucial to learn whether a cleaning service does background checks on its staff before hiring them because they will have access to your house. If the carpet cleaning company cannot guarantee that it will investigate the backgrounds of its employees, take that as a warning.

A thorough background check enables a carpet cleaning business to choose reputable employees who won't damage the company's reputation by defrauding its customers out of their homes. These background checks make the following historical information about an employee's life available:

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

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

It is essential to enquire about the training programs the carpet cleaning company offers its staff in order to assess a person's capacity to perform their work appropriately. These industries' non-profit representative, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), advocates for the highest global standards and accredits some of the world's leading experts. You may gauge a technician's degree of skill by looking at the certification that they have obtained through training and passing written tests.

A carpet cleaning company can apply for and obtain the IICRC badge, which denotes a high degree of technical proficiency and professionalism, if it has at least one IICRC-certified technician, a business license, and the required insurance coverage.

What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?

Finding out about the cleaning procedures each company useis crucial when choosing the best carpet cleaning service in Boston. When deciding which cleaning techniques and supplies are best for your carpet, professional carpet cleaners in the city frequently take a number of factors into account. The type of carpet and carpet fiber, the nature of any stains or debris on the carpet, and whether you prefer utilizing traditional cleaning products or eco-friendly ones are some of these factors to take into account. The finest cleaning technique may depend significantly on the kind of carpet you have.

Natural or synthetic fibers, each of which has unique properties, are widely used to make carpets. Several typical carpet fibers are:

  • Wool:
    Wool is a premium carpeting material that is also naturally stain-resistant and environmentally safe. However, wool carpets require a lot of maintenance and are susceptible to fading.
  • Triexta:
    This carpet made of synthetic fiber is renowned for its strength, remarkable stain and moisture resistance, and extraordinary ease of upkeep.
  • Polyester:
    Polyester carpets are comparable to nylon carpets, although they are generally less resilient.
  • Olefin:
    Olefin carpets are excellent for use outdoors and as basement carpeting because of their resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew. However, it hurts to walk on these carpets.
  • Nylon:
    One of the most widely used carpet fibers is nylon because of its strength and longevity. However, stains can happen on these kinds of carpets.
  • Cotton:
    This is another natural carpeting component to think about. Thought to be exceptionally soft and simple to keep clean, these carpets actually require a lot of upkeep, are susceptible to fading, and are difficult to keep clean.
  • Acrylic:
    While wool carpets are reportedly more expensive than acrylic carpets, acrylic carpeting is not typically found.

When working with the aforementioned kinds of carpet, companies in Boston who provide carpet cleaning services typically use one or more of the cleaning techniques listed below:

  • Hot water extraction/Steam carpet cleaning: Using this technique, the carpet is cleaned of heavy filth, dust, and other pollutants using superheated pressure water.
  • Carpet shampooing: The procedure entails washing the carpet with water and specific detergents, applying the "shampoo" to the carpet on a regular basis with a rotating brush, and extracting it with a machine until the carpet is entirely clean and residue-free.
  • Dry carpet cleaning: This technique uses specialized powders or chemicals to clean the carpet with little to no water or liquids.
  • Bonnet cleaning: This entails using a machine with a motorized spinning pad to apply the cleaning solution to the carpet's surface and then extracting the carpet along with any dirt and debris that was left behind.
  • Encapsulation carpet cleaning: In this method, the carpet is sprayed with specific cleaning solutions that bubble and expand, trapping dirt and debris inside.

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

Flooring material Do's Don'ts
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 

As a result, you should always ask your selected carpet cleaners what cleaning techniques they intend to employ on your carpet and confirm that they have the tools and knowledge required to do the job properly. It is also a good idea to let the carpet cleaning service know if you have any allergies so that they may use the best cleaning procedures for your carpet while taking your requirements into mind.

Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?

When looking for carpet cleaning firms in Boston, one should take into account the kind of cleaning products that will be applied to the work. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in addition to other potentially dangerous pollutants and chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and synthetic perfumes, are present in many conventional cleaning products. The health of children and animals in particular could be negatively impacted by these toxins. Several cleaners and chemicals have been linked to health issues, including:

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

Even though expert carpet cleaners in Boston typically use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, you should always confirm that the carpet cleaner you wish to employ also uses safe cleaning solutions for children, pets, and the environment. It's also a good idea to request a list of the cleaning supplies that will be employed. The EPA's Safer Choice webpage, which offers cleaning products that have been determined to be safe for use by this organization, allows you to search for the goods online.

What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?

While some carpet cleaning businesses in Boston just focus on cleaning carpets, some also provide cleaning services unrelated to carpets. Therefore, it is a good idea to find out if your desired carpet cleaning company offers any of the other services that you might need if you are considering doing more than just cleaning your carpet. Boston carpet cleaners frequently offer the following extra cleaning services:

  • House cleaning services:
    Basic elements of home cleaning services include sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping as well as polishing surfaces. Depending on the size of the property or the number of rooms that need to be cleaned, the cost of this service can range from $50 to $200 or more.
  • Deep cleaning:
    Similar to house cleaning services, deep cleaning usually include more time-consuming cleaning tasks that focus on a house's harder-to-reach or less-used regions. Depending on the size of the house and the number of rooms to be cleaned, deep cleaning can cost anywhere from $200 to $450 or more.
  • Window cleaning:
    You will pay between $1.50 and $12.50 per window to have the carpet cleaners additionally clean your windows.
  • Pet odor and stain removal:
    This procedure, which gets rid of the unpleasant odors and stains that pets frequently leave behind, can cost anywhere between $150 and $800.
  • Pressure washing:
    Hard surfaces including walls, roofs, gutters, sidewalks, and driveways frequently require pressure washing. Pressure cleaning typically costs between $100 and $700.
  • Laundry services:
    This entails having the carpet cleaner also wash your soiled garments. The cleaned garments could also be folded or ironed, depending on the business. Usually, a load of laundry costs between $10 and $20.
  • Upholstery cleaning:
    Couches, chairs, and other pieces of furniture that generally require specialized cleaning methods and materials are cleaned with upholstery cleaning. The normal price range for this service is $15 to $250 per piece.
  • Disinfection and sanitization services:
    These services work to prevent the spread of diseases like bacteria and viruses. Depending on how many rooms need to be cleaned, this type of cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing service often costs $200 to $450 or more.
  • Green cleaning services:
    "Green" cleaning services are cleaning businesses that employ all-natural cleaning materials and solutions. Depending on the size of the house and the number of rooms to be cleaned, green cleaning usually costs $100 to $250 or more.
  • Pest control cleaning services:
    The price of rat and insect infestation prevention and treatment services, which include cleaning, can range from $80 to $1,500. Be advised that you might need a state-issued occupational license for this.
  • Rug cleaning:
    Although rugs are often smaller and not attached to the floor, they are similar to carpets in appearance. Rug washing often costs between $150 and $500.
  • Mattress cleaning services:
    The process includes cleaning stains from stained mattresses as well as washing the sheets and other bedding and drying the mattress as needed. A typical mattress cleaning could cost you $50 to $150.
  • Tile and grout cleaning:
    This service entails cleaning tile floors, with a focus on the grout between the tiles. Costs for cleaning tile and grout typically range from $30 to $50 per hour.
  • Hardwood floor cleaning:
    The primary focus of this service is cleaning hardwood floors, and it makes use of supplies and equipment that protect the floors' natural beauty without compromising it. Hardwood floor cleaning typically costs between $40 and $65 per hour.

Before signing any contracts, make sure to always verify the specific services that your desired carpet cleaning company is prepared to provide and that you and the company agree on the costs of these services. A cheap cleaning package that combines two or more distinct cleaning services may be available from your prospective carpet cleaners.

How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?

Knowing how long it will take for your carpet to dry after cleaning is vital, particularly if you have young children, dogs that you need to keep away from the wet carpet from, or if you're about to have guests over. While professionally cleaned carpets usually dry completely in four to ten hours, the drying time for your carpet may differ based on a variety of variables.

  • The type of carpet: Carpets made of synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester, frequently dry more quickly than those made of natural fibers, such as wool and cotton, which tend to be more absorbent and can take up to 24 hours to fully dry.
  • Cleaning technique: Carpets frequently dry more rapidly after encapsulation and dry carpet cleaning than after steam cleaning and carpet shampooing, which utilize a lot of water.
  • Humidity: Carpets dry more quickly in low-humidity conditions.
  • Temperature and airflow: The indoor air quality and temperature both have an impact on how fast or slowly carpets dry.

There are various techniques to hasten the drying process of your carpet, including:

  • Remove the furniture from the soggy carpet.
  • Turn on the air conditioning if opening a window is not an option.
  • Whenever you can, let some fresh air in by opening your windows and doors.
  • If you reside in an area that has frequent humidity, use a dehumidifier.
  • To remove the moisture, vacuum it up with some water.
  • Use fans

Are You Insured and Bonded?

Any contractors or service providers you let inside your home run the danger of hurting themselves or others as well as destroying your belongings. For carpet cleaners in particular, there are a number of risks and dangers at work, which include

  • damages to a client's home or business
  • exposure to chemicals, flammable liquids, and other possibly hazardous substances
  • injuries caused by specialist cleaning methods and tools

In the event that these or any other unfavorable or unforeseen occurrences occur while your carpet is being cleaned, using a carpet cleaning service that is fully insured and bonded will ensure that you are maintained in a safe financial and legal position. Be aware that insurance and bonding are not the same things, despite the fact that both serve to safeguard customers and business owners in the event of an accident. Bonds frequently simply serve to safeguard the client and ensure that they won't suffer losses in the event that the carpet cleaning company fails to deliver the services that were agreed upon.

Instead, insurance typically ensures that the client won't be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses in the event that something unforeseen occurs, protecting both the client and the carpet cleaning services. Competent carpet cleaners frequently hold the following insurance policies:

  • General Liability Insurance: Protection from property damage, personal injury, and bodily injury is offered by general liability insurance.
  • Worker's Compensation Insurance: Employees of the carpet cleaner are protected from accidents by workers' compensation insurance.
  • Employee Dishonesty Insurance: Insurance against employee dishonesty protects against financial losses brought on by theft or deceit by carpet cleaner staff.

Be aware that unless they are exempt, all cleaning businesses operating in Boston are obliged by law to hold workers' compensation insurance.

To avoid this, verify the insurance and bonding of any potential carpet cleaners before entering into any contracts with them. Asking for copies of their insurance and bond certificates will allow you to verify this with the relevant issuing companies.

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

The Department of Consumer Affairs is the main hub for consumer complaints about unfair or dishonest acts or tactics used by carpet cleaning companies in Boston. You might also voice your worries to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.

Even while many Boston-based carpet cleaning businesses offer their services in a professional and ethical manner, the city is also teeming with con artists and fraudsters who are looking to take advantage of unwary homeowners whenever there is a chance. As a result, you should constantly be on the lookout for specific signals and red flags that suggest that you might be dealing with a con artist when looking for carpet cleaners. These red signals include, among others:

  • Area rugs are not removed by the carpet cleaner before cleaning.
  • The carpet cleaner demands upfront payment in full.
  • The carpet cleaner offers a quote that differs from their original estimate, claiming that your carpet is unique or that particularly difficult stains require more expensive cleaning supplies.
  • The carpet cleaner offers to employ a special cleaning technique, but the price will be higher than usual.
  • The cost of the carpet cleaner is absurdly low.
  • Unsolicited carpet cleaner knocks on your door offering their services.

By exercising caution when making hiring decisions with possible carpet cleaning firms in Boston, you may stay away from these con artists:

  • Never work with carpet cleaners that lack a license. Asking friends and relatives who have had their carpets professionally cleaned for recommendations will help you locate reliable carpet-cleaning businesses in your area.
  • Do a lot of research on any carpet cleaning company you intend to hire. To find out what clients have to say, research potential carpet cleaning companies online using directories like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and others.
  • Prior to selecting a carpet cleaning company, always shop around for prices.
  • Check to see if the prospective carpet cleaner has the necessary insurance and bonding.
  • Never pay the full amount in advance for your carpet cleaning services, and avoid verbal agreements.
  • Ensure the written agreement specifies the services to be provided, their price, the products to be used, and any promises the carpet cleaning company gives on these services.

You can contact the Boston Department of Consumers to report carpet cleaning scams or poor services by sending them an email or phoning their office at (617) 635-3834.

You can also file a grievance with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office. Complaints may be sent online or by calling the office at (617) 727-8400.