Get Quotes from Top Carpet Cleaning Services in Los Angeles, CA
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaner
Daily vacuuming will get your carpet or rug clean but not clean enough to eliminate odor, stains, debris, mold, mites, and “traffic tracks” buried deep within. While you may be daring enough to lease some sophisticated cleaning tools and handle the required cleaning chemicals, you may end up with a bad carpet. Common DIY carpet cleaning mistakes that can damage your rug include
- Using the wrong cleaning product or method for your specific carpet
- Overscrubbing
- Overusing carpet deodorizers and water
- Improperly stain or odor treatment
Any of these mistakes can cost you an immediate replacement for your carpet. However, for less than $0,50 per square foot, you can hire top carpet cleaning pros in Los Angeles to take this burden off you and deliver a good job. Before you contract a carpet cleaning service in the city, ask the following questions:
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Carpet Cleaning Companies in Columbus?
- Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?
- Are Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians Certified By the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC)?
- What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?
- Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?
- What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?
- How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?
- Are You Insured and Bonded?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Carpet Cleaning Service in Los Angeles
How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Carpet Cleaning Companies in Columbus?
Finding out how much you will be required to pay your intended carpet cleaners for their services is an important question to ask when searching for professional carpet cleaning services in Los Angeles. Professional carpet cleaning rates in the city are usually calculated per square foot of area cleaned or per type of cleaning service rendered. Nonetheless, your overall carpet cleaning charges will largely be determined by the following factors:
- Carpet size and material
- The cleaning supplies and method used
- The current condition of the carpet
- The urgency of the job
- Your location within the city
- Furniture moving and labor costs
- Additional services like stain and odor removal, water damage restoration, and house cleaning
It is advisable to get cost estimates from at least three different cleaning companies and compare these estimates before making your final hiring decision. Many professional carpet cleaners in Los Angeles usually offer potential clients free estimates during the service negotiation process, and you should consider it a red flag if any carpet cleaner asks you to sign paperwork before they offer you a cost estimate. This often indicates that these carpet cleaners are trying to scam you.
The list below provides average costs for different kinds of carpet cleaning services offered by professional carpet cleaning companies in Los Angeles:
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Square Foot:
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Room:
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Cleaning Method:
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Carpet Type:
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Type of Service:
Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?
In addition to ensuring that your intended carpet cleaners have the right experience, tools, and equipment for the job, it is equally necessary to ensure that they are trustworthy. To this end, you should always find out if your preferred carpet cleaning service conducts background checks on their cleaners before you sign any agreements with them. This is of utmost importance, considering that these cleaners will have access to your home and personal belongings. Furthermore, background checks assure you of the trustworthiness of your prospective carpet cleaners and ensure that the carpet cleaning company's reputation is not jeopardized by employees that steal from clients. Thus, consider it a red flag if any carpet cleaning service you are considering for the job cannot assure you or provide evidence that their employees have been properly checked.
Most professional carpet cleaning companies in Los Angeles typically check the following types of public records when undertaking background checks on their employees:
- 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)?
Another way to ascertain your intended carpet cleaning company's ability to accomplish the job satisfactorily is by determining the training programs it offers its employees. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) is the most recognized certifying organization in the cleaning industry, and it also upholds standards that are accepted globally. IICRC certification can only be obtained by individuals with acceptable work experience who also pass written exams, and hiring carpet cleaning technicians that have been certified by this organization usually guarantees optimal service delivery.
It is also a good idea to find out if your preferred carpet cleaning company has earned an IICRC badge. This usually means they have at least one IICRC-certified technician, a valid business license, and adequate insurance coverage.
What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?
Finding out the cleaning methods they use is crucial when choosing carpet cleaning companies in Los Angeles. Professional carpet cleaning services in the city usually take several factors into account when determining the correct cleaning methods and cleaning supplies to use for your carpet. These include the type of carpet and carpet fiber, the debris or stains on the carpet, and whether you prefer using commercial or eco-friendly cleaning products. However, the factor that has the most influence on the carpet cleaning method used is the type of carpet involved.
Carpets are usually made with either natural or synthetic fibers, like
- Nylon: this is one of the most common carpet types available because of its durability and resistance to wear. However, nylon carpets are susceptible to stains
- Polyester: polyester carpets are similar to nylon carpets but are not as resilient
- Wool: wool is a high-quality natural fiber carpet that is stain-resistant, durable, and eco-friendly. However, they are high-maintenance and prone to fading
- Cotton: cotton carpets are another natural fiber carpet option. While these carpets are easy to clean and have an ultra-soft feel, they are also prone to fading, high maintenance, and do not do well with stains
- Olefin: these types of carpets are typically used for outdoor and basement carpeting because of their moisture, mold, and mildew resistance. However, they can be uncomfortable walking on
- Triexta: this is a durable synthetic fiber carpet that is also very stain and moisture-resistant and relatively easy to maintain
- Acrylic: acrylic is an inexpensive alternative to wool carpets. However, these types of carpets are not widely available for purchase
Los Angeles-based carpet cleaning companies generally utilize at least one of the following methods for cleaning the aforementioned carpet types:
- Carpet shampooing: here, a combination of water and specialty detergents is used to clean the carpet. A rotating brush is typically used to apply the “shampoo”, which is then extracted with a machine until the carpet is clean and residue-free
- Hot water extraction/Steam carpet cleaning: here, superheated pressurized water is used to remove dust, thick dirt, mud, and other stains and debris from the carpet
- Bonnet cleaning: here, a machine with a motorized spinning pad is used to apply the cleaning product to the surface of the carpet and then extract it along with trapped dirt and debris
- Dry carpet cleaning: here, special powders or chemicals are used to clean the carpet. This method involves the use of little-to-no water or liquids
- Encapsulation carpet cleaning: here, specialized cleaning products that bubble, expand, and trap dirt and debris when applied to the carpet are used for the cleaning process
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 |
As such, always ask your intended carpet cleaners what cleaning methods they plan to use for your carpet and confirm that they have the knowledge and tools required to carry out the task effectively. Additionally, it is advisable to let the carpet cleaning company know if you have any allergies so that they can use cleaning solutions that won’t trigger or aggravate them.
Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?
When searching for professional carpet cleaning services in Los Angeles, it is vital to consider the kinds of cleaning products used for the job. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially toxic pollutants and chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and artificial fragrances that can have detrimental health consequences, especially on kids and pets, are often found in many conventional cleaning products. Some of the health risks posed by these cleaning products and chemicals include:
- 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
As such, even though many professional carpet cleaning companies generally use kid, pet, and environmentally-safe cleaning products, you should always confirm this with your intended carpet cleaners. Asking for a list of the cleaning supplies that will be used for the job is also a good idea. You can then check these products online using the EPA's Safer Choice portal, which features a list of cleaning supplies that have received this organization's certification as safe for use.
What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?
While some carpet cleaning companies in Los Angeles are entirely dedicated to cleaning carpets, others provide additional cleaning services that are not necessarily related to carpets. Thus, it is a good idea to find out if your intended carpet cleaning company offers any of the other services you might need if you are considering doing more than just cleaning your carpet. Listed below are extra cleaning services that some Los Angeles-based carpet cleaners commonly offer:
- House cleaning services: this involves sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and polishing surfaces. House cleaning typically costs $50 - $200 or more, depending on the number of rooms or the size of the house to be cleaned
- Deep cleaning: this is a more intensive type of house cleaning that generally also pays attention to hard-to-reach or less-often-used areas of the house. Deep cleaning typically costs $200 - $450 or more, depending on the number of rooms or the size of the house to be cleaned
- Window cleaning: this involves cleaning your windows and typically costs about $1.50 – $12.50 per window
- Pet odor and stain removal: this involves eliminating unpleasant and difficult-to-remove stains and smells commonly left by pets. This service typically costs $150 - $800
- Pressure washing: this type of washing is done for hard surfaces like walls, sidewalks, driveways, roofs, and gutters, and it typically costs about $100 - $700
- Laundry services: this typically involves washing, folding, and ironing your dirty laundry and typically costs about $10 - $20 per load
- Upholstery cleaning: this service involves cleaning sofas, armchairs, and other types of furniture that usually require special cleaning supplies and techniques, and it typically costs about $15 - $250 per item
- Disinfection and sanitization services: these services are aimed at preventing the growth and proliferation of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, and it typically costs $200 - $450 or more, depending on the number of rooms that require cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization
- Green cleaning services: green cleaning involves the use of organic cleaning products and supplies, and it typically costs $100 - $250 or more, depending on the number of rooms or the size of the house to be cleaned
- Pest control cleaning services: these services aim to prevent or treat pest and rodent infestations, and they typically cost about $80 - $1,500. Note that a state-issued occupational license may be required for the provision of these services
- Rug cleaning: rugs are similar to carpets but are usually smaller and not affixed to the floor. Rug cleaning typically costs about $150 - $500
- Mattress cleaning services: this typically involves removing stains from mattresses, airing out these mattresses, and washing bedding supplies, and it typically costs about $50 - $150 per mattress
- Tile and grout cleaning: this involves cleaning tile flooring, especially the tile grouts, and it usually costs about $30 - $50 per hour
- Hardwood floor cleaning: this is similar to tile and grout cleaning, but instead focuses on cleaning hardwood floors and using supplies and equipment to ensure the floors retain their natural beauty without damaging them. Hardwood floor cleaning typically costs about $40 - $65 per hour
Always confirm the exact cleaning services your intended carpet cleaning company is equipped to provide and make sure that you and the company agree on the costs of these services before signing any paperwork. You should also find out whether your preferred carpet cleaners offer discounted cleaning packages that comprise two or more different cleaning services.
How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?
Knowing how long it will take your carpet to dry after cleaning is crucial, especially if you have young children or pets that you must keep away from the wet carpet or if you are having guests soon. While professionally cleaned carpets typically require four to ten hours to dry on average, a number of variables might affect how quickly your carpet actually dries:
- The carpet material: synthetic fiber carpets like nylon and polyester typically take a shorter time to dry than natural fiber carpets like wool and cotton, which are usually more moisture and liquid absorbent and can take up to 24 hours to dry completely sometimes
- The cleaning method: carpet cleaning methods like dry carpet cleaning and encapsulation that require little to no water usually result in faster drying times than cleaning methods like steam cleaning and carpet shampooing, which require a lot of water
- Humidity: carpets usually dry faster in areas with low humidity
- Temperature and airflow: indoor temperatures and airflow also influence the drying times of cleaned carpets
You can speed up your carpet’s overall drying time via the following methods:
- Using fans
- Opening windows and doors, if possible, to increase fresh air circulation
- Turning on the AC in scenarios where you cannot open windows or doors
- Using a dehumidifier if you live in relatively humid areas
- Moving furniture away from the wet carpet
- Using a wet vacuum cleaner to soak up moisture
Are You Insured and Bonded?
There is always a chance that any workers or service providers you let into your home will get hurt, hurt someone else, or cause damage to your property while providing their services. Carpet cleaners, in particular, face common workplace risks and dangers like
- Exposure to chemicals, flammable liquids, and other potentially dangerous substances
- Damages to the client’s home and property
- Injuries from specialized cleaning equipment and tools
Hiring properly insured and bonded carpet cleaners provides you with financial and legal protection if any of these unanticipated and unfavorable circumstances happen while your carpet is being cleaned. Note that even though insurance and bonding are both forms of monetary guarantees intended to safeguard business owners and their clients in case something goes wrong, they are not the same. Bonds usually protect the customers alone and make sure that they do not suffer damages if the carpet cleaning company does not deliver the promised services. On the other hand, insurance protects both the carpet cleaning company and the customer and ensures that the latter will not be required to bear out-of-pocket expenses in the event that something unexpected occurs. To this end, professional carpet cleaners typically hold the following types of insurance policies:
- General liability insurance: this protects against personal injury, third-party bodily injuries, and property damage
- Workers’ compensation insurance: this protects against injuries to the carpet cleaner’s staff. This insurance is mandatory for all Los Angeles-based carpet cleaners that have employees
- Employee dishonesty insurance: this protects against losses caused by employee theft or other dishonest employee behavior
Always confirm that your intended carpet cleaners are adequately insured and bonded before you sign any contracts with them. One way to do this is by asking them for copies of their insurance and bond certificates and authenticating them with the appropriate issuing organizations.
How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Carpet Cleaning Service in Los Angeles
The LA City Attorney’s Office is the primary consumer protection agency for residents of Los Angeles, and complaints concerning bad carpet cleaning services in the city can be filed with this office. These complaints can also be filed with local agencies like the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA).
When searching for carpet cleaning services in Los Angeles, it is crucial to look out for unscrupulous cleaners, scammers, and con artists that prey on unsuspecting homeowners. Some signs of these scammers include:
- They show up at your home uninvited
- They have ridiculously low rates
- They quote prices that are different from their advertised rates or initial estimates and claim that you have a unique type of carpet or difficult stains that require more expensive cleaning materials
- They offer to use special cleaning methods that will cost you higher than the usual rates
- They insist on full upfront payment
- They do not remove area rugs before commencing their cleaning
The following tips can help you avoid these scammers and assist you in hiring honest and competent carpet cleaners in Los Angeles:
- Do not hire unsolicited carpet cleaners
- Get referrals to reputable carpet cleaning companies in the city from friends and relatives that have successfully had their carpets cleaned
- Get and compare estimates from several carpet cleaners before making your final selection
- Properly research any carpet cleaning company you intend to hire. Make sure they are authorized to do business in the city by contacting the LA City Office of Finance at (844) 663-4411 and look them up online via review websites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Review
- Be wary of carpet cleaners that hesitate to offer written agreements. Ensure that these agreements include the nature, scope, and cost of the cleaning services to be offered, the types of cleaning products to be used for the job, and any assurances or guarantees that the carpet cleaner makes about their services. Also, remember that you have the right to cancel any contracts you sign in your home within three business days
- Always confirm that your intended carpet cleaner is well-insured and bonded
- Never pay the total cost of your requested carpet cleaning services upfront
You can file complaints concerning unsatisfactory carpet cleaning services as well as suspected or confirmed carpet cleaning scams in Los Angeles with the LA City Attorney’s Office, either online or by calling (213) 978-8070 and (877) 522-2737. Complaints of this nature can also be submitted to the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs online or by contacting this agency at (213) 974-1452 and (800) 593-8222. Finally, matters involving alleged criminal behavior by Los Angeles-based carpet cleaners can be reported to the LAPD at (213) 928-8223 or by reaching out to any local LAPD station near you.
Table of Contents
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Carpet Cleaning Companies in Columbus?
- Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?
- Are Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians Certified By the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC)?
- What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?
- Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?
- What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?
- How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?
- Are You Insured and Bonded?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Carpet Cleaning Service in Los Angeles