Get Quotes from Top Carpet Cleaning Services in Denver, CO

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaner

Despite their comfort, aesthetic appeal, and other benefits, carpet flooring significantly retains dirt, germs, and odors, making them a health risk when poorly maintained. Cleaning your carpets is an efficient way to maintain them, but this requires skill and experience with handling cleaning chemicals and equipment for a satisfactory result. Consequently, it is best to hire professional carpet cleaners for your cleaning needs. In addition to their superior skill and experience, doing so saves you time and stress and protects you from DIY cleaning risks.

However, you should ensure that your preferred carpet cleaner is experienced, insured, and bonded before hiring them. Getting answers to the following question will help in this regard:

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

It is in your best interest to have an idea your desired cleaning service may cost before engaging a carpet cleaning company. Knowing this will save you from agreeing to exorbitant costs and help you spot dishonest charging tactics like price gouging or adding unnecessary materials to pad up estimated charges. You should note that the cost a carpet cleaning company may charge for their services depends on different factors, including:

  • Your preferred cleaning technique
  • The size of the carpet
  • The carpet’s condition and material type
  • Your preferred timeframe for the service
  • Necessary equipment and labor
  • The company’s billing style
  • Your property’s location
  • Whether you are requesting other incidental services

Essentially, different companies will have varying estimates. Nevertheless, you can get an idea of what your needed service may cost on average by comparing estimates from multiple companies. Note that you should be wary of surprisingly cheaper estimates the same way as exorbitant ones. Some cleaning companies use this to bait homeowners, then attempt to increase their charges subsequently, or they use substandard materials and equipment. If you cannot find an average after the first few comparisons, you can compare more estimates.

To help with finding average costs, this list outlines various carpet cleaning services offered by professional carpet cleaning companies and their average costs:

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Square Foot:

250 square feet
$30 - $60
500 square feet
$55 - $100
1,000 square feet
$120 - $250
1,500 square feet
$170 - $350
2,000 square feet
$250 - $550
2,500 square feet
$400 - $1,000

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

1 room
$25 - $45
2 rooms
$55 - $100
3 rooms
$95 - $250
4 rooms
$200 - $500

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Cleaning Method:

Dry Cleaning
$50 - $300
Bonnet
$35 - $125
Carpet Shampooing
$80 - $350
Steam Cleaning
$90 - $300
Encapsulation
$100 - $500

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Carpet Type:

Synthetic fiber carpets
$15 - $25 per linear foot
Natural fiber carpets
$20 - $30 per linear foot

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Type of Service:

Carpet repairs
$100 - $250
Carpet spot removal
$80 - $200
Upholstery cleaning
$100 - $200
Carpet restretching
$0.25 - $0.60 per square foot
Green carpet cleaning
$70 - 150
Pet stain and odor cleaning/removal
$100 - $250 per room
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?

Ensuring your carpet cleaner has a clean background is necessary for your safety and that of your family and property, as they will have access to your home. It also reduces your chances of hiring unprofessional cleaners or those who tend to engage in deceptive or fraudulent behavior. Most carpet cleaning companies also understand this, so they conduct background checks on cleaners in their employ. However, note that not all carpet cleaning companies conduct these checks, and some do so rarely. Essentially, check with your cleaning company that they conduct background checks on their employees and confirm if they have done so on your assigned cleaner. You can take further steps and conduct these checks yourself or hire a professional to do so.

Background checks can be extensive, and it typically includes:

  • Identity verification
  • License verification
  • Criminal records check
  • Education and certification verification
  • Civil records check
  • Reference check
  • Sex offenders registry check
  • Driving records check
  • Credit background check
  • Drug test and screening

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

A crucial indicator of a cleaner’s skill and professionalism is whether they have been certified. This is because cleaners typically have to undergo extensive practical and non-practical training, complete assessments, sometimes manage projects, and maintain good conduct before obtaining some certifications. Several reputable organizations offer certification opportunities to professionals in the carpet cleaning industry. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is one of the most reputable of these organizations. The IICRC focuses on competence and professionalism, offering training programs that enhance trainees’ skills and ensure they treat their customers decently. The Institute also encourages innovation, especially by helping trainees explore more recent and safer cleaning and more effective restoration techniques.

Note that each organization offering certification opportunities tailor their training programs differently. Some certification programs focus on specialties, like cleaning techniques or handling a particular carpet type. Therefore, besides verifying your cleaner’s certification, endeavor to confirm if the certification is for an area of specialty and if the certification relates to your service. Likewise, when hiring a cleaning company, confirm with this company whether their cleaners generally or your assigned cleaner is certified. The IICRC Customer Service Department and Standards Department are reachable at (844) 464-4272 and (844) 216-7036, respectively, for verification of IICRC-related certifications.

What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?

Although professional carpet cleaners are well-versed in several carpet cleaning methods, their preferred method for a cleaning project will depend on various factors, such as:

  • The carpet’s fiber type or material
  • The urgency of the job
  • The client’s specifications
  • The condition of the carpet

The most important of these factors is typically the carpet’s fiber type or material. Amongst other reasons, certain cleaning methods are best for some carpet types, and some are equally bad. Carpet materials are of many types, but each type is made from either natural or synthetic fiber. Examples of carpet types include:

  • Silk: This is largely made from natural fiber, although there are artificial variants. The pros of silk carpets include their durability, eco-friendly attributes, and comfort and softness. Cons include their delicate nature, pricey cost, and need for constant maintenance. Note that while the artificial variants may be cheaper, they are not as durable as the natural types.
  • Acrylic: This carpet type is known for its decent resistance to moth, fading, and mildew. Acrylic carpets are a product of synthetic fiber and are a decent substitute for wool carpets. However, they are low on durability, not eco-friendly, and do not last as long as wool carpets.
  • Cotton: Cotton carpets are a variant of natural fiber carpets. The advantages of this carpet type are many. It is aesthetically pleasing, affordable, durable, comfortable, and long-lasting with proper maintenance. Nevertheless, it shrinks over time and requires constant maintenance because it stains easily.
  • Nylon: This carpet type is one of the most popular synthetic fiber carpets. This popularity is partly because of the carpet’s attributes, especially its low-maintenance, stain-resistant, and durability attributes. While this carpet type is also relatively affordable, it does not offer much comfort and is prone to fading.
  • Wool: This is another product from natural fiber. Pros of wool carpets include their eco-friendly nature, durability, comfort, and dust resistance. Nevertheless, wool carpets are expensive and susceptible to stains, making them high maintenance.
  • Polyester: Polyester shares many similarities with nylon carpets, but they are cheaper and less durable. They also offer more comfort than nylon carpets but require more maintenance.

Besides their general attributes, these carpet types also have different water retention capacities and shrinkage tendencies and require varying approaches to surface level or deep cleaning. Failing to consider these things may result in ruining the carpet or poor and inadequate cleaning. With this in mind, some of the cleaning methods carpet cleaners in Denver use include:

  • Carpet shampooing: This process involves scrubbing a carpet with carpet shampoo and a cleaning machine or equipment. The lather from the scrubbing and any dislodged dirt is then wiped off the carpet’s surface. The shampoo may be applied manually or put into a cleaning machine that applies it and scrubs simultaneously. Also, cleaners sometimes use packaged carpet shampoos, while some mix them to their desired specifications.
  • Bonnet cleaning: This cleaning method is similar to carpet shampooing, except there is little need to wipe off the carpet’s surface. It involves utilizing a specialized machine with a circular cleaning pad. Cleaning solution is poured into this machine, and the cleaning pad applies the solution and cleans the carpet, simultaneously dislodging and soaking up dirt and debris.
  • Dry powder cleaning: This method involves spraying a specialized cleaning solution on the carpet that requires cleaning. This solution typically contains little liquid or a specific type of solvent. It dissolves stains and breaks down dirt and debris as it dries. Once the solution dries up, the cleaner cleans or vacuums the carpet’s surface, wiping off the dried solution and dissolved or broken down stains and dirt.
  • Encapsulation cleaning: Similar to the dry powder cleaning method, encapsulation cleaning entails spraying cleaning solutions that trap stains, debris, and dirt and keep them on the carpet’s surface as it dries up. Once dry, the trapped dirt and stains, along with the remnants of the solution, are wiped off the carpet.
  • Hot water extraction: This carpet cleaning process requires a specialized high-pressure machine that sprays hot water on the carpet and displaces dirt and debris. This hot water is typically mixed with cleaning solutions, and the water and displaced dirt are later vacuumed. After this, the carpet is left to dry.

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

Method Pros Cons
Carpet Shampooing Works for deep carpet cleaning Overwetting issues, which can lead to odors and mold
Improper cleaning can cause residue build up
Bonnet Cleaning  Affordable
Low drying downtime
Not a good option for deep cleaning
Can result in more damage to old or loose carpets
Dry Powder Cleaning Dries quickly
Helps maintain a carpet’s material quality
It is not a good choice for deep cleaning
Leftover particles may damage the carpet
Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning The carpet dries up within a short time
No residue issues
Not a good option for dealing with stubborn carpet stains
Hot Water Extraction Carpet Cleaning Best for both surface and deep cleaning
Deals with stubborn stains and dirt
Requires a long time to dry

While these are some of the popular carpet cleaning methods, note that professional cleaners are familiar with many more. However, it is best to confirm with your carpet cleaner what method they will use and why. Essentially, you know what to expect and how long you may need to wait for the job to be completed. For example, hot water extraction typically takes more time than dry powder cleaning. Also, confirm that this cleaner is familiar with the method they intend to use and has the necessary equipment.

Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?

Besides finding out your carpet cleaner’s preferred cleaning method for your job, another crucial thing is how safe is the cleaning products they intend to use, especially for your kids and pets. Cleaning supplies typically contain several chemicals, some of which are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). These compounds are considered harmful and can cause health problems after exposure. Other harmful chemicals that may be found in cleaning products include bleaching agents, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia. Health problems that these compounds and chemicals can cause include headaches, dizziness, sore throat, fatigue, and nosebleeds. In extreme cases, they can cause respiratory problems.

With available safer cleaning products, it is necessary to confirm with your carpet cleaner that they are using products that will not adversely affect your health. If you or anyone in your household suffer from any allergies, you should notify your carpet cleaner on time, as even cleaning products certified safe for use may trigger certain allergies. You can verify the safety of a product yourself by checking for product reviews online or asking professionals. You can also utilize the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s safer choice portal which contains a list of cleaning products that are generally safe.

What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?

Most professional carpet cleaners in Denver also have adequate skills in handling other house cleaning needs besides carpet cleaning. Homeowners who want to do more than clean their carpets can confirm with their preferred cleaner what other services they provide, additional costs, and available discount packages. Be that as it may, some of these additional cleaning services carpet cleaners in Denver typically offer include:

  • House cleaning services: This involves regular maintenance cleaning to keep the appearance of the house decent. House cleaning typically includes dusting, sweeping, trash clearing, mopping, tidying up scattered items, and vacuuming. The cost for this service depends on the number of rooms, the size of the house, and how frequently the cleaning service is needed. It ranges between $60 - $300
  • Deep cleaning services: This is also a house cleaning service but on a larger scale. In addition to regular maintenance, deep cleaning services may involve clearing out rooms, cleaning obscure or less frequent areas of the house, upholstery cleaning, sanitization, and laundry cleaning. The cost of this service also depends on the house's size and the cleaning frequency. It costs between $150 - $600.
  • Window cleaning services: This has to do with keeping the windows of a building clean and ridding it of dust, dirt, animal stains, and other things that may make them untidy. The service costs between $4 - $15 per window, depending on the size.
  • Pet odor and stain removal: This service involves cleaning off pet stains, especially fecal matter, outdoor dirt brought in, and vomit. It also includes ridding the house of odors from these stains or the pet itself. This service costs between $100 - $250 per room.
  • Pressure washing services: This service is most effective for removing stubborn stains and dirt from firm surfaces, such as concrete walls and floors and hardwood floors. It typically involves a high-pressure water sprayer with water that may contain cleaning agents. It costs between $150 - $1500. The exact figures depend on the surface area that needs pressure washing.
  • Laundry cleaning services: This involves cleaning stains and dirt off fabric materials. Such materials may include one or more of the following: clothes, underwear, kitchen napkins, bedsheets, and curtains. The service may involve pressing this fabric with a pressing iron, typically costing between $1.5 - $3 per pound.
  • Upholstery cleaning services: This service involves cleaning clothing fixed to pieces of furniture and getting dust and tough stains out. It costs anywhere between $100 - $200.
  • Disinfection and sanitization cleaning services: This entails cleaning the house with sanitizers and cleaning products that will eliminate germs, bacteria, and microbes and further prevent them from spreading. The service costs between $100 - $500, depending on the size of the house.
  • Green cleaning services: This is a house cleaning service that involves using mostly natural cleaning products and less conventional ones. This service appeals mostly to environmentally conscious homeowners, costing between $20 - $100 per hour.
  • Pest control cleaning services: This service entails taking measures to stop the spread of pests in a house. It typically includes clearing out and treating infested areas and using cleaning products to eliminate these pests. Pest control professionals may need a license to perform this service, so ensure to confirm this. It costs between $120 - $200 for a one-time service.
  • Rug cleaning services: Rugs are a smaller type of carpet that are typically not attached to the floor. Essentially, rug cleaning services share many similarities with carpet cleaning, especially regarding cleaning methods and restoration techniques. However, the service is cheaper than carpet cleaning, costing between $25 - $500, depending on the size of the rug and the number of rugs to be cleaned.
  • Mattress cleaning services: This involves ridding dirty mattresses of dirt, odors, and stains. It may involve washing bedsheets and leaving the mattress out to dry. The service costs between $70 - $175, depending on the mattress size.
  • Tile and Grout cleaning services: This entails general tile cleaning with extra attention on the grout lines to ensure trapped dirt and dust are vacuumed or wiped off. The service costs between $1 - $3.5 per square foot.

Hardwood Floor cleaning services: This service entails cleaning hardwood flooring while ensuring it retains its original appearance. This may involve using specific cleaning methods and products. It costs between $0.50 - $1.25 per square foot.

How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?

Although cleaning your carpets is one way to maintain their neatness and quality, some situations may necessitate an urgent cleaning service. These include instances when the carpet gives out a stubborn foul odor, your pet soils your carpet indiscriminately, or you have visitors coming over and the carpet does not look great. Since the cleaning process will restrict your access to your home, especially in areas the carpet is, it helps to know how long it will take for your carpet to dry. Carpets typically need between six and twelve hours to dry fully. Drying downtime depends on:

  • The cleaning technique and style: A style that requires high amounts of liquid is more likely to result in higher drying downtime than techniques that do not.
  • The carpet’s material: Carpets materials that get soaked easily typically have a higher drying downtime.
  • The atmosphere: This also affects drying downtime, as carpets left in low-humidity atmospheres and those in high-humidity atmospheres dry at different times.

Be that as it may, below are tips that can reduce your carpet drying downtime:

    • Place running fans close to the carpet
    • Keep windows and doors open
    • Lay dry fabric over wet areas to soak up the water
  • Use a dehumidifier or devices that help dry up water, like a wet vacuum cleaner

Are You Insured and Bonded?

It is generally in your best interest to ensure your carpet cleaner is insured and bonded before hiring them. Insurance and bonds protect you from personal expenses that may result from addressing injuries, property damages, inadequacies of your carpet cleaner when doing your job, and other related issues. Carpet cleaning is a job with injury risks, with carpet cleaners sometimes suffering cuts, falls, skin burns, and allergic reactions. In some cases, you, as the client, may be held liable for these injuries, and you may need to pay from your pocket if your carpet cleaner is uninsured. The same applies to instances your carpet cleaner damages someone else’s property. With insured cleaners, though, the insurance covers such expenses.

A bond protects you from personal expenses when your carpet cleaner delivers poor service, ruins your carpet, or does shady things like failing to show up after receiving upfront payment. With bonds, you can recover your upfront payment or the cost of fixing the cleaner’s mistakes. Essentially, while insurance and bonds protect you financially, insurance focuses on third-party matters and bonds are for issues between you and your carpet cleaner.

Insurance policies you should ensure your carpet cleaner maintains include:

  • General liability insurance: this is best for bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury occurrences
  • Workers’ compensation insurance: this is best for addressing employee injuries on the job
  • Employee dishonesty insurance: this is best for covering the losses that may arise from the fraudulent behavior of carpet cleaners or their employees

Therefore, you should always confirm that your carpet cleaner is insured and bonded by requesting evidence of such and verifying this evidence with the relevant organizations. You can also ensure that the insurance and bond amounts are adequate to cover the possible issues they protect you against.

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

Complaints against bad carpet cleaners in Denver can be filed with the Consumer Protection Department (CPD) of the Colorado Attorney General's Office.

Before hiring any professional for your carpet cleaning needs, it is important to take steps to ensure the person or company is legit. This is necessary to avoid falling victim to unscrupulous individuals and businesses out there to scam people. These scammers typically make use of several underhand tactics, and some of the red flags that point them out include:

  • Offering too good to be true estimates to reel in clients and then indiscriminately increase the cost of their services down the line
  • Insistence on full upfront payment
  • Requesting cash-only payments
  • Door-to-door solicitation
  • Using a more expensive technique without telling you about it

Accordingly, some of the important steps to avoid falling for such tactics include the following:

  • Avoid door-to-door cleaners or contractors. Go for people you trust or were referred by someone you trusted
  • Demand customer references from any carpet cleaner you intend to hire
  • Check reviews regarding this carpet cleaner. Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google Review are helpful platforms in this regard
  • Compare estimates from several cleaners before hiring any
  • Do not make an upfront payment for the job. Also, use payment methods that are recorded, such as bank transfers, or get a signed receipt when you pay with cash
  • Do background checks on cleaners that will be working in your home
  • Ensure your carpet cleaner is insured and bonded
  • Make sure you have a written contract with your carpet cleaner

In any case, Denver homeowners that still get scammed by these scammers can file a consumer complaint with the Colorado Attorney General Office CPD. This complaint can be easily filed online. More information regarding the complaint filing process and related matters can be directed to the AG Office at (720) 508-6000.