Carpet cleaning: costs, methods and preparation
A wool rug and a fitted office carpet do not necessarily need the same treatment. The type, quantity and soiling determine the work. This guide helps you define the job and compare the full cost rather than just a price per square metre.
Loose rugs or fitted carpet?
Depending on its material, a rug can be treated at a specialist workshop. Fitted carpet stays in the building. If your request includes both, have their quantities listed separately in the quote.
| Job | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Loose rugs | Number, approximate sizes, known materials, collection and return. |
| Fitted carpet | Area to be cleaned, furniture, access and the time before the space can be used again. |
| Delicate or damaged rugs | Have treatment suitability and existing damage assessed. Agree cleaning and repairs separately. |
What affects carpet cleaning costs?
Workshop washing and cleaning on site are different services. Even for the same area, material, construction, stains and transport can affect the price. An advertised square-metre rate is not yet the total cost.
Check minimum charges, pricing per item or area, travel, collection and return. Specialist stain or odour treatment, repairs and express work may cost extra. Ask for VAT and surcharges to be included in the final total.
- Calculation example, not a recommended price. A rug measuring 2 × 3 m covers 6 m². At an assumed CHF 30 per m² plus CHF 40 for collection and return, the total is CHF 220. These fictional figures simply illustrate the calculation; they are neither market prices nor Quoti rates.
- Compare the same scope. If an offer is cheaper, first check whether something such as return transport or stain treatment is missing. Agree that any additional work needs your approval before it is carried out.
Which area should you provide?
For a rectangular rug, multiply its length by its width in metres. Add up the areas of multiple rugs and also state their number. An estimate is enough for an initial request; you can confirm precise measurements afterwards.
For fitted carpet, use the actual area you want cleaned, not your entire home's floor area. Clarify whether areas beneath movable furniture are included. Stairs, round shapes and oversized rugs should be expressly covered in the quote because the billing method may differ.
Which method suits the material?
Spray extraction applies a cleaning solution and removes it with the loosened dirt by suction. Lower-moisture methods may suit interim maintenance. That kind of refresh is not necessarily equivalent to an intensive deep clean.
Suitability also depends on the backing, fixing and underlying floor. Wool, silk, viscose and plant fibres cannot all be treated in the same way. Available manufacturer instructions help. If you do not know the material, let the specialist assess it; you do not need to choose a technical method or carry out your own material tests.
Set realistic expectations for stains and odours
Mention noticeable stains, pet accidents or odours in your request. You can add previous cleaning attempts and visible damage in the optional notes. This helps the company assess possible treatments and additional work.
Cleaning does not guarantee that every discolouration will disappear. Worn fibres, faded patches and damaged edges are not ordinary dirt. Discuss the likely improvement and any marks that may remain before work begins. Repairs need a separate agreed scope.
Arrange the appointment, furniture and drying
Agree who will move the furniture and put it back. Clear small objects from the work area. Arrange access for cleaning on site, or handover and return appointments if the rugs will be collected.
Ask for an estimated drying time and when the carpet can be used again. This depends on the method, construction and conditions in the room. Do not schedule a property handover or business reopening immediately after cleaning without agreeing this interval. Return furniture according to the cleaner's instructions.
What should the quote include?
A clear description is more useful than a broad promise of a complete clean. Before accepting, check:
- Which carpets?. Number and area, rugs separate from fitted carpet, and known materials.
- Which work?. Deep cleaning or interim maintenance, agreed stain treatment and specifically selected extras.
- What total price?. Transport, travel, minimum charge, tax and possible additional costs clearly itemised.
- What arrangements?. Furniture, access, collection, return, drying and how existing damage will be handled.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know my carpet's material?
No. State it if you know it or have a label. Otherwise the company can assess the material and suitable treatment before doing the work.
Can a loose rug be cleaned in my home?
That may be possible, depending on the rug, underlying floor and method. State your preference and have the company confirm whether treatment on site or at a workshop is appropriate.
Is collection always included?
No. Some companies include it within a particular area, while others charge separately. Check both collection and return, not just one journey.
How soon will I get my rug back?
That depends on workload, treatment, drying and transport. Agree a return date explicitly and mention any firm deadline when requesting a quote.
Do I have to order a protective treatment?
No. Extra protection is a separate decision. Ask about suitability, benefits and additional cost for your carpet before agreeing.
