Get Quotes from Top Carpet Cleaning Services in San Antonio, TX

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaner

About six in every 10 Americans try to clean their carpets by themselves without special knowledge of handling cleaning chemicals and the right technique and tools to use. Therefore, most DIY attempts end with mold growth, discoloration, or tears on the carpet. For less than $0.50 per square foot, you can hire a professional carpet cleaner in San Antonio to get this tough job done effectively. These cleaning services are specialists at

  • Eliminating stubborn odors, stains, and debris
  • Removing “traffic marks” on the rug
  • Preserving the lifespan and warranty of your carpet

Before contracting a carpet cleaning service in San Antonio, you should ensure that the company’s technicians are experienced, insured, bonded, and can provide satisfactory answers to the following questions:

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

Before hiring a carpet cleaning company in San Antonio, it is crucial to find out how much you will be paying for your required carpet cleaning services, as well as how your preferred carpet cleaning company calculates the cost of their service. Professional carpet cleaning companies in San Antonio calculate the cost of their service using either hourly rates, per square footage rates, or per room cleaned. However, several factors are taken into consideration when calculating the cost of a carpet cleaning service. Some of these factors include:

  • The size of the carpet size and the type of carpet material involved 
  • The condition of the carpet
  • The cleaning method and cleaning supplies used
  • The customer's location within the city
  • The urgency of the job 
  • Furniture moving and other labor costs
  • Additional services like room cleaning, water damage cleaning, and stain and odor removal

Though these factors typically influence the overall cost of a carpet cleaning service, it does not mean that whatever price offered to you by your preferred carpet cleaner is accurate. Many dishonest carpet cleaners in the city lie about some of these factors to inflate their prices. Therefore, you should always get and compare free estimates from at least three different companies before making your final selection. 

Reputable carpet cleaning companies in San Antonio provide free estimates to potential clients before any arrangement is made. Be wary of any carpet cleaning company that refuses to offer you an estimate before coming up with the price you are expected to pay for their service. In most cases, this is a sign that the carpet cleaning service is not legit and may be trying to scam you.

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

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?

Many carpet cleaning companies in San Antonio conduct background checks as part of the process of considering and hiring a potential employee. For most carpet cleaning companies, background checks not only create a sense of security and trust among customers, but it is also considered a liability insurance requirement. 

Background checks are a liability insurance requirement because they impact companies’ insurance rates. Typically, the more checks performed by a carpet cleaning company, the greater their chances of accessing insurance companies with the best ratings and benefitting from a lower premium.

Despite being a liability insurance requirement, it is important to note that some companies do not conduct the necessary background check on potential employees. As such, it is always a good idea to find out whether the carpet cleaner your preferred carpet cleaning company is sending to you has been properly checked. To be sure, always ask the company to provide information on the individual pertaining to the following:

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

This is particularly important since the carpet cleaner will be working in your home.

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

Making sure that your preferred carpet cleaning company is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC is a guaranteed way to protect yourself from not only incompetent hands but also dishonest individuals who are out to scam you. Hiring an IICRC-certified carpet cleaning company ensures that you not only get an experienced carpet cleaning professional but also someone that upholds the industry standards.

Many reputable carpet cleaning companies in San Antonio are certified by IICRC. Certification is earned by attending an IICRC-approved course, successfully passing a written examination, and documenting skills in the specific subject area.

Alternatively, carpet companies with at least one IICRC-certified technician, a business license, and adequate insurance coverage can also apply and earn the IICRC badge.

What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?

Many San Antonio homeowners make the mistake of hiring the first and most likely cheapest carpet cleaning services they come across without considering whether the cleaning method they intend to use is a good fit for their carpet. As a homeowner, you must understand that it is not every cleaning method that is compatible with your carpet. Using the wrong cleaning method for your carpets not only fails to do the job but also compromises the quality of the carpet.

To avoid compromising the quality of your carpet, it is crucial to find out the cleaning methods your preferred carpet cleaning company intends to use for the job before reaching any agreement. After that, you should also find out whether the proposed cleaning method is compatible with your carpet. Professional carpet cleaners in San Antonio consider a variety of factors when determining the best cleaning methods and products for your carpet. The type of carpet and carpet fiber, the nature of the dirt or stains on the carpet, and your preference for eco-friendly or commercial cleaning products are all factors taken into consideration. Among these factors, the type of carpet has a significant impact on the best cleaning method for the job.

Carpers are made from either natural or synthetic fibers and each has its unique characteristics. Some common carpet fibers include

  • Nylon: this carpet fiber is known for its resistance to abrasion, wear, and molding. It is commonly found in rooms with high traffic and is also used to make different styles and carpet constructions.
  • Polyester: this carpet fiber is naturally stain-resistant and easily recyclable. They are similar to nylon in many ways, but not as resilient.
  • Wool: this carpet fiber is strong, stain-resistant, eco-friendly, and flame-resistant. However, wool carpets are prone to attacks from moths, beetles, and other types of insects and may easily fade under sunlight
  • Acrylic: this is considered an inexpensive alternative to wool carpets. However, this type of carpeting is not widely available 
  • Cotton: cotton carpets are easy to clean, but are also high-maintenance, prone to fading, and do not do well with stains 
  • Olefin: Olefin carpets are moisture, mold, and mildew-resistant, which makes them a great option for outdoor use but unlike nylon, they are not resilient and can easily crush and lose their texture.
  • Triexta: triexta is a synthetic fiber carpet and is considered durable, extremely stain and moisture-resistant, and relatively easy to maintain

Carpet cleaning companies in San Antonio make use of one or more of the following cleaning methods when providing their services in relation to the aforementioned carpet types:

  • Hot water extraction: this method involves heating and spraying hot water onto the carpet fibers and extracting it immediately to flush the fibers clean and remove soil and stains. This method is used to remove dust, mud, thick dirt, and other debris from the carpet
  • Carpet shampooing: this involves the use of a specifically-formulated detergent and water to clean the carpet, often with a rotating brush to apply the shampoo to the carpet, and a machine to extract the shampoo until the carpet is clean and dry
  • Dry carpet cleaning: this involves the use of special powders or chemicals, with little-to-no water or liquids
  • Bonnet cleaning: this involves the use of a machine with a motorized spinning pad to apply the cleaning product to the surface of the carpet and then extract it along with trapped dirt and debris.
  • Encapsulation carpet cleaning: this involves the application of a cleaning solution to a carpet so that the solution penetrates deep and crystallizes around the dirt in the carpet, before being vacuumed afterward.

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 

Finally, it is always good to have an idea of the types of cleaning methods that are suitable for your carpet, as well as their pros and cons. This will guide you in choosing the best cleaning method for your carpet and a carpet cleaning company that utilizes the exact cleaning method you need.

Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?

Most conventional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that can have adverse health effects on children and pets. Some of the health risks associated with the use of unsafe cleaning products 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

When considering hiring a carpet cleaning company in San Antonio, it is critical to find out whether the cleaning products they intend to use are safe for you and your family. You can do so by asking the carpet cleaning company for a list of cleaning products that will be used for the job. Once the carpet cleaning company has provided you with a list of cleaning products that will be used for the job, you can look them up online using the EPA's Safer Choice platform, which lists cleaning products that have been certified as safe for use by this agency.

What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?

Many carpet cleaning companies in San Antonio also provide other cleaning services in addition to carpet cleaning. As such, if you want more than just carpet cleaning, you should inquire about the other cleaning services offered by your preferred carpet cleaning company. This will help you determine whether you can hire the company for any additional services you may require. Listed below are some additional services that many carpet cleaners in San Antonio offer:

  • House cleaning services: this generally involves dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, Wiping countertops, and emptying the trash. House cleaning services in San Antonio can cost anywhere between $20- $190, or more, depending on the size of the house or the number of rooms cleaned
  • Deep cleaning: this is similar to house cleaning services, but involves more intensive cleaning activities such as scrubbing grout, disinfecting wastebasket, cleaning toilet base, removing soap scum and limescale from fixtures, and cleaning shower doors, curtains, and crevices. This service can cost anywhere between $140 - $400, or more, depending on the scope of the work
  • Window cleaning: this involves dusting, wiping, and washing your windows. Carpet cleaners providing this service can charge you anywhere from $1.20 – $12.50 per window
  • Pet odor and stain removal: this service involves any activity that helps remove the unpleasant smells and stains that are left by pets, and can cost you anywhere from $110 - $700
  • Pressure washing: this involves the use of high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, mud, and dirt from hard surfaces like walls, roofs, and sidewalks. Pressure washing services cost an average of $90 - $650 
  • Laundry services: this involves washing and cleaning clothes, uniforms, and other types of fabrics. This service may also include folding and ironing the washed laundry. Laundry services cost an average of $8 - $20 per load
  • Upholstery cleaning: this involves cleaning all kinds of household furniture with special cleaning techniques and supplies. This service costs an average of $12 - $230 per item
  • Disinfection and sanitization services: this service focuses on keeping viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms to a bare minimum and actively killing germs in the home. This type of service can cost anywhere between $170 - $450 or more, depending on the number of rooms that require cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization.
  • Green cleaning services: this involves the use of organic cleaning products and supplies to clean a home. Green cleaning typically costs an average of $100 - $250 or more, depending on the size of the house and the number of rooms cleaned
  • Pest control cleaning services: this type of cleaning focuses on the prevention, control, or treatment of pest infestations. This service can cost $55 - $1,200. Make sure you find out whether an occupational license is required to perform this service.
  • Rug cleaning: this focuses on removing stains and dirt from a rug. Rug cleaning costs between $130 and $500 on average this focuses on getting rid of stains and dirt on a rug. 
  • Mattress cleaning services: this focuses on removing stains from dirty mattresses, washing bedding supplies, and airing out the mattress as needed. Mattress cleaning costs between $50 and $150 per mattress.
  • Tile and grout cleaning: this service involves cleaning any area covered with tiles with special attention paid to the tile grouts. This type of service costs anywhere between $20 - $47 per hour 

Before agreeing to any of the aforementioned services with your carpet company, you must ensure that they are experienced in providing the exact services you need. To be sure, you can ask for a list of people they have provided similar services to in the past and their contact information. Contact anyone listed as a reference to confirm any claims made by the carpet cleaning company you intend to hire.

In addition to ensuring that your preferred carpet cleaning company is experienced to provide the additional services you need, it is also crucial to find out if they have the necessary equipment to do the job. Note that some cleaning services require the use of highly-sophisticated equipment.

How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?

Professionally cleaned carpets typically take four to ten hours to dry. However, homeowners should keep in mind that the actual time it takes for their carpet to dry is determined by other factors like:

  • The carpet material: the type of carpet material involved determines whether your carpet will dry fast or not. For example, synthetic fiber carpets like nylon and polyester typically dry faster than natural fiber carpets like wool and cotton. 
  • The cleaning method: some cleaning methods like shampooing typically take longer to dry than methods that require little to no water
  • Humidity: carpets typically dry faster in areas with low humidity 
  • Temperature and airflow: indoor temperatures and airflow also affect how quickly or slowly carpets will dry

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

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

Are You Insured and Bonded?

There are no occupation-specific insurance requirements for carpet cleaners in San Antonio. However, reputable carpet cleaning companies in the city typically purchase the necessary insurance policies to protect themselves and their clients from any liabilities that may arise from providing their services. 

Reputable carpet cleaning companies are aware that there is always the risk of them injuring themselves, injuring a third party, or damaging a client's property while providing their services. Therefore, to avoid exposing themselves and their clients to liabilities that result from these work injuries and property damage, many carpet cleaning companies typically maintain the following insurance policies:

  • General liability insurance: this covers bodily injuries, property damage, and personal injuries
  • Workers’ compensation insurance: this covers injuries to the carpet cleaner’s employees
  • Employee dishonesty insurance: this covers losses caused by theft or fraudulent acts committed by the carpet cleaner’s employees

In addition to the aforementioned insurance policies, carpet cleaning companies purchase janitorial bonds to ensure that their clients do not incur any losses as a result of a failure on the part of their employees. Janitorial bonds also protect clients from losses resulting from an employee's dishonesty or theft.

Hiring a carpet cleaning company that is insured and bonded gives you much-needed protection against work injuries, property damage, property theft, and failure to provide the agreed-upon services. You can ensure that the carpet cleaning company you intend to hire is insured and bonded by requesting proof of insurance and a bond certificate from them and verifying the documents with the appropriate agencies.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Carpet Cleaning Service in San Antonio

The Texas Attorney General’s Office is responsible for protecting residents of San Antonio from unfair and deceptive business practices. As such, residents of San Antonio can file complaints involving dishonest carpet cleaners with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

Residents of San Antonio must understand that many dishonest carpet cleaners are roaming the city looking for unsuspecting citizens to scam. As a result, it is always in the interest of the homeowner to perform due diligence before hiring anyone for a carpet cleaning job. This will help homeowners differentiate a dishonest carpet cleaner from legitimate professionals. 

Homeowners can tell whether they are dealing with a dishonest carpet cleaner by identifying the following red flags:

  • The carpet cleaner shows up at your door uninvited
  • The carpet cleaner is offering ridiculously low rates
  • The carpet cleaner appears in an unmarked truck 
  • The carpet cleaner does not remove area rugs before cleaning 
  • The carpet cleaner insists on full payment before starting the work

You can avoid falling victim to a dishonest carpet cleaner by taking the following precautionary measures: 

  • Avoid door-to-door solicitors or anyone using pressure sale tactics while persuading you to hire them
  • Get recommendations from friends and relatives that have successfully had their carpets cleaned 
  • Visit third-party websites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Review to see reviews and testimonials on prospective carpet cleaning 
  • Get and compare estimates from different carpet cleaners in the city before choosing who to hire
  • Ensure that the carpet cleaner is insured and bonded
  • Avoid making full payment for the service upfront 
  • Avoid verbal agreements. Get a written agreement that includes the scope of the service, the types of products to be used, and any guarantees that the carpet cleaner makes concerning these services

You can file a complaint involving a dishonest carpet cleaner in San Antonio with the Texas Attorney General’s Office through the following methods:

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-254

Note that the Texas Attorney General’s Office does not guarantee monetary compensation for victims of carpet-cleaning-related scams or any other home improvement scams. If you seek monetary compensation, you can sue your carpet cleaner at an appropriate precinct of the Bexar County Justice of the Peace Courts. However, it is always a good idea to seek the advice of an attorney before filing a civil action against an interior designer. You can find licensed attorneys in San Antonio via the State Bar of Texas’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service