Get Quotes from Top Carpet Cleaning Services in Indianapolis, IN

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carpet Cleaner

If you are contemplating deep cleaning your carpet or rug by yourself, get ready to lease some heavy cleaning equipment and deal with delicate chemicals. However, for less than $0.20 per square foot, you can save yourself this stress and hire top carpet cleaning services in Indianapolis. These professionals are conversant with the latest techniques to remove stubborn odors, stains, molds, and other allergens that compromise the look of the carpet as well as the health of your household.

When searching for a good carpet cleaning service in the city, you should hire an experienced and insured professional who can satisfactorily answer the following questions:

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

Before you agree to a contract with a carpet cleaning company in Indianapolis, it is important that you know how much their service will cost you. Many professional carpet cleaners in Indianapolis offer free cost estimates for their services before hiring them. Carpet cleaning companies in Indianapolis typically use square footage rates or per-room charges based on the number of rooms they will clean to determine their estimates. Nonetheless, other factors are taken into consideration to determine the overall cost of a carpet cleaning service, such as:

  • The urgency of the job
  • The condition of the carpet
  • The carpet size and material
  • The location of the customer within the city
  • The furniture moving and other labor costs
  • The cleaning method, solution, and cleaning supplies to be used
  • Additional services like room cleaning, water damage cleaning, and stain and odor removal

As such, before you start choosing a carpet cleaning company in Indianapolis, you should get and compare the estimates of multiple carpet cleaning companies. Doing so will allow you to make an informed decision about the carpet cleaning company that suits your budget and avoid getting ripped off. When a carpet cleaning company refuses to provide an estimate, it indicates that they may be trying to scam you.

Below is a list of the average costs for various types of carpet cleaning in Indianapolis that professional carpet cleaning companies offer.

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Square Foot:

250 square feet
$45 - $80
500 square feet
$80 - $180
1,000 square feet
$150 - $350
1,500 square feet
$200 - $450
2,000 square feet
$300 - $750
2,500 square feet
$400 - $950

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates per Room:

1 room
$35 - $80
2 rooms
$45 - $160
3 rooms
$70 - $300
4 rooms
$85 - $300
5 rooms
$135 - $600

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Cleaning Method:

Steam/Hot Water Extraction
$100 - $300
Carpet Shampooing
$100 - $200
Dry Cleaning
$55 - $120
Bonnet
$30 - $80
Encapsulation
$80 - $180

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Carpet Type:

Synthetic fiber carpets
$60 - $280
Natural fiber carpets
$100 - $425

Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimates Based on Type of Service:

Green carpet cleaning
$100 - $215
Carpet stain removal
$30 - $425
Upholstery cleaning
$50 - $100
Pet stain and odor cleaning/removal
$30 - $50 per hour
Stair carpet cleaning
$2 - $5 per stair
Water extraction
$400 – $1900
Furniture moving
$10 - $50
Carpet patch repair
$100 - $220
Carpet re-stretching
$100 - $300
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Carpet Cleaning Technicians?

n addition to their prospective employee's skills and experience, carpet cleaning companies consider their trustworthiness when hiring. This is why reputable carpet cleaning companies conduct background checks on prospective workers. A background check helps carpet cleaning companies hire honest individuals who will not steal from their clients. This also ensures that they will not put their company's reputation at risk.

As such, before hiring a carpet cleaning company, make sure that you confirm that the company has conducted background checks on all of its employees. Consider it a red flag if a carpet cleaning company cannot confirm that it has conducted background checks on its workers. This is especially important since the workers can access your personal space. The following background checks reveal a worker's history as regards to the following:

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

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

When hiring a carpet cleaning company in Indianapolis, it is equally important to confirm if your preferred carpet cleaning technicians have been certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC). The IICRC, a leading organization in the industry, upholds the industry's most common standards and provides certification to some of the best cleaning technicians in the world. The certification is awarded after the technician has passed a written exam and has demonstrated the necessary experience and skills to perform their work. Hiring a carpet cleaning company with IICRC certified cleaning technicians guarantee that your work will be carried out satisfactorily and up to industry standards.

A carpet cleaning firm with at least one certified technician, a business license, and adequate insurance coverage can apply and earn the IICRC badge.

What Carpet Cleaning Methods Do You Use?

Before concluding the hiring process for a carpet cleaning company in Indianapolis, it is important that you know the cleaning methods that they use. To determine the suitable carpet products and methods for your carpet, a professional carpet cleaning company considers certain factors. Factors such as the type of carpet, the dirt or stains on it, and your preference for commercial or eco-friendly cleaning products can be considered when choosing a cleaning method. The type of carpet plays a vital role in choosing the right cleaning method for your carpet.

A carpet is typically made from either synthetic or natural fibers, each with unique characteristics. Some common carpet fibers in Indianapolis include:

  • Nylon: One of the most common types of fibers used for carpets is this one, which is resistant to wear and tear. Unfortunately, these types of carpets get stained easily.
  • Wool: These materials are known to be stain-resistant, eco-friendly, and durable. However, wool carpets are more prone to fading and require high maintenance.
  • Cotton: Another natural fiber option is cotton. Although soft and easy to clean, cotton carpets are prone to fading, easily staining, and require high maintenance.
  • Acrylic: Although it is an inexpensive alternative to wool, this type of carpet is not readily available.
  • Olefin: Olefin carpets are commonly used for basement and outdoor flooring due to their moisture, mold, and mildew resistance. However, they are not ideal for walking on.
  • Triexta: Triexta is a type of synthetic carpet that is easy to maintain, durable, highly stain-resistant, and moisture-resistant.
  • Polyester: this is similar to nylon carpets. However, it is not as strong.

When it comes to providing services to Indianapolis residents, carpet cleaning companies use varying cleaning methods depending on the type of carpet they are cleaning, including:

  • Hot water extraction/Steam carpet cleaning: This method involves using heated pressurized water to remove dirt, dust, and other debris from the carpet.
  • Carpet shampooing: This method involves using water and special cleaning agents to clean the carpet thoroughly. The cleaning process usually involves using a rotating brush to shampoo to get the desired effect.
  • Dry carpet cleaning: This method involves using special chemicals or powders to clean the carpet. It does not involve the use of water or liquids.
  • Bonnet cleaning: This method involves using a motorized spinning pad to apply the cleaning agent on the carpet's surface. It then removes dirt and debris that are tripped in the carpet.
  • Encapsulation carpet cleaning: This process involves using specialized cleaning agents designed to expand and bubble. At the same time, they are applied to a carpet to trap dirt and debris in it.

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 

Before you hire a carpet cleaning company, it is important that you know the type of cleaning methods and products that the technicians will use on your carpet. Also, you need to confirm if the technicians have the expertise necessary to carry out the work satisfactorily. If you have any allergies that any of their cleaning products may cause, you should inform carpet cleaning companies so that it can be taken into account when selecting the cleaning products.

Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Kids and Pets?

When completing the hiring process for a carpet cleaning company in Indianapolis, it is important to consider the type of cleaning product it uses. Many cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), other potentially harmful chemicals, and pollutants like ammonia, bleach, and artificial fragrances. These harmful toxins pose dangers to the health of your family and pets. Some of the health hazards posed by these types of chemicals and cleaning products include:

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


Even though professional carpet cleaners in Indianapolis use cleaning products that may be generally safe for your kids and pets, it is still essential to confirm this with them before hiring them. Also, ensure you request a list of the cleaning products that your preferred carpet cleaning company will be using. This will allow you to check the product's safety ratings through the EPA's Safer Choice platform. Note that this platform contains a list of cleaning products certified as safe by the EPA.

What Other Cleaning Services Do You Provide?

While some carpet cleaning companies in Indianapolis mainly clean carpets, others provide other services unrelated to carpet cleaning. If your home requires other cleaning services besides carpet cleaning, you should confirm with your preferred carpet cleaning company if they offer additional services alongside carpet cleaning. Some additional cleaning services that carpet cleaners in Indianapolis typically provide include:

  • House cleaning services: This includes regular dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and cleaning of surfaces, such as floors, walls, and furniture. It costs between $50 to $150 on average, depending on the number of rooms cleaned or the size of the house.
  • Deep cleaning: This involves more intensive activities, usually focused on hard-to-reach places in the house. Deep cleaning can cost around $100 to $350, depending on the size of your house or the number of rooms cleaned.
  • Window cleaning: This cleaning also involves getting your windows cleaned. It can cost you about $1.50 to $10 per window.
  • Pet odor and stain removal: This service is focused on removing the unpleasant stains and smells that your pets leave behind. The average cost of these services is around $100 to $700.
  • Pressure washing: This type of cleaning focuses on hard surfaces such as walls, driveways, and roofs. Pressure washing can cost around $100 to $650.
  • Laundry services: This includes the cleaning of your dirty laundry, ironing, and folding. The average cost of laundry services is around $10 to $15 per load.
  • Upholstery cleaning: This involves cleaning furniture that requires special cleaning techniques. This service typically costs around $15 to $200.
  • Disinfection and sanitization services: This service helps prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, in your office or home. This type of cleaning usually costs $200 to $450, depending on the number of rooms in the house that require it.
  • Green cleaning services: This involves the use of organic products and supplies. Usually, green cleaning can cost around $100 to $200, depending on the size of a house or the number of rooms cleaned.
  • Pest control cleaning services: This cleaning treatment helps prevent rodents and pests in your house. It can cost from around $80 to $1,400.
  • Rug cleaning: Rugs are not fixed to the floor and are generally smaller when compared to carpet. They can be cleaned for an average of $150 to $500.
  • Mattress cleaning services: This includes the removal of dirt and stains from mattresses, as well as the washing of bedding supplies. It can cost around $50 to $100 per mattress.
  • Tile and grout cleaning: This service involves cleaning your tile and grout. This service can cost around $30 to $50 an hour.
  • Hardwood floor cleaning: This type of cleaning is focused on hardwood floors. The cleaner uses the appropriate equipment and supplies to guarantee that the floor's natural beauty is maintained. It can cost around $40 to $60 an hour.

To this end, before you finalize the hiring contract with your preferred carpet cleaning company, confirm if they can offer any other services besides carpet cleaning. Also, ensure you have the necessary details about the other services they offer, where applicable. Note that some companies offer discounted cleaning packages that include multiple cleaning services, so you should confirm if your prospective carpet cleaners offer this.

How Long Will It Take for My Carpet to Dry?

Before cleaning your carpet, you should know how long it will take to dry up. Usually, it takes around four to ten hours for a professional clean a carpet thoroughly, but the actual time it takes to dry up depends on various factors, such as:

  • The carpet material: Most natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, can take up to 24 hours to dry completely, while synthetic ones, such as nylon and polyester, can take much faster.
  • The cleaning method: Different types of cleaning methods, such as encapsulation and dry carpet cleaning, can speed up the drying process of carpets compared to methods that use a lot of water, like shampooing and bonnet cleaning.
  • Humidity: carpets typically dry faster in areas with low humidity
  • Temperature and airflow: The indoor airflow and room temperature can also affect how quickly your carpet will dry.

Some other steps that you can take to speed up your carpet's drying time include:

  • Use of fans
  • Turn on the AC if opening a window is not an option
  • Use a dehumidifier if you live in a relatively humid area
  • Move furniture and other objects away from the wet carpet
  • Use a wet vacuum cleaner to soak up moisture
  • Open your windows and doors, if possible, to let fresh air circulate

Are You Insured and Bonded?

When you hire a carpet cleaning company to come into your home, risks are always involved. These include the possibility of property damage and bodily injuries caused by injuries from specialized cleaning tools and equipment and exposure to chemicals, flammable liquids, and other potentially harmful substances.

As such, before hiring a professional carpet cleaning company, it is important that you confirm they have both the proper insurance and bonds. This ensures that you are protected against the various risks that can occur while the job is being carried out. A bond is typically only used to protect clients from losses if the carpet cleaning services fail to provide the agreed-on services. Professional carpet cleaning companies typically use insurance policies to protect their clients and their services. It can provide them financial protection if something unfortunate happens during the job. Typically, carpet cleaners in Indianapolis purchase general liability insurance to cover bodily injuries, property damage, and personal injuries to third parties. Likewise, workers' compensation insurance covers injuries to the carpet cleaner's employees. Finally, a dishonesty insurance policy to cover losses caused by fraudulent or theft acts committed by the carpet cleaning company's employees.

Note that Indianapolis-based carpet cleaning companies are required by law to maintain workers' compensation insurance for their employees. Before signing any company contract, make sure they are bonded and insured. This can be done by asking them to provide you with copies of their insurance documents. Ensure you contact the relevant issuing organizations to validate any proof provided by the carpet cleaners.

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

The Indiana Attorney General's Office is a consumer protection agency that aims to protect residents from unfair and deceptive practices. You can file complaints against carpet cleaning companies with this agency.

Even though there are legitimate Indianapolis-based carpet cleaning companies, there are still fraudulent companies and con artists looking to steal from their customers. In 2018, a couple in Indiana lost more than $32,000 after hiring a home improvement project service provider. After visiting the property in Indiana, the couple noticed that the work had only been minimal, and the service provider failed to show up after complaining. When it comes to choosing a carpet cleaning company, it is important to be aware of some red flags that could indicate that the service provider is a con artist, like:

  • The carpet cleaner showing up at your door uninvited.
  • The carpet cleaner offers ridiculously low rates.
  • The carpet cleaner does not remove area rugs before cleaning.
  • The carpet cleaner insisting on full payment upfront
  • The carpet cleaner offers a unique cleaning method that will cost you more than the usual rates, only to use un-effective methods for the job.
  • The carpet cleaning company gives a different price from their initial estimate claiming the type of stain on your carpet requires premium and specialized cleaning products.

You can avoid falling for these scams by taking the following precautionary steps when making hiring plans with preferred carpet cleaning companies in Indianapolis:

  • Check out customer reviews and testimonials on these carpet cleaning companies by visiting online review websites such as Google, Amazon, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp.
  • Never hire a carpet cleaning company that visits you unsolicited. Instead, ask your relatives and friends who have had their carpets cleaned to recommend reputable firms in the area.
  • Make sure that the company you hire has a written contract that clearly states the scope of its services. It should also include the price, product type, and any guarantees it makes regarding the services.
  • Get and compare rates from multiple carpet cleaners before deciding on who to hire
  • Make sure that your prospective carpet cleaner is adequately insured and bonded.
  • Never pay the full cost of your carpet cleaning services upfront.

Carpet cleaning service fraud victims in Indianapolis can file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General's Office. You can file a complaint against the carpet cleaning company online or by filling out and mailing a consumer complaint form to:

Office of the Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division Government Center South, 5th Floor 302 West. Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204

Note that it is usually not guaranteed for victims of carpet cleaning service fraud to recover all of their money lost to the contractor. You can file a complaint against the company at the relevant Indiana Court to get compensation. For instance, if the money in dispute is $8,00 or less, then you should consider filing a civil lawsuit in any of the following small claims court locations:

Center Township Small Claims Court
300 East. Fall Creek Pkwy N
Drive #130
Center Township Small Claims Court
300 East. Fall Creek Pkwy N
Drive #130
Franklin Township Small Claims Court
4351 Independence Square
Indianapolis, IN 46203

Before filing a civil lawsuit against a carpet cleaning contractor, it is important that you speak with an attorney. You can find an attorney near you through the lawyer referral services of the Indianapolis Bar Association.