If you've got an oriental rug or a nice area rug, you've probably wondered what it would cost to have it professionally cleaned. The short answer: most rugs fall between $80 and $400. The longer answer depends on a few specifics about your rug.
What affects the price
Size is the biggest factor. A 5x8 rug costs less to clean than a 9x12. Most professional cleaners price by the square foot, typically $2 to $5 per square foot depending on the method and the rug type. A small accent rug might run $80 to $120. A large room-sized rug can hit $300 to $400.
Fiber type matters a lot. Synthetic rugs (polypropylene, nylon, polyester) are straightforward to clean and cost less. Wool rugs require more care and usually run higher. Silk or silk-blend rugs are the most delicate and most expensive to clean because the fibers can be damaged by the wrong cleaning method or temperature.
Condition plays a role too. A rug that gets regular maintenance and just needs a refresh costs less than one that hasn't been cleaned in five years and has set-in stains, pet odor, or fringe damage. Heavy stain treatment or odor removal adds to the cost.
Construction is the last variable. A machine-made area rug from a big-box store is simpler to clean than a hand-knotted Persian rug that's worth thousands. Hand-knotted and hand-woven rugs need gentler methods and more time.
Rough price ranges
Here's what you can typically expect in the Collierville and Memphis area:
- Small accent rug (3x5 or 4x6): $80 to $150
- Medium area rug (5x8 or 6x9): $120 to $250
- Large area rug (8x10 or 9x12): $200 to $400
- Oversized or specialty rugs: $400 and up
These ranges assume a standard cleaning. Add $30 to $75 for stain treatment, pet odor removal, or fringe cleaning.
DIY vs. professional cleaning
For basic upkeep, doing it yourself is fine. Vacuum both sides regularly. Blot spills right away with a damp cloth. Shake out smaller rugs every few weeks. That maintenance extends the life of any rug and keeps it looking good between professional cleanings.
But there are limits to what you can do at home. Rental carpet cleaners are not designed for area rugs. They use too much water, they can stretch or shrink the rug, and they leave soap residue in the fibers. That residue attracts dirt faster, so the rug looks worse within a few weeks.
Professional cleaning is the right call when:
- The rug hasn't been deep cleaned in over a year
- There are stains that won't respond to spot treatment
- The rug smells musty or has pet odor
- It's a valuable oriental or antique rug that you don't want to risk damaging
- The colors look faded or flat (often just dirt dulling the fibers)
Is it worth the cost?
A good area rug is an investment. Oriental and Persian rugs especially hold value for decades when they're cared for properly. Spending $150 to $300 on professional cleaning once a year is a fraction of the replacement cost and keeps the rug in the condition it should be in.
For synthetic rugs, professional cleaning still makes sense when home methods aren't getting the job done. Even a $200 rug is worth a $100 cleaning if the alternative is replacing it.
Get a quote
We clean area rugs and oriental rugs of all sizes and fiber types. Our method is low-moisture, soap-free, and safe for wool, silk, and antique rugs. If you want a specific price for your rug, call us at 901-850-4125 or request a quote online. We're happy to give you a number before we start.