Carpet Cleaning Business Overview
Carpet cleaning businesses provide professional cleaning and maintenance services for residential and commercial properties. These companies use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to remove dirt, stains, and contaminants from carpets, rugs, and upholstery. The services help extend the life of flooring investments while maintaining healthy indoor environments. With over 37,000 businesses operating in this sector, carpet cleaning has established itself as a stable service industry generating $6.8 billion in annual revenue.
Different types of carpet cleaning companies serve various market segments and customer needs. Some focus exclusively on residential clients, visiting homes to clean carpets, area rugs, and furniture. Others concentrate on commercial accounts, maintaining office buildings, retail spaces, and other business locations. Many companies combine both residential and commercial services while offering additional cleaning and maintenance solutions.
The most common business models include:
- Residential Service Provider: Focuses on cleaning carpets and upholstery in private homes
- Commercial Service Provider: Specializes in servicing offices, retail spaces, and other business locations
- Full-Service Provider: Offers both residential and commercial cleaning along with additional maintenance services
Related: Checklist to Start a Business
How Do Carpet Cleaning Businesses Make Money?
Carpet cleaning businesses earn income by charging customers for professional cleaning services based on square footage or room count. For residential jobs, companies typically charge per room or area, while commercial contracts often use square footage pricing. The base pricing varies depending on factors like carpet type, soil level, and cleaning method required.
Beyond standard carpet cleaning, businesses diversify their income through related services, including upholstery cleaning, air duct maintenance, water damage restoration, and stain removal. Commercial clients often sign up for ongoing maintenance programs that provide predictable monthly revenue.
Other services can include emergencies, such as flooding or major spills, that command higher rates for immediate response and after-hours work. Selling cleaning products and fabric protection treatments to customers adds a retail component to their revenue. Also, specialized services like oriental rug cleaning and pet odor removal allow companies to charge premium prices compared to basic carpet cleaning services.
Industry Statistics
Carpet cleaning businesses operate under NAICS code 56174, designated as Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services. This classification encompasses companies that professionally clean carpets, rugs, and furniture fabrics. Here are some statistics that highlight various aspects of the industry.
Carpet Cleaning Industry Size & Growth: The carpet cleaning industry generates $6.8 billion annually. The industry has shown steady performance with an average annual growth of 3.6% over the past five years. Looking ahead, continued growth of 5.3% annually through 2030 is expected due to increasing household formation rates and rising consumer spending on professional cleaning services. The expansion of commercial office spaces and retail locations will also contribute to industry growth (IBISWorld).
Number of Carpet Cleaning Businesses: Currently, 37,003 carpet cleaning companies operate across the country. The industry remains largely fragmented, with two major companies holding notable market presence. Stanley Steemer International leads with $136.8 million in revenue, while Blackman Mooring Services generates $53.2 million (IBISWorld).
Carpet Cleaning Average Profit Margin: Companies in this industry typically maintain average profit margins of 12.8% before taxes. These margins account for operating costs, including labor, equipment, and cleaning supplies (IRS).
States with Most Carpet Cleaning Businesses: The highest concentration of carpet cleaning businesses can be found in states with large population centers and active commercial sectors. California, Texas, Florida, and New York host the largest number of carpet cleaning companies (U.S. Census Bureau).
Startup Stories
Also See: Ideas for Naming a Carpet Cleaning Business
Costs To Start a Carpet Cleaning Business
Starting a carpet cleaning business typically requires an initial investment of between $4,000 and $50,000, depending on the size and scope of operations. The range can be lower for small residential-focused operations or higher for companies planning to serve commercial clients.
There are several expenses to consider when starting this type of business. Here are some of the more expensive items:
Equipment and Supplies: Professional carpet cleaning machines cost between $2,000 and $8,000 each, depending on their capacity and features. This includes portable units or truck-mounted systems, cleaning wands, hoses, and other attachments. Companies also need to purchase cleaning solutions, spotting agents, and other treatment products.
Transportation: A reliable van or truck is necessary to transport equipment and supplies to job sites. If you don’t already own a suitable vehicle, this would be an additional expense to consider.
Insurance: Business insurance coverage, including liability and equipment protection, generally ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 annually. This protects against damage to client property and covers potential workplace accidents.
Training and Certification: Professional certification programs and training courses cost between $500 to $2,000. These programs teach proper cleaning techniques, chemical handling, and safety procedures.
These estimates provide a general idea of startup costs, but actual expenses will vary based on location, business size, and equipment choices.
Resources
Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association
International Cleaning and Restoration Association
National Carpet Cleaners Association