If you live in Lakewood, you know that the Colorado lifestyle often tracks the outdoors right into your living room.
Between “mud season,” hiking boots, and pets returning from Bear Creek Lake Park, your area rugs take a beating.
While regular vacuuming helps, deep cleaning is essential to preserve the vibrant colors and integrity of your rug’s fibers.
But before you schedule a service, you likely want to know: What is the fair market price for rug cleaning in Lakewood, CO?
Factors That Influence Rug Cleaning Prices
Rug cleaning isn’t a “one price fits all” service. Professional cleaners in Lakewood use a few specific variables to calculate your quote.
Understanding these will help you avoid sticker shock when the bill arrives.
1. Rug Material (The Biggest Cost Factor)
The fiber content of your rug dictates the cleaning method.
Synthetic (Nylon, Polyester, Olefin)
These are durable and can often be steam cleaned or hot-water extracted. This is generally the cheapest option.
Natural Fibers (Wool, Cotton, Silk)
These require specialized pH-balanced solutions, cold water, and often hand-washing techniques to prevent shrinking or dye bleeding. This requires more labor and costs more.
2. Rug Size
Most Lakewood cleaners charge per square foot. To estimate your cost, multiply the length of your rug by the width.
- Example: An 8×10 rug is 80 square feet.
3. Cleaning Method
In-Plant/Hand Wash
The rug is taken to a facility, dusted, submerged in a wash pit, and air-dried. This is the gold standard for wool/silk but is the most expensive.
Steam Cleaning/Hot Water Extraction
Done in your home or off-site. Best for durable synthetic rugs.
Dry Cleaning
A low-moisture method used for maintenance cleans or fragile dyes.
4. Logistics: Pickup and Delivery vs. Drop-off
In Lakewood, where many residents live in condos or apartments with stairs, hauling a wet, heavy rug is difficult.
- Pickup/Delivery: Many companies charge a flat “trip fee” (usually $25–$50) or build it into the square footage price.
- Drop-off: You may save money by dropping the rug off at a facility yourself.
5. Additional Treatments
- Pet Urine Removal: Enzyme treatments to neutralize odor typically add $30–$80 per rug.
- Stain Protection: Applying a fiber shield (like Scotchgard) usually costs $1–$3 per square foot.
Average Rug Cleaning Costs in Lakewood, CO
Cost by Rug Type (Per Square Foot)
| Rug Material | Cleaning Method | Price Range (Per Sq. Ft.) |
| Synthetic | Steam/Extraction | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Wool | Hand Wash/Gentle | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Silk/Viscose | Specialized Hand Wash | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| Shag | Deep Raking/Wash | $3.50 – $5.50 |
Estimated Total Cost by Size (Synthetic vs. Wool)
| Rug Size | Dimensions (Sq. Ft.) | Synthetic Cost (Est.) | Wool Cost (Est.) |
| Entry Mat | 3′ x 5′ (15) | $45 – $60 | $60 – $90 |
| Runner | 2.5′ x 8′ (20) | $50 – $80 | $80 – $120 |
| Small Living | 5′ x 8′ (40) | $80 – $120 | $150 – $220 |
| Standard | 8′ x 10′ (80) | $150 – $240 | $240 – $400 |
| Large Room | 9′ x 12′ (108) | $200 – $350 | $350 – $550 |
Note: Many local companies have a “minimum service charge” ranging from $100 to $150. If you only have one small rug, it is often more cost-effective to have multiple rugs cleaned at once.
Cost Comparison of Cleaning Methods
Not all cleans are created equal. Here is how the methodology impacts your wallet:
Steam Cleaning (Hot Water Extraction)
- Average Cost: $1.50 – $3.00 per sq. ft.
- Best For: Synthetic area rugs, wall-to-wall carpeting.
- Pros: deeply cleans durable fibers, lower cost, faster drying.
- Cons: Heat can damage wool or cause shrinkage in natural fibers if not done correctly.
Hand Washing (Submersion)
- Average Cost: $3.50 – $7.00 per sq. ft.
- Best For: Persian, Oriental, Wool, and Silk rugs.
- Pros: Removes deep-set dust (badgering), 100% urine removal possible, safest for dyes.
- Cons: Higher price point, takes 5–7 days for turnaround.
Dry Cleaning / Encapsulation
- Average Cost: $2.00 – $4.00 per sq. ft.
- Best For: Rugs that cannot get wet (certain silks or antique dyes).
- Pros: Zero risk of shrinkage, no drying time.
- Cons: Surface level clean only; does not remove deep impact soil.
DIY vs. Professional Rug Cleaning
Is it worth renting a machine to save money? Here is the breakdown.
DIY Rental
- Cost: ~$40–$60 per day for the machine + ~$30 for chemicals.
- Risk: High. Home machines often leave detergent residue behind, which attracts dirt faster. Worse, they generally do not have enough suction to remove all the water, leading to mold and mildew growth in the rug backing.
Professional Cleaning
- Cost: $150+ depending on size.
- Benefit: Professionals adjust pH levels to prevent browning and dye bleed. They also have climate-controlled drying rooms to ensure the rug is bone-dry before it returns to your floor.
How to Find Reputable Rug Cleaners in Lakewood
When vetting a cleaner in Jefferson County, look for transparency.
- Check Certification: Look for IICRC certified technicians.
- Ask About the Process: Do they clean in the home or take it away? (Wool rugs should generally be taken away).
- Read Reviews: Look for mentions of “hidden fees.”
- Compare: Large chains like Stanley Steemer offer reliable baseline services, but local boutique cleaners often provide more specialized care for delicate heirlooms.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
- “Do you charge a trip fee for Lakewood residents?”
- “Is pet odor treatment guaranteed?”
- “Do you dust the rug (remove dry soil) before washing it?”
Trusted Rug Cleaning in Lakewood, CO
Maintaining your area rugs doesn’t just improve the look of your home; it improves your indoor air quality by removing trapped allergens and dust.
If you are looking for a transparent, reliable, and local cleaning partner, look no further than Trailside Tidy. We specialize in keeping Lakewood homes spotless, offering detailed cleaning services tailored to your needs.
Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance, our vetted and insured team is ready to help.
Ready to refresh your home?
Call Trailside Tidy today: +1 720-784-4270
Email: support@trailsidetidy.com
Visit: 355 S Teller St STE 200, Lakewood, CO 80226
