Frequently Asked Questions

An 8×10 rug is 80 square feet, a 9×12 is 108. Outside Manhattan that is roughly $240–$480 (8×10) and $324–$648 (9×12) for synthetic, or $320–$560 and $432–$756 for wool. Hand-knotted and silk rugs cost more, and Manhattan sits at the top of each range.

Almost always. Most companies set a minimum of $150–$250 per pickup, so a 3×5 or 4×6 rug usually costs the minimum rather than its square footage. Sending several rugs at once is the simplest way to make that minimum work for you.

Area rugs are priced per square foot. Outside Manhattan: $3–$6 synthetic, $4–$7 wool, $5–$8 hand-knotted Persian or Oriental, $6–$10 silk. Manhattan is about a dollar higher per square foot. A 9×12 wool rug (108 sq ft) is roughly $432–$756 outside Manhattan.

Typically $1–$4 per square foot or $50–$150 per room. Stairs are $2–$5 per step or $30–$80 per flight, and minimum job charges vary by company.

Moth treatment $20–$50 per rug, binding or serging $3–$10 per linear foot, storage $20–$60 per rug per month. Pet urine treatment and reweaving are quoted by condition.

Usually because they are different jobs: an on-site surface clean versus a full in-plant wash with dusting, rinsing and controlled drying. Ask which method is included and what is not.

In-plant cleaning is typically 5–14 days door to door, covering collection, dusting, washing, controlled drying and delivery.

After hot-water extraction, carpet is commonly dry to the touch in 6–12 hours and fully dry within about 24 hours. Encapsulation often dries in 1–2 hours.

Area rugs every 3–5 years in ordinary use, or every 1–2 years with pets or children. Carpet is commonly cleaned about every 12 months, and every 6–12 months with pets, allergies or heavy traffic.

No, and the difference is most of the price. "Cleaning" often means surface cleaning where the rug lies, with a machine passed over the pile. "Washing" means the rug is dusted, immersed in water at a plant, rinsed and dried under controlled conditions. Ask which one a quote covers.

Four, in practice: full immersion washing at a plant, low-moisture surface cleaning on site, hot-water extraction (often called steam cleaning) for wall-to-wall carpet, and dry compound cleaning where water is a risk. The rug’s fiber, dyes and condition decide which is safe.

Ask three companies to price the same job in writing, and compare method, what is excluded, timing and the all-in total rather than a starting rate. Check the rating on the platform where the company has the most reviews, and confirm insurance if your building needs a certificate.

Wall-to-wall carpet is cleaned in your home. Loose area rugs are usually taken to a plant, where they can be dusted, fully washed, rinsed and dried under controlled conditions.

Yes. Steam cleaning is another name for hot-water extraction, which uses hot water to clean and extract soil.

Dry grit in the foundation cuts fibers underfoot, and adding water to it makes mud. Washing without proper dusting leaves the damaging material behind.

Light, movable items are usually included. Heavy pieces, electronics, furniture with contents and fragile items are normally excluded. Confirm it in writing.

Often above a minimum order, typically $150–$250. Below that, expect a fee, and some companies charge for travel. Ask for the all-in price including collection and delivery.

Many New York buildings require a COI naming the building before a crew can work or collect a rug. Ask early, because it can take a day or two to arrange.

Clear the floor, photograph both sides of the rug in good light, point out stains and what you used on them, and get a receipt, tag or job number.

Many can be removed or reduced, but dye-based spills, bleach damage and age-related discoloration may be permanent. A good company tells you what is realistic before starting.

Because urine soaks into the backing, pad or floor, and surface cleaning only treats the top. Rugs are flushed at a plant so contamination is rinsed out rather than spread.

Ask for the difference itemised in writing. If it is not resolved, write a dated report, keep your paperwork, and take an unresolved consumer complaint to New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, reachable through 311.

No. RugRate is free for customers. Companies set their own prices, and you decide whether to book.

A score out of 5, computed from four inputs: the company’s average rating across review platforms, how many reviews back it, years in business, and how much the listing publishes. It is shown next to the star ratings, never instead of them.

Companies are added and verified borough by borough. Nothing is invented in the meantime, so pages show what is real rather than placeholder listings.