Rug Cleaning Cost Calculator

1. Enter rug count, then measure length and width.
2. Select unit type, rug type, material, and method.
3. Choose soil and stain based on the worst area.
4. Enable pickup only if transport is needed.
5. Select add-ons for odor, protection, or pet needs.
6. Add discount, tax, and a minimum charge if needed.
7. Press calculate to see totals and breakdowns.
8. Export CSV or PDF to share your estimate.

Outdoor Rug Soil and Weather Effects

Outdoor rugs near patios collect grit, pollen, and clay after rain. Soil level changes the cleaning factor because embedded particles require extra agitation and rinsing. For best estimates, judge soil by the darkest traffic lanes and the edges where water pools. If the rug sits under planters, check for fertilizer dust and algae film along the weave.

Material Sensitivity and Safe Methods

Polypropylene and nylon tolerate stronger extraction, while wool, jute, and silk blends need gentler chemistry and controlled moisture. The material factor reflects risk and handling time. If a rug feels stiff, sheds fibers, or has a loose backing, choose the delicate option. Low-moisture methods can reduce shrink risk, but may increase labor and product cost.

Stain Categories and Treatment Time

Food stains usually lift quickly, but oils cling to fibers and demand pre-spray dwell time. Pet accidents add odor work and possible enzyme steps, and mildew requires careful drying to prevent return growth. Select the stain type that matches the hardest spot, not the average. When stains cover only one corner, the calculator still helps you budget, then negotiate a partial-treatment price.

Pickup, Add-ons, and Practical Pricing

Pickup is priced as a trip fee plus a distance rate, helping you compare drop-off versus collection. Deodorizing, protector, and sanitation add-ons scale with area, so large rugs change more than small mats. Urgent turnaround applies a premium to cover scheduling pressure and drying resources. Add a site travel fee if access involves stairs, narrow gates, or long hose runs from the driveway.

Reading the Breakdown and Using Exports

The breakdown shows how area, rates, and multipliers build the subtotal, then how discounts and taxes change the final amount. Use effective cost per square foot to compare bids across different rug sizes. Export CSV for quick quoting and PDF for sharing a clear estimate with clients. Save exports with the rug location, such as pergola or shed, so seasonal cleanings stay consistent across the year.

1) What size should I enter for an irregular rug?

Measure the longest length and widest width, then enter those values. This gives a conservative area, which is useful for budgeting. For round rugs, use the diameter as both length and width.

2) How do I choose a soil level accurately?

Check the darkest traffic lanes and the edges near doors or garden paths. If grit feels embedded when you rub the pile, pick heavy. If it looks muddy or crusted, select extreme.

3) When should I select mildew or mold stains?

Select mildew when you see black specks, musty odor, or damp storage marks. It often needs slower drying and extra steps. If the rug is wet now, dry it first before cleaning.

4) Does the pickup distance include both directions?

Enter the one-way distance from the cleaner to your location. The calculator uses a trip fee plus a distance rate as a simple estimate. If your provider charges round trip, increase the distance.

5) What does business mode change?

Business mode estimates internal cost using labor time, hourly rate, supplies per square foot, and overhead. Then it suggests a price to hit your target margin. It helps set quotes, not replace inspection.

6) Why is there a minimum charge adjustment?

Small rugs still require setup, equipment, and drying space. A minimum charge prevents underpricing when the computed total is very low. Adjust it to match your local market and operating costs.