Starting a carpet cleaning business in the United States can be a smart, low-barrier entry into the service industry. With minimal upfront investment, flexible hours, and strong residential and commercial demand, it’s a solid option for entrepreneurs who enjoy physical work and customer service.
How Is Carpet Cleaned?
Carpet cleaning involves removing dirt, stains, allergens, and odors from carpets using specialized equipment and cleaning solutions. The most common professional methods are:
- Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) – A machine injects hot water and detergent into the carpet, then immediately extracts it along with dirt and debris. This is the most common and recommended method for deep cleaning.
- Dry Carpet Cleaning – Uses minimal moisture and cleaning powder that is vacuumed up. It’s faster-drying but less intensive.
- Bonnet Cleaning – Involves a rotary machine with an absorbent pad. More suitable for surface-level commercial cleaning.
- Encapsulation Cleaning – Uses polymers that crystallize dirt, which is then vacuumed up. Great for low-moisture commercial jobs.
Most residential carpet cleaning companies use portable or truck-mounted hot water extraction systems, which deliver deep cleaning results.
What Equipment Is Needed (and How Much It Costs)
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Basic Equipment:
- Portable carpet cleaning machine (starter model): $1,500–$3,500
- Truck-mounted system (professional-grade): $10,000–$25,000 (plus van/truck)
- Vacuum cleaner (commercial-grade): $300–$800
- Air movers/dryers (to speed up drying): $200–$500 each
- Cleaning solutions, spot treatments, deodorizers: $200–$500 startup stock
- Hoses, wands, and attachments: $500–$1,500
- Basic tools & PPE (sprayers, gloves, masks): $100–$300
Optional but helpful:
- Upholstery cleaning tools (expand your services): $300–$700
- Tile/grout cleaning attachments: $500–$1,000
- Water tanks for mobile units: $200–$800
Startup cost range:
- Basic solo operator setup (portable equipment): $3,000–$6,000
- Truck-mounted setup with van: $20,000–$50,000+ (great for high-volume pros)
You can lease or finance machines, and many start small with portable units and upgrade as demand grows.
How Much Can You Earn?
Carpet cleaning can be very profitable once you build a steady client base.
Typical rates:
- Per room: $30–$70
- Per house (3–5 rooms): $150–$300+
- Upholstery or add-ons: $25–$100 per item (sofas, stairs, rugs, etc.)
Potential earnings:
- 1–2 jobs per day @ $200/job = $1,000–$2,000/week
- 5–6 days/week = $50,000–$100,000/year (solo operator)
- Growing to a team or multiple vans can scale to $150,000–$500,000+ per year
Repeat clients, add-on services (stain protection, deodorizing, pet treatments), and commercial contracts significantly boost profits.
Where to Find Customers
Your best customer sources include:
- Local homeowners – Use Google Ads, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Yelp to target people searching for cleaning services.
- Real estate agents & landlords – They need cleanings between tenants or before open homes.
- Property managers & apartment complexes – Offer discounted rates for volume work.
- Offices and small businesses – Often outsource carpet cleaning every 3–12 months.
- Word of mouth – Great service = referrals. Ask for reviews and repeat business.
Marketing tips:
- Offer a “New Customer Special” or “3 Rooms for $99” deal to get started.
- Invest in a Google Business Profile, professional website, and review collection strategy.
- Door hangers, vehicle signage, and flyers can still be effective locally.
Is a Carpet Cleaning Business a Good Idea?
Yes — especially if you’re looking for a low-overhead, mobile business that allows you to scale over time. It’s:
- Affordable to start
- Simple to operate
- In steady demand in every city and suburb
Plus, it’s recession-resistant — homes and businesses need cleaning regardless of the economy. And you can add related services like rug cleaning, upholstery, tile & grout, or water damage restoration for extra revenue streams.
Conclusion:
Starting a carpet cleaning business in the U.S. is a smart move for hands-on entrepreneurs. With relatively low startup costs, strong demand, and high-profit margins, it’s a trade that can support a great solo income — and grow into a thriving service business if you choose to expand. With quality equipment, good marketing, and reliable service, you can build a client base that keeps your schedule full all year long.
