Carpets and upholstery trap far more than visible dirt. Over months and years, fibers collect dust mites, pet dander, pollen, food particles, and the oily residue of everyday life — things a household vacuum simply cannot pull out. Our carpet and upholstery cleaning service uses professional hot-water extraction (often called steam cleaning) to flush contaminants out of the fibers and extract them with powerful truck-mounted or portable equipment.
We clean wall-to-wall carpet, area rugs, sectional sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, and mattresses across Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, and San Marcos. Our cleaning solutions are eco-friendly and residue-free, so carpets stay cleaner longer and are safe for children and pets once dry.
Why Professional Extraction Beats DIY
Rental carpet machines from grocery and hardware stores can freshen surface appearance, but they lack the water temperature, pressure, and — most importantly — the vacuum suction of professional equipment. Weak suction leaves excess moisture and detergent residue in the carpet, which can lead to musty odors, rapid re-soiling, and in humid Central Texas homes, even mildew growth under the pad. Our comparison of professional steam cleaning versus DIY rental machines breaks down the differences in detail.
Professional extraction also matters for stain treatment. Many stains — coffee, red wine, pet accidents — set permanently when treated with the wrong product or too much heat. Our technicians identify the stain type and fiber type first, then choose the right chemistry. For urgent spills, our emergency carpet stain removal guide explains what to do in the first minutes before we arrive.
Our Step-by-Step Process
Every carpet and upholstery visit follows a structured process designed for the deepest clean with the fastest safe dry times:
- Fiber and stain assessment. We identify your carpet or fabric type (nylon, polyester, wool, blends) and inspect stains, wear patterns, and problem areas so we can set realistic expectations before we begin.
- Furniture moving. We move light furniture — sofas, coffee tables, chairs — to clean underneath. Heavy items like beds, dressers, and electronics stay in place; we clean around them.
- Commercial pre-vacuum. Dry soil is vacuumed out with commercial HEPA vacuums before any moisture is introduced, which dramatically improves the final result.
- Pre-treatment. A professional pre-spray loosens embedded soils, and individual stains receive targeted spotting treatments matched to the stain chemistry.
- Agitation. High-traffic lanes and heavily soiled areas are agitated with a counter-rotating brush to lift matted fibers and work the pre-treatment deep into the pile.
- Hot-water extraction. Heated cleaning solution is injected into the fibers and immediately extracted along with dissolved dirt, allergens, and residues.
- Spot treatment pass. Any remaining spots get a second targeted treatment while the carpet is still damp, when chemistry works best.
- Grooming and drying. Carpet pile is groomed for even appearance, and high-velocity air movers accelerate drying. Most carpets dry in 4–6 hours; upholstery in 2–4 hours.
- Final walkthrough. We walk the cleaned areas with you, review results honestly — including any stains that could not be fully removed — and share aftercare tips.
What's Included / Not Included
Clear expectations matter. Here is what your carpet and upholstery cleaning includes — and where the boundaries are:
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| ✓ Hot-water extraction of all accessible carpeted areas | ✕ Moving heavy furniture (beds, dressers, pianos) |
| ✓ Pre-vacuum, pre-treatment, and agitation of traffic lanes | ✕ Carpet repair, re-stretching, or patching |
| ✓ Targeted stain treatment for common household stains | ✕ Guaranteed removal of bleach marks, dye stains, or burn damage |
| ✓ Upholstery cleaning for sofas, loveseats, chairs, and ottomans | ✕ "Dry clean only" coded fabrics (X code) without prior testing |
| ✓ Mattress surface cleaning and allergen treatment | ✕ Area rug off-site immersion washing (available by referral) |
| ✓ Deodorizing treatment for general odors | ✕ Subfloor pet-urine remediation (requires pad replacement) |
| ✓ Carpet grooming and accelerated drying | ✕ Application of carpet protector included (offered as add-on) |
Transparent Pricing
Carpet cleaning is priced by area, and upholstery by the piece. These Austin-area estimates include pre-treatment and standard stain treatment — no hidden fees:
| Service | Coverage | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single room carpet | Up to 200 sq ft | $49 – $79 |
| Two rooms | Up to 400 sq ft | $89 – $129 |
| Whole home (3–4 rooms + hall) | Up to 1,000 sq ft | $179 – $279 |
| Stairs | Per flight (up to 14 steps) | $39 – $59 |
| Sofa / loveseat | Per piece | $89 – $139 |
| Sectional sofa | Per piece | $149 – $199 |
| Armchair / dining chairs | Per piece | $35 – $55 |
| Mattress (any size) | Top surface + sides | $79 – $119 |
Pet-odor enzyme treatments and carpet protector are available as add-ons. Many clients bundle carpet cleaning with our deep home cleaning service for a complete home reset. Get an instant estimate with our pricing calculator, or request a free quote with your room measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does carpet take to dry after cleaning?
Most carpets dry in 4–6 hours with good airflow; upholstery typically dries in 2–4 hours. We use high-velocity air movers to speed drying, and we recommend running ceiling fans and your HVAC fan during the drying period. Avoid walking on damp carpet with shoes.
Can you remove pet stains and odors?
Surface pet stains and general odors usually respond very well to our enzyme treatments. However, if urine has soaked through to the carpet pad or subfloor, surface cleaning cannot fully resolve it — that situation requires pad replacement. We will assess honestly and tell you which case yours is.
Is your cleaning safe for kids and pets?
Yes. We use eco-friendly, residue-free cleaning solutions, and once the carpet or upholstery is dry it is safe for children and pets. We recommend keeping pets off damp carpet simply to avoid re-soiling while it dries.
Will steam cleaning shrink or damage my carpet?
When performed correctly on the right fibers, no. We identify your carpet fiber first — most residential nylon and polyester carpets handle hot-water extraction very well. Natural fibers like wool and sisal need lower-moisture methods, which we use when appropriate.
Do I need to move furniture before you arrive?
Not required. We move light furniture (sofas, tables, chairs) as part of the service and put it back on protective pads. Please secure valuables, electronics, and fragile items beforehand, and let us know about anything that should not be moved.
How often should carpets be professionally cleaned?
Most manufacturers and the Carpet and Rug Institute recommend professional cleaning every 12–18 months to maintain warranties. Homes with pets, kids, or allergy sufferers often benefit from cleaning every 6–12 months. High-traffic commercial-style areas may need it quarterly.