Carpet cleaning is something you'll need to do at least once a year, if not more often. To ensure the highest quality of cleaning, you should get at least three estimates from different companies. In addition, be sure to check references before hiring a carpet cleaning company. The following article will cover the cost and methods used by professional carpet cleaners. Also, you'll learn about the health benefits of cleaning your carpets. To save yourself the trouble of researching each company, we've collected the most important tips for hiring a carpet cleaning service. Cost of a carpet cleaning service The cost of a carpet cleaning service varies, depending on the size of the home and the type of carpeting. Some companies charge a flat rate for cleaning carpets in a small apartment, while others charge by square footage. While you can expect to pay between $0.20 and $40 per square foot, most companies will measure your carpet to determine how much the job will cost. Depending on the size of your home, you may also pay extra for stairs or entryways. The cost of water damage cleaning can range from $450 to $2,000. The carpeting may be too wet to be walked on, so high-powered extraction is required. However, even though the water is extracted, the padding may still be wet. In such a case, you will have to replace the padding. In addition to the high price, you may have to deal with the possibility of mildew and mold. Cost per square foot may vary as well, but a basic project in zip code 47474 will start at $0.30 to $0.37 per square foot. The exact cost will depend on how large the carpeting is and the specific method used. You can also opt for a flat rate if you only have one room that needs cleaning. If you have several rooms that need cleaning, the price per square foot may be significantly lower. Methods used by carpet cleaning companies Dry-cleaning methods are a common way to clean your carpets. The cleaner used is carbonated water mixed with a dry cleaning agent. The foam is then brushed through the carpet pile and vacuumed up. This method uses less water and a shorter drying time than many other cleaning methods. Dry cleaning is also ideal for heavily soiled carpets because it can be walked on immediately after the cleaning process. Dry cleaning is the least expensive method, and it requires minimal down time. It is highly recommended for wall-to-wall carpet. A dry cleaning method involves the application of a powder-like cleaning solution that binds dirt to the backing of the carpet, preventing it from settling to the bottom of the fibers. Some carpet cleaning companies have adapted this method by adding an oxygenated cleanser to the powder. Steam cleaning is another common cleaning method. Although it is often referred to as "steam cleaning," real steam is too hot and dry for carpet cleaning. Professional steam cleaners use high-pressure steam to clean your carpets. These cleaning methods can remove deep-seated dirt and make them look like new again. They are also effective at removing pet dander, pet hair, and other allergens. They are also safer than other cleaning methods. Health benefits of carpet cleaning Children spend most of their time on the floor, and this is where the health problems begin. Dirty carpets are a breeding ground for allergens and other harmful particles. In addition to being a health hazard, these particles can also harm the development of children. Young children's immune systems are still developing, and they are at a higher risk for acquiring diseases and infections from dirty carpets. Fortunately, regular carpet cleaning can help keep them healthy. Keeping the air in the home clean is a primary benefit of carpet cleaning. If the carpets are dirty and contaminated, the dust and other particles will be trapped in the fibers, where they will cause an allergic reaction. Furthermore, bacteria and germs can be eliminated from the carpets through professional carpet cleaning. Using high temperature methods to clean carpets, professionals can kill harmful bacteria and mold. These methods can also prevent respiratory infections, including asthma. Aside from improving the appearance of the home and extending the life of the carpets, the health benefits of carpet cleaning extend to the family. The American Lung Association recommends vacuuming carpets at least three times a week for people who suffer from breathing problems. The Environmental Protection Agency says that dirty carpets retain harmful pollutants and allergens, which can cause various health problems. Further, if a carpet is not cleaned, it may even become a breeding ground for dangerous organisms, which can be harmful to a person's health.