Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Business
A mobile cleaning business you can start lean with a portable extractor and your own vehicle, or set up professionally with a van-mounted truck-mount machine.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026
$3,819 – $105,923*Pending verificationSourcesCleanFreak — Heated 500 PSI Portable Carpet Extractor Package w/ 12" Wand, 25' Hose & 4" Detailing Tool(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Payless Janitorial — Sapphire Scientific 370 EFI Truck mount(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Safety Express — Sapphire Scientific 370 EFI with 120 gallon waste tank(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Velocity Automotive Journal — What's New: 2026 Ford Transit (Ford announcement)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Stanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zack Academy — IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT), Edina, MN, October 5–6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Moderate
Difficulty
High
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Year-round, slower in January and February
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2.8 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $105,923
4 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
2 / 54.9% a yearPending verificationSourcesHeaven's Best 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued January 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Oxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Stanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 4 brands: Heaven's Best 1.0% (2025); Oxi Fresh 9.4% (2025); Zerorez 8.8% (2025); Stanley Steemer 0.5% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
3 / 57.4% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
52 of 700 SBA 7(a) loans to Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services (NAICS 561740), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 58 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
5 / 5ShrinkingPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Carpet and upholstery cleaning services (NAICS 561740): employer establishments −8.5% (7,292 to 6,673) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
No state license for carpet cleaning in California; you need a city or county business license and must dump cleaning water into the sanitary sewer (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
1 / 5Many customers
Many households on one-off and yearly jobs; no single customer carries the business.
Physical demand
5 / 5High
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (4 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $15,000 – $100,000Pending verificationSourcesHeaven's Best 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued January 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Oxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Stanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $50,700 – $509,745Pending verificationSourcesHeaven's Best 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued January 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Oxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Stanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands. | $3,819 – $105,923*Pending verificationSourcesCleanFreak — Heated 500 PSI Portable Carpet Extractor Package w/ 12" Wand, 25' Hose & 4" Detailing Tool(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Payless Janitorial — Sapphire Scientific 370 EFI Truck mount(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Safety Express — Sapphire Scientific 370 EFI with 120 gallon waste tank(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Velocity Automotive Journal — What's New: 2026 Ford Transit (Ford announcement)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Stanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zack Academy — IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT), Edina, MN, October 5–6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 6% – 7% of revenue; flat monthly fee (Heaven's Best, Oxi Fresh)Pending verificationSourcesHeaven's Best 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued January 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Oxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Stanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $18,960 – $20,160Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — carpet and upholstery cleaning business insurance cost (updated September 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Jobber — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $18,960 – $20,160 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $104,920 – $620,957 | $22,779 – $126,083* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $15,000 – $100,000Pending verificationSourcesHeaven's Best 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued January 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Oxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Stanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $50,700 – $509,745Pending verificationSourcesHeaven's Best 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued January 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Oxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Stanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $3,819 – $105,923*Pending verificationSourcesCleanFreak — Heated 500 PSI Portable Carpet Extractor Package w/ 12" Wand, 25' Hose & 4" Detailing Tool(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Payless Janitorial — Sapphire Scientific 370 EFI Truck mount(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Safety Express — Sapphire Scientific 370 EFI with 120 gallon waste tank(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Velocity Automotive Journal — What's New: 2026 Ford Transit (Ford announcement)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Stanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zack Academy — IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT), Edina, MN, October 5–6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 5 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 6% – 7% of revenue; flat monthly fee (Heaven's Best, Oxi Fresh)Pending verificationSourcesHeaven's Best 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued January 14, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Oxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Stanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $18,960 – $20,160Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — carpet and upholstery cleaning business insurance cost (updated September 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Jobber — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $18,960 – $20,160
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $104,920 – $620,957
- Independent
- $22,779 – $126,083*
5-year totals assume $68,224–$107,120 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Heaven's Best
Heaven's Best's 2026 FDD makes no financial performance representation: Item 19 gives no sales or earnings figures.
Oxi Fresh
Oxi Fresh's Item 19 reports 2025 gross sales, job counts and job prices for 178 'Active Operators' (franchisees open every month of 2025), running 396 territories; it shows no expenses or profit.
- Average annual gross sales per Active Operator, 2025 (178 operators, 396 territories)$156,833.04 a yearPending verificationSourceOxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties, fees and all operating costs; not profit. The FDD says your individual results may differ. Some operators run several territories. Excludes 45 outlets that closed in 2025. Only 28.1% of Active Operators reached this average.
- Median annual gross sales per Active Operator, 2025$110,980.59 a yearPending verificationSourceOxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties, fees and all operating costs; not profit. The FDD says your individual results may differ. Unaudited figures reported through the franchisor's scheduling center.
- Average annual gross sales, bottom fifth of Active Operators, 2025 (36 operators)$36,850.64 a yearPending verificationSourceOxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties, fees and all operating costs; not profit. The FDD says your individual results may differ.
- Average price per completed job, all Active Operators, 2025$251.78Pending verificationSourceOxi Fresh 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 15, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Median per-job price was $239.36. Includes carpet, rug, upholstery, tile and hardwood jobs.
Zerorez
Zerorez's Item 19 reports 2025 gross revenues and some expenses for 43 of its 60 franchisees with at least a year in operation; the average franchise ran about 8 mobile units.
- Average gross revenues per franchise, 2025 (43 franchisees open at least one year)$1,428,301 a yearPending verificationSourceZerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties, fees and all operating costs; not profit. The FDD says your individual results may differ. Unaudited. Excludes 5 closed franchises, 5 with under a year of history and 12 that did not report. The average franchise ran 8 mobile units, so this is a multi-truck business.
- Median gross revenues per franchise, 2025$890,136 a yearPending verificationSourceZerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties, fees and all operating costs; not profit. The FDD says your individual results may differ.
- Share of the 43 franchisees that reached the average, 202532.6%Pending verificationSourceZerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202614 of 43 franchisees.
- Average gross revenues per mobile unit per month, 2025$15,717 a monthPending verificationSourceZerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties, fees and all operating costs; not profit. The FDD says your individual results may differ.
Stanley Steemer
Stanley Steemer's Item 19 reports 2025 gross sales for the 208 franchisees in operation all year, nationwide and by region; it shows no expenses or profit.
- Average annual gross sales per franchisee, 2025 (208 franchisees open all year)$1,742,025 a yearPending verificationSourceStanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties, fees and all operating costs; not profit. The FDD says your individual results may differ. Many franchisees run several trucks. Company-owned branches are excluded.
- Median annual gross sales per franchisee, 2025$1,179,370 a yearPending verificationSourceStanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties, fees and all operating costs; not profit. The FDD says your individual results may differ.
- Franchisees at or above the 2025 average64Pending verificationSourceStanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 202664 of 208 franchisees.
- Lowest annual gross sales of any franchisee, 2025$43,724 a yearPending verificationSourceStanley Steemer 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026, amended April 6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026The highest was $13,374,992.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Equipment, tools and starting supplies are included in the franchise fee
- Designed to run from home; the FDD recommends against leasing space
- Initial training at the franchisor's center in Rexburg, Idaho
- Flat monthly royalty instead of a percentage of sales
- A central scheduling center books appointments for you
- Low-moisture method with portable equipment; no truck-mount needed
- Equipment and starter supplies included in the franchise fee
- A required software package covering scheduling, payments and customer messaging
- Initial training for two people included; IICRC certification is part of training
- National brand advertising
- Discounts for veterans and for existing cleaning businesses that convert
- One of the best-known names in carpet cleaning
- Proprietary truck-mount cleaning platform and equipment
- National advertising program and call center support
- Partial financing of the initial franchise fee
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heated portable extractor, 500 PSI, with wand, hose and upholstery toolPending verificationSourceCleanFreak — Heated 500 PSI Portable Carpet Extractor Package w/ 12" Wand, 25' Hose & 4" Detailing Tool(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Retail package price. A comparable machine-only unit (Mytee 1003DX, heated, 500 PSI) lists at $3,761 with wand and hoses sold separately. | $3,400 | $3,400 | $3,400 |
| IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) course and examPending verificationSourcesZerorez 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued March 31, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Zack Academy — IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT), Edina, MN, October 5–6, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Low: IICRC certification cost stated in Zerorez's 2026 FDD Item 7 ($349). High: one 2026 two-day class listed at $375 plus the $80 IICRC exam fee the listing says is paid separately. Prices vary by school. | $349 | $402 | $455 |
| Legal setup (California LLC filing)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Articles of Organization (LLC-1) filing fee only. City business license fees vary and are not included. | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Cleaning chemicals, spotters and pre-sprays | Data coming soon | ||
| Air movers, hand tools, furniture pads and corner guards | Data coming soon | ||
| Website setup | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $3,819 | $3,872 | $3,925 |
Share of mid estimate
- Heated portable extractor, 500 PSI, with wand, hose and upholstery tool88%
- IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) course and exam10%
- Legal setup (California LLC filing)2%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
Mid is the halfway point between low and high where a source gives only a range.
The total leaves out 4 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Ticket is Thumbtack's national average for two rooms. Jobs per week, ramp-up and variable costs are our assumptions, not sourced. Seasonality follows Zerorez franchise revenue by month in 2025 (FDD Item 19). Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 3
- Year-1 revenue
- $51,600
- Year-2 profit
- $54,078
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 11.7 | $1,919 | $614 | $1,305 | -$2,567 |
| 2 (Apr) | 16.2 | $2,659 | $725 | $1,934 | -$633 |
| 3 (May) | 20.3 | $3,334 | $826 | $2,508 | $1,875 |
| 4 (Jun) | 23.3 | $3,825 | $900 | $2,925 | $4,800 |
| 5 (Jul) | 26.3 | $4,315 | $973 | $3,342 | $8,142 |
| 6 (Aug) | 28.7 | $4,701 | $1,031 | $3,670 | $11,812 |
| 7 (Sep) | 30.2 | $4,951 | $1,069 | $3,882 | $15,694 |
| 8 (Oct) | 36.4 | $5,975 | $1,222 | $4,753 | $20,447 |
| 9 (Nov) | 37.9 | $6,208 | $1,257 | $4,951 | $25,398 |
| 10 (Dec) | 32.0 | $5,253 | $1,114 | $4,139 | $29,537 |
| 11 (Jan) | 26.2 | $4,298 | $971 | $3,327 | $32,864 |
| 12 (Feb) | 25.4 | $4,162 | $950 | $3,211 | $36,076 |
| 13 (Mar) | 31.2 | $5,117 | $1,094 | $4,023 | $40,099 |
| 14 (Apr) | 35.8 | $5,867 | $1,206 | $4,661 | $44,760 |
| 15 (May) | 38.3 | $6,277 | $1,267 | $5,009 | $49,769 |
| 16 (Jun) | 38.3 | $6,277 | $1,267 | $5,009 | $54,778 |
| 17 (Jul) | 38.3 | $6,277 | $1,267 | $5,009 | $59,788 |
| 18 (Aug) | 37.4 | $6,140 | $1,247 | $4,893 | $64,681 |
| 19 (Sep) | 35.8 | $5,867 | $1,206 | $4,661 | $69,342 |
| 20 (Oct) | 39.5 | $6,481 | $1,298 | $5,183 | $74,525 |
| 21 (Nov) | 37.9 | $6,208 | $1,257 | $4,951 | $79,476 |
| 22 (Dec) | 32.0 | $5,253 | $1,114 | $4,139 | $83,615 |
| 23 (Jan) | 26.2 | $4,298 | $971 | $3,327 | $86,943 |
| 24 (Feb) | 25.4 | $4,162 | $950 | $3,211 | $90,154 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Carpet cleaning job (typical national range)$147 – $288Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — carpet cleaning prices (last updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Most people pay about $206. No published sample size.
- One room (national average)$130Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — carpet cleaning prices (last updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026No published sample size.
- Three rooms (national average)$196Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — carpet cleaning prices (last updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026No published sample size.
- Per square foot (Thumbtack)$0.53 – $0.98 per sq ftPending verificationSourceThumbtack — carpet cleaning prices (last updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026No published sample size.
- Per square foot (Fixr)$0.18 – $0.36 per sq ftPending verificationSourceFixr — carpet cleaning cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr's figures are lower than Thumbtack's and were last updated in January 2025. No published sample size.
- Upholstery cleaning job (typical national range)$138 – $247Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — upholstery cleaning prices (last updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Most people pay about $184. No published sample size.
- Upholstery, per piece of furniture (Fixr)$50 – $80Pending verificationSourceFixr — carpet cleaning cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026No published sample size.
- Stairs, per step (Fixr)$3 – $5Pending verificationSourceFixr — carpet cleaning cost (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026No published sample size.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average yearly receipts, solo (nonemployer) carpet and upholstery cleaning businesses, NAICS 56174, 2023$34,808 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Nonemployer Statistics 2023, U.S. file (NAICS 56174)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts of $1,154,096,000 divided by 33,156 nonemployer businesses, to the nearest dollar. Includes part-time and side businesses. Gross receipts, not profit. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 561740, 2022$209,051 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. & states, 6-digit NAICS (561740)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts of $1,029,368,000 divided by 4,924 firms, to the nearest dollar. Gross receipts, not profit. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Hard on the body
You drag heavy hoses up stairs and through houses, kneel to clean stairs and edges, move furniture, and push a wand for hours. A portable extractor is a heavy machine to lift in and out of a vehicle. This is a real concern if you are in your 50s or have back or knee problems.
How to manage it: Use a hand truck or ramp, limit jobs per day at first, use knee pads, and plan to hire a technician early so you can move toward sales and scheduling.
Fewer employer firms than before 2020
Federal labor data (BLS QCEW, NAICS 561740) count about 6,660 carpet and upholstery cleaning establishments with employees in 2025, down from 7,644 in 2019. Wall-to-wall carpet is less common in many newer homes.
How to manage it: Offer upholstery, rugs, tile and grout, and commercial maintenance contracts so you are not relying on wall-to-wall carpet alone.
Equipment debt on the professional path
A truck-mount and van together cost more than many people want to borrow before they have steady customers, and the payments continue in slow months.
How to manage it: Start lean with a portable extractor, and buy a truck-mount only after your booked work can carry the payment.
Damage to customers' carpets and furniture
Over-wetting, the wrong chemical, or heat on the wrong fiber can cause shrinkage, browning, color loss or mold, and customers may ask you to pay.
How to manage it: Get IICRC training, test fibers before cleaning, document pre-existing stains and wear, and carry liability insurance. Ask your insurer whether items in your care are covered.
Wastewater rules
Dirty cleaning water may not go into streets, gutters or storm drains. Illegal discharges can bring fines or prosecution.
How to manage it: Filter the water and empty it into a sanitary sewer drain (with the customer's permission or at your base) as your local wastewater agency allows.
Competition from national brands and DIY rentals
Large franchise brands advertise heavily, and many customers rent a machine or buy their own instead of hiring a pro.
How to manage it: Win on reviews, punctuality and repeat reminders; build relationships with property managers and realtors for steady work.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Check with the city where your business is based; some cities also require a license to work within their limits.
No contractor license for cleaning — but watch repair work
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCSLB Industry Bulletin — License requirement for minor work increases from $500 to $1,000 (AB 2622)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026CSLB — C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering Contractor classification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Cleaning carpet is not construction work. Installing, re-stretching or repairing carpet falls under the C-15 flooring classification. Without a license you may only take such jobs under $1,000 in total (labor and materials), with no employees and no building permit, and your ads must say you are not licensed.
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)Dispose of cleaning water in the sanitary sewer
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceAlameda County Clean Water Program — Best practices for carpet cleaners (fact sheet)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Bay Area clean-water guidance says to filter carpet cleaning water and empty it into a sink, toilet or cleanout connected to the sanitary sewer, never a street, gutter or storm drain — even with 'biodegradable' products. Get approval from your local wastewater agency first.
Verify with the Your local wastewater treatment agency (example: Alameda County Clean Water Program)(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Choose the lean (portable) or professional (truck-mount) path
- Take an IICRC carpet cleaning course
- Form your business and get a city license
- Get liability and commercial auto insurance
- Buy equipment and set up scheduling software
Phase 2
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Pricing and quoting
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Marketing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Operations
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Hiring
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Truck-mount machines
Makers and dealers of van-mounted cleaning systems.
Portable extractors and supplies
Portable machines, wands, hoses, chemicals and tools.
Training and certification
Industry certification for carpet and upholstery cleaning.
Scheduling and invoicing software
Booking, quoting, reminders and payments.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Do I need a truck-mount to start?
No. You can start with a heated portable extractor and a vehicle you already own, which costs a few thousand dollars instead of tens of thousands. Truck-mounts are faster on large jobs, and many owners add one once work is steady.
Do I need a license or certification?
In California, cleaning carpet does not need a contractor license, but you will need a local business license. IICRC certification is an industry credential, not a state license. Many customers and some insurers look for it, and it teaches you how to avoid damaging carpets.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.