Most rug cleaners charge $4 to $5 per square foot to hand wash a wool rug, so an 8x10 (80 sq ft) runs about $320 to $400. At Rugistan® the same hand wash starts at $2.50 per sq ft in Chicago and $3 in Evanston: from $200 to $240 for an 8x10.
How rug cleaning is priced
Rug cleaners price by the square foot: the rug's length times its width, in feet. A 5x8 is 40 sq ft, a 6x9 is 54 and a 9x12 is 108. Measure edge to edge, without the fringe.
| Size (sq ft) | Most cleaners | Chicago | Evanston |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3x5 (15) | $60–$75 | $37.50 | $45 |
| 5x8 (40) | $160–$200 | $100 | $120 |
| 6x9 (54) | $216–$270 | $135 | $162 |
| 8x10 (80) | $320–$400 | $200 | $240 |
| 9x12 (108) | $432–$540 | $270 | $324 |
| 2.5x10 runner (25) | $100–$125 | $62.50 | $75 |
Most cleaners charge $4 to $5 per sq ft. Ours are starting prices for a hand wash, from $2.50 per sq ft in Chicago and $3 in Evanston; the final price is set after we see the rug.
What raises the price
- Pet urine. Urine soaks into the foundation, so the rug needs a soak and flush, not just a surface wash.
- Silk and very fine rugs. They are washed slower and with more care.
- Moths. A rug with moth activity is treated as well as washed.
- Repairs. Fringe, edges and binding, holes and worn areas are quoted separately.
- Pickup and delivery. Dropping the rug off at a showroom costs nothing.
Why hand washing is worth paying for
A handmade rug is wool on a cotton or wool foundation, often with natural dyes. Steam cleaners and carpet machines push hot water and soap into the foundation and leave much of it there, which can make dyes run and leave odors behind. A proper hand wash takes the grit out first, washes the rug by hand, rinses it until the water runs clear and dries it flat.
How often to clean a rug
Every 3 to 5 years in a quiet room, every year or two in a busy home with pets or small children. Between washes, vacuum gently and blot spills right away; see how to care for a handmade rug.
Get a price for your rug
We wash rugs by hand from $2.50 per sq ft in Chicago and $3 in Evanston, where most rug cleaners charge $4 to $5. Bring your rug to either showroom, or book pickup and delivery in the Chicago area. See rug cleaning and repair, or chat with us with the size and a photo for a price.