How Much Does It Cost to Wash an 8x10 Rug?

If you’ve ever wondered how much it costs to have your area rug professionally cleaned, you’re not alone. Many homeowners try to decide between cleaning a rug themselves or hiring a professional. The truth is, while do-it-yourself methods might seem cheaper, they often leave behind dirt, odors, or even cause permanent damage.

At CDA Rug Cleaning, we specialize in area rug washing — from everyday synthetics to fine heirloom pieces — and we treat every rug with professional care. Our starting rate is $1.50 per square foot for synthetic rugs, meaning a standard 8x10 rug starts at $120 for a full deep cleaning. But that price depends on a few important factors.

Let’s break down how the process works, what affects cost, and what you can expect when you bring your rug to CDA Rug Cleaning.

1. What’s Included in a Professional Rug Cleaning?

When you pay for a professional rug wash, you’re paying for far more than surface cleaning. Our full-service rug wash includes:

• Dry soil removal: We gently beat and vacuum the rug to release pounds of hidden dust, sand, and pet hair trapped in the fibers.

• Fiber-safe scrub process: Using controlled agitation and chemistry tailored to your rug type, we loosen and lift deep soil.

• Water flush and rinse: The rug is fully flushed to remove detergent, soil, and contaminants.

• Drying: Rugs are placed in a climate-controlled environment with proper airflow to dry completely and safely.

• Protectant application: Once dry, we apply a fiber protectant to help guard against future staining.

• Finishing and wrapping: Finally, the rug is brushed, inspected, and wrapped for safe transport and delivery.

That’s a full restoration — not just a surface wash.

2. Factors That Affect the Cost of Rug Cleaning

Several things influence the final price of cleaning your 8x10 rug.

Material Type

The rug’s fiber type makes a big difference in both process and price.

• Synthetic rugs (like nylon or polyester): Easiest to clean and start at $1.50 per sq ft.

• Natural fibers (like wool, silk, or cotton): Require gentler chemistry and controlled drying, increasing cost.

• Blended or delicate rugs: May need additional care to preserve color and texture.

Construction and Thickness

Dense shag rugs or thick hand-woven pieces hold more soil and water, requiring more time to rinse and dry properly. These may increase the price slightly due to handling and drying time.

3. Pet Urine and Odor Treatments

Pet accidents are one of the most common reasons customers bring their rugs to us. While our standard cleaning removes light odors, urine contamination requires a more targeted treatment.

When urine penetrates a rug, it doesn’t just stay on the surface — it soaks deep into the fibers and backing, forming urine salts and crystals that continue to release odor over time. Left untreated, these deposits can break down the rug’s backing, cause fiber discoloration, and even lead to delamination (backing separation) or permanent dye damage.

Because of that, we offer two specialized treatment options depending on severity:

• Surface Pet Treatment: Added during the scrub stage for light to moderate contamination.

• Full Immersion Soak: For heavily soiled rugs, we perform a complete submersion soak in a pet treatment solution designed to dissolve and remove urine crystals before the main cleaning and rinsing stages.

This step can add anywhere from $30 to $100+ depending on rug size and the level of contamination, but it’s the only way to ensure odors and damage are properly addressed.

4. Size and Weight

Larger rugs naturally cost more because pricing is based on square footage. However, weight and absorbency also affect handling. Rugs that become heavy when wet — like thick shag or wool — require extra effort during rinsing and drying.

Our cleaning team ensures rugs dry thoroughly to prevent mildew and odor buildup. Proper drying is one of the most critical (and often overlooked) steps in rug cleaning.

5. Stain Removal and Extras

Certain stains — such as wine, ink, or rust — require specialized spot treatments that go beyond standard cleaning. These are priced individually depending on the size and type of stain.

We also offer add-on services like odor neutralizers, moth treatment, or additional protectant coats, giving you options based on the rug’s use and condition.

Real Example: The Pressure Washer Rug Rescue

A client recently tried to clean their 8x10 long shag rug at home after watching a video online. Instead of renting a carpet machine or using a Bissell, they decided to use a pressure washer.

At first, it seemed to be working — a lot of dirt came out, and the rug started looking better. But while the surface appeared cleaner, the pressure washing didn’t truly remove the deep soil, contaminants, and bacteria trapped in the fibers.

Once they finished, they planned to hang the rug over a fence to dry — but after being saturated with gallons of water, it was so heavy they couldn’t even lift it. They ended up leaving it flat on the driveway to dry in the sun.

Unfortunately, the slow drying and lack of airflow on the backing caused a strong odor to develop and risked permanent damage. That’s when they called CDA Rug Cleaning, hoping their DIY attempt hadn’t ruined the rug.

Using our specialty fiber-safe chemistry, controlled rinsing, and proper drying, we were able to eliminate the odor, remove remaining contaminants, and restore the rug’s softness and texture.

The client couldn’t believe the difference — we truly brought their rug back from the dump pile.

6. DIY vs. Professional Rug Cleaning

DIY cleaning videos often make rug washing look easy, but they rarely show the risks of overwetting, chemical residue, or fiber distortion. Household equipment isn’t designed for deep rug rinsing or controlled drying, both of which are critical for long-term fiber health and odor prevention.

Professional cleaning not only removes visible dirt but also addresses what you can’t see — allergens, pet oils, and soil embedded at the base of the fibers.

When you invest in professional rug cleaning, you’re extending the life of your rug and protecting your home’s air quality.

7. Turnaround Time

Our typical turnaround time for area rug washing is 5–7 business days. Heavily soiled or pet-damaged rugs may require additional soaking and drying time. Every rug is inspected before and after cleaning to ensure it meets our standards before being wrapped and returned.

Why Choose CDA Rug Cleaning?

We’re not a big-box chain — we’re a local, family-operated rug cleaning company that takes pride in every rug we wash. Our goal is simple: to provide exceptional results and personal care that you can trust every time.

We’ve cleaned everything from $150 synthetic area rugs bought from big box stores to $9,000 heirloom rugs, and we treat each one with the same respect and attention to detail.

Our process is designed to bring your rug back to life safely — free from pet odors, soil, and allergens — and ready to enjoy again.

Final Thoughts

The cost to wash an 8x10 rug can vary, but at CDA Rug Cleaning, you can expect honest pricing, real results, and expert care. Starting at just $1.50 per square foot for synthetic rugs, our cleaning process ensures your rug looks, feels, and smells its best — without the risk of damage or hidden residue.

If your rug has seen better days, has pet odor, or you’re simply ready to freshen it up, call CDA Rug Cleaning today. You’ll be surprised how much cleaner, softer, and brighter your rug can be after a professional wash.

And remember — rug cleaning isn’t just a cost, it’s an investment. Just like painting your home, remodeling your kitchen, or updating the furniture in your living room, keeping your rugs professionally maintained protects your investment and enhances the beauty and comfort of your home for years to come.