When setting up a carpet cleaning business, it's important to have all the accreditations you need. If you've already been cleaning carpets for a while, you may not have any formal training. So how do you know you are doing things correctly? To find out what qualifications you need to start a carpet cleaning business, read on.
There isn't any training legally required to start a carpet cleaning business. However, qualifications improve your credibility, so it's good practice to have a few basic certifications under your belt.
Additionally, if you want to join the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA), you will need an entry-level qualification in Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.
Further training allows you to confidently add other services to your repertoire, increasing your potential earnings. No matter how long you've been cleaning carpets for, training can help you keep up to date on the most efficient methods and new technology. Training sessions themselves also allow you to network with other carpet cleaners.
A few courses that you may find helpful are:
Once creepy crawlies start eating your carpet, they can be a nightmare to get rid of. It's important that you know how to repel, kill and destroy the eggs of various household pests. Insecticides and pesticides can also be dangerous when handled poorly, so proper training can protect you and your clients.
Some fabrics are incredibly delicate. Incorrectly handling fine fabrics can be expensive and lead to poor reviews, unhappy customers and a claim on your insurance. Correctly identifying these fabrics, carrying out patch tests and cleaning and protecting these fabrics should all be covered by this kind of course.
With weather as wet as the UK, flooding is common. As carpet is on the ground, it often takes the brunt of the damage, which can be catastrophic for homeowners. Cleaners with water damage restoration training can help customers with damage caused by flooding, leaks and burst pipes.
Some stains can feel impossibly stubborn. If you don't know what you're doing, you may damage the carpet in the process. Proper training can help you handle stains correctly and also apply protectors to prevent future staining.
If you're used to providing residential cleaning services, you may be missing commercial opportunities. A course will help you prepare for these by covering different cleaning methods, how to price your services effectively and how to build business relationships.
While it doesn't relate directly to carpets themselves, marketing is an important part of running a business. Without good marketing, clients won't know how to find you. At the end of the day, your duty to your business is to make the phone ring. A marketing course will help you understand buyers and how to attract more of them.
By joining the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA), you gain access to exclusive and discounted training courses. All of the topics above are covered by courses listed on our carpet cleaning training page. Other membership benefits include arbitration support, access to forums and a listing on our searchable directory.
Join the NCCA today to take your carpet cleaning business to the next level.
If your carpet is in need of rejuvenation, you may be considering hiring a professional carpet cleaning company to help. In the current cost of living crisis, affordability is an important factor in any decision. Every cleaner will charge differently, but here is an idea of how much you might expect to spend in 2024.
The average hourly rate for a carpet cleaner in the UK is between £60 and £120. However, it is also common for carpet cleaners to charge per square metre, at an average of £4/m².
If you're getting your whole house cleaned, it might take all day, so some cleaners also offer a day rate. A day rate is likely to start at around £250-£300. Some companies have a minimum spend to make sure that the trip is worth their while. They may also charge a cancellation fee after a certain window, as it's hard to find alternative work at short notice.
The most important thing to note about professional carpet cleaning is that it's usually much cheaper than replacing your carpet – and certainly less disruptive! Getting your carpet cleaned regularly will make your carpet last longer and save you money in the long run.
More delicate carpets will require more care and more time. If your carpet has a long pile length, it's also likely to be more difficult to clean and take longer. However, synthetic carpets are often stain-resistant, so will be cheaper to clean.
Natural fibre carpets can vary in price to clean. A sisal carpet is likely to be the most expensive to clean, due to its absorbency and tendency to stain. Wool carpets are usually comparatively cheaper to clean.
Carpet cleaners are in higher demand at different times of the year, so may cost more at these times. Many people tend to carry out a big spring clean, filling up cleaners’ calendars quickly. Winter can be a slower time for carpet cleaners, so some of them offer discounts and offers to bring customers in.
Different types of cleaning include steam cleaning (sometimes called a “soft wash”), dry compound cleaning and encapsulation cleaning. A soft wash is likely to be the cheapest option.
Optional added extras include stain protection and insect repellent, which are likely to add to your bill. However, think about whether the benefits for these options are worth the cost before you invest in them.
It's important you choose the right type of cleaning for you. While steam cleaning is often the cheapest option, it can take a long time to dry, particularly in winter, creating an ideal environment for mould and mildew. It can also cause unnecessary wear to your carpet due to the high-water pressure involved. Other methods such as dry cleaning can be much healthier for your carpet, so don't be sucked in by cheap pricing.
Removing any tough stains will take extra work and extra materials. Because of this, it will usually cost more. This cost is likely to depend on how big an area the stain covers, and what type of stain it is. It's worth informing your cleaner of any significant stains beforehand, so that they can quote your price accurately.
Some cleaners will charge extra if your household has pets, as they can create significant carpet damage and cause build-up of hair and dirt.
Often, homeowners will move their furniture off the carpet in preparation for the cleaner. However, not everyone will be able to do this.
Similarly, not every carpet cleaner offers to move furniture, and if they do, it's likely to cost extra. Some companies will charge a flat rate to move your furniture, or others will simply charge hourly.
Some carpet cleaners do not offer this service at all, so if you are unable to move furniture yourself, you may need to find someone else to help you with this task – or use a different carpet cleaner.
It's common for commercial carpet cleaning to be required out of office hours, so they’re ready to use for the next working day. Commercial spaces are also often bigger than residential spaces. Because of this, commercial carpet cleaning can cost slightly more.
Like with many things, where you live can impact how much you can expect to pay for a carpet cleaning service. A combination of regional living expenses, market competition, and demand levels contribute to the variability in carpet cleaning costs across different towns and cities in the UK. If you live in a rural area, you may also have to pay more for the distance that the cleaner will have to travel to reach you.
Some carpet cleaners categorise their costs into packages. The cost of each tier is likely to correspond with how thorough the cleaning involved is. Always check what is included in each package to decide which suits you best.
While everyone loves a bargain, extremely low prices can be a red flag when it comes to quality. Choosing an accredited, professional carpet cleaner can work out more cost-effective in the long run as it can extend the lifespan of your carpets and keep them at their best.
Low prices may also be a sign that the business may be untrustworthy. In fact, there's a practice which is sadly far too common, where companies use low prices to lure you in, and then up-sell you something more expensive or unnecessary add-ons. This is called bait and switch – and it’s an illegal form of deception.
You can avoid this by working with a trusted carpet cleaner from the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA). Every NCCA carpet cleaner has to follow a code of conduct, which includes transparent pricing. Businesses set their own prices, but they must be trustworthy and fair. Inflating prices, especially at the last minute, is strictly against our policies.
The figures provided here are just averages. If you want a specific cost for carpet cleaning, the NCCA can make things easier.
We’ve built a directory of trusted local carpet cleaners, so you can get a price to clean your carpets without having to check the credentials of each contractor yourself. Everyone in our directory is fully trained, experienced and insured, so it’s simply a case of choosing a cleaner that’s close to you.
Search our carpet cleaners directory to get a quote.
Looking after carpets is vital to ensure that they last longer and stay looking good. However, the best way to look after your carpet is not always obvious. Read on to find out how often you should clean your carpet.
No matter where you live, you should be vacuuming your carpet at least once a week. If you have pets, allergies or areas with higher traffic, you should vacuum more often.
Read more about how often you should vacuum.
Vacuuming alone isn't enough to maintain a healthy carpet. As a general rule, carpets benefit from a deep clean every 12 to 18 months, but there are some exceptions.
If you spill something on your carpet or a pet has an accident, this should always be seen to as soon as possible to prevent long term damage.
Pet owners should have their carpet deep cleaned every 6 to 12 months. This is because grubby paws bring in dirt that can build up in your carpet. Pets also constantly drop dander, which can become embedded in your carpet. This can’t always be removed by vacuuming alone. Pets also have oily skins that leave oil on the carpet, which attracts extra soiling very quickly.
If someone in your household smokes, this smell can cling to the fibres of your carpet. Even if they never smoke inside, the smell of smoke can linger in your house. To get rid of this smell, you should deep clean carpets every 3 to 6 months. That will also remove the nicotine deposits engrained in the carpet and deposited on your upholstery.
People with allergies can be very sensitive to even tiny amounts of dust and pollen. In fact, those who suffer from allergies sometimes find that just vacuuming makes their symptoms worse, as it can send allergens flying into the air. Therefore, you might find that deep cleaning every 3 to 6 months is best to remove the allergens.
How often your carpet needs cleaning doesn't only depend on who lives in your house, but the kind of carpet it is. Light carpets may need cleaning more often to maintain their colour. However, don't neglect dark-coloured carpets – the dark colour can hide all sorts of grime!
Long pile carpets also benefit from more regular cleaning, as there are deeper fibres for dirt to cling to.
While it might be tempting to put off cleaning your carpet, leaving it for too long can reduce the lifespan of your carpet.
The longer you leave stains, the higher the chance that you won't be able to remove them. A build-up of dirt can make your carpet feel grimy and lose its soft feel. Also, this dirt can lead to bacteria, leading to health issues.
If smells are hiding in your carpet, you may become used to them, but visitors will be hit by odour when they enter your home.
A regular visit from a professional carpet cleaner will help you keep your carpet in shape. Use the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) to find accredited carpet cleaners in your area. All cleaners in our tried and trusted directory have been vetted for training, insurance and experience so you don’t have to worry about subpar results.
Curious as to what's trending in the carpet world? Whether you're looking to impress guests or just like to surround yourself with the latest styles, here's everything you need to keep up to date.
Following its popularity in 2023, the dopamine decor trend is still going strong. Dopamine decor is all about decorating in a way that encourages your brain to produce happy chemicals. Bright colours and maximalism abound, it often features quirky designs. Dopamine decor gives you permission to use things previously designated for kids’ rooms, from shaped rugs to fun patterns.
Similarly, bold colours are all the rage at the moment. Whether it's a statement rug, a bright border or a block of colour, everyone is feeling daring with their colour choices. If you don't want to go all out, you can also incorporate colour through stripes, swirls or even a checkerboard pattern, balancing them with more neutral colours.
The warm colours and earthy tones of the 1970s are back. Depending on how you use them, you can create a calm environment or a lively space. These colours are versatile and nostalgic, perfect for family homes or stylish singles.
Mixing conventional natural carpet materials with silk, bamboo, wool and sisal can create unexpected textures. These add interest to a home, not just for the eyes, but underfoot too. Deep pile carpets are also making a comeback, encouraging people to be creative with their carpet choices.
You might associate intricately patterned carpets with pubs and old houses, but they're returning with a twist. Whether you like florals, geometric shapes or animal print, there's something for everyone. Choosing something that matches your interests and personal style can make a statement and add intrigue to your home.
Vintage rugs are in high demand at the moment. Whether they're authentic historical pieces or fresh takes on the style, these practical rugs give the environment an elevated feel. Used to hide dirt and brighten up a home for centuries, vintage carpet will continue to be a classic even after the trend fades.
More and more people are caring about our planet, so it's no wonder that sustainability has made its way into the world of carpets. One way to incorporate this trend is to search for carpets that are locally produced or made of recycled material. Many carpets are made of nylon or other polymers, which can be melted down and recycled. This reduces the resources that would otherwise be needed to make a new carpet.
The best way to be sustainable is to look after your carpet. By increasing the lifespan of what you already have, you reduce the resources required even more.
Hiring a professional carpet cleaner can help your carpets live longer and look better. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a directory of accredited carpet cleaners all over the UK. Fully insured, they can help rejuvenate your carpet, whatever style or material you choose.
Search our directory today.
Every home has high-traffic areas – with hallways, entranceways, stairs, and living rooms among the top candidates. These areas experience a greater amount of foot traffic, collect more dirt, and often wear out more quickly. But if carpet is your floor covering of choice, there are ways to keep it looking its best. In this post, we’ll explore a few tips and tricks you can follow to help your carpets last longer in high-traffic areas.
Vacuums are the first line of defence when carpet cleaning. Regular vacuuming prevents dirt from getting trodden deep into your carpet. Make sure you don't neglect the edges of your carpet or areas under furniture, as dust can easily gather here.
Many people don't vacuum their carpets for long enough, which can lead to a build-up of dirt. It's recommended to spend 10-20 minutes vacuuming each room.
The areas that get the most use are the ones most likely to be stained. When possible, clean stains as soon as they happen, to prevent them soaking into the fibres of your carpet.
As this isn’t always an option, there are ways you can remove tougher stains. One method is combining baking soda, white vinegar and water. Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area to help loosen the stain. Then, mix equal parts water and white vinegar and spray it over the baking soda. Once the baking soda and white vinegar have finished reacting, blot them away with a wet cloth.
Wearing shoes on your carpet can tread through soil and bacteria from outside. The hard soles of shoes can also drive this dirt in further and wear away your carpet.
However, walking barefoot on your carpet can also age it, due to the natural oils on your feet and shedding dead skin cells. The best footwear to maintain a carpet are socks or soft-soled indoor slippers.
Placing rugs or mats in high-traffic areas can protect the carpet underneath. They can also be picked up and shaken out, allowing you to clean them more easily. This is especially important in doorways, as you can prevent dirt from ever reaching your carpet. You can even buy machine washable rugs, which are convenient for regular at-home cleaning.
As well as following all of the advice above, it’s important to have carpets deep cleaned on a regular basis. For most carpets, this is recommended at least once a year. However, you may want to book it in twice a year for high-traffic areas.
A professional carpet cleaner will have the knowledge and equipment to revitalise your carpets despite such heavy use. A professional deep clean will agitate the fibres without damaging your carpet to essentially bring it back to life – not to mention removing lingering smells and stains.
High-traffic areas need more attention than others, but a professional cleaner can help you tackle this challenge. Find accredited carpet cleaners in the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) directory. Every NCCA member is insured and has passed training, preparing them for your carpet.
Search our directory to find professional carpet cleaners.
Allergies can severely impact sufferers. From dust to pollen, allergens are found all over the home, and many are invisible to the naked eye. If not removed, these allergens can trigger symptoms of asthma and eczema, as well as causing headaches and congested airways. To reduce these symptoms, there are a few simple things that you can do…
It can be tricky to find the balance between sufficient ventilation and protection against outdoor allergens. Keeping windows and doors closed during pollen season can prevent it entering your home. However, you don't want the indoor air to stagnate, so air conditioning is recommended.
There are several devices that can help you keep your air clean.
One of the most common allergens in the home are dust mites, which love to burrow into soft furnishings. Dust and dead skin can collect in unwashed fabrics and create a feast for dust mites. There are several ways to prevent this.
Some furniture attracts allergens more than others, so you can choose items that will make your home easier to maintain.
Switching to washable curtains and rugs allows you to clean them regularly. Where possible, choose furniture without upholstery. Chairs made of wood, metal or plastic are much easier to clean, and have fewer places for dust mites to live. Similarly, low-pile carpet collects fewer allergens and is easier to clean.
Clutter can collect dust and be fiddly to clean. Keeping surfaces clear makes your life easier. In particular, potted plants can attract mould. You can cover the soil with stones or aquarium gravel to keep any mould contained.
Dust mites love carpets, and other allergens can get embedded in the fibres of your carpet. By vacuuming at least once or twice a week, you can keep them at bay.
Regularly deep cleaning your carpet can also clean out any allergens that have built up. If you do spot any mould, make sure that you treat it as soon as possible to prevent the spores from spreading. However, there are several downsides to DIY cleaning, which is why a professional clean is recommended around once a year – which brings us to…
The National Carpet Cleaning Association has a directory of accredited carpet cleaners, so you know you’re getting the best results for the money you spend on carpet cleaning. All of our carpet cleaners are trained and insured to ensure that our members are reliable and capable. That means they’re best placed to eliminate allergens on your floors.
Search our directory or take a look at our FAQs to find out more.