Carpet Cleaning Franchise: Pros, Cons & Alternatives

Carpets and rugs, with their timeless charm and comfort, grace countless homes and offices throughout this country. According to The Carpet and Rug Institute, carpet accounts for 48% of the total U.S. flooring market. Good quality carpets can be quite expensive, so to make them last as long as possible, experts recommend they be professionally cleaned about once a year.

This regular demand makes owning a carpet cleaning franchise an attractive option for a new entrepreneur. However, as with any business venture, it’s essential to look at the pros and cons of owning this type of franchise so you can see if it’s right for you.

The Pros of Owning a Carpet Cleaning Franchise

Health fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic made cleaning and sanitizing a priority for many people. This included getting their carpets cleaned regularly to reduce dirt, dust, pet danger, and other allergens captured by the fibers.

IBISWorld reports that the carpet cleaning industry grew an average of 4.4% every year from 2017 to 2002. Measured by revenue, in 2022 it was worth an estimated $6.5 billion.

High demand is just one of the pros of owning a carpet cleaning franchise. Another benefit is working under a trusted name, which can help you stand out in the market. Potential customers may be more likely to turn to you if they are familiar with the quality and standards of your brand.

Also, franchises often have access to the latest technology and innovations in carpet cleaning, ensuring that you’re providing services with the most up-to-date and effective methods and equipment. And, as part of a network of franchisees, you may get a reduced rate on supplies.

The Cons of Owning a Carpet Cleaning Franchise

These franchises are not without their drawbacks. Carpet cleaning franchise costs include a large initial investment in expensive equipment. Standard equipment includes carpet cleaning machines, portable carpet extractors, wands, hoses, stair tools, and carpet recycling bags.

You’ll need detergents, as well as pre-sprays, rinses, deodorizers, Scotchgard, and solvents. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary for employees working with these chemicals. If you're servicing large spaces, you may want to invest in rotary extractors and air movers to speed up the cleaning and drying.

Keeping up with the latest cleaning technologies and consumer trends, like green cleaning, might require additional investments in new equipment and training.

Ensuring that your business adheres to environmental regulations regarding the disposal of cleaning waste and usage of cleaning chemicals can be a constant consideration.

And carpet’s popularity may be on the decline. According to Floor Covering News In 2022, overall carpet sales grew by a mere 0.5% to $8.242 billion, with residential carpet sales falling by 5.7%. The total carpet and area rug volume for 2022 was down 9.1% from 2021.

Franchise Alternatives to Consider Instead

A general residential cleaning franchise may be a smarter option than a carpet cleaning business. You won’t be limited to just cleaning carpets, so you’ll be able to cater to a wider clientele, and potentially build a larger revenue base.

However, it’s important to pick a reputable name to franchise with. Two Maids was founded in 2003 and has been franchising since 2013. Our brand, and all our franchisees, are backed by the support of Home Franchises Concepts, a franchising powerhouse for 30 years.

Our unique “pay for performance” model helps us stand out in the market. Each cleaning that Two Maids performs is evaluated by the customer. The higher the score, the higher the employees’ pay. This ensures that the staff does their best every time and that customers are 100% satisfied with the work we perform.

Get Started with Two Maids Today

To find out more about why a residential cleaning service may be the best investment for you, contact Two Maids today. A member of our franchise development team will be in touch to answer your questions.