Carpet Cleaning Business: Is It Profitable, Is There Money to Be Made, and How to Earn?

Carpet Cleaning Business: Is It Profitable, Is There Money to Be Made, and How to Earn?

For many people who have the entrepreneurial spirit and want to have their own business, the carpet cleaning business continues to be an important industry that maintains its popularity in 2026. Its constant demand, the potential for high profitability with the right techniques, and its scalability make this sector particularly ideal. So, is it really wise to enter this business? How long does it take for the return on investment, and what are the secrets to success in this field? In this guide, you will find answers to all the curious questions about the carpet cleaning job, realistic data, and expert opinions.

What is the Carpet Cleaning Business?

The carpet cleaning business is, in simple terms, the professional cleaning, drying, and delivery of carpets belonging to personal and corporate clients using special machines and chemicals. However, in modern terms, this business goes beyond just the washing operation. It includes several steps, such as picking up the carpet from the customer, labeling it to prevent mix-ups, determining the correct washing method based on the carpet type, stain detection, and applying special stain removal treatments, washing it without any manual intervention in fully automatic machines, squeezing it in high-speed centrifugal machines to leave minimal moisture, hygienically drying it in specially climate-controlled drying rooms, performing final checks, adding fragrance, and packaging. This complex service process aims to maintain the highest level of customer satisfaction and service quality.

Is There Profit in the Carpet Cleaning Business?

The answer to this question is definitely yes, but under certain conditions. Entrepreneurs asking whether the carpet cleaning business is profitable should know that profitability is directly related to the quality of investment, operational efficiency, and marketing capability. Key factors affecting profit margins in the industry include:

• Financial Management: Keeping essential costs like electricity, water, detergent, personnel, rent, and vehicle fuel under control directly impacts profitability. Modern machine parks that save water and energy can significantly reduce costs in the long run.

• Pricing Strategy: The price per square meter for cleaning should be adjusted based on the area’s density, the quality of service offered, and the type of carpet. Rather than focusing solely on low prices, offering quality service at reasonable prices helps build a loyal customer base and creates a more sustainable profit model.

• Capacity Utilization: How effectively you use your business’s daily or monthly cleaning capacity is important. An idle machine or unused facility will lead to losses rather than profits. Consistent business flow through effective marketing is key to profitability.

• Additional Services: Offering additional services such as upholstery cleaning, duvet-blanket cleaning, and curtain cleaning increases revenue per customer and boosts overall profitability.

With the right business plan and effective operations, the gross profit margin in the carpet cleaning job can exceed 50%. This clearly demonstrates the potential within the industry.

How to Succeed in the Carpet Cleaning Business?

Success does not only come with having good machines; it requires the right business approach and strategy. Here are the key steps that will guide you along the way:

• Professional Equipment Acquisition: The foundation of success is high-quality and appropriate tools. Professional equipment such as dusting machines, fully automatic washing machines, carpet squeezing machines, and closed mechanism drying rooms help save labor and standardize your service quality. Poor quality or manual techniques lead to time loss and customer complaints.

• Target Audience and Market Research: Analyze the demographic structure, potential customer profile, and competitor businesses in the area where you plan to set up your company. By identifying your competitors’ weaknesses, aim to provide better service in those areas.

• Building a Strong Brand Identity: Create a memorable brand with a professional logo and corporate image. Position yourself as a trustworthy cleaning partner, not just a cleaner, in the eyes of your customers.

• Effective Marketing and Customer Relations: In addition to local marketing events, actively use digital marketing. Customer satisfaction should always be your priority. A satisfied customer is the best advertisement. You should pay attention to feedback and quickly resolve complaints.

Carpet Cleaning Business: What is it Like? Advantages and Challenges

Like every industry, the carpet cleaning business has its own unique advantages and challenges. Carpets get dirty frequently in both homes and workplaces, creating a continuous demand throughout the year. Demand peaks, especially in the spring and fall months. Typically, payment is received when the service is completed, making it easier to manage cash flow effectively. In addition, starting as a small business, you can scale your operation over time by expanding your machine setup, increasing the number of vehicles, and opening branches. With quality service and good marketing, you can become a leading brand in your region.

When looking at the challenges, especially in large cities, the competition is extremely high. To stand out in this competition, you need to differentiate yourself through service quality. Despite automation, processes such as transporting and laying the carpets can still require physical labor. Although rare, issues like carpet damage, fading of color, or stains that don’t come out can occur. In such cases, maintaining customer satisfaction with a professional approach and, if necessary, activating insurance mechanisms is crucial. Additionally, establishing a professional facility requires a certain initial capital, which may be a challenge for some entrepreneurs.

What Do You Need to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business?

To establish a professional carpet cleaning facility, the following are needed under three main categories:

Machines and Equipment

• Carpet Dusting Machine: Removes dust, hair, and foreign particles from the carpet before the washing process, improving the cleaning quality.

• Fully Automatic Carpet Cleaning Machine: Washes the carpet thoroughly and without manual intervention using different brush types and pressure settings.

• Carpet Squeezing Machine: Removes up to 95% of the water from the washed carpet, shortening drying time and preventing color mixing.

• Moisture Extraction and Carpet Drying Machine: Ensures carpets dry quickly in a hygienic manner in a closed environment, away from external factors.

• Airing and Packaging Machine: Removes the final dust and fluff from the dried carpets, performs quality control, and packages them.

Physical Space and Vehicle

• Workspace: A shop or workshop that is at least 150-200 m², with proper water and electricity infrastructure, where washing, squeezing, drying, and storage areas can fit comfortably.

• Service Vehicle: A closed-box truck for picking up and delivering carpets.

Legal and Other Requirements

• Company Registration: Official registration as a sole proprietorship or limited company.

• Licenses: Business operating and work permits obtained from the municipality.

• Tax Plate: Registration with the tax office.

• Professional Qualification: Mastery or certification obtained from authorized chambers or institutions (although not mandatory, it adds prestige and reliability).

Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Carpet Cleaning Shop

Here’s the roadmap you need to follow to turn your dream business into reality:

• Prepare a Detailed Business Plan: Write down your savings, goals, cost analysis, profit expectations, and marketing methods in detail. This plan will serve as your compass for opening a carpet cleaning shop.

• Determine Financing Sources: Decide whether to fund the required capital with your own resources, a bank loan, or government support such as KOSGEB.

• Choose the Right Location: Select a location close to your potential customers, with easy access and high visibility for signage.

• Complete the Official Procedures: Set up your business, register your tax information, and apply for the necessary permits from the municipality.

• Acquire Machines and Equipment: Build your machine range from a reliable company with a wide service network and strong references. Industry leaders like GARMAK not only provide machines but also offer installation and training support.

• Hire and Train Staff: Start with at least one person who has strong customer relations and will take ownership of the job. Provide training on equipment usage and washing procedures.

Marketing and Advertising:

Launch an effective initial campaign to announce your business. Attract your first customers by offering special discounts and campaigns for the opening.

How Much Can a Carpet Cleaning Business Earn? Real Figures

So, is there money to be made in the carpet cleaning business? Let’s take a look at the numbers. This calculation provides an estimate based on average values and will vary depending on location.

Estimated average cleaning price for 2025: 40 TRY / m2

Entry-level daily average cleaning capacity: 150 m2

Monthly earnings calculation:

200 m2 / day * 40 TRY / m2 = 8,000 TRY (Daily earnings)

8,000 TRY/day * 26 working days = 208,000 TRY (Monthly gross earnings)

Estimated Monthly Expenses:

• Rent: 20,000 TRY

• Personnel (1 person + social security): 30,000 TRY

• Electricity and Water: 15,000 TRY

• Detergents and Consumables: 20,000 TRY

• Vehicle Fuel and Maintenance: 5,000 TRY

• Accounting, Taxes (Social Security, withholding tax, etc.): 10,000 TRY

• Marketing and Other Expenses: 5,000 TRY

• Total Monthly Expenses: 105,000 TRY

Monthly Net Profit:

208,000 TRY (Revenue) – 105,000 TRY (Expenses) = 103,000 TRY (Estimated Monthly Net Profit)

These numbers can increase or decrease depending on the company’s efficiency, seasonal demand, and expense management. However, as seen, with the right program, the carpet cleaning business is a serious profit-making opportunity.

Carpet Cleaning Business Tips

• Water Quality: If possible, using purified or softened water increases detergent efficiency and gives carpets a shinier appearance.

• Correct Chemical Use: Using the right chemical products is highly effective in this process. Not all stains and carpet types require the same chemicals. Using professional products tailored to the stain and carpet type maximizes service quality.

• The Importance of Drying: Leaving carpets damp can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odors. Professional drying rooms that ensure complete drying are key to customer satisfaction.

• Customer Tracking System: Additionally, using software to track customer details, carpet specifications, and previous services allows you to offer personalized services and build customer loyalty.

KOSGEB-Supported Carpet Cleaning Business: Government Grants and Application Process

The government offers significant incentives to support new entrepreneurs through KOSGEB. Receiving KOSGEB support for a carpet cleaning business is a great privilege, especially for reducing the burden of startup capital. Entrepreneurs who want to set up a KOSGEB-supported carpet cleaning factory can benefit from the Entrepreneurship Development Support Program. The process typically follows these steps:

1. Traditional Entrepreneur Training: Completing the traditional entrepreneurship training online via e-government is the first requirement.

2. Company Formation: After successfully completing the training, you need to officially establish your sole proprietorship or limited company.

3. Registration in KOSGEB’s Database: Register your business in the KOSGEB system.

Support Application: Under the program, there are non-repayable grants for items such as company expenses, machinery, equipment, and office supplies. You can apply through KOSGEB’s online system. Based on the approved project, you can benefit from the support by presenting the invoices for the professional machines you acquire.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓️Is There Money to Be Made in the Carpet Cleaning Business?

Yes, as detailed in the return table above, with the right investment, effective operations, and successful marketing techniques, the carpet cleaning business is a profitable sector that can provide its entrepreneurs with a satisfactory and steady income.

❓️How to Obtain a Carpet Cleaning Certificate?

Obtaining a master’s certificate or professional competence certificate for carpet cleaning proves the professionalism and reliability of your business. These certificates can be obtained through authorized institutions, such as Vocational Training Centers or the Vocational Qualification Authority, after completing a certain training and examination process.

❓️How Many Square Meters Should a Carpet Cleaning Shop Be?

For a professional cleaning facility, the minimum suitable area is between 150 and 200 square meters. This space should comfortably accommodate functional sections such as carpet reception and office areas, dusting area, washing section, squeezing area, at least a 50 to 60 square meter carpet drying room, and packaging area.

❓️How Are Carpet Cleaning Prices Determined?

Pricing can vary based on certain criteria. The cleaning fees for different types of carpets, such as machine-made carpets, wool carpets, bamboo, silk, and handmade carpets, differ. The square meter of the carpet is the most common pricing factor. Additionally, extra charges may apply for very dirty and stained carpets. The general price level in your location is also a determining factor. Additional services such as overlocking, repair, and stain protection are also added to the price.

❓️What Is the Carpet Cleaning Tax?

The tax rate varies depending on the type of company you set up. If you establish a sole proprietorship, you will be subject to progressive income tax based on the profits you earn. If you establish a limited company, you will pay corporate tax at a fixed rate on your profits. Additionally, there is Value Added Tax (VAT) that you must collect from the customer and pay to the government for all your services. For exact figures, it’s best to work with a financial advisor.