Carpets and rugs trap dust, sand, food crumbs, pet hair and allergens. In Nairobi, where dust blows in during the dry months and muddy shoes come in during the rains, a rug can look tired fast. A professional clean brings back the colour, removes deep dirt and makes your room feel fresh again.
This guide explains how carpet and rug cleaning is priced in Nairobi, how to work out your cost, and how to keep your rug clean for longer.
How carpet cleaning is priced
Most carpet cleaners in Nairobi charge per square foot. The bigger the rug, the more it costs. At DropCleanGo, carpet washing is KSh 40 per square foot. Check our price list for current rates.
How to measure your rug
- Measure the length and the width in feet.
- Multiply them. Length x width = square feet.
- Measured in metres? Multiply the square metres by 10.76 to get square feet.
Example: a rug 5 feet by 8 feet is 5 x 8 = 40 square feet.
Example costs at KSh 40 per square foot
| Rug size (feet) | Square feet | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3 x 5 (door mat or small rug) | 15 | KSh 600 |
| 4 x 6 | 24 | KSh 960 |
| 5 x 8 (living room rug) | 40 | KSh 1,600 |
| 6 x 9 | 54 | KSh 2,160 |
| 8 x 10 (large living room) | 80 | KSh 3,200 |
| 9 x 12 | 108 | KSh 4,320 |
These are examples only. Your final price is confirmed when we see the rug.
What can change the price?
- Heavy stains: wine, oil, ink and pet accidents may need extra treatment.
- Material: wool, silk and hand-knotted Persian rugs need gentler cleaning.
- Thick pile: shaggy rugs hold more dirt and take longer to dry.
- Pet odour: urine soaks into the backing and needs special treatment.
On-site vs off-site cleaning
| On-site (cleaned in your home) | Off-site (taken to a cleaning facility) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Wall-to-wall carpet | Loose rugs of any size |
| Depth of clean | Surface and mid-pile | Full wash, front and back |
| Drying | Carpet stays damp in your home for hours | Dried fully before it comes back |
For loose rugs, an off-site wash gives a deeper clean and avoids a damp room.
How often should you clean a rug?
- Busy areas like living rooms and entrances: every 6 to 12 months.
- Bedrooms: every 12 to 18 months.
- Homes with pets, small children or allergies: every 6 months.
Keep your rug cleaner for longer
- Vacuum twice a week, and more often in the dry season.
- Put a door mat at every entrance.
- Blot spills straight away with a clean cloth. Do not rub.
- Turn rugs every few months so they wear evenly.
- Keep rugs out of strong direct sun to stop fading.
Frequently asked questions
How much does carpet cleaning cost in Nairobi?
Most cleaners charge per square foot. At DropCleanGo it is KSh 40 per square foot, so a 5 x 8 ft rug costs about KSh 1,600.
How long does a rug take to dry?
It depends on the thickness and the weather. Thick rugs take longer, especially in the rainy season. We return rugs only when they are fully dry.
Can you clean Persian and wool rugs?
Yes, with gentle methods. Tell us the material when you book so we can choose the right care.
Do you collect rugs?
Pickup is free in Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Hurlingham and State House. For large rugs, tell us the size when you book. See how pickup works.
Book a carpet or rug clean
Send us your rug size on WhatsApp at 0116 090 010 for a quick quote, or book a pickup. You can pair it with a duvet clean for a full refresh of your home.
Photo: Clay Banks on Unsplash.
