When to Do It Yourself, When to Hire a Pro

Finding Carpet, Upholstery and Curtain Cleaners

Problem: Your carpet is stained, and your upholstery and curtains are looking dingy enough to darken anyone’s mood.

Enter: Curtain, upholstery, and carpet cleaners. They’ll work with heavy equipment and cleaning solvents for a deep cleaning that will extend the life of your home’s fabrics.

Cost: About 25 cents a square foot for curtains, $12 to $25 a linear foot for upholstery, and 30 cents a square foot for carpets.

To find one: Ask around, or look up Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning in the Yellow Pages.

Consider doing it yourself when: It’s a small job, the stains are minor, or it’s an in-between maintenance job. For less risk of permanent damage, know the type of fiber and stains you’re dealing with.