Carpets face a lot of wear and tear. From daily foot traffic to accidental spills, it’s no wonder carpets get so dirty over time. Professional carpet cleaning services like COIT and Stanley Steemer promise to deep clean carpets and revive their appearance.
But which service should you choose?
Both COIT and Stanley Steemer offer carpet and upholstery cleaning using truck-mounted steam cleaning systems. They thoroughly clean carpets by injecting a cleaning solution deep into the fibers and then extracting dirt and grime with powerful suction.
While the cleaning methods are similar, there are some key differences between the two companies that may help you decide which is the better fit for your home and budget. This comprehensive guide compares COIT and Stanley Steemer across factors like cost, reputation, services offered, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | COIT | Stanley Steemer |
| Cost | $120 – $200 average for whole home. Free quotes. | $125 – $250 average range listed on website. Free estimates. |
| Customer Satisfaction | 4.6 stars across 1,700+ reviews | 4.5 stars across 14,000+ reviews |
| Services Offered | Carpet, area rug, upholstery and drapery cleaning | Carpet, tile, grout, hardwood, air ducts, dryer vents, and more |
| Green Cleaning | Uses safe, green-certified solutions | Offers Green Clean service with plant-based products |
| Stain Removal Process | Customized spot treatment and stain removers | Specialized stain removal process for each type |
| Appointment Time | 2-3 hours average | 2-4 hours average |
| Availability | Consistent across regions | Varies by franchise location |
| Guarantee | 30-day unconditional satisfaction guarantee | Satisfaction guarantee with no time limit |
Company Overviews
Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at some background on each company.
- COIT
COIT has been in business since 1946 and cleans carpets in homes and businesses across the United States and Canada.
The company only uses its own trained and certified carpet cleaners, not subcontractors.
COIT focuses exclusively on carpet, area rug, upholstery, and drapery cleaning.
- Stanley Steemer
Founded in 1947, Stanley Steemer also has a long history serving residential and commercial customers in the US and Canada. In addition to carpet cleaning, Stanley Steemer offers tile and grout cleaning, hardwood floor cleaning, air duct cleaning, and other services. The company uses both company employees and local franchise owners.
Cost Comparison
One of the biggest factors for most consumers is cost. Here’s how COIT and Stanley Steemer’s costs stack up.
- COIT
COIT does not advertise set prices because the cost of carpet cleaning depends on factors like square footage and number of rooms. To get an exact quote, you need to schedule an on-site inspection. The quote is free with no obligation to book.
According to reviews, COIT’s carpet cleaning costs approximately $120 to $200 for a whole house, though larger homes may cost more. Their upholstery cleaning runs $25 to $100 per sofa.
COIT offers regular specials like 20% off for new customers. Bundling carpet and upholstery cleaning usually provides additional savings.
- Stanley Steemer
Stanley Steemer lists estimated pricing right on their website to give customers an idea of costs.
Carpet cleaning runs $125 to $250 for a three bedroom house, while upholstery cleaning ranges from $125 to $250 per sofa.
Like COIT, the final price depends on your home’s specifics. Stanley Steemer provides free estimates as well with no obligation.
Stanley Steemer also offers regular discounts like $20 off any service for new customers. Their website features special deals updated monthly.
Winner: Draw – Both COIT and Stanley Steemer offer free estimates, discounts, and competitive pricing in the same ballpark. Stanley Steemer lists general price ranges upfront while COIT provides personalized quotes.
Customer Satisfaction
With pricing so similar between the two brands, customer service and satisfaction may be the real differentiating factor for many homeowners.
- COIT
COIT enjoys excellent customer ratings, with 4.6 out of 5 stars across over 1,700 Google reviews. Positive reviews praise the friendly, professional technicians and the dramatic cleaning results. Many report their carpets look brand new again.
Some negative reviews cite issues with scheduling or repeat cleaning not being as thorough. Damage claims also occasionally come up. But overall, most customers seem very pleased with COIT’s carpet cleaning services.
- Stanley Steemer
Stanley Steemer also rates well with 4.5 out of 5 stars over almost 14,000 Google reviews. Satisfied customers say their carpets were deeply cleaned and drying time was fast. Reviews frequently use words like “polite,” “professional,” and “knowledgeable” to describe the technicians.
Negative feedback includes difficulty getting spots fully removed and inconsistent results between cleanings. Some also report techs made errors like stripping the finish off wood floors. But the majority are happy with the carpet cleaning service.
Winner: COIT – With a higher average rating across reviews, COIT edges out Stanley Steemer for better customer satisfaction. Longer wait times for Stanley Steemer appointments also come up more frequently as a complaint.
Range of Services
When evaluating carpet cleaners, you may want to consider additional services besides basic carpet cleaning:
COIT
COIT focuses exclusively on carpet, rug, upholstery and drapery cleaning. Add-on services include:
- Protectant treatment upon request – protects against dirt and stains
- Minor water damage cleaning and deodorizing
- Repair of loose carpet seams and holes
For other needs like tile/grout cleaning or air duct cleaning, you’ll need to hire another company.
Stanley Steemer
Stanley Steemer provides a wider array of home cleaning services:
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Tile and grout cleaning
- Hardwood floor cleaning
- Air duct cleaning
- Dryer vent cleaning
- Tile sealing and grout repair
They are a one-stop-shop for all types of cleaning besides specialized needs like drapes.
Winner: Stanley Steemer – With additional services beyond basic carpet cleaning, Stanley Steemer is the better option for whole-home cleaning.
Green Cleaning Practices
For environmentally-conscious homeowners, the cleaning products and practices matter.
- COIT
COIT uses green-certified cleaning solutions that are non-toxic and safe for kids and pets. Their COITGreen Stain Protector also uses environmentally-responsible chemistry.
While they don’t advertise as exclusively “green” cleaners, their solutions use thoughtful ingredients optimized for results and safety.
- Stanley Steemer
Stanley Steemer offers both traditional cleaning solutions as well as an organic-based option called the Green Clean.
Their standard cleaners use safe ingredients tested and approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute.
The Green Clean goes a step further for customers who want non-toxic and biodegradable products.
It cleans just as effectively using plant-based ingredients.
Winner: Stanley Steemer – For customers who prioritize eco-friendly cleaning, Stanley Steemer’s dedicated Green Clean option is a great choice. Their standard cleaners are also safe and effective.
Stain Removal Process
Carpet stains happen! Here is how COIT and Stanley Steemer tackle them:
- COIT
COIT uses professional-strength stain removers and cleaning agents during the standard cleaning process. Their powerful truck-mounted system injects and extracts the solutions deep into carpet fibers.
For more stubborn or set-in stains, your technician can perform spot removal using customized methods for the stain type. Oily stains may require solvents while biological stains need enzymatic treatments.
Their stain removal system combines the right mix of cleaning agents, time, temperature and agitation. They often use an angled wand for concentrated application.
- Stanley Steemer
Similarly, Stanley Steemer also applies proprietary stain removers during the regular carpet cleaning service. Their hot water extraction system drives out embedded stains.
For additional spot treatment, technicians select the best process based on the stain type. Methods include blotting, absorbing, rinsing, neutralizing and more. Some may require multiple steps to treat and fully remove the stain.
Stanley Steemer also offers periodic re-treatment of stains so they don’t return over time for no extra cost.
Winner: Draw – Both COIT and Stanley Steemer demonstrate extensive expertise and methods for tackling stains, even in those extra tricky cases. It’s a tie!
Average Appointment Time
A long carpet cleaning appointment can disrupt your family’s home routine. Here’s how COIT and Stanley Steemer’s appointment lengths compare:
- COIT
COIT says most appointments take about 2 to 3 hours for a whole house carpet cleaning. The technician will provide an estimated timeframe before starting.
Larger homes or those with many rooms may take closer to 4 hours from start to finish. Still, COIT aims to get in and out in a reasonable timeframe.
- Stanley Steemer
Stanley Steemer quotes a 2 to 4 hour range for whole home carpet cleaning as well. The size of your home and number of areas to be cleaned impacts the total time.
Some customers report longer actual appointment times of up to 5+ hours. As a franchise, timeliness may depend on the specific local team.
Winner: COIT – With more consistent 2 to 3 hour appointment windows, COIT finishes in less time on average.
Availability & Booking
The ease and speed of booking an appointment also counts. Let’s explore availability for each company.
- COIT
As an exclusive carpet and upholstery cleaner with company employees doing all cleaning, COIT offers consistent availability and scheduling.
You can easily book appointments on their website or over the phone.
COIT allows booking as soon as the next day for urgent or last-minute cleaning needs.
Weekend and evening appointments are available for customers wanting service outside 9 to 5 hours.
- Stanley Steemer
As a mix of corporate locations and local franchises, Stanley Steemer’s availability depends somewhat on your region.
In some areas, appointments may be booked several days or even weeks out due to high demand. Weekend and evening times also vary by location.
Checking in with your local franchise is the best way to confirm availability for faster booking. Nationwide, scheduling through their website or call center is simple.
Winner: COIT – With company technicians and more uniform operations, COIT takes the lead for faster appointment booking in most cases.
Service Guarantee
If you’re unsatisfied with the cleaning results, both companies offer guarantees:
- COIT
COIT offers an unconditional 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unhappy for any reason within 30 days of your cleaning, contact COIT to have the affected areas recleaned for free.
Their thorough satisfaction guarantee applies to all services including spots and spills that reappear.
- Stanley Steemer
Stanley Steemer also stands behind their work with a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the cleaning job, they will come back out and reclean the area for free.
This guarantee has no time limit and applies until you are fully satisfied. Stanley Steemer also warrants any cleaning work they perform.
Winner: Draw – Both COIT and Stanley Steemer offer strong satisfaction guarantees if issues arise with the cleaning service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have some questions? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about COIT and Stanley Steemer.
COIT is one of Stanley Steemer’s biggest competitors in carpet cleaning. Other major competitors include Servpro, CleanNet USA, and The Cleaning Authority.
Local and regional carpet cleaning companies also compete with Stanley Steemer franchises. But COIT and Stanley Steemer are two of the largest and most well-known national brands.
COIT cleans carpets using hot water extraction with powerful truck-mounted units. Their systems spray cleaning agents deep into carpet fibers which are then immediately extracted along with dirt by strong suction.
This injects and extracts method is considered the most effective way to thoroughly clean carpets according to carpet manufacturers and experts.
Tipping is not expected or required when you hire Stanley Steemer since their prices factor in the cost of service. However, many customers still choose to tip as a courtesy for exceptional service.
An appropriate tip would be anywhere from $5 to $20+ per technician, depending on the size of your home and your satisfaction with the cleaning job.
Hot water extraction, also known as steam cleaning, is widely regarded as the most effective carpet cleaning method. It injects a cleaning solution deep into carpets which is then immediately vacuumed up along with dirt, debris, and stains.
This method provides a much deeper clean than surface methods like bonnet cleaning. It also uses high temperatures which kill bacteria and significantly improves drying time compared to alternatives.
The Bottom Line
So when comparing COIT and Stanley Steemer for carpet cleaning, who comes out on top?
While both provide high quality cleaning services and fair pricing, COIT edges out Stanley Steemer when it comes to customer satisfaction, appointment availability, and efficiency. Their laser focus on carpets and upholstery makes them experts for thorough, convenient cleaning.
Stanley Steemer offers a broader range of home cleaning services under one roof. Their Green Clean service appeals to eco-conscious homeowners. As a franchise, quality can vary slightly by location.
No matter which you choose, rest assured COIT and Stanley Steemer have the training, tools, and experience to revive your carpets. Their stellar reputations throughout decades in business speak for themselves.
When in doubt, get free estimates from both companies. And check for special offers that make the decision even easier. With clean carpets and a little extra cash in your pocket, you can’t go wrong either way!