Carpets can quickly become dirty, stained, and worn down with regular use. To keep them looking fresh and extend their lifespan, regular deep cleaning is a must.
When it comes time to professionally clean your carpets, you may be trying to decide between the two biggest names in carpet cleaning: Modernistic and Stanley Steemer.
Both companies offer professional-grade cleaning services and products for carpets and other surfaces in homes and businesses. But which one is the better choice for deep cleaning your carpets?
Here’s an in-depth comparison of Modernistic and Stanley Steemer to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Modernistic | Stanley Steemer |
| Founded | 2020 | 1947 |
| # of Locations | Franchises in U.S. | 300+ locations in U.S. & Canada |
| Cleaning Method | Hot carbonation extraction | Hot water extraction |
| Cleaning Solutions | Green-certified, non-toxic | Proprietary, phosphate-free |
| Dry Time | 1-2 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Carpet Fiber Effects | Gentle on fibers | Vigorous clean, safe for fibers |
| Stain Removal | Pretreatments for organic stains | Proprietary pre-treatments for stains |
| Odor Removal | Deodorizing treatments | Sanitizing treatments for severe odors |
| Services Offered | Carpet, rugs, upholstery, tile, ducts, auto | Carpet, rugs, upholstery, tile, ducts, floors, auto, water restoration |
| Customer Reviews | Positive but limited reviews | Very positive based on 13,000+ reviews |
| Pricing | Slightly above average. Rare discounts. | Above average. Frequent 10-20% discounts. |
Company Overviews
First, let’s take a high-level look at both companies.
Modernistic
Modernistic is a carpet and upholstery cleaning company that was founded in 2020.
They focus on using the latest technology and green cleaning solutions to provide effective deep cleaning services.
Some key facts about Modernistic:
- Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ with franchises across the US
- Uses hot carbonating extraction cleaning method
- Emphasizes green, non-toxic cleaning solutions
- Services include carpet, area rug, upholstery, tile & grout cleaning
Stanley Steemer
Stanley Steemer is the largest and oldest carpet cleaner in the US. They have been in business since 1947 and are known for their hot water extraction cleaning method. Here are some key facts:
- Founded in 1947 in Ohio, over 300 locations across the US & Canada
- Hot water extraction method with proprietary cleaning solution
- Services include carpet, upholstery, tile, hardwood floor cleaning
- Large truck-mounted systems for home or business
- Major advertising campaigns with jingle “Stanley Steemer gets carpet cleaner”
Key Differences Between Modernistic And Stanley Steemer
Now that we’ve covered the basics on each company, let’s compare them across some key factors to see how they stack up.
- Cleaning Methods
The cleaning method a company uses is important – it can impact how effective the cleaning is and any effects on your carpet fibers or dyes.
Modernistic uses hot carbonating extraction (HCE).
This method uses hot water, detergent, and carbonating crystals to create bubbles that break up and lift dirt from the carpet.
The carbonation helps to loosen and remove debris without harsh chemicals.
Stanley Steemer’s signature method is hot water extraction. Their proprietary cleaning solution and high-powered truck systems blast hot water into the carpet then immediately extract it along with lifted dirt and grime. The combination of hot water and suction provide a deep clean.
Both hot water extraction and HCE are considered very effective methods for deep carpet cleaning. Hot water extraction provides vigorously strong cleaning while HCE is gentler on fibers.
- Cleaning Solutions
The types of cleaning agents used can also impact how well your carpet is cleaned and if there are any residues left behind.
Modernistic uses green-certified cleaning solutions that are free of harsh chemicals, bleaches, phosphates, and dyes. Their detergents are plant-based and designed to be safe for kids and pets while cleaning thoroughly.
Stanley Steemer’s cleaning solutions are proprietary and phosphate-free. They are designed to dissolve grease and oil-based stains. Stanley Steemer does not disclose all ingredients for proprietary reasons but states their solutions are safe when used correctly.
For those wanting a greener cleaning solution, Modernistic may be the better choice. Stanley Steemer’s solutions are very effective on stains but some may prefer to know all ingredients used.
- Dry Times
How long it takes your carpets to dry after cleaning is an important consideration to avoid mold or mildew growth.
Modernistic’s HCE method results in faster dry times of just 1-2 hours on average. The combination of hot water and carbonation reduces moisture left behind. Fans are also placed on cleaned areas to speed drying.
Stanley Steemer estimates dry times around 4-6 hours, though it can take longer for thicker carpets. Their hot water extraction method is very thorough but does leave more moisture behind. They do use fans and dehumidifiers to help reduce dry time.
If you need your carpets to dry quickly, Modernistic may get your carpets back in use more quickly. Plan for carpets to be damp for several hours after Stanley Steemer’s cleaning process.
- Carpet Fiber Effects
Professional carpet cleaning should thoroughly clean your carpet without damaging the carpet fibers or causing excess wear.
Modernistic’s carbonated cleaning solutions are designed to be gentle on fibers and safe for all carpet material types. The bubbles lift dirt without rubbing or abrasion. Their green detergents also help maintain the look of your carpet.
Stanley Steemer also states their process is safe for all carpet types. As a very established company, they have refined their methods to clean thoroughly while not prematurely damaging carpet fibers. Their hot water extraction method provides a vigorous clean which shouldn’t cause excess wear when performed properly.
Both companies take steps to avoid fiber damage during the cleaning process. With either Modernistic or Stanley Steemer, your carpet fibers should be safe.
- Stain and Odor Removal
Two of the main reasons to get carpets professionally cleaned are to remove tough stains or built-up odors like pet smells.
So how do Modernistic and Stanley Steemer handle stubborn staining and odors?
For set-in stains or odors, Modernistic applies stain removers and deodorizers before the standard cleaning process.
They use solutions specifically formulated to break down and remove organic stains from food, drinks, pets, etc. as well as musty odors.
Stanley Steemer also sprays problem areas with stain or odor removal solutions before the hot water extraction begins. Their proprietary cleaners are designed to dissolve and remove oils, grease, food, and pet stains. For really challenging odors, they offer an additional sanitizing treatment.
Both companies have specialized pre-treatments to tackle stubborn stains and smells before the regular carpet cleaning begins. Stanley Steemer also offers the option of a sanitizing treatment for severe odors that Modernistic does not.
- Additional Services
Besides carpets, what other services do Modernistic and Stanley Steemer offer?
Modernistic provides professional cleaning for carpets, area rugs, upholstery like couches and chairs, tile and grout, air ducts, and auto interiors.
Stanley Steemer also cleans carpets, area rugs, upholstery, tile, grout, air ducts and auto interiors. They also offer additional services Modernistic does not, including hardwood floor cleaning, pet stain and odor treatments, commercial carpet cleaning, and emergency water damage restoration.
For total home or business cleaning services beyond just carpets, Stanley Steemer may be the better choice given their wider range of service offerings.
- Customer Reviews
What do actual customers have to say about these professional carpet cleaners?
Online customer ratings and reviews can provide helpful insight into quality and service.
As a newer company, Modernistic has limited customer reviews available.
On some rating sites, they have a 3.5-4 out of 5 star rating based on a few dozen reviews.
Positive feedback notes their excellent cleaning results and quick dry times. Complaints cite some issues with scheduling or service reliability. Their newer status means they have less of a track record so far.
With decades in business, Stanley Steemer has over 13,000 customer reviews available. They hold an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars across various rating platforms.
The vast majority of reviews are positive – customers say their carpets come out looking like new and praise the deep clean results. Negative feedback is minimal but cites some instances of damage to carpets or upselling practices.
Based on available reviews, Stanley Steemer appears to have the better reputation and customer satisfaction. But Modernistic’s lower volume of reviews may simply reflect their newer establishment rather than worse service.
- Pricing and Value
Lastly, let’s compare the pricing and overall value offered by each carpet cleaner.
Modernistic prices are moderately above average for professional carpet cleaning. To clean 3 rooms, expect to pay $150-200. Their higher end cleaning solutions do come at a premium cost. Sales or discounts are relatively rare.
Stanley Steemer is also priced slightly higher than competitors. For 3 rooms, expect to pay around $200-250. They frequently offer discounts of 10-20% off if you sign up for email promotions.
For both companies, be prepared to pay higher prices compared to basic carpet cleaners but you can likely get discounts from Stanley Steemer. Considering the higher quality service, powerful cleaning methods, and good reviews from customers, the higher prices seem justified for both brands.
Ultimately for value, Stanley Steemer may come out slightly ahead due to their regular discount offers, wider range of services, and extremely positive reputation built over decades in business. But Modernistic also offers quality carpet cleaning for a fair price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Stanley Steemer’s biggest competitors are other large professional carpet cleaning chains like Modernistic, Chem-Dry, and The Cleaning Authority. Local or independent carpet cleaners in a given area also compete with Stanley Steemer franchises.
Stanley Steemer and Modernistic are two of the top professional carpet cleaners based on service, effectiveness, and reputation. Other top professional carpet cleaners include Chem-Dry, Zerorez, and ServPro.
Hot water extraction and hot carbonation extraction are considered two of the best carpet cleaning methods. Hot water extraction provides extremely thorough cleaning while hot carbonation is effective yet gentler on carpet fibers.
Tipping is not required or expected with Stanley Steemer since their cleaning technicians are employees earning at least minimum wage. However, you certainly can choose to tip if you feel they did an exceptional job cleaning your home and you want to show extra appreciation. Most customers do not tip.
Closing Remarks
When it comes to choosing between Modernistic and Stanley Steemer for carpet cleaning, either company would provide quality service and results. For green cleaning solutions and faster dry times, Modernistic may be preferable.
But Stanley Steemer offers a wider range of services, excellent deep cleaning results, and a long track record they have maintained over decades. Whichever you choose, following professional carpet cleaning best practices will help keep your carpets looking their best.
With regular deep cleaning from reputable companies, your carpets can stay fresh, clean and extend their lifespan.