Frequently Asked Questions

Five Star Chem Dry is a top-rated, experienced carpet cleaning company that has served Charlotte and the surrounding Mecklenburg, Gaston, and York SC counties for more than 16 years. Our IICRC-certified technicians use the Chem-Dry cleaning method, and the Chem-Dry brand has been ranked #1 in its category by Entrepreneur Magazine for 25 years running. Read more on our About Us page or see what neighbors say on our Reviews and Testimonials page.

Chem-Dry uses Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE), which cleans with millions of carbonated bubbles instead of soaking your carpet in hot water. We use about 80% less water than steam cleaning, so Charlotte carpets dry in 1-2 hours instead of 1-2 days, with none of the lingering wet smell steam cleaning can leave behind in our humid Carolina climate. Learn more on our Carpet Cleaning page.

Most carpets cleaned by Five Star Chem Dry are dry within 1-2 hours. During Charlotte’s humid summer months, drying can take slightly longer, but it’s still far faster than the 24+ hours typical with steam cleaning. Running your A/C or a ceiling fan helps speed things up, and you can usually walk on carpet in socks right after we leave.

Yes. Pet urine removal is one of our specialties. Our P.U.R.T.® Pet Urine Removal Treatment doesn’t just mask odors — it breaks down the urine crystals trapped deep in carpet fibers and the pad underneath, removing up to 99.9% of pet odors even in homes with multiple pets.

Red clay is one of the most common and stubborn stains in Charlotte homes. Don’t rub it — that pushes clay deeper into carpet fibers. Blot with a clean white towel and call a professional. Our Specialty Stain Removal treatments lift clay, mud, pollen, and other Carolina-specific stains without damaging carpet or leaving a ring.

For most Charlotte homes, we recommend professional carpet cleaning every 6-12 months. Homes with pets, kids, or heavy foot traffic should aim for every 6 months, while light-use rooms can stretch to once a year. Regular carpet cleaning and area rug cleaning extends the life of your flooring and reduces non-living allergens like dust mite matter and pet dander.

Carpet cleaning costs depend on room size, carpet type, stain severity, and any added specialty treatments like pet urine removal or fabric protection. Every job gets a clear, upfront quote with no hidden fees. Check our Coupons and Specials page for current pricing offers, or call (704) 704-2436 for a free estimate.

We serve the entire Greater Charlotte metro area, including Mecklenburg, Gaston, and York SC counties — Ballantyne, SouthPark, Dilworth, Myers Park, Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Elizabeth, Uptown, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Huntersville, Cornelius, Concord, Mooresville, Belmont, Gastonia, Rock Hill, and Fort Mill. Not sure if we cover your neighborhood? Contact Us and we’ll check while you’re on the line.

No. Our technicians move light furniture — chairs, ottomans, side tables, plant stands — at no extra charge. We ask that you handle anything fragile, breakable, or electronic. Larger items like beds, sofas, and entertainment centers are typically cleaned around, and we’ll confirm everything with you before we start.

Yes. Five Star Chem Dry cleans with The Natural®, an EPA Safer Choice-certified solution with no soaps, detergents, or surfactants, paired with Fresh-n-Free™, a WoolSafe-approved anti-allergen deodorizer. Together they clean carpets, upholstery, and area rugs using nature’s chemistry rather than harsh chemicals, so your home is fresh and safe for family and pets.

The price depends on how big your furniture is, what kind of fabric it’s made of, and if you need extra services like removing stains or protecting the fabric. Call us to get an exact price for your furniture.

For the best results and to make your furniture last longer, we recommend getting it professionally cleaned every 1 to 2 years. This depends on how much you use it and if you have pets, spills, or lots of dirt.

Yes, we can apply a special fabric protector after cleaning to shield your furniture from spills and stains, keeping it looking cleaner for longer. Ask your technician for details.

Chem-Dry can clean a wide variety of area rugs, including synthetic, wool, silk, cotton, and other natural or blended fibers. We tailor our cleaning approach based on the rug’s material, construction, and condition.

Yes, Chem-Dry specializes in cleaning delicate and antique rugs. We use gentle but effective methods to protect the colors, fibers, and intricate designs of your valuable rugs.

For the best results and to extend the life of your rugs, we recommend professional cleaning every 12-18 months, depending on foot traffic and exposure to dirt or pets.

Regular vacuuming, rotating the rug to distribute wear evenly, and addressing spills immediately can help keep your rug in good condition between professional cleanings.

The cost of area rug cleaning depends on factors like the rug’s size, material, condition, and the treatments required. Contact your local Chem-Dry for a personalized quote.

Yes, Chem-Dry’s treatment is effective even for severe pet odor issues caused by multiple accidents. Our technicians inspect the affected areas to develop a customized cleaning plan.

The time required varies depending on the extent of the issue. Most treatments can be completed within a few hours, but deeply soiled areas may take longer to treat and dry.

Chem-Dry can treat pet odors in carpets, area rugs, and upholstered furniture. We adjust our cleaning methods based on the material to ensure effective odor removal without damage.

Before treatment, clear the areas we are cleaning of furniture and any small items on the floors. Inform the technician of all problem spots to ensure the best results.

Chem-Dry cleans a wide variety of surfaces, including ceramic tile, porcelain tile, marble, granite, and other natural stone. Our process is designed to work safely and effectively on most materials.

No, our technicians are trained to assess the condition of your surfaces and use appropriate methods to avoid damage.

Regular sweeping, mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner, and quickly wiping up spills can help maintain your tile and grout between professional cleanings.

The time depends on the size and condition of the area being cleaned. Most jobs can be completed within a few hours.

Yes, Chem-Dry can clean most kinds of furniture fabrics, including synthetic, natural, and delicate materials. Our cleaning experts will look at your furniture first. Then they pick the best way to clean it safely.

Most upholstery cleaned by Five Star Chem-Dry is dry within 2-3 hours. Our Hot Carbonating Extraction process uses far less water than wet-extraction methods, so cushions and frames are never left soaked. Running your A/C or a ceiling fan afterwards helps the last of the moisture clear faster, and you can usually sit on the furniture the same day.