What to Compare
The difference is the service mix. Book COIT for rugs, window treatments, and ducts; book Stanley Steemer for fast carpet turnaround, tile, and anything involving water damage.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
COIT
Features and considerations
- In-plant area rug cleaning — proper immersion washing for Orientals and wool rugs
- Drapery, blinds, and upholstery specialists (rare among national chains)
- Long-tenured technicians in established Florida markets
Limits and questions
- No water-damage restoration in most markets
Stanley Steemer
Features and considerations
- Statewide Florida coverage with next-day slots common
- Transparent online booking with per-area pricing
- Deodorize/protect add-ons in one visit
Limits and questions
- No in-plant rug immersion — area rugs cleaned on-site only in most markets
- No drapery/blind service
- Crew-dependent quality in peak season
Side-by-Side Comparison
| COIT | Stanley Steemer | |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet method | Truck-mount hot water extraction | Truck-mount hot water extraction |
| 3 rooms typical price (FL) | Request an itemized quote for COIT; compare the same scope and payment period. | Request an itemized quote for Stanley Steemer; compare the same scope and payment period. |
| Area rugs | In-plant immersion cleaning + pickup/delivery | On-site surface clean only |
| Drapery & blinds | Yes — core specialty | No |
| Air ducts | Ask the COIT provider to document air ducts for the exact offer. | Yes |
| Water damage 24/7 | Ask the COIT provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Stanley Steemer provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Guarantee | Ask the COIT provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Stanley Steemer provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Florida coverage | Confirm current COIT availability for your address. | Confirm current Stanley Steemer availability for your address. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does in-plant rug cleaning matter?
Wool, silk, and hand-knotted rugs need full immersion washing, controlled drying, and fringe work that can't be done on your driveway. On-site 'surface cleaning' of a fine rug leaves soil in the foundation and risks browning and dye bleed. If the rug cost four figures, it should leave the house to be cleaned — that's COIT's lane.
Who should I call for a washing machine flood?
COIT doesn't offer emergency water response in most Florida markets.
Are their carpet cleaning results actually different?
For standard synthetic wall-to-wall carpet, not meaningfully — same method, similar equipment, similar chemistry. Choose on availability, price for your specific rooms, and local crew reviews rather than brand for carpet-only jobs.
Is air duct cleaning worth it in Florida?
Evidence supports it after renovation dust, visible mold growth, pest infestation, or if registers show real debris — not as an annual ritual. In Florida the bigger air-quality lever is usually AC coil/drain-pan maintenance and MERV-appropriate filters. If ducts do need cleaning, both companies do legitimate work; insist on before/after photos.
How far ahead should I book?
For seasonal deep cleans (pre-Thanksgiving, post-Easter), book either company at least two weeks out.
Consumer resources
Use these official resources when evaluating an offer. They provide general guidance and do not establish a winner between these options.
- FTC: checking home-repair offers and written agreements — General consumer guidance; not evidence of either brand's price or performance.