If you own or operate a carpet cleaning business and need your NAICS code, here is your answer right away.
The primary NAICS code for a carpet cleaning business is 561740, classified under Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services in the Administrative and Support and Waste Management sector. This page covers how this code applies to your business so you can ensure it is the right fit.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 561740 |
| Industry Title | Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services |
| Sector | 56 (Administrative and Support and Waste Management) |
| Industry Group | 5617 |
| Last Updated | 2022 NAICS Edition (Next NAICS Edition will come in 2027) |
What Does NAICS Code 561740 Cover?
According to the official 2022 NAICS data, code 561740 covers establishments primarily engaged in cleaning carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
In simple terms, this code applies to any business that specializes in deep-cleaning fabric surfaces for residential or commercial clients. For carpet cleaning businesses, this includes:
- Residential carpet cleaning using truck-mounted or portable extraction equipment
- Commercial carpet cleaning for office buildings, restaurants, and retail spaces
- Upholstery cleaning for couches, chairs, and vehicle interiors
- Area rug cleaning (both on-site and in-plant rug cleaning facilities)
- Drapery and curtain cleaning services
- Spot and stain removal treatments for fabrics
The important distinction here is fabric and floor covering cleaning. This code covers the specialized service of cleaning carpets and upholstery, but it does not cover general surface cleaning like emptying trash, mopping hard floors, or cleaning windows.
Does My Carpet Cleaning Business Qualify for Code 561740?
Your business qualifies for NAICS code 561740 if:
- You operate a business primarily focused on cleaning carpets, rugs, or upholstery
- Your main source of revenue comes from residential or commercial fabric cleaning services
- You run a drop-off/in-plant facility specifically for cleaning area rugs and draperies
Your business may not qualify if:
- You provide general commercial janitorial services (sweeping, mopping, trash removal) where carpet cleaning is just a small part of the job, which falls under 561720 (Janitorial Services) instead
- You manufacture carpets or rugs, which falls under 314 (Textile Product Mills) instead
- You provide water damage restoration and structural drying without specifically focusing on carpet/floor covering salvage, which may fall under 561790 (Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings) or 236118 (Residential Remodelers) instead
When your business sits between two codes, always classify based on whichever activity generates the most revenue.
Where Will You Need This Code?
Your NAICS code appears in more places than most business owners expect. Here is where code 561740 will be required:
- Commercial Auto Insurance. This is highly critical for carpet cleaners. Because you drive heavy vans with expensive truck-mount equipment, your commercial auto insurance premiums will be heavily influenced by this classification.
- General Liability Insurance. Insurance providers use this code to calculate your risk for property damage or water damage claims. If you accidentally flood a client’s office due to a malfunctioning extractor, you need the right liability coverage.
- SBA Loan Applications. If you need financing to purchase a new truck-mount system, a cargo van, or high-end cleaning equipment, the Small Business Administration requires your NAICS code to assess your loan eligibility.
- Business Registration. Most state and local business registration portals ask for your NAICS code when you set up a new LLC, corporation, or DBA.
- Environmental Permits. Some municipalities require specific waste-water discharge permits for carpet cleaning companies. Your NAICS code helps local agencies classify your environmental impact.
- Business Bank Accounts. Many banks ask for your NAICS code when opening a business checking account to ensure your business is classified properly from day one.
561740 in the NAICS Hierarchy
Every NAICS code sits inside a structured hierarchy. Here is exactly where 561740 fits:
| Level | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management Services |
| Subsector | 561 | Administrative and Support Services |
| Industry Group | 5617 | Services to Buildings and Dwellings |
| NAICS Industry | 56174 | Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services |
| National Industry | 561740 | Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my business does both carpet cleaning and general janitorial work?
You must classify your business under the NAICS code that represents the majority of your total revenue. If 70% of your income comes from nightly office janitorial work (emptying trash, cleaning bathrooms) and 30% comes from extracting carpets, your primary code should be 561720 (Janitorial Services). You only use 561740 if carpet and upholstery cleaning makes up more than half of your business.
Does this NAICS code cover water damage restoration?
It depends on the specifics of the service. If you are extracting water from a carpet to save the floor covering, it falls under 561740. However, if you are performing structural drying, removing drywall, and doing mold remediation, you are crossing into disaster restoration or remodeling territory, which may require codes like 561790 (Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings) or construction codes.
Does it matter if I clean residential homes versus commercial office buildings?
No. The federal government groups both residential and commercial carpet cleaning under the exact same code (561740). Whether you are cleaning a living room sofa or a corporate office cubicle farm, the economic activity is classified identically.
What if I run an in-plant rug cleaning facility where customers drop off rugs?
Yes, this is still classified under 561740. The official government description for this code explicitly includes both on-site cleaning (going to the customer’s location) and in-plant cleaning (operating a facility where customers drop off rugs and upholstery).