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Chem-Dry vs Stanley Steemer in the Twin Cities
Stanley Steemer uses hot water extraction. Chem-Dry uses Hot Carbonating Extraction and says it uses far less water. Chem-Dry locations are independently owned, so service can vary by franchise. Here is what each company says, checked on Oct 30, 2026.
We answer the phone 8AM to 8PM, 7 days a week.
$129 for two carpeted rooms Rooms up to 12 by 12. Spot treatment and deodorizer included. More rooms or extras? You'll get the price in writing before we start.
What's the short answer?
It depends on what you care about most. The big difference is water.
Stanley Steemer uses hot water extraction from a truck-mounted unit. Chem-Dry says its Hot Carbonating Extraction uses about 80% less water than traditional steam cleaning, and that carpets dry in a couple of hours. That claim comes from a Chem-Dry article dated August 29, 2017.
Stanley Steemer says carpet can take 8 to 24 hours to dry completely. Chem-Dry locations are independently owned, so service varies by franchise.
Checked on Oct 30, 2026. Every company fact on this page comes from the company's own site, or from a named third party, on that date. Chem-Dry's water and drying claims come from the 2017 article, so ask your local shop what it expects today. Offers, service areas and dry times change, so check your address with each company.
How does each one clean?
Stanley Steemer says its method is hot water extraction, commonly referred to as steam cleaning. It says it uses a truck-mounted system and IICRC-trained technicians, and that it holds a Platinum rating from CRI.
Chem-Dry calls its method Hot Carbonating Extraction. Its 2017 article compares that method with traditional steam cleaning and says it uses about 80% less water.
Before
AfterReal work
See a real job, and who shows up
Bill and Daven Malark own the Blaine franchise, and they're the ones you'll talk to. Every carpet is different, so we look first and tell you straight what to expect.
How much water does each one use, and how long does it dry?
| Item | Stanley Steemer | Chem-Dry |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Hot water extraction, truck-mounted (Stanley Steemer FAQ and competitors page) | Hot Carbonating Extraction (Chem-Dry blog, Aug 29, 2017) |
| Water | No amount stated in the sources we checked | About 80% less than traditional steam cleaning (Chem-Dry blog, Aug 29, 2017) |
| Stated dry time | 8 to 24 hours for carpet, depending on conditions (Stanley Steemer FAQ) | A couple of hours (Chem-Dry blog, Aug 29, 2017) |
These are each company's own words. Humidity, airflow and your carpet change the real answer for both.
What does each one clean with?
Chem-Dry says The Natural, its core carpet cleaner, is EPA Safer Choice certified. It also lists ECOLOGO, CleanSeal and WoolSafe.
Stanley Steemer says it uses EPA Safer Choice cleaning products.
Certifications describe products, not the result on your carpet. Ask either company to show you the label.
Who owns the business near you?
Chem-Dry was founded in 1977. Wikipedia says its parent HRI was acquired by BELFOR Franchise Group in 2019, and that it reported over 1,683 locations worldwide as of 2024.
CJ's Chem-Dry lists Blaine, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Ramsey, Maple Grove and other Anoka and Hennepin County cities. It says each location is independently owned and operated, and that offers vary by location.
Stanley Steemer has a Minneapolis location at 3240 Winpark Dr. It runs both company-owned and franchised locations nationally, so ask who owns the one that would come to you.
Which one fits your home?
Pick Stanley Steemer if you want this.
- You like a national company that spells out its method and training on its site.
- Your rooms run large. Its FAQ counts a room up to 300 square feet.
Pick Chem-Dry if you want this.
- Using less water matters to you. It says Hot Carbonating Extraction uses about 80% less than traditional steam cleaning.
- You want to deal with a locally owned franchise. Offers vary by location, so get the details from your shop.
Got a pet urine problem? Ask each company to check the spots first and give you a written price. Results depend on whether urine reached the pad and subfloor, and no company can promise otherwise.
Is there a local third option?
This one is us, so weigh it that way. OxyMagic Carpet Cleaning is a locally owned Blaine, MN franchise of OxyMagic USA, owned by Bill and Daven Malark.
We use a low-moisture, hydrogen peroxide based clean. The cleaner is worked into the fibers and vacuums up once dry. Most carpets dry in an hour or two, depending on conditions. OxyMagic holds Green Seal and EPA Safer Choice certifications, and certifications describe a product, not the result on your carpet.
Pet odor treatment is an add-on, priced per room. Text us a picture of the spots and we'll tell you what we see.
We serve 22 north metro cities, including Blaine, Coon Rapids, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and Andover.
If you want a number to set beside the others, $129 covers two rooms, 12x12 or smaller, with spot treatment and deodorizer included. Our rooms are about 12 by 12, so compare full written totals and keep room size in mind. Text us a picture for a better quote. Everything is situational and could be less or more.
Call 763-213-6217, 8AM to 8PM every day, or text anytime.
How do you get a fair quote from both?
- Give both companies the same rooms, halls, stairs and pet spots.
- Ask how each one defines a room.
- Ask how long your carpet will stay damp.
- Ask for the full total in writing.
Brand names belong to their owners. Competitor facts checked October 30, 2026.
Want a local price to compare?
Text a photo of your rooms and any pet spots to 763-213-6217.
We come to you across the northern Minneapolis metro. All service areas
Questions
Questions about Chem-Dry vs Stanley Steemer in the Twin Cities
Tap a question to open it. Still wondering? Call or text us.
Is Chem-Dry better than Stanley Steemer?
It depends on what you care about. Chem-Dry says its Hot Carbonating Extraction uses about 80% less water than steam cleaning and dries in a couple of hours (Chem-Dry blog, 2017). Stanley Steemer uses hot water extraction and says carpet can take 8 to 24 hours to dry. If fast drying matters, ask each for their estimate for your carpet.
What does Chem-Dry clean with?
Chem-Dry says its core cleaner, The Natural, is EPA Safer Choice certified, and it also lists ECOLOGO, CleanSeal and WoolSafe. Stanley Steemer says it uses EPA Safer Choice cleaning products too. Certifications describe products, not results on your carpet. (Chem-Dry certifications page and Stanley Steemer competitors page, checked Oct 30, 2026.)
Who owns Chem-Dry near Blaine?
Chem-Dry locations are independently owned and operated, and offers vary by location. CJ's Chem-Dry lists Blaine, Coon Rapids and Anoka among its cities. Stanley Steemer has a Minneapolis location and runs both company-owned and franchised locations nationally, so ask who owns the one that would come to you.
Which is better for pet urine?
Ask each company how it handles pet urine and what it charges, because results depend on whether urine reached the pad. Get a written price after they check the spots. OxyMagic offers a pet odor treatment as an add-on per room. Text us a picture for a better quote. Everything is situational and could be less or more.
Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions, checked Oct 30, 2026Stanley Steemer
- Stanley Steemer vs our competitors, checked Oct 30, 2026Stanley Steemer
- Minneapolis location page, checked Oct 30, 2026Stanley Steemer
- Our Certifications, checked Oct 30, 2026Chem-Dry
- Hot Carbonating Extraction vs. Steam Cleaning (article dated Aug 29, 2017), checked Oct 30, 2026Chem-Dry
- CJ's Chem-Dry location page, checked Oct 30, 2026Chem-Dry
- Chem-Dry, checked Oct 30, 2026Wikipedia
- How OxyMagic Carpet Cleaning WorksOxyMagic Carpet Cleaning
- Green Seal record for the carpet cleaner OxyMagic usesGreen Seal Certified Directory