There are few satisfactions greater than the feeling of a bright, clean-as-new carpet. Did you know you can get this service professionally done? The average cost of carpet cleaning is $165, or between $115 to $260 on average for one to three bedrooms.
Experts recommend cleaning your carpets at least once a year. It prevents permanent staining, prolonging the life of your carpet. It also protects your home environment from collecting dust, pollen, bacteria, and other allergens that can pose a health risk to you and your family.
The overall cost of having your carpet professionally cleaned can vary according to the pricing system used by the professional (per room or square foot) and other factors, such as:
- Type of carpet
- Cleaning method
- Additional services (stain removal, stair fees, moving furniture)
Throughout this cost guide, you’ll see:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Cost Estimator per Room
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Carpet Cleaning Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $165 |
| Typical Price Range | $115 – $260 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $75 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $450 |
The national average cost to have your carpets professionally cleaned is $165. This is an estimate for one to three bedrooms with common Berber carpet material.
If your home has a small area or a single room to be cleaned and the cleaning method used is on the cheaper side, depending on the labor cost in your area, you might pay an amount closer to the low-end cost of $75.
However, if you have a cotton or wool carpet, which is made of a denser material, or if you have more rooms to be cleaned, the cost may rise closer to the high-end cost of $450.
If you’re looking to save up some money you might consider:
- Renting a carpet cleaning machine and doing the cleaning yourself (not recommended if you need to remove old stains)
- Getting quotes from various service providers to compare prices
- Asking for a discount if you plan to have multiple rooms or the whole house cleaned
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimator by Size
Many carpet cleaners charge based on the square footage of the area to be cleaned. It typically costs between $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot of carpet to clean your carpets professionally.
Once you contact the cleaning service, a team may come and measure the area in advance to give you an exact estimate of the price. Some companies work with minimum square footage. This means that if your required area falls under their area criteria, they may charge you a flat fee of around $115.
| Area Size | Average overall cost |
| 200 – 400 sq. ft. | $80 – $135 |
| 500 – 1,000 sq. ft. | $100 – $250 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 sq. ft. | $220 – $370 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 sq. ft. | $250 – $470 |
| 2,000 – 3,000 sq. ft | $400 – $585 |
Carpet Cleaning Cost Estimator per Room
Some companies charge per room rather than by square footage. The average cost ranges between $35 to $85 per room. It should be noted, however, that some professionals might limit the room size and charge extra for larger rooms.
If you plan on getting multiple rooms or the entire house cleaned, service providers may offer you a discount deal, which is a good way to save some money.
Here is an estimate of the price range you might pay based on the number of rooms you want to be cleaned:
| Number of rooms | Average overall cost |
| 2 rooms | $50 – $150 |
| 3 rooms | $75 – $250 |
| 4 rooms | $95 – $300 |
| 5 rooms | $145 – $600 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
When it comes to carpet cleaning pricing, there are other important factors that will affect the end cost of your project, namely:
Type of Carpet
One of the main factors that affects the cost is the type of carpet. Each type has different traits that affect the process of cleaning. Some, for example, are made with longer carpet fibers, which can make it more time-consuming to clean them deeply.
Below are some of the most common carpet types and the average cost of each one:
Berber
This material is considered one of the easiest to clean, so the cost is among the cheapest, ranging from $80 to $205.
Cut and Level Loop
This kind of carpet is still considered easy to clean, but it requires special cleaning methods to avoid damaging the fibers. The costs range from $70 to $120.
Cotton and Wool
These are made from expensive materials which are also harder to clean. Expect to pay between $105 to $235.
Synthetic Fibers
These carpets are usually made from a mix of synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon. Dry cleaning methods are preferred for these types of fibers. The cost varies widely, from $60 up to $300.
Sisal
Since this material is made up of natural fibers, it is very sensitive to methods like shampooing. It is recommended to use dry cleaning methods for this carpet type. The costs vary from $100 to $375.
Cleaning Method
The cleaning method also affects the amount homeowners pay for carpet cleaning. The costs for the cleaning methods below are for one room on the low end up to three rooms on the high end. For larger-than-average room sizes, extremely dirty carpets, or a whole-house cleaning, expect to pay more.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a standard carpet cleaning method that uses pressurized hot water to penetrate the material and remove deep stains, odors, and debris. The average price goes from $100 to $430.
If you’re planning to have the carpets steam cleaned before a big event, factor in drying time. Carpets that are steam cleaned may take one to two days to dry completely, so ask your carpet cleaning company before you sign up for service.
Shampooing
Carpet shampooing costs from $90 to $335. With this method, foam is applied, which is first removed with a wet vacuum. Afterward, a dry vacuum is used to finish up the process. It is a fairly quick method, and though it cleans only superficially, it is effective for pet accidents, for example.
Dry Cleaning
Through this method, you’ll get a deeper clean than with shampooing, but not as deep as steam cleaning. Dry carpet cleaning costs range from $75 to $295 and work through the use of a chemical powder injected into the carpet with a counter-rotating brush. Its major benefit is that there’s no drying time.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation is very similar to the dry cleaning method. It costs around $80 to $300, and it is a good option if you don’t need a deep clean or want to wait for the carpet to dry. A foaming detergent is applied, and as it sets, it crystallizes with the grime particles inside.
Carbonation
The pricing for carbonated cleaning can range from $130 to $495. This process is a low-moisture option, using 80% less water than the standard steam cleaning. It takes a few hours for your carpets to dry, however.
Bonnet Cleaning
Bonnet cleaning costs around $25 to $110. The cleaning process consists of polishing the carpet with a high-powered spinning pad, and it only takes about half an hour to dry. It is a cheaper option than shampooing and also cleans only on a surface level.
Green Cleaning
Green cleaning is a bit more expensive, costing around $115 to $220 per room. Green cleaning uses non-toxic and organic cleaning agents, which are a good option if you want to avoid harsh chemicals. The process can be done with shampoo machines, steam cleaners, and hand brushes.
Additional Services
Homeowners can request these additional services, which carry extra fees:
Stair Cleaning
If you also need your stairs cleaned, you might be charged $2 to $4 per step.
Stain and Odor Removal
The price for stain and odor removal varies widely depending on the type of stain to be worked on. The cost can go from $40 up to $300.
Moving Furniture
Many carpet cleaning companies can move furniture for you, but this is considered an additional service. Professionals may charge $10 to $50 per item or $35 per person per hour.
Furniture and Upholstery Cleaning
If you also want your furniture steam cleaned, professionals charge an extra fee of $75 to $245 per item.
Anti-Stain Protection
To prevent further problems with staining, some carpet cleaning professionals also apply an anti-stain treatment. Expect to pay around $15 to $35 per room.
Related Services
Carpet Installation
If your carpets are too damaged to be saved by professional cleaning, you might consider installing new carpets. You should pay attention to signs such as strange odors and stains that won’t go away, even after multiple tries.
Carpet installation costs $1,525 per 200-square-foot room on average. The pricing varies according to the area size, the type, and the quality of the carpet.
Carpet Beetle Extermination
If the reason you’re having the carpets cleaned in the first place is because of a beetle infestation, know that there are specific service providers who treat this issue. Homeowners typically pay between $200 and $350 for carpet beetle extermination.
Water Damage Restoration
Some carpet cleaning companies also offer hot water extraction and restoration services. Water damage restoration costs between $1,270 and $5,376, or $3,250 on average.
Professional Rug Cleaning
While professional cleaning services for carpets cost from $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot, professional rug cleaning costs start at $1 to $6 per square foot. The pricing for area rugs is more expensive because, since rugs are usually decorative pieces, they need specialized cleaning methods that are effective but not abrasive to the item design and colors.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
If you only need a small section of your carpets cleaned, maybe a DIY approach is a good deal for you. Since heavy machinery is required, renting a carpet cleaning machine is more economical than purchasing one. The prices usually go from $30 to $45 per day. You’ll also need a cleaning solution, which costs around $10 to $20 a bottle.
Summing up these expenses, the total cost for DIY carpet cleaning will range from $40 to $65. Have in mind that for a larger area, or if your carpets haven’t been cleaned in more than a year, it might be worth it to hire a professional carpet cleaner. There are risks of damaging your carpets by using professional equipment without professional skills.
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Carpet cleaning machine rental | $30 – $45 per day |
| Cleaning solution bottle | $10 – $20 per bottle |
| Total DIY Cost | $40 – $65 |
Professional carpet cleaning services cost $165 on average for one to three bedrooms. If you need to clean more than one room or have specific cleaning needs such as stain removal, spending more money on hiring a professional rather than doing it yourself might be a better option.
Professionals offer deep-cleaning services that may eliminate mold, bacteria, and other allergens that can pose a health risk. Professional cleaning also prolongs the lifespan of your carpet, which can save you money in the long run.
Cost of Carpet Cleaning by Location
Carpet cleaning costs may vary depending on your location. If you live in an urban area, chances are that the overall cost will be higher compared to rural areas, since labor costs tend to be pricier in metropolitan areas.
Travel fees are another factor that can add to the total cost. If your home is far from the company’s location, they will need to transport their heavy equipment farther and may charge you more.
Since professionals use heavy equipment to perform the cleaning service, if you live in a hard-to-reach location, such as a second- or third-floor apartment, this extra effort may cost you a little more as well.
FAQ
The consensus is that you get your carpets professionally cleaned annually or every 12 to 18 months. If the room has a lot of foot traffic or pets, however, this frequency should increase.
Carpet cleaning services usually take 2 hours or around 30 minutes per room. The drying process, however, can take anywhere from 6 hours to 24 hours, depending on the conditions of your home and the cleaning process.
Notice if your carpets have lingering odors or stubborn stains that won’t go away even after you’ve tried different cleaning methods. Also, if your allergies flare when entering a room, or if your carpets are older than seven years, these are indicators that you should replace your carpet.
If you maintain your carpets with an annual professional cleaning, your carpets might last up to 15 years.
You certainly can have the service done without moving furniture. However, the cleaning might not be as thorough. If you plan on hiring a professional, know that some companies can move the furniture for you for an additional fee.
Final Thoughts
Nothing feels better than a clean home. Professional carpet cleaning can give you this cozy, clean-as-new feeling while extending the life of your carpet and saving you money in the long run. Carpet cleaning is also crucial to maintaining a safe, healthy home environment.
Get in contact with a carpet cleaning pro near you and get your carpets professionally cleaned so you can enjoy a healthy, clean home.
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: Bill Oxford / Canva Pro / License
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