Carpets bring warmth and comfort to your home. Learning about professional carpet cleaning cost represents an essential first step in maintaining these soft floor coverings properly. Regular carpet cleaning not only preserves the vibrant appearance of your carpets but also dramatically extends their lifespan, protecting your initial investment.
Homeowners frequently search for house cleaning prices before scheduling this vital service, ensuring they receive fair value for their money. Conversely, unusually high estimates might indicate overcharging for standard services. How much does carpet cleaning cost? The answer varies based on numerous factors specific to your home. This comprehensive guide examines the elements that influence how much carpet cleaning costs in 2025, giving you the knowledge to recognize reasonable pricing when seeking professional carpet cleaning services for your home.
How Much Does Average Carpet Cleaning Cost in 2025?
The cost to professionally clean carpets is $182 on average, according to Angi. However, most homeowners can expect to pay between $120 and $350, depending on their specific situation. Several key factors affect your final price:
Size of the area being cleaned
Type of carpet material in your rooms
Cleaning method used by professionals
Level of dirt and stains present
Additional services like pet odor treatment or stain removal
Most reputable cleaning companies provide free estimates based on your specific needs. Getting quotes from at least three companies helps you find the best value and avoid unexpected charges.
How Much Do Carpet Cleaners Charge in 2025?
Professional carpet cleaners typically charge in one of two ways. Per-square-foot pricing is common for larger homes or commercial spaces. Rates typically range from $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot, depending on the cleaning company and service level. Many cleaning companies also charge by room, with rates between $25 and $75 per room. This option often works best for smaller homes.
Basic carpet cleaning costs less than deep cleaning services that tackle heavily soiled carpets. Companies may charge extra for removing stubborn stains, treating high-traffic areas, or eliminating pet odors.
What’s the Cost Per Square Foot for Carpet Cleaning?
The cost per square foot for carpet cleaning in 2025 typically falls between:
$0.20-$0.25 for basic cleaning
$0.30-$0.40 for deep cleaning
$0.40-$0.50 for specialty treatments
Larger spaces often qualify for lower per-square-foot rates. The cleaning company may measure your area size or use square footage from your home’s floor plan to calculate costs.
Carpet Cleaning Cost Per Room
Room-based pricing remains popular with many carpet cleaning companies. In 2025, expect these average costs per room:
Small room (up to 300 sq ft): $25-$50
Medium room (300-600 sq ft): $50-$75
Large room (over 600 sq ft): $75-$125
Living rooms and family rooms typically cost more than bedrooms because they’re larger and experience more foot traffic. Some companies include hallways as a separate “room” in their pricing.
Carpet Cleaning Cost for Different Cleaning Methods and Carpet Types
The cleaning method significantly impacts the price you’ll pay for professional carpet cleaning services.
Hot Water Extraction or Steam Cleaning
Hot water extraction (often called steam cleaning) costs between $100 and $250 for an average home. This popular cleaning method uses hot water and a cleaning solution sprayed into carpet fibers. It extracts dirt and water with powerful vacuum equipment, takes 6-12 hours to dry completely, and works well for heavily soiled carpets and removing pet odors.
Steam cleaning provides deep cleaning that reaches embedded dirt. Most carpet manufacturers recommend this method for routine maintenance.
Dry Carpet Cleaning
Dry cleaning methods cost $80 to $350, depending on your home size. This approach uses minimal moisture and applies specialized powder or foam cleaning solutions. It requires almost no drying time and works well for delicate carpet materials.
Busy families appreciate dry cleaning because they can walk on carpets almost immediately after cleaners finish.
Carpet Shampooing
Traditional carpet shampooing costs $80 to $200 for a standard home. This method involves applying a foamy cleaning solution and agitating the carpet using rotary machines. It may leave residue if not properly extracted and takes longer to dry than some other methods.
Shampooing works well for heavily soiled carpets but has become less common as newer techniques have emerged.
Carbonated Carpet Cleaning
Carbonated cleaning systems cost $125 to $275 for a typical home. This method uses carbonation to lift dirt particles and requires less water than steam cleaning. It dries faster (usually 1-2 hours) and uses less cleaning solution.
This eco-friendly option has gained popularity for its effectiveness and faster drying times.
Types of Carpets
Different carpet materials require specific cleaning approaches, affecting the final cost.
Nylon and polyester carpets cost $120-$225 to clean and handle standard cleaning methods well
Wool carpets cost $150-$300 to clean and require gentle cleaning processes
Berber carpets cost $100-$250 to clean but may need special equipment
Oriental and area rugs cost $200-$400 to clean and often require special handling
Professional carpet cleaners adjust their cleaning process based on your carpet type to prevent damage.
Stairs
Carpet cleaning companies typically charge extra for stairs because they require more labor and time, need special equipment to clean effectively, and are harder to access with standard cleaning machines.
Expect to pay $2 to $3 per stair or a flat rate of $40 to $75 for a standard staircase.
Removing Stains and Pet Accidents
Stubborn stains and pet accidents often require special treatment beyond basic cleaning. Additional stain removal services typically cost $40-$75 for general spot treatment, $50-$100 for pet odor removal treatments, and $75-$150 for severe stain treatment.
Pre-treating heavily soiled areas helps achieve better results. Professional carpet cleaners have specialized equipment and solutions designed specifically for tough stains that regular cleaning can’t remove.
Moving Furniture and Tables
Many carpet cleaning services include basic furniture moving in their price, but some companies charge extra for moving heavy furniture like sofas or entertainment centers, returning furniture to its original position, placing protective barriers under furniture legs, and moving valuable or fragile items.
These additional services typically add $20 to $50 to your total cost. Some companies only clean around furniture unless you specifically request and pay for moving services.
Ways to Save Money on Professional Carpet Cleaning Costs
Getting your carpets professionally cleaned doesn’t have to break the bank. Smart homeowners can save money while still enjoying fresh, clean carpets. Many carpet cleaning companies offer seasonal discounts during their slow periods, usually in late winter or early spring. Booking your cleaning during these times can save you 10-30% off regular prices.
Package deals provide another great way to save. If you need multiple rooms cleaned, ask about room packages rather than paying per room. Many companies offer three-room or whole-house special rates that cost much less than paying for each room separately. Some cleaners also provide multi-service discounts when you combine carpet cleaning with upholstery cleaning or air duct services.
Regular maintenance helps reduce long-term costs too. Vacuuming your carpets at least twice weekly prevents dirt from becoming embedded in carpet fibers.
Cost to Clean a Carpet Yourself
DIY carpet cleaning offers significant savings compared to hiring professionals. Renting a carpet cleaning machine from your local hardware store or grocery store typically costs between $25 and $50 per day, plus the cost of cleaning solution ($10-$20). For a whole house, expect to spend $60-$120 total for a weekend rental and supplies.
Buying your own carpet cleaning machine costs more upfront but saves money over time. A quality consumer-grade carpet cleaner ranges from $100 to $300. Professional-grade portable machines cost $400-$700 but clean more effectively and last longer. Keep in mind you’ll also need to purchase cleaning solutions regularly, which add $15-$30 to each cleaning session.
Final Thoughts
Regular cleaning extends carpet life, saving money long-term by delaying replacement costs. Most professionals recommend cleaning carpets at least once yearly, with more frequent cleanings for homes with pets, children, or allergy sufferers.
When selecting a carpet cleaning company, look for upfront pricing, good reviews, and proper certification. For your free estimate, expert advice, or to schedule your next carpet cleaning appointment, contact us today!
