Carpet Cleaning Cost Calculator: The 2025 Guide
Carpets act as a giant filter in your home, trapping dust, allergens, and pet dander. While regular vacuuming helps, professional deep cleaning is essential every 12-18 months to extend the life of your carpet and maintain a healthy indoor environment. However, pricing can be confusing with companies quoting per room, per square foot, or offering "too good to be true" deals that hide extra fees.
Our Carpet Cleaning Cost Calculator provides a transparent, realistic estimate for both US and UK homeowners. Whether you need a standard steam clean for a 3-bedroom house or specialist stain removal for a hallway runner, this tool breaks down the costs so you can budget effectively.
Cleaning Methods Compared
Not all carpet cleaning is the same. The method used significantly impacts the price and drying time.
1. Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning)
Cost: Moderate ($0.20 - $0.40 / sq ft).
Best For: Deep cleaning, allergies, heavy soil.
Process: Hot water and detergent are injected into fibers and extracted immediately. It removes 95% of dirt but takes 6-12 hours to dry.
2. Dry Cleaning (Low Moisture)
Cost: Higher ($0.30 - $0.50 / sq ft).
Best For: Maintenance cleans, commercial offices, quick turnaround.
Process: Chemical powders or foams are scrubbed in and vacuumed out. Carpets are dry in 1-2 hours, but it doesn't clean as deeply as steam.
3. Carpet Shampooing
Cost: Lowest ($0.15 - $0.25 / sq ft).
Best For: Heavy staining on durable carpets.
Process: A foamy detergent is applied with a rotary brush. It can leave residue behind, which attracts dirt faster later on.
Pricing Models: Per Room vs. Per Sq Ft
| Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Per Room | Simple to understand. Standard price for rooms up to a certain size (e.g., 200 sq ft). | You might overpay for small box rooms. Hallways/stairs are often charged separately. |
| Per Sq Ft / Sq M | You pay exactly for what is cleaned. Fairest for open-plan homes. | Requires measuring. Can be more expensive for cluttered rooms where furniture isn't moved. |
Hidden Costs & Extra Charges
- Stairs: Cleaning stairs is labor-intensive. Expect to pay $2-$4 (US) or £2-£3 (UK) per step.
- Furniture Moving: Moving light items is usually free, but heavy items (sofas, beds) may incur a $20-$50 fee per room.
- Stain Protection (Scotchgard): Applied after cleaning to repel future spills. Adds $10-$20 per room.
- Pet Odor Treatment: Enzymes to break down urine crystals cost extra, often $30-$50 per area.
DIY vs. Professional
Renting a Rug Doctor machine costs about $40-$60 per day plus chemicals. While cheaper, these machines lack the suction power of truck-mounted professional units. They often leave carpets too wet, leading to mold or "wet dog" smell. Professionals are recommended for high-traffic areas or expensive wool carpets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to dry? ▼
Steam cleaning typically takes 6 to 10 hours to dry completely. Opening windows or using fans speeds this up. Dry cleaning takes 1-2 hours.
Do they move furniture? ▼
Most basic packages assume you have cleared the floor. They will clean around heavy furniture. If you want the whole room done, request "furniture moving" service (additional fee).
Is there a minimum charge? ▼
Yes. To cover travel and setup, most companies have a minimum job value, usually around $100 - $150 in the US or £60 - £80 in the UK.
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