Getting your carpets professionally cleaned can really freshen up your home and remove allergens, odors, and dirt built up over time. But how much does professional carpet cleaning cost on average? The prices can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. Let’s break down the average professional carpet cleaning cost and the different methods used. Before you start checking out a cleaning company, we’ll also provide tips for saving money on professional carpet cleaners.
Average Costs of Carpet Cleaning Per Square Foot
One of the most common ways professional carpet cleaning services price their work is per square foot. On average, here are typical price ranges:
Steam cleaning – $0.30 to $0.50 per square foot
Dry cleaning – $0.25 to $0.40 per square foot
Bonnet cleaning – $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot
So for example, to steam clean carpets in a 2,000 sq ft home would cost around $600 to $1,000 at $0.30 to $0.50 per sq ft.
Many variables affect square foot pricing:
Type of Carpet Fiber
Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester are cheaper to clean than natural fibers like wool or cotton, which require more care.
Level of Soiling
Heavily soiled high traffic areas take more passes and effort to clean, increasing service time.
Stain Treatment
Stubborn stains raise costs due to repeat cleaning and use of specialty spot removers.
Furniture Moving
Technician time for moving and replacing furniture adds labor costs. Some companies charge extra for this service.
When comparing carpet cleaning company quotes, pay attention to the per square foot rates rather than just the total price. This allows you to accurately compare service pricing.
Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning
Getting regular professional carpet cleaning offers numerous advantages that go beyond just improving appearance. Here is a robust list of the many benefits:
Enhanced air quality – Thorough cleaning removes dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other irritants that get trapped in carpets. This improves indoor air for those with allergies or asthma.
Odor elimination – Strong pet odors, mold smells from spills, and other funky carpet scents are eliminated through deep cleaning. Your home smells fresh again.
Sanitization – Hot water extraction sanitizes carpets by killing bacteria, germs, mold spores, and dust mites that live deep in the piles.
Healthier environment – With reduced allergens, bacteria, and dust, the cleaned carpets provide a healthier indoor environment.
Soft feel restored – Over time, carpeting loses its soft, fluffy feel from crushed fibers. Professional cleaning revives the original texture.
Extended carpet life – Regular deep cleanings preserve carpets so they last longer before needing replacement.
Improved safety – Getting rid of grease buildup and dirt lessens slipping hazards on carpeting.
Enhanced appearance – Dingy, dull carpets are brightened and returned to like-new condition. Colors are vivid once again.
Protects investment – Clean carpets maintain their value in case you sell your home. Buyers notice fresh, clean carpets.
As you can see, clean carpets provide so many benefits beyond just looking nicer. The health and safety enhancements are just as impactful.
Popular Carpet Cleaning Methods Explained
Carpet cleaning professionals use a variety of methods. Here are some of the main techniques:
Hot Water Extraction
Also known as steam cleaning, this method sprays a pressurized heated cleaning solution into carpets, then extracts it along with dirt using powerful suction. Pros: Very deep clean, sanitizes carpets. Cons: Longer dry time.
Dry Cleaning
This involves applying a dry absorbent compound to carpets that dissolves and lifts dirt once brushed through fibers. The compound is then vacuumed away. Pros: Very fast drying. Cons: Not as deep a clean as steam.
Bonnet Cleaning
Uses an absorbent pad soaked in cleaning solution that is buffed over carpets to scrub dirt and stains. Pros: Fast, safe for delicate rugs. Cons: Less thorough than other methods.
Carbonated Cleaning
Uses machine bubbled carbonated water solution to loosen soil, then extracted with wet vacuuming. Pros: Gently lifts dirt without chemicals. Cons: Not as powerful on stains.
Truck Mount vs Portable
Truck mounts are more powerful, heating water hotter and providing stronger suction. Portables are fine for spot cleaning but don’t have as much extraction power.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring Carpet Cleaners
Before choosing a carpet cleaning service, ask these questions:
What method of carpet cleaning do you use?
Do your technicians receive ongoing IICRC training?
Do you offer 100% satisfaction guarantees?
What are your upfront pricing policies?
Are there any additional charges or fees?
Do you have any specials or discounts available?
Can you provide references from past clients?
The answers will help determine if the company uses proper methods, stands behind their work, and provides fair affordable pricing with no hidden charges.
The Carpet Cleaning Process Step-By-Step
Professional carpet cleaners follow specific procedures. Here are the typical steps:
Pre-vacuum carpets – Removes surface debris so cleaning solutions can penetrate deeper.
Pre-treat stains – Heavily soiled areas are treated with solutions tailored to the type of stain.
Apply cleaning agent – A pressurized cleaning solution is sprayed into the carpet fibers.
Agitate – The cleaner uses specialized tools like groomers or rakes and allow time for the solutions to dissolve and loosen dirt.
Extract – Powerful suction extracts all soils, liquids, cleaning agents from the carpets leaving them clean.
Rinse and neutralize – Carpets may be rinsed with clean water and a neutralizing solution applied.
Final inspection – The technician inspects to ensure the carpets are cleaned to a satisfactory level.
Speed dry process – Equipment like fans or air movers will be placed to allow quick drying.
This multi-step process allows carpets to get deep down clean.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Costs
So what determines the cost of professional carpet cleaning? Here are some of the main factors that influence price:
Cleaning method – The most common methods are steam cleaning, dry cleaning, and bonnet cleaning. Steam cleaning is the most thorough method and costs more.
Square footage – Most carpet cleaning companies price their services per square foot. The more carpets you need to be cleaned, the more it will cost.
Number of rooms – Prices may be set per room rather than strictly per square footage. Cleaning an entire home costs more than a single room.
Type of carpeting – Carpet material affects the difficulty of cleaning and pricing. Wool carpets take more time and care to clean than synthetic carpets.
Stain removal – Additional charges will apply for tough stain treatment beyond normal cleaning.
Add-ons – Add-on services like applying protective treatments will increase the overall carpet cleaning price.
Knowing these factors, the average cost for professional carpet cleaning ranges from around $100 to $250 for a typical single family home. The final price will depend on the size of your home, type of carpeting, and exact services needed.
Noticeable Signs It’s Time for Calling the Pros
How can you tell when your carpets desperately need a professional cleaning? Watch for these telltale signs:
Constant dust and dirt in your home even after vacuuming
Visible stains that have set into the carpets
An overall dingy, darkened appearance to the carpeting
Bad odors like pet smells or mildew scents
Allergy symptoms flaring up often
Crushed, matted fibers that lack softness
High-traffic areas look grimy and soiled
Spills are taking longer to dry and absorb
Hard to remove spots and spills
Pay attention to these clues your carpets give indicating they need more than just regular vacuuming. Scheduling professional steam cleaning at the first signs of soiling will keep your carpets in optimal shape. Don’t wait until they look unsalvageable.
Steam Carpet Cleaning Prices
Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, is the most popular method of deep cleaning carpets professionally. It provides a thorough cleaning by using high-pressure hot water to extract dirt.
Here are some average costs for professional steam carpet cleaning:
$0.30 – $0.50 per sq. ft is typical for a single family home.
Around $100 to $200 for a whole house. Most homes are 2,000 sq. ft or less.
$25 to $75 per room on average, depending on room sizes and square footage.
Stain treatment adds $5 to $20 per stain for difficult stains that require pre-treatments or repeated cleaning.
So for example, to steam clean all carpets in a 1,500 sq ft home would cost approximately $225 to $375 at $0.30 to $0.50 per square foot.
Pros of Steam Carpet Cleaning:
Very thorough, deep cleaning method.
Hot water kills bacteria and lifts stubborn stains.
Carpets dry faster, in 4-6 hours on average.
Cons of Steam Cleaning:
Most expensive professional carpet cleaning method.
Longer drying time than other methods.
Potential for mold or mildew if carpets don’t dry completely.
Dry Carpet Cleaning Prices
Dry carpet cleaning uses a powdered cleaning mixture applied to carpets, followed by thorough brushing and vacuuming once dry. It does not use any water or liquids.
Here are typical dry carpet cleaning costs:
Around $0.25 – $0.40 per square foot on average.
Whole house pricing around $100 to $150 for homes under 2,000 square feet.
Per room pricing around $15 to $60 per room, depending on room size.
Additional $5 to $15 per stain for tough stain treatment.
So dry cleaning a standard 12 x 12 foot bedroom would cost approximately $30 to $48.
Pros of Dry Carpet Cleaning:
Much faster drying time of just 1-2 hours.
No wet carpets to risk mold or mildew growth.
Powder clings to fibers to loosen dirt.
Cons of Dry Carpet Cleaning:
Not as deep or thorough as steam cleaning.
May require more frequent cleaning to keep carpets fresh.
Powder residue can sometimes get left behind.
Bonnet Carpet Cleaning Prices
Bonnet cleaning uses an absorbent pad or bonnet soaked in a cleaning solution that is rubbed over carpets to scrub and lift dirt.
Average bonnet cleaning costs are:
Around $0.20 – $0.40 per square foot typically.
Whole house pricing from $80 to $160 on average.
Per room pricing around $15 to $55 per room.
So for a 10 x 10 bedroom, you’d usually pay $20 to $40 for bonnet carpet cleaning.
Pros of Bonnet Carpet Cleaning:
Fast drying time of 1 to 3 hours.
Low moisture method.
Cheaper than steam cleaning.
Cons of Bonnet Cleaning:
Not as thorough as other methods.
May need more frequent cleanings.
Won’t eliminate heaviest soiling.
As you can see, steam cleaning provides the deepest clean but comes at a higher price. Dry cleaning and bonnet cleaning cost less but don’t clean carpets as extensively.
What Affects Carpet Cleaning Prices?
Beyond the cleaning method, several other factors influence the cost of professional carpet cleaning:
Carpet Material
The material your carpets are made from affects cleaning difficulty and prices:
Synthetic carpets made of nylon or polyester clean easier and cost less. This is the most common type of carpeting.
Wool carpets are more delicate and require gentle cleaning solutions. Wool carpet cleaning costs around 20% more than synthetic.
Sisal is a natural fiber derived from agave plants. Professional sisal carpet cleaning runs about 15% higher than synthetic carpet prices since the material needs special care.
Heavy Soiling
Heavily soiled high traffic areas often require extra cleaning passes, adding to service time and cost. Stain pretreatment and pet urine also take more effort to remove.
Number of Rooms
It takes time for carpet cleaning technicians to move furniture and equipment from room to room. Cleaning multiple rooms incurs labor costs that increase the total bill.
Furniture Moving
If you pay the carpet cleaner to move and replace furniture, it takes extra time and work, especially for large or heavy pieces. Some companies include furniture moving in their prices while others charge around $25 extra per room.
Stain Treatment
Stubborn stains that require excessive repeat cleaning or application of specialty spot removers will add cost. Pet stains, wine stains, and permanent marker all take extra effort to treat.
Additional Services
Protective treatments like Scotchguard, disinfectants, or deodorizers that get applied after cleaning will increase the cost. Upholstery cleaning for sofas and chairs also adds pricing if done at the same time as carpets.
DIY Carpet Cleaning Cost
Consumer Reports advises on when to DIY versus hire pros for carpet cleaning.
If calling a professional carpet cleaner seems too expensive, many homeowners consider tackling carpet cleaning as a DIY project to save money.
Here’s an overview of costs for DIY carpet cleaning:
Carpet cleaner rental – Around $30 to $60 per day for a steam cleaner rental.
Cleaning solutions – $10 to $30 to buy cleaning products and spot removers.
Your time – At least 2 to 4 hours for a thorough DIY carpet cleaning job for a whole house.
So the total costs for renting equipment and supplies would be around $60 to $150 to DIY carpet clean a full single-family home.
The main benefits of DIY carpet cleaning are:
Much cheaper than hiring professionals.
More convenient scheduling.
Freshens carpets between deep cleans.
Drawbacks of DIY carpet cleaning include:
Very time-consuming and labor-intensive.
It’s not as powerful or effective as pro equipment.
Long drying time if using a rented steam cleaner.
Difficulty removing some stains without professional strengths solutions.
For light maintenance cleaning, DIY carpet cleaning can be a budget-friendly option in between professional deep cleaning services. But for deeper, more thorough carpet cleaning, calling the pros will provide the best results.
DIY Carpet Cleaning Tips
Want to save money by tackling carpet cleaning yourself? Follow these tips:
Vacuum first to remove surface dirt and debris. This allows cleaning solutions to penetrate deeper.
Pre-treat any tough stains by blotting and using a targeted spot remover before overall cleaning.
Rent a commercial grade carpet cleaner machine – consumer models don’t have enough extraction power.
Divide carpets into sections and do one section at a time for thorough coverage.
Use overlapping passes and walk slowly to give solutions time to dissolve dirt.
After cleaning, place fans and a dehumidifier to speed drying and avoid mold or mildew growth.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Cost Per Room
Here is an overview of average professional carpet cleaning costs for different rooms in a house:
Living room (200 sq ft) – $60 to $100
Bedroom (120 sq ft) – $35 to $60
Hallways (400 sq ft total) – $80 to $160
Stairs (240 sq ft) – $70 to $120
Master bedroom (250 sq ft) – $75 to $125
Dining room (150 sq ft) – $45 to $75
Small spaces like closets or bathrooms (50 sq ft) – $15 to $25
Keep in mind rooms that contain heavy furniture or need extensive stain treatment will be more expensive. Traffic areas like hallways and living rooms also tend to cost more to clean.
Frequency of Cleaning Carpets
How often should you get professional carpet cleaning? Here are some general recommendations:
All carpets should be professionally deep cleaned at least once per year.
Homes with kids or pets may want professional cleaning every 6 to 9 months.
For light maintenance between deep cleans, an annual or bi-annual DIY cleaning can freshen carpets.
Spot clean stains right away to prevent setting.
Traffic areas like stairs and hallways may need more frequent cleaning.
Getting carpets professionally steam cleaned every year is usually recommended for average households. Adjust frequency based on how much foot traffic and soiling occurs in your home.
Steam Cleaning vs Dry Cleaning: Which Is Better?
Steam carpet cleaning is more popular than dry cleaning methods. Here’s how the two stack up:
Steam Cleaning Pros
Deeper, more thorough clean
Hot water sanitizes and brightens carpet fibers
Better stain removal capability
Can use carpet immediately once dry
Dry Cleaning Pros
Much faster dry time of 1 to 2 hours
Low-moisture method
Powder clings to fibers to lift dirt
No wet carpet risks
While dry cleaning is faster and more convenient, steam cleaning provides superior soil removal and a deeper clean. Combining professional steam cleaning every 12 to 18 months with periodic DIY dry cleaning is an effective maintenance combo.
Factory Carpet Cleaning
When it’s time for a deep clean, you have two main options for professional carpet cleaning – factory washing or onsite cleaning. Each has its own process and costs.
With factory carpet cleaning, your carpets are completely removed and transported to a warehouse facility for deep cleaning. Here’s how it works:
First, technicians visit your home to detach and lift the carpets off the floor. They take precautions to move furniture and protect doorways during removal. The carpets are then loaded into trucks and transported to the cleaner’s warehouse.
At the facility, your carpets undergo a thorough multi-step washing process. Typically, they are loaded into large specialized equipment and washed at pressures exceeding 500 psi using strong truck-mounted systems. High-powered vacuums extract the wash water and soils from the carpets. Your carpets may also be groomed, deodorized, and inspected.
Once fully cleaned, the carpets are then reloaded and delivered back to your home. Installers use stretchers to reattach the carpets tight to the tack strips and seam edges together. Furniture is replaced and any final touches are made.
For pricing, factory carpet cleaning averages $1.00-$1.50 per square foot. This covers pickup, transport, cleaning labor, and reinstallation. Larger projects with over 500 square feet may qualify for volume discounts.
Onsite Carpet Cleaning
With onsite cleaning, the process takes place right inside your home. Cleaners bring their own commercial equipment and solutions to you.
After moving and protecting furniture, cleaners pre-vacuum and pre-treat any problem spots. Truck-mounted systems are carried inside to inject pressurized hot water into the carpets. The powerful suction immediately extracts out all the wash water and dissolved soils.
Once carpets are deep cleaned room by room, fans and dehumidifiers are placed to accelerate drying. Any remaining spots are touch up cleaned. Furniture is then moved back into place.
Onsite steam cleaning costs around $0.30-$0.50 per square foot on average. Stain treatment, pet urine, and furniture moving can incur additional fees.
The main advantages of factory cleaning are deeper washing capabilities in commercial equipment. Onsite cleaning means less hassle and disruption. Evaluate both options to decide which provides the best value and convenience for your needs.
Carpet Cleaning Companies Near Me
Once you decide it’s time to hire a professional, search for top rated carpet cleaners in your area. Look for these hallmarks of great carpet cleaning companies:
Certifications – Look for Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which ensures proper training and credentials.
Online reviews – Check sites like Google, Facebook, and Yelp to find a cleaner with consistently good feedback and high ratings.
Experience – Choose an established company that has been in business for several years and has cleaned thousands of carpets. This demonstrates extensive experience.
Upfront pricing – Beware of carpet cleaners that won’t provide prices over the phone. Reputable companies will give quotes upfront.
Satisfaction guarantee – The best cleaners will offer satisfaction guarantees and free re-cleans if you aren’t happy with the results.
Specialization – Some cleaners specialize in carpets and upholstery rather than general home cleaning. This carpet-specific expertise can provide better results.
Tips for Saving Money on Carpet Cleaning
If your carpet cleaning quote seems too expensive, here are some ways you can save on pro carpet cleaning:
Move furniture yourself rather than paying the carpet cleaner to do it.
Clean on weekdays—weekend appointments often have a higher rate.
Ask about any seasonal discounts or coupons for new customers.
Schedule an annual cleaning to lock in a lower regular rate.
Buy your own cleaning solutions to avoid markups on products. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discusses green carpet cleaning methods.
For DIY cleaning, rent a machine rather than buying.
Consider dry cleaning instead of steam if cost is your main concern.
Prioritizing affordability will help you find the best deals on professional carpet cleaning in your area. With regular upkeep, you can keep carpets looking fresh and clean all year without breaking the bank.
5 Simple Tips for Finding the Best Carpet Cleaning Services
Here are 5 simple tips for finding the best professional carpet cleaning services:
Look for IICRC certification. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is the leading credential for carpet cleaners. IICRC certified pros have undergone proper training and education.
Read online reviews. Check sites like Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau to read feedback from past customers. Look for companies with consistently good ratings and reviews.
Ask about the cleaning method. The hot water extraction method (steam cleaning) provides the deepest clean for carpets. Make sure the company uses truck-mounted units, not portable machines.
Confirm upfront pricing. Reputable carpet cleaning companies will provide quotes over the phone or online before the appointment. Avoid cleaners who won’t disclose prices ahead of time.
Request references. Ask the cleaner for references from past clients you can call to ask about their experiences and the quality of work. Good companies will readily provide references.
Following these tips will help you find a reliable, skilled carpet cleaner that uses top-notch equipment and industry-approved methods for exceptional results. Taking time to research and evaluate options will ensure you choose a provider that meets your needs, budget and expectations.
The Bottom Line
Professional carpet cleaning provides a deep cleansing you can’t achieve at home. By following carpet cleaning prices per square foot, per room, and total house estimates above, you can budget for this valuable service.
Steam carpet cleaning offers the best results while dry cleaning and bonnet methods are gentler and less expensive. For fresh, sanitized carpets, a yearly professional cleaning is a smart maintenance choice that delivers lasting benefits and protects your investment.
