Carpet Cleaning Cost: Price per Room and Square Foot
Professional carpet cleaning costs $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot, or $40 to $90 per room, according to HomeGuide. Bob Vila reports $123 to $240 for a typical job with an average of $180.
What carpet cleaning costs
Carpet cleaning cost depends on how you are billed. HomeGuide reports $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot and $40 to $90 or more per room for steam cleaning, with a national average of $190 and a typical job of $125 to $250. Bob Vila gives $123 to $240 with an average of $180, and a slightly lower $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot.
Many companies set a minimum fee of $100 to $150, so a single small room often costs more per square foot than a whole house.
Cost by area size
| Area size | Average cost (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| 250 sq ft or less | $100 – $150+ |
| 500 sq ft | $125 – $250 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $250 – $500 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $375 – $750 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $500 – $1,000 |
Cost per room
| Number of rooms | HomeGuide price per room | Bob Vila total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $100 – $150 | $25 – $75 |
| 2 | $75 – $100 | $40 – $150 |
| 3 | $65 – $75 | $75 – $250 |
| 4 | $50 – $65 | $90 – $300 |
| 5 | $40 – $50 | $150 – $600 |
The two sources measure differently, since HomeGuide lists the per room price and Bob Vila the job total. Both show the same trend: the more rooms you book, the cheaper each one gets.
Extras and methods
- Stain removal: $25 to $40 per treated area, and pet stains and odors run $30 to $50 per hour.
- Stairs: $2 to $5 per step.
- Carbonated cleaning: $80 to $200 per room according to Bob Vila.
- Eco-friendly products: $100 to $200 per room.
- Water damage cleanup: $450 to $2,000, a different job from routine cleaning.
If the whole house needs fresh floors, compare with a deep cleaning package that may include carpets.
Cost by cleaning method
| Method | HomeGuide per room | Bob Vila |
|---|---|---|
| Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) | $40 – $90+ | not listed |
| Shampooing | $80 – $150 | not listed |
| Bonnet cleaning | $30 – $90 | surface clean only |
| Dry cleaning | $70 – $200 | not a deep clean |
| Encapsulation | $85 – $250 | dries in 1 to 2 hours |
| Carbonated cleaning | not listed | $80 – $200 |
HomeGuide says traditional steam cleaning uses high-pressure sprayers and a truck-mounted suction wand to remove about 97 percent of dirt and bacteria and reduce dry time. Shampooing is a low-moisture, no-rinse method, but leftover foam residue can stay sticky and attract dirt later. Bonnet cleaning only cleans the top third of the carpet, so it suits low-traffic areas. Dry cleaning works for maintenance between deeper cleans but may leave residue. Encapsulation binds dirt into crystals over 20 to 30 minutes before it is vacuumed away. Bob Vila says carbonated cleaning uses minimal water for a quick dry time.
Costs that add up beyond the base price
- Stain removal: HomeGuide says $125 to $250 for larger stain jobs, and Bob Vila lists $25 to $40 per treated area.
- Pet odors: $20 to $40 or more per room per HomeGuide, with pet stains billed at $30 to $50 per hour by Bob Vila.
- Moving furniture: $25 to $75 per room if you do not move it first, according to HomeGuide. Bob Vila says heavier pieces can add $10 to $50 per item.
- Stairs: $2 to $5 per step, or $45 to $65 for a staircase with one landing.
- Water damage: HomeGuide lists a $500 minimum and $4 to $12 per square foot depending on the water type, and Bob Vila says $450 to $2,000.
- Eco-friendly products: $100 to $200 per room per Bob Vila.
Whole-house and bundled pricing
HomeGuide puts an average three-bedroom house with five rooms at $200 to $500 and a large house with six to eight rooms at $300 to $700 or more. Whole-house carpet cleaning is often the most cost-effective option, and some companies offer a discount when carpet cleaning is part of a whole-house cleaning package. For a broader job, see our house cleaning cost guide.
How carpet type changes the price
Bob Vila says Berber carpet is the easiest to clean at around $90, cut and level loop carpet is harder, and cotton and wool carpeting are the hardest at around $130. Heavily soiled carpet or delicate fabric costs more because it takes longer. Preparing the area, removing belongings and vacuuming first helps keep the price down, since most companies ask you to clear personal and delicate items before they start.
Why carpet cleaning matters
Bob Vila notes that regular vacuuming removes surface dust, while a professional deep clean also removes allergens, bacteria, and irritants such as mold and mildew. If cleaning is put off for too long, stains can set, spilled water that is not extracted can soak in, and infrequent vacuuming can leave carpet that is impossible to clean, so it may need to be replaced.
Is your quote reasonable?
Measure the carpeted area and multiply by $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot. A quote far below that may rely on a bonnet or dry method that cleans only the surface. A quote far above it should list extras such as furniture moving or stain treatment. Ask about the method, drying time and whether a minimum fee applies before you book.
Last updated: October 2026