What is the average cost of carpet cleaning?

Author: Celestino Lindgren DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, September 20, 2025

On average, professional carpet cleaning costs $150-$200, says David Steckel, home care expert at Thumbtack. “Carpet cleaning services may charge anywhere from $89-$109 on the low end and $300-$400 on the high end,” Steckel says.

How much should I expect to pay for carpet cleaning?

On average, carpet cleaning costs $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot. Many cleaners have a minimum square footage charge, or they charge a flat $100 to $150+ minimum fee for small jobs under a certain square footage.

Is professional carpet cleaning better than doing it yourself?

DIY Carpet Cleaning May Lead to Damage to Your Carpet

When you clean your own carpets you also run the risk of damaging your carpet. Some rental carpet cleaners are extremely harsh and can lead to faster wear and tear on your carpets than professional services.

How much does Stanley steemer charge for carpet cleaning?

Stanley Steemer typically charges around $50-$75 per room for areas exceeding 400 square feet. The cost may increase depending on the level of dirt or stains present. It's important to note that these prices are estimates and can vary depending on your location and specific requirements.

How long does Stanley Steemer take per room?

How long will it take to clean my carpets? On average, it will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes per room. This time can vary greatly depending on the amount of furniture to be moved, how soiled the carpet is, and any necessary spot removal treatments.

How much to charge for carpet cleaning

Is it better to shampoo or steam clean carpets?

Although we offer both approaches, in our opinion, steam cleaning tends to be the better option in most situations. Here's why: It can usually remove ingrained dirt more effectively – particularly stubborn stains that have embedded themselves deep into the fibres.

Why is Stanley Steemer so expensive?

One factor that greatly impacts the cost of a professional cleaning is the specialized equipment and products being used during the process. These tools are more advanced than your average household vacuum or floor mop—here are some ways they differ: Degree of Cleaning: Professional cleaning processes may vary (ie.

How can I save money on carpet cleaning?

One of the simplest ways to save money on carpet cleaning is to vacuum frequently. Regular vacuuming removes dirt and debris before they get embedded into the carpet fibers, which can make cleaning more difficult and costly later on. Aim to vacuum at least once a week, and more often in high-traffic areas.

What are the disadvantages of carpet cleaning?

Carpet cleaning, while essential for maintaining a clean and fresh living space, can contribute to wear and tear on carpet fibers over time. The vigorous scrubbing and high-pressure cleaning methods used by some carpet cleaning companies can cause damage to the delicate fibers, reducing the carpet's lifespan.

How much is carpet cleaner rental at Walmart?

Select locations offer 48-hour carpet cleaner rental for $49.99. Please note that availability of machines, 48 hour rental and pricing can vary by retail location. Rug Doctor® Pro Deep carpet cleaners are in Walmart stores across the country.

Why is carpet cleaning so expensive?

The base price for carpet cleaning can escalate with the addition of services like stain removal, odor removal, and applying protectants. These services tackle specific issues such as pet odors, deep stains, or high traffic areas that require special attention and materials, which add to the cost.

Do you tip carpet cleaners?

If you wish to tip your carpet cleaner, 10% to 20% of the total bill is acceptable. If you have multiple cleaners on the job, you can split the tip between them. Another option is to tip them a flat fee of $10 to $20 per person. However, how much to tip your carpet cleaner is entirely up to your discretion.

Is it cheaper to rent a carpet cleaner or buy one?

Although buying a carpet cleaner will cost you more up front than renting one, it will almost certainly be cheaper than hiring a service, especially since you'll be able to use the appliance as often as you need.

How often should carpet be cleaned?

Carpet manufacturers typically recommend a weekly surface clean and a deep clean at least once every 12 to 18 months. Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector and owner of Patriot Home Inspections in South Carolina, shares why.

Do you have to empty a room to clean a carpet?

Some companies will tell you that you need to have the rooms empty. Other companies might tell you that leave everything in place and they'll clean around it. Our advice is that you should be removing smaller items. Your breakables and your valuables really need to be moved.

Should I vacuum before carpet cleaning?

The general consensus in the cleaning community and within home cleaning guides is that pre-vacuuming before any professional carpet cleaning is not only highly recommended, but a critical step in setting your carpets up for success.

How much is it to get a carpet cleaned?

On average, professional carpet cleaning costs $150-$200, says David Steckel, home care expert at Thumbtack. “Carpet cleaning services may charge anywhere from $89-$109 on the low end and $300-$400 on the high end,” Steckel says.

What are the disadvantages of steam carpet cleaning?

8 Reasons Why Steam Cleaning Is Bad For Your Carpet
  • Not Chemical-Free. ...
  • Leaves Your Carpet Soaking Wet. ...
  • Prolonged Drying Times. ...
  • Draws in More Dust and Dirt. ...
  • Creates a Breeding Ground for Mold and Mildew. ...
  • Causes Unnecessary Wear. ...
  • Produces Wastewater. ...
  • Requires Heavy Equipment.

What type of carpet cleaning is best?

There are several methods used for cleaning carpets, with the most popular being hot water extraction cleaning. This is the method we usually recommend here at Cleaner Cleaner, as it gives you (well, your carpets) that real deep clean, getting rid of not just dirt but allergens, dust mites and more.

Does carpet stay wet after steam cleaning?

Your carpet will be only slightly damp to the touch after your cleaning. Most carpets typically need 6-10 hours to dry completely. However, it could take up to 24 hours to dry depending on the time of year your carpets are cleaned, and the air circulation, humidity and temperature in your home.

Can you rent a carpet cleaner from Home Depot?

Get your carpets cleaned with The Home Depot Tool Rental Center. You'll find cleaners that are easy to use from great brands like Rug Doctor and Kent that also have attachments for added cleaning for stairs, furniture and upholstery.

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