Carpet Cleaning Cost (2026)
Professional carpet cleaning costs $25 to $70 per room or roughly $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot in 2026, with most whole-home jobs landing between $120 and $350. What you pay depends on the number and size of rooms, the cleaning method, and how stained or soiled the carpet is. Here's how the pricing works so you can estimate before you book.
Carpet cleaning cost by number of rooms
| Rooms | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 1 room | $25 – $75 |
| 2 – 3 rooms | $100 – $200 |
| 4 – 5 rooms | $175 – $300 |
| Whole home (5+) | $250 – $600 |
Most companies set a minimum service charge — often around $75 to $125 — so a single small room usually costs more per square foot than a whole-home job. Hallways, stairs, and closets are frequently priced separately (stairs commonly $2 to $4 per step).
Cost by cleaning method
Hot water extraction (steam cleaning) is the most common and most recommended method, running about $0.25 to $0.40 per square foot. It deep-cleans and is what most carpet manufacturers require to keep a warranty valid.
Dry cleaning / low-moisture uses compounds instead of water for a faster dry time, roughly $0.25 to $0.45 per square foot, and suits carpets that can't take much moisture.
Shampooing is an older, cheaper method around $0.20 to $0.30 per square foot but leaves residue and isn't as thorough.
What raises the price
- Heavy stains and pet damage. Pet urine treatment and enzyme deodorizing are common add-ons ($30 to $150+).
- Stain and odor protection. A post-clean protectant (like Scotchgard) adds roughly $0.05 to $0.15 per square foot.
- Furniture moving. Some crews move furniture for a fee; clearing rooms yourself saves money.
- Carpet type. Wool, berber, and delicate fibers need gentler, pricier handling.
- Stairs and high-traffic areas take extra time.
How to save
Book multiple rooms at once to beat the minimum charge, move small furniture and clear the floors yourself before the crew arrives, vacuum thoroughly first, and ask whether protectant or deodorizer is actually needed rather than adding it by default. Recurring or annual plans sometimes come with a discount. When you're ready, you can compare local cleaning services — many house cleaners offer carpet cleaning as an add-on.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to clean carpet per room?
Expect $25 to $70 per room, though a company minimum of about $75 to $125 means small single-room jobs cost more per foot than whole-home cleanings.
How often should carpets be professionally cleaned?
Most households benefit from a professional clean every 12 to 18 months, or every 6 to 12 months with pets, kids, or allergies. Many warranties require professional hot-water extraction on a set schedule.
Is steam cleaning better than dry cleaning?
Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) cleans deeper and is what most manufacturers recommend, while dry cleaning is faster to dry and better for carpets sensitive to moisture.