Last Updated on December, 2024
Curious about the cost of getting your carpet cleaned? Let’s break it down.
From steam cleaning to dry methods, carpet cleaning prices can vary depending on factors like the area size, the cleaning method, and any additional services you might need.
Understanding these factors can help you keep your carpets fresh and clean without spending a fortune.
So, whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains or just want to refresh your home, keep reading this article to learn the professional carpet cleaning costs and other cleaning costs which can help you plan your budget effectively.
| Type | Average Cost |
| National Average Cost | £115 – £140 |
| Cost Per Square Foot | £0.20 – £0.40 |
| Cost Per Hour | £35 – £80 |
| Cost Per Room | £30 – £80 |
Quick Summary
- The cost of professional carpet cleaning can vary depending on factors like area size, cleaning method, and additional services.
- Factors like carpet size, stains, furniture moving, and regular maintenance can affect the cost of carpet cleaning.
- Different carpet cleaning methods, such as steam cleaning, shampooing, and dry cleaning, have different costs.
Carpet Cleaning Prices By Cleaning Method
So first of all, let’s look at the cost of cleaning carpet by cleaning methods.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a smart method for cleaning carpets using hot water and chemicals to remove stains and dirt.
Cost: The cost to steam clean carpets is around £235.
In steam cleaning, hot water and chemicals are pumped into the carpet fibres. This steam helps loosen dirt and grime, which are then sucked up and removed. Since steam cleaning makes the carpet well, it usually takes a steam cleaner about 24 hours for the carpet to dry completely.
When to use it: steam carpet cleaning is excellent for heavily used areas where dirt and stains build up, making it worth the investment in high-traffic areas.
Carpet Shampooing
Shampooing is also a good method of cleaning carpets by applying foam to break up and remove dirt and stains.
Cost: Shampooing typically costs around £185.
In shampooing, foam is applied to the carpet fibres to break up dirt and stains. After the shampoo treatment, the foam is wiped away to ensure no residue is left behind.
When to use it: Shampooing is useful for heavily stained areas, such as those caused by toddler spills or other accidents. Hiring a local carpet shampoo professional can help you tackle tough stains.
Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is a fast carpet cleaning method that focuses on surface-level dirt.
Cost: Dry carpet cleaning typically costs around £175.
Dry cleaning doesn’t use water, so it’s quick. It only takes about one to two hours to dry. This method is excellent for dealing with surface dirt, like when pets track mud indoors.
When to use it: Choose dry cleaning when you need speedy cleaning solutions for surface-level grime, such as after muddy paws have left tracks on your carpet material. It’s a quick fix that helps prevent stains from setting in.
Hot Water Extraction Cleaning
Hot water extraction cleaning is a thorough process that typically costs around £315 for a standard treatment, with a bit more for cotton and wool carpets.
This method, also known as steam carpet cleaning, uses hot water sprayed onto the carpet along with a deep cleaning solution to dissolve dirt. Hot water extraction cleaning is like a pro version of steam carpet cleaning.
It involves blasting water and cleaning solution into the carpet to dissolve dirt, followed by thorough suction to remove all the liquid and grime. After the treatment, make sure to let the rug dry completely for 24 hours to prevent mould growth.
Bonnet Carpet Cleaning
Bonnet carpet cleaning is a budget-friendly option, costing around £115 on average.
First, a cleaning detergent is sprayed onto the carpet. Then, a special device with a cleaning pad is used to go over the carpet, sucking up dirt and grime. Bonnet cleaning is a simple process that’s popular for its affordability and quick drying time.
However, it doesn’t provide deep cleaning like some other carpet cleaning methods, which is why it’s often used in places like hotel lobbies. It’s worth noting that some carpet material warranties may not cover this cleaning method.
Encapsulation Cleaning
Encapsulation carpet cleaning costs between £62 and £274 and is an interesting way to clean carpets.
Like shampooing, a rotating brush spreads a cleaning solution onto the carpet fibres. The solution then dries and forms crystals around the dirt and grime, encapsulating them. Finally, a vacuum is used to remove the crystals and the dirt they’ve trapped.
So, this cleaning is a unique method that traps dirt and grime in crystals, simplifying to remove them from the carpet fibres. It’s an effective way to get your carpets clean and can be more affordable than some other cleaning methods.
| Carpet Cleaning Method | Average Cost Range Per Room | Average Cost |
| Steam Cleaning | £235 | £75 – £320 |
| Dry Cleaning | £180 | £45 – £110 |
| Bonnet Cleaning | £117 | £20 – £70 |
| How Water Extraction Cleaning | £313 | £75 – £175 |
| Shampooing | £196 | £55 – £20 |
| Encapsulation Cleaning | £156 | £60 – £280 |
Carpet Cleaning Prices Per Square Footage
Some carpet cleaning companies determine their charges based on the size of the area you need to clean.
Prices usually start at around £0.15 to £0.20 per square foot and can go up to about £0.40 to £0.50 per square foot. Additional fees might apply for cleaning carpeted stairs or dealing with tough stains.
- Cost Range: Cleaning 500 to 550 square feet of carpet could cost between approximately £55 and £190. This estimate is based on rates of £0.50 per square foot.
- Calculation Methods: Many Carpet cleaning companies use different approaches to figure out prices. One common method is to calculate based on the square footage of the area to be cleaned. On average, the carpet cleaning cost per square foot for professional carpet cleaning is around £0.33. With rates ranging from £0.20 to £40.
- Square footage: Some cleaning companies set a minimum price for jobs below a specific square footage. These minimum charges typically range from £85 to £120, with an average of around £95.
NOTE: the actual minimum charge can vary depending on the carpet cleaning company, seasonal demand, and location.
| Square Foot | Average cost |
| Below 500 | £95 |
| 1000 | £785 |
| 2000 | £515 |
Common Carpet Cleaning Add-Ons
When you hire a professional to clean your carpet, they might offer additional cleaning services to enhance the cleaning process. These can include odour control, disinfection, or applying a stain protector after cleaning.
In some cases, carpet cleaners may also be able to fix minor carpet issues or add dyes to cover up faded spots. While cleaning companies might promote these services occasionally, they generally increase the total carpet cleaning cost.
If you require extra assistance beyond standard carpet cleaning, the cleaning company will typically charge for each additional service. Here are the typical carpet cleaning costs for common add-on services.
- Applying Telfon treatment: £15 – £30 per project.
- Patching: £75 – £196
- Stretching carpet: £45 per hour
- Water extraction: £390 – £1570, depending on carpet size.
- Removing and moving furniture: £10 – £40 per item
- Odor removal and pet stains: £15 – £30 per hour
- Furniture cleaning: £70 – £75 per item.
- Replacing wicking or padding: £1 – £8 per square foot
- Green carpet cleaning: £75 – £160 per room
Factors That Affect the Cost of Carpet Cleaning
Seven things that influence carpet cleaning costs. Here they are.
- Carpet Size: The carpeted area size influences the overall cost, as larger spaces require more time and resources to deep clean thoroughly.
- Stains: Tackling stains can prolong the carpet cleaning process, as stubborn stains often require special treatment or individual attention.
- Moving Furniture: The need to move furniture can impact the overall cost of cleaning. While some companies may assist with minor furniture rearrangement, relocating larger or delicate items might incur additional charges.
- Carpet’s condition: The condition of the carpet, including its level of soiling and water, can impact the complexity and duration of the cleaning process. Heavily soiled or worn carpets may require extra attention and time for optimal results.
- Carpet Type: The type of carpet in your home dictates the cleaning method necessary and affects the time required to achieve a thorough clean.
- Cleaning Technique: Each cleaning technique has its own set of steps and time commitments. For instance, dry carpet cleaning tends to be faster, whereas methods like steam or bonnet cleaning may require more time to cover all areas effectively.
- Stairs: Cleaning carpeted stairs can increase the carpet cleaning cost due to the additional time needed to deep clean each step. Some companies offer additional carpet cleaning services exclusively for stair cleaning.
So, when you clean your carpet, these are the factors that you should consider for cost.
When Should I Go to a Professional Carpet Cleaning?
There are several situations where hiring professional carpet cleaners might be the best option for you.
- Physical Limitations: If you’re unable to physically manage the strenuous task of cleaning your carpet, it’s good to hire a professional who can handle the job for you.
- Equipment Costs: If you want to avoid investing in carpet cleaning tools and equipment, which can be pricey to rent or buy, hiring a professional can be a more cost-effective solution.
- Moving Out: When moving out of a rented home or apartment, a professional cleaning can help for removing stains or spots.
- Preparing To Sell: If you’re preparing to sell your home, professional carpet cleaning can improve its appearance and appeal to potential buyers.
While DIY carpet cleaning is possible and can save money, it has its drawbacks. DIY projects require time for equipment rental, furniture moving, and cleaning, and the results may not be as consistent as those achieved by professionals who do this work regularly.
So, deciding to have a professional cleaning depends on the above factors, as well as the size of the project, its costs, and the value of your time and effort.
Remember that professional carpet cleaning services often come with guarantees, providing peace of mind in case the work is not done to your satisfaction.
Is it Cheaper to Clean the Carpet or Replace it?
Generally, preferring to clean your carpet is a more economical choice compared to replacing it entirely.
While the average carpet cleaning cost falls between £150 and £200, the expense of replacing or installing new carpet fibres can be significantly higher, ranging from £480-£840 on average, with professional carpet cleaning costs sometimes soaring up to £3000 to £4500.
Comparing Costs
- Carpet Cleaning: The average carpet cleaning cost ranges from £150 to £200. At the lower end, you might pay around £95 to £100, while the higher end could be £350 to £450.
- Carpet Replacement: On the other hand, the average cost of replacing or installing new carpets is substantially higher, averaging between £400 and £850. At the low end, replacement costs might start at £175 to £250, while high-end options could reach prices as high as £2500 to £3800.
Factors That You Should Consider
When deciding between cleaning or replacing your carpet, it’s crucial to consider factors such as the condition of the carpet, the extent of staining or damage, and your budget.
While cleaning can effectively refresh and extend the lifespan of your carpet, replacement may be necessary for severely worn or damaged carpets.
Assessing the cost-effectiveness of cleaning Verdun replacement depends on the specific circumstances of your carpet and your preferences for budget and aesthetics.
How to Save Money on Carpet Cleaning Cost?
If you’re looking to trim down the professional carpet cleaning cost, here are some savvy steps to take:
- Choose Easy-Clean Materials: Choose furniture made from materials like cotton or polyester that are easier and cheaper to clean.
- Bundle Cleaning Services: Have multiple furniture pieces cleaned together to avoid minimum cleaning service fees.
- Act Fast On Spills: Quickly blot spills or stains with warm water to minimise damage and reduce the cost of stain removal.
- Use Slipcovers: Protect your furniture with slipcovers, which are less expensive to clean than the furniture itself.
- Vacuum Regularly: Keep your carpets clean by frequently vacuuming to prevent dirt from embedding deep into the carpet fibers.
- Spot Cleaning: Tackle spills and deep stains promptly to prevent them from becoming more challenging to remove and more expensive to clean.
- Move furniture Yourself: Save on additional chargers by moving your furniture before the cleaning costs.
- Look For Discounts: Keep an eye out for discounts and special deals offered by cleaning companies, such as discounts to clean multiple rooms or introductory offers.
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular cleanings to maintain your carpets and avoid the need for costly deep cleanings.
By following these tips, you can keep your carpet cleaning expenses in check while still ensuring your carpets stay fresh and clean.
Useful guides:
Conclusion
To sum up, knowing what influences carpet cleaning costs and helps you decide wisely.
Think about your space size, how you plan to clean, and if you need extra carpet cleaning services. Regular care keeps carpets fresh and lasting longer.
Finding the right balance between cost and effectiveness ensures a clean and inviting home or workspace. Whether you choose steam carpet cleaning, dry methods, or spot treatments, taking care of your carpets makes your place comfy and long-lasting.
