Carpet Cleaning Cost: How Much Does It Cost & What Price to Expect?

Keeping your carpets clean not only improves the look and feel of your home but also helps to maintain a healthier indoor environment. However, many homeowners wonder, how much does carpet cleaning cost in the UK?‍

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of carpet cleaning prices, factors affecting costs, and tips for getting the best service for your money.

‍Need professional carpet cleaning? Contact us for a free quote today >

How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost?

The average cost of professional carpet cleaning in the UK varies depending on room size, location, and the type of cleaning required. Below is a general pricing guide:

Residential Carpet Cleaning

• Small Room (up to 4m x 4m): £40 - £60
• Medium Room (up to 5m x 5m): £60 - £80
• Large Room (up to 6m x 6m): £75 - £100
• Stairs & Landing: £85 - £120

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

• Price per square metre: £3 - £5
  (Ideal for offices, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial spaces.)

Additional Services

• Hourly Rate for Carpet Cleaning Services: £60 - £120
  (For customized cleaning jobs or larger projects.)
• Stain Protection (Per Room): £15 - £30
  (Helps prevent stains and extends the life of your carpets.)

💡 Note: Prices may vary based on carpet condition, level of soiling, and location. For an exact quote, get in touch with AquaPro Cleaning today.

Most professional cleaners have a minimum call-out fee of £85, so even if you're just getting one small room cleaned, you may still pay this base rate.

Carpet Cleaning Cost by Location

Carpet cleaning prices vary significantly depending on where you live in the UK. Below is an overview of average costs by region:

💡 Carpet cleaning prices vary by region, with London being the most expensive. Below is a guide to the average cost per room in different UK cities.

Average Carpet Cleaning Cost Per Room

• London: £50 - £75
• Manchester: £35 - £55
• Birmingham: £30 - £50
• Glasgow: £35 - £60
• Edinburgh: £40 - £65
• Bristol: £30 - £55
• Leeds: £30 - £50
• Cardiff: £28 - £45
• Newcastle: £25 - £42
• Sheffield: £25 - £40

Factors Affecting Price:

• Carpet size and condition
• Stain removal and additional treatments
• Type of property (residential vs. commercial)
• Accessibility and parking availability

As expected, London and the South East tend to have higher carpet cleaning costs due to higher living expenses and service demand.

Factors Affecting Carpet Cleaning Costs

Several factors influence the price of professional carpet cleaning, including:

1. Room Size & Number of Rooms

The size of the room is one of the biggest determinants of carpet cleaning costs. Larger rooms require more cleaning solution, water, and time to complete the job, increasing the overall cost. Many professional carpet cleaning services charge per room, while others calculate pricing based on square footage.

Additionally, if multiple rooms need cleaning, the overall cost may be discounted as part of a package deal. However, each additional room still adds to the total cleaning time and resources needed.

2. Carpet Condition & Stains

Carpets with light dirt buildup and minimal stains are easier and quicker to clean, resulting in a lower cost. However, carpets that have deeply embedded dirt, pet stains, or stubborn spills (e.g., red wine, coffee, ink, or grease) may require intensive pre-treatment and additional stain removal solutions.

These additional treatments can add to the cost, particularly if specialized products or multiple cleaning passes are needed.

For example:

• Pet urine stains require enzyme-based cleaning solutions to fully break down odor-causing bacteria.
• Ink stains often need chemical-based stain removers for successful extraction.
• Grease stains may require solvent-based treatments to lift the residue.

3. Carpet Cleaning Method

‍The method chosen for carpet cleaning has a direct impact on cost. Some methods are more labor-intensive and require specialized equipment, which increases the price.

• Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) – The most effective deep-cleaning method, using high-pressure hot water and suction to remove dirt and allergens from deep within carpet fibers. This method is generally the most expensive due to its effectiveness.
• Dry Carpet Cleaning – Uses a cleaning powder or compound that absorbs dirt without the need for water, meaning no drying time is required. This method is often preferred for commercial settings but can be more costly due to the need for specialized machinery and compounds.
• Encapsulation Cleaning – A low-moisture technique that applies a cleaning solution, which then crystallizes around dirt particles and is vacuumed away. This method is quicker and often more affordable but may not be as effective for deep cleaning.
• Bonnet Cleaning – Primarily used for surface cleaning in commercial spaces, this method involves a rotating pad soaked in a cleaning solution that scrubs the carpet’s surface. It’s a budget-friendly option but doesn’t deep-clean the carpet fibers.

4. Furniture Moving

‍If the carpeted area has furniture that needs to be moved before cleaning, additional labor charges may apply. Some cleaning companies require homeowners to clear rooms before their arrival, while others offer furniture-moving services at an added cost.

• Small furniture removal (chairs, coffee tables) – Often included in the standard price.
• Large furniture removal (sofas, beds, desks, cabinets) – May incur extra charges of £10-£30 per item.
• Heavy or fragile furniture (such as pianos or antique pieces) – May require special handling and increase costs further.

5. Type of Carpet Material

‍Different carpet materials require different cleaning techniques and solutions, which can impact the cost:

• Synthetic Carpets (nylon, polyester, olefin) – More affordable to clean as they are highly durable and respond well to most cleaning methods.
• Natural Fibre Carpets (wool, sisal, silk, cotton) – Require delicate cleaning techniques and specific cleaning agents to prevent damage. Wool, for instance, shrinks if too much moisture is applied, making it more expensive to clean.
• High-pile and shag carpets – Tend to trap more dirt and require deep cleaning with extra extraction efforts, which increases cleaning time and cost.

6. Additional Services

‍Many carpet cleaning companies offer optional add-ons that enhance the results but also add to the total cost:

• Stain Protection – Applying Scotchgard or similar products to create a barrier against future stains costs £15-£30 per room.
• Deodorising Treatment – Used to eliminate pet or smoke odors, typically costs £10-£20 per room.
• Anti-Allergen Treatment – Helps reduce allergens such as dust mites and pollen, adding £15-£25 per room.
• Carpet Sanitisation – Ideal for homes with pets or allergy sufferers, typically £10-£25 per room.
• Moth and Insect Repellent Treatment – Protects wool carpets from moth damage, costing £10-£20 per room.
• Deep Pet Hair Removal – If standard vacuuming isn’t enough, a deep extraction may be needed at an additional £10-£30 per room.

By understanding these factors, homeowners can make informed decisions about carpet cleaning services and budget accordingly. Comparing quotes from multiple professionals and asking for an itemized breakdown of costs can help in selecting the best service at a reasonable price.

Carpet Cleaning Cost Calculator

‍Want a rough estimate? Use this simple calculator:

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‍Need an accurate carpet cleaning quote? Contact us for a free quote today >

Benefits of Carpet Cleaning

1. Deep Cleans and Removes Bacteria & Allergens

Carpets trap dust, dirt, allergens, and bacteria that can affect indoor air quality and overall health. Professional cleaning penetrates deep into the carpet fibers, effectively removing contaminants that regular vacuuming cannot eliminate.

This is especially beneficial for households with allergy sufferers or pets.

2. Extends the Lifespan of Your Carpet

Dirt and debris accumulate in carpet fibers over time, causing wear and tear. Professional cleaning removes these abrasive particles, preventing fiber breakdown and extending the lifespan of your carpet.

Regular maintenance helps preserve the carpet's texture, color, and overall quality, making it a worthwhile investment.

3. Improves Indoor Air Quality

Pollutants trapped in carpets can become airborne and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Professional cleaning uses advanced techniques such as hot water extraction to remove embedded contaminants, leading to a fresher and healthier living environment.

This is particularly important in homes with children, elderly residents, or individuals with respiratory conditions.

4. Removes Tough Stains and Odours

Spills, pet accidents, and other stains can be difficult to remove with DIY methods. Professional carpet cleaners use specialized stain removal treatments to tackle stubborn spots, including wine, coffee, ink, and grease.

Additionally, deodorizing treatments help eliminate odors from pets, smoke, and mildew, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.

5. Enhances the Overall Appearance of Your Home

Clean carpets contribute to a well-maintained and visually appealing home. Over time, dirt and discoloration can make carpets look dull and worn. Professional cleaning restores the vibrancy and softness of carpets, creating a welcoming atmosphere and improving the overall aesthetics of your living space.

By investing in professional carpet cleaning, you ensure a cleaner, healthier, and more attractive home environment. Regular maintenance not only enhances comfort but also protects your carpet investment in the long run.

DIY Carpet Cleaning vs Professional Cleaning

Choosing between DIY carpet cleaning and professional cleaning depends on your budget, time, and cleaning needs. Below is a comparison to help you decide.

DIY Cleaning vs. Professional Cleaning

• Cost:
  • DIY: £20 - £50 (rental machine & cleaning products)
  • Professional: £85 - £200 (per visit, varies by room size and service type)
• Effectiveness:
  • DIY: Surface-level clean (may not remove deep-seated dirt or bacteria)
  • Professional: Deep clean, removes bacteria & tough stains
• Drying Time:
  • DIY: 12-24 hours (higher moisture retention can lead to mold growth if not dried properly)
  • Professional: 2-6 hours (depends on method used, such as hot water extraction or low-moisture cleaning)
• Convenience:
  • DIY: Requires effort and time (setting up, moving furniture, and drying carpets)
  • Professional: Quick and hassle-free (trained experts handle everything, ensuring the best results)

💡 Verdict: While DIY carpet cleaning is cheaper, it often lacks the deep-cleaning power of professional services. If you want long-lasting results and a healthier home environment, professional cleaning is the better choice.

While DIY carpet cleaning can be cheaper, it may not be as effective at removing deep stains and bacteria. If you have expensive carpets, pets, or allergy concerns, hiring a professional is often worth the extra cost.

‍Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should carpets be professionally cleaned? For most households, carpets should be cleaned every 6 to 12 months. Homes with pets, children, or high foot traffic may require cleaning every 3 to 6 months.

‍2. How long does carpet cleaning take? A single room typically takes 20-40 minutes, while a whole house may take 2-4 hours. Drying time depends on the method used but is usually 2-6 hours for steam cleaning.

‍3. Can I walk on carpets immediately after cleaning? It’s best to wait at least 2-6 hours before walking on freshly cleaned carpets. Wearing clean socks or shoe covers can help prevent dirt transfer.

‍4. Will all stains be removed? Most stains can be removed, but older or set-in stains like ink, red wine, and pet urine may require multiple treatments or specialist cleaning.

‍5. Is carpet cleaning safe for pets and children? Yes, professional cleaning is generally safe, but ensure non-toxic, pet-friendly detergents are used if you have pets or small children.

‍6. What is the best method for deep carpet cleaning? Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) is the most effective deep-cleaning method, removing dirt, allergens, and bacteria from deep within the carpet fibres.

‍Final Thoughts

‍Professional carpet cleaning is an affordable way to refresh your home, extend your carpet’s lifespan, and create a healthier living space. Prices start at £40-£60 per small room, with factors like stain removal, location, and cleaning method affecting the final cost.

For the best value, always get multiple quotes, check reviews, and ensure the cleaner follows a thorough cleaning process.

‍Need professional carpet cleaning? Contact us for a free quote today >