INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost?
Estimate carpet and rug cleaning service cost per square foot — with the free calculator.
Carpet traps dust, allergens and stains — regular professional cleaning keeps it fresh and extends its life. The price depends on method, area and traffic. This guide covers the cost per square foot and a calculator.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Carpet cleaning runs $0.25–$0.50 per sq ft or $40–$90 per room. A single room costs $40–$180; a whole 2,000 sq ft home runs $300–$700. Stain pre-treatment and deodorizing add cost.
Methods and prices
Hot water extraction (steam) is the most common at $0.25-$0.50 per sq ft. Dry cleaning dries fast and runs $0.30-$0.60. Encapsulation is budget at $0.20-$0.40. Rug cleaning costs more per sq ft than wall-to-wall.
- Hot water extraction: $0.25–$0.50 per sq ft
- Dry cleaning: $0.30–$0.60 per sq ft
- Per room: $40–$90
- Whole home (2,000 sq ft): $300–$700
What drives the price
Heavy traffic areas, pet stains and deep soiling need pre-treatment and extra passes. Furniture moving, deodorizing and stain protection are usually add-ons. Minimum charges of $100-$150 are common.
How often to clean
Every 6-12 months for most homes; every 3-6 months for homes with pets or kids. Vacuum weekly between cleanings. Professional cleaning removes what vacuuming can't — embedded dust and allergens.
Try the calculator with your carpets
Enter the carpet area, supplies per sq ft and cleaning per sq ft to see the total.