How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost?

The honest answer is "it depends" — so here's exactly what it depends on, what a good quote includes, and how to compare prices fairly.

Anyone who quotes a firm price for carpet cleaning without knowing the rooms, the carpet, and the condition is guessing. The cost of a real job depends on how many rooms you have, the type of carpet, how soiled it is, and any stains that need special treatment. Two homes with the same number of rooms can be a fair way apart.

Rather than give you a number that turns out to be wrong, here's what actually drives the price — so when you do get a quote, you'll understand every line of it.

What Affects the Cost of Carpet Cleaning

The number and size of rooms

Most carpet cleaning is priced by the room or by the area covered, so a whole house costs more overall than a single lounge — though the rate per room often eases when several rooms are done in one visit.

The type of carpet

Hard-wearing synthetic carpets clean quickly; wool, sisal, and other natural fibres need gentler methods and more care, which takes longer. Delicate or antique pieces sit at the top because the risk and the skill are higher.

How soiled the carpet is

A carpet that's lightly used cleans faster than one with heavy traffic lanes, ingrained grit, or years of build-up. Heavier soiling means more pre-treatment and more passes to get an even, lasting result.

Stains and pet treatment

Wine, coffee, ink, grease, and pet accidents each need a specific treatment, and some need repeat work. Odour neutralising for pet issues is extra labour beyond a standard clean, but it's what actually solves the problem.

Stairs and awkward areas

Stairs, landings, and tight or cluttered spaces take longer per square metre than open floors because of the hand-work and care involved, so they're usually priced separately from main rooms.

Fabric protection and finishing

Applying a stain-resistant protector after cleaning helps carpets stay cleaner for longer. It's optional and adds to the price, and we'll explain whether it's worth it for your carpet rather than adding it by default.

Furniture moving

Working around a fully furnished room is slower than a cleared one. We can move what's safe to move, but if a lot of furniture needs shifting, that's reflected in the time the job takes.

Access and location

Upper-floor flats, distance, or parking restrictions can affect how long a job takes, and that feeds into the cost. Most local work is straightforward; we'll flag anything unusual up front.

What a Good Quote Includes

  • Labour for pre-treatment, cleaning, and finishing
  • Cleaning solutions and stain treatments suited to your carpet
  • Pre-treatment of stains and high-traffic areas
  • Moisture extraction to keep drying times short
  • Fabric protection — if you've asked for it
  • A clear breakdown so you can see exactly what you're paying for

Questions to Ask Before You Accept

  • Is the price per room, or by the area covered?
  • Are stairs and landings included or quoted separately?
  • Is stain pre-treatment and pet odour work included?
  • Is this a fixed price or an estimate that could change?
  • Are you insured, and is the work guaranteed?
  • How long will the carpets take to dry?

The Only Accurate Price Is a Proper Quote

Tell us about your carpets and we'll give you a clear, no-obligation quote — every line explained.

Get a Free Quote