Carpet Cleaning Cost
Last updated 23rd April, 2025
Wondering about carpet cleaning costs?
If you're carpet is in need of a deep clean then this article is for you. Whether you want a professional carpet cleaner or to DIY with a carpet cleaning machine we can help. We can even supply carpet quotes to give you a clearer idea.
Continue below for more information!
Table of Contents
How Much Do Carpet Cleaners Charge?
This article is all about carpet cleaning and the costs charged by professional carpet cleaning contractors throughout the UK.
The vast majority of carpet cleaning companies will offer quotes which are based simply on the shape and size of the room, plus whether or not there were any stubborn stains that needed to be removed.
Carpet Cleaning Prices
The average cost of hiring a flooring specialist to clean your carpet is roughly £25-£50 for each room depending on the room size. If you decide to tackle the job yourself you can hire carpet cleaning equipment for around £20 to £25 a day, but you'd also need to provide carpet shampoo for an additional £15.
The average labourer will usually charge around £100 to £150 per day, but as mentioned, this varies depending on how many rooms you want cleaned and there is usually a minimum charge of £50. Carpet cleaning should take no longer than a day, although this will depend on the number of rooms and what condition the carpets are in.
Below are some estimated costs of hiring a carpet specialist to clean carpets in various rooms:
| Room Type | Avg. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Stairs and Landing | £30 | 1 Hour |
| Lounge | £40 | 45 Minutes |
| Small Bedroom | £20 | 30 Minutes |
| Large Bedroom | £35 | 40 Minutes |
Carpet Cleaning Cost Breakdown Calculator
Individual Cost of Carpet Cleaning a Standard 3 Bedroom House:
Total Cost: £200
Materials
£30
Tradesmen
£170
Waste Removal
£0
What Carpet Cleaning Method Is Best?
There are a variety of different carpet cleaning methods used within the industry, some methods use more water whereas others depend more on mechanical action or chemicals to clean.
The most important thing is that the carpet cleaning technician has the required training and experience to carry out the carpet cleaning properly and safely.
National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) members have a recognised qualification in carpet and upholstery cleaning and are fully trained in the use of all recommended cleaning methods, so can advise on the most appropriate methods for any situation.
The majority of carpet cleaning done today in the UK use the "hot water extraction" method (also known as steam cleaning) as manufacturers often recommend hot water extraction as their preferred method of cleaning to preserve the lifespan of their carpets.
Below is a brief summary of additional methods that are also available.
- Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) - Provides a deep clean and is widely recommended by professionals
- Dry Cleaning - Low moisture, ideal for delicate carpets and faster drying
- Bonnet Cleaning - Often used in commercial premises for surface cleaning only
- Encapsulation Cleaning - Crystallises dirt particles, easy to vacuum with low moisture
Many carpet cleaning companies also offer an upholstery cleaning service, so it makes sense to get your furniture cleaned at the same time as the carpets as the rates charged will be slightly more competitive for larger jobs at the same address.
What's the Carpet Cleaning Process?
Although there are a variety of carpet cleaning methods available, each one follows a similar process.
Using the most popular hot water extraction method as an example, the process would be as follows:
- Vacuum the carpet to remove any surface dust and debris
- Pre-treat any stains or heavily soiled areas
- Using a steam-cleaner, inject hot steam and solution (aka hot water extraction)
- This is followed by a thorough rinse with fresh water
- Allow to dry within 24-hours before next vacuuming*
*Note: Professional carpet cleaning companies often use a machine that dries the carpet as it runs over the floor. If the carpet is left wet for too long it can cause shrinkage, as well as a potential build-up of mould and mildew if not dried sufficiently.
Can You Clean Your Carpets Yourself? (DIY)
Carpet cleaning is a necessary part of maintaining carpets and is a safe and healthy way to keep your carpets looking like new - as long as they are cleaned properly and safely. If cleaning the carpets yourself and hiring a machine, it’s always wise to fully read the instructions for both the machine and the cleaning products that come with it.
Cleaning chemicals are generally labelled with specific instructions as some chemicals shouldn’t be used on specific types of carpet, so be sure to get it right to avoid ruining the carpets instead of cleaning them! In fact, if using chemicals you are unfamiliar with it may be an idea to test the product in a hidden spot to make sure it won’t damage your carpet.
If you do decide to carry out carpet cleaning yourself, below are a few more tips to consider depending on the materials used within your carpet - however, if in doubt, leave it to the professionals!
- Nylon - Durable material, but requires cleaning to avoid staining.
- Polypropylene - Easily stained, however suitable for most cleaning methods.
- Wool - Use detergent with low pH and avoid cleaning with high-temperatures
- Natural Fibres - Delicate and must avoid using wet cleaning methods
If your carpet is beyond cleaning then you might want to bite the bullet and get a brand new carpet. Check out our page on hiring a flooring specialist to fit a carpet.
