How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost?
The national average cost for carpet cleaning is $250 (per room or whole home). Most homeowners pay between $100 and $500, depending on the scope of work, your location, and other factors.
Professional carpet cleaning uses hot water extraction (steam cleaning), dry cleaning, or encapsulation to remove deep stains, allergens, and bacteria from carpets.
What Affects Carpet Cleaning Cost?
- Total square footage of carpet
- Number of rooms
- Stain severity and type
- Cleaning method used
- Carpet type and condition
- Add-on treatments (deodorizer, protectant)
Carpet Cleaning Costs by City
Prices vary significantly by location. Here are carpet cleaning costs in major US cities:
| City | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $140 | $360 | $720 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $140 | $340 | $680 |
| Chicago, IL | $120 | $300 | $600 |
| Houston, TX | $100 | $250 | $500 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $100 | $260 | $520 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $120 | $300 | $600 |
| San Antonio, TX | $90 | $220 | $450 |
| San Diego, CA | $130 | $320 | $650 |
| Dallas, TX | $100 | $260 | $520 |
| San Jose, CA | $150 | $380 | $750 |
| Austin, TX | $110 | $280 | $550 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $100 | $240 | $480 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $100 | $250 | $500 |
| Columbus, OH | $100 | $240 | $480 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $90 | $220 | $450 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most companies charge $25-$75 per room or $0.20-$0.40 per square foot. A whole-home cleaning (3-4 rooms) typically costs $150-$350. Heavily stained areas may incur extra charges.
Steam-cleaned carpets take 6-12 hours to dry fully. Low-moisture methods dry in 1-2 hours. Running fans and keeping windows open speeds up drying time.
Every 12-18 months for most homes. Every 6 months if you have pets, kids, or allergies. High-traffic areas may need quarterly cleaning. Regular cleaning extends carpet life by 50%.