Carpet cleaning cost calculator
Most homeowners in the US pay between $0.20 and $0.60 per square foot for professional carpet cleaning, with a typical whole-home job landing between $120 and $350. Enter your numbers below for an estimate based on the method you choose, stairs, and any pet-odour treatment.
Usually $2–$4 per step.
Estimated total
$176 – $440
Most companies apply a $99–$150 minimum call-out.
Cost per sq ft
$0.22 – $0.55
Stairs
$0
DIY machine rental alternative
$64 – $123
Rental + solution, one day.
Estimates are based on 2026 market averages and are a guide only — always get local quotes.
Average professional carpet cleaning prices (US, 2026)
| Job size | Typical area | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Single room | 150–250 sq ft | $99 – $150 |
| Two to three rooms | 400–600 sq ft | $130 – $250 |
| Whole apartment | 700–900 sq ft | $160 – $330 |
| Whole house | 1,200–1,800 sq ft | $250 – $600 |
| Stairs | per step | $2 – $4 |
| Pet odour treatment | per room | $40 – $75 |
What actually drives the price
Square footage is the base, but three multipliers move the final invoice more than anything else: the method, how soiled the carpet is, and how much furniture the crew has to move. Hot water extraction costs more than encapsulation because it is slower and uses far more water and drying time, but it is the method most carpet manufacturers require to keep a warranty valid.
Minimum call-out charges catch people out. If you only need one small bedroom cleaned you will still pay the company's minimum — typically $99 to $150 — so it is almost always better value to add a second room while the truck is on site.
How to bring the cost down
Move your own furniture and vacuum thoroughly before the crew arrives; several companies discount 10–15% for a clear, pre-vacuumed room. Book in off-peak months (January to March) when schedules are thin, and ask whether they price per room or per square foot — per-room pricing favours large rooms, per-square-foot pricing favours small ones.
For light maintenance cleans between professional visits, a rented extractor at $35–$50 per day handles a whole apartment. It will not match truck-mounted suction, but it extends the interval between paid cleans by several months.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to clean carpet per square foot?
Professional carpet cleaning runs roughly $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot in 2026. Encapsulation sits at the low end, hot water extraction in the middle, and low-moisture systems with pet treatment at the top.
Is carpet cleaning cheaper per room or per square foot?
Per-room pricing (usually $40–$80 a room, capped at around 250 sq ft) is cheaper if your rooms are large. Per-square-foot pricing wins for small bedrooms and hallways.
How much extra do pet stains cost?
Expect $40–$75 per room for an enzyme treatment, or $150–$300 if the urine has reached the pad and the subfloor needs sealing.
Does professional cleaning shrink carpet?
Correctly executed hot water extraction does not shrink modern synthetic carpet. Over-wetting wool or older jute-backed carpet can, which is why low-moisture methods are recommended for those fibres.
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