Whole house carpet cleaning costs about $150-$600 for a typical home, with many homeowners paying around $300. The final price depends on carpeted square footage, cleaning method, soil level, furniture moving, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-home cleaning | $150 | $300 | $600 | About 800-2,000 sq ft of carpet |
| Per-square-foot rate | $0.20 | $0.35 | $0.60 | Standard professional cleaning |
| Three-bedroom home | $180 | $300 | $500 | Roughly 900-1,400 sq ft of carpet |
| Stairs | $3 | $5 | $8 | Per step, when priced separately |
Whole-house carpet cleaning prices by home size
Most companies charge by the room, by the carpeted square foot, or with a whole-home package. For an average home with 1,000-1,500 sq ft of carpet, expect about $200-$450 for hot-water extraction using standard cleaning products and ordinary access. Larger homes, heavy staining, or premium treatment can push the total toward $600 or more.
A practical planning range is $0.20-$0.60 per carpeted square foot, not total home square footage. A 2,000-sq-ft house may have only 1,200 sq ft of carpet, so measuring the carpeted rooms produces a more useful estimate. Assumptions: U.S. national ranges, standard synthetic carpet, normal access, no major water damage.
What a whole-home cleaning quote includes
A basic quote usually covers technician labor, standard cleaning solution, equipment, and routine pre-treatment. Some providers include a set number of rooms but charge extra for stairs, closets, furniture, or minimum service calls. Ask whether the quote applies to each room, the measured area, or a package with limits.
| Quote component | Typical low | Typical high | Common pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning labor and equipment | $120 | $400 | $0.20-$0.60 per sq ft |
| Pre-treatment or deodorizer | $20 | $100 | $10-$25 per room |
| Stair cleaning | $30 | $120 | $3-$8 per step |
| Furniture moving | $20 | $100 | $10-$25 per room |
| Travel or minimum charge | $25 | $100 | Per visit |
Confirm inclusions in writing before comparing totals. A low advertised room rate may exclude pre-treatment, stairs, or a minimum charge. Labor is often bundled into the per-room or per-square-foot price rather than billed separately.
How carpet fiber and soil level change the rate
Common nylon or polyester carpet in average condition usually falls near the middle of the price range. Wool, delicate fibers, or manufacturer care requirements may require slower work and specialized products, adding roughly $25-$100 for a home. Heavy pet odor, grease, or set-in stains can add $10-$40 per affected room, and results are not guaranteed for permanent discoloration.
Carpet condition matters as much as the number of rooms. A lightly used 1,200-sq-ft carpet may fit a basic package, while the same area with embedded soil, pet accidents, or several stain treatments may cost $100-$250 more. A technician may need to inspect delicate or unusually soiled carpet before providing a firm quote.
Do regional carpet cleaning prices differ?
Prices in high-cost metro areas, including parts of the Northeast and West Coast, can run about 10%-25% above national midrange estimates. Smaller cities and rural markets may be 5%-15% lower, though travel distance or a minimum visit fee can narrow the difference. Local competition, technician wages, and seasonal demand also affect quotes.
Compare providers in the same local market using identical room counts and add-ons. National online estimates may not include local fees or reflect the minimum charge in a specific ZIP code. A $250 quote in one region may represent the same work as a $320 quote in a higher-labor market.
How long does cleaning a full home take?
A two-person crew commonly spends 2-4 hours cleaning a home with 1,000-1,500 sq ft of carpet, including setup and basic furniture handling. Larger homes or complicated access may take 4-6 hours. Most companies price the job by area or room, but unusually long work can affect a quoted labor allowance or scheduling fee.
Plan for 6-12 hours of drying time after hot-water extraction. Humidity, airflow, carpet thickness, and cleaning method influence drying. Ask whether fans or low-moisture cleaning are available and whether they add $25-$100; avoid walking on damp carpet unless the technician says it is safe.
Three whole-home quotes with different carpet scopes
A 900-sq-ft carpet area in a two-bedroom condo might cost $180-$260, including standard extraction and light pre-treatment. A 1,300-sq-ft, three-bedroom home with stairs may total $300-$450, including $40-$80 for stair cleaning. A 1,800-sq-ft carpet area with pet odor treatment and several stain applications could reach $500-$750.
These examples assume ordinary access and professional service, not guaranteed prices. Confirm the measured carpet area, number of steps, included rooms, and treatment products. Ask the provider to identify optional charges separately so the base cleaning rate remains comparable.
Reduce the bill by controlling rooms and add-ons
Clear small items and personal belongings before the crew arrives, and ask whether moving light furniture is included. Request pricing for only carpeted spaces rather than counting every room in the home. If a whole-home package exceeds the budget, prioritize high-traffic rooms and schedule remaining rooms later, while checking whether a second visit triggers another minimum charge.
Get two or three itemized quotes with the same square footage and treatment scope. Skip add-ons that are not needed, such as deodorizer when there is no persistent odor, and ask whether spot treatment is included. Avoid choosing solely by the lowest advertised room price; a clear total with all fees is the better comparison.