What Does Carpet Cleaning Cost in the UK?
If your carpets have seen better days, you're probably wondering what professional cleaning will set you back. Prices vary depending on your location, the size of the job, and the method used — but this guide gives you realistic figures so you know what to expect before calling anyone out.
Most homeowners pay between £25 and £75 per room for a professional clean, though the total for a full-house job can easily reach £200 or more for larger properties.
Typical Carpet Cleaning Prices in the UK
- Small bedroom (up to 10 sqm): £25 to £40
- Double bedroom (10–15 sqm): £35 to £55
- Living room (15–25 sqm): £45 to £75
- Stairs and landing: £30 to £60
- Hallway: £20 to £40
A full-house clean covering three bedrooms, a living room, hallway, and stairs typically costs £150 to £300. London and the South East sit at the top of these ranges; the North of England, Wales, and Scotland are usually cheaper.
Steam Cleaning vs Dry Cleaning
The two most common professional methods are hot water extraction (often called steam cleaning) and dry cleaning. Hot water extraction injects hot water and cleaning solution deep into carpet fibres, then extracts it along with dirt and allergens. Carpets take four to eight hours to dry fully. It's particularly effective for heavily soiled carpets or homes with pets.
Dry cleaning uses a specialised compound or low-moisture foam worked into the carpet and then vacuumed out. Carpets are ready to walk on almost immediately and suit lightly soiled rooms or situations where you can't have wet floors for hours. Both methods cost a similar amount per room — around £30 to £60.
What Affects the Final Price?
- Carpet condition — heavily soiled or stained carpets take longer and may need pre-treatment
- Carpet type — wool and natural fibres require gentler products and more care
- Accessibility — tight spaces, lots of furniture, or awkward staircases add time
- Stain removal — specific treatments (pet urine, red wine) are usually charged as extras, often £5 to £20 per stain
- Location — London rates run roughly 20 to 30 per cent higher than the national average
How to Choose a Carpet Cleaning Company
Before booking, ask for a written quote specifying the method, number of rooms, and what's included. Reputable cleaners should be happy to provide this. Check whether they're members of the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), which operates a code of practice. Reading reviews on Checkatrade or Trustpilot is also sensible.
Be cautious of very low advertised prices — some companies quote a low per-room figure and then add charges for every extra. Ask specifically what stain treatment, furniture moving, and drying time are included in the quoted price.
Is It Worth Cleaning Rather Than Replacing?
Professional cleaning can extend a carpet's life by several years and transform the look of a room. A new fitted carpet for a typical living room costs £300 to £800 including fitting. A professional clean costs a fraction of that. If the pile is intact and there's no structural damage, cleaning is almost always the more cost-effective choice.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- What cleaning method will you use, and is it suitable for my carpet type?
- Is furniture moving included or extra?
- How long will drying take?
- Do you guarantee stain removal, or is it best-efforts only?
- Are you insured if something is damaged during the process?