Professional carpet cleaning removes deep dirt, stains, and allergens that regular vacuuming can't reach. Here's what to know about how often to clean, what it costs, and what to expect from a professional service.
How Often Should Carpets Be Professionally Cleaned?
- High-traffic areas (hallways, living rooms): every 6–12 months
- Bedrooms: every 12–18 months
- Homes with pets or allergies: every 6 months
- After renovation work: as needed (construction dust gets deep into carpet fibres)
Typical Costs
Carpet cleaning is usually priced per room or per square metre:
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Living room (up to 20m²) | £40–£70 |
| Bedroom (up to 15m²) | £30–£50 |
| Hallway and stairs | £30–£60 |
| Whole house (3-bed property) | £120–£250 |
| Stain treatment (per stain) | £10–£30 |
Many cleaners offer a discount for multiple rooms — booking a whole-house clean is usually better value per room than individual rooms.
Hot Water Extraction vs Dry Cleaning
- Hot water extraction (steam cleaning) — the most common and thorough method; hot water and cleaning solution are injected into the carpet and extracted along with dirt. Carpets take 4–6 hours to dry.
- Dry cleaning / low-moisture — uses a cleaning compound or encapsulation method; faster drying (1–2 hours) but less deep cleaning.
For most homes, hot water extraction gives the best results. Dry cleaning is better for delicate carpets or when you need the room back in use quickly.
What to Expect from a Professional Clean
- Pre-inspection — the cleaner identifies stains, carpet type, and any problem areas
- Pre-treatment — stains and high-traffic areas are pre-treated with specialist solutions
- Cleaning — the main extraction or dry cleaning process
- Raking/grooming — the carpet pile is reset for a uniform appearance
- Drying — air movers may be used to speed up drying
Preparing for a Carpet Clean
- Vacuum thoroughly before the cleaner arrives (some include this, some don't)
- Move small furniture out of the room; large furniture can usually stay (the cleaner works around it)
- Note any specific stains you want treated
- Keep pets and children off the carpet until it's fully dry
Choosing a Cleaner
Look for a cleaner who:
- Uses professional-grade equipment (not cheap domestic machines)
- Is insured
- Offers a satisfaction guarantee
- Can handle your specific carpet type (wool, synthetic, natural fibre)