Carpet Cleaning Cost Calculator UK

Professional carpet cleaning in the UK typically costs £35–£55 per small room, with whole-house bookings ranging from £140 to £240 for a standard three-bedroom property. Most companies use hot-water extraction (often called "steam cleaning"), the method recommended by carpet manufacturers.

Prices depend on the cleaning method, the carpet's material and condition, and the floor area being treated. Wool and synthetic carpets are usually treated similarly, but deep-pile and shag carpets may carry a 10–20% surcharge due to longer drying and brushing time.

Heavily soiled carpets, pet-affected homes, and properties with significant staining will move into the upper end of the range, often with a separate per-stain or pre-treatment charge.

Hot-water extraction is the UK industry standard. It injects hot water and detergent under pressure, then immediately extracts it along with dirt. Drying takes 4–8 hours and carpets are typically left noticeably brighter.

Dry cleaning (encapsulation) uses a powder or low-moisture compound. It dries in under an hour and is ideal for offices and commercial settings, but won't lift deep dirt as effectively. Expect prices similar to extraction.

Bonnet cleaning is rarely used in UK domestic settings — it's primarily a commercial maintenance method that polishes the top of the pile rather than deep-cleaning the fibres.

DIY hire from a UK supermarket (Rug Doctor and similar) costs around £25–£40 per day plus £15–£25 for chemicals. It's a viable option for small areas or quick refreshes, but the machines extract less water than commercial units, leading to longer drying times and a real risk of mould if carpets stay damp.

Professional cleaning typically pays for itself if you have multiple rooms, pets, or older carpets. A pro can also offer protector treatments (Scotchgard) and odour neutralisers that DIY units cannot match.

Look for membership of the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) — members are insured and have completed accredited training. Always confirm whether furniture moving, vacuuming and stain pre-treatment are included in the headline price.

Avoid quotes that look unusually cheap (under £20 per room). They often rely on rotary brushes that can damage carpet fibres, or use bait-and-switch tactics where the agreed price doubles on arrival.