Carpet Cleaning Cost Per Room in the UK
What carpet cleaning typically costs per room, stairs and whole house in the UK, plus what affects the price and how to get a fair quote.
Professional carpet cleaning can transform a tired room, but pricing varies widely across the UK. Some companies charge per room, others by square metre, and some have minimum call-out charges that make small jobs poor value. This guide sets out typical costs and how to compare quotes properly.
Typical prices
These ranges are typical for UK homes and will vary by region and condition:
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Single bedroom | £25 to £45 |
| Double bedroom | £35 to £60 |
| Living room | £40 to £75 |
| Stairs and landing | £35 to £70 |
| Hallway | £20 to £40 |
| Whole 3-bed house | £130 to £250 |
| 2-seater sofa | £40 to £70 |
| 3-seater sofa | £55 to £95 |
| Rug | £25 to £80+ |
Many companies set a minimum charge, often £60 to £90, so a single small room may cost as much as two or three. London and the South East are typically higher.
How pricing works
Per room is common, but "room" is not a standard size, so ask for dimensions or whether larger rooms are charged as two. Some companies price per square metre. Stairs are often charged per step. Furniture moving, stain treatments and protective finishes are frequently extra.
What affects the price
- Carpet type. Wool and delicate natural fibres need more careful methods.
- Stains and odours. Pet accidents, red wine or ground-in grease often need spot treatment, which may add a fee.
- Method. Hot water extraction ("steam cleaning") is the most common; low-moisture and dry methods suit certain carpets. Ask which method the cleaner uses and why it suits your carpet.
- Furniture. Moving heavy items takes time; many companies ask you to clear lighter furniture.
- Access. Parking, stairs and high floors can influence cost.
- Add-ons. Deodorising, stain guard and sanitising are normally optional.
Getting a fair quote
- List every area. Include stairs, landings and any rugs, so the quote reflects the real job.
- Share photos of stains. This helps the cleaner say whether they can be treated, and what removal is realistic.
- Ask about the method and drying time. Most carpets take a few hours to several hours to dry. Ask about ventilation.
- Clarify the minimum charge. Some providers will not go below it.
- Check what is guaranteed. Reputable cleaners are honest that some stains may not fully lift. Ask what they will do if results are partial, instead of assuming.
Is it worth paying a professional?
Hiring a machine from a supermarket costs less, but results depend on technique and over-wetting can leave carpets damp or cause browning. A professional is more likely to use stronger extraction and the right amount of water. If you are leaving a rental, an agent may expect professional cleaning, and a receipt helps. See our end of tenancy cleaning cost guide for what is typically expected.
For minor spills, quick action at home often helps. Our carpet stain guide covers common household stains.
Booking and comparing
Describe the carpets in each room, mention pets and any stains, and say how soon you need the work done. On Compito you can search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers and message them about what is and is not included, then accept an offer and pay online.
A worked example
Imagine a three-bed semi with carpets in all three bedrooms, the living room, hallway, stairs and landing. Using mid-range figures, that might be two doubles at £45 each, a single at £35, a living room at £55, a hallway at £30 and stairs and landing at £55. That adds up to roughly £270 if each area is priced separately, yet many companies would quote a whole-house price nearer £180 to £230 because they are already on site with the machine set up. Always ask whether a bundled price is available before accepting the room-by-room total.
Common mistakes
- Booking one room at a time. Minimum charges mean three separate visits cost far more than one combined visit.
- Skipping the hoover. Cleaners generally expect carpets to be vacuumed first, or they may charge for it. Do it the day before.
- Walking back on damp carpet. Shoes and socks pull dirt back in while fibres are wet. Use clean socks or keep traffic off until dry.
- Assuming rugs are included. Many rugs need different methods, especially wool or silk, and are priced separately.
- Ignoring underlay and flooring. If a carpet has been soaked by a leak or pet accident, the underlay may hold the smell, which surface cleaning cannot fix.
Flats, rentals and older homes
Upper-floor flats can add a parking or carrying fee, so mention the floor and whether there is a lift. In rentals, check your tenancy agreement before using any stain-protection finish. In older homes with wool-mix or patterned carpets, ask the cleaner to test a hidden corner first, since dyes in some older carpets can bleed.
Frequently asked questions
How long do carpets take to dry?
With hot water extraction, usually between two and six hours, sometimes longer in cold or humid weather. Good ventilation and a heated room speed it up.
How often should carpets be professionally cleaned?
Every twelve to eighteen months is common for family homes. Homes with pets, allergy sufferers or heavy traffic might choose every six to twelve months.
Can all stains be removed?
No. Dyes, old oil stains, bleach and some pet urine may be permanent, especially if they have been set for a long time. A good cleaner will be honest about what is realistic before starting.
Is it cheaper to clean carpets in the whole house at once?
Usually, yes. Setup and travel time are the same whether the cleaner does one room or six, so many providers offer a lower per-room rate for larger jobs or a flat whole-house price.
Should I move furniture myself?
Clearing light items and floors before the visit is helpful and can prevent an extra fee, but never move heavy or fragile items in a way that risks injury. Tell the cleaner in advance what cannot be shifted.