When hiring a professional carpet cleaning service, many homeowners encounter pricing that’s listed per room rather than by square footage or as a flat rate. While this pricing model is common, it can raise questions—especially when room sizes vary significantly.
Understanding how carpet cleaning cost per room works can help you evaluate quotes, budget appropriately, and avoid confusion when comparing service providers. This guide explains average per-room pricing, what counts as a “room,” and when this pricing model makes the most sense.
Average Carpet Cleaning Cost Per Room
Across the United States, professional carpet cleaning typically costs:
- $25 to $75 per room
- $150 to $300 for an average home (based on multiple rooms)
Smaller rooms with light foot traffic usually fall on the lower end of the range, while larger rooms or heavily used areas may cost more.
Many companies also set a minimum service fee, often between $100 and $150, regardless of the number of rooms cleaned.
What Counts as a “Room” in Carpet Cleaning Pricing?
One of the most common sources of confusion is how cleaning companies define a room.
In most cases, a room is:
- A standard-sized bedroom
- A living room or family room
- A dining room
- A finished basement room
Rooms larger than average may be counted as 1.5 or 2 rooms, depending on square footage.
Common Room Size Guidelines
While definitions vary, many companies use these general rules:
- Up to 200 sq. ft. → 1 room
- 200–400 sq. ft. → 1.5 rooms
- 400+ sq. ft. → 2 rooms or more
Always ask how rooms are measured to avoid surprises.
Carpet Cleaning Cost Per Room by Room Type
Pricing can also vary depending on how the room is used.
Bedrooms
Average cost: $25–$50
Bedrooms typically have less foot traffic and fewer stains, making them cheaper to clean.
Living Rooms and Family Rooms
Average cost: $40–$75
These areas often see heavy use, increasing cleaning time and cost.
Hallways
Average cost: $20–$40
Hallways may be priced separately or counted as partial rooms due to size.
Stairs
Average cost: $2–$5 per step
Stairs are labor-intensive and usually priced separately from rooms.
Basements
Average cost: $50–$100+
Finished basements may be priced as multiple rooms depending on size and layout.
Why Carpet Cleaners Use Per-Room Pricing
Per-room pricing is popular because it’s:
- Easy to understand
- Quick to estimate
- Convenient for smaller homes
This model works best when homes have clearly defined rooms of similar size.
When Per-Room Pricing Is the Best Option
Per-room pricing is often ideal for:
- Apartments and condos
- Homes with many small bedrooms
- Properties with standard room sizes
- Homeowners who want simple pricing
If your home fits these criteria, per-room pricing can be both convenient and cost-effective.
When Per-Room Pricing May Cost More
In some cases, per-room pricing may not be the most economical option.
You may pay more if:
- Rooms are unusually large
- You have an open floor plan
- Multiple areas are counted as extra rooms
- Minimum service fees apply
For larger or open spaces, square-foot pricing may be more transparent.
Carpet Cleaning Cost Per Room by Cleaning Method
The cleaning method used also affects per-room pricing.
Steam Cleaning (Hot Water Extraction)
Average cost: $40–$75 per room
This deep-cleaning method is widely recommended and often costs more due to equipment and drying time.
Dry Carpet Cleaning
Average cost: $30–$60 per room
Uses minimal moisture and allows faster drying, making it popular for busy households.
Encapsulation Cleaning
Average cost: $25–$50 per room
Often used for maintenance cleaning and commercial spaces.
Shampooing
Average cost: $25–$45 per room
Less common today and generally less effective for deep cleaning.
Additional Costs That May Apply Per Room
Some services are not included in base per-room pricing.
Stain Removal
- Pet stains: $30–$100 per area
- Food or drink stains: $20–$50
Odor Treatment
Odor neutralization may add $20–$50 per room.
Furniture Moving
Light furniture moving may be included, while heavy items may cost extra.
High-Traffic Area Treatment
Extra treatment for heavily used areas may increase per-room pricing.
Residential vs. Commercial Per-Room Pricing
Per-room pricing is more common in residential settings. Commercial carpet cleaning typically uses square-foot pricing due to layout variability.
Residential per-room pricing works best when:
- Rooms are similar in size
- The property is a private home
- Cleaning needs are routine rather than specialized
How to Compare Per-Room Carpet Cleaning Quotes
When comparing quotes, ask these questions:
- How is a room defined?
- Are large rooms counted as multiple rooms?
- Are stairs included?
- Is stain treatment extra?
- Is there a minimum service fee?
Clear answers help prevent misunderstandings.
Tips to Save Money with Per-Room Pricing
Homeowners can reduce costs by:
- Scheduling cleaning during off-peak seasons
- Asking about multi-room discounts
- Vacuuming regularly
- Treating spills promptly
- Cleaning multiple rooms at once
Preventive care reduces the need for expensive treatments.
Is Per-Room Carpet Cleaning Pricing Worth It?
For many homeowners, per-room pricing offers a straightforward way to budget for carpet cleaning. It works especially well for smaller homes or properties with standard room sizes.
However, for large or open-concept homes, square-foot pricing may provide better value.
Final Thoughts
Carpet cleaning cost per room typically ranges from $25 to $75, depending on room size, carpet condition, and cleaning method. Understanding how rooms are defined and what’s included in pricing helps homeowners make informed decisions and compare quotes accurately.
By knowing what to expect, you can choose a carpet cleaning service confidently and avoid unexpected charges.