How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost?

How Carpet Cleaning Is Priced

Carpet cleaning is usually priced per room or per square foot, with a service minimum to cover setup and equipment. Per-room pricing is simple and predictable; per-square-foot is more precise for large or open-plan homes. Stairs are almost always priced separately, typically per step.

Typical Ranges

Across the market, expect roughly $30–$75 per room or $0.20–$0.50 per square foot, with most whole-home jobs landing between $150 and $400 in the Los Angeles area. Larger homes and estates run higher, and heavily soiled or pet-affected carpet adds to the total because it needs more pre-treatment and dwell time.

What Moves the Price

• Method — hot-water extraction (a deeper clean) costs more than low-moisture; see below.
• Condition & stains — set-in soil and pet stain and odor treatment add labor.
• Area & stairs — more square footage and separately-priced steps.
• Fiber type — wool and delicate fibers need gentler, more careful handling.

Method Affects the Cost

The cleaning method is the biggest single variable. Hot-water extraction reaches deep, ground-in soil and does more for odor and allergens, but costs more and takes longer to dry. Low-moisture (dry) cleaning is faster and cheaper but more of a surface maintenance clean. Our guide on steam vs. dry cleaning explains which is right for your carpet — and most homes benefit from a mix on a sensible schedule.

Getting a Quote

Because price tracks the area, method, and condition, the most accurate figure comes from a short description of your rooms. For how this compares to other cleaning, see house cleaning cost in Los Angeles.