Carpet cleaning costs in London might surprise you. Prices within the capital range from £30 to £50 per carpet, while areas outside London charge between £20 to £40.

The average UK household pays around £260 for carpet cleaning services. A typical three-bedroom property costs approximately £250, though larger properties can cost £500 or more.

London residents’ carpet cleaning costs vary based on room size. Small rooms (up to 4m x 4m) start at £50, while medium rooms (up to 5m x 5m) cost about £60. Large rooms (up to 6m x 6m) will cost approximately £75.

Business property owners face different pricing structures. Commercial premises usually cost around £4 per square meter instead of per-room rates. The whole process takes about 3 hours to complete for an average-sized property.

This detailed guide breaks down everything you should know about carpet cleaning costs in 2026. We’ll explore the factors affecting pricing, different cleaning methods, and hidden charges you need to watch out for.

Average Carpet Cleaning Prices in London (2026)

Carpet cleaning prices vary depending on room size, type, and service method. Below are the average rates across London.

Room Carpet Cleaning Prices

Stairs, Landings & Hallways

Rug & Commercial Cleaning

Minimum Call-Out Charges

• Residential: £70 – £85 (applied to first item cleaned)
• Commercial: From £120 + VAT & extra fees
• Central London: Congestion & parking charges may apply

Premium & Steam Cleaning

• Steam cleaning lounges: Up to £105
• Premium services in Central London often higher due to service level & extra add-ons

Types of Carpet Cleaning Methods and Their Costs

Carpet cleaning methods vary greatly, and each brings its own advantages and costs. Let’s get into the most popular techniques and their costs to help you choose what works best for your London home or office.

Steam cleaning (hot water extraction)

Steam cleaning, also known as hot water extraction, remains the most accessible professional carpet cleaning method. This technique employs high-pressure hot water that breaks down dirt deep within carpet fibers.

Professional cleaners start by treating your carpet with specialized cleaning agents. They then use equipment that pushes hot water and cleaning solution into the fibers. The powerful suction then pulls out the water along with dirt, allergens, and stains.

Steam cleaning costs range from £35 to £55 per room. Specific areas have different rates – stairs cost around £50, a standard lounge £105, and a double bedroom £55. A complete three-bedroom semi-detached house costs between £240 to £280.

This method kills microorganisms trapped in fibers, removes stubborn stains, and eliminates stale odors. The biggest problem lies in drying time—carpets need up to 12 hours to dry fully.

Dry compound cleaning

Dry cleaning came about in the 1980s specifically for carpets that don’t handle water well. This method uses special biodegradable powder or solvent that works like micro-sponges to pull dirt from carpet fibers.

Cleaners spread a cleaning compound into the carpet with motorized equipment. The compound absorbs dirt from within the fibers before they hoover it away.

Dry cleaning prices typically run from £25 to £40 per room. Recent pricing data shows dry cleaning costs more than steam cleaning—£75 versus £50 for stairs and £135 versus £105 for lounges.

Carpets need no drying time, which stands as the method’s biggest advantage. This technique suits delicate fabrics and natural carpets particularly well. Some drawbacks include possible residue and less success with deep stains.

Foam encapsulation

This method applies a crystal polymer-based cleaner that traps dirt particles. Professionals use a rotary brush to work the solution into carpet fibers. Once dry, they vacuum away the debris.

Small bedrooms cost between £28 to £38, while a complete three-bedroom property runs £210 to £250. Prices change based on carpet condition and room size, though this method costs slightly less than others.

Quick drying times and no leftover debris make foam encapsulation great. This method is a great way to get regular maintenance cleaning done. Oil-based stains prove challenging, and the process needs professional equipment.

Which method is best for your carpet?

Your carpet material and specific needs determine the best cleaning method. Hot water extraction gives excellent results for synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, or acrylic.

Natural fiber carpets made from jute, seagrass, or sisal need dry cleaning to avoid damage. The carpet material should guide your choice of cleaning method.

Homes with children or pets might benefit from dry cleaning or foam encapsulation’s quick drying times. Heavily soiled carpets with deep stains respond better to hot water extraction, despite longer drying periods.

Professional carpet cleaners check your carpet’s pH level and material before suggesting the most suitable method. This full picture helps ensure effective cleaning while protecting your carpet’s integrity.

Factors That Affect Carpet Cleaning Prices in London

The cost of carpet cleaning in London changes a lot based on several factors beyond just the cleaning method you choose. You’ll get the most accurate quote by understanding these variables.

Carpet size and layout

Your final bill depends on the size of your carpeted area – bigger spaces cost more money. Companies usually charge per square foot, and prices go up with room size. You might get better deals if you need multiple rooms cleaned at once.

Regular-sized rooms (200-300 square feet) are cheaper to clean than bigger spaces like open-plan areas or large basements. Most cleaners in London base their prices on room size rather than where you are within the M25 region.

Room layout can make a big difference, especially in older London homes with unique configurations. The final price might go up if your rooms have odd shapes or alcoves because these take more time to clean.

Material and fabric type

Your carpet’s material will affect the cleaning costs by a lot. Delicate materials like wool or silk need special cleaning methods that cost more. These fabrics require careful handling and specific products to avoid damage.

In stark comparison to this, synthetic carpets made from polyester or nylon are cheaper to clean. Deep-pile carpets are really hard to clean and often cost extra.

Berber carpets with their unique looped pattern need more intensive cleaning because they trap more dirt, which drives up the price. London cleaners often charge more to clean 100% wool carpets because they need special care.

Stain severity and pre-treatment needs

Existing stains can really change your final cleaning bill. Heavily soiled areas, tough marks, or old stains need extra cleaning steps. You’ll pay more for treating coffee spills, pet accidents, and wine stains.

The core team starts by treating stains before the main clean. Pet odors are particularly tricky, and many companies charge extra for odor removal.

Let cleaners know about any stains when you ask for quotes – this will give a more accurate total price. Your carpet’s condition might need additional cleaning steps, which could increase the cost.

Furniture removal and access issues

Access problems can make cleaning costs go up. Ground floor rooms like living rooms or bedrooms are cheaper to clean than hard-to-reach spaces. You’ll pay more for upper floors, basements, or rooms full of furniture.

Moving heavy furniture takes extra time and work, which adds to labor costs. Many London cleaners suggest moving furniture yourself before they arrive to keep costs down.

London’s minimum call-out charge (usually £75-£85) applies no matter how small the job is. This base fee helps companies stay profitable even for smaller jobs.

Location-specific labor rates

Being in London affects carpet cleaning prices. Urban areas cost more because of higher labor rates plus congestion or parking fees. Central London locations might include extra charges for congestion zone and parking.

London-based services are 15-25% more expensive than those in suburban or rural areas. Many local companies don’t charge extra for travel within the M25 region.

London cleaners often have a standard minimum call-out charge of £80, whatever part of London you’re in. Prices still vary between boroughs based on local costs and competition.

Key Takeaways

Understanding carpet cleaning costs in London helps you budget effectively and avoid unexpected charges when maintaining your home or office carpets.

• London carpet cleaning costs £30-£50 per room, with small rooms starting at £50 and large rooms reaching £75 or more
• Steam cleaning (£35-£55 per room) offers deep cleaning with 98% stain removal, while dry cleaning (£25-£40) provides immediate use
• Commercial spaces pay £2-£4 per square meter with £85+ minimum charges, unlike residential per-room pricing structures
• Extra costs include stain protection (£15 per room), anti-allergen treatments (£7-£13), and London parking/congestion fees
• Carpet material significantly affects pricing – wool carpets cost 15-25% more than synthetic alternatives due to specialized care requirements

When booking carpet cleaning services, always confirm whether parking fees, congestion charges, and minimum call-out fees are included in your initial quote to avoid billing surprises.