carpet cleaning services price comparison uk

Spills fade, footprints lift, and fibres spring back-but behind every refreshed carpet is a price tag woven from more than just square footage. Across the UK, carpet cleaning costs can vary widely, shaped by the method used, the size and layout of your rooms, the fabric underfoot, and the add-ons that often hide in the small print.

This article maps the landscape of carpet cleaning prices in the UK, comparing common charging models-per room, per square metre, or minimum call-out-and how they stack up across regions, from London premiums to more modest rates elsewhere. We’ll explore the factors that move the needle, including stain treatment, staircases and landings, deodorising and protection, access and parking, weekend bookings, and whether VAT is included.

More than a rate card, this guide helps you read quotes with confidence: what’s included, what isn’t, and how to weigh method (hot water extraction, dry, low-moisture) against time, results, and fibre care. By the end, you’ll be able to compare like for like, spot value over headline prices, and choose a service that matches your home, schedule, and budget.

Table of Contents

• What Drives UK Carpet Cleaning Prices Factors Methods Fibre Type and Soil Level
• Typical Per Room and Per Square Metre Rates by Region and How to Benchmark Quotes
• Service Packages Add Ons and Hidden Fees How to Compare Providers Fairly
• Recommendations to Save Without Compromising Results Timing Discounts and Choosing the Right Method
• In Summary

What Drives UK Carpet Cleaning Prices Factors Methods Fibre Type and Soil Level

Pricing is shaped by what’s underfoot and what’s ground into it. Technicians weigh up the cleaning method required, how delicate the fibres are, and the soil load before quoting. Hot water extraction reaches deep but takes longer; low‑moisture systems are faster for light maintenance; dry compound protects sensitive weaves. Wool and plant-based fibres (like sisal) demand gentler chemistry and extra care, while synthetics are typically quicker to clean. Heavier soils (pet accidents, food oils, traffic lanes) drive more pre‑treatment, dwell time, and multiple passes-time is the real cost lever.

• Method match: Deep extraction for restoration cleans, low‑moisture for upkeep, dry for delicate or water‑averse carpets.
• Fibre sensitivity: Wool/sisal need pH‑appropriate solutions and controlled moisture; synthetics tolerate robust agitation.
• Soil level: Light refresh vs. heavy staining changes pre‑spray strength, agitation, and dwell time.
• Access & logistics: Stairs, no parking, and furniture moving extend job time and affect quotes.
• Add‑ons: Stain removal, odour treatments, and stain protection are itemised extras.
• Minimums & region: Small jobs hit call‑out minimums; city centres (e.g., London) often price higher.

Use the matrix below as a quick reality check before you compare quotes. Matching the right process to your carpet and soil level not only clarifies price, it improves outcomes and reduces re‑soiling risk.

Factor	Typical options	Effect on price
Cleaning method	Hot water extraction • Low‑moisture • Dry compound	Deep restore = ££ • Maintenance = £ • Delicate care = ££
Fibre type	Wool/sisal • Polypropylene/nylon • Blends	Natural = slower, pricier • Synthetics = faster, lower
Soil level	Light • Moderate • Heavy/pet	More pre‑treat/agitation = higher cost
Access & size	Easy access • Stairs/parking limits • Large areas	Logistics add time • Larger spaces may lower £/m²
Extras	Spot dye/stain removal • Deodoriser • Protector	Itemised add‑ons per room or m²

Typical Per Room and Per Square Metre Rates by Region and How to Benchmark Quotes

Rates vary across the UK with urban centres tending higher and rural areas lower. As a quick reference, these are illustrative price bands for a standard-sized room and per-square-metre charging. Always check whether prices include VAT, minimum call-out, and parking.

Region	Avg per room (£)	Avg per m² (£)
London	35-55	3.50-5.00
South East	30-50	3.00-4.50
Midlands	25-45	2.50-4.00
North West	25-40	2.20-3.80
Scotland	25-40	2.20-3.80
Wales	22-38	2.00-3.50
Northern Ireland	22-36	2.00-3.20

• Normalise the quote: convert any per-room offer to a per m² figure (room area ÷ price) so you can compare like-for-like.
• Check inclusions: pre-vacuuming, stain treatment, deodoriser, furniture move/replace, and whether drying fans are used.
• Method & credentials: hot water extraction vs. low-moisture, technician certification, public liability insurance, COSHH data.
• Add the “hidden” costs: minimum charge, stairs/landing surcharges, stain-guard upsells, congestion/parking fees, VAT.
• Quality signals: written guarantee, re-clean policy, arrival window, eco detergents, fibre testing for wool/synthetics.

As a rule of thumb, regional differences of 15-30% are common; quotes far below the table bands often exclude essentials. To benchmark quickly: list your total m², convert all offers to a single per m² number including extras, and weigh that against service scope. Example (Midlands, 45 m²): Quote A at £30 per room (3 rooms) + £15 stain care + £10 parking = £115 total → £2.56/m²; Quote B at £2.80/m² all-in = £126 → higher cost, but if it includes furniture handling and fast-dry, it may offer better value for busy households.

Service Packages Add Ons and Hidden Fees How to Compare Providers Fairly

Packages can look generous on the surface, but the value lives in the fine print. Clarify whether the base price covers hot-water extraction or low-moisture cleaning, pre-vacuuming, pre-spotting, a light deodoriser, and basic furniture shifting (often coffee tables only). Ask how the price scales: per room, per m², or tiered bundles (e.g., lounge + two bedrooms). Stairs, landings, and hallways are frequently billed separately, and “large room” thresholds vary by provider. In cities, factor in parking, ULEZ/Congestion charges, and minimum call-out fees; nationwide, watch for travel surcharges to remote postcodes. A fair quote should state drying times, detergent type (eco vs standard), and whether a re-clean guarantee is included.

To compare like for like, get an itemised, written quote from each company and standardise the scope: same room count and sizes, same soil level, identical extras (e.g., stain treatment, odour neutraliser, carpet protector). Confirm VAT status, insurance cover, and technician credentials (e.g., NCCA). Note cancellation windows, weekend/evening premiums, and any “heavy-soil” uplift. If one firm bundles protector and another bills it per room, convert totals to a common scenario so the effective price per m² is clear. If you’re in a flat, ask who covers lift-only access or stair-only access time, and request photos or a brief pre-inspection to avoid surprise adjustments on the day.

• Often included: Pre-vacuum, pre-spotting, standard deodoriser, light furniture glide.
• Common extras: Stairs/landing, protector (Scotchgard-style), pet odour enzyme, heavy-soil dwell, red wine/coffee spot kits.
• Potential surcharges: Parking/ULEZ, weekend/evening, minimum call-out, moving heavy items, reattendance for locked properties.
• Clarify in writing: VAT, drying aids (air movers), re-clean policy, stain-risk disclaimer, patch testing.

Recommendations to Save Without Compromising Results Timing Discounts and Choosing the Right Method

Time your booking like a pro: prices in the UK often dip midweek (Tuesday-Thursday), during late January-March, and in early autumn when diaries are quieter. Ask about cancellation “filler” slots for short-notice savings, and bundle hall/landing/stairs with rooms to unlock better rates. Clarify the minimum call‑out, whether quotes are VAT‑inclusive, and if pre‑treatments are included-these details prevent surprise add‑ons. For quality without paying twice, lean toward NCCA/WoolSafe‑certified operators, and choose the cheaper of per‑room vs area‑based pricing depending on your layout.

• Book off‑peak: Avoid pre‑Christmas and late spring rush; target midweek or first/last daily slots.
• Bundle smart: Combine multiple rooms or team up with a neighbour to share travel costs.
• Confirm inclusions: Pre‑vacuum, spot treatment, deodoriser, and drying fans can protect results and your wallet.
• Ask for loyalty/multi‑service deals: Add a sofa or mattress clean for a better package price.
• Beware bait pricing: Ultra‑low headline rates can balloon with extras-get it in writing.

Pick the cleaning method to match fibre and soil level so you pay once for the right outcome, not twice for fixes. Wool blends and heavy traffic lanes often need hot water extraction; lightly soiled synthetics between deep cleans can thrive on low‑moisture maintenance. If drying time is critical (tenants, home offices), factor in the cost of downtime against a pricier but faster‑drying process. Use the quick guide below to align method, drying window, and budget.

Method	Best For	Avg £/Room (UK)	Drying	Savings Angle
Hot Water Extraction	Deep soil; wool & synthetics	£30-£55	4-8 hrs	One‑and‑done on heavy soil; multi‑room deals
Low‑Moisture (Encap)	Maintenance; synthetics	£20-£40	1-2 hrs	Cheaper upkeep between deep cleans
Dry Compound	Water‑sensitive fibres; speed	£35-£60	0.5-1 hr	Saves downtime; great for quick turnarounds

• Prep to cut time: Move small furniture, lift clutter, and pre‑vacuum high‑traffic lanes.
• Match chemistry: Ask for wool‑safe, neutral‑pH rinses to protect fibres (and avoid rework).
• Targeted fixes: Book a maintenance clean for freshening; reserve restorative work for heavy soil.
• Drying guarantees: Air movers or windows open can reduce re‑soiling-and repeat spend.

In Summary

In the end, a fair comparison comes down to clarity. When you know what sits behind the numbers-room size or square metres, cleaning method, stain treatment, furniture moving, regional rates, minimum call-out fees, and whether VAT and any parking or ULEZ costs are included-you can line up quotes that truly match.

Your next steps are simple: shortlist a few providers, request itemised, VAT-inclusive quotes, and ask the same set of questions each time-training or accreditation (NCCA, WoolSafe), insurance, drying times and equipment, eco options, stain policies, and any satisfaction guarantees. With like-for-like details in hand, you’re free to choose the balance of price, service, and convenience that suits your home.

A carpet is the stage for everyday life; it doesn’t need a spotlight, just a clean, even finish. Let the figures speak plainly, and your floors can do the quiet kind of shining.