| Carpet cleaning, small room (4m by 4m) | |
|---|---|
| Cost | from about £50 |
| Checkatrade, May 2026. Stairs and landing about £85, a 3 bed home about £250. Minimum charges of about £85 a visit are common. | |
Carpet cleaning is usually priced per room, per stair flight or per item, with a minimum charge for each visit. This guide uses Checkatrade’s 2026 cost guide to show what to expect.
How much does carpet cleaning cost?
| Job | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|
| Small to medium room (4m by 4m) | about £50 |
| Stairs and landing | about £85 |
| Three bedroom property | about £250 |
| Larger homes | £500 or more |
| Commercial or office carpet | about £4 per m² |
| Cleaning company hourly rate | £60 to £120 |
| Minimum charge per visit | about £85 |
Source: Checkatrade carpet cleaning costs, updated May 2026.
Checkatrade also lists average prices for some UK cities, though not Leeds. Its figures range from about £40 in Hull and £100 in Middlesbrough to about £230 in London (March 2025), which shows how much location matters. Get two quotes from Leeds firms.
Extras to ask about
| Extra | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Stain protection treatment | about £15 per room |
| Anti insect treatment (dust mites) | £7 to £13 per room |
Source: Checkatrade, May 2026.
What changes the price?
- Room size and number of rooms
- Carpet type: wool and natural fibres need more care
- Condition: heavy soiling, pet stains and odours take longer
- Method: hot water extraction or low moisture cleaning
- Access and parking for van mounted machines
Carpet cleaning methods and cost
| Method | How it works | Drying time |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water extraction (often called steam cleaning) | Hot cleaning solution sprayed in and extracted with a powerful vacuum | Several hours |
| Low moisture cleaning | Less water and a cleaning solution worked into the fibres | Often one to two hours |
| Dry cleaning compounds | A powder brushed in and vacuumed out | Very quick |
Professional carpet cleaning companies choose the cleaning method to suit the carpet fibre. Wool carpets and rugs need gentler cleaning products than synthetic carpets. Ask which method a carpet cleaner will use and how long the drying time will be.
Rugs, upholstery and end of tenancy cleaning
Many carpet cleaners also offer rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning for sofas and chairs, and end of tenancy cleaning. Rug cleaning costs depend on the size of the rug and the material, and delicate rugs may need to go to a specialist. For end of tenancy cleaning in Leeds, ask your letting agent whether a professional carpet clean and a receipt are required.
Carpet cleaning prices in Leeds
Checkatrade does not list a Leeds price, so the per room figures above are the best guide. Prices in Leeds are likely to sit somewhere between the cheaper northern cities and London, but get two quotes from local carpet cleaners to be sure.
Getting a fair price
- Ask for a fixed price per room and what counts as a room.
- Check whether stain removal and deodorising are included.
- Ask about the minimum charge, so you can add rooms or a sofa to make it worth it.
- Ask how long drying will take.
For local firms with strong reviews, see our list of carpet cleaning in Leeds.
Questions people ask
How much does carpet cleaning cost per room?
Checkatrade's 2026 guide puts a small to medium room, about 4m by 4m, at around £50.
How much does it cost to clean carpets in a 3 bedroom house?
About £250 according to Checkatrade, with larger homes £500 or more.
Is there a minimum charge for carpet cleaning?
Often, yes. Checkatrade says minimum charges of around £85 per visit are typical.
How much does stain protection cost?
Checkatrade puts stain protector treatments at about £15 per room.
Is professional carpet cleaning cheaper than hiring a machine?
A hired machine is cheaper up front, but professional machines extract more dirt and water, so carpets dry faster and stay clean longer.