Looking at your carpet, you might feel frustrated. The bright color has faded, with dark coffee stains, muddy paw prints from your dog, and maybe a mysterious spot from last weekend. It’s clear it needs a deep clean. But the question is: how much will it cost? You’re not alone in wondering this. Different companies charge differently, some by the room, some by the square foot, making it hard to know what you’ll really pay.
In Chicago in 2025, you can expect to pay about $25 to $75 per room for carpet shampooing. If they charge by square foot, the price usually ranges from 15 to 50 cents ($0.15 to $0.50) per square foot, depending on the size and condition of your carpet. Let’s break down the cost to shampoo carpet cleaning so you know what to expect and can find a cleaning service that fits your budget.
So, What’s the Average Cost to Shampoo Carpet ?
For most homes, the cost to shampoo carpet generally falls between $0.15 and $0.50 per square foot.
Think of it this way:
Here is a simple table to show you what most people pay. These prices are for a standard cleaning, which is also called a “basic shampoo.”
| Type of Home | Average Total Cost | Estimated Square Footage | Cost Per Sq Ft |
| Small Apartment | $120 – $200 | Up to 500 sq ft | $0.25 – $0.40 |
| Average Living Room | $75 – $150 | 300 sq ft | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Whole House (3 Bedrooms) | $300 – $500 | 1,500 sq ft | $0.20 – $0.35 |
Chart: Average pricing for standard carpet shampooing in the Chicago area.
- Cleaning an average-sized living room (about 300 sq ft) could cost between $75 and $150.
- Cleaning a whole 1,500 sq ft house could range from $300 to $500.
But that’s just the starting point. The final number really depends on a few key things about your home and your carpets.
What Does the Price Depend On?
It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Think of it like getting a pizza, the base price gets you a cheese pizza, but if you want extra toppings, the price goes up. Here are the main “toppings” that can change your carpet cleaning cost:
- The Size of Your Space: This is the biggest factor. A small apartment in Wrigleyville will simply cost less than a large single-family home in Naperville. More square footage = more work and more supplies.
- How Dirty It Really Is: Let’s be honest—are we talking about a carpet that just needs a refresh, or one that hasn’t been cleaned since the last Bears playoff game? Heavy dirt, ground-in pet hair, and old stains take more time and special products to treat, which can add to the cost.
- The Types of Stains: Spilled water is one thing. Red wine, pet accidents, or ink are a different story. Tough stains need extra pre-treatment, which is often an add-on service.
- Your Carpet’s “Furniture”: Do you need the cleaners to move your heavy sofa, bed, and dressers? If so, that’s more labor, and most companies will charge an extra fee for it. Pro tip: moving the smaller items yourself can save you some money!
- Those Stairs: Got a multi-level place? Stairs are a pain to clean because they are small, angled, and take a lot of careful attention. Almost every company will charge an extra fee for each stair or each flight.
How Do Companies Charge for Carpet Cleaning?
Most Chicago carpet cleaning services use one of two ways to charge you:
- Price Per Square Foot: They measure your carpet and charge based on its size.
- Price Per Room: They charge a flat rate for each room, no matter the size.
We think the per-square-foot price is the fairest way. You only pay for the space you are cleaning! A small apartment in The Loop will cost less than a big house in Naperville. It just makes sense.
To help you visualize the difference, here’s a bar graph showing average prices for a standard cleaning job.
This graph shows that while per-room pricing is common, per-square-foot pricing can often be more cost-effective, especially for larger spaces.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees!
This is a very important part. Some companies might advertise a super low price to get your attention. But then, they add on extra fees later.
Here are some common hidden fees to ask about when you get a quote:
- “Heavily Soiled” Fee: The cleaner might say your carpet is much dirtier than normal and charge an extra fee.
- “Stain Treatment” Fee: They might charge extra for each special stain they have to treat, like from pets or food.
- “High-Traffic” Fee: They might charge more for cleaning areas like hallways that get walked on all the time.
- “Fast Drying” Fee: Some companies charge extra to use a special method that makes your carpet dry faster.
A good tip: Always ask for a detailed quote. A trustworthy company like Carpet Cleaner Plus will be happy to explain all the costs before we start cleaning.
Wrapping It Up: Planning for Your Cost to Shampoo Carpet
So, what’s the cost to shampoo carpet cleaning? As we’ve seen, the price depends on many factors. For a standard clean, most Chicago homeowners can expect prices between $0.15 and $0.50 per square foot. If you’re going with per-room pricing, you might look at between $75 and $150 per room. The key is to be an informed customer. Ask how our company charges, what is included in the basic price, and if there could be any extra fees. Getting a clear quote upfront is the best way to avoid surprises and ensure you get a great clean for a fair price.
Ready for a fresher, cleaner home? Contact us today for a free quote.