Carpet Cleaning Costs in the Bay Area
When it comes to maintaining a clean, healthy home or business, professional carpet cleaning plays a vital role. At Masterpiece Carpet Cleaning & Upholstery, we often get questions about pricing, services, and what affects the cost of carpet cleaning. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about carpet cleaning costs in the Bay Area.
Average Carpet Cleaning Pricing Models
Per Room Pricing
Many Bay Area cleaning companies, including Masterpiece, offer carpet cleaning on a per-room basis:
- First Room: $100–$250
- Additional Rooms: $40–$60 each
- Oversized Rooms: May be charged as two rooms
- Minimum Service Call: ~$200 (especially in San Francisco, Bay Area)
Per Square Foot Pricing
If priced by square footage:
- Average Rate: $0.50/sq. ft.
- Full Home Discount Rate: ~$0.35/sq. ft. (for larger homes)
- Example: 1,000 sq. ft. of dirty carpet = approx. $450
Carpet Cleaning Pricing Summary Table
Service | Typical Cost |
Carpet Cleaning – 1st Room | $100–$250 |
Additional Rooms | $40–$60 each |
Carpet Cleaning – Per Sq. Ft. | $0.35–$0.50 |
Upholstery Cleaning | From $100 (discounts on multiple pieces) |
Stair Cleaning | ~$6 per step |
Pet Odor/Stain Treatment | $50–$300 (depending on severity) |
Scotchgard/Protective Treatment | ~$50+ |
Carpet Pad Replacement | Up to $300 |
Minimum Service Call | ~$200 (varies by location) |
Additional Costs to Consider
Furniture Moving
- $50 flat fee or hourly charge if furniture must be moved
- Tip: Moving small furniture beforehand can reduce costs
Stain & Odor Removal
- Spot and stain treatments may cost extra
- Pet stains and odors may require padding replacement (~$300)
Stairs & Hallways
- Stair Cleaning: ~$6 per step
- Hallways may be charged separately, even with room-based pricing
Protective Treatments
- Scotchgard and other protective coatings: ~$50+
Water Restoration Services
- Must be performed by IICRC-certified professionals
- Pricing varies depending on damage severity
Upholstery & Specialty Cleaning
Upholstery Cleaning
- Starts at $100 for the first item
- Discounts typically apply to additional pieces
Carpet Pad Replacement
- May be required if stains or moisture reach the underlay
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
- Standard Homes: Twice per year
- With Pets or High Foot Traffic: More frequent cleanings recommended
- Vacuuming is Helpful: But professional equipment offers deeper, longer-lasting results
Methods of Carpet Cleaning (And How They Affect Cost)
1. Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning)
- Most effective and widely used method
- Removes dirt, allergens, bacteria deep within carpet fibers
- Best for synthetic carpets; may cause shrinkage in natural fiber rugs
- Dry time: Several hours to a full day
2. Carpet Shampooing
- Uses foam shampoo and rotating brushes
- Less water, quicker dry time
- May leave residue that attracts dirt later
3. Dry Carpet Cleaning
- Uses powder-based cleaning agents
- Minimal moisture, fast drying (20 mins)
- Best for quick cleanups, but not as deep-cleaning
4. Encapsulation
- Foam detergent binds to dirt and dries
- Vacuumed away after 20 minutes
- Ideal for routine maintenance
5. Bonnet Cleaning
- Pad attached to a rotating motor absorbs dirt
- Mostly used in commercial spaces
- Only surface-level cleaning
The Carpet Cleaning Process: What to Expect
- Initial Consultation & Quote: In-person or virtual; covers space, stains, and odors
- Preparation: Move small furniture, cover large items
- Pretreatment: For stained or heavily soiled areas
- Cleaning: Based on selected method
- Grooming (optional): Post-cleaning brushing for carpet pile
- Drying: Open windows, use fans; expect 2–24 hours dry time
- Inspection: Final walkthrough and satisfaction check
Watch Out for Wicking
- Stains that reappear post-cleaning (from deep-set residue)
- Re-cleaning may be needed if carpets wick during drying
Types of Stains That Can Be Removed
- Blood
- Wine
- Coffee & Tea
- Food & Dye
- Pet Urine
- Nail Polish
- Rust
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options
Before you hire a company, ask:
- What cleaning methods do you use?
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you insured and certified?
- Do you offer guarantees?
- Are there any hidden fees?
- Can I receive a written estimate?
At Masterpiece, we offer:
- Over 35 years of local experience
- Transparent pricing and detailed quotes
- Friendly, professional service
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does carpet cleaning cost in the Bay Area?
Carpet cleaning typically ranges from $100–150 for the first room and $40–60 for each additional room. Full homes may cost between $400 and $700, depending on square footage and the level of soiling.
Do I need to move my furniture before the cleaning?
We recommend moving small and delicate items ahead of time. Larger furniture can remain in place, but additional charges may apply if our team needs to move them.
How long does it take for carpets to dry?
Drying time varies based on the cleaning method and ventilation. On average, carpets take between 4 to 24 hours to fully dry.
How often should I have my carpets professionally cleaned?
For most homes, we recommend deep cleaning every 6–12 months. If you have pets, allergies, or high foot traffic, more frequent cleaning may be beneficial.
Do you offer eco-friendly or non-toxic cleaning options?
Yes! We use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning solutions that are safe for children, pets, and the environment.
Can you remove pet stains and odors?
Absolutely. We offer specialized treatments to eliminate stains and odors. In cases where the padding is affected, replacement may be recommended.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. We stand by our service with a satisfaction guarantee. If you notice any issues after cleaning, we’re happy to come back and make it right.
What’s the difference between steam cleaning and dry cleaning?
Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) offers deep, thorough cleaning. Dry cleaning is faster with minimal moisture but is best for maintenance-level cleans.
Do you clean commercial spaces?
Yes. We serve both residential and commercial clients across the Bay Area, including restaurants, offices, and retail locations.
How do I schedule a quote or cleaning service?
Simply call us or fill out the request form on our website. We’ll get back to you quickly to confirm details and availability.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Understanding the true cost of carpet cleaning helps you make the best decision for your space and budget. Whether you need a single room cleaned or a full home refresh, Masterpiece Carpet Cleaning & Upholstery is here to help.
Get a free quote today and let us restore the beauty and cleanliness of your carpets.
