Carpet steam cleaning costs $40 to $90+ per room or $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot to deep clean the carpet using hot water extraction (HWE). Carpet steam cleaning services charge $200 to $700+ for whole-house projects, depending on the condition of the carpet and number of rooms. Expect to pay extra for heavily soiled carpets, stairs, or areas that are difficult to access with professional truck-mounted carpet cleaners.

Tipping for carpet steam cleaning is not expected, but professionals always appreciate a tip for good service. Consider tipping 10% to 20% of the total bill, or more if they go above and beyond.

Professional carpet steam cleaning—also called hot water extraction (HWE) cleaning—takes 20 minutes per room on average, not counting the setup process, which takes an additional 10 to 20 minutes. The total steam cleaning time varies depending on the room size, number of rooms, amount of furniture that needs moving, the carpet's soil level, and any spot removal treatments.

Carpets should be professionally steam cleaned with a hot water extractor about every 12 to 18 months. Consider having your carpets steam cleaned every 6 months if your home has children, pets, residents with allergies, heavy foot traffic, or smokers.

Carpet steam cleaning, or hot water extraction (HWE), uses hot water and high pressure to lift and remove dirt and debris from the carpet fibers. Hot water extractors use a much more powerful suction to remove the water and dirt from the carpet than standard carpet cleaning machines, so drying time is typically 6 to 8 hours, often much lower than other cleaning methods.

HWE cleaning removes about 97% of dirt and bacteria, deep cleans, and lift stains from the carpet. Traditional steam cleaning, while good for killing bacteria and reducing allergens, can sometimes set stains into the carpet material rather than removing them.

Yes, professional carpet steam cleaning can remove unpleasant odors, mold, mildew, and stains from cat or dog urine and hair. Discuss your specific needs with your steam cleaning professional before they begin cleaning, as it may affect the type of cleaning solution they use to target the problem.

Most carpet steam cleaning companies won't charge extra to move small, basic furniture. Others may charge a small fee or decline to move anything at all. Before hiring, ask for details about what is and is not included in the price and get a detailed estimate in writing.

Most carpets take 6 to 8+ hours to dry completely after steam cleaning. The total drying time depends on the carpet type, humidity level, air circulation, and indoor temperature. Running floor drier fans, turning on ceiling fans, opening the windows, or turning on the air conditioner can help improve the air circulation dry the carpet faster after cleaning.

Follow these guidelines to find the best carpet steam cleaners near you:

• Get at least three estimates to compare from reputable steam cleaning companies.
• Ask for references from past customers and read reviews of their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Ask about their employee training process and confirm if they perform background checks.
• Ask for details about their warranties and guarantees.
• Ask up front for a written estimate.
• Avoid making payments up front. Most companies charge after the work is completed.

Once you narrow down your list of potential carpet steam cleaners, ask the following questions to help you choose the best pro for the job:

• How long have you been in the carpet steam cleaning business?
• Are your cleaning solutions safe for children and pets?
• Do you follow a cleaning process approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute?
• Do you move furniture before steam cleaning?
• What are your rates, and what do they include? 
• Do you offer free estimates?
• Are you running any deals or specials?
• Can you give me a list of references I can contact?
• Is your carpet steam cleaning company licensed, bonded, and insured?
• How long will it take to steam clean the carpet?
• Do you guarantee your work?
• What forms of payment do you accept?