Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) costs $40–$90 a room once you book three or more rooms, and low-moisture (dry) cleaning $60–$150 a room. Three rooms and a hallway steam cleaned run $125–$300. Steam cleans deeper and is what carpet makers like Mohawk and Shaw ask for; dry cleaning gets the room back sooner.
Steam (hot water extraction): $40–$90 a room
Low-moisture (dry): $60–$150 a room
Bonnet cleaning: $30–$90 a room
Rental machine: $40–$125 a day with solution
Mohawk and Shaw warranties call for hot water extraction
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 73+ American pricing sources · See methodology
01 / PricesUSA · November 2026
Steam vs dry carpet cleaning prices
National prices, labor included.
Steam vs dry carpet cleaning pricesPer room, low to high with the typical price marked.
Low-moisture (dry) cleaning, per room$95$60–$150
Bonnet cleaning (surface only), per room$60$30–$90
Hot water extraction (steam), per room$55$40–$90
$0$50$100$150$200
Job
Low
Typical
High
Hot water extraction (steam), per roomper room
$40
$55
$90
Low-moisture (dry) cleaning, per roomper room
$60
$95
$150
Bonnet cleaning (surface only), per roomper room
$30
$60
$90
3 rooms plus a hallway, steamper job
$125
$200
$300
3 rooms plus a hallway at the dry per-room rateper job
$200
$310
$490
5 rooms plus a hallway, steamper job
$200
$280
$450
Do-it-yourself machine rental, 24 hours, plus solutionper day
$40
$60
$125
US prices, November 2026. Low is a simple job in a low-cost area; high is a bigger job or a high-cost city.
02 / By city195 cities priced
Does steam vs dry carpet cleaning cost change by city?
Yes. The same job costs more where labor and rent cost more. Here's how carpet cleaning prices in the biggest US metros compare with the US typical of $200.
Carpet cleaning prices in the 12 biggest US metrosEach city's typical carpet cleaning price against the US typical of $200.
Steam cleaning is the common name for hot water extraction. The machine sprays hot water and cleaner deep into the carpet and sucks it straight back out with the dirt. Many pros use a truck-mounted machine; a portable one is used where hoses can't reach, like high-rise jobs.
Dry or low-moisture cleaning uses very little water: a cleaning powder, foam or encapsulation product is worked in, then vacuumed or buffed out. Bonnet cleaning spins a damp pad over the surface. It makes carpet look clean fast, but it doesn't reach deep.
02
How to choose
Pick steam for a yearly deep clean, heavy soil, pets and allergies. Pick low-moisture cleaning when you need the room back the same day, for some wool or delicate carpet, or for a quick freshen-up between deep cleans.
Check your carpet warranty before you choose. Mohawk's warranty asks for a professional hot water extraction at least every 18 months, with products and equipment on the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval list, and you must keep the receipts. Shaw's warranty asks for proof of periodic hot water extraction with Seal of Approval equipment too.
03
Drying time
After hot water extraction, carpet usually dries in about 6 to 10 hours, and can take up to a day in humid weather or with thick carpet. Low-moisture cleaning dries faster. Run fans, open windows if it's dry outside, and keep heavy furniture off the carpet until it's dry.
04
Compare
Rental machine or a pro
A rental machine and solution cost about $40–$125 for a day, far less than $200 for three rooms done by a pro. But rental machines have less suction and heat, so more water and soap stay in the carpet. That can leave it sticky, slow to dry and quick to get dirty again. Rinse well and don't over-wet it.
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Hot water extraction (steam), per room
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05 / Questions5 answers
Steam vs dry carpet cleaning cost: FAQ
Is steam or dry carpet cleaning better?
Steam (hot water extraction) cleans deeper and is what carpet makers like Mohawk and Shaw ask for. Dry cleaning is better when you need the room back fast.
Which is cheaper, steam or dry cleaning?
Steam usually is: $40–$90 a room, against $60–$150 for low-moisture cleaning.
Does dry cleaning void my carpet warranty?
It can. Mohawk asks for professional hot water extraction at least every 18 months, and Shaw asks for proof of periodic hot water extraction. Read your warranty and keep the receipts.
How long does steam-cleaned carpet take to dry?
About 6 to 10 hours in most homes, and up to a day in humid weather. Fans and airflow speed it up.
Is a truck-mounted machine better than a portable one?
Truck-mounted machines usually have more heat and suction, so carpet dries faster. Portables are used where hoses can't reach, like high-rise apartments.
These are independent estimates from national cost guides, franchise and local price lists, Thumbtack city data and BLS wage data. No company can pay to change them, so always get two or three quotes and ask how they count a room. Last reviewed November 2026. Read the full methodology →