In Alexander City, AL (2025-2026), carpet cleaning costs $0.25-$0.50 per sq. ft., or $40-$90 per room. Rates vary by method, carpet material, and add-on services.
In Alexander City, expect to pay $0.25-$0.50 per square foot or $40-$90 per room for standard carpet cleaning. Steam cleaning is the most common method, while specialty methods like dry cleaning or encapsulation may cost more. Rug cleaning, stairs, and stain treatments add to the total bill.
Carpet cleaning in Alexander City, Alabama is affordable compared to big-city rates, but prices vary depending on method, carpet material, and additional treatments. Below you’ll find the 2025-2026 breakdown of costs.
Average Carpet Cleaning Cost
On average, carpet cleaning in Alexander City ranges from $40 to $90 per room. For an entire house, the total is usually $200 to $600, though larger homes with multiple rooms may cost more. These prices include standard cleaning but exclude extras like stain removal, pet odor treatments, and carpet protectors, which add to the bill.
- National & regional average: $0.25-$0.50 per sq. ft.
- Per room: $40-$90.
- Whole house (up to 6 rooms): $200-$600+.
- Alexander City averages are close to national, but may be slightly lower due to regional labor rates.
Carpet Cleaning Cost per Room
The size of the room is the biggest factor in determining cost. A small bedroom of about 150–200 square feet might cost $40 to $65 to clean. Larger spaces like living rooms or family rooms, typically 200–300 square feet, fall in the $60 to $90 range. Oversized master suites or open floor plan areas can exceed $100 to $150 depending on square footage and soil level.
- Small bedroom (150-200 sq. ft.): $40-$65
- Living room (200-300 sq. ft.): $60-$90
- Master suite (300-400 sq. ft.): $90-$125
- Open floor plan/larger rooms: $100-$150+
Carpet Cleaning Price per Square Foot
When cleaners charge by square footage, the rate in Alexander City is usually $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot. This pricing model is especially common for whole-house cleanings. Lightly soiled carpets fall toward the lower end of the range, while heavily stained or high-traffic areas trend toward the higher end.
- $0.25 – $0.50 per sq. ft. is standard.
- Light cleaning: closer to $0.25
- Heavily soiled carpets: closer to $0.50
Carpet Cleaning Rates by Method
Different cleaning methods affect both price and results. Steam cleaning is the most common, but other methods may be used depending on carpet type and customer preference.
| Cleaning Method | Average Cost per Room | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam / Hot Water Extraction | $50 – $110 | $0.25 – $0.50 | Deep clean, most recommended |
| Shampooing | $40 – $80 | $0.20 – $0.45 | Older method, more drying time |
| Bonnet Cleaning | $25 – $60 | $0.15 – $0.30 | Surface cleaning only |
| Dry Cleaning | $65 – $110 | $0.30 – $0.55 | Quick drying, light soil |
| Encapsulation | $75 – $150 | $0.30 – $0.60 | Eco-friendly, newer method |
Cost to Steam Clean Carpet / Hot Water Extraction (HWE)
Steam cleaning, also called hot water extraction, remains the industry standard. In Alexander City, the cost is usually $50 to $110 per room, depending on size and soil level. This method forces hot water mixed with detergent into the carpet fibers, loosening dirt before it’s extracted with powerful suction. Though drying time can be longer, the results are thorough and long-lasting.
- $50-$110 per room in Alexander City.
- Best for deep cleaning, allergens, pet odors.
- Takes longer to dry but offers thorough results.
Carpet Shampooing Prices
Carpet shampooing is an older technique but still available. It typically costs $40 to $80 per room. Shampooing works well for tackling visible stains but often leaves residue, which can attract dirt if not rinsed properly. It is less popular today but may be suitable for carpets that don’t respond well to steam cleaning.
- $40-$80 per room.
- Works well for visible stains but leaves residue.
- Less common today compared to steam cleaning.
Bonnet Carpet Cleaning
Bonnet cleaning is often used in commercial buildings where quick turnaround is needed. It costs about $25 to $60 per room. A rotary machine with a cleaning pad skims over the surface, removing dirt from the top fibers but not reaching deep into the carpet. It’s a budget-friendly option, but not ideal for deep soil or residential settings where long-term cleanliness matters.
- $25-$60 per room.
- Low-cost, but only cleans surface dirt.
- Often used for commercial spaces needing quick turnaround.
Dry Carpet Cleaning
For homeowners in Alexander City who need carpets dry almost immediately, dry cleaning is an option. It costs around $65 to $110 per room. Special powders or solvents are applied and then vacuumed out, lifting dirt in the process. This method is faster but may not remove deep grime as effectively as steam cleaning.
- $65-$110 per room.
- Minimal drying time.
- Popular for offices and households needing same-day use.
Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning
Encapsulation is a newer, eco-friendly method costing $75 to $150 per room. Cleaning agents are applied that crystallize around dirt particles, which are then vacuumed away. This technique uses very little water, dries quickly, and is especially effective for maintenance cleaning in low-traffic homes or offices.
- $75-$150 per room.
- Polymer detergent crystallizes dirt for vacuuming.
- Eco-friendly and low-moisture, but not ideal for deep stains.
Carpet Cleaning Cost Calculator
You can easily estimate your carpet cleaning costs by multiplying the size of your room or home by the average per-square-foot rate.
Let’s calculate:
Formula = Room size (sq. ft.) × Cost per sq. ft.
Example:
- 250 sq. ft. living room × $0.40 = $100
- 2,000 sq. ft. home × $0.30 = $600
This simple calculation helps you predict costs before booking.
Stair Carpet Cleaning
Staircases require extra effort, so they are usually priced separately. In Alexander City, the cost is $2 to $4 per step, meaning a typical staircase with 12–15 steps would run $24 to $60. Heavily soiled stairs or those with intricate carpeting could cost more.
- $2-$4 per step.
- A standard staircase (12-15 steps) costs $24-$60.
- Higher if heavily soiled or with thick carpet.
Carpet Material (Info and Table)
The type of carpet you have also affects cleaning costs. Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester are easier to clean, while wool and oriental rugs require extra care and higher costs.
Carpet type influences cleaning cost. Wool and Berber are more expensive than synthetic fibers.
| Carpet Material | Avg. Cost per Sq. Ft. | Difficulty & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic (nylon, polyester) | $0.25 – $0.45 | Easiest to clean |
| Berber | $0.35 – $0.55 | Requires special attention |
| Wool | $0.40 – $0.70 | Natural fiber, premium care |
| Oriental/handmade | $0.50 – $0.80+ | Specialty cleaning required |
Additional Costs
Beyond the basic cleaning, you may encounter add-ons such as stain removal ($20–$50 per stain), pet odor treatment ($30–$70 per room), deodorizing ($15–$40), and applying carpet protectors like Scotchgard ($20–$50 per room). Furniture moving may also incur charges of $10–$25 per item.
- Stain removal: $20-$50 per stain.
- Pet odor treatment: $30-$70 per room.
- Deodorizing: $15-$40.
- Carpet protector (Scotchgard): $20-$50 per room.
- Furniture moving: $10-$25 per item.
Full-Service Carpet Cleaning
A full-service cleaning package usually includes pre-inspection, vacuuming, spot treatment, deep cleaning (often steam or shampoo), deodorizing, and applying protectors. In Alexander City, these packages range from $200 to $500, depending on the number of rooms and extras requested.
Full-service usually includes:
- Pre-inspection
- Vacuuming
- Spot treatment
- Deep cleaning (steam/shampoo/dry)
- Deodorizing
- Protector application
Cost in Alexander City: $200-$500 depending on number of rooms.
DIY vs. Professional Carpet Cleaning
Some homeowners consider renting a carpet cleaner, which costs $30–$50 per day, or purchasing a machine for $150–$400. While this is cheaper in the short term, DIY machines are not as powerful as professional-grade equipment. Professional services cost more upfront ($40–$90 per room), but deliver deeper cleaning, allergen removal, and extend the carpet’s life.
| Option | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY rental machine | $30-$50 per day | Cheaper, flexible | Less powerful, shallow cleaning |
| DIY purchase machine | $150-$400 | Long-term savings | Not as effective as pro gear |
| Professional cleaning | $40-$90 per room | Deep clean, allergen removal, extends carpet life | Higher upfront cost |
How to Save on Professional Carpet Cleaning
To cut costs in Alexander City, look for multi-room package deals, ask about seasonal promotions, and consider scheduling cleanings during off-peak months when companies may offer discounts. Moving furniture ahead of time and bundling services, such as upholstery or tile cleaning, can also lower the overall bill.
- Book multi-room packages.
- Ask about seasonal promotions.
- Move furniture in advance to save time.
- Schedule during off-peak seasons for better rates.
- Bundle with upholstery cleaning for discounts.
Summary (Table Format)
| Service | Cost in Alexander City (2025-2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per room | $40 – $90 | Avg. 200-250 sq. ft. |
| Per sq. ft. | $0.25 – $0.50 | Light vs heavy soil |
| Steam cleaning (HWE) | $50 – $110 per room | Most effective |
| Shampooing | $40 – $80 per room | Older method |
| Bonnet cleaning | $25 – $60 per room | Surface only |
| Dry cleaning | $65 – $110 per room | Quick drying |
| Encapsulation | $75 – $150 per room | Eco-friendly |
| Stair cleaning | $2 – $4 per step | Adds up by step |
| Rug/oriental | $220 – $860+ | Based on material |
| Full-service cleaning | $200 – $500+ | Multi-room bundles |
Carpet Cleaning FAQs
Q: How often should carpets be cleaned in Alexander City?
A: Every 12-18 months, or every 6-12 months for homes with pets, allergies, or heavy traffic.
Q: What is the most effective carpet cleaning method?
A: Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) is considered the most thorough and recommended by most carpet manufacturers.
Q: Are DIY carpet cleaning machines effective?
A: They work for light soil, but lack the power to remove deep stains, allergens, and pet odors compared to professional cleaning.
Q: Do professionals move furniture?
A: Many include moving light furniture, but heavy or delicate pieces may cost extra.
Q: Does professional cleaning make carpets last longer?
A: Yes, deep cleaning removes dirt and debris that wear down fibers, extending carpet lifespan.