Carpet shampooing restores pile, lifts deep soil, and renews the look and hygiene of your carpets — but how much should you expect to pay? As Nairobi’s cleaning experts, CQCIS breaks down the real costs, what affects price, and how to get the best value without compromising quality.
Quick answer (summary)
Typical professional carpet-cleaning costs worldwide fall roughly between $0.25–$0.50 per sq ft (or about KSh 20–KSh 50 per sq ft depending on location and service**). Per-room and whole-house prices vary widely; a single room in many markets often costs $40–$100. Nairobi-specific pricing commonly runs from KSh 1,000 for small rugs up to several tens of thousands for larger, specialist jobs.
Why prices vary — the main cost drivers
- Measurement method (per sqm / per room / per hour / minimum fee)
Some companies charge by square foot/metre, others by room or by time. Smaller jobs often hit a minimum fee, which makes single-room cleans proportionally more expensive. - Carpet size and layout
Larger contiguous areas are more efficient to clean than many small rooms or lots of stairs and alcoves. - Carpet fibre and construction
Wool, silk blends, and delicate or antique rugs need specialist chemistry and gentler methods — that raises cost. Synthetic loop piles may be quicker to clean. - Soil level & stain complexity
Heavy soiling, pet stains, or dye transfer require extra pre-treatment, enzyme work, or repeat passes. Each step ups the labour and materials. - Cleaning method & machinery
Shampooing + rotary agitation can be quicker for surface restoration; pairing shampoo with truck-mount extraction or hot-water extraction (steam) adds time but reduces residues — and cost. Professionals who extract thoroughly usually charge more, but leave better results. - Location & logistics
Travel, parking, elevator use, and access times (after-hours or emergency) can add surcharges. In Nairobi, neighbourhoods and transport time factor into quotes. How providers commonly price carpet shampooing
- Per square foot / metre: Common in many countries; example global averages are $0.25–$0.50/ft². This is straightforward for large jobs.
- Per room: Many residential clients see per-room quotes ($40–$100 per room is common in markets like the US/UK/AUS).
- Per hour / minimum fee: Some companies bill by the hour or set a minimum (e.g., KSh 1,000–KSh 3,000) so small jobs still cover travel and setup.
Real-world price ranges (research-backed)
Global / developed market averages (for reference):
- Per square foot: $0.25–$0.50.
- Per room (typical bedroom): $40–$100.
- Full-house cleans: often $200–$700 depending on size.
Nairobi & Kenya (observed market examples):
- Small rugs / single-room quick shampoo: KSh 800–KSh 2,500 (depends on size).
- Per square foot estimates reported locally: KSh 20–KSh 50 per sq ft for general carpet cleaning (varies by vendor and method).
- Larger, specialist or commercial jobs: KSh 5,000–KSh 50,000+ depending on area and services (stain removal, deodorising, sanitization). Local companies often publish tiered price lists and minimum charges. Note: Nairobi pricing varies substantially across providers — always ask for itemised quotes (labour, pre-treatment, extraction, drying equipment, and extra treatments).
What’s usually included in a standard carpet shampooing quote?
- Pre-inspection & patch test (should be standard for reputable firms).
- Vacuuming and pre-treatment of stains.
- Application of shampoo and mechanical agitation.
- Extraction / rinsing (crucial to remove residue).
- Grooming and drying strategy (air movers, fans).
Some companies add stain-protection treatments, deodorizing, or sanitization at extra cost. Always confirm what the quoted price covers. Cost-saving tips that don’t compromise results
- Bundle multiple rooms — whole-house or multi-room bookings usually lower the per-room rate.
- Clear the area of furniture to reduce labour time (or ask about furniture-moving charges).
- Regular maintenance (vacuuming, spot-treats) reduces need for deep, costly interventions.
- Request itemised quotes so you only pay for necessary treatments.
- Choose the right method — for light soil, low-moisture encapsulation can be cheaper and quicker than full shampoo + extraction.
Red flags and questions to ask before you hire
- Do you perform a colourfastness test before cleaning?
- Is extraction included — and how many rinse passes? (Lack of extraction → sticky residue → faster re-soiling.)
- What chemicals are used and are they safe for children/pets?
- What equipment do you use (rotary shampooer, truck-mount extractor, air movers)?
- Do you have insurance and a satisfaction guarantee?
Good providers answer these clearly and provide written estimates.
Why paying a bit more often saves money long-term
Cheaper, rushed jobs that skip extraction or use aggressive chemistry can leave residues, cause rapid re-soiling, or damage fibres — leading to earlier replacement. Investing in a reputable provider who extracts thoroughly and uses fabric-appropriate chemistry preserves carpet life and lowers lifetime cost.
CQCIS pricing philosophy (how we price & what you get)
At CQCIS we give transparent, itemised quotes after free inspections. Our pricing reflects:
- accurate measurement (sq m or room-based),
- assessment of fibre and soil level,
- required chemistry (eco or specialist),
- equipment (industrial extractor, air movers), and
- any add-ons (stain protection, deodorizing, sanitisation).
We aim for fair per-square-metre pricing for large jobs and competitive per-room rates for smaller jobs — with no hidden fees and a satisfaction guarantee. For an exact quote, we provide free, no-obligation inspections across Nairobi suburbs.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Carpet Shampooing: Why CQCIS Is Nairobi’s Top Choice
Final checklist before you book
- Get 3 itemised quotes for comparison.
- Confirm method, chemicals, and drying time.
- Ask about minimum fees, extra charges (stairs, furniture moving), and guarantees.
- Prefer providers who test colourfastness, extract thoroughly, and use air movers to speed drying.