Quick answer: Carpet cleaning in Pakistan costs between Rs 3 and Rs 15 per square foot in 2026, depending on the method (shampoo vs. steam), carpet type, and your city. A standard 5×8 ft rug runs Rs 800–Rs 2,500. Stain removal and pickup/delivery add to the final bill.
Most people get quoted a "flat rate" over the phone—and end up paying significantly more at pickup. Knowing the per-square-foot breakdown before you book is the only way to protect yourself.
This guide covers every major cost: per sq ft rates, shampoo vs. steam cleaning, rug and prayer-mat pricing, stain removal charges, and the hidden fees cleaners don't advertise. Read it before you hand over your carpet.
Carpet Cleaning Price Per Sq Ft in Pakistan (2026)
Rates range from Rs 3 to Rs 15 per sq ft, depending on method and city.
|
Cleaning Method |
Price Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
|
Basic shampoo wash |
Rs 3–Rs 6 |
|
Deep shampoo + drying |
Rs 5–Rs 8 |
|
Steam cleaning |
Rs 8–Rs 15 |
|
Dry cleaning (delicate rugs) |
Rs 12–Rs 20 |
Karachi and Lahore sit at the higher end of these ranges. Smaller cities—Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar—typically come in Rs 1–Rs 3 cheaper per sq ft for the same service.
How to use this: Measure your carpet (length × width in feet) before you call. If a service quotes you more than 20% above these rates without explaining why, ask for a written breakdown.
Shampoo vs. Steam Cleaning: Which One Should You Choose?
Shampoo cleaning is cheaper. Steam cleaning is more thorough. The right choice depends on your carpet type and how dirty it is.
What shampoo cleaning does
Shampoo cleaning uses a foaming detergent worked into the carpet fibers with a brush or machine, then rinsed out. It handles routine dirt, dust, and mild odors well.
- Best for: machine-made carpets, synthetic rugs, regular maintenance cleaning
- Drying time: 6–12 hours
- Cost advantage: roughly 40–50% cheaper than steam
What steam cleaning does
Steam cleaning—technically hot-water extraction—pushes pressurized hot water deep into the carpet pile and extracts it along with dislodged dirt, allergens, and bacteria.
- Best for: thick pile carpets, allergy-sensitive households, heavily soiled carpets
- Drying time: 4–8 hours with proper airflow
- Cost advantage: more effective per clean, so you may need it less often
Choose shampoo cleaning if your carpet gets regular maintenance washes (every 3–4 months). Choose steam cleaning if the carpet hasn't been washed in over a year, has pet hair, or belongs to a household with asthma or allergies.
Rug & Prayer Mat Cleaning Rates in Pakistan 2026
Smaller items are usually priced per piece, not per sq ft. These are the standard rates most professional services charge:
|
Item |
Shampoo Wash |
Steam Clean |
|---|---|---|
|
Small rug (under 4×6 ft) |
Rs 500–Rs 900 |
Rs 800–Rs 1,400 |
|
Medium rug (5×8 ft) |
Rs 800–Rs 1,500 |
Rs 1,200–Rs 2,500 |
|
Large rug (8×10 ft or bigger) |
Rs 1,500–Rs 3,000 |
Rs 2,500–Rs 4,500 |
|
Janamaz / prayer mat |
Rs 200–Rs 400 |
Rs 350–Rs 600 |
|
Handwoven / Persian rug |
Rs 2,000–Rs 8,000+ |
Specialist pricing |
Handwoven and Persian rugs need specialist handling. A standard carpet cleaner using a shampoo machine on a hand-knotted rug can permanently damage the dyes and pile. If you're unsure whether your rug is handwoven, look at the back—hand-knotted rugs show the knot pattern clearly on the reverse side.
Stain Removal Charges: What to Expect
Most cleaners don't advertise stain removal as a separate line item—but many charge for it. Here's what's standard:
- Basic stain pre-treatment (included in most professional washes): Rs 0 extra
- Stubborn stains (grease, ink, curry, blood): Rs 200–Rs 600 per stain
- Set-in stains (older than 2 weeks, or previously treated with the wrong product): Rs 500–Rs 1,500 per stain, with no guarantee of full removal
Old stains that have been heat-set—either from hot water or a clothes iron—are often permanent. No reputable cleaner will guarantee 100% removal on those. If someone guarantees complete removal of a 6-month-old curry stain, that's a red flag.
Before booking: photograph the stains and share them with the service. Get a written quote that includes stain treatment, so there are no surprises.
Pickup, Delivery & Other Fees to Watch For
Hidden charges are where most customers get caught out.
|
Fee |
Typical Charge |
|---|---|
|
Pickup & delivery (in-city) |
Rs 200–Rs 500 per trip |
|
Same-day or express service |
Rs 300–Rs 800 surcharge |
|
Heavy/oversized carpet handling |
Rs 200–Rs 400 |
|
Fragrance/deodorizing add-on |
Rs 150–Rs 400 |
Some services advertise a low per-sq-ft rate but charge double for pickup and delivery. Always ask for the total price including transport before you confirm.
How to Avoid Being Overcharged
A few things worth knowing before you book:
- Measure your carpet yourself. Some services "re-measure" at pickup and claim the carpet is larger than you said.
- Get a written or WhatsApp-confirmed quote. Verbal quotes change. A message is documentation.
- Ask specifically about stain charges. "Does the quote include stain treatment?" gets you a straight answer.
- Check if drying is included. Some low-cost services return carpets damp. A damp carpet rolled up and stored grows mold within 24 hours.
- For handwoven rugs, ask what cleaning method they use. The correct answer is hand-washing with pH-balanced cleaners. Machine washing is the wrong answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does carpet cleaning cost per sq ft in Pakistan in 2026?
Standard shampoo cleaning costs Rs 3–Rs 8 per sq ft. Steam cleaning costs Rs 8–Rs 15 per sq ft. Rates vary by city—Karachi and Lahore are typically at the higher end.
Is steam cleaning better than shampoo cleaning for carpets?
Steam cleaning extracts more dirt and allergens, making it more effective for heavily soiled carpets or allergy-prone households. Shampoo cleaning is sufficient for routine maintenance washes and costs 40–50% less.
How much does it cost to clean a prayer mat (janamaz) in Pakistan?
A standard janamaz shampoo wash costs Rs 200–Rs 400. Steam cleaning runs Rs 350–Rs 600. Most services include prayer mats in their per-piece pricing for small rugs.
Can all carpet stains be removed professionally?
No. Stains older than two weeks, heat-set stains, or those previously treated with the wrong product often cannot be fully removed. A reputable cleaner will tell you this upfront rather than guarantee results.
How long does a carpet take to dry after cleaning?
Shampoo-washed carpets take 6–12 hours. Steam-cleaned carpets take 4–8 hours with good airflow. Don't roll up or store a carpet until it's completely dry—mold develops quickly in damp fibers.
Should I tip carpet cleaning staff in Pakistan?
Tipping isn't standard practice, but it's common to offer Rs 100–Rs 200 per person for large or difficult jobs. It's entirely optional.