If you have carpet in your home, you know it’s next to impossible to keep it looking brand new. Normal life simply doesn’t allow for pristine carpets! Whether it’s dirty shoes tracking in mud from the yard, pets that aren’t quite potty-trained, kids leaving markers on the floor, or regular wear and tear over time, carpet can quickly become stained or dingy looking, leaving your home looking less than its best. For those who choose to go the DIY stain removal route, there are plenty of commercially available carpet cleaning products as well as carpet steam cleaners you can rent, but professional carpet cleaners have both the expertise and the professional equipment to tackle deeper stains and bigger jobs. Hiring a professional is the best way to get your carpet restored to its former glory, but how much does carpet cleaning cost? The answer to that question isn’t as simple as you may think, as the size of a room, which carpet cleaning method is used, and add-ons like spot treatments all have an impact on the total price — but it actually may be far more affordable than you think. Here we’ll examine the various pricing structures typically used by carpet cleaning professionals, along with the different carpet cleaning methods and their applications, and how to get the best bang for your buck.