Understanding Carpet Cleaning Duration
Average Time for a Standard Home or Apartment
For most London homes or apartments, a standard carpet cleaning session usually lasts between 1 to 3 hours, depending on how many rooms you have and the overall condition of the carpet. Smaller properties, such as one-bedroom flats, can often be cleaned in under two hours, while larger family homes may take half a day.
Here’s a general time guide:
Area / Room Type | Estimated Duration | Cleaning Details |
1 Room | 30–45 minutes | Includes pre-inspection, stain treatment, and cleaning |
2 Rooms | 60–90 minutes | Quick process if carpets are regularly maintained |
3 Rooms | 1.5–2 hours | May include a hallway or stair area |
4+ Rooms | 2–3+ hours | For full-home deep cleaning or neglected carpets |
It’s important to remember that professional cleaners typically spend 10–15 minutes setting up their equipment and preparing the area before starting. If they need to move furniture or handle special fabrics (like wool or silk carpets), additional time should be expected.
In homes where pets live indoors or carpets haven’t been cleaned for a long time, technicians often apply pre-treatment solutions to break down embedded dirt and odours. This adds roughly 15–20 extra minutes per area but results in a fresher, longer-lasting clean.
Some London homeowners also request optional services such as deodorising, sanitising, or applying a protective stain guard — all of which extend the total duration slightly. So, while a basic one-room clean may only take 30 minutes, a full-service clean with protection can easily stretch beyond two hours for a medium-sized home.
How Long It Takes for Office or Commercial Carpets
Office and commercial carpet cleaning typically requires more planning and takes longer than residential jobs. Unlike home environments, business spaces often have large floor areas, heavy foot traffic, and specific cleaning schedules to avoid disruption during working hours.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Office / Commercial Space Size | Approximate Duration | Notes |
Small offices (under 100 m²) | 1–2 hours | Ideal for small teams or retail units |
Medium offices (100–300 m²) | 3–5 hours | Includes multiple rooms or corridors |
Large offices (300+ m²) | 6–8 hours or more | May require multiple technicians or overnight work |
For commercial settings, cleaners usually work after business hours, evenings, weekends, or overnight — so that drying and ventilation can occur before employees return. This approach ensures minimal interruption and safety.
The professional carpet cleaning duration also depends on the type of carpet material used in the office. For instance:
- Low-pile commercial carpets often clean faster and dry within hours.
- High-pile or decorative carpets in meeting rooms or hotels may take longer due to their texture and density.
Tile or sectioned carpets found in modular office layouts can be cleaned in zones, allowing certain areas to remain operational during cleaning.
Key Factors That Influence Cleaning Time
Several variables determine how long your carpet cleaning appointment will last. Here are the most important ones:
1. Size of the Area
The total surface area being cleaned is the biggest determinant of duration. Larger homes with multiple bedrooms and hallways naturally take longer than a single-room apartment. As a general rule, each room adds roughly 30–45 minutes to the total time.
2. Level of Soiling and Stains
Heavily soiled carpets or those with pet stains, wine spills, or traffic wear need extra attention. Pre-treatment and multiple passes of hot water extraction increase cleaning time but ensure a more thorough result.
3. Furniture and Room Preparation
If furniture must be moved, the process slows down. Many homeowners choose to clear small items and fragile furniture before technicians arrive to save time. Some companies move lightweight furniture for you, while others request that you handle it in advance.
4. Technician Experience and Equipment
Modern, truck-mounted or industrial-grade equipment can clean faster and more effectively than portable, older machines. Likewise, experienced technicians work efficiently while ensuring consistent results.
5. Accessibility and Layout
Multi-storey homes or properties with narrow staircases take longer because of the setup and movement between rooms. Ground-floor flats or open-plan layouts, on the other hand, are typically quicker to complete.
Drying Time After Carpet Cleaning
What to Expect During a Professional Carpet Cleaning Visit
Knowing what happens during a professional carpet cleaning appointment helps set realistic expectations and ensures a smooth, stress-free experience.
Here’s a general outline of what typically takes place during a visit:
1. Initial Inspection and Assessment
Your technician will begin by inspecting the type, condition, and problem areas of the carpet. This step helps determine the right cleaning method, such as hot water extraction or low-moisture encapsulation. They’ll also test for colourfastness and identify any stains requiring special pre-treatment.
2. Pre-Vacuuming and Spot Treatment
Before deep cleaning begins, the technician usually performs a thorough vacuuming to remove loose dust, pet hair, and debris. Stubborn spots (like coffee or ink stains) are then treated with targeted cleaning solutions to loosen residue before extraction.
While most of our reviews show that clients are highly satisfied with the stain removal results, it’s important to note that no professional carpet cleaning company can guarantee the complete removal of every stain. The outcome depends on several factors, including how long the mark has been there, the type of spill, and the carpet material itself. In many cases, the technician will test different products and methods to achieve the best possible result without damaging the fibres.
3. Deep Cleaning Process (Hot Water Extraction)
At this stage, the technician carries out a deep hot water extraction, which is widely regarded as the most effective and hygienic carpet cleaning method available today. A powerful machine injects a mixture of hot water and eco-friendly detergent deep into the carpet fibres, then immediately extracts it along with embedded dirt, dust mites, and bacteria.
This process not only refreshes the carpet’s appearance but also removes allergens and residues that regular vacuuming cannot reach. It’s a thorough and time-intensive step, typically taking 15 to 30 minutes per room, depending on the carpet’s size, fibre density, and the level of soiling.
4. Final Inspection and Client Review
Before leaving, the technician conducts a final walkthrough with the homeowner or office manager to ensure satisfaction. If any spots need extra attention, they’re re-treated immediately.
Overall, from setup to final inspection, a professional carpet cleaning visit for an average London home usually takes 2–3 hours, while large offices or commercial buildings may extend to a full day depending on area size.
How to Prepare Before Your Cleaning Appointment
A little preparation before your appointment can significantly shorten the cleaning duration and ensure a more effective result. Here are key steps you can take:
1. Declutter the Area
Remove small furniture, toys, plants, cords, and personal belongings from the carpeted area. This gives Our team easy access to every section and reduces setup time.
2. Vacuum Lightly (If Requested)
Some companies prefer clients to vacuum before arrival, while others handle this step themselves. Ask your cleaner in advance — if required, a quick vacuum helps remove surface dust and speeds up the deep clean.
3. Move Fragile or Valuable Items
We recommend moving any fragile or valuable items — such as glass decorations, ornaments, or electronics — to a safe location before the cleaning begins. Our team will carefully move any furniture that can be safely repositioned and clean underneath it to ensure a thorough result. However, please note that very heavy or fixed items, such as large beds or wardrobes, cannot be moved for safety reasons.
4. Are Your Cleaning Products Safe for Pets and Children?
Yes — absolutely. We use 100% safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly cleaning products that are gentle on both your family and the environment. Our solutions contain no harsh chemicals, making them completely safe for pets and young children once the cleaning process is complete.
That said, we do recommend minimising foot traffic on freshly cleaned carpets for a few hours. This allows the fibres to dry faster and prevents re-soiling while maintaining the best possible results.
5. Plan for Ventilation
Proper ventilation plays a key role in helping your carpets dry faster after cleaning. Whenever possible, open windows or use fans to increase airflow. However, we understand that during the UK’s rainy winter months, this may not always be practical.
In such cases, we recommend turning on your home’s heating system to maintain warm, consistent air circulation. If your property has underfloor heating, switching it on can significantly reduce drying time — in many cases, carpets can be completely dry within 2 to 4 hours, even during colder seasons.
By preparing ahead of time, you’ll help the cleaning crew complete their work more efficiently — saving both time and effort.
Conclusion about professional carpet cleaning duration
Understanding how long professional carpet cleaning takes helps you plan your day with confidence. While the duration depends on several factors, including property size, carpet condition, cleaning method, and furniture setup. Most London homeowners can expect the process to take around two to three hours, with drying completed within a few more.
By preparing your space in advance and choosing an experienced cleaning company, you’ll ensure not only a quicker appointment but also a fresher, longer-lasting result.
FAQ About Carpet Cleaning Duration in London
How long does it take to have your carpet professionally cleaned?
The total time depends on the size of the property, soil level, and cleaning method. For most London homes, carpet cleaning takes 1–3 hours, while small offices may require 2–5 hours.
Does drying time differ in winter vs. summer?
Yes. In winter, when humidity is higher and windows stay closed, carpets may take up to 6–8 hours to dry. In summer, warm air and ventilation can reduce drying time to 2–4 hours.
How often should carpets be professionally cleaned in London homes?
Most experts recommend a professional cleaning every 6–12 months for residential carpets, depending on foot traffic and household size.