I needed income while job searching, I started cleaning carpets using my professional Kirby machine. Do I still file this as self employment, although it wasn't an actual business? My startup costs we

Yes, you will prepare as Self-Employed, even though your income from carpet cleaning was not an actual business.

There is a great advantage to filing as self-employed because it allows you to claim the expenses for your side job, not just the income. Expenses including miles, business use of home office and supplies are all available to you. 

For more information on common business expenses, follow this link: Common Deductions for Businesses