How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost? 2024
Professional Carpet Cleaning Costs Normal Range $150 – $240
If you’re an Australian homeowner wondering how much it costs to get your carpets professionally cleaned, you’ve come to the right place!
The average cost of carpet cleaning in Australia ranges from $30 – $50 per room or $0.10 – $0.30 per square metre. Expect to pay around $150 for a 3 bedroom and up to $300 for a 5 bedroom house. Stairs and hallways typically cost extra.
But carpet cleaning prices can vary quite a bit based on several factors like the size of your home, type of carpeting, how dirty it is, and method used. Read on to learn why regular carpet cleaning is so important and what impacts the costs.
Why Regular Carpet Cleaning Matters
Before we dive into prices, it’s helpful to understand why professional carpet cleaning is so important for your home. Here are a few key benefits:
- Health: Carpets trap dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens. Regular cleaning helps improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms.
- Appearance: Makes carpets look new again by removing stains, embedded dirt, and matted traffic patterns.
- Longevity: Cleaning extends the life of carpets by preserving fibers and preventing damage.
- Safety: Removes grease and oil that cause slip hazards. Also kills dust mites, fleas, and other pests.
Average Carpet Cleaning Prices
Here’s a quick overview of typical price ranges for professional carpet cleaning in Australia:
| Cleaning Service | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Per room | $30 – $50 |
| Per square metre | $0.10 – $0.30 |
| 3 bedroom home | $120 – $180 |
| 5 bedroom home | $250 – $350 |
| Hallway | $20 – $50 |
| Stairs | $30 – $80 |
But costs can be higher or lower depending on many factors. Keep reading to learn what impacts pricing.
What Affects the Cost of Professional Carpet Cleaning?
The total price to get your carpets cleaned depends on several key factors:
A) Size of Carpeted Area
Larger homes with more rooms and square metres of carpeting will cost more to clean. As shown above, you can expect to pay around $30 – $50 per standard room in a house. The number of bedrooms is also used to estimate costs. A 3 bedroom home averages $120 – $180 while a large 5 bedroom home would be $250 – $350.
Hallways and stairs add additional cleaning time and difficulty. Stairs may cost $30 – $80 depending on height. Hallways range from $20 for shorter ones up to $50 for long hallways.
B) Type of Carpet Fibers
Carpets come in different fibres like nylon, polyester, wool, or blends. The fibre type affects the difficulty of cleaning and drying time:
- Wool – More delicate and takes longer to dry. Harder to clean.
- Nylon – Easier to clean and dries faster. Low cost.
- Polyester – Budget option but doesn’t clean as well.
- Olefin – Very durable and dries quickly. Easy to clean. Added cost.
So wool carpeting will be pricier to clean due to more time needed while polyester and olefin are cheaper.
C) Condition of Carpet
Heavily soiled carpets or those with difficult stains will cost more to clean thoroughly. Why? The technician needs to put in extra time, effort, and cleaning solutions to restore it.
Factors that increase cleaning time:
- High foot traffic – matted down and embedded dirt
- Years without cleaning – built up grime is harder to remove
- Pet stains – require enzyme cleaners and repeated cleans
- Food/drink stains – may penetrate fibres and set over time
- Ground in dirt – needs heavy duty equipment
So expect to pay 15-30% more for carpets in poor condition vs lightly soiled.
D) Method of Carpet Cleaning
There are several methods professional cleaners use. The type of system and solutions impact cost:
- Steam/Hot Water Extraction – Most effective but more time consuming. $0.25-0.40 per sq.m.
- Dry Cleaning – No downtime but not as deep. $0.15-0.30 per sq.m.
- Bonnet Cleaning – Surface cleaning only. $0.10-0.20 per sq.m.
- Shampoo – Least effective method. Lower cost. $0.05-0.15 per sq.m.
Steam cleaning costs the most but cleans deeply. Dry cleaning and bonnet cleaning can’t remove heavy soil. Shampoo cleans lightly.
Average Carpet Cleaning Costs
To give you a better idea, here are the typical price ranges for professional carpet cleaning in Australia:
National Average Carpet Cleaning Prices
| Service | National Average Price |
|---|---|
| Per standard room | $30 – $50 |
| Per square metre | $0.15 – $0.30 |
| 3 bedroom home | $120 – $180 |
| 5 bedroom home | $250 – $350 |
| Hallway | $25 – $50 |
| Stairs | $40 – $60 |
Carpet Cleaning Prices in Major Cities
Here are the average prices in some of Australia’s biggest metro areas:
Brisbane
| Service | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Standard room | $30 – $50 |
| Square metre | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| 3 bedrooms | $110 – $170 |
| 5 bedrooms | $240 – $330 |
Gold Coast
| Service | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Standard room | $35 – $55 |
| Square metre | $0.12 – $0.28 |
| 3 bedrooms | $140 – $190 |
| 5 bedrooms | $240 – $330 |
Sydney
| Service | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Standard room | $40 – $60 |
| Square metre | $0.20 – $0.40 |
| 3 bedrooms | $150 – $220 |
| 5 bedrooms | $300 – $400 |
Melbourne
| Service | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Standard room | $35 – $55 |
| Square metre | $0.15 – $0.35 |
| 3 bedrooms | $130 – $200 |
| 5 bedrooms | $260 – $380 |
Perth
| Service | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Standard room | $25 – $45 |
| Square metre | $0.10 – $0.20 |
| 3 bedrooms | $100 – $150 |
| 5 bedrooms | $220 – $300 |
Adelaide
| Service | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Standard room | $20 – $40 |
| Square metre | $0.10 – $0.15 |
| 3 bedrooms | $80 – $130 |
| 5 bedrooms | $180 – $250 |
So as you can see, Sydney and Melbourne tend to be the priciest while Adelaide is the most affordable for carpet cleaning. But prices also depend on other factors like fibre type and condition.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Methods
Professional carpet cleaners use several different methods. The type of system used impacts cleaning effectiveness and cost:
A) Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning)
This method is also known as steam cleaning. It’s considered the most effective cleaning technique and costs $0.25 – $0.40 per square metre.
Here’s how it works:
- A truck-mounted unit heats water to high temperatures.
- The pressurised hot water and cleaning solution are sprayed onto the carpets to break up dirt and stains.
- Powerful suction immediately extracts the dirty water and soil back into the truck unit.
- Fast drying time of 6-12 hours.
The hot pressurised water can penetrate carpet fibres, lifting even ground-in dirt. Truck mounts generate the best results but are heavy and cumbersome. Portable extractors can also be highly effective for in-home use.
B) Dry Carpet Cleaning
This uses a minimal amount of liquid applied to special cleaning compounds. Pads or absorbent materials are used to scrub carpets and absorb dirt. Costs $0.15 – $0.30 per square metre.
There are a few different dry cleaning methods:
- Absorbent granules – Sprinkle on, scrubbed in, then vacuumed away.
- Bonnet cleaning – Cotton bonnets or microfibre pads scrub carpet.
- Encapsulation – Crystallizing detergents are worked into carpet then vacuumed up.
Benefits: Dries fast with little downtime. No risk of over-wetting.
Drawbacks: Not as deep cleaning. Won’t remove heavy soiling.
C) Shampoo Carpet Cleaning
A foaming shampoo solution is worked into the carpet using a machine or by hand. Then vacuumed up along with dirt. Costs $0.05 – $0.15 per square metre.
Benefits: Budget method. No expensive equipment needed.
Drawbacks: Doesn’t deep clean or sanitise. Long drying time.
D) Bonnet Cleaning
Uses an absorbent bonnet or pad underneath a rotary floor buffer. The spinning bonnet is moved across carpets to scrub dirt loose. Solutions can be sprayed to help lift grime. Costs around $0.10 – $0.20 per square metre.
Great for light maintenance cleaning between deeper cleans. Won’t remove heavy soiling from high traffic areas.
E) Rug Cleaning
Hand woven wool rugs need specialised cleaning methods. Prices vary greatly based on size and delicacy. Expect to pay around $30 per square metre for rug cleaning.
Benefits: Safely deep cleans delicate, expensive rugs.
Drawbacks: Time consuming. High cost. Long dry times.
F) Upholstery Cleaning
Sofas, chairs and other upholstered furniture can be cleaned using steam, dry foam or chemical solvents. Prices range from $50 for an armchair up to $200 for a large couch.
Benefits: Removes odors, dirt, and stains from fabric.
Drawbacks: Long drying times. Risk of water marks or shrinkage.
So in summary, steam carpet cleaning offers the best results but comes at a higher price. Lower cost methods like bonnet cleaning sacrifice deep cleaning ability for faster drying.
Additional Carpet Cleaning Services
Beyond standard carpet cleaning, you can request add-on services for specific issues:
- Stain removal – Pre-treatments and repeated cleaning to lift stubborn stains. $15-30 per stain.
- Pet treatment – Enzyme cleaners and deodorizers to remove pet urine and odors. $20-40 per room.
- Carpet protectors – Liquid repellents applied during cleaning. Protect from future stains. $0.50 per square metre.
- Deodorizers – Granulated or liquid deodorizers applied to carpets. $15-30 per room.
- Sanitising – Hospital grade disinfectants to kill germs and bacteria. $30-60 per room.
- Anti-static solutions – Reduce static electricity in carpets. $0.25 per square metre.
- Fabric protection – Shields carpet fibers from future stains. Liquid repellents applied during cleaning. $0.50 per square metre.
Expect to add $50-150 onto your total cleaning cost if you require heavy stains removed, pet mess or several add-on services.
DIY Carpet Cleaning Options
Looking to save money by cleaning carpets yourself? Here are some common DIY methods and approximate costs:
- Rental steam cleaners – Available from supermarkets and hardware stores. $30-50 per day.
- Purchased portable steamers – Home carpet cleaners range from $150-800 to buy. Good for occasional use.
- Shampooers – Manual or electric models. $30-100 to purchase.
- Cleaning solutions – Shampoos, spot removers, enzyme cleaners. $10-30 per bottle.
- Scrub brushes – Help work in cleaning solutions. $10-20 each.
- Slip-on bristle brushes – Attach to broom for manual scrubbing. $15-25 each.
While DIY carpet cleaning costs less upfront, it requires more physical effort. Without the powerful suction of professional truck mounts, you may not achieve the same level of clean.
Professional vs DIY Carpet Cleaning
Is it worth hiring a pro cleaner or can you get similar results doing it yourself? Here’s a comparison:
Professional Cleaning Pros:
- Better equipment – truck mounts & powerful steamers
- Stronger cleaning solutions
- Hotter water and suction for superior cleaning
- Professionals with years of experience
- Faster drying times
- Sanitising and deodorising services
DIY Cleaning Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- No scheduling – clean whenever needed
- Lower prices for spot cleaning or single rooms
- Handy for minor spills or frequent maintenance
For heavily soiled carpets, professional cleaning is strongly advised. The powerful suction lifts years of grime from deep in the carpet fibers, leaving them fresh and clean.
For maintenance cleaning between deep cleans, DIY methods can freshen things up at a lower price point. Focus on high traffic areas and spot cleaning.
How to Choose a Carpet Cleaning Company
When hiring professional carpet cleaners, look for these signs of a good quality company:
- Strong online reviews – Check independent sites like Google, Facebook, Yelp.
- Prompt service – Offer timely appointments within a few days.
- Certified technicians – Trained and certified by the IICRC or NCCA.
- Truck mounted units – More powerful than portable services.
- Upfront pricing – Provide quotes over email, phone or online booking.
- Reclean guarantee – Will re-clean any spots they missed for free.
- Permanent stains – Have products and knowledge to remove tough stains.
- Clear communication – Available by phone and email to answer all questions.
- Positive demeanor – Friendly, polite staff who respect your home.
- Carpet cleaning specialization – Focused on carpets over general services.
Take time to research companies, read reviews, and inspect cleaning methods before choosing a pro for your high dollar carpets. Reputable cleaners want to provide outstanding service and results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about professional carpet cleaning services:
How often should you get carpets cleaned?
Every 12-18 months is recommended for light traffic areas. High foot traffic areas may need cleaning every 6-12 months.
Does professional cleaning really make a difference?
Yes, truck mounted steam cleaning thoroughly removes ground-in dirt that DIY cleaners can’t touch. Results are night and day.
When is the best time to clean carpets?
Schedule at times when you can allow 6-12 hours of drying time. Ideal times are summer and spring when windows can be opened to ventilate the home.
Does carpet cleaning remove all stains?
Not guaranteed. Old or set-in stains may persist after cleaning. Severe stains may require advanced spot treatments.
Is it cheaper to clean only high traffic areas?
Sometimes. Many companies still charge a minimum 1 room fee. Cleaning entryways and halls only may not save much.
Should you vacuum before professional cleaning?
Yes! Always vacuum thoroughly right before. It allows the cleaners to remove more dirt and soils from carpet fibers.
What’s the best method for pet stains?
Look for enzyme cleaners and anti-microbial products. Cleaning with truck mounts provides the best results for lifting stubborn organic stains.
How long does carpet stay wet after cleaning?
4-6 hours typically but up to 12 hours for wool carpet. Ask cleaners about drying times for your specific carpet.
How much does commercial carpet cleaning cost?
Commercial carpet cleaning costs more than residential due to the larger areas and high foot traffic. Expect to pay $0.20 – $0.40 per square metre for a professional service using the steam or dry method. The total cost for cleaning offices or retail spaces can range from $500 up to $3000 or more, depending on square footage. Multi-story buildings or large open concept areas will be at the higher end. Extra services like stain protection, sanitising, and deodorizing will also add to the costs.
Tip to Save:
Schedule professional carpet cleaning in the spring or summer when companies are less busy and may offer discounts. Bundle services like carpet, upholstery, and tile floor cleaning together for a discount on total pricing. Check Groupon or search “[Your City] carpet cleaning coupons” online for special discounted rates from new companies looking for business. For DIY cleaning, rent steamers on weekday mornings for lower hourly rates. Buy cleaning solutions in concentrated form and dilute with water to get more use out of products. Focus DIY efforts only on heavy traffic areas and spot stains to reduce labor time.
Conclusion
Regular professional carpet cleaning maintains the look and lifespan of your carpets. While prices vary, expect to invest around $30 – $50 per standard room to revive that fresh, fluffy feel underfoot.
Focus first on high traffic areas like entries, hallways, and living spaces. Bedrooms often stay cleaner longer. Move furniture to fully access all areas and get your money’s worth.
Choosing a top rated cleaner, rather than the cheapest, results in better experiences. Their equipment, solutions, and experience lead to superior cleaning results and stain removal.
Now that you know what impacts the cost of carpet cleaning in Australia, you can budget accordingly. Reach out to leading local cleaners to request quotes. And get ready to be amazed when they restore vibrant color and renew that soft, welcoming feel to tired old carpets.
