Professional carpet cleaning in Australia costs $25–$50 per room for steam cleaning, or $150–$400 for a standard 3-bedroom house. Prices vary significantly based on method, carpet condition, and how many rooms.
Carpet cleaning price guide — by method
| Method | Per room | 3-bedroom house | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) | $25–$50 | $150–$300 | Deep clean, most carpet types |
| Dry cleaning | $35–$60 | $200–$350 | Delicate carpets, faster dry time |
| Encapsulation | $20–$40 | $120–$250 | Commercial/maintenance cleans |
| Bonnet cleaning | $20–$35 | $120–$200 | Surface clean, hotels/commercial |
| Shampooing | $25–$45 | $150–$270 | Older method, less common now |
What affects the price
Stain treatment is the most common add-on — heavy pet stains, red wine, or vomit require pre-treatment at $20–$50 extra per stain. Carpet protection (Scotchgard-type coating) adds $20–$40 per room but extends time between cleans. Furniture moving adds $10–$20 per room if required.
Heavy soiling can double the price — if carpets haven't been cleaned in years and have deep-set dirt, expect to pay 50–100% more than the standard rate. Honest cleaners will assess this before quoting; less scrupulous ones quote low then charge for "heavy soil" on the day.
Carpet cleaning cost by city
| City | Per room (steam) | 3-bed house |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $35–$60 | $200–$350 |
| Melbourne | $30–$55 | $180–$320 |
| Brisbane | $28–$50 | $165–$300 |
| Perth | $28–$52 | $165–$305 |
| Adelaide | $25–$45 | $150–$270 |
| Hobart | $25–$45 | $150–$265 |
End-of-lease carpet cleaning — what you need to know
Most Australian tenancies require carpets to be professionally cleaned at the end of a lease. What matters is the receipt — many property managers require proof of professional cleaning regardless of the carpet's visual condition. Get a receipt that includes your address and the date. Budget $150–$300 for a standard rental property.
How much does carpet cleaning cost in Australia?
Professional carpet cleaning costs $25–$50 per room for steam cleaning, or $150–$300 for a 3-bedroom home. Prices are higher in Sydney and Melbourne. Heavy soiling, pet stains, or carpet protection treatments add to the cost. End-of-lease cleans typically run $150–$300 for a standard apartment or house.
How long does carpet cleaning take to dry?
Steam-cleaned carpets take 4–12 hours to fully dry depending on humidity, ventilation, and carpet thickness. Open windows and use fans to speed drying. Dry cleaning methods dry in 1–2 hours. Don't walk on wet carpets with shoes — it re-soils them immediately.
How often should you get carpets professionally cleaned?
Every 6–12 months for households with pets or children; every 12–18 months for adults-only households. Regular vacuuming between professional cleans extends the life of your carpet significantly. Most carpet manufacturers require professional cleaning every 12 months to maintain warranty.
Is steam cleaning the best method for carpets?
Hot water extraction (steam cleaning) is the most thorough method and recommended by most carpet manufacturers. It removes deep-set dirt and allergens that other methods leave behind. The main downside is longer drying time. Dry cleaning is better for delicate wool carpets or situations where fast drying is critical.
Does professional carpet cleaning remove pet stains and odours in Australia?
Hot water extraction can remove most pet stains and reduce odours significantly, but set-in stains and urine that has soaked into the underlay may require specialist enzyme treatment. Always disclose pet issues when booking — some cleaners charge extra for this.
How much does end of lease carpet cleaning cost in Australia?
End of lease carpet cleaning in Australia costs $150–$350 for a standard 2–3 bedroom home. Most cleaning companies offer a re-clean guarantee if the property manager isn't satisfied. Always get a receipt specifying all rooms cleaned.