How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost?

Carpet Cleaning Price Guide

If you’re an Australian homeowner wondering how much it costs to get your carpets professionally cleaned in 2024, you’ve come to the right place.

The average cost for carpet cleaning in Australia is about AU$200 per room, AU$80 per hour, and AU$30 to AU$50 per square metre (including GST).

Carpet cleaning prices can vary widely based on a number of factors, so it’s important to understand the costs involved before hiring a carpet cleaner.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the average carpet cleaning service prices per square metre, the costs for different carpet cleaning methods, additional services you can add on, and tips for saving money.

Read on for everything you need to know about carpet cleaning costs down under.

Average Carpet Cleaning Costs Per Square Meter in Australia

The average price for professional carpet cleaning in Australia ranges from AU$30 to AU$50 per sqm. However, prices can be higher or lower depending on your location, the size of the area being cleaned, and any extra services added.

Costs for Different Carpet Cleaning Techniques

There are several common methods professional carpet cleaners use, each with their own costs per square meter. The main methods include:

Specialty Stain Removal

For tough stains or heavily soiled high-traffic areas, specialty remedy may be used. They tend to cost more than standard methods.

• Spot removal – AU$50 to $70 per sqm
• Odor removal – AU$40 to AU$60 per sqm
• Pet urine removal – AU$50 to AU$80 per sqm

So if you have a standard carpet with average soiling, a standard steam clean carpets will likely be the most affordable option. But for carpets that need some extra attention, you may need to utilise more intensive (and expensive) cleaning techniques.

Carpet Cleaning Costs by Location

Location is one of the biggest factors affecting carpet cleaning prices per sqm in Australia. Cleaning companies in major cities often charge higher fees due to higher overheads and labor costs.

Here are some average price ranges based on location:

As you can see, costs tend to be highest in Australia’s biggest cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Regional areas usually have lower fees, making cleaning more affordable.

Before hiring a carpet cleaner, get quotes from several companies in your local area. Rates can vary widely even within the same city. With some smart shopping, you can find professional cleaning for a competitive price no matter where you live in Australia.

Common Carpet Cleaning Add-Ons

Basic carpet fibre cleaning usually covers only vacuuming and steam cleaning your carpets. However, many companies offer additional services for an extra fee:

• Spot treatment – AU$10 to $20
• Heavy traffic area cleaning – AU$5 to $15 per sqm
• Deodorising – AU$10 to $30 per room
• Remove pet urine & odors – AU$15 to $35 per room
• Carpet protection application – AU$20 to $40 per sqm
• Carpet rake or grooming – AU$5 to $20 per sqm
• Move furniture – AU$10 to $30 per room/square foot

If you want intensive marks, odor, and grime removal for your carpets, expect to pay more for these specialised add-on procedures. You’ll also likely be charged extra if the carpet cleaner has to move large furniture pieces to access all areas of your carpets.

Consider which extra services are worth the additional costs for your specific needs. For example, pet odor removal would be ideal if you have indoor animals. However carpet protection may not be necessary with standard wear and tear.

Factors That Affect Carpet Cleaning Costs

Several factors influence the overall price you’ll pay for carpet cleaning. Here are some of the main things that can impact the costs:

• Size of the area being cleaned – Larger rooms or multiple rooms will cost more overall than smaller, individual areas.
• Location – As mentioned earlier, major metro areas cost more than regional areas outside big cities.
• Type of carpeting – Delicate specialty rugs and carpets require more care, which adds to cleaning costs.
• Amount of soiling – Heavily soiled carpets take more time, effort, and cleaning products to clean.
• Odours – Difficult smudges, pet odors, and smells may need extensive care that cost extra.
• Furniture moving – If cleaners have to move large furniture to access all areas, expect added fees.
• Additional services – Things like fabric protection and deodoriser will increase the total cleaning price.
• Time of year – Peak seasons like spring and summer may come with premium or surge pricing.

The condition of your bedroom carpets and the services needed will have the biggest impact on the cleaning quote. Be sure to point out any problem areas or special needs when technicians visit for estimates.

Pros and Cons of Professional Rug Cleaning

Should you hire pro carpet cleaners, or is DIY cleaning enough? Here are some pros and cons to weigh when deciding:

Pros

• Thorough cleaning – Professional equipment can extract more dirt, grime, allergens, and dirt than rental units.
• Convenient – Reputable companies do all the work for you quickly and efficiently.
• Expertise – Experienced carpet techs are skilled at stubborn soil elimination, pet odors, and other cleaning challenges.
• Equipment – Truck-mounted steam equipment are far more powerful and effective than small rental units.
• Speed – Professional teams can clean your entire home’s carpets in a matter of hours.
• Value – Outsourcing cleaning frees up your time for other priorities.

Cons 

• Cost – Hiring pros costs more than DIY methods upfront. But it may be worth the investment long-term.
• Scheduling – You need to book appointments for pros to come out, which can take planning.
• Inconvenience – You have to tidy up and make areas accessible for carpet cleaners.
• Frequency – Professional deep cleaning should only be done every 12-18 months typically, not routinely like vacuuming.
• Availability – In rural areas, fewer carpet cleaning companies may offer the service.

For most households, the convenience and superior results make it well worth the cost. Just be sure to find an experienced, reputable company you can trust.

DIY Carpet Cleaning vs. Hiring Professionals

Here’s a quick comparison of DIY methods vs. hiring professionals:

DIY cleaning with rental equipment can provide decent results if done properly. But for busy households, outsourcing to professionals is often worth the investment. You’ll enjoy fresh carpets without having to do the work yourself.

Tips for Saving Money on Carpet Cleaning

If paying has you wincing, use these smart tips to reduce the costs:

• Search for carpet cleaning deals and coupons. Many companies offer seasonal discounts or first-time customer promos.
• Ask about weekend or off-peak pricing. Most service offer discounts for having work done during less busy times.
• Bundle services if cleaning multiple rooms. Get a discount for having all floor carpets cleaned at once.
• Move furniture yourself. Offer to handle basic furniture moving to avoid add-on fees.
• Pre-treat dirt. Use DIY spot removers ahead of time so experts require less intensive approach.
• Compare several quotes. Payments can vary dramatically, so shop around before choosing a mat purifier.
• Ask about additional discounts. You may get a lower price by requesting one or paying in cash.

With smart timing and shopping around, you can cut costs on carpet cleaning in Australia. Make sure to get a few quotes before choosing your cleaner.

The Bottom Line

While prices can vary based on your location, the size of your home, and the services needed, you can expect to pay approximately AU$30 to AU$50 per sqm for cleaning services in Australia.

Advanced filth, odor, and soil removal will cost more than a basic cleaning. But the investment is usually well worth it to keep your carpets looking fresh and clean. Be sure to shop around for quotes, and you can find an affordable and quality pro carpet cleaner in your area.