How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost in Australia?
Average Price Guide 2024
If your carpets are looking a little dull and dirty, you may be wondering what it would cost to hire professional cleaners to revitalise them. As an Australian homeowner, you probably want to get the best value for money when it comes to keeping your carpets clean and healthy.
The typical cost for professional carpet cleaning in Australia is AU$200 per room cleaned. Companies usually charge around AU$80 per hour. The average rate per square metre is AU$30-AU$50 including GST.
However, prices can vary quite a bit based on several key factors. We’ll break it all down in this guide so you know exactly what to budget for professional cleaning.
Average Carpet Cleaning Costs By Method
Let’s take a look at what you can expect to pay for some of the most common carpet cleaning techniques:
| Types Of Carpet Cleaning Method | Average Cost Per Sqm |
|---|---|
| Steam Cleaning | AU$30 – $40 |
| Dry Carpet Cleaning | AU$28 – $38 |
| Encapsulation | AU$28 – $40 |
| Shampoo Cleaning | AU$25 – $35 |
| Upholstery Cleaning | AU$30 – $45 |
| Mattress Cleaning | AU$30 – $45 |
As you can see in the table, steam-based hot water extraction is generally the priciest method – but also extremely effective for a deeper clean. On the lower end, simple shampooing costs less but doesn’t provide the same level heavy-duty cleaning.
Cost of Carpet Cleaning By Location
Your location in Australia makes a significant impact on the cost. Cleaning companies base their prices on the local costs of doing business plus labour and material expenses in your area.
Here are the typical price ranges you can expect to pay for carpet cleaning in major regions around Australia:
| Location | Avg. Cost per Sqm |
|---|---|
| Sydney | AU$30 – $55 |
| Melbourne | AU$30 – $50 |
| Brisbane | AU$30 – $45 |
| Perth | AU$30 – $45 |
| Adelaide | AU$20 – $40 |
| Regional Areas | AU$20 – $40 |
As shown in the table, Australia’s biggest major cities have the highest costs overall. But even within the same town, costs can range dramatically between providers. So be sure the shop around and compare ratings with several local companies.
Carpet Cleaning Additional Costs
The baseline cost for professional carpet cleaners usually includes the basic vacuuming and cleaning of your carpets. However, many companies offer additional services for extra fees:
| Add-On Service | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Spot treatment | AU$10 – $20 per spot |
| High-traffic area cleaning | AU$5 – $15 per sqm |
| Deodorising | AU$10 – $30 per room |
| Pet urine & odor removal | AU$15 – $35 per room |
| Carpet protection applications | AU$20 – $40 per sqm |
| Carpet grooming/raking | AU$5 – $20 per sqm |
| Furniture moving | AU$10 – $30 per room |
Depending on the current state of your carpets, extras like intensive stain removal may be worth paying more for. But things like fabric protection aren’t always necessary.
Key Factors That Determine Costs
Many variables affect pricing for cleaning jobs. Here are some of the top factors providers consider when quoting prices:
Size of Area Being Cleaned
Larger rooms or whole homes cost more overall than spot cleaning a single small bedroom.
Heavy Soiling and Staining
Heavily soiled carpets with lots of dirt, and traffic marks take longer to clean so prices are higher.
Carpet Fibre and Construction Type
Delicate specialty carpet materials require more care and attention, increasing costs.
Additional Solutions
Things like pet urine enzymes, odour removal, and protectants will tack on extra charges.
Location and Company Overheads
In major cities, real estate and operational expenses are higher so companies ask more.
When getting quotes, point out details like tough stains or pets that impact your quote. An accurate assessment means less surprise payment later.
Steam Vs. Dry Cleaning
Choosing between dry and steam carpet cleaning? Both revive tired rugs using different techniques. Dry relies on compounds while steam uses water for removing grime. Which option wins out?
Here is a comparison table:
| Method | Dry | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Dry compounds applied then agitated into fibers with brushes. Vacuumed completely out after. | Hot liquid and cleaning solution sprayed into carpet under high pressure. Excess moisture extracted out. |
| Drying Time | Very fast – carpets are walkable immediately after cleaning. | Typically 8-10 hours required for carpets to fully dry. |
| Cleanliness Level | Cleans surface dirt only from top of carpet fibers. | Lifts stubborn and deeper dirt from down in the base of the carpet. |
| Cost | Very affordable, lower cost option. | More expensive than dry cleaning but provides superior cleaning results. |
In summary:
- Dry compound cleaning is faster, affordable, and cleans surface dust/dirt
- Steam extraction gets carpets significantly cleaner but takes hours to dry
The Pros and Cons of DIY Carpet Cleaning vs Professionals
Should you rent equipment and tackle carpet cleaning yourself – or is it better to hire experts? Here’s an overview of the main advantages and disadvantages of each option:
Benefits of DIY
- More affordable upfront cost
- Clean whenever it fits your schedule
- Satisfaction of doing it yourself
Cons of DIY
- Requires significant physical effort
- Rental equipment less powerful
- Achieving uniform results is difficult
- Handling stubborn stains can be tricky
Benefits of Hiring Professionals
- Thorough, consistent deep cleaning results
- Latest tools and truck-mounted equipment
- Experts at removing marks and other issues
- Convenient – no work for you
Cons of Hiring Pros
- More expensive than DIY route
- Have to book quality service in advance
- Potential availability limits in rural areas
Ulitmately, while renting gear to clean carpets yourself may save money up front, homeowners often find the convenience and superior results are worth paying a professional service.
Expert Tips for Saving Money on Carpet Cleaning
Looking to cut costs to keep your quality carpets clean? Here are some handy tips:
- Search online for special deals and coupons from local companies. New customer and seasonal discounts can lower fees.
- Ask your provider about sales or specials during slower seasons or weekdays – it is often lower at those times.
- Offer to handle basic furniture moving yourself to avoid add-on fees.
- Bundle services by having all carpets cleaned at once rather than spacing out room by room.
- Pre-treat any problem spots yourself with off-the-shelf cleaning products before pros arrive. Less stubborn soiling means simpler and cheaper work for them.
- Pay attention to quotes and don’t be afraid to politely ask if any discounts or matching a competitor’s fee is possible. Some wiggle room may exist.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common queries:
How often should you get carpets professionally cleaned?
Ideally every 12 to 18 months. Clean more frequently in house with kids or pets.
What’s cheaper – renting a steam cleaner or hiring a pro?
Renting and DIY cleaning agents cost less but don’t come close in results.
Can I get fixed room price from commercial carpet cleaning companies?
Yes, you can get a quote within typical ranges but may adjust if unexpected factors arise.
The Bottom Line on Carpet Cleaning Prices in Australia
While prices for professional carpet cleaning services in Australia span from about AU$30 to $50 per sqm on average, costs vary considerably based on your location, provider, and service options needed.
Factors like extensive stain treatment or pet urine removal will understandably result in higher cost. But following tips like bundling room cleanings or checking for seasonal deals can help you save overall.
As Australians know well, calling in the pros for dirty work pays off in convenience and effectiveness for home services. So while DIY carpet cleaning is definitely cheaper, the professionals’ results and time savings make it worthwhile for many households.
