How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost in Australia?

A Comprehensive Guide to Carpet Cleaning Costs and Methods

Carpets are an integral part of most homes in Australia. Not only do they add warmth and comfort, they can really tie a room together. However, carpets are also prone to collecting dirt, dust mites, allergens, and spots over time. Regular carpet cleaning is essential to extend the life of your carpets and improve the air quality in your home.

But how much should you expect to pay for professional carpet cleaning? The cost of carpet cleaning in Australia ranges from $30 to $50 per room or $2 to $5 per square meter. They can vary quite a bit depending on several factors.

Wow Carpet Cleaning Sydney is here to guide you in breaking down the average prices per room and per square meter across the country. We’ll also explore the different kinds of carpet cleaning processes, additional services, and tips for choosing a reputable expert.

Average of Carpet Cleaning Prices in Australia

On average, expect to pay the following for expert cleaning services in Australia:

• $30 to $50 per room
• $2 to $5 per square meter
• $180 to $350 for a 3 bedroom home
• $250 to $500 for a 5 sleeping room
• $50 to $100 for carpeted stairs or hallways

Carpet cleaning prices are usually charged per room or per square meter. Stairs, hallways, and other high-traffic areas often have an extra cost.

Here’s an overview of average cleaning costs in major Australian cities:

Why Regular Carpet Cleaning is Important

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand why regular carpet care is so crucial:

• Health: Carpets trap dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander and other allergens. It improves air purity and reduces allergy symptoms.
• Appearance: It brightens carpets and restores their color. It removes spots, traffic patterns and embedded dirt.
• Longevity: It extends the life of your carpet by removing abrasive particles that can cut carpet fibres. It also prevents mold and bacteria growth.
• Safety: Cleaned carpets are safer for children and the elderly by preventing slips, trips, and falls.

Most experts recommend professional services every 12 to 18 months to protect your investment and health.

Factors That Affect Carpet Cleaning Prices

Several factors impact the cost of expert services:

Size of Carpet

Larger homes with more carpeted square meters will be more expensive to clean. Likewise, homes with fewer carpeted rooms or meters will cost less. Stairs and hallways may have an additional charge.

Kinds of Carpet Fibers

Carpets made from delicate natural fibers like wool or silk often require gentle methods. These specialty carpets will cost more than basic synthetic fibers like nylon or olefin.

Condition of Carpet

Heavily soiled carpets with multiple spots take longer to clean. Any deep cleaning or extra effort to remove pet urine or odors will increase costs.

Cleaning Procedure

Some methods like steam cleaning penetrate deeper for a more thorough clean. Advanced methods cost more than basic dry carpet methods.

Types of Carpet Cleaning Methods

Hot Water Extraction

Also known as steam carpet cleaning, this method is considered the most effective and thorough. High pressure hot liquid and special product are injected deep into the carpet fibers to loosen dirt and spots. Powerful suction immediately extracts the dirty liquid and residues. This method removes the most allergens, bacteria, grease, and embedded grime from carpets. Ideal for heavily soiled high traffic areas.

Procedure:

1. Carpet is pre-treated with cleaning products.
2. Warm liquid and products are injected into the carpet at high pressure.
3. Powerful suction immediately extracts the dirt and liquids.
4. Carpets are left to fully dry.

Cost: $0.20 – $0.40 per sq. ft.

Shampoo Method

A foam of this is worked into the carpet pile with rotating brushes. The soap suds help lift dirt to the area. It is then thoroughly rinsed to remove all traces of cleanser, which can attract new soil if left behind. The rinse liquid is extracted with a wet vacuum. This method is gentler but still gets carpets clean. Best for lightly soiled carpets.

Procedure:

1. Carpet is vacuumed thoroughly before wet cleanser is applied.
2. This cleanser worked into the carpet pile with rotating brushes.
3. Carpets are rinsed thoroughly with clean liquid to remove cleanser.
4. Excess liquid is extracted with wet vacuum.
5. Carpet is left to dry completely.

Cost: $0.15 – $0.25 per sq. ft.

Dry Carpet Cleaning

This method uses an absorbent mixture of detergents and solvents. The granules are worked into the carpet fibers where they dissolve and encapsulate oily dirt and grime on contact. Once fully dry, the compound with the attached soil is vacuumed away. This leaves carpets clean, dry, and ready to use quickly. Ideal for quick cleans.

Procedure:

1. A dry cleaning compound is spread evenly across the carpet.
2. The granules attach to dirt and oils and dissolve deposits.
3. Once fully dried, the carpet is thoroughly vacuumed.
4. Embedded dirt rises to the area and is removed.

Cost: $0.20 – $0.30 per sq. ft.

Encapsulation Method

This involves applying crystallising cleaning products to carpet fibers. The crystals trap dirt, oils, and spots as they dissolve into the carpet pile. Once dried, the carpets are vacuumed which removes all the encapsulated dirt residues. This low-moisture method cleans carpets quickly without excess liquids. Great for light soiling.

Procedure:

1. Crystallising products are brushed into the carpet fibers.
2. The crystals trap dirt and oils as they work into the pile.
3. Once fully dried, the carpet is vacuumed to remove dirt and residue.

Cost: $0.25 – $0.35 per sq. ft.

Bonnet Cleaning

This involves absorbing dirt and spots from the carpet area using cotton or microfiber bonnets. The bonnets are attached to rotating floor pads which work the cleansing products into the carpet. As they become saturated with soil, they are swapped out for clean ones. A rinse solution is applied to further dissolve dirt and oils to be absorbed. This is fast-drying and effective for light cleaning.

Procedure:

1. Carpet is vacuumed thoroughly before starting.
2. Absorbent bonnets are placed under rotating pads which agitate the area.
3. Bonnets pick up dirt as they spin across the carpet.
4. Once saturated, bonnets are replaced with clean ones.
5. A rinse formula may be applied to extract more soil.
6. Wet/dry vacuum removes residue.

Cost: $0.15 – $0.25 per sq. ft.

Rug Cleaning

Thorough vacuuming and fringe/edging washing prepare rugs for thorough cleaning. Heavily soiled areas are pre-treated before washing. Rugs are cleaned with specialised equipment based on size and fiber. This may include immersion baths and advanced spot removals. Rugs are dried flat or hung to prevent damage. More time consuming and expensive than carpet cleaning.

Procedure:

1. Rugs are thoroughly vacuumed on both sides before washing.
2. Fringe and edging are treated with fabric protection.
3. Rugs are pre-treated to loosen spots.
4. Cleaning products is applied with specialised equipment.
5. Rinsing removes all residues.
6. Rugs are dried flat or hung to prevent damage.

Cost: $2.50 – $5.00 per sq. ft.

Upholstery Cleaning

Upholstered furniture is thoroughly vacuumed before applying cleaning solvent tailored to the material. Spot removers are used on heavy soiling. Cleaning is performed with truck mounted steam, dry compound, or extraction methods. All residues are rinsed away completely. Upholstery is allowed to fully dry before use to prevent mold growth. More meticulous than carpet cleaning.

Procedure:

1. Upholstery is thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned by hand.
2. Spots are pre-treated based on fabric.
3. Truck mounted cleaning, dry compound or extraction applied.
4. Rinsing removes all residuals.
5. Allowed to fully dry before using.

Cost: $0.20 – $0.50 per sq. ft.

Additional Carpet Cleaning Services

Extra services offered by experts include:

• Stain – Using targeted spot removers and repeated cleaning of tough stains. Adds $5 to $20 per spot.
• Pet urine – Deodorisers and repeated cleaning to fully remove all pet urine. Adds $10 to $30 per room.
• Sanitising – Applying antimicrobials to disinfect carpet fibers. $0.10 to $0.30 per square foot.
• Deodorising – Spraying deodorisers and odor eliminators. $15 to $30 per room.
• Carpet protection – Seals carpet fibers to resist future spots. $0.25 to $0.40 per sq. ft.
• Rush service – Paying extra for next day or weekend service. Adds 25% to 50% per job.

DIY Carpet Cleaning

Homeowners can rent carpet cleaning machines from hardware stores for $25 to $50 per day. Chemical cleaners will cost $10 to $30.

This allows DIY cleaning of carpets for $50 to $100 for a whole house. However, results are often inferior to professionals with truck mounted units.

You can also purchase handheld carpet cleaners like Bissell and Rug Doctor for home use. Depending on the features, these run from $120 to $400.

Professional vs DIY Carpet Cleaning

Hiring professional cleaners has several advantages over DIY methods:

• More powerful equipment like truck mounts penetrate deeper for superior cleaning.
• Professionals have more experience treating tough spots and pet odors.
• It saves you time and effort – no equipment to rent or buy.
• Proper techniques extend carpet life by preventing damage.
• No hassle of hauling equipment or handling wet carpets.

Consider calling the pros at least once per year for optimal results. Quick DIY method in between will maintain your investment.

How to Choose a Carpet Cleaner

Here are tips for selecting reputable professional carpet cleaners:

• Check reviews – Choose companies with consistently favorable reviews. Avoid relying solely on price.
• Confirm credentials – Look for IICRC certification which denotes proper training.
• Ask about process – Do they move furniture, pre-treat spots, offer stain removal, etc?
• Request an estimate – Get an onsite written estimate so there are no hidden surprises.
• Check equipment – Modern truck mounts are superior to portable steam cleaners.
• Compare cleaning agents – Environmentally safe, non-toxic solutions are ideal.
• Ask about guarantees – Many offer satisfaction guarantees if you aren’t pleased with the services.

FAQ’s

Does expert cleaning services get out all spots?

In most cases yes, as long as spots are treated quickly before they set in. For challenging spots, repeated procedure may be required.

Is carpet cleaning worth the cost?

Absolutely! Regular cleaning extends carpet life, removes allergens, and keeps your home looking its best.

Does carpet cleaning remove odors and pet urine smell?

Yes, truck mounted extraction combined with pet odor procedure will fully eliminate urine smells.

Should you vacuum before getting expert cleaning services?

Yes, vacuuming first allows the expert to focus on intensive cleaning the fibres rather than dirt and dust.

Conclusion

Home size, carpet fiber types, level of soiling and chosen cleaning procedure impact prices. Additional services like spot cleaning or deodorising will add to costs.

While DIY cleaning initially seems more affordable, expert services yield superior results. Truck-mounted cleaning extracts more dirt and allergens from carpets compared to rental equipment.

To keep residential and commercial carpets looking their best while avoiding premature replacement, it is recommended to hire expert cleaning services every 12 to 18 months. For health and appearance, clean carpets are worth the investment.