How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Cost in Australia 2025

Regular cleaning helps to keep your home spotless, preserve your carpet fibres and stop your home from gathering dust, allergens and grime. Carpet cleaning services are beneficial when moving out, dealing with a heavily soiled carpet or wanting to freshen your home and leave it gleaming.

But how much does carpet cleaning actually cost in Australia? Carpet cleaning prices depend on the carpet cleaning method, price per room, price per square metre and your location. In this complete carpet cleaning price guide, we explain carpet cleaning costs, rug cleaning prices, the overall cost and how to get the best value from your clean.

Average Carpet Cleaning Costs in Australia

The carpet cleaning price will depend on the type of carpet cleaning services, the size of the cleaning job and any additional costs like moving furniture and applying fabric protection.

Service

Average Cost Per Room

Average Cost Per Square Metre

Standard Carpet Cleaning

$30 – $60

$2.50 – $4.50

Steam Cleaning (Hot Water Extraction)

$35 – $75

$3.00 – $5.00

Dry Carpet Cleaning

$30 – $70

$2.80 – $4.80

Rug Cleaning

$25 – $60 per rug

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Upholstery Cleaning

$30 – $100 per seat

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• Minimum cleaning cost: $25 per room
• Maximum carpet cleaning costs: $100+ per room
• National average: $2.70 – $5.00 per square metre

Cost by Property Size

Carpet cleaning companies often charge based on per room or the total square metres:

Property Size

Average Price

1 Room

$30 – $60

2 Bedroom Apartment

$80 – $150

3 Bedroom House

$120 – $250

4 Bedroom House

$150 – $300

Whole House

$200 – $450

Steam Cleaning vs Dry Carpet Cleaning

Steam cleaning and dry carpet cleaning are two of the most popular carpet cleaning methods. Bonnet carpet cleaning is another cleaning method but isn’t the most effective for domestic carpets and only cleans the top layer of carpet well.

Steam cleaning (also known as hot water extraction) usesa high-pressure machine to force hot water and cleaning agents into the carpet, breaking down dirt, debris and even tough stains. Powerful vacuuming sucks out the contaminants and leaves the carpet spotless. It’s the best way to get a deep clean but comes with a drying time of 4–24 hours.

Dry carpet cleaning involves the application of a low-moisture cleaning agent and a mechanical agitation action to clean the carpets with little or no water involved. Drying time is significantly lower than steam cleaning (1–2 hours), and the method is often preferred by commercial spaces or when light soil needs to be removed.

Steam clean carpet cost is generally higher than dry carpet cleaning but can be more effective on heavily soiled carpets and with stain removal.

Factors Affecting Carpet Cleaning Prices

1. Area Size

• Per room pricing is common for smaller homes.
• Larger spaces are priced per square metre.

2. Carpet Type

• Delicate carpet fibres like wool require correct techniques and may have an additional cost.

3. Cleaning Method

• Carpet cleaning companies offer standard clean, deep clean, and fabric protection options.
• Hot water extraction may cost more than dry cleaning but delivers a more thorough professional clean.

4. Stains and Soiling

• Removing tough stains from pets, wine, or coffee may add $10–$30 to the total cost.

5. Furniture and Access

• Upholstery cleaning or moving furniture can increase pricing.
• Multi-storey access or difficult-to-reach rooms may cost more.
• The urgency of the job can also influence the price of carpet cleaning services.

Rug Cleaning and Upholstery Cleaning Costs

Rug Cleaning

• Small rug: $25 – $40
• Medium rug: $40 – $60
• Large rug: $60 – $100
• Delicate or Oriental rug cleaning: $80 – $150

Upholstery Cleaning

• Lounge or sofa cleaning: $30 – $100 per seat.
• Adding fabric protection after upholstery cleaning can help repel dirt and extend the lifespan of the furniture.

DIY Carpet Cleaning vs Professional Carpet Cleaners

Renting a DIY carpet cleaning machine will cost you between $40 and $60 per day. However, these machines often require attachments and specialised knowledge to get the best results.

Professional carpet cleaners have access to industry-grade carpet cleaning machines and the latest carpet cleaning techniques to ensure consistent results. Professional carpet cleaners know how to handle carpet fibres, treat stains and deep clean effectively.

DIY carpet cleaning can save on overall cleaning cost but, in most cases, a professional clean will provide better long-term value and result in a healthier home environment. You may also reduce the risk of mould growth caused by improper cleaning methods.

Carpet and Fabric Protection

Fabric and carpet protection can be applied after cleaning by professional cleaners. This will coat the carpet fibres, repelling dirt and stains and reducing the number of required cleans. Carpet and fabric protection is an additional cost but can save you money over time. Carpet cleaning memberships may also affect your ongoing carpet cleaning costs.

Tips for Reducing Carpet Cleaning Costs

1. Bundle services – Combine carpet cleaning services, rug cleaning, and upholstery cleaning for discounts.
2. Regular cleaning – Schedule cleans every 6–12 months to avoid deep clean surcharges.
3. Declutter before the job – Moving furniture yourself can reduce the cleaning cost.
4. Choose local carpet cleaners – Hiring nearby can cut travel fees.

Hiring a Professional Carpet Cleaning Company

When choosing a professional carpet cleaning service:

• Check reviews for local carpet cleaners.
• Ask about cleaning industry certifications.
• Confirm whether they use steam cleaning, dry carpet cleaning, or other professional carpet cleaning methods.
• Request a detailed carpet cleaning price list to avoid unexpected charges.

Professional carpet cleaning companies provide peace of mind with trained cleaners, insured services, and industry-standard equipment.

Typical Carpet Cleaning Pricing Guide by Location

City

Per Room Price

Sydney

$40 – $80

Melbourne

$35 – $75

Perth

$35 – $70

Brisbane

$35 – $75

Adelaide

$35 – $70

Gold Coast

$35 – $70

Canberra

$35 – $70

Hobart

$30 – $65

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does carpet cleaning cost per room?

Between $30 and $60, depending on size, carpet cleaning method, and location.

What is the cost of steam cleaning carpets?

Steam cleaning ranges from $3.00 to $5.00 per square metre or $35 – $75 per room.

How long is the drying time?

• Dry carpet cleaning: 1–2 hours.
• Steam cleaning: 4–24 hours.

Is there an additional cost for stain removal?

Yes, tough stains or heavily soiled carpets may incur extra charges.

Should I choose a professional clean or hire a machine?

A professional carpet cleaner with correct techniques and specialised equipment will usually deliver better results and prolong the life of your carpet.

Final Thoughts

The overall carpet cleaning cost depends on the carpet cleaning method, size of the area and any additional services you may want. Compare carpet cleaning quotes, choose local carpet cleaners and schedule regular cleaning to keep your carpets looking fresh while managing your cleaning budget.

A professional carpet clean isn’t just about appearances – it’s about protecting your investment and keeping your home healthier. We often see carpets that look fine on the surface but are hiding dust, allergens, and deep-down grime. Whether it’s a quick refresh or a deep steam clean, the right method can extend the life of your carpets and make a noticeable difference straight away.” Lindsay, Jim’s Carpet Cleaning

Trade Heroes is your trusted Australian online directory for quality carpet cleaning services. We include rug cleaning and upholstery cleaning companies in our verified and reviewed list of local professionals. Explore transparent pricing from local verified professionals and request a tailored carpet cleaning quote to see the difference a true professional clean can make.