How much does carpet cleaning cost in Australia in 2025?

Professional carpet cleaning can range from $40 to $130 per room, with whole-house services starting from $200.

Key takeaways: Carpet cleaning costs vary from $40 to $130 per room, with higher rates in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Cleaning methods affect price and results—steam cleaning is deep but slow-drying, while dry cleaning is faster but less thorough. Research before hiring—compare quotes, check certifications and ask about guarantees for quality service.

We know what you’re thinking—why pay someone else when you’ve got a perfectly good vacuum at home? But here’s the thing: proper cleaning can extend your carpet’s lifespan, and anyone with allergies will tell you the difference is massive. Whether you’re preparing for guests or maintaining your home’s hygiene, professional carpet cleaning can transform your living space. 

Wondering how much carpet cleaning costs these days? This article has got you covered. But before you book a service, it’s important to understand carpet cleaning costs and what influences them.

How much does it cost to clean a carpet in Australia?

Carpet cleaning service costs in Australia typically range from $35 to $65 per room, depending on various factors such as room size, carpet type, and cleaning method. Here’s a breakdown of average costs:

Service type	Average cost range
Single room cleaning	$35 – $65
Three-bedroom home	$190 – $320
Per square metre	$3 – $6
Steam cleaning (per hour)	$40 – $50
Dry cleaning (per room)	$35 – $65
Stain treatment (per stain)	$12 – $28

 

Disclaimer: The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources. Use the listed prices only as a benchmark when setting your budget. Moreover, as different areas have local taxes and service fees, the estimated rates mentioned in the article are subject to change.

Several key factors affect the average carpet cleaning cost:

Location

State/Territory	Average cost
Australia Capital Territory	$100 – $400
New South Wales	$100 – $200
Victoria	$90 – $200
Western Australia	$60 – $195
Victoria	$85 – $190

Your location plays a significant role in determining carpet cleaning rates. For example, carpet cleaning prices in Melbourne and Sydney are about 10%–15% higher than operating costs in these cities. On the other hand, Brisbane and Perth residents typically see prices closer to the national average.

Those living in regional areas often benefit from lower prices, usually 10% to 15% below what you’d pay in major cities. However, if you’re in a remote location, be prepared for possible additional travel charges.

Carpet size and area

Room and carpet dimensions significantly impact cleaning costs. Generally, the carpet cleaning cost per m² goes up as the size of the carpet does. However, since carpets may endure more foot traffic in certain areas of the house than in others, the cost of carpet cleaning per room may also depend on where it is.

Here’s a breakdown of carpet cleaning costs by carpet size and area:

Room type	Average size (m²)	Typical cost range
Master bedroom	14 to 20	$55 – $95
Living room	20 to 35	$75 – $130
Dining room	12 to 16	$50 – $80
Study/office	8 to 12	$38 – $65
Whole house (3BR)	80 to 120	$200 – $320

Naturally, the bigger the home, the more expensive it is. The cost of carpet cleaning a 4-bedroom house, for instance, can be around $280 to $470. This trends upward as more rooms are added. Also, the way your carpet is laid can also affect its maintenance needs. That’s why it’s important to understand carpet laying techniques and patterns for this purpose.

Type of carpet

Different carpet materials require varying cleaning approaches and care levels.

• Nylon and polyester: Uses synthetic fibres that are durable and stain-resistant. This type is the easiest to clean. Standard carpet cleaning rates apply.
• Wool: A natural fibre that is soft, insulating, and luxurious but requires special care and cleaning solutions. Expect to add 20% to 30% for the cleaning price premium.
• Natural fibres (cotton, jute): These types are eco-friendly, but they require gentle cleaning methods, which cost 15% to 25% more.
• Berber: This looped pile carpet is known for durability but may need extra attention for deep stains. Prepare to add 10% to 20% extra to the total cleaning cost.

Cleaning service types

Not all cleaning services are created equal. Depending on your budget and the condition of your carpets, you have a few choices about how to clean them. 

Steam cleaning

This method uses pressurised hot water to stir up carpet fibres and dissolve dirt. Professional cleaners use specific cleaning agents to remove stains on carpets, thoroughly agitate the fibres with a brush, and then rinse and dry them in a temperature-controlled environment. 

While this method provides the deepest clean, the typical cost to steam clean a carpet is between $40 and $50 per hour and allows several hours for drying.

Dry cleaning

This method applies special cleaning compounds under the carpet using a motorised counter-rotating brush machine. The brush opens up carpet fibres while depositing cleaning compounds throughout. Prices typically range from $30 to $65 per room, with the benefit of minimal drying time.

Shampooing

This method uses shampoo to clean carpets. The average cost of carpet shampooing is about $40 to $75 per room, and your carpets will take about 6 to 10 hours to dry.

Bonnet cleaning

For high-traffic commercial areas needing quick turnaround, bonnet cleaning can be an effective solution. This process uses a heavy-duty machine with cleaning solution-soaked pads to absorb dirt from the carpet’s surface. It’s perfect for maintaining your carpet’s appearance in busy areas as it dries quickly. Many cleaners use this as an interim cleaning method between more thorough cleanings.

Encapsulation

Encapsulation is a more modern approach to carpet cleaning. This technique uses synthetic detergents that crystallise into powder form as they dry, effectively ‘encapsulating’ dirt particles within the carpet fibres. Once dry, the powder and trapped dirt are simply vacuumed away. 

Host cleaning

Some professional cleaning services also offer host cleaning, which combines vacuuming with a wet absorbent compound. After applying the compound, they use special machines to buff and ruffle the carpet before a final vacuum. This method, while less common, can be effective for maintaining commercial spaces.

Choosing a carpet cleaner requires careful consideration, but it doesn’t have to be overly complicated. With these tips, you can find a reputable service provider while keeping the cost of carpet cleaning reasonable.

Compare quotes

Browse through a directory of local carpet cleaning services to find well-rated businesses in your area. When you ring them up, pay attention to how they handle your enquiry—the best ones will ask about your carpet type and any particular trouble spots rather than just quoting a price straight away. 

They should also mention whether they’re certified by one of the major industry bodies like the Carpet Cleaning Association of WA or the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Research market prices

Do your homework on how much professional cleaners cost in the market. Price matters, of course, but be wary of quotes that seem too cheap—proper carpet cleaning requires decent equipment and solutions that aren’t exactly bargain-basement stuff. Ask for a carpet cleaning price list from your shortlisted carpet cleaners and compare.

That said, many carpet cleaners and carpet installers offer better rates for regular bookings or whole-house cleans, so it’s worth asking about package deals. You might also save money by booking during off-peak times (usually mid-week or during school terms) when many companies offer better rates.

Ask for photos and references

Don’t hesitate to request photos of their recent work, especially if you have tricky stains or delicate carpets. Many carpet installers and cleaners have portfolios showcasing past jobs and are willing to discuss their experience with similar requests.

Additionally, ask for references from at least three clients they’ve serviced in the past month. While reading reviews is invaluable, older ones may no longer be relevant, as staffing or management changes could have impacted service quality.

Cleaning methods and solutions

Be specific about your household’s needs and other relevant information they might need. For example, a 1-room carpet cleaning cost will differ significantly from a 2-room carpet cleaning cost, so clarify these details upfront.

If you have young children or pets, mention this to the cleaner. Expert cleaners should be able to explain which solutions they use and whether they offer eco-friendly or hypoallergenic options. In fact, one way to identify a good carpet cleaner is if they bring this up themselves if you mention children or pets in the house.

Also, if they plan to use any special cleaning compounds or treatments, ask about guarantees or warranties on their work. Many reputable companies offer some form of satisfaction guarantee, particularly for stain removal or deep cleaning services.

Those dust mites and whatnot that your vacuum’s been pushing around? A professional deep clean should sort them right out.

When it comes to cleaning your carpet, experience and quality matter. Take the time to read reviews, compare quotes, and ask the right questions to find a trusted carpet cleaner for the job. In the long run, the cost of professional carpet cleaning is often far less than replacing a worn-out carpet or managing allergy flare-ups.

How often should carpet be cleaned?

It is recommended that a carpet is cleaned every 10 to 16. months. Having a clean and well-maintained carpet can create a hygienic and odor-free home.

How long does carpet cleaning take?

The actual cleaning of an average 3-bedroom house usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, but the real consideration is drying time. Steam cleaning needs anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to dry completely (longer in humid weather), while dry cleaning methods might only need 2 to 3 hours.

If you’re on a tight schedule, ask about quick-dry options, but remember that these might not clean quite as deeply as traditional steam cleaning.

How much does carpet cleaning cost in Sydney?

In Sydney, you’ll typically pay more than the national average—expect around $40 to $60 per room or $155 to $330 for a standard 3-bedroom home. CBD and Eastern suburbs tend to be pricier, while Western Sydney rates are a bit more reasonable.

How much does carpet cleaning cost in Brisbane?

Brisbane prices are generally more competitive than Sydney, averaging $40 to $70 per room or $180 to $270 for a full house clean. Due to the humid climate, carpets may require more frequent cleaning, but many local companies offer maintenance packages that can save you money in the long run. Keep an eye out for summer specials when business is slower.