Doing the Math

Doing the Math

Carpet cleaning costs will of course vary depending on factors such as the size of the area to be cleaned, the method to be used and the quality of the service.

Here are some indicative costs:

• Quick, 1 stage service: from $5.00 per room
• High standard, 4 or 6 stage process: from $25.00 per room
• Quality lounge suite cleaning: $35.00 per seat

The total cost you pay is generally made up of a call out cost plus an area cost. Regardless of the size of your house, the cleaner has to drive to your property and set up all of the equipment. As is the case for many services, less is more. The price per metre will reduce as the size of the area to be cleaned increases.

Also, the cost quoted may depend on whether the carpet has been vacuumed before the cleaner arrives, the amount of soiling and whether the premises are empty or need furniture to be removed.

Ways to cut costs

There may be some room to negotiate if you think the cost being charged is too high:

• Scheduling a regular clean each year with the cleaner may entitle you to a discount.
• Consider what else can be cleaned and get it all done in one hit. Most carpet cleaning professionals also clean upholstery, drapes, maybe even mattresses. If they are bringing cleaning equipment to your home, it may be cost-effective to get them to clean it all.
• Get a few quotes. Don’t settle for the first quote if you think it is too high.
• Ask for a pensioner discount if this applies to you.
• Check your contents insurance – is there a discount on your insurance premium for using professional cleaners.
• Remember though – ridiculously cheap offers are generally not as good as they sound. While it is worth making sure you pay a competitive price, don’t sacrifice quality – the savings won’t be worth it if the cheap cleaner does a bad job!