A comprehensive guide to carpet cleaning costs, requirements, and tips for getting your full bond back
When moving out of a rental property in Brisbane, one of the most common questions tenants ask is: "How much will carpet cleaning cost me?" Carpets are often the focus of end of lease inspections because they trap dirt, stains, and odors more than any other surface in the home.
Failing to clean them properly can be one of the main reasons tenants lose part of their bond. That's why many renters choose to hire professional carpet cleaners before handing the keys back. But what does it actually cost in Brisbane, and how does it fit into the broader moving-out process?
In this guide, we'll break down the average price of carpet cleaning, what influences the cost, how it ties into the rules for bond cleaning in Brisbane, and why selecting the best end of lease cleaner matters more than chasing the lowest quote.
Carpets are more than just floor coverings—they're a magnet for dust, allergens, pet hair, and stains. During an end of lease inspection, property managers pay close attention to carpets because their condition directly impacts the property's appeal to new tenants.
That's why professional carpet cleaning isn't just about looks—it's about meeting expectations and avoiding disputes.
So, how much should you budget for professional carpet cleaning when moving out? While prices vary depending on the service provider and the condition of your carpets, here are some general averages for Brisbane:
South Brisbane
2-bedroom apartment with carpets in both bedrooms and lounge
Expected: $130–$160
Carindale
4-bedroom home with heavy wear
Expected: $250–$280
Note: These figures are for standard professional steam cleaning, which is the method most property managers prefer. Dry cleaning or advanced stain treatments may come at an additional cost.
Carpet cleaning prices aren't one-size-fits-all. Several factors can influence the final bill:
The more rooms with carpet, the higher the cost. A studio apartment will naturally be cheaper than a 4-bedroom home.
Lightly used carpets may only require a standard clean, while heavily soiled or stained carpets can cost more due to extra treatments.
If you've had pets in the property, many leases require both professional carpet cleaning and pest control, which adds to the overall cost.
Properties in central Brisbane are often easier to service than those in outer suburbs. Accessibility can sometimes affect pricing.
Many cleaning companies offer package deals where carpet cleaning is included as part of a full end of lease clean. Bundling often works out cheaper than booking separately.
The rules for bond cleaning in Brisbane, outlined by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), state that tenants must return the property in the same condition it was in at the start of the lease, allowing for fair wear and tear.
This doesn't automatically mean you must hire professional carpet cleaners. However, if:
…then you are expected to arrange professional cleaning before vacating.
Skipping this step could result in your property manager deducting cleaning costs from your bond—often at a higher rate than if you had booked it yourself.
You might be tempted to save money by hiring a DIY carpet cleaning machine from Bunnings or Woolworths. While this option costs less upfront (around $50 for a 24-hour rental), there are risks:
A tenant in Fortitude Valley once rented a DIY machine, but the carpets dried unevenly and smelled musty. The agent wasn't satisfied and deducted $180 for professional steam cleaning anyway.
That's why, while DIY is possible, professional carpet cleaning is usually the safer choice when bond money is at stake.
Price matters, but when it comes to something as important as bond return, selecting the best end of lease cleaner should be about quality and reliability, not just cost.
Choose cleaners who understand what real estate agents expect
Many reputable companies will return for free if the agent isn't satisfied
Avoid companies with hidden fees for stains or larger rooms
Check Google or local directories for customer feedback
This protects you if anything goes wrong during the cleaning process
Selecting the right professional can be the difference between a stress-free handover and a frustrating bond dispute.
Carpet cleaning is just one piece of the puzzle when moving out. Alongside sparkling bathrooms, clean kitchens, and tidy outdoor areas, it ensures your property meets agent expectations. Many tenants in Brisbane choose full-service companies that include both general cleaning and carpets in a single package.
While this adds to your moving budget, it gives you peace of mind knowing every area of the property has been addressed to professional standards.
So, how much does professional carpet cleaning cost for end of lease in Brisbane? On average, you're looking at anywhere between $100 and $280, depending on the size of your property and the condition of your carpets.
When weighed against the risk of losing hundreds of dollars from your bond, this cost is a small investment. By understanding the rules for bond cleaning in Brisbane and focusing on selecting the best end of lease cleaner, you'll set yourself up for a smooth exit and a full bond refund.
At the end of the day, professional carpet cleaning isn't just about clean floors—it's about leaving behind a property that looks and feels as fresh as the day you moved in.