Pricing

Carpet Steam Cleaning Cost Guide Australia 2026

Written by Mari Julian | Jun 1, 2026 1:07:20 AM

Based on the latest pricing data from ServiceSeeking.com.au, the average carpet steam cleaning cost is around $206 per job, while hourly rates average $85 per hour. For jobs quoted by floor area, the average rate sits at $78 per square metre. 

Keep in mind, however, that these figures can vary depending on several factors, including the scale and requirements of the job. The size of the carpeted area, the condition of the carpet, stain treatments, accessibility, and the type of cleaning equipment used can all affect the final price.

Average Carpet Steam Cleaning Rates

Hourly Rates

  • Minimum hourly rate: $35
  • Average hourly rate: $85

Hourly rates often depend on the equipment being used, the level of soiling, and whether specialised stain removal treatments are required. Smaller jobs may also attract higher effective hourly rates due to minimum service call-out requirements.

Total Job Costs

  • Average total job cost: $206

A total job quote is typically influenced by the number of rooms, the carpet condition, and whether additional services such as deodorising, stain protection, or spot treatment are included.

Square Metre Rates

  • Minimum rate per square metre: $10
  • Average rate per square metre: $78

Pricing by floor area is most common for larger properties or spaces where measuring the carpeted area provides a more accurate estimate of the work involved.

How Carpet Steam Cleaning Jobs Are Quoted in 2026

According to our data, carpet steam cleaning professionals use several pricing structures:

  • 48% charge per hour
  • 35% provide a total fixed quote
  • 12% charge per square metre

Hourly pricing is commonly used when the time required may vary depending on the carpet's condition, the number of rooms involved, or the amount of stain treatment needed. This approach gives cleaners flexibility when assessing jobs that may require additional attention.

Fixed-price quotes are also widely used, particularly for standard residential jobs where the cleaner can estimate the work involved before arriving on site. Many homeowners prefer this option because it offers greater certainty over the final cost.

Square metre pricing is often applied to larger areas or commercial-style jobs where the size of the carpeted space is the primary factor influencing the workload.

What Affects Carpet Steam Cleaning Costs?

Size of the Area

Larger homes generally cost more to clean because they require additional labour, cleaning solution, and equipment operating time. The number of rooms being cleaned will also impact pricing.

Carpet Condition

Heavily soiled carpets often require extra passes, pre-treatment, or specialised stain removal products. Carpets that have not been professionally cleaned for several years may require more intensive work.

Stain and Odour Treatment

Removing pet stains, food spills, wine stains, or persistent odours can increase the overall cost. Some cleaners include basic spot treatment in their standard service, while others charge separately for more complex stain removal.

Accessibility

Properties with difficult access, multiple levels, limited parking, or areas that require additional equipment setup may attract higher costs due to the extra time involved.

Additional Cleaning Services

Many carpet steam cleaning providers also offer upholstery cleaning, rug cleaning, mattress cleaning, and end-of-lease cleaning. Bundling services together can sometimes provide better overall value than booking them separately.

Disclaimer: The prices listed in this guide are based on ServiceSeeking.com.au quoting data and are intended as a general pricing reference only. Actual costs may vary depending on your location, the size and condition of the carpet, accessibility, and the specific requirements of the job.