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A Complete Guide to End of Lease Carpet Cleaning in Melbourne

Moving out of your rental property in Melbourne can be both an exciting and stressful experience. Believe me, as someone who has moved half a dozen times in the past 10 years I know how stressful moving house can be (it never seems to get any easier!). As you prepare to bid farewell to your old place and plan ahead to ensure the return of your security deposit, one crucial aspect of the end of lease process is often overlooked – carpet cleaning. End of lease carpet cleaning in Melbourne is not just about aesthetics; it’s a mandatory requirement for getting your bond money back. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make your carpets look and feel as good as new while complying with your lease agreement. I cannot tell you how many times we have taken frantic calls from people moving out, who have forgotten to book in the end of lease carpet cleaning and now need an urgent booking to finalise their bond return. Don’t be that person – moving is stressful enough!

Understanding the Lease Agreement

Before you start planning your carpet cleaning, it’s crucial to review your lease agreement. Many landlords or property management companies in Melbourne specify the condition in which they expect the carpets to be returned. Take note of any specific requirements and guidelines. Failure to meet these conditions could lead to deductions from your bond.

According to Tenants Victoria, “When renters move out, they are required to leave the property, as far as practicable, reasonably clean and in the same condition as when they moved in, taking into account fair wear and tear [section 63].”

Rental agreements entered into after 29 March 2021 may include a term about professional cleaning, or cleaning to a professional standard [section 27C, regulation 12].

This does not mean that cleaning has to be of a higher standard than what is considered reasonably clean, under the law. The law only requires renters to keep and leave the property reasonably clean. However, a clause requiring professional cleaning may be included and apply, if:

The property was professionally cleaned or cleaned to a professional standard immediately before you moved in, and the rental provider told you this had been done, or
Professional cleaning, or cleaning to a professional standard, is needed to restore the property to the same condition it was in before the start of your tenancy, taking into account fair wear and tear.

This is why it is important to read your lease agreement prior to vacating and to consult the condition report you submitted when first renting the property. Some flooring and types of carpet require special cleaning methods and these will usually be listed on the lease.

DIY vs. Professional Cleaning

So now you have checked your lease and understand which method of carpet cleaning is required/allowed, you may find you have two options: do it yourself or hire a professional cleaning service. Your choice will depend on your budget, the condition of your carpets, and your personal preferences.

Pros & Cons of DIY cleaning:

The biggest pro which it comes to DIY end of lease carpet cleaning is that it is very cost effective! let’s face it, moving house is an expensive exercise. So any cost savings that can be made are worth exploring. I have written another article comparing DIY to professional carpet cleaning which explains the costs.

Hiring a machine and cleaning the carpet yourself also means that you are not constrained by booking time slot availability and the working hours of a carpet cleaning business. Most DIY machines are hired our on a 24 hour basis so you can clean the carpets at a time that suits you. However make sure you do not have your electricity disconnected before cleaning the carpet and these machines need power!

If the carpet in your rental property is not stained or very soiled then DIY carpet cleaning will be suitable.

However the biggest con with DIY end of lease carpet cleaning is the time and effort factor. Once you have lugged all of those boxes, couches, beds and other household items, swept, wiped, polished, dusted, mopped and vacuumed…..do you really have the time and energy to clean the carpet yourself? The small DIY hire machines require constant emptying and refilling, not to mention the back breaking push and pull on the cleaning wand. It will take a lot longer to complete than a professional carpet cleaner.

Another issue with DIY carpet cleaning is that the small machines do not generate as much heat or suction as a professional grade hot water extraction machine. This means there is a danger of over wetting the carpet and causing major water damage, especially if you are inexperienced or do not follow the manufacturers instructions or use cleaning products other than those recommended.It is unlikely you will achieve professional level results using a DIY machine.

Then there is the issue of stain removal, the DIY machines are good for light cleaning but the products supplied with these machines are not specialty stain removing treatments and will not be effective on heavily soiled carpet.

It is also important to know what type of fibre your carpet is made from as natural fibres such as wool, cotton, silk and jute, require specific cleaning products and methods to maintain their appearance. If you use the wrong method or product you could end up damaging the carpet.

Pros & Cons Of Professional Cleaning

The biggest Pro of professional end of lease carpet cleaning is the peace of mind it brings knowing you will get your bond back. Most professional carpet cleaners will guarantee their cleaning and do everything in their power to ensure your land lord will be happy and there will be no delays in getting your bond back. How do we do this? By using the best equipment and products available, by applying years of training, expertise and knowledge and knowing exactly what is best for your carpet type, level of soiling and stain removal requirements.

In our business we have both truck mounted and portable machines so we can service all types of dwellings and overcome all sorts of access issues. The truck mounted machine generates it’s own power so we can even clean carpets in properties where the electricity has been disconnected, as long as there is driveway parking and a garden tap for water access.

The results are another pro when it comes to professional cleaning. The high quality results achieved by a professional carpet cleaner, cannot be compared to those of DIY cleaning. It is like comparing apples to oranges!

Then of course there is the huge time saving factor which is so important when moving house. A professional carpet cleaner will be able to complete the job in a quarter of the time it takes you to DIY it. Just imagine how many boxes you could have unpacked at your new place, in that time!

As for Cons, of course professional carpet cleaning will cost more than DIY cleaning, but we think that the results, time savings and peace of mind it brings, balances out the costs.

Another con, is that you may have to book well in advance to ensure you get a suitable time slot for the move.

How to prepare for DIY end of lease carpet cleaning

Now you have checked your lease and decided to tackle the carpet cleaning on your own, so you will need to rent some carpet cleaning equipment. In Melbourne, there are several equipment rental shops or online platforms where you can find suitable machines. Ensure you familiarize yourself with how the equipment operates and follow the instructions provided by the rental company. It is important to use the recommended cleaning products sold with the machines. Carpet cleaning should be the last thing you do before handing back the keys and always after the furniture has been removed and the general cleaning completed.

Before you start the cleaning process, it’s essential to prepare the area properly. Here’s a checklist to help you get ready:

Gather the necessary equipment: Vacuum cleaner, carpet cleaning solution or detergent, a bucket, scrub brush or soft-bristle brush, clean, white towels or microfiber cloths
Remove all furniture and objects from the carpeted area.
Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris.

Identify and treat any stubborn stains with the appropriate stain removers.

If you’re renting equipment or using your carpet cleaner, follow these steps:

Start with a thorough vacuum – make sure to pay special attention to corners and edges, as these areas tend to accumulate more dirt and debris.
Treat stains with a suitable carpet cleaning solution. Follow the product’s instructions and gently blot the stained areas with a soft brush.
Read the instructions for the operation of the carpet cleaning machine and make sure you have all of the necessary parts and cleaning solution.
Mix the cleaning solution for the carpet cleaning machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Slowly and methodically clean the entire carpet, making multiple passes if necessary. Be sure to extract as much water as possible to expedite the drying process.
Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and stains.
Allow the carpet to dry completely. This may take several hours, so plan accordingly. Open windows and doors to allow for adequate ventilation. Using fans or dehumidifiers can speed up the drying process, ensuring that the carpet is completely dry before moving out.
After the carpet has dried, perform a final inspection to ensure that it meets the cleaning standards outlined in your lease agreement. If you spot any missed spots or areas that require additional attention, address them promptly.
Take photographs or videos of the carpet before and after cleaning. This documentation can serve as evidence that you’ve fulfilled your cleaning obligations.

How to Prepare for Professional End Of Lease Carpet Cleaning

If you decide that professional end of lease carpet cleaning is a better option for you or if it is required by your lease conditions, then make sure you phone around a few carpet cleaning companies and obtain several quotes as the level of service and prices can vary widely.

Don’t just choose a carpet cleaning service based on price alone. Price is important but you should also consider what exactly you are getting for the price quoted. Not all carpet cleaning services are equal, as this customer found out when they booked a budget priced carpet cleaning service.

Ask lots of questions about the type of cleaning methods available, what products will be used, what exactly is included e.g. some quotes will include vacuuming while other companies ask you to vacuum in advance and will charge extra if they have to do it. I have written a blog to help with what questions to ask (other than the price).

It is also a good idea to ask if the business has any industry qualifications or associations, how experienced are they in end of lease carpet cleaning, and if they offer a bond back guarantee. Google reviews will provide a good insight into a business – just be on the look out for fake reviews – they are usually pretty easy to spot and sadly some businesses do pay for fake reviews to increase their Google ranking.

If you opt for professional carpet cleaning in Melbourne, here’s what you can expect:

Schedule the cleaning well in advance of your move-out date and after all the furniture moving and general cleaning has been completed.

Inform the cleaning service about any specific requirements from your lease agreement.
Ensure carpet has been vacuumed (if required) and check that there is access to parking, hot water and electricity.
On the scheduled day, ensure that you or someone you trust is present to oversee the process.
Inspect the carpets after cleaning to ensure all areas meet your lease agreement standards.
Ask for a receipt as proof of cleaning for your property manager.

Documentation

Whether you choose DIY or professional cleaning, it’s essential to document the process. Keep records of the cleaning products or services used, receipts, and any communication with your landlord or property manager.

Post Cleaning Inspection

After the carpets have been cleaned, request your landlord or property manager to inspect the property with you. This will provide an opportunity to address any concerns or areas of dispute before you move out. Make sure you do not have the electricity disconnected until after this post cleaning inspection – just in case any touch ups are required.

End Of Lease Carpet Cleaning Security Deposit

End of lease carpet cleaning in Melbourne is a necessary step to ensure you receive your full security deposit. Whether you decide to clean your carpets yourself or hire professionals, following your lease agreement guidelines is crucial. Taking the time to properly clean your carpets not only satisfies your lease requirements but also leaves a positive impression, making it more likely that you’ll receive a glowing reference for your next rental. Remember, a clean carpet is a small investment that can yield significant financial returns in the form of a complete bond refund.

We offer a bond back guarantee for all end of lease cleaning and will always provide the appropriate documentation. Please contact us if you have any further questions or would like to arrange a booking.