When it comes to commercial cleaning, carpets are often the silent saboteur. You don’t always see the grime, but your clients, employees and visitors definitely feel it in air quality, first impressions, and even allergy triggers. Whether you manage a high-traffic office in Sydney, a busy showroom in Melbourne, or a medical centre in Brisbane, keeping your carpets professionally cleaned is a business must.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about commercial carpet cleaning in Australia, including costs, frequency, methods, and how to choose the right cleaning partner.
Let’s start with a simple fact: your carpet is dirtier than you think.
A study from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) found that carpets can hold up to four times their weight in dirt. That includes dust, bacteria, allergens, dead skin cells, and more. Gross.
So what does that mean for your business?
Reduced indoor air quality
More sick days from dust and allergens
Faster wear and tear, meaning more frequent replacements
Poor first impressions from clients and customers
It depends on your location, industry and foot traffic. Here's a general guide:
| Industry Type | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Corporate Offices | Every 6–12 months |
| Medical & Aged Care | Every 3–6 months |
| Retail & Hospitality | Quarterly (or monthly in high-traffic zones) |
| Education (Schools, Daycares) | Every term (3–4 times/year) |
| Industrial/Warehousing | Twice a year (or more if exposed to oil/dirt) |
Commercial carpet cleaning costs vary depending on your city, carpet condition, square meterage, and any add-ons like stain treatments or anti-microbial solutions, with most costs hovering between $3-3.50 per square metre.
Here’s a breakdown of average costs per square metre across major Australian cities:
| City | Average Price per m² (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $3.50 |
| Melbourne | $3.30 |
| Brisbane | $3.20 |
| Adelaide | $3.00 |
| Perth | $3.10 |
| Canberra | $3.40 |
Tip: Be wary of companies offering prices well below these averages. Often, they cut corners on drying time, detergents or staff training, and your carpets pay the price.
Different companies use different commercial carpet cleaning methods; some effective, some outdated. The most common methods are hot water extraction (steam cleaning), encapsulation (low moisture), bonnet cleaning, and dry carpet cleaning.
Here are the most common types of commercial carpet cleaning:
| Method | Best For | Dry Time | Deep Clean? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning) | Offices, aged care, healthcare | 6–12 hours | ✅ Yes |
| Encapsulation (Low Moisture) | Retail, schools, frequent cleans | 1–2 hours | ⚠️ Light only |
| Bonnet Cleaning | Quick cosmetic fixes | <1 hour | ❌ No |
| Dry Carpet Cleaning | Sensitive environments, fast dry | 30–60 mins | ⚠️ Limited |
Watch out for providers that ONLY use bonnet cleaning in high-traffic commercial spaces — it’s often just a surface clean that pushes dirt deeper into the fibres.
The humidity and foot traffic in Sydney offices, especially in the CBD, can be brutal on carpets. Choose a provider who uses fast-drying hot water extraction or encapsulation methods to reduce the risk of mould growth.
Bonus tip: Look for providers with experience in heritage-listed buildings if you’re located in The Rocks, Potts Point, or Pyrmont.
Melbourne’s colder, damper months demand quicker dry times, especially in winter. Make sure your cleaner is using fans and dehumidifiers post-cleaning. In high-end spaces like Collins St or South Yarra? Opt for anti-soil protectants to preserve your plush carpets longer.
Humidity = bacteria. If you’re in Brisbane, especially in health or child care environments, anti-microbial carpet cleaning should be standard. Check that your cleaning provider offers this and is IICRC-certified.
Adelaide businesses love their vintage character buildings, but older carpets need gentle but effective care. Steam cleaning is usually safest, and should always be followed by proper drying processes to avoid lingering damp smells.
Sandy shoes and office carpets don’t mix. If you're near the coast, consider more frequent encapsulation cleans to manage surface grit between deeper hot water cleans. Bonus points for cleaners who pre-vacuum with HEPA filters.
In government buildings and formal settings, presentation matters. Choose cleaners with experience in delicate fibres, wool blends, and natural carpets. Also: security-cleared staff are a huge bonus in government zones.
Let’s clear this up once and for all: vacuuming ≠ carpet cleaning.
Regular vacuuming is a critical part of day-to-day maintenance, but it only removes surface-level dirt. Over time, debris, allergens, bacteria, and even mould spores settle deep within the carpet fibres, far beyond what your vacuum can reach.
Here’s how the two compare:
| Feature/Outcome | Regular Vacuuming | Professional Carpet Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Removes surface dirt | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Removes deep-set dirt & debris | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Eliminates bacteria & allergens | ❌ Minimal | ✅ With anti-microbial options |
| Restores carpet appearance | ⚠️ Slightly | ✅ Deep fibres look fresh + revived |
| Stain removal | ❌ No | ✅ Targeted spot treatments available |
| Odour removal | ❌ Temporary at best | ✅ Long-lasting freshness |
| Extends carpet lifespan | ⚠️ Not significantly | ✅ Adds years to carpet durability |
| Meets hygiene standards | ❌ No | ✅ Especially in healthcare & hospitality |
When comparing providers (especially if you're up against specialised carpet-only companies), make sure to check:
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Powerful suction – removes more dirt, dust, and allergens than standard vacuums. | Higher upfront cost – commercial vacuums are more expensive to purchase. |
| Durability – built to withstand heavy, daily use in large workplaces. | Heavier & bulkier – harder to store or manoeuvre in smaller spaces. |
| Improved air quality – HEPA filters capture fine particles, improving employee health. | Noise levels – some models can be loud, disrupting work hours if used during the day. |
| Efficiency – cleans faster and more thoroughly, saving time and labour costs. | Maintenance required – filters, bags, and parts need regular servicing. |
| Versatility – attachments for carpets, hard floors, and upholstery. | Energy use – can consume more power than smaller domestic models. |
At Cleancorp, we offer specialised commercial carpet cleaning tailored to your industry and location, with highly trained staff, eco-friendly products, and flexible scheduling across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra.
We're not a one-man van. We're a national commercial cleaning team trusted by banks, aged care centres, schools and facilities managers across Australia.
Let’s talk carpets. Find your local team or request a quote; we’ll customise your cleaning solution based on your space, carpet type and business needs. Click the big orange button below!