Most carpet cleaners will do a good job regardless of what you've done beforehand — but the best results happen when the homeowner has done a few things before the cleaner arrives. Preparation takes about 10 minutes for a typical home and addresses the variables that directly affect what the clean achieves.
Before the cleaner arrives
- Vacuum all carpet areas. This is the single most impactful thing you can do. Hot-water extraction removes embedded and sticky soils very effectively, but loose surface debris (hair, dust, crumbs) is better removed by vacuuming first. If the cleaner needs to vacuum first, it adds time and cost, and a hurried pre-vacuum is typically less thorough than yours. Vacuum the day before or morning of the clean.
- Move lightweight furniture. Most cleaners move heavier items as part of the job, but lightweight furniture — chairs, side tables, dining chairs, toy storage, floor lamps — is best moved by you beforehand. It's faster, safer for delicate items, and ensures the whole carpet area gets cleaned rather than just around obstacles.
- Clear the floor of small items. Kids' toys, shoes, books, pet toys, laundry — anything loose on the carpet should be off the floor before the cleaner arrives. It takes 2 minutes and prevents delays.
- Secure pets. Most professional carpet cleaners use loud equipment with hoses that run between rooms, which is stressful for many animals. Arrange for pets to be in a room that isn't being cleaned, in the yard, or elsewhere for the duration of the clean.
- Note pre-existing stains. If there are stains you want the cleaner to pay particular attention to, or stains from before your tenancy that you don't want held against you at inspection, flag them before they start. A sticker, sticky note, or verbal mention works. This ensures targeted pre-treatment and avoids confusion later.
- Ensure parking and access. Truck-mount cleaning vans need to be parked within about 30–50 metres of the home for the hose to reach. If you're in a unit or have a driveway gate, let the cleaner know in advance.
On the day of the clean
- Open windows in advance. Ventilation during and after the clean significantly reduces drying time. Open windows in the rooms being cleaned before the cleaner arrives so airflow begins immediately.
- Have the tax invoice information ready. For rental properties or warranty records, confirm you want a tax invoice with ABN before the clean starts — it's harder to obtain retroactively.
- Keep children off the carpet during cleaning. The cleaning process involves hot water, chemicals, and wet surfaces. Children are safer in a different room or outside during the clean.
For end-of-lease cleans specifically
Have your entry condition report on hand. If it documents specific carpet conditions at the start of your tenancy (pre-existing stains, wear patterns), point these out to the cleaner before they start. For bond purposes, the clean is being assessed against entry condition — you want the cleaner to understand that context.
After the clean
- Keep ventilation going. Leave windows open and fans running until the carpet is fully dry — typically 4–8 hours for professional extraction. Do not close the home up immediately after the cleaner leaves.
- Avoid walking barefoot on the carpet until dry. Skin oils attract soil — walk with clean socks or shoes on freshly cleaned carpet.
- Return furniture only when carpet is completely dry. Wet carpet under furniture legs causes rust marks (metal), dye transfer (dark wood), and crush marks. Place foil under metal feet if you must return furniture before the carpet is fully dry.
- Store the tax invoice. Keep it with your tenancy documents, warranty records, or home maintenance folder. You may need it for a bond dispute, insurance claim, or warranty claim.
What the cleaner needs from you
- Confirmed carpet type if you have wool or delicate fibres — this affects chemistry and temperature settings.
- Key or code access if you won't be home for the clean.
- Any specific stains or areas of concern — pre-treatment is more effective when targeted.
- Water access — the cleaner will need a garden tap or laundry tap connection.
Frequently asked
Should I vacuum before the carpet cleaner comes?
Yes — vacuuming before a professional carpet clean significantly improves results. Hot-water extraction is very effective at removing embedded and sticky soils, but loose surface debris (hair, dust, crumbs) is better removed by vacuuming beforehand. Carpet that is pre-vacuumed gets a more effective extraction clean.
Do I need to move furniture before a carpet cleaner arrives?
Move lightweight items — chairs, side tables, floor lamps, small furniture — before the cleaner arrives. Most cleaners will move heavier items as part of the job. Clearing small obstacles takes a couple of minutes and ensures the full carpet area gets cleaned.
Where should pets be during carpet cleaning?
Secure pets in a room not being cleaned, in the yard, or with someone else for the duration of the clean. Professional carpet cleaning involves loud equipment and hoses moving between rooms, which is stressful for most animals. Pets should also stay off freshly cleaned carpet until it's dry.
How long before carpet cleaning should I prepare the room?
The day before or morning of the clean is ideal. Vacuum carpets the day before, move lightweight furniture the morning of, and open windows just before the cleaner arrives. For rental cleans, have your entry condition report accessible.
Do I need to be home when the carpet cleaner comes?
Not necessarily — many cleaners work with key or code access. If you won't be home, confirm access arrangements in advance, specify any staining concerns in writing, and arrange for the invoice to be sent digitally. For bond cleans, being home or having a trusted person present is advisable.