There’s a lot to think about when you’re moving home, and whilst you’ll probably be knee deep with packing boxes and checklists, it’s important to dedicate some time to getting your carpets cleaned before you hand the keys over. Here’s everything you need to know about moving out carpet cleaning, so you can be sure the whole process goes seamlessly and smoothly.
Knowing your obligations
If you are moving out of rented accommodation, in most cases, you will be obliged to leave the property in the same good condition that you found it in. This will likely involve making sure that the carpets have been cleaned before you depart.
If you are unsure what your obligations are with regards to end of tenancy carpet cleaning, have a look at your original contract.
If you don’t leave the carpets in the same state as when you first moved in, then there’s a good chance that the landlord will withhold some of your initial deposit, and use this to get the carpets cleaned.
If you want to make sure that you get the full deposit returned, then cleaning all of the property carpets prior to leaving is a must.
Can I clean the carpets myself?
One of the most common questions that tenants often ask prior to moving out of rented accommodation is whether they can get away with cleaning the carpets themselves. This could involve a mixture of DIY methods, spot stain removers or hiring machines.
If you want to go down this route, it’s probably best to check with the landlord first if they will accept this.
In a lot of cases, landlords will only accept cleaning from a professional, because, ultimately, the results from professional cleaning will be significantly better than trying to clean the carpets yourself.
Benefits of professional cleaning
There are lots of benefits to using a professional to clean your carpets instead of trying to clean them yourself.
For starters, you’ll have enough to do yourself when preparing to move. Having to add cleaning carpets into the equation just increases the load, and makes the moving process even more stressful.
Importantly, you still run the risk of not meeting the required high standards that the landlord might expect for the carpets, which could mean that even after you’ve put in the hard work, you might still lose some of your deposit.
The reality is, a professional carpet cleaner uses much more powerful equipment to tackle deeply ingrained dirt, allergens and debris in carpets. Professionals know how to deal with different types of stains as well as other problems such as odours, pests and pet soiling.
A professional will also have the knowledge to understand how to look after different types of carpet materials, and which are the best cleaning methods and treatments to apply that are the safest for the type of carpets in your property.
Ultimately, if you want the best results possible, and you want to maximise your chances of getting your deposit back in full, the only way to go about this is through hiring the services of a professional.
Choose a company that specialises in end of tenancy carpet cleaning services, so you can deal with professionals who have experience in this area, and they understand what standards to work to, to satisfy landlord requirements and tenant obligations.
Costs of moving out carpet cleaning
There is no one single price that you will pay to get your carpets professionally cleaned when moving out, because a lot depends on a wide range of factors. These include the number of carpets that need cleaning, the size of the carpets and the size or type of the property, the level of cleaning that may be required, the number of cleaning staff involved and even where you are located in the country. For example, you’ll typically pay more in the south of the country compared to the north, as living costs tend to be higher down south.
Generally speaking, the average hourly rate for end of tenancy cleaning is around £20-£25. The total average cost for an end of tenancy clean for a two-bedroom property is around £170. For a four-bedroom house, this can be as much as £350. Get a few quotes in so you can compare prices, but don’t necessarily choose the cheapest!
Additional services
It’s worth checking on your original rental contract to see whether you have any other obligations that extend beyond just getting your carpets cleaned. For instance, if the property you are moving out of is furnished, the landlord might also request that you get the sofas and chairs professionally cleaned, as well.
You’ll, therefore, need to find a professional company that offers end of tenancy upholstery cleaning services, such as our upholstery cleaning London business.
A lot of end of tenancy carpet cleaners also specialise in cleaning upholstery and other items, such as mattresses or curtains, so it will probably save you a lot of time, hassle and even money finding one single company that can fulfil all of your individual requirements. Otherwise, you could end up having lots of different cleaning companies coming and going, which is the last thing you’ll want prior to moving out.
Timing is key
To make sure all traces of your existence are removed from your carpets, so they’re clean, spotless and fresh for the next new tenants, you’ll need to make sure you get them cleaned at just the right time.
If you do it too early, there’s a chance the carpets could get dirty again, whereas if you leave it too late, you won’t have time to deal with any potential touch ups that might need to be carried out on the carpets.
Ideally, aim to get your carpets professionally cleaned several days before you depart, so this will give the carpets plenty of time to dry properly.
Choosing the right professionals
Whilst it’s inevitable you’ll be busy trying to juggle lots of different tasks before moving out, don’t just choose the first moving out carpet cleaners you come across. Spend a bit of time doing some research, so you find someone reputable and, importantly, reliable, who will turn up on time and do a decent job.
Look at reviews online, and choose an accredited company that is fully insured and whose work is backed by a full guarantee. That way, if you’re not happy with the results afterwards, you can call them back in to fix things.
At Carpet Bright UK, we are fully insured, award-winning moving out carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning London specialists. Our work is highly recommended by our customers, and all our services are backed by a full customer satisfaction guarantee. Book your moving out clean with us today.
