Mobile carpet and rug cleaning
Deep clean carpets and rugs in homes and offices with a portable extraction machine.
- A$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A mobile service cleaning carpets and rugs on site using hot water extraction or similar machines, plus stain and spot treatment. You travel to each job in a van or ute.
Your first three steps
- Do a short carpet cleaning course and practise on friends' and family's carpets
- Price up a second-hand or new portable extractor, chemicals and a vehicle setup, then set your rates against local competitors
- Introduce yourself to local property managers and real estate agents and offer a discounted first job
Who pays
Householders, renters preparing for a bond clean, landlords, property managers, real estate agents and small offices.
How it makes money
Priced per room, per square metre or per job, with extras for stain treatment, deodorising and protectant. Repeat work from property managers and agents can fill quiet days.
Skills that help
- Using cleaning machines safely
- Knowing fibres, stains and cleaning products
- Reliable, friendly customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, and check whether your vehicle and equipment need extra cover
- Risk of damaging delicate rugs or wool carpets, always test first and agree expectations before starting
- Register for an ABN, and check when GST registration applies to your turnover
- Chemical handling and disposal of wastewater, check your local council and state rules
- Physical work with heavy equipment, plan for lifting and strain
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: mobile carpet and rug cleaning
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile carpet cleaning business in Australia?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the machine you choose, cleaning products, insurance and your vehicle setup. Commercial equipment sits towards the higher end.
How much can a mobile carpet cleaner earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many jobs you book and the types of customers you serve. Plan on at least about 12 hours a week.
What rules do I need to check before cleaning carpets for a living?
Check public liability insurance and whether your vehicle and equipment need extra cover. Register for an ABN and check when GST applies. Also check local council and state rules on chemicals and wastewater disposal.
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