Quick answer: Vacate cleaning prices in Melbourne usually range from $230 to $870 in 2026, depending on property size, bathrooms, condition and whether carpet steam cleaning is included. For O2OCleaning, a studio starts from $230 without carpet steam cleaning, a 1 bed 1 bath starts from $300, and a 3 bed 2 bath starts from $460. Carpet steam cleaning, heavy condition, extra rooms, wall washing, balcony or garage cleaning, and external windows can change the final quote.
Reviewed by the O2OCleaning operations team. Last updated 24 May 2026.
This guide is different from our full vacate clean cost Melbourne article. That page explains the bond maths and legal background in detail. This page is focused on the thing renters usually need before booking: how to read a vacate cleaning price list, compare quotes, spot hidden fees and choose the right scope before final inspection.
Key takeaways
- A low headline price is not always cheaper if oven cleaning, bathrooms, carpet steam cleaning or agent re-clean support are excluded.
- Fixed-price vacate cleaning is usually safer than open-ended hourly pricing when you are close to handover day.
- In Victoria, renters must leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as when they moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. Consumer Affairs Victoria says professional cleaning can only be required in specific circumstances.
- The RTBA Annual Report 2024-25 reports that 65% of bond repayments were returned in full to renters, while 25% were shared and 10% were paid in full to rental providers.
- Ask for a written quote that separates standard inclusions from extras before you compare providers.
Vacate cleaning price list Melbourne 2026
The table below shows O2OCleaning’s 2026 fixed-price examples for standard vacate and end of lease cleaning in Melbourne. These prices are designed for renters who need a full interior clean before agent inspection. They are not hourly estimates.
| Property size | Without carpet steam clean | With carpet steam clean |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $230 | $315 |
| 1 bed 1 bath | $300 | $390 |
| 2 bed 1 bath | $345 | $455 |
| 2 bed 2 bath | $415 | $525 |
| 3 bed 1 bath | $390 | $545 |
| 3 bed 2 bath | $460 | $615 |
| 3 bed 3 bath | $530 | $685 |
| 4 bed 2 bath | $520 | $745 |
| 4 bed 3 bath | $590 | $790 |
| 5 bed 3 bath | $635 | $870 |
As a simple rule, inner-Melbourne apartments often sit between $300 and $525, while larger family homes or properties with carpets can move into the $615 to $870 range. Extra bedrooms are usually added separately, and extra carpet rooms can increase the price when steam cleaning is required.
For a broader comparison across service types, use our Cleaning Prices Hub. For a deeper end-of-lease-specific breakdown, see the End of Lease Cleaning Price Guide Melbourne 2026.
What should be included in a standard vacate clean?
A proper vacate clean should focus on the areas agents inspect most closely: kitchens, bathrooms, floors, skirting boards, cupboards, fittings, switches and general interior surfaces. The goal is not a decorative tidy-up. It is to return the property to a clean condition that can be compared against the entry condition report.
| Area | Standard vacate cleaning scope |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Benchtops, cupboards, sink, splashback, stovetop, rangehood exterior and accessible surfaces. |
| Oven | Interior oven clean should be confirmed in the quote because some low-cost providers exclude it. |
| Bathrooms | Showers, screens, bath, vanity, basin, taps, mirrors, toilet, tiles and visible soap scum. |
| Bedrooms and living areas | Dusting, skirting boards, wardrobes, accessible ledges, switches, doors and general surfaces. |
| Floors | Vacuuming and mopping hard floors; carpet vacuuming unless steam cleaning is booked. |
| Laundry | Sink, taps, cupboards, surfaces and visible lint/dust build-up. |
Before booking, ask whether the provider follows a proper end of lease cleaning checklist. If the checklist is vague, the price is hard to compare.
What usually costs extra?
Most price disputes happen because the renter thinks the quote is “all inclusive”, while the cleaner has only quoted the standard interior scope. To avoid that gap, confirm these items before you book.
- Carpet steam cleaning: often priced by room or included in a higher package.
- Wall washing or heavy mark removal: spot cleaning may be different from full wall washing.
- Internal and external windows: internal glass and tracks may be included, while external windows are usually quoted separately.
- Balconies, patios and courtyards: these depend on size, debris and outdoor access.
- Garages: sweeping may be simple, but oil stains, storage mess or pressure cleaning are separate jobs.
- Pet hair and odour: extra time may be needed for carpets, upholstery edges and skirting boards.
- Heavy condition: grease, mould, long-term soap scum, smoke residue or neglected wet areas can increase labour.
- Urgent booking: same-day or next-day jobs can cost more during peak moving periods.
O2OCleaning treats walls, windows, garages, balconies and patios as additional service areas when they sit outside the standard interior scope. That keeps the base vacate cleaning price clearer and helps renters avoid paying for areas they do not need.
How to read a vacate cleaning quote properly
When comparing vacate cleaning quotes, do not compare only the first number. Compare the scope behind the number. A $260 quote that excludes the oven, bathrooms and re-clean support can become more expensive than a $345 fixed quote that covers the agent-sensitive areas.
1. Check whether it is fixed price or hourly
Hourly pricing can work for regular house cleaning. It is riskier for vacate cleaning because the job length depends on condition, access, grease, bathrooms, carpets and agent expectations. If the cleaner quotes hourly, ask for a written cap or a clear condition-based estimate.
2. Ask what is excluded
A transparent provider will clearly say what is not included. That is better than a vague “full clean” claim. Ask about walls, blinds, exterior windows, balconies, garages, carpet steam cleaning and heavy condition fees.
3. Confirm the re-clean window
If your agent sends a cleaning list after inspection, you need to know how quickly the cleaner will return and whether there is a free re-clean period. O2OCleaning provides a 7-day bond-back re-clean window for eligible end of lease and vacate cleaning jobs.
4. Match the quote to your entry condition report
Consumer Affairs Victoria explains that condition reports can be important evidence if there is a dispute about cleaning or bond claims. A good vacate cleaning quote should help you prepare for that comparison, not just make the property look neat in photos.
Do renters legally need professional vacate cleaning in Victoria?
This is where many renters overpay or under-prepare. In Victoria, Consumer Affairs Victoria says renters must leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as when they moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. For rental agreements signed from 29 March 2021, rental providers cannot simply demand professional cleaning in every case. Professional cleaning can be required when the property needs to be returned to the state it was in at the start of the rental agreement, or when it is in a state that requires professional cleaning.
That does not mean professional vacate cleaning is pointless. It means the decision should be practical: if the property has multiple bathrooms, carpets, heavy kitchen grease, agent pressure, a tight moving deadline or a large bond at risk, a professional clean may still be the safer option.
For official guidance, read Consumer Affairs Victoria’s information on condition reports and cleaning responsibilities. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Why price matters when your bond is at risk
The cleaning quote should be judged against the value of the bond it helps protect. The RTBA Annual Report 2024-25 reported 249,891 bond repayments in 2024-25. From all repayments, 65% were returned in full to renters, 25% were shared between renter and rental provider, and 10% were paid in full to the rental provider.
That means price should not be assessed as “Can I find the cheapest clean?” The better question is: Will this quote reduce the chance of a re-clean, a delayed handover or a bond dispute?
Vacate cleaning quote comparison checklist
Use this checklist before you accept a vacate cleaning price:
- Does the quote state the property size and bathroom count?
- Does it separate carpet steam cleaning from general cleaning?
- Does it explain whether oven, rangehood and bathroom glass are included?
- Does it list additional services such as balcony, garage, exterior windows and wall washing?
- Does it explain heavy-condition charges before the team arrives?
- Does it include a re-clean guarantee or agent follow-up window?
- Does the provider have Melbourne rental cleaning experience and recent reviews?
- Can you book the clean close enough to key return or final inspection?
If you cannot answer these questions from the quote, ask before paying a deposit. Clear pricing is not only about saving money. It is about avoiding a messy handover week.
How to split vacate cleaning costs with housemates
Shared houses create a different problem: the price may be fair, but nobody agrees who should pay for which part. The cleanest approach is to split the standard property clean evenly, then assign extras to the person or room connected to that extra.
| Cost item | Fair split method |
|---|---|
| Standard vacate clean | Split equally between tenants on the lease. |
| Extra bedroom | Paid by the person using that room, unless agreed otherwise. |
| Carpet steam clean in one bedroom | Paid by that room’s tenant, or split if it is a shared carpeted area. |
| Kitchen grease or bathroom build-up | Split by the tenants who used the shared area. |
| Pet hair or odour | Paid by the pet owner where practical. |
Put the agreement in writing before booking. It does not need to be formal. A message thread confirming the split can prevent arguments when everyone is already busy moving.
DIY vs professional vacate cleaning: which is cheaper?
DIY can be cheaper if the property is small, already clean, has no carpets and you have time after moving your furniture out. Professional cleaning is usually better value when the job involves multiple bathrooms, built-up oven grease, carpet steam cleaning, agent pressure or a tight key-return deadline.
| Situation | Better option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Studio, no carpets, clean condition | DIY or small professional clean | Lower complexity and fewer inspection-sensitive areas. |
| 2 bed apartment with carpets | Professional clean with carpet steam | Carpet receipt and bathroom/kitchen detail reduce handover risk. |
| Shared house with heavy kitchen use | Professional clean | Grease, bathrooms and responsibility sharing can get messy. |
| Large family home | Professional clean | The labour time and agent checklist are usually too large for a rushed DIY clean. |
If you choose DIY, take dated photos after cleaning, keep product receipts for any specialist treatments, and leave enough time to fix anything your agent flags before key return.
When should you book a vacate clean?
Book after the furniture has been removed and before final inspection. For most Melbourne renters, the safest timing is 1 to 2 days before key return. That gives cleaners access to empty rooms while leaving time for drying, photos and agent follow-up.
- Book earlier during the end-of-month moving rush.
- Schedule carpet steam cleaning after general dusting and vacuuming.
- Tell the cleaner if lifts, parking, loading zones or keys are difficult.
- Send the agent’s checklist before the job if you have one.
The simplest way to avoid surprise fees
Before you book, send the cleaner three things: property size, carpeted rooms and any known problem areas. Photos help too. A clear quote should tell you the base vacate cleaning price, carpet steam cleaning cost, optional extras and re-clean policy before the team arrives.
If you want a fixed quote, start with O2OCleaning’s end of lease cleaning Melbourne service page or use the online booking form. If you are still comparing prices, read the full vacate clean cost Melbourne 2026 guide next.
FAQs about vacate cleaning prices
How much does vacate cleaning cost in Melbourne?
Vacate cleaning in Melbourne usually costs $230 to $870 in 2026, depending on property size, bathrooms, condition and carpet steam cleaning. A 1 bed 1 bath starts from $300 without carpets or $390 with carpet steam cleaning. A 3 bed 2 bath starts from $460 without carpets or $615 with carpets.
Is carpet steam cleaning included in the vacate cleaning price?
Not always. Some providers quote general vacate cleaning separately from carpet steam cleaning. Always check whether the price includes steam cleaning, how many carpeted rooms are covered and whether a receipt can be provided if your agent requests one.
Why is my quote higher than the advertised price?
Quotes can increase when the property has extra bedrooms, extra bathrooms, carpeted rooms, heavy grease, mould, pet hair, balcony mess, garage cleaning, wall washing or urgent timing. The advertised price is usually based on a standard property in average condition.
Can my agent force me to pay for professional cleaning?
Consumer Affairs Victoria says renters must leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as when they moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear. Professional cleaning can only be required in specific circumstances. If you are unsure, check the official Consumer Affairs Victoria guidance or get tenancy advice.
Is the cheapest vacate cleaning quote worth it?
Sometimes, but only if the scope is clear. A cheap quote can become expensive if it excludes the oven, bathroom glass, carpet steam cleaning, skirting boards or re-clean support. Compare inclusions, not just the first number.
What should I send before asking for a quote?
Send the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, carpeted rooms, parking/access notes, preferred date, suburb and photos of any heavy-condition areas. If you have the agent’s cleaning checklist, send that too.
