How do I clean carpets for moving out?

Cleaning & End of Tenancy

Feb 08, 2026

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Cleaning Carpets for Moving Out: A Practical Guide

Ensuring carpets are clean when moving out is often a crucial step, particularly for tenants aiming to recover their full deposit, or homeowners keen to present their property in the best possible light for new residents. The approach to cleaning can range from a thorough DIY effort to engaging professional services, depending on the carpet's condition and any contractual obligations.

Assessing the Carpet's Condition

Before beginning any cleaning, a full assessment of the carpets is advisable. This helps determine the type of cleaning required. Look for general dirt, localised stains, and any areas of heavy wear. Tenancy agreements often specify the standard of cleanliness expected upon vacating the property, with many requiring professional carpet cleaning. Familiarising oneself with the requirements for an end-of-tenancy clean is prudent.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Clear the Area: All furniture and belongings should be removed from the rooms with carpets. This allows for unrestricted access to the entire carpeted surface.
Thorough Vacuuming: Begin with a comprehensive vacuuming session. Use a powerful vacuum cleaner with appropriate attachments to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. Pay close attention to edges, corners, and under where furniture previously sat. This step is fundamental, as failing to remove dry soil before wet cleaning can turn dirt into mud.

Spot Cleaning Stains

Addressing individual stains before a general clean is often more effective. Different types of stains require specific treatments:

Liquid Stains: Blot fresh spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth, working from the outside of the stain inwards to prevent spreading. Avoid rubbing, as this can embed the stain deeper into the fibres.
General Stains: For dried stains, a suitable carpet spot cleaner should be used. Always test the product on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not discolour the carpet. Apply the cleaner to a clean cloth, then gently blot the stain. Rinse the area lightly with clean water on a fresh cloth and blot dry.
Grease/Oil Stains: These may require a solvent-based spot cleaner. Absorbent materials like cornflour or baking soda can also be applied to fresh grease stains to absorb excess oil before vacuuming.

Deep Cleaning the Carpets (DIY Method)

For a thorough clean beyond just vacuuming and spot treatment, deep cleaning with a carpet shampooer (often referred to as a carpet cleaner or extractor) can be undertaken. These machines can be hired from many DIY stores and supermarkets across the UK.

Pre-Treat Heavy Traffic Areas: If there are areas of particularly heavy soiling, a carpet pre-treatment spray can be applied a few minutes before deep cleaning.
Prepare the Machine: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the cleaning solution with water in the machine's tank.
Cleaning Technique: Work in manageable sections, typically starting at the furthest point from the door and working backwards. Move the machine in slow, overlapping passes, pulling it towards oneself. Dispense the cleaning solution on the forward pass and activate the suction on the backward pass to extract as much moisture as possible. Avoid overwetting the carpet, as this can lead to longer drying times and potential mould issues.
Rinsing: After applying the cleaning solution, it is often beneficial to go over the carpet again with plain water in the machine to rinse out any residual detergent, which can attract dirt if left in the fibres.

Drying and Post-Cleaning

Proper drying is critical to prevent mildew and unpleasant odours.

Ventilation: Open windows and doors, if safe to do so, to encourage airflow. Fans can also be used to speed up the drying process.
Avoid Walking: Keep off the carpets until they are completely dry, which can take several hours, or even a full day, depending on the humidity and how much water was used.
Final Vacuum: Once dry, a final vacuuming can help fluff up the carpet fibres and remove any residual dried dirt or cleaning solution residue.

Professional Carpet Cleaning

In many cases, particularly for rented properties, landlords or letting agents may stipulate that carpets must be professionally cleaned as part of the end-of-tenancy conditions. This is often to ensure a consistent standard of cleanliness and prevent disputes. Deciding whether to hire a professional cleaner or do it yourself involves considering cost, time, and the required standard.

Benefits: Professional cleaners use industrial-grade equipment and specialist detergents, which can achieve a deeper clean and faster drying times than DIY methods. They are also experienced in tackling a wide range of stains and carpet types.
Proof of Cleaning: If professional cleaning is required, ensure a receipt or invoice is obtained as proof of service. This document is often a key piece of evidence during the final inventory check.

A well-executed carpet clean not only leaves the property in excellent condition for its next occupants but also helps to ensure a smooth moving-out process for all parties involved.