Short answer: have carpets cleaned after the painting and repairs are finished and before the photographer comes. Fix ripples and small damage at the same time. Clean carpet makes rooms look bigger and better kept, and it removes odours you have stopped noticing.
What buyers notice
At an open inspection people look down as they walk in. They notice:
- dark walkways and stains
- pet, smoke or damp smells
- ripples and loose edges
- worn patches at doorways
None of these are expensive to deal with, but each one suggests a house that has not been maintained, and buyers price that in.
The right order of work
- Declutter and move out spare furniture.
- Repairs and painting.
- General clean, including windows.
- Carpets and upholstery last, once the tradespeople are finished.
- Photography and styling.
Carpet needs 4 to 8 hours to dry, longer in winter, so allow a day before photos. See how long carpet takes to dry.
Clean, repair or replace?
- Clean if the carpet is sound and just soiled. Most are.
- Repair ripples, lifted seams, pet damage at doorways and small burns. See carpet repair and restretching.
- Replace only if it is threadbare, badly faded or has stains that will not shift. Ask your agent first; some buyers plan to change flooring anyway.
Odours matter more than you think
You cannot smell your own house. Ask someone who does not live there. Pet odour is the most common issue and usually needs specific treatment. See pet urine smell. In older homes, a musty smell along the walls may be damp. See salt damp and musty carpet.
Beyond the carpet
If furniture is staying for the campaign, have the lounge cleaned too. Tiled areas and the driveway also shape first impressions. See couch and upholstery cleaning, tile and grout cleaning and pressure washing.
During the campaign
Vacuum before each open, keep shoes off inside, and treat any new mark the same day.
Book through our carpet cleaning service or call (08) 7081 7850. We work across all Adelaide suburbs.
FAQs
Should I replace carpet before selling?
Usually not. Clean and repair first, then take your agent’s advice.
How long before photos should carpets be cleaned?
At least a day, so they are fully dry and the pile has settled.
Will carpet cleaning remove pet smells before a sale?
Light odours, yes. Urine in the underlay needs a dedicated treatment, so mention pets when you book.
