Carpet is one of the most disputed items at Perth exit inspections. Stains, worn patches, and embedded dirt all get scrutinised — and the cost of carpet cleaning or replacement can be significant. Here's how to approach it.
Stains vs Fair Wear and Tear
General traffic wear — carpet compressed and slightly faded in high-use areas — is fair wear and tear and cannot be charged to the tenant. Stains, pet damage, burns, and tears are damage and can result in a bond claim.
The age and quality of the carpet matters. A landlord cannot charge you the full replacement cost of 10-year-old carpet. They can only claim the proportional remaining value based on the carpet's expected lifespan (typically assessed at 10–15 years for residential carpet).
Common Stains and How to Treat Them
Red Wine
Blot (don't rub) immediately. Apply a mix of cold water and dish soap, blot again. For set stains, a commercial carpet stain remover or a hydrogen peroxide solution (test in a hidden area first) can lighten the mark.
Pet Urine
Use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for pet urine — it breaks down the proteins causing the odour, which standard cleaners don't address. Blot the area dry after treatment. Steam cleaning alone will not remove pet odour.
Coffee and Tea
Blot, then apply cold water. Commercial carpet cleaners work well on these stains. Avoid hot water — it sets the stain.
Grease
Apply baking soda to absorb the grease, leave for 15 minutes, vacuum up. Then apply a small amount of dish soap with cold water, blot, and rinse with cold water.
Does Professional Steam Cleaning Remove Stains?
Professional steam cleaning significantly reduces or removes many common stains. For deep-set or older stains, the cleaner may apply pre-treatment before the steam process. Pet stains and odour typically require specialist enzyme treatment in addition to or instead of steam cleaning.
When to Disclose Before the Inspection
If you have a significant carpet stain that won't be fully removed by cleaning, it may be worth disclosing it to your property manager before the inspection rather than hoping it goes unnoticed. Proactively offering to pay for treatment (rather than replacement) is often a better outcome than a full replacement claim after the fact.
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