Carpet cleaning before you move out
What to check in your lease, how to time the clean around your move, and what to do about furniture dents, stains and receipts.
Moving is stressful enough without worrying about your deposit. If there's carpet in your flat, a bit of planning can help you avoid last-minute problems.
Start with your lease
Read what your tenancy agreement says about the flat's condition at the end of the tenancy. Some leases specifically mention professional carpet cleaning, and some ask for a receipt. If it's unclear, ask your agent or landlord in writing. This isn't legal advice, just a practical first step.
Also, compare the carpet's current condition with your check-in report or photos, if you have them. It helps to know what was already there.
Get the timing right
The best time to clean is after your furniture has gone, and a few days before you hand back the keys.
- Empty rooms are quicker and more thorough to clean
- Moving day can undo a lot of good, with boots and boxes going over a clean carpet
- You need time for the carpet to dry, particularly in spring
- You'll want time to deal with anything that didn't come out
Book early, because end-of-month dates tend to fill up quickly, and buildings often limit contractor hours and lift use. If you're moving out of a building with strict access, check with your management office too.
Before the cleaner arrives
- Check that water and electricity are still connected
- Make a note of any stains, and what caused them if you know
- Lift any furniture dents as described below
- Take dated "before" photos
- Arrange access if you've already moved out
Dealing with common problems
Furniture dents. Put an ice cube on the dent, let it melt, then gently tease the pile up with a spoon. Let it dry. Most dents improve, though some don't fully recover.
Stains. Try our stain removal first-aid guide, but don't go overboard, because harsh products may leave a worse mark than the stain. Tell your cleaner what you've used.
Pet odours. Be upfront about these. They can need more than a standard clean, so it's better to deal with them well before moving day.
Worn areas. Normal wear isn't something cleaning can fix. Whether that's your responsibility is a question about your lease.
Mould. If you find mould under furniture, take photos and tell your landlord or agent, particularly if there's a leak. See carpet mould and humidity in Hong Kong.
Moving in? Clean first
It's much easier to clean a carpet before your furniture arrives, and you don't know what the last occupant's pets or habits were. If you're moving in to a flat where the carpet looks tired, a deep clean before you unpack is often well worth it. Also take your own dated photos for your records.
After the clean
Keep the receipt and take "after" photos. Leave windows closed and a fan or dehumidifier running if it's humid and it's safe to do so. Try to check the carpet has dried before handing back the keys.
If you'd like a quote, send us photos and your move-out date using our quote form.
