Carpet Cleaning for Your End of Tenancy
Three options, clearly explained. Choose between steam extraction, shampooing, or standard hoovering — and know exactly what your agent expects before you book.
Why carpet cleaning matters at checkout
Carpets are the single most common source of deposit deductions at the end of a tenancy. Letting agents inspect them closely — looking for staining, discolouration, traffic wear, and odour — and many London tenancy agreements include a specific clause requiring professional carpet cleaning before the checkout date. If that clause exists in your contract, hoovering alone won’t satisfy it.
The challenge is that “professional carpet cleaning” can mean different things. Some agents accept shampooing. Others insist on hot water extraction. A few are satisfied with a thorough hoover if the carpets are visibly clean. Getting this wrong costs time and money — either in re-cleaning fees or deposit deductions — so it’s worth understanding what each method does, what it doesn’t do, and which one your specific agent expects.
Royal Cleaning offers all three options as part of our end of tenancy cleaning service. Hoovering is included as standard in every booking. Steam cleaning and shampooing are available as add-ons, done during the same visit by the same team — no separate appointment needed. Below, we explain each method in detail so you can make an informed choice.
Each method explained in full
Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning)
The method letting agents actually wantHot water extraction — commonly called steam cleaning — is the professional standard for end of tenancy carpet cleaning. A machine injects hot water and cleaning solution deep into the carpet pile under pressure, then immediately extracts it along with dissolved dirt, stains, allergens, and bacteria. The carpet is left damp (not soaking) and typically dries within 3–6 hours depending on ventilation and room temperature.
How it works
Carpet Shampooing
Surface-level refresh with faster dryingCarpet shampooing uses a rotary brush machine to work foaming cleaning solution into the carpet pile. The foam encapsulates dirt particles, which are then extracted by vacuuming once dry. It's a legitimate cleaning method that produces visible results — carpets look brighter and smell fresh — but it doesn't reach as deep as hot water extraction and won't remove embedded stains or allergens to the same degree.
How it works
Hoovering Only
Part of every end of tenancy cleanEvery Royal Cleaning end of tenancy clean includes a thorough hoover of all carpeted areas as standard — no add-on required. This covers the full floor area, edges along skirting boards, under radiators, and inside built-in wardrobes. It removes surface dust, crumbs, hair, and loose debris, and leaves the carpet looking neat for inspection.
How it works
Quick comparison
Not sure which you need? Check your tenancy agreement first. If it says “professional carpet cleaning,” steam extraction is the safest choice. If the agreement doesn’t mention carpet cleaning specifically, hoovering (included free with your end of tenancy clean) may be sufficient.
What London letting agents actually require
We clean for tenants managed by agencies across London. Here’s what we’ve learned about what the major agents expect — though requirements can vary by branch, so always confirm with yours.
Professional carpet cleaning receipt required. Hot water extraction accepted. Shampooing accepted only if pre-agreed in writing.
Professional carpet cleaning for any tenancy over 12 months. Steam cleaning preferred. Receipts must show company name, date, and method used.
Checkout report specifies 'carpets professionally cleaned' as a standard line item. Interpretation varies by branch — always confirm with your specific office.
Professional carpet clean expected for furnished lets. Unfurnished lets assessed case-by-case based on carpet condition at check-in.
Requirements vary widely. Some accept hoovering if carpets are in good condition; others insist on steam extraction regardless. Always check your tenancy agreement and checkout schedule.
Add carpet cleaning to your end of tenancy clean
Select your preferred method in the quote calculator. Same visit, same team, one fixed price.
Carpet cleaning FAQ
Does my tenancy agreement require carpet cleaning?
Most London tenancy agreements include a clause requiring the property to be returned in the same condition as check-in, which typically means carpets professionally cleaned. Some agreements specifically name 'steam cleaning' or 'professional carpet cleaning.' Check your agreement or ask your agent — we can advise once you know what's required.
Can I add carpet cleaning to an existing end of tenancy booking?
Yes — carpet steam cleaning or shampooing can be added to any end of tenancy clean booking. It's done as part of the same visit by the same team. Select your preference when building your quote or mention it when you call.
How long before the inspection should carpets be cleaned?
For steam cleaning, allow at least 4–6 hours of drying time before the inspection. For shampooing, 2–3 hours is usually sufficient. For hoovering, no drying time is needed. We can schedule the carpet extraction as the first task so it has maximum drying time while the rest of the property is cleaned.
Can you remove old stains that have been there for months?
Steam extraction removes the majority of common household stains — tea, coffee, wine, food, and mud. Long-set stains, bleach marks, and dye transfers may be reduced but not fully eliminated, as these are often permanent changes to the carpet fibre. We'll always be honest about what's achievable on site.
Do you move furniture to clean underneath?
For end of tenancy cleans, the property should ideally be empty. If furniture is still present, we clean all accessible carpet areas and move lightweight items where safe to do so. Heavy furniture (wardrobes, beds with storage) is cleaned around unless you arrange removal beforehand.
Will I get a receipt for my agent?
Yes. We provide a professional cleaning receipt that includes the company name, date, property address, and method used (hot water extraction, shampooing, etc.). This satisfies the documentation requirement for virtually all London letting agents.
What about rugs and upholstery?
Area rugs, sofas, armchairs, mattresses, and curtains can all be cleaned with hot water extraction as part of the same visit. These are listed as add-ons in our quote calculator — select what you need and we'll price it as a package.
Related services
End of Tenancy Cleaning
The full checkout-standard clean — carpets, kitchen, bathrooms, and every room. Carpet hoovering included as standard.
Learn moreDeep Cleaning
For occupied properties that need a restorative clean. Carpet extraction available as an add-on.
Learn moreSame-Day Cleaning
Urgent move-out? Carpet cleaning available same-day across all London boroughs. No surcharge.
Learn moreReady for a Spotless Property?
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