When it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy home environment, curtains often don’t get the attention they deserve. Yet these fabric fixtures play a crucial role in filtering dust, allergens, and pollutants from the air while adding aesthetic appeal to your living spaces. If you’re wondering about the financial investment required for professional curtain cleaning in 2025, this comprehensive guide will help you understand current pricing trends and what factors influence the cost.
Current Curtain Cleaning Costs in Australia
The average cleaning cost for home curtains is around $300-$400. The per m2 cost is $15 to $35. The cost of cleaning can be as low as $50 and can go up to $500. These prices reflect the current market rates across Australia in 2025.
For a more detailed breakdown:
- Minimum cost: $50 (for small curtain sets)
- Average cost: $200-$300 per service
- Maximum cost: $500+ (for large or specialty curtains)
Per Square Meter Pricing The average cost of cleaning your curtains in Australia is around $15 to $35 per sqm. This means if you have curtains measuring 3 meters wide by 3 meters long (9 square meters), you can expect to pay between $135-$315 for professional cleaning.
Regional Price Variations Across Australia
Location significantly impacts curtain cleaning costs due to varying labor costs, cost of living, and service availability:
| City/State | Price per Square Meter | Average Cost |
| Sydney | $15-$35 | $180-$270 |
| Melbourne | $15-$30 | $150-$250 |
| Adelaide | $11-$20 | $120-$200 |
| Canberra | Around $40 | $300-$400 |
| Perth | Around $20 | $160-$220 |
In urban areas such as Sydney and Melbourne, the cost of labour is high, which makes it more expensive than in other areas.
Cost Factors That Impact Your Final Bill
Material Type and Cleaning Method Required
Different fabrics require specific cleaning approaches, directly affecting the price:
| Material | Cleaning Method | Price Range per Set |
| Silk | Dry clean and steam clean | $80-$200 |
| Cotton | Machine wash | $65-$150 |
| Linen | Dry clean | $70-$200 |
| Velvet | Dry clean | $60-$150 |
| Polyester | Machine wash | $65-$90 |
| Lace | Hand wash | $150-$350 |
| Wool | Dry cleaning | $60-$150 |
Silk is one of the trickiest materials to clean. It is difficult to deep clean silk curtains. This complexity justifies the higher pricing for delicate fabrics.
Curtain Design and Construction
The design elements of your curtains significantly influence cleaning costs:
- Standard curtains with pockets/tabs: $60-$150 per set
- Curtains with grommets/rings: Up to $200 per set
- Lined curtains: Additional $7-$10 per square meter
- Heavy lined curtains: Additional $10-$15 per square meter
- Blackout curtains: Additional $10 per square meter
Size and Weight Considerations
Professionals often charge based on:
- Per foot pricing: $2-$7 per foot
- Per pleat pricing: $1-$5 per pleat
- Square meter pricing: $15-$35 per sqm (most common)
Service Types and Associated Costs
Professional Cleaning Methods
| Cleaning Method | Cost Range |
| Machine washing | $75-$150 |
| Hand washing | $150-$200 |
| Steam cleaning | $75-$150 |
| Dry cleaning | $150-$400 |
In case you are looking for deep cleaning services, dry cleaning is the best option to go with.
On-Site vs Off-Site Services
- On-site cleaning: Premium of $50-$150 additional cost
- Off-site cleaning: Standard pricing as listed above
- Pickup and delivery fees: Around $100 total
Generally, pick-up rates are lower than delivery rates. The price ratio is 1:2, respectively.
Additional Services and Costs
Beyond basic cleaning, you might need:
- Window cleaning: $150-$300 for whole house ($5-$15 per window)
- Curtain repairs: $99-$199 per pair
- Stain removal: $80-$120 for heavy stains
- Allergen treatment: Professional-grade cleaning for dust mites and pet dander
- Mold/mildew treatment: Specialized cleaning and prevention treatments
- Deodorizing treatments: For smoke, pet, or cooking odors
Special Cleaning Situations
Certain conditions require specialized treatment and higher costs:
High-Level Contamination
High-level dirt is generally found in the curtains if the curtains are exposed to the outer environment. This will require more effort and professional-grade tools for removing the dirt from them. Treatment costs range from $80-$200 per set.
Heavy Stains and Odors
Heavy stains can be due to several reasons, such as oils, spills and many other substances. For these kinds of stains, you will require specialised treatments which target specific areas. Expect to pay $80-$120 for heavy stain removal.
Money-Saving Tips for 2025
To reduce
