When do Ilam flats usually need a carpet clean?
Most often when a tenancy ends. Ilam sits right next to the University of Canterbury, so a lot of homes are student flats and rentals, and many of them change hands around the end of the academic year. Those weeks get busy, so text early if you know your move-out date.
What does a student flat clean involve?
A flat that’s had four or five people living in it for a year usually needs more than a quick once-over. The common problem areas are:
- Hallway and lounge traffic lanes, where the carpet has gone grey.
- Drink, coffee and food spills in bedrooms and the lounge.
- Makeup, hair product and the odd candle wax mark.
- Stairs, if the flat has them.
I pre-spray, then rinse and extract with hot water, and use CRB agitation where soiling is heavy. Some marks come out fully and some can only be lightened. I’ll tell you which is which before I start, not after. More on that on my stain treatment page.
How should the flat look when I arrive?
Easiest is empty, or close to it. Clear the floors of boxes, bags and anything fragile, and get the rubbish out first. If some furniture is staying, that’s fine, just tell me which rooms when you book.
I also need parking near an entrance and an outside tap. My hoses reach roughly 45 m from the van. Streets close to the campus can fill up with parked cars during the day, so if you have a driveway, keep it clear for the van.
What about getting the bond back?
Every tenancy is different, so check your tenancy agreement and talk to your property manager or landlord about what they expect at the end. My bond carpet cleaning guide walks through how to plan it, and tenancy.govt.nz has the official information. This is general information, not legal advice.
For the full process I use when a flat is handed back, see end of tenancy carpet cleaning.
Do you only clean student flats in Ilam?
No. Ilam also has plenty of family homes and owner-occupied houses, many with wool carpet. I clean those the same careful way with wool-safe products. See wool carpet cleaning if that’s you.
Which suburbs near Ilam do I cover?
Upper Riccarton, Riccarton, Avonhead, Fendalton, Bryndwr and Burnside are all close by, along with the rest of Christchurch.
Frequently asked questions
Who should book the clean when there are several flatmates?
Whoever is organising the move-out. I just need one contact, the address and the number of rooms. Everyone can see the price before work starts.
Can you clean only some of the rooms?
Yes. Some flats only need the lounge, hallway and a couple of bedrooms done. Tell me which rooms and I’ll quote just those.
Will an old drink stain come out?
Often it lightens a lot, but older or sugary stains can leave a shadow. Send a photo and I’ll give you an honest view before you book.
Can you come before all our stuff is out?
It’s best once the rooms are empty, but if a few things are still there, I can work around them. Let me know what will be left.
Can you do the couch the landlord supplied?
Yes, upholstery can be added to the same visit. Send a photo for a quote. See upholstery cleaning.
About the author
Jin quotes and cleans every job himself, using a Hydramaster Boxxer 318 truck-mount hot water extraction system and wool-safe products that are safe around children and pets. J.S. Carpet Cleaning covers Christchurch, Rolleston, Lincoln, Prebbleton, West Melton, Kaiapoi and Rangiora, and carries $1M public liability insurance.
Moving out of an Ilam flat?
Text the address, the number of rooms and your move-out date to 027 612 2522. Photos of any stains help me quote accurately.