Carpeted floors can add luxury and warmth to a home. But, they can be a hassle to keep clean. Between dust, dirt and other messes – sometimes a vacuum cleaner isn’t enough.
With the right carpet cleaner, you can easily eliminate persistent smells and stubborn stains from your carpets.
We’ll explore the best carpet steam cleaner on the market. With our list of the features you should look for, you can find the best cleaner for your carpet needs. Here are our top 8 carpet cleaners.
Our Top Picks
The HouseWire earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.| Best Carpet Cleaners of 2023 | ||||
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 | Best Overall Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max |
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 | Best Budget Hoover PowerDash Pet |
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 | Best For Spot Cleaning Bissell 3624 Spot Clean |
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 | Best For Pets BISSELL TurboClean PowerBrush Pet |
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 | Best Portable Bissell Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner |
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 | Best For Professionals Bissell Big Green Professional |
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 | Best Steam Cleaner McCulloch Steam Carpet Cleaner |
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 | Best Spray Cleaner Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover |
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Why Should You Use a Carpet Cleaner?
There are many benefits of using a carpet cleaner.
It Removes Stains & Dirt
An additional benefit of carpet cleaners is it removes the darker shaded lanes that appear in high traffic areas. The carpet in entrance ways, hallways, and stairs gets darkened over time from wear. So cleaning these areas efficiently is important to restore the color of the carpet.
It Removes Odors and Mustiness
It Prevents Dust Mites
Dust mites are insect-like pests that can hide in the fibers of your carpet. They generate harmful allergens that can trigger asthma or allergic reactions (1). Dust mites feed on dead skin cells found in dust. So it’s good to remove dust from your home and prevent dust mites.
It Prevents Mold Growths
Mold buildup leads to spores and unstable organic compounds entering the air (2). And can lead to many health problems. For example, they can produce allergens and irritants that can be toxic. These particles can irritate your lungs and throat, especially if you have allergies or respiratory problems.
Regularly cleaning your carpet is important so that mold or moisture doesn’t build up on the surface. So a carpet cleaner is a good solution to keep your carpets clean and prevent mold growth.
It Promotes Good Air Quality
Carpet can trap pollutants such as allergens, particle pollution, lead, pesticides, dust ans as you know dust mites (3). Vacuuming alone isn’t enough to remove these pollutants. In fact, a vacuum can cause pollutants to become airborne. So regular and effective cleaning is important to reduce this risk (4).
It Expands Your Carpet’s Lifespan
Some common household or homemade cleaning products can discolor your carpet. And using them regularly can damage it permanently and shorten the lifespan of your carpet.
So it will prevent discoloring and keep your carpet looking new for a long time. So you won’t have to worry about replacing it too soon.
How to Pick the Best Carpet Cleaning Machine
Keep these things in mind to find the best carpet cleaner for your needs.
Types
Upright Carpet Cleaner
An upright carpet cleaner is a tall, all-in-one appliance. It’s also known as an extractor or carpet shampooer. The motor, clean and dirty water tanks and head are all part of one unit. And this unit is pushed in front of you while cleaning.
An upright cleaner usually has two separate tanks. One tank is for clean water, and the other is a dirty water tank.
Because of its tall design, a carpet shampooer is great for cleaning large areas, whole rooms or wall to wall carpeting cleaning.
For example, see this Bissell carpet shampooer.
Handheld Carpet Cleaner
A handheld carpet cleaner is a small and portable cleaner that can be easily held while cleaning. Handheld cleaners are cordless and rechargeable battery-powered.
They’re easy and convenient to use for quickly spot-cleaning small areas of your carpet. They’re also perfect for carpeted stairs, area rugs, car interiors, and as an upholstery cleaner.
For example, this Black + Decker handheld cleaner is great for spot cleaning stains and food spills.
Spray Carpet Cleaner
A spray carpet cleaner is a cleaning solution in a bottle. It’s ideal for spot cleaning fibers on carpets, area rugs, upholstery, and runners.
For example, Resolve is a popular cleaner spray that quickly removes stains and odors.
To learn more about a spray carpet cleaner, take a look at this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNiHkLjE2BE&t=103s
Steam Carpet Cleaner
A steam carpet cleaner is a unit that expels high-pressure steam at a high temperature to remove bacteria, dust mites, and odors from carpets or soft materials.
This type of cleaner is chemical-free and only uses water. So it’s a safe non-toxic option for cleaning.
It’s also versatile for use on other surfaces. For example, you can use this Dupray steam cleaner on various floor (bare floors, hard floors), toys, kitchen appliances, car interiors, grout, and tiles.
Weight
So the lighter the machine, the easier it is to use. A lightweight unit will be more maneuverable and make the cleaning process a lot easier.
As example:
- The BISSELL TurboClean cleaner weighs 16.12 pounds
- The Hoover SmartWash weighs 25.61 pounds
So make sure you find a model that is lightweight and too heavy to use.
Brushes
For instance, pet owners need brushes to get rid of stubborn pet hair. And if you have stairs in your home, small brushes will be handy to clean them.
For example, the Bissel model comes with a tough stain tool and a 2-in-1 pet hair upholstery cleaner tool. So it’s perfect for pet owners or if you have messes from kids in the house!
So it’s important to choose a model with the right brush and stain tool options for your carpets.
Hose
A longer hose is important if you have a lot of hard-to-reach areas to clean. For example, the Bissell has a hose that’s over 1 meter long.
Tank
Plus, if your unit has a large tank for water, you’ll be able to clean more of your carpet at once. However, a large water tank can also make the unit heavy and difficult to maneuver. So it’s important to consider what suits your needs.
For example, this Bissell has a tank for water and a separate tank for the cleaner.
Advanced Features
An internal heating feature increases and maintains water temperature while you’re cleaning. This not only makes it easier to lift dirt and remove stains, but it can also decrease drying time.
Hot water on your carpet dries faster than colder water. This is perfect if you clean your carpets frequently. You won’t have to wait around for longer than necessary for your soggy carpet to completely dry.
Automatic in-tank solution mixing is another feature to consider. With this feature, you won’t have to pre-measure your solution. You can simply fill the water tank and cleaning solution tank, and the machine will mix the solution as needed.
Some machines also clean automatically as you push. So you don’t have to pull a trigger to dispense the solution or pull back the unit to let the machine suck the dirt in. This can make the cleaning process a lot easier and faster.
Noise
If you live in a small apartment or close to your neighbors, noisy carpet cleaning machines can be a nuisance. So it’s important to consider the noise level of your cleaner.
For example, according to reviewers, this Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe cleaner is much noisier than this Hoover Smartwash cleaner.
Warranty
A good warranty is helpful in case your cleaner has a defect and you need to replace it. And different brands have different warranties for each product.
For instance, Bissell offers a 5-year limited warranty for the Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner. But they offer different warranties for other models.
So make sure to check the manufacturer’s website to find the warranty details for your vacuum before you buy. If you’re unsure, contact the seller.
Brands
- Bissell
- Hoover
- Resolve
- Rug Doctor
- Woolite
- Oxiclean
The Best Carpet Cleaners Of 2023
We’ve spent hours researching to find the best carpet cleaner for your floors. We looked at expert advice, honest reviews, and technical specs to find you the best options on the market.
1. Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Clean Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
It can be hard to find the time for deep cleaning your carpets. But, with this Bissell, the process is a lot quicker!
The Bissell Proheat 2X Revolution cleaner takes a lot of the hassle out of cleaning your carpets. It has a MAX clean mode that delivers powerful cleaning to remove deeply embedded dirt in one pass. So you won’t be wasting your time moving your cleaner back and forth on your carpets to get it clean.
The 12 rows of rotating dirt-lift power brushes lift the dirt as you go. That means you don’t have to do any scrubbing or extra vacuuming during your clean. This cleaner does it all at once.
Plus, it has a pre-treater function that targets spots and stains with a stream of concentrated cleaner. So you can easily remove stubborn spots and marks in traffic areas with this carpet stain removal cleaner.
What We Like
Odor Removal
The Bissell has the most powerful cleaning system out of all Bissell cleaners. It’s designed to get deep into carpet fibers to remove odors and stains – including skunk odor! So it’s perfect if you have pet stains and odors on your carpet.Express Clean Mode
The express clean mode delivers fast drying. So you can dry your carpets in less than 30 minutes with this feature. And you won’t have to wait around for hours while your carpets are drying.Removable Brush Roll Cover
The removable brush roll cover makes it easy to clean the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution unit. You can remove the cover for easy access to the brush roll to clean and maintain your cleaner.What We Don’t Like
Unit Can Leak
Some reviewers had trouble with this carpet cleaning machine leaking water into their carpet. Make sure you contact the manufacturer if you have any defects with your Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution cleaner.Additional Specs
| Weight | 17.5 lbs |
| Voltage | N/A |
| Tank Capacity | 1 gallon |
| Carpet Types | Carpet, Upholstery |
| Usage | Pet hair, Stain |
2. Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
You don’t have to break the bank to have clean carpets. This powerful pet compact carpet cleaner is a great product if you’re on a small budget.
With HeatForce technology, this Hoover PowerDash cleaner dries your carpets quickly. So you don’t have to spend hours waiting for your soaking wet carpets to dry. You’ll be able to walk on the carpet as soon as you’ve cleaned them!
This pet compact cleaner also has double the cleaning power than a lot of other carpet cleaning machines on the market. So you can enjoy a deeper clean. This is especially great for high-traffic areas. You won’t have to spend hours scrubbing or drying to get your carpets clean!
What We Like
Lightweight
This hoover cleaner is lightweight, weighing less than 13 pounds. So you can easily transport it around the home and it won’t hurt your wrist or back.Compact Design
Not only is it lightweight, but it’s compact too. Its small build makes it easy to store away. So this pet compact carpet cleaner is perfect if you don’t have a lot of storage room.Antimicrobial Pet Tool
With an antimicrobial pet tool brush roll, this cleaner is perfect if you have furry friends. The brush roll can remove pet stains and protect against odors and bacteria.What We Don’t Like
Small Tank
Because it’s a compact unit, it has a small clean water tank. It’s only ½ a gallon, so you may have to keep refilling it if you’re cleaning a big area. This can be frustrating and can add extra time to your carpet cleaning.Additional Specs
| Weight | 12.5 lbs |
| Voltage | N/A |
| Tank Capacity | 0.5 gallon |
| Carpet Types | Carpet, Area Rugs |
| Usage | Remove pet messes, Stain |
3. Bissell 3624 Spot Clean Carpet Cleaner
This powerful and portable carpet cleaner makes it easy to spot clean as you go. It’s lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to transport around when you need to clean.
It features a powerful spray, scrub, and suction process that gets deep into your carpet to remove stubborn stains.
And the long 5-foot flexible hose makes it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas. So it’s great for cleaning stairs, area rugs, under furniture, or as an upholstery cleaner.
Many reviewers also love the large tank capacity of this portable cleaner. It can hold ¾ gallons of water, so you won’t have to stop for refills in the middle of your clean.
Plus, it comes with an 8-ounce bottle of professional deep carpet cleaning formula. The solution gets deep into the fibers of your carpet to dissolve tough stains. So it’s a great solution to try out with your cleaner without having to purchase an extra product.
What We Like
Multiple Attachments
It comes with a 6-inch stair tool that covers more carpet as you clean. And the 3-inch tough stain tool makes it easier to clean small areas or messes as you go.Long Power Cord
It has a 20-foot long power cord which gives you a lot of freedom to move around. You can clean large areas of your carpet without having to worry about reaching the power plug.2-Year Warranty
The Bissell Spot Clean comes with a two-year limited warranty. So you can rest easy knowing you’re covered if anything goes wrong.What We Don’t Like
Fragile Hose
A lot of reviewers note that their hose broke easily when they packed it away. It’s wrapped tightly to the unit when you store it. So it can easily crack or kink when you put it away for storage.Additional Specs
| Weight | 13 lbs |
| Voltage | 5.7 amps |
| Tank Capacity | 96 oz |
| Carpet Types | Carpet, Upholstery, Area Rugs |
| Usage | Car interiors and car seats, Pet stains, Stain |
4. BISSELL TurboClean PowerBrush Pet
Keeping your carpet clean with pets in the house is a big challenge! But this carpet cleaner makes it a lot easier.
It features a powerful turbo clean for deep stains and pet accidents. So you won’t have to spend any time scrubbing on your carpets.
Plus, Bissells oxy formula is specifically designed for removing pet stains and odors. So you can get rid of pet smells or urine odors that have soaked into your carpet.
It also has four-rows of dirt-lifting rotating brushes with powerful suction for removing pet hair and ground in dirt. It’s perfect for cleaning muddy paw-prints if your pet runs inside from the yard.
Read Next: The Best Carpet Cleaners for Pets and Their Messes in 2023
What We Like
Easy To Clean
It has a one-step removable nozzle that can be easily removed to rinse after carpet cleaning. And the clean tank and dirty water tank is also removable. So you can easily empty and rinse them after you finish cleaning.Lightweight
At under 12 pounds, this carpet cleaning machine is easy to use and move around the home. So you won’t have a sore back or wrist after carpet cleaning with this unit. And you can easily maneuver it for a quick clean-up.Easy To Store
This carpet cleaner has a retractable handle. So you can easily tuck it away for easy storage. This is especially handy if you have small cupboards or little storage room.What We Don’t Like
Cord Is Hard To Put Away
Some reviewers said the cord was hard to stow for storage. It can be hard to wrap tightly when putting it away and can come loose in storage.Tanks Need Refilling Often
The water tank seems to empty quite fast during cleaning. This can be a pain having to stop and refill the tank in the middle of your cleaning process.Additional Specs
| Weight | 12 lbs |
| Voltage | 3.4 amps |
| Tank Capacity | 0.5 gallon |
| Carpet Types | Carpet, Area Rugs |
| Usage | Stain, Small messes (pet) |
5. Bissell Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner
This Bissell multi-purpose portable carpet cleaner has a unique look, but it packs a lot of power.
This small, compact machine has an easy-to-carry design. So it’s easy to transport around your home. And the comfortable handle makes it easy to clean upholstered furniture or your car interior.
Plus, with powerful spray and suction, it’s easy to tackle stains effortlessly. And the long flexible hose can help you reach any area of your carpet. So it’s great for any soft surfaces.
It also has two removable tanks. This way you can easily add water and carpet shampoo without making any messes.
What We Like
Green Cleaning
This model comes with sustainable design features to effectively minimize waste. So you can enjoy an environmentally friendly clean.Wet/Dry
This compact unit works as a wet/dry vacuum. So you’ve got two tools in one small-sized body! You can vacuum up any dirt and easily dry your carpet after cleaning.Self Cleans
Cleaning your carpet can feel like a big hassle. But Bissell has equipped this machine with a self-cleaning hose so you don’t have to! The HydroRinse attachment cleans out the hose after use, clearing it of clogs and dirt.What We Don’t Like
Noisy
Many reviewers found this machine to be very loud. Its powerful suction can make a lot of noise while you’re cleaning your carpets.Additional Specs
| Weight | 12 lbs |
| Voltage | 3 amps |
| Tank Capacity | 48 ounce |
| Carpet Types | Carpet, Upholstery, Area Rugs |
| Usage | Car interiors, Stain |
6. Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner
For professional-grade cleaning results, this heavy-duty cleaner is the one to use.
Equipped with two large 160-ounce tanks for clean and dirty water, you won’t have to stop for any refilling. Even if you’re cleaning a large area of your flooring.
And it has a 25-foot power cord so you can move around with freedom. You won’t have to worry about unplugging your cleaner as you go. So it’s perfect for cleaning a large room at once!
The large dirt-lifting brushes efficiently lift the dirt as you clean. This means you won’t have to scrub any dirt in high-traffic areas. This heavy-duty green professional carpet cleaner does it all for you.
Plus, with a 5-year warranty, you can trust that the Bissell Big Green Professional won’t let you down. You can have confidence in the quality of this heavy-duty cleaner. And you know you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
What We Like
Forward And Back Cleaning
A lot of carpet cleaners clean on only forward passes. But, this Bissell heavy-duty unit cleans on forward and backward passes. So you won’t have to double your efforts to move it forward each time. You can move it around, and it will clean with every move.Powerful Suction
The Bissell Big Green Professional has incredibly heavy-duty powerful suction. So it effectively lifts dirt and debris as you clean. Many reviewers favor this cleaner due to its quality cleaning abilities.Long Hose
The flexible upholstery spot cleaning tool hose is 9-foot long. So you can clean wide areas at once. The flexible upholstery cleaner tool is also flexible and easy to move. So you can get to small spaces without any hassle.What We Don’t Like
Bulky
Because this Bissell Big Green Professional cleaner is heavy-duty, this machine is large and bulky. So it requires a lot of storage room and can be heavy to move around. But, many reviewers say that it’s worth it for the power it holds for deep cleaning.Additional Specs
| Weight | 41 lbs |
| Voltage | 12 amps |
| Tank Capacity | 1.75 gallons |
| Carpet Types | Carpet, Upholstery |
| Usage | Pet messes, Stain |
7. McCulloch MC1275 Steam Carpet Cleaner
We love the variety of useful attachments that this steam cleaner has. With 18 accessories to choose from, you’re covered for almost any cleaning situation. You can use it on multiple surfaces around your home.
Plus, the power on this cleaner provides effective cleaning for tough stains. So you don’t need to add any cleaner or shampoo. The powerful hot steaming penetrates tough dirt and stains effectively.
What We Like
Heats Quickly
You won’t have to wait around for this steam cleaner to heat up. Many reviewers note that the large tanks heat up surprisingly quickly in less than 8 minutes. You can get to cleaning quickly with this steam cleaner.Squeegee Window Attachment
Unlike most carpet cleaners, this model comes with an attachment that you can use on windows. The squeegee attachment is perfect for cleaning your car windows. But you can also use it on glass surfaces in your house.Multi-Surface
This steam cleaner is suitable for almost any surface in your home. So if you have carpet and hardwood floors, this cleaner is perfect to use. You can use it on appliances, outdoor tiles, flooring, and countertops too!Sleek Design
Many favor functionality over design. But this cleaner has both. It has a unique sleek black and yellow body, which many reviewers love the look of. The sleek-look unit can make cleaning a little more enjoyable!What We Don’t Like
Hard to Empty
Many reviewers had trouble emptying the dirty water tank on this cleaner. You have to lift the machine upside down to empty the dirty water tank. This can be hard to do, especially when the dirty water is steaming hot. Make sure you take care when you empty the hot water from the tanks.Additional Specs
| Weight | 12 lbs |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Tank Capacity | 48 oz |
| Carpet Types | Carpet, Upholstery, Area Rugs |
| Usage | Car interiors, Pet hair, Stain |
8. Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover
A spray carpet stain remover can be convenient for quick spot removals, especially if you’re pressed for time. And this Folex instant carpet spot remover does the job well!
This water-based solution is odor-free, so it won’t leave any strong cleaning smells on your carpet. Plus, it’s solvent and petroleum-free, meaning it’s safe to use with children and pets in the house.
What we love most about this spray cleaner is that it doesn’t need any rinsing! So you won’t need to spend time wiping or vacuuming with this cleaning spray. And you’ll see the results straight away.
What We Like
Multi-Surface
You can use this spray cleaner on almost any soft surface or material. It works on carpets, upholstered furniture, and other soft materials. So you can clean more than just your carpets with this cleaner.Works On Old Stains
This cleaner isn’t just effective at spot cleaning on the go. Folex’s formula is made to tackle stains that are old too. So you can bring your carpet back to life, even if you have previous stains.Instant Results
Many reviewers are shocked at how quickly this cleaner can remove stains. It provides instant stain-removing results even with stubborn spots. So you can enjoy quick cleaning without having to wait around to see results.What We Don’t Like
Can Lighten Carpet
Some reviewers found that this cleaner lightened their beige carpets. So it left a lightened patch on their floor. Make sure you follow the instructions on the back of the bottle to make sure you use it correctly.Carpet Cleaner Comparison Chart
| Product | Weight | Voltage | Tank Capacity | Carpet Types | Usage |
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| Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max | 17.5 lbs | N/A | 1 gallon | Carpet, Upholstery | Pet hair, Stain |
| Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact | 12.5 lbs | N/A | 0.5 gallon | Carpet, Area Rugs | Pet stains, Stain |
| Bissell 3624 Spot Clean | 13 lbs | 5.7 amps | 96 oz | Carpet, Upholstery, Area Rugs | Car interiors, Pet stains, Stain |
| BISSELL TurboClean PowerBrush Pet | 12 lbs | 3.4 amps | 0.5 gallon | Carpet, Area Rugs | Stain, Pet messes |
| Bissell Multi-Purpose Portable | 12 lbs | 3 amps | 48 ounce | Carpet, Upholstery, Area Rugs | Car interiors, Stain |
| Bissell Big Green Professional | 41 lbs | 12 amps | 1.75 gallons | Carpet, Upholstery | Pet messes, Stain |
| McCulloch Steam Carpet Cleaner | 12 lbs | 120V | 48 oz | Carpet, Upholstery, Area Rugs | Car interiors, Pet hair, Stain |
| Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover | 2 lbs | N/A | N/A | Carpet | Pet accidents, coffee, blood,food, red wine |
FAQs About Carpet Cleaners
Here are a few details you need to know before buying a carpet cleaner.
How Do Carpet Cleaners Work?
First, they spray a mixture of water and cleaner into the carpet fibers to soften and loosen the dirt.
Then, they scrub the carpet. An upright carpet cleaner has rotating brushes that spin and lift the dirt towards the surface of your carpet. Spot cleaners are similar but don’t have spinning brushes. Instead, you scrub manually using a handheld brush with bristles. This can require some elbow grease.
The last part of the process is suction. Carpet cleaners use vacuum suction to remove the dirty water from your carpet. The dirt is lifted from the carpet with the water, and your carpets are left clean and dirt-free.
What Do Professionals Use to Clean Carpets?
Also known as steam cleaning, this method uses hot water at high pressure to reach deep into the carpet fibers to break down and loosen dirt and bacteria (6).
Then, the hot water is extracted using vacuum suction. As we explained above, dirt is lifted with the water as it is suctioned up.
Can Carpet Cleaners Remove Pet Odors?
For example, the SpotBot Pet Handsfree Cleaner is an effective pet odor removal machine.
How Often Should I Use a Carpet Cleaner?
- For example, if you have indoor smokers in your home, it’s important to deep clean your carpet every 3 to 6 months (8).
- If you have children in your home, we recommend cleaning your carpets at least once every six months.
- Lastly, pet owners should deep clean your carpets at least every six months.
Down To Cleaning
Keeping your carpets clean can feel like a never-ending battle. And finding the right tools to keep them clean can feel overwhelming. But, with the best carpet cleaner, eliminating odors and removing stains can be easy!
Keep in mind our recommended features to look out for to find the best carpet cleaner for you. Think about the weight, hose length, brand, and features of your cleaner.
With these in mind, you can find the cleaner that will keep your carpets looking and feeling brand new.
Please feel free to leave a comment if you enjoyed this article, we’d love to hear from you! Or, share it with a friend!
