The Best Commercial Carpet Cleaner of 2023

By
Meg Amy
Meg is a dedicated writer specializing in cleaning, home improvement and lifestyle. Her insightful content covers home and cleaning products, along with instructive guides for The House Wire. She's also the visionary behind Rise and Seek, a blog focusing on personal leadership. With a background of living in five countries and globetrotting, Meg possesses a keen understanding of how our surroundings influence our lives
Learn more about The Housewire’s Editorial Process
Updated May 21, 2023

Power through your clean with these commercial carpet cleaners

The Best Commercial Carpet Cleaner of 2023
Thehousewire is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

Are you struggling to keep the carpets in your business space clean with a regular vacuum? Carpets can attract a lot of hidden dirt and bacteria in high-traffic areas.

Enjoy results you can expect from a professional carpet cleaning company with an industrial carpet cleaning machine. These machines remove tough debris and restore fluff to make your carpets feel brand new.

Let’s take a look at the best commercial carpet cleaners. Whether you want to rent or buy a machine, you can find the best option for your cleaning with this guide.

Our Top Picks

The HouseWire earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.
Commercial Carpet Cleaning Machines of 2023
Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet CleanerBest Overall

Bissell Big Green Pro

Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner

  • Long Hose

  • Fast Cleaning

  • Two Tanks

Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial Carpet Cleaner – Large Red Pet Pack, Includes 48 oz. Pet Carpet Cleaner Solution, Commercial Carpet Cleaning Machine, Powerful One Pass Cleaning SystemBest Rental

Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3

Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial Carpet Cleaner – Large Red Pet Pack, Includes 48 oz. Pet Carpet Cleaner Solution, Commercial Carpet Cleaning Machine, Powerful One Pass Cleaning System

  • Enhanced Motor

  • Large Tank

  • One-Pass Cleaning

Bissell 3624 Spot Clean Professional Portable Carpet Cleaner - Corded , BlackBest Portable

Bissell SpotClean Pro

Bissell 3624 Spot Clean Professional Portable Carpet Cleaner - Corded , Black

  • Stain Removal

  • Strong Suction

  • Deep-Cleaning Formula

Sandia 50-7000 Single 3 Stage Fan Sniper Indy Automotive Spot Commercial Extractor with In-Line Heater, 3 Gallon Capacity, 55 PSI PumpBest Extractor Machine

Sandia Spot Extractor

Sandia 50-7000 Single 3 Stage Fan Sniper Indy Automotive Spot Commercial Extractor with In-Line Heater, 3 Gallon Capacity, 55 PSI Pump

  • Easy To Maneuver

  • 4-Inch Steel Hand Tool

  • Durable

NaceCare GVE 370 'George' Wet/Dry/ Extractor Vacuum with a 26A kitBest for Fast Drying

NaceCare GVE

NaceCare GVE 370 'George' Wet/Dry/ Extractor Vacuum with a 26A kit

  • Long-Lasting Motor

  • All-In-One Cleaning

Zep Carpet Cleaner Commercial Instant Spot Remover, 19 Oz (2 Pack)Best Cleaner Spray

Zep Instant Spot Remover

Zep Carpet Cleaner Commercial Instant Spot Remover, 19 Oz (2 Pack)

  • Fast-Acting

  • Works On Old Stains

Quality Chemical Commercial Carpet Extraction Cleaner and Shampoo. Heavy-duty carpet cleaner for use in all extraction type machines.-1 gallon (128 oz.)Best Heavy-Duty

Quality Chemical Cleaner

Quality Chemical Commercial Carpet Extraction Cleaner and Shampoo. Heavy-duty carpet cleaner for use in all extraction type machines.-1 gallon (128 oz.)

  • No Leftover Residue

  • Pleasant Fragrance

Reviews

1. Best Overall - Bissell Big Green Professional Cleaner Machine

Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner
This Bissell carpet cleaner won’t disappoint when it comes to professional cleaning results.

This professional carpet cleaner features an XL power brush. It reaches deep into your carpet without damaging the fibers.

So your carpets will last longer, even after frequent cleaning.

The Bissell Big Green carpet cleaning machine also uses hot water extraction to clean without producing steam. This makes it more efficient than regular steam cleaners.

Plus, it also results in shorter drying times. This is ideal if your carpets need frequent cleaning, but you still want to be able to walk on them.

With this Big Green cleaner, you won’t have to waste time waiting for your wet carpet to dry.

What We Like

Long Hose

Thanks to the 9-inch long hose, this Bissell Big Green is perfect if you have stairs to clean. You can use the extra reach to clean stairs, office furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas.

Two Tanks

The Bissell Big Green cleaner is built with two large tanks. This keeps the clean and dirty water separate.

So you won’t have to worry about re-contaminating your carpets.

Fast Cleaning

Unlike many other cleaners, this Bissell Big Green machine cleans on forward and backward passes.

The smooth forward and backward rolling saves you time. It also ensures tough stains are entirely removed.

Because it cleans in both directions, you can clean your carpet twice as fast with this Bissell Big Green Machine.

What We Don’t Like

Heavy

Although this machine is not as big as many other commercial cleaners, it’s heavy. At 48-pounds, it can be difficult pushing this cleaner around if you’re cleaning large spaces.

But, some reviewers note that the extra weight is worth it for the cleaning power it offers.

Technical Specs

Weight 48 lbs
Surface Type Carpet & Upholstery
Tank Capacity 1.75 gallons
Brush Roll Type XL Dirt Lifter Power Brush
Noise Level N/A
Included Accessories 6-inch stain tool, flow indicator

2. Best Rental : Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial Pet Pack

Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial Carpet Cleaner
This Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 commercial grade carpet cleaner is one of the most popular rented cleaners on the market. Many customers love it so much they purchased their own.

This Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 has rotating brushes for deep cleaning big messes. It’s perfect for tackling high traffic areas with stains and ground-in dirt build-up.

The triple-action brush scrubs at every angle. This releases dirt and dust that many regular cleaners miss.

This Rug Doctor also uses powerful jets. They dispense cleaner deep into the carpet’s fibers to shampoo and loosen dirt.

Not only does this clean your carpet, but it also removes odors. So you can enjoy fresh and clean carpets after every session.

Plus, this professional carpet cleaner offers enhanced extraction for more powerful suction. This is perfect for cleaning up pet hair or pet messes if you have pets in your office or workspace.

This Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 cleaner also has a CRI gold seal of approval. So you can trust that it won’t dull the appearance of your carpet.

What We Like

Enhanced Motor

This Rug Doctor cleaner offers powerful suction thanks to the enhanced motor. This ensures the bottom layers of your carpet are deep cleaned and vacuumed with each pass.

This results in better deep-clean quality as well as faster drying times.

Large Tank

The recovery tank can hold 3.9 gallons of dirt and dust. That’s a lot more than many other models on the market.

So this Rug Doctor machine is perfect for big cleans and long deep-cleaning sessions.

One-Pass Cleaning

This Rug Doctor cleaner features a one-pass cleaning system. This means it requires less effort while you clean.

It sprays, scrubs, and removes stubborn dirt and grime in a single pass.

What We Don’t Like

Hard To Fill

According to reviews, the 3-gallon tank on this Rug Doctor cleaner is hard to fill. Because you can’t detach it, you need a bucket to fill it up.

This can be a hassle, especially if you don’t have a bucket around

Technical Specs

Weight 39.5 lbs
Surface Type Carpet and soft surfaces
Tank Capacity 3.9 gallons
Brush Roll Type Vibrating Brush
Noise Level N/A
Included Accessories N/A

3. Best Portable : Bissell SpotClean Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner

Bissell 3624 Spot Clean Professional Portable
If you are cleaning in different locations, you’ll want to consider a portable option. In this case, this Bissell Pro Carpet Cleaner is the way to go.

This cleaner has a lightweight design that doesn’t compromise on cleaning power. Weighing only 13.2-pounds, it’s one of the lightest commercial cleaners on the market.

It combines strong suction power and scrubbing for powerful cleaning without the bulky weight. This makes it easy to maneuver and transport between cleaning sessions.

So it’s perfect for commercial cleaning companies or office spaces with many floors.

And thanks to the helpful handle and 6-inch cleaning tool, cleaning stairs is a breeze. The handle sits on top, so you can easily carry the cleaner up and down your stairs.

What We Like

Stain Removal

The tough-stain attachment makes removing marks or tough debris an easy process. This is ideal for targeting small areas or spot-cleaning.

It’s also perfect for removing stains on upholstery or office furniture.

Strong Suction

With 5.7 amps of power, this cleaner provides strong suction power for its size. It lifts deep dirt and debris and removes excess water or cleaning products on your carpet.

Deep-Cleaning Formula

This cleaner comes with everything you need to start cleaning. It includes an 8-ounce deep-cleaning formula to remove carpet stains.

This formula doesn’t only dissolve tough stains. It also prevents future stains from setting into the carpet’s fibers

What We Don’t Like

Delicate Hose

Some reviewers had trouble with their hose breaking. The hose material appears to be fragile and can break under pressure.

So wrapping it up in storage can cause it to kink or crack when you’re not using the cleaner.

Technical Specs

Weight 13.2 lbs
Surface Type Carpet, rugs, stairs, upholstery, auto interiors
Tank Capacity 96 oz
Brush Roll Type N/A
Noise Level N/A
Included Accessories 3-inch tough stain stool, 6-inch stair tool, a trial-size bottle of Pro Max clean formula

4. Best Commercial Carpet Extractor Machine : Sandia Spot Commercial Extractor

Sandia Spot Commercial Extractor

Bring the carpets in your office building back to life with this Sandia Spot Extractor. This machine restores dirty carpets effortlessly thanks to a 3-stage vacuum motor.

It heats and delivers the extracting solution. Then, it suctions the solution for a faster drying time.

You can use it to remove stains on your carpeted floors, rugs, and upholstery. Plus, you can also use it on hard surfaces.

It comes with a 15-foot vacuum hose that provides a lot of range while you’re cleaning. This is plenty of reach to clean carpets in narrow nooks or behind furniture.

What We Like

Easy To Maneuver

This machine has double-ball wheels for easy steering on your carpets. These wheels glide easily, so you won’t have trouble dragging the unit while you clean.

4-Inch Steel Hand Tool

The 4-inch steel hand tool adds a lot of versatility to this machine. You can use it to remove stains from appliances and hard surfaces as well as your carpet.

This means you can also use it to clean other tools in your workspace.

Durable

Lightweight and durable, the body of this machine is made from sturdy materials. So it’s built for maximum strength.

You can trust that it won’t suffer damage or break during cleaning or transporting.

What We Don’t Like

Can Overheat

Some reviewers find the heater often overheats and stops working. This prevents it from being able to heat water when you’re cleaning.

Technical Specs

Weight N/A
Surface Type Soft surfaces and stainless steel
Tank Capacity 3 gallons
Brush Roll Type N/A
Noise Level N/A
Included Accessories 4-inch stainless steel hand tool, 15-foot hose

5. Best for Fast Drying : NaceCare GVE George Extractor Vacuum

NaceCare GVE 370
Many business spaces need regular carpet cleaning sessions. But, when it comes to frequent carpet cleaning, a lot of time can be spent waiting for the carpets to be dry again.

But, this fast-drying George Vacuum can help! It provides a much quicker process than having your carpets professionally cleaned.

This machine features a 1.6 HP vacuum that provides superior water recovery. So it efficiently suctions water after cleaning.

Plus, with 110-inches of water lift and 95 CFM of airflow, your carpet won’t be left soggy after cleaning. So you can get back to using your office space carpets in less time with this cleaner.

What We Like

Long-Lasting Motor

The motor on this vacuum has a ball float wet shut-off. This protects the motor and ensures water doesn’t get into it.

So you won’t have to worry about your motor getting any water damage and failing while you clean.

All-In-One Cleaning

This cleaner is an all-in-one machine. It’s a wet/dry vacuum, scrubber, and floor dryer.

This makes it perfect for almost any commercial cleaning task.

What We Don’t Like

Hard To Carry

Although it has a helpful handle on the top of the unit, this George vacuum weighs 30-pounds. So it can be heavy to carry around while you’re cleaning.

Technical Specs

Weight 30 lbs
Surface Type Carpet and upholstery
Tank Capacity N/A
Brush Roll Type N/A
Noise Level N/A
Included Accessories N/A

6. Best Spray : Zep Carpet Cleaner Commercial Instant Spot Remover

Zep Carpet Cleaner Commercial Instant Spot Remover
While this product isn’t a machine, it definitely helps achieve commercial carpet cleaning results. It has a pro-strength formula that cuts through stains for instant results.

You can use this spot remover to deep clean oily stains on your carpets, such as food or grease spots. And it will lift stains and marks straight away as you clean.

It’s also ideal for spot cleaning a pet stain or cleaning scuff marks on any soft surface.

This Instant Spot Remover is perfect for carpets and other soft surfaces. It has a foaming formula that gets deep into fibers to remove ground-in residue.

What We Like

Fast-Acting

This Zep carpet cleaner acts fast to speed up your cleaning. The foam cuts straight into the roots of your carpet fibers to lift stains straight away.

Works On Old Stains

You can use this formula to remove old stains without any hassle. According to reviews, it works as quick on old stains as freshly stained carpets.

No Scrubbing

Because it works fast, you don’t have to worry about scrubbing. So you can apply it to the carpet and deep clean it in a single cleaning pass.

This can save both time and effort while you clean.

What We Don’t Like

Potent Formula

Due to its pro-strength formula, this cleaner can be potent. So it requires taking precautions and using protective gear when you’re cleaning.

Technical Specs

Weight 1.19 lbs
Surface Type Floor, carpet
Tank Capacity N/A
Brush Roll Type N/A
Noise Level N/A
Included Accessories N/A

7. Best Heavy-Duty : Quality Chemical Commercial Carpet Extraction Cleaner

Commercial Carpet Extraction Cleaner and Shampoo
This carpet cleaner is great to pair with your carpet cleaner for heavy-duty cleaning.

This heavy-duty carpet cleaner has a strong, concentrated formula. So it loosens even the most stubborn stains on your carpet.

You can add it to your cleaner’s solution tank to achieve flawless cleaning results. And it works well with both hot and cold water.

Plus, it’s safe to use in all extraction machines. So you won’t have to worry about needing a specific machine to use this solution.

What We Like

No Leftover Residue

This Quality Carpet cleaner doesn’t leave a sticky residue on your carpet surface. Instead, it leaves your carpet feeling fresh and clean.

Pleasant Fragrance

Unlike many cleaning formulas, this formula doesn’t have a strong chemical scent. It has a light lemon fragrance, so you can enjoy a fresh smell while you clean.

Deep Cleans Carpet Base

For efficient results, this cleaner reaches deep into the base of carpet piles. So you can be sure that no leftover dirt or stains will be left hiding in your carpet fibers.

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Some reviewers find that this cleaner is pricey compared to other brands. While it performs well, some reviewers feel that it’s not worth the price.

Technical Specs

Weight 8 lbs
Surface Type Carpet
Tank Capacity N/A
Brush Roll Type N/A
Noise Level N/A
Included Accessories N/A

What to Look for in a Commercial Carpet Cleaner Machine

accordion_icon

Types

First, consider the type of carpet cleaner that’s best for you. There are two types to choose from.

Commercial Carpet Cleaner for Rent

It’s important to consider how often you’ll be cleaning your carpet.

For example, carpet cleaners are loud, bulky machines that can be hard to maneuver. They can also need regular water changes depending on the size of the tank and the area you’ll be cleaning.

For this reason, they’re not the type of machine you’re likely to use too often. Plus, commercial carpet cleaners tend to be expensive and can cost around $900.

So renting can be a more cost-effective option. You can often find one of these machines available to rent at a nearby store or home center.

Commercial carpet cleaners for rent have a tank for dispensing a cleaning solution. Plus, a separate tank for holding the dirty water.

They also have a vacuum system and brush built into a large, single machine.

Full-sized Commercial Carpet Cleaner

Full-sized commercial carpet cleaners are lighter and more compact than typical rental machines.

These cleaners add a solution of water and detergent to the floors. They scrub to agitate debris and then, the cleaner vacuums up the water and dirt.

Full-sized commercial carpet cleaners can be expensive and take up a lot of space. It’s also important to note that most models need the manufacturer’s specific detergent.

So consider how often you’ll be cleaning to find the best carpet cleaners for your needs.

accordion_icon

Cleaning Solutions

Next, keep in mind that carpet shampooers work with cleaning solutions. So, you’ll need to consider buying one with your carpet cleaner.

For an example, see this Zep Carpet Shampoo liquid for carpet cleaners.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing a cleaning solution. This is because using a detergent that isn’t recommended may void your warranty.

If you’re unsure, you might want to consider a product that you apply straight on your carpet. For example, this Zep Instant Spot Remover is a carpet cleaning spray.

Rental machines may need an anti-foamer while cleaning to reduce the excess foam. And this is on top of the recommended solutions on sale with your rental.

Many manufacturers sell different types of solutions to suit different cleaning needs. These solutions target specific problems, such as pet stains or pet urine.

accordion_icon

Weight

You should also consider the weight of your commercial carpet cleaning machine. Most carpet cleaner models are heavy even before you fill them with water.

For example, adding a cleaning solution to the models on our list can add up to 15 pounds to the weight.

A lighter carpet cleaner will be easier to move during cleaning. So you should always consider a more lightweight machine if you can.

accordion_icon

Tank Capacity

It’s also important to think about the tank capacity.

Some carpet cleaners only have one tank for both water and a cleaning solution. The best carpet cleaners have two separate tanks for water and cleaning solutions.

A large water tank will add to the weight of the machine. But, large tanks need less emptying during cleaning.

For example, see this Mercury Floor Machines Cleaner. It has a 12-gallon solution tank.

A carpet cleaner with a smaller tank capacity will be lighter to use. But, it may need more refills.

accordion_icon

Hose

If your carpet cleaner has a hose, make sure you consider the length. A hose with extra length will make it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas and tight spaces.

So, if you have narrow spaces or nooks to clean, consider a model with a long hose.

accordion_icon

Cord

Because commercial carpet cleaners are corded, consider the length of the power cord. A cord between 15 and 20 feet long is ideal for most cleaning needs.

But, some commercial carpet cleaners have extra-long cords for cleaning large premises.

For example, see this EDIC Galaxy Carpet Cleaner. It has a 50-foot power cord.

A longer cord will provide more mobility while cleaning. So a 50-foot power cord will allow you to reach into corners without needing to unplug the carpet cleaner.

But, a longer cord also has some drawbacks. First, it can be a hassle to rewind after you’ve finished using the carpet cleaner.

And if you don’t have a hook to keep the cord in place, it can make a mess on your floor. Plus, longer power cords are also more prone to wear and tear due to having thin wires.

Shorter cords are usually thicker and are less likely to sustain damage. So this is something to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a cleaner.

accordion_icon

CRI Seal of Approval

You should also consider looking for a commercial carpet cleaner with a CRI seal of approval (SOA).

SOA is a program that tests soil removal, surface appearance, colorfastness, and moisture. So it helps you make an informed decision about your carpet cleaner’s performance.

This program also helps manufacturers improve their products. The purpose of these results is to achieve healthier and longer-lasting carpets.

For example, this Rug Doctor Pro Deep carpet cleaner has the CRI Seal of approval.

accordion_icon

Extra Features

Then, consider the extra features for your commercial carpet cleaner.

For example, some carpet cleaners have an internal heater. This feature maintains a higher water temperature to provide a deeper cleaning experience.

A higher water temperature lifts dirt and marks. But, it also results in faster carpet drying times.

So this is ideal if you’ll be cleaning your carpet often. You won’t have to worry about wasting time waiting for your carpeted area to dry.

In-tank solution mixing is another feature to consider. With this, you don’t have to pre-measure the solution.

Instead, you can fill the water and solution tank, and the machine will automatically mix it as needed.

Some commercial carpet cleaners also allow you to push them like vacuum cleaners. These models don’t have a trigger that needs pulling to dispense the solution.

Plus, you don’t need to pull it back to suction the dirt. You can clean the same way you would with a regular vacuum cleaner, and the machine will do the work.

This can save you a lot of effort while you’re cleaning during big jobs.

accordion_icon

Attachments

Finally, there are many brush attachments to consider. It’s always a good idea to have a variety of brushes to suit different tasks.

For example, if you’ll be cleaning up after pets, you’ll want a brush to get rid of stubborn pet hair and pet stains. A small brush is also ideal for cleaning stairs or edges and corners.

So make sure you look for extra brushes and cleaning heads.

This way, you can deep clean awkward spots of carpet. Plus, you can clean stairs or upholstery with your commercial carpet cleaner.

Commercial Carpet Cleaning Machine Comparison Chart

ProductWeightSurface TypeTank CapacityBrush Roll TypeNoise Level
Bissell Big Green Professional Cleaner Machine48 lbsCarpet & Upholstery1.75 gallonsXL Dirt Lifter Power BrushN/A
Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial39.5 lbsCarpet and soft surfaces3.9 gallonsVibrating BrushN/A
Bissell SpotClean Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner13.2 lbsCarpet, rugs, stairs, upholstery, auto interiors96 ozN/AN/A
Sandia Spot Commercial ExtractorN/ASoft surfaces and stainless steel3 gallonsN/AN/A
NaceCare GVE George Extractor Vacuum30 lbsCarpet and upholsteryN/AN/AN/A
Zep Carpet Cleaner Instant Spot Remover1.19 lbsFloor, carpetN/AN/AN/A
Quality Chemical Commercial Carpet 8 lbsCarpetN/AN/AN/A
Jump to the Full Commercial Carpet Cleaning Machine Reviews

FAQ

Here are some answers to questions about commercial carpet cleaning.

accordion_icon

How Often Should You Clean Your Carpet?

How often you should clean your carpet depends on many factors. For example, the level of traffic and spills.

Most high-spill business spaces such as restaurants should be cleaned every 3 months.

Carpets in high-traffic retail spaces need cleaning every 3 to 6 months. But, cleaning twice a year is usually enough in low-traffic office buildings.

accordion_icon

How Long Do Commercial Carpet Cleaners Last?

Most commercial carpet cleaners last between 2 to 3 years. This is according to US industry standards.

Commercial carpet cleaners tend to get a lot of frequent use. So they don’t last as long as regular cleaners.

Related Reading