- Weight: 25.4 pounds.
- Surface types: Carpet, upholstery.
- Cord length: Not listed.
- Capacity: 4 pounds.
- Attachments: Four.
- Price on publish: $210.21.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
Updated June 27, 2024
Carpeting adds warmth and coziness to your home, but these floor coverings are also magnets for dust, pollen and pet hair, so knowing how to keep them clean is essential. In addition to regular vacuuming, you need to deep clean your carpets to remove embedded dirt and dander and maintain their cleanliness, pile and appearance. Sure, you could call your local Stanley Steemer to get the job done, but why not invest in your own home machine that will ultimately save you money? Here, you’ll find a list of the best carpet cleaners on the market, according to an expert cleaning adviser.
Our picks for the best carpet cleaners
Best value carpet cleaner: Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic
Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic
When it comes to value, this Hoover model is both affordable and easy to use. It has automatic features that make cleaning your carpet a breeze. Just push it forward to clean and pull it backward to dry. Hoover claims this model has a 35% faster drying time than similar models on the market, and it includes an 8-foot hose with a spot-cleaner attachment. “This unit is priced midrange and is user-friendly with automatic cleaning and drying modes,” Sheppard says. “It's great for regular use and easy to operate.”
Specifications
Pros:
- Automatic cleaning.
- Targets tough stains.
- Patented power brushes.
Cons:
- A minority of customers expressed disappointment that the drying mechanism doesn’t disperse much heat.
The bottom line:
This carpet cleaner provides great value: It’s affordable, easy to operate and comes with useful attachments and powerful cleaning suction.
Get it here: Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic
Most versatile carpet cleaner: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Upright
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Upright
This Bissell carpet cleaner does more than your average rental by far. Its heating technology maintains consistent water temperature throughout the cleaning process and it features an express cleaning mode that dries in about 30 minutes. The Bissell ProHeat 2X also has a low-profile cleaning head that maneuvers around and under furniture easily, plus 12 rows of cleaning bristles to lift and remove embedded dirt. Plus, Bissel claims this versatile model eliminates up to 90% of odor-causing bacteria.
Specifications
- Weight: 27 pounds.
- Surface types: Carpets, pet beds.
- Cord length: Not listed.
- Capacity: 18 pounds.
- Attachments: Three.
- Price on publish: $226.97.
Pros:
- Removes bacteria.
- Powerful rows of brushes.
- Express cleaning mode.
Cons:
- Only three attachments.
The bottom line:
A versatile, maneuverable and powerful carpet cleaner that cleans better than most rental machines.
Get it here: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Upright
Best upright carpet cleaner: Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe
Sheppard says that the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is a strong contender in the upright category. “It's easy to use and does a great job of cleaning carpets with its rotating brushes and strong suction,” she says. This upright cleaner also generates heated air for faster drying times, has three versatile attachments for different surfaces and dual tanks that separate the clean and dirty water so it’s easy to fill, empty and rinse.
Specifications
- Weight: 18.1 pounds.
- Surface types: Carpets, upholstery.
- Cord length: 20 feet.
- Capacity: 1 gallon.
- Attachments: Three.
- Price on publish: $241.88.
Pros:
- Dual-tank technology.
- Versatile attachments.
- Quick-drying heat.
Cons:
- Capacity could be higher.
The bottom line:
This carpet cleaner is reasonably priced with strong suction and powerful brushes that make it a good investment.
Get it here: Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe
Best portable carpet cleaner: Bissell Little Green ProHeat Portable
Bissell Little Green ProHeat Portable
With its compact, lightweight design, this Bissell model can easily go from cleaning your living room carpet and upholstery to the interiors of your car. It comes with three specialized tool attachments for hard-to-reach places and features Bissell’s powerful stain removal technology, which helps vanquish tough spots and odors. “This is like a mini version of those professional carpet cleaners you see in stores,” says Sheppard. “It's compact but packs a punch, especially for lifting stubborn stains.”
Specifications
- Weight: 9.2 pounds.
- Surface types: Carpets, upholstery, area rugs, car interiors.
- Cord length: 15 feet.
- Capacity: 37 ounces.
- Attachments: Three.
- Price on publish: $133.89.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact.
- Strong suction.
- Triple-action stain removal.
Cons:
- Very low capacity.
The bottom line:
This compact carpet cleaner is lightweight, yet it packs plenty of suction power and effective stain removal.
Get it here: Bissell Little Green ProHeat Portable
Best budget carpet cleaner: Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush
Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush
Bissell does it again with an affordable machine that doesn’t compromise power for the price. It’s especially good for pet messes but also deep cleans and even shampoos your carpets and rugs with its deep cleaning brush technology. It also features a dual tank design to keep the dirty water and cleaning solution separate.
Specifications
- Weight: 12 pounds.
- Surface types: Carpets, area rugs.
- Cord length: 20 feet.
- Capacity: 0.6 gallons.
- Attachments: One.
- Price on publish: $113.29.
Pros:
- Four-row PowerRoll feature.
- Lightweight and powerful.
- Dual tank design.
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the dual tanks often leak and the motor belts break easily.
The bottom line:
This budget-friendly model reliably completes the job for a small home with few rugs or carpeting.
Get it here: Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush
Best splurge carpet cleaner: Rug Doctor Pet TruDeep
Rug Doctor Pet TruDeep
This machine is the best in its class with 30% more suction power at the cleaner head. That’s thanks to its dual cross action, which includes a vibrating brush that scrubs carpet fibers individually while its rolling brush cleans the entire surface. It also has a super-boost spray setting for heavily soiled areas and a pet upholstery tool that works on pet beds, stairs or even your car's interiors.
Specifications
- Weight: 27.8 pounds.
- Surface types: Carpets, upholstery, stairs, car interiors, pet beds.
- Cord length: Not listed.
- Capacity: 1.1 gallons.
- Attachments: Five.
- Price on publish: $499.99.
Pros:
- 30% more suction power than similar models.
- Two brushes provide cleaning power down to the individual fibers.
- Super-boost spray feature for heavily soiled areas.
Cons:
- Nothing — this is a powerful, commercial-strength machine.
The bottom line:
If you have a large home with lots of carpeting, this carpet cleaner is powerful enough to handle it, especially if you have pets.
Get it here: Rug Doctor Pet TruDeep
Best carpet cleaner for upholstery: Dirt Devil Portable Spot Compact
Dirt Devil Portable Spot Compact
If you’ve got a powerful model that can take care of the whole house, you might also want a separate carpet cleaner that can handle the finer points. This Dirt Devil is great for stains and spills on your upholstery as well as smaller cleanups on carpeting. It has powerful suction to remove dirt and grime and even deodorize pet messes. The two-in-one pet tool and 4-inch stain tool are durable and fit well into tight spaces. Add in the affordable price and this machine is a no-brainer, even if you have a larger, upright cleaner.
Specifications
- Weight: 11 pounds.
- Surface types: Upholstery, small carpets and rugs, car interiors.
- Cord length: Not listed.
- Capacity: 19 ounces.
- Attachments: Two.
- Price on publish: $99.99.
Pros:
- Powerful suction.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Ideal for upholstery.
Cons:
- Tank capacity is very low.
The bottom line:
With powerful suction and a reasonable price from a respected brand, this machine is a steal for small to medium jobs.
Get it here: Dirt Devil Portable Spot Compact
Best carpet cleaner for pet owners: Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact
Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact
Without question, we love our pets as part of the family. However, cleaning up behind their messes, hair and dander can be a chore. Even if you already have the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair, you need a carpet cleaner that’s versatile enough to clean the various surfaces on which your pets may leave their mark. This Hoover is up for the job, with powerful scrubbing and suction, versatile tools and patented drying technology.
Specifications
- Weight: 15.5 pounds.
- Surface types: Carpets, stairs, upholstery, area rugs.
- Cord length: 20 feet.
- Capacity: 60 pounds.
- Attachments: Two.
- Price on publish: $138.
Pros:
- Powerful scrubbing and suction.
- Fast drying technology.
- Versatile tools.
Cons:
- Nothing — this cleaner received a majority of five-star reviews.
The bottom line:
This is an above-average cleaner that’s versatile enough to handle pet messes and dander as well as carpeting throughout your home.
Get it here: Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact
Best professional carpet cleaner: Bissell Big Green Machine Professional
Bissell Big Green Machine Professional
If your home is large and has wall-to-wall carpeting, this Bissell could be a good investment. It features eight rows of extra-large rotating power brushes and two large-capacity tanks that allow you to deep clean your carpeting. The 25-foot power cord gives you plenty of range and a five-year warranty protects you should it break or malfunction.
Specifications
- Weight: 42 pounds.
- Surface types: Carpets.
- Cord length: 25 feet.
- Capacity: 1.75 gallons.
- Attachments: Two.
- Price on publish: $411.99.
Pros:
- Eight-row rotating power brush.
- 9-foot long reach hose.
- Dual, large-capacity tanks.
Cons:
- The tank capacity is small for a professional-grade machine.
The bottom line:
A great choice for larger homes with more carpeting.
Get it here: Bissell Big Green Machine Professional
What to consider when buying a carpet cleaner
Type of carpeting
Carpets come in a range of sizes, materials, pile heights, cuts and weaves. Mattie Sheppard, a strategic interior designer and cleaning advisor at Real Estate Bees, says that the type of carpeting you have is paramount when deciding which cleaning machine you choose.
“Different carpet types require different cleaning methods,” she says. “For example, if you have an antique or delicate rug you will want to buy a less-powerful cleaner specifically to handle this type of rug.” Conversely, if you have carpeting with a plush, higher pile, you’ll want to consider a powerful machine that cleans deeply.
Power
Lower-pile carpets or rugs don’t require machines with as much suction power as plush coverings, like shag rugs or tufted material. “Whatever type of carpeting or rugs you have, make sure it can thoroughly get deep into the fibers to remove stains and dirt,” Sheppard says.
Accessories
Carpet cleaning machines generally come with an assortment of useful attachments. “Look for attachments like crevice and upholstery tools that will help clean those hard-to-reach sections of your home,” Sheppard says. Also, if you have pets, look for a machine that comes with accessories like brushes and nozzles that are good for removing fur and dander.
Warranty
You’ll want to buy a carpet cleaner that fits within your budget, but whatever the price, a carpet cleaner is an investment that you want to last, so a good warranty should be part of the package. “Consider your budget, do a price comparison and check if the machine comes with a warranty for peace of mind in case of any issues in the future,” Sheppard says.
How we selected the best carpet cleaners
To make these picks, I enlisted the help of an expert in the interior design and housekeeping industry for their professional insight on how to choose the best carpet cleaners. I also conducted extensive research and read many customer reviews of carpet cleaners to gauge user experience.
If you found this guide useful, you may also appreciate this list of the best vacuum cleaners, or our guides to how to clean a couch or how to clean vinyl plank flooring.
What is a carpet cleaning machine and how does it work?
“A carpet cleaning machine sprays, scrubs and sucks up the dirt, leaving your carpet cleaner and fresher,” Sheppard says. “The machine sprays a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto the carpet to loosen up the dirt and grime. Many machines have brushes that scrub the carpet, which works in the solution and helps further loosen the dirt and grime. Then, the machine uses strong suction to pull up the dirty water and loosened dirt.”
Differences between a steam cleaner, a spot cleaner and an upright carpet cleaner
“Steam cleaners are versatile and use steam for deep cleaning and sanitizing,” says Sheppard. “Spot cleaners are small and portable, perfect for tackling small stains and messes. Upright carpet cleaners are larger and designed for cleaning entire carpets.”
Tips for caring for and maintaining a carpet cleaning machine
Here are Sheppard’s tips for keeping your carpet cleaning machine in good shape and ensuring that it works efficiently and effectively for years to come:
- Always use the recommended cleaning solution for your machine. Using the wrong one can damage the machine or leave residue on your carpet.
- Make sure the hoses and nozzles are free of clogs or blockages. If you find any, clear them out to ensure proper water flow and suction. After using the machine, rinse any brushes or attachments to remove any leftover dirt and cleaning solution. This helps them last longer and maintain their effectiveness.
- After cleaning, empty and rinse both the clean water tank and the dirty water tank. This prevents buildup and keeps your machine working well.
- To prevent a safety hazard, regularly inspect the power cord for damage. Every so often, deep clean the machine itself. Follow the instructor’s manual to thoroughly clean all parts and keep the machine in top condition.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What should I know about carpet cleaners for pets before shopping?
“Pet hair and dander can get deep into carpet fibers, so look for a cleaner with strong suction to pull out all the fur and dirt effectively,” Sheppard says. “Also, pets sometimes cause stains, so seek a machine that excels in removing tough stains. Some cleaners have specific attachments or modes for dealing with pet stains. Finally, look for a carpet cleaner that’s well-built and durable, so it can handle frequent use.”
Can I use carpet cleaners on all types of carpets?
“Not all carpet cleaners are suitable for every type of carpet,” Sheppard says. “For example, steam cleaners are generally good for most carpets but can damage delicate or antique rugs. On the other hand, shampoo cleaners are effective for deep cleaning but may leave residue on certain carpets. So choose your machine wisely, according to your particular carpeting.”
How often should I use a carpet cleaning machine?
“Most carpets benefit from cleaning every six to 12 months, but you might need to clean more often in high-traffic areas,” Sheppard says. “If your household members have allergies, your home has pets and kids or if there are frequent spills and stains, cleaning every three to six months might be necessary.”
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AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.