Area rugs and wall-to-wall carpets cozy up your space but trap more dirt than hard floors. When a treatment spray isn’t powerful enough to remove mud, pet hair and stains, you should consider investing in a carpet cleaner. These appliances come in various designs (including upright, handheld, steamers and shampooers), so narrowing down the best model for your needs can be challenging. To find the best carpet cleaners to shop, we spoke with three cleaning experts for their guidance and recommendations.
SKIP AHEAD The best carpet cleaners in 2023 | What are the different types of carpet cleaners? | How to shop for carpet cleaners
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We interviewed experts who clean houses professionally and have extensive knowledge about flooring or provide home restoration services. They suggest keeping the following criteria in mind while shopping:
- Portability: We split our top carpet cleaners into two categories: upright and handheld. The former is more powerful and better for large areas, while the latter is smaller, lighter in weight and better for spot cleaning, according to our experts. Either way, the weight and dimensions are important for ease of use and maneuverability.
- Suction power: When considering a carpet cleaner, you should make sure it is strong enough to lift dirt and clean various messes. “Look for machines with strong suction power and robust agitation,” says Ryan Knoll, owner of home cleaning company Tidy Casa. The suction strength is usually measured in amperes or air watts—the higher, the better. Agitation is the speed and power that the brush attachment moves to clean up messes.
- Heat: You should also take into account the heating capabilities of your carpet cleaner, according to Knoll. “Some carpet cleaners come with built-in heaters, which can be great for loosening up stains and debris,” he says. “Look for machines that mention ‘heated cleaning’ or have an onboard water heater.” The ideal temperature for thoroughly cleaning carpets is around 140 degrees to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, as this “is hot enough to help with cleaning but not so hot that it risks damaging most carpet fibers,” says Knoll.
- Extras: The best carpet cleaner models come with accessories and cleaning formulas, according to our experts. Some also offer warranties to protect your purchase.
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We rounded up top upright and handheld carpet cleaners recommended by our experts. Additionally, we included appliances with at least a 4-star average rating from at least 500 reviews on Amazon.
Best upright carpet cleanersBissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
What we like
- Good for pet owners
- Temperature regulation
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
Four of our experts recommend the Bissell ProHeat line because of its powerful suction and ease of use. For pet owners in particular, the full-size Pet Pro upright model “comes with a pet-specific cleaning solution and a pet hair basket to keep carpets free from fur and odors,” says Will Cotter, owner of FreshSpace Cleaning, a home cleaning service that offers carpet cleaning. This model also has dual brushes, a sprayer that dispenses the included stain formula, a tank that maintains hot water temperatures and handheld attachments to tackle stains on various surfaces, plus its express mode cleans and dries carpets in under 30 minutes, according to the brand.
Weight: 17.5 lbs. | Dimensions: 15 x 12.5 x 43.5 in. | Tank capacity: 1 gal
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Washer
What we like
- A lot of attachments
- Spin brush
Something to note
- Somewhat large
Cotter also recommends the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe carpet washer, which he says is affordable, easy to use and efficient, making it a reliable choice for everyday cleaning. In addition to its spinning brush that breaks up dirt and stains, it also has strong suction and a built-in dryer to remove moisture afterward, according to the brand. This carpet washer comes with an eight-foot hose, designated attachments for stairs, upholstery and crevices, and a sample bottle of cleaning solution.
Weight: 18.5 lbs. | Dimensions: 21.9 x 14.6 x 23 in. | Tank capacity: 1 gal
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
What we like
- Lightweight
- Nozzle tool
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
Angela Brown (founder of Savvy Cleaner, a company that trains and certifies house cleaners, and a professional house cleaner with over 30 years of experience) recommends the Hoover PowerDash due to its lightweight design that’s great for both maintenance and spot-cleaning. While it weighs less than other upright carpet cleaners on this list, it still has a deep-cleaning roller brush and a heated dryer. Each order includes a nozzle tool and a trial-size cleaning solution.
Weight: 12.5 lbs. | Dimensions: 15.25 x 10.13 x 43.5 in. | Tank capacity: .5 gal
Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial Carpet Cleaner
Something to note
- Somewhat large
If you’re looking for professional-grade results or if you plan on using your carpet cleaner for commercial jobs, both Brown and Cotter recommend Rug Doctor. The Mighty Pro X3 uses water jets, vibrating brushes, a large 3.9-gallon water tank and professional-grade suction to break down stains, suck up dirt and dry carpets in one pass, according to the brand. While it’s larger than most residential models, its big wheels and folding handle are designed to improve its maneuverability. Each order includes enough deep-cleaning solution to wash over 720 square feet of carpet.
Weight: 47 lbs. | Dimensions: 21 x 12.5 x 27.5 in. | Tank capacity: 3.9 gal
Best handheld carpet cleanersBissell Little Green Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
What we like
- Somewhat large
- Good for upholstery
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
Brown recommends the Bissell Little Green cleaner because it’s portable and great for stairs, upholstery and small messes. The 48-ounce tank has a handle so you can move it from spot to spot, while the 4-foot hose has a textured attachment for scrubbing stains and a sprayer that dispenses the cleaning formula (trial-size bottle included). It also has enough suction to remove both dirt and moisture as well as a self-cleaning function so you can rinse the hose after every use, according to the brand.
Weight: 9.6 lbs. | Dimensions: 9.29 x 19.02 x 13.39 in. | Tank capacity: 48 oz.
Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush
What we like
- Good for pet owners
- Rotating brush
Something to note
- Best for small areas
The Bissell Pet Stain Eraser has a 4.1-star average rating from over 10,000 reviews on Amazon. It removes pet messes, dirt stains and odors on fabrics. It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that runs for up to 20 minutes without any cords, making it especially portable and convenient to use. It won’t wash an entire carpet or fully dry a spot treatment, but its rotating brush scrubs away stains while its suction and concentrated spot and stain formula removes excess dirt. Each order includes two 8-ounce bottles of solution and an interchangeable scrubber tool.
Weight: 4.4 lbs. | Dimensions: 16 x 6 x 8 in. | Tank capacity: 8 oz.
Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner
What we like
- Good for pet owners
- Good for upholstery
- Has wheels
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
Brown recommends the Rug Doctor spot cleaner for a powerful but compact model, which comes with a one-year limited warranty. It’s more portable than its upright counterpart and is designed to deep clean dirt, stains and pet messes from various surfaces, including carpet, car upholstery, pet beds and mattresses. With a sprayer and silicone rubber bristles at the end of its hose, the base also has wheels and a retractable handle to improve portability.
Weight: 18.96 lbs. | Dimensions: 16.02 x 10.94 x 15.63 in. | Tank capacity: 64 oz.
Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner
What we like
- Large water tank
- Hose
Something to note
- Somewhat large
Knoll recommends the Bissell SpotClean because it’s simultaneously effective yet compact and easy to use. According to the brand, it combines a 96-ounce tank, a 5-foot hose with a scrubber, and cleaning formula to remove odors, stains and dirt. It also weighs less than 15 pounds and has a handle so you can move it wherever you need it.
Weight: 13.2 lbs. | Dimensions: 10 x 14 x 14 in. | Tank capacity: 96 oz.
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Like their name suggests, upright carpet cleaners have an upright design that looks almost like a vacuum cleaner. According to our experts, their larger size often results in better suction and efficiency. While upright cleaners are more expensive and more difficult to maneuver than handheld cleaners, they are great for cleaning large carpeted areas, says Cotter.
Handheld carpet cleanersWhile not as powerful as upright cleaners, these are more portable and great for spot-cleaning small areas due to their lightweight designs and compact tanks, says Knoll. They tend to be less expensive, too. As a result, while they’re not ideal for washing wall-to-wall carpets, they’re a great option for people with area rugs, carpeted stairs or a lower budget, according to our experts.
How to shop for carpet cleanersOnce you’ve decided between an upright or a handheld carpet cleaner, our experts recommend using the following criteria to help you pick a brand and a model:
PortabilityWhether handheld or upright, you’ll need to take your carpet cleaner out of storage and move it from room to room, so check the machine’s weight and overall dimensions before purchasing. While handheld models are inherently compact, some upright models offer smooth-rolling wheels and elongated hose attachments to boost portability, according to our experts.
Tank capacityBrown says that larger water tanks are often measured in ounces or gallons, so they reduce the number of trips to refill and empty, so they’re ideal for larger carpeted areas. However, larger tanks are also heavier and harder to transport, so a small-capacity tank is common for handheld units.
Heat and suctionWhile carpet steamers and shampooers differ (we explain how below), most carpet shampooers use some heat to loosen up dirt and dry the carpet faster. According to our experts, machines that use heat are more effective and efficient. Similarly, “stronger suction makes for better dirt and moisture extraction,” says Brown.
Cleaning solutionsMost residential machines apply a cleaning solution to your carpet before agitating (or scrubbing) the carpet fibers and sucking up the residue, according to our experts. Most of the models on this list come with a cleaning solution (a trial-size bottle, at the very least), but if not, be sure to find one that’s compatible with your machine.
AttachmentsBrown recommends looking for models with an assortment of attachments to allow for more versatility when cleaning your home. Hoses, brushes and stair tools allow you to clean upholstery, stairs [and] pet beds,” she says.
WarrantiesBrown recommends choosing a carpet cleaner with a solid warranty. Additionally, check the warranties on both your carpet cleaner and your rug before cleaning since misuse may void both of them. For example, if you clean houses professionally, choose a commercial model, as consumer cleaning machines often aren’t protected if toted around, says Brown.
Frequently asked questions
As opposed to renting a machine or calling in a professional, owning a carpet cleaner is convenient and cost-effective, according to our experts. You can spot-clean or shampoo your rugs (or upholstery) as needed with one purchase, which is especially practical for households with pets, kids or heavy traffic.
Carpet shampooers apply a cleaning solution and agitate it with bristles or a beater before extracting it again, while carpet steamers use hot water vapor to sanitize your carpet, says Bailey.
Carpet shampooers are easy to use and result in deep-cleaned, fluffy carpets, according to our experts. While “steam cleaning is incredibly powerful” and “doesn’t require any shampoo or other chemicals,” it’s best completed by professionals due to the high temperatures and costly machines, says Saunders. Steam cleaners may also leave a carpet damp, says Knoll. For those reasons, we only included carpet shampooers.
Most carpet cleaners provide suction, fans and heat to dry materials after washing them, according to our experts. That said, Bailey recommends placing a fan in the room after shampooing your carpet to speed up drying time and prevent the possibility of mold growth.
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Will Cotter is the owner of FreshSpace Cleaning and has managed cleaning companies in the US since 2016, many of which have offered carpet cleaning services to customers.
- Angela Brown is a professional house cleaner with 32 years of experience and the founder of Savvy Cleaner, the training and certification program for house cleaners and maids. She is also an author, a podcaster and the host of the daily show Ask a House Cleaner.
- Ryan Knoll is the owner of Tiny Casa, a home cleaning company that services over 600 homes monthly in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.
Maria Cassano is an e-commerce writer, editor and consultant who has covered home improvement content for over seven years. You can find her work in publications such as Bustle, CNN, Allure, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Food & Wine and The Daily Beast. For this article, she interviewed five experts who work with carpet cleaners on a regular basis.
Cory Fernandez is a commerce writer at NBC Select. He contributed to this article.
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Maria Cassano
Maria Cassano is a writer, editor, and consultant who specializes in e-commerce. You can find her work in dozens of publications, including Bustle, CNN, Allure, Elite Daily, The Daily Beast, Food & Wine, Better Homes & Gardens, and Real Simple.
Cory Fernandez
contributed
.
