Comparing the best carpet cleaners can be a daunting task, especially if you haven’t bought one for quite some time. This guide will help you find what you’re looking for.

There is a wide array of carpet cleaning solutions available in the market to choose from. The Steamvac is a combination of vacuum and steam cleaner. This one looks like an upright vacuum, but its main task is to steam clean your carpet. The Steamvac makes use of hot water and a cleaning solution to deep-clean your carpet.

Some Steamvacs come with various attachments such as brushes and hoses to help loosen the dirt. This is a perfect tool for cleaning carpet stains.

If you're on the market for the best carpet cleaner you can find, look no further. Our guide has a range of options for the best carpet cleaners. 

Bissell is the company behind this well-designed carpet cleaner. It comes with a cleaning formula and a professional formula kit. This is a complete carpet cleaning bundle that makes remarkable carpet cleaning results.

The Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine 86T3 comes with an extra-large DirtLifter. This carpet cleaner also comes with a PowerBrush for deep scrubbing action.

Another feature worth mentioning is the heavy-duty suction power aids. These help the carpet cleaner to dry carpets in record time. Thanks to innovative technology, this carpet cleaner cleans on the forward and backward pass faster. This helps to reduce cleaning time as well as drying time. This carpet cleaner is known for reducing the time for cleaning carpets more than any other carpet cleaner.

It comes with two large tanks for full-room cleaning and a power cord length of 25 feet. For the Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet cleaner machine, the warranty is five years, so you can feel secure that it'll last a while. It's also a great carpet cleaner for picking everyday dirt at the surface.

It provides a deep wash and thorough cleaning to your carpet at any time. It features a powerful suction that helps loosen dirt easily. This carpet cleaner will leave your carpet fresh and smelling nice. Finally, this durable carpet cleaner is easy to use.

Key Features
  • This carpet cleaner comes with a PowerBrush for deep scrubbing action
  • Two large tanks for full room cleaning and a professional formula and power cord length of 25 ft
  • Heavy duty suction power aids
Specifications
  • Weight: 48 lbs
  • Cord Length: 25 feet
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Tank Size: 1 gallon
  • Brand: Bissell
Pros
  • Removes stains which have been left for a long period of time
  • Relatively safe to use
  • Efficient as it saves time and does a thorough cleaning job
Cons
  • Heavy
  • Lasts for about a year and a half if cleaning is done daily

American Extractors is the company behind this commercial carpet cleaner. With a 12-gallon solution tank, a 25 -foot vacuum and solution hose assembly, and a 75-foot power cord, this is a favorite for large offices and institutions but is also great for large homes.

It comes with a dual 2-stage vacuum motor, and after purchase, users will get a 5-year warranty on parts and labor, making it a buy you can make with confidence. This carpet cleaner comes with a large drawstring mesh bag to store the hose assembly. This helps to make the hose assembly organized.

This is a portable carpet cleaner and is a favorite for most professional cleaning services. This USA-made extractor uses the finest internal components making the cleaner last longer. It has an unmatched reliability record.

This carpet cleaner has a 2000 watt external water heater which is optional and can be added at any time. An external heater will increase the EDIC Galaxy lifespan on the internal components. This will only happen if the heater is not exposed to heat which is more than 210 degrees.

This company has had a solid reputation for making durable floor and carpet cleaning tools since 1975.

Key Features
  • It comes with a dual 2 stage vacuum motors/ 100 PSI 150” WL
  • This carpet cleaner has an optional 2000 watt external heater
  • It also comes with a polyethylene body which has a lifetime warranty
Specifications
  • Weight: 78 lbs
  • Cord Length: 50 feet
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Tank Size: 12 gallons
  • Brand: EDIC
Pros
  • Dries carpet fast at an acceptable time frame
  • Quick and saves cleaning time thanks to large tanks
  • Less risk of any carpet damage after wash
Cons
  • Very heavy and bulky
  • Causes excessive dust in the interior environment

Created by Hoover Company, this carpet cleaner stands out as the best-rated carpet cleaner by far. It is capable of twice the cleaning power as others.

The Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet cleaner is best suited for high traffic areas and small spaces. It comes with a PowerSpin pet brush roll which is able to deliver a powerful cleaning experience. Thanks to their antimicrobial protection, your carpet is always clean of germs at all times.

Another great advantage of the Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner FH50700 is the use of heat force. HeatForce power means the carpet dries faster and uses a clean water capacity of around 0.5 gallons.

Another attractive feature of this carpet cleaner is having a lightweight design. With their simple design, it makes the Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet cleaner FH50700 easy to use.

Compact design makes storage a breeze and it comes with a dual tank system, keeping clean and dirty water separate. These tanks are easy to empty, fill, and rinse and a removable nozzle helps clean the dirt easily.

The Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner comes with a low profile foot which helps easily access stains. Stains in tight places are cleaned easily thanks to the low profile foot. This carpet cleaner is well known for tackling pet messes and your everyday stains. 

Key Features
  • Has twice as much cleaning power as other products
  • Comes with a PowerSpin pet brush roll to deliver a powerful cleaning experience
  • Comes with dual tank system keeping clean and dirty water separate
Specifications
  • Weight: 12.5 lbs
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Tank Size: .5 gallons
Pros
  • Easily tackles pet stains thanks to the powerful clean PowerSpin pet brush rollers
  • Delivers faster drying
  • Has a dual tank system which splits clean and dirty water
Cons
  • Residue left behind can stain clothes and shoes
  • Can be ineffective if poorly done

Another great carpet cleaner created by Hoover, this is a top-rated automatic carpet cleaner. Hoover has created a carpet cleaner with the latest automated carpet cleaning technology. Users have to simply push forward to clean and pull back to dry.

The Hoover Smartwash Automatic carpet cleaner FH52000 comes with auto clean motion technology. This helps to eliminate the guesswork, as the removable nozzle makes it easy to clean the brushes.

A mechanism helps mix the cleaning solution and water and at the same time dispenses the solution for optimal cleaning. Thanks to the auto dry feature, this carpet cleaner delivers a powerful extraction thanks to HeatForce. This helps carpets to dry faster.

It also comes with FlexForce which powers brushes and removes most of the deep dirt hidden in carpets. When it comes to debris and pet hair, the Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner FH52000 is a great bet.

It also comes with a 2 in 1 antimicrobial pet tool, sample bottle of cleaning solution, and an 8-foot hose. There's also a storage bag. 

Key Features
  • A carpet cleaner with latest automated carpet cleaning technology
  • Removable nozzle makes it easy to clean the brushes
  • Delivers a powerful extraction thanks to HeatForce
Specifications
  • Weight: 18.5 lbs
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Tank Size: 1 gallon
Pros
  • Not much energy is used on cleaning since its automatic
  • Effective and efficient as it cleans even so-called permanent stains
  • Environmental friendly as chemicals used are eco friendly
Cons
  • Can be ineffective if not well handled
  • In case residue is left behind, they can stain clothes and shoes

Another affordable and easy-to-use carpet cleaner from the Bissell Company, this model comes with Heatwave technology. Thanks to Heatwave technology, this carpet cleaner maintains a  consistent water temperature while cleaning.

It comes with a 3-inch tough stain tool for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach places. It also has deep reach tools that help remove embedded dirt and stains. This is made possible thanks to the bottom-up dirt tank capacity.

This carpet cleaner comes with a self-cleaning tool feature that makes cleaning it easy and efficient. It comes with removable water tanks for easy filling and emptying. With the ability to access hard-to-reach places, this is a must-have for most homeowners. 

The Bissell carpet cleaner helps to remove smaller, deep-down spots and stains faster. This carpet cleaner can do all of this while the user is on the go. This means users don’t have to break out a full-size carpet cleaner every time. This cleaner uses a combination of warm water and special cleaning solutions

It can clean multiple surfaces, such as upholstery, stairs, area rugs, auto interiors, and more. This cleaner permanently removes hard spots and stains. It is a compact and portable carpet cleaner. It comes with a hose which is around 2 feet. This carpet cleaner sprays water and vacuums it up in a short period of time.

Key Features
  • Thanks to Heatwave technology, this carpet cleaner maintains consistent water temperature
  • Comes with a 3-inch tough stain tool for cleaning stairs, upholstery and hard to reach places
  • Comes with removable water tanks for easy filling and emptying
Specifications
  • Weight: 9 lbs
  • Cord Length: 15 feet
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Tank Size: 37 oz.
Pros
  • Relatively comfortable and easy to use
  • Heatwave technology allows the carpet cleaner to maintain warm temperatures at all times
Cons
  • Maintenance cost is high as it is a new type of carpet cleaner

Another top-rated carpet cleaner from Bissell Company is the Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner. This piece of carpet cleaning equipment is light making it easy to maneuver. At 12 pounds, you can carry this carpet cleaner with ease. It comes with a tank capacity of half a liter and a cleaning path width of 9.5 inches.

This carpet cleaner is ideal for cleaning area rugs as well as entryways. It has a two-tank system which keeps clean and dirty water separate from each other.

The Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush carpet cleaner has 4-row rotating dirt lifter power brushes. This brush is combined with powerful suction to loosen and remove dirt. It comes with a powerful oxy based formula which is perfect for removing coffee, grape juice, pet, and wine stains.

Another enticing feature is how convenient the collapsible handle for storing is. It also has a removable nozzle that can be easily detached and rinsed off at the sink. Edge sweep bristles are another attractive feature as they help clean baseboards and around furniture.

This carpet cleaner is ideal for smaller living spaces and limited stores. Paired with the Oxy formula, your carpet will always look clean at all times.

Key Features
  • This piece of carpet cleaning equipment is light making it easy to maneuver.
  • Comes with a tank capacity of half a litre and a cleaning path width of 9.5 inches
  • Has a powerful oxy based formula which is perfect for removing coffee, grape juice, pet and wine stains.
Specifications
  • Weight: 12 Pounds
Pros
  • Quick and saves time thanks to the easy handling
  • Effective and efficient as dirt are removed without much hustles
Cons
  • Costly and maintenance is not easy
  • These chemicals may be hazardous if small children are at home

Another carpet cleaner from Bissell Company that makes the list is this portable machine is easy to use. It combines a powerful suction which helps to remove stains effectively.

Brushing action and cleaning solution are what makes this carpet cleaner produce such good results. The carpet cleaner easily removes embedded dirt and pet stains in record time. When it comes to design, this cleaner takes the prize.

Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro cleaner is designed for carpet cleaning, area rugs, auto interiors, upholstery, stairs and more.

It comes with a large capacity tank which allows users to have more water. This makes cleaning faster as users won’t have to keep on refilling. Plus, area covered by this carpet cleaner is large making it a favorite for huge areas or places with high traffic. Pet tools are also included in this cleaner; stain trapper tools and tough stain tools are some of the tools to find.

Another advantage of this cleaner is long hose of around 22 feet. The power cord is also long allowing easy access to hard to reach areas.

Users can ask for a trial size Bissell professional pet urine eliminator plus oxy to help remove pet stain. This is a perfect cleaner for any carpet odors and greatly discourages pets from resoiling the carpet.

Key Features
  • It combines a powerful suction which helps to remove stains effectively
  • It comes with a large capacity tank which allows users to have more water
  • The power cord is also long allowing easy access to hard to reach areas.
Specifications
Pros
  • Delivers faster drying of carpet
  • Effective and efficient as it greatly saves time
Cons
  • Chemicals maybe harmful to kids
  • Stains left behind may spoil the carpet within a short period of time

The Bissell Company has outdone itself with this ProHeat carpet cleaner. This carpet cleaner has a strong spray and powerful suction to help remove dirt with ease. Any allergens and odors embedded in carpets will be easily removed by this cleaner.

A big advantage of this carpet cleaner is its tank. It holds 1 gallon of water, which means less time refilling and more time cleaning.

The Bissell ProHeat Essential Carpet cleaner comes with an 8-ounce trial size bottle with a professional formula carpet cleaner. Another attractive feature with this carpet cleaner is its big cleaning path: 11 inches to be precise.

It comes with a power cord length of around 22 feet which makes cleaning a large room easy. When it comes to its powerbrushes, this cleaner packs 6 cleaning rows. They help sweep the edges easily and remove deep carpets stains.

Thanks to their tough stain tool and spraying crevice tool, it is a perfect tool for upholstery cleaning. They come with a corded power source hose length of 7 feet. The Heatwave technology maintains water temperature throughout the cleaning process.

Key Features
  • This carpet cleaner has a strong spray and powerful suction to help remove dirt
  • Comes with an 8-ounce trial size bottle of a professional formula carpet cleaner
  • Powerbrush has 6 cleaning rows. They help sweep the edges easily and removes deep carpets stains
Specifications
  • Weight: 19.7 lbs
  • Cord Length: 22 feet
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Tank Size: 1 gallon
Pros
  • Keeps water temperature the same making cleaning oily stains easy
  • Large tank makes cleaning fast with fewer trips to the sink
  • Big cleaning path
Cons
  • Has a relatively long drying time

This upright deep carpet cleaner is convenient and efficient. Users get dual cross action brushes, which oscillate and rotate to scrub carpet fibers. This helps to clean from every angle, thus powering away dirt and stains to deliver in a professional capacity.

This type of carpet cleaner has 75 percent more suction than your ordinary carpet cleaner. This helps to slash cleaning time.

Users have to simply lift clean and dirty water tanks, make refilling and emptying which is easy. This carpet cleaner has been rated to be Gold standard by CRI or Carpet Rug Institute. And it's no wonder: This product cleans deeper than many other carpet cleaning machines.

This carpet cleaner will not dent or void your carpet’s warranty. It also has a Super Boost feature which gives an extra kick when cleaning high traffic areas. This enables the Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner to clean old stains such as wine spills or coffee in an instant.

This carpet cleaner comes with a removable tool caddy and upholstery equipment. This is helpful for spot treating like car interiors, area rugs, stairs, pet beds, and furniture. It's ideal for hard to reach areas.

Key Features
  • Helps to clean every angle and thus powering away dirt and stains
  • Has 75 percent more suction than your ordinary carpet cleaner
  • Energy boost featured for high-traffic or heavily soiled areas
Specifications
  • Weight: 24 lbs
  • Cord Length: 28 feet
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Tank Size: 1 gallon
Pros
  • Easy to maneuver, steer, and use at the same time
  • By simply lifting the tank, it makes filling and dumping faster
  • Fast drying times
Cons
  • Residue left behind is known to stain clothes
  • Repairs are costly

Soniclean has come up with a top-of-the-range carpet cleaner. This company has managed to produce a carpet cleaner with advance carpet cleaning technology. It has an adjustable vent system which allows easy maneuverability.

This is ideal for soft style carpets. It has special soft nylon brush roll bristles, which are effective and at the same time gentle. It comes with large front wheels that allow the vacuum to sort of float on soft carpets.

This machine does not use steam, water, or solution. Instead, 200 sonic vibrations per second helps to clean dirt and dust. A direct paramagnetic motor design provides superior suction. It makes the machine easy to push and pull across dense, soft style carpet. This patented sonic cleaning technology is recommended by leading carpet manufacturers.

This carpet cleaner has a patented hospital-grade filtration system, which is ideal for cleaning premium synthetic and natural wool carpets. This carpet is extremely lightweight and weighs only 10.5 pounds

The digital controlled multi-speed motor has a quiet mode for vacuuming hard floors and carpets. When it comes to the power cord, it comes with a 35 ft. cord with full bag indicators that illuminates a light.

It has the ability to lay flat on the floor for easy cleaning under beds, chairs, and tables. This cleaner has a 7-inch clearance.

Key Features
  • Special soft nylon brush roll bristles are effective but gentle
  • Patented sonic cleaning technology is recommended by leading carpet manufacturers
  • Can lay flat on the floor for easy cleaning under beds, chairs, and table
Specifications
  • Weight: 10.5 lbs
  • Cord Length: 35 feet
  • Warranty: 5 years motor, 1 year parts
  • Tank Size: No tank
Pros
  • Sonic cleaning technology that helps dislodge embedded dirt
  • Advanced jam protection that shuts off if it senses an item jammed in the brush cleaners
  • Special soft bristle brush rolls which is perfect for soft carpets
Cons
  • Does not use water or solution to clean
  • Unable to achieve thorough soil extraction below the surface of the carpet

To understand how to find the best carpet cleaner, there are a few points which must be understood:

Air Suction Vacuum Cleaner Vs. Steam Carpet Cleaner

An air suction vacuum cleaner uses air sucking to clean the carpet. This may not be sufficient enough to remove most of the filth sticking to the carpet.

It’s best to go for a carpet cleaner that uses steam or water. Steam and water are sprayed onto the carpet and then sucked back. This would help remove much of the filth.

Temperature

Ensure your steam/water carpet cleaner reaches a certain temperature. The best carpet cleaners ought to reach 220-240 degrees Fahrenheit since it's the optimal temperature to soften and release hardened deposits.

Some delicate carpets might require the use of cold water. Make sure to check whether the carpet being cleaned has any restrictions.

Low Flow Technology

The latest low flow technology can be found on any modern steam carpet cleaner.

Low flow technology ensures users have a controlled flow of water and can easily adjust the nozzle. This helps to minimize the water flow.

Thanks to this technology, the carpet will at all times get the optimal temperature it needs. Drying will become faster and the carpet reduces the chance of getting mildewed or moldy.

What to Look Out For in a Carpet Cleaner

Do you have a large carpet?

If you have a large area to clean, buy a cleaner which has a large tank. This ensures you don’t waste time going back and forth refilling the tank.

Do you have pets?

Pets will leave pet hair and stains. To get rid of both hair and stains, get a carpet cleaner that is designed specifically with pets in mind.

Do you have small children?

If you have small children, get an efficient cleaner which you can use often. Go for a portable cleaner which makes bringing out the mess faster. They are lightweight and store easily.

Are you on a tight budget?

You can find good budget alternatives in our review for the best carpet cleaners. These carpet cleaners will help you clean tough corners and angles at an affordable price.

A carpet cleaner can be one more tool in ensuring that your carpets and your home are as clean as they can be.

Resources— AJS Carpet Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, The Spruce

FAQ

Q: Should I be using a dry cleaner or a steam cleaner on my carpets?

Dry carpet cleaning can be an easy, more affordable solution and low-moisture option for your carpets. This dry carpet cleaning breaks down dirt with a cleansing agent that is typically buffed into the carpet, and is then removed during cleaning. Because of this system, this type of cleansing is ideal for those who need spot treatment, or experience heavy traffic in certain areas.

For those who experience allergies or sensitivities to smells, steam cleaning may be a better option. It also can kill bacteria as well as lifting dirt from your carpets, making it effective for removing buildup like mold, and can greatly improve the look of your carpet if it’s been a while since it’s had a deep clean.

Q: How often should I clean my carpets?

As a general rule of thumb, high traffic areas such as around the front door, in hallways and living rooms, should be cleaned at least once every year. Other areas can afford to be cleansed every two years. But this changes depending on your living situation — for instance, it’s always wise to heighten the frequency of cleaning with the presence of pets, or children. Pet hair buildup and pet accidents warrant cleansing in high traffic areas every three to six months. For families with children, spills, messes, and more require upkeep at least every six months.

Q: What else can I use my carpet cleaner for?

Carpet cleaners, though they’re specific machines, can actually cleanse a number of things in your home. Depending on your unit, some might be better than others to use for various things, but if your unit has a hand attachment, you’ll likely be able to use your carpet cleaner to clean your mattress, furniture, and more. Just be sure to use the right cleaning solution for the material you’d like to clean. Also depending on your model, you may be able to get an upholstery attachment to ensure proper cleaning for your material.

Q: What’s the best way to ensure my carpet dries after cleaning?

In most cases, you can start your drying process by leaving the carpet to air dry. When steam cleaned, the drying process usually takes about six to twelve hours. For dry cleaning, you should expect it to take about two to four hours.

To make sure it dries completely, opening the windows can make a great option that will not only help to dry your carpet, but can also give it a fresh smell. But of course, on days where the weather is not as ideal, running fans or the air conditioning can complete the same job.

Q: Can I get water damage from my steam cleaner?

Because steam cleaning does inject carpet fibers with moisture, it is possible that your carpets could potentially show signs of water damage with improper drying. Steam cleaning leaves carpets wet, which can take several hours to dry, to upwards of 24 hours with no foot traffic. This can be hard for many people, especially if they don’t have the ability to stay out of their home for a full day.

If you’re worried about water damage, signs to look out for are swelling, discoloration, separating; or if you notice patches of mold or mildew, it may be best to get it professionally cleaned or redone.

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