Best Overall
Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner
Best Bang for the Buck
Hoover PowerDash Carpet Cleaner
Best Portable
Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner
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For an active household with lots of fundament or paw traffic , a carpet cleaner , sometimes called a rug shampooer , can make quick work of common stain and refresh gloomy rugs or carpets . Whether you ’ve considered one for spot - cleansing or ask more frequent whole - house cleaning , carpet cleaners can make upkeep a lot easier .
We tested 20 top - rated carpeting cleaners on rugs , carpets , and stair to find which ones leave flooring fibers looking like newfangled while also offering the best time value . Our favorite is theHoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleanerthanks to its effective grease remotion and overall cleaning power . understand on to line up out why we also consider the pursuit to be some of the honest carpet cleaner on the market and larn about what feature of speech will best become your plate and life-style .
How We Tested the Best Carpet Cleaners
Before we began quiz , we explore more than three dozen product , ranging from small portable option to professional - mode equipment and even a few steam cleanser . We considered weight , cord duration , and accoutrement , and we reckon at carpet sporty reviews from user to define what made potential picks exceptional .
We tested the carpet cleaner on a carpeting swatch marked by several bad - to - clean grease , include red wine-colored , drinking chocolate , dirt , and oil . We also used them around our own homes on old stains , like pet urine , and on furniture , if applicable . We fink each machine ’s effectiveness on how well it could eliminate a stain and how quickly it could do it . We also assessed the overall relief of use , portability , and sucking , using the include add-on where demand , hold them around our homes , and take up note of how quickly the carpet dried after clean . Out of the many products we tested , these seven carpeting cleaners are our favourite .
Our Top Picks
Whether you ’re look for a portable option for spry spot - cleaning , an upright piano for whole - mansion cleaning , or a steam cleansing agent to sanitize , our listing offers those choice and then some . We ’ve include multifunctional mannequin as well as some straightforward pick . See how they fare and which one might be best for your needs .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Effectiveness5/5;Suction5/5;Portability4/5;Value4/5
With no button to push or touch off to draw , this gamy - tech unit make rug cleaning unbelievably tardily . It simply shifts to auto - clean when the substance abuser pushes it fore and switch to machine - prohibitionist when the user pulls it back . The automobile - juiceless function extracts water from the carpet and apply warmth for a sawed-off drying fourth dimension . Hoover ’s AutoMix system combines and dispenses the correct amount of root for the best cleaning potential , while the 1 - gallon tank ply plentiful fair water for lavation and wash . This upright carpeting - cleanse machine is also quite versatile thanks to its long major power cord , 8 - human foot hosiery , and several attachments , let in one for pet hair .
It took us a little while to get used to the want of clitoris and induction , but once we used the machine for a second , we found it to be one of our favourite . Within a few short passes and in less than 5 minutes , this political machine had removed all of the test discolouration and left our carpet square nearly bone dry . We also find the ironical - only mood extremely helpful for remove moisture . In this musical mode , it operated like a crocked vacuum for carpet . It was so good at dry out area that the next twenty-four hour period , we used it to suction excess water from a couple of still - squiffy spots we had tested . It was light than similar vertical , which result in more maneuverability and better portability .
The downside of this otherwise great machine was that the build caliber did n’t seem as durable and the pattern was not always nonrational . For instance , when we remove the hosiery , the plastic pieces near it came off , and we struggled to get them back into plaza . to boot , we removed the thicket cover and the brush for cleanup and found them a niggling less than intuitive to flick back into place . Still , we think these are minor downside equate to the value offered by this effectual carpeting cleanser .
Get the Hoover SmartWash+ carpeting clean atAmazon , Target , orHoover .
Our paygrade : Ease of Use4.5/5;Effectiveness5/5;Suction4.5/5;Portability5/5;Value4/5
A whole - home carpet dry cleaner in a thick pattern , this budget - well-disposed simulation from Hoover weighs just 12.5 pounds , making it ideal for anyone with modified computer memory space . The 0.5 - gal storage tank provides enough water for most rooms , and Hoover ’s HeatForce Technology stir up the carpet as lousy water is sucked into the tank for faster drying . The best-loved brush cast easily collect hair’s-breadth and helps spue difficult stains . While the model has no hosiery fond regard , its downcast profile let user get under furniture fairly easily .
This compact upright cleansing agent print us with how rapidly it removed all the stains . It was also one of the easiest carpeting cleaners to use , making nimble work of our test messes . This building block polish off all the stains from our carpet square in three passes , which took less than 5 minute . We used it for 2 more minutes without distributing any water to assist dry the carpet . This machine left the carpet square very dry to the touch .
Photo: Amber Guetebier for Bob Vila
The main downside to this portable just carpeting cleansing agent is that it does not fall with an bond hose , so getting into small space or corners may be difficult . The process of removing the muddy urine was a trivial cumbersome compared to some of the other carpet - cleaning political machine we tested , but it was n’t a deal - surf , specially at this cost point . This is an splendid selection for those in the food market for a carpet cleaner that gets the task done with no fuss and at a expectant price .
Get the Hoover PowerDash carpet cleaner atAmazon .
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5;Effectiveness4.3/5;Suction5/5;Portability5/5;Value4.7/5
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
The Bissell Little Green portable carpet and upholstery cleaner is a versatile automobile , able to clean everything from carpeting to automobile interiors . It has powerful sucking capabilities , efficiently removing stains from the soft surfaces in a home . Bissell ’s portable carpeting cleaner has removable piddle tank that are promiscuous to fill up and unclouded , each of which has a capability of 48 ounces . It includes a 3 - in hard - stain tool , a HydroRinse tool attachment , and a sample - size feeding bottle of the brand ’s cleaning answer .
In examination , the Bissell Little Green well eliminated dirt and fresh filth , and it greatly improved the appearance of solidification - in blot . We liked that the Bissell Little Green has a good - sizing cooler for uncontaminating water and wastewater , so we did n’t have to empty and refill as often . It ’s lightweight , and its 15 - foot electric cord made it easy to move around . We especially liked the HydroRinse ego - cleaning tool fastening that let us to clean the hose without spilling urine everywhere . It ’s a great option for spot - cleansing .
Read our full revaluation : Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner
Photo: Amazon
Get the Bissell piddling Green carpet unobjectionable atAmazonorBissell .
Best Deep Cleaner
Bissell Big Green Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
Our rating : rest of Use5/5;Effectiveness5/5;Suction5/5;Portability3/5;Value4.5/5
This laborious - obligation carpeting cleansing agent uses an superfluous - large orbitual brush for lifting grime to grow outcome similar to those of professional carpet cleaning . The 1.75 - gallon clean piddle tank provides more water than necessary for most rooms , and the 9 - fundament hose can make clean under bottom , couch , and other arduous - to - reach country . The framework includes two hosiery attachment : a pet mark cock and a 6 - inch step tool . However , at 44 Irish pound , this machine is difficult to manoeuver and need more storage space .
What it lacks maneuverability , however , it make up for in effectiveness . It was hard to force , and we had to go much slower than with other model , but after 20 minute of testing , the Bissell Big Green had removed all of the stains and then some . We had some older soil on a low - pile cellar rug that we thought would never come out , but this machine remove them without the need to use any advanced spot treatment . The suction index left the carpet amazingly dry to the touch and completely dry within about 4 hour .
Photo: Amazon
We also appreciated the cleaner ’s practical feature and attachments . We used the narrower step - tool fastening to tell apart - unobjectionable corner and other narrow areas . The generously sized 9 - foot hosepipe easily snapped into place and was a pushover to utilize — fundamentally incisively like a standard emptiness cleansing hose . We even used the 6 - inch attachment on some couch stains , which the car took out in under a minute .
This is a great option to renting a carpet cleaner and an ideal pick for those who have plenty of straight feet of rug . For those who require to feel like their carpet have been professionally cleaned , this machine wo n’t let down .
Get the Bissell Big Green carpet cleaner atAmazon , Wayfair , orBissell .
Photo: Amazon
Best Spot Cleaner
Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Effectiveness4.9/5;Suction4.5/5;Portability4.5/5;Value4.4/5
While the Rug Doctor may be on the heavier side for a spot cleaner — just over 18 pounds — its tidy 64 - troy ounce tanks , built - in wheel , and retractable grip make it easy to tackle several spots at once . This smartly plan portable carpet cleanser features a 4 - foot hosiery and 15 - foot tycoon corduroy to reach across declamatory elbow room and stairs , plus a dual - storage tank organisation that keeps blank and contaminating water separate for an enhanced cleaning job . Plus , its clean house head , with a rubber brush , lifts idle pet hair and tackle stains on carpet , upholstery , and pet beds , make it a great selection for pet owners as well .
When we tested it on the different stains , it lifted red wine , oil , deep brown , coffee , and love apple sauce with very little campaign in under 5 minutes . The dirt soil and best-loved urine both lingered after an initial pass , requiring about 10 more hour of scrubbing to move out . While it did take a little more elbow grease to transfer all these grime , we expected that for a smirch cleaner . They loosely are n’t quite as powerful as an upright carpeting cleaner . The only downside was that when we finished , the rug square we tested was significantly dampish than the others . Still , the Rug Doctor is a stout , good rug cleaner in a small software system .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Rug Doctor carpet clean atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best Steam Cleaner
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Our military rank : Ease of Use5/5;Effectiveness4/5;SuctionN / A;Portability5/5;Value4.8/5
For a chemical substance - free fashion to desexualise carpet , a steam cleansing agent is a smashing option . Carpet can contain200,000 bacteriaper square inch . The Dupray Neat steam cleaner can deal steam as hot as 275 degrees Fahrenheit , a temperature capable of sterilize airfoil and killing 99 percent of computer virus and bacteria . The 54 - ounce armoured combat vehicle on this framework allows for up to 50 minutes of continuous cleaning . It comes with 17 accessory , including a Triangulum tool , a crevice tool , and brushes for cleaning carpets and upholstery .
In testing , we liked how well the Dupray channelise and bring about potent steam that effectively cleaned intemperate and delicate surface . Although the steamer can aid loosen soil and grime , some manual scrubbing is necessary to remove elusive stains using the triangular steam headland and microfiber bonnet attachment . We also liked its block shape . Though most steam cleaner have a piston chamber form , Dupray ’s shape makes it wanton to stack away in pocket-sized spaces . The auto features a built - in funnel shape for filling the tank and a cord wrapper to wreathe the 16 - fundament cord into the unit ’s base . Although these features make the equipment easy to store , we would have loved onboard storage for the accessories .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Dupray rug cleaner atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Carpet Cleaner
Carpet cleaners often have various cleansing musical mode , include several accessories , and weigh a lot more when their water tanks are full , which can impact portability . Hose and corduroy distance also impact portability and how long you may continuously clean before have to unplug and move . Keep these considerations in judgement when shopping to ensure you pick the dependable residential carpet cleaner for your needs .
Spot-Cleaning vs. Whole-House Cleaning
Spot - cleaning machine are lightweight , portable , and less expensive than whole - household cleaners , but the sucking is n’t as strong as larger units . They ’re ideal for consumption on stair , in homes with just a couple of carpet rooms , or in family with area carpet . These low rug cleaners are also good forcleaning the carpets in your automobile . home steam cleaners can be used to recognize - sporting small areas of a rug or rug . They can sanitize rug and help tease shite and other obstinate stains .
Whole - house or upright rug cleaners have full-bodied motors capable of producing potent suck while rotating thick cleaning brushes . These machines may also have the versatility of more than one cleaning mode . They ’re costly than spot dry cleaners and use more cleanup products , so they ’re best befit to larger plate with many carpeted suite that see heavy traffic . Using a heavy - responsibility carpeting cleaner helps to dispatch dirt and grease that have sunk deep into the fibers of the carpeting or rug .
Weight and Portability
In general , the sound the machine , the more potent its suction motor and rotate brush will be . Portable unit , like hand-held carpet cleaners , are lighter and are well maneuvered into any position . There are also mid - weight carpet cleaner that may not be up to of heavy - duty cleaning but do a better job than modest handheld machines .
Buyers will want to consider their physical limit , the amount of carpeting , and the number of levels in the home when making a decision . In some instances , a portable carpet cleaner is the best option . It ’s important to also keep in brain that the free weight listed for each machine does not admit the supply weight of water .
Cord and Hose Length
Cord and hose duration both affect cleaning time ; the less you have to disconnect and stop up in , the more efficient the cleaning session . all-encompassing cord and hoses are particularly helpful in large suite and for cleaning stairs . Some cords extend to more than 20 feet , as many in our card do . Carpet cleaner hose broadly max out at 10 feet , but some erect units have no hose at all . One handy attribute of a hose attachment is that it allows admission under profound pieces of furniture like beds or lounge .
Accessories
rug - fair add-on are attachments that can be added to a hose or intake port for clean different materials , strain difficult orbit , or apportion with pet hair and odor . Some of the most coarse types include upholstery tool ; crack - make clean attachments ( handy for tight berth like the indention created where the mopboard gather the carpet ) ; or gyrate copse that lift tough , stuck - on discolouration . Pet attachment let in special brushes , safety , and even isolate storage tank for trapping pelt to prevent it from getting catch in the machine . Many automobile admit samples of the brand’sbest carpet shampoosor clean result to help get you cleaning right aside .
FAQs
Before buying orrenting a carpeting dry cleaner , take a look at these frequently asked questions about carpeting cleaners and their answers below .
The terms reach in this card is $ 99 to $ 412 . However , the modal cost ofprofessional carpet cleaningis about $ 50 per elbow room and can be up to $ 600 for large homes . This imply that after just a few economic consumption , your new carpet cleaner will have paid for itself . You also have the alternative of let carpet - clean house equipment and DIYing the caper at an median monetary value of $ 30 per daytime . Either of these routes may make sense if you have just one or two carpeted rooms , but if your entire firm is carpet or you live with furred friends , it may be more cost - effectual to liken carpet cleaners and put in your own social unit .
If regular vacuuming and restrained care are take , a rug can be cleaned once every 12 to 18 months . In an active household with pets and child , you ’ll need to strip the carpet every 6 to 12 months .
Photo: Amazon
Thebest carpet cleansing agent for petsis capable of removing preferred pilus , odors , and stains from even the deepest fiber of the carpet . For this purpose , theBissell ProHeat 2X carpet cleaneris at the top of our leaning .
Bissell recommends stay off carpeting for 4 to 6 hours after cleaning ; however , full dry time depends on a variety of factors , including the type of rug fiber , the pile , how much solution and water were used , way size of it , ventilation system , humidity , and temperature . Carpet made from polyester takes between 6 and 12 hours to dry out , but woolen carpeting take at least 24 hr to dry . To reduce the drying clock time , use a quick - cleaning modality , which turn less melted , and increase ventilation by opening window , turning on fans , and turn on heat or melody conditioning .
Meet the Testers
Amber Guetebier is a author , editor program , and creative piece of writing teacher who began write for the Bob Vila team in 2021 . Before becoming a self-employed person writer , she was a landscape room decorator and nursery professional . She is also a female parent of one active son and four pets , all of whom track in dirt , make messes , tumble things , and generally wreak havoc on her carpets year - around . She save about habitation and garden , parenting , travel , and more for various electric outlet , including CNET , Angi , ParentMap , and scarey Mommy .
Michelle Larson is an assistant editor in chief at BobVila.com , where she spends her day providing structure for product review and ask questions about commas . She ’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the orbit of health , business , and the home . Because she ’d rather expend a petty more up front than purchase a tool or gizmo doubly , she powerfully believes in the power of enquiry and reviews for come up quality items that are think of to last .
Debbie Wolfe is a lensman , author , and freelancer writer in various niches . She has bestow hundreds of dwelling house , garden , and crafting article and DIY tutorials for leading medium release and retailers , including HGTV , Real Simple , Forbes Advisor , The Spruce , The Home Depot , Walmart , and Mother Earth News . She is the author of two DIY books : Do - It - Yourself Garden Projects and CraftsandCrafting with Herbsfrom Skyhorse Publishing . Her examination access is aboveboard and budget - tending .
Additional enquiry was provided by Timothy Dale .
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