The 7 Best Carpet Cleaners of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

These carpet cleaning machines that performed the best for cleaning stains, fur and food crumbs and other tasks at our tests.

Everyday the best carpet cleaners are great for swiftly wiping off dust, fur, lint, and food particles on your carpets, area rugs, and upholstery — but vacuuming these elements is not satisfactory. Sometimes it requires wet washing and that is when any good carpet cleaner comes in. The wet carpet cleaner uses water and a cleaning solution which helps to soften the dirt and stains found on carpets and upholstery fabrics, and can then be easily removed.

Carpet cleaners typically come in three forms: upright machines, portable machines, cleaning sprays, and cleaning solutions. For this, we are going to concentrate on the first two, that is appliances because they are most efficient in cleaning vast surfaces of carpets and rugs though we have another separate piece dedicated to carpet stain removers which are usually efficient for spot cleaning.

When it comes to carpet cleaning machines, we have tested 51 various types of carpet cleaners from such brands as Bissell, Tineco, Hoover, Rug Doctor, and many others. At home, we have spilled orange juice, ketchup, coffee, wine, and even potting soil, ranking the machines based on how well they cleaned, how noisy they were, and how portable and valuable they are. Our top picks are easy to use, therefore giving you clean carpets, irrespective of your experience in using the equipment.

We provide more details on how we used these machines, what to consider when looking for a carpet cleaner and an outlook on cleaning rugs. Here is all the information on how to clean your carpet, the process of cleaning by stages and useful tips on how to remove specific stains, eliminate unpleasant smells and clean your carpet on a regular basis.

1

Best Overall Carpet Cleaner

BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner

PROS

• Brush roll cover is removable for easy cleaning
• Has a built-in stain pre-treater spray nozzle
• Express Clean Mode leaves carpets dry in about 30 minutes 

CONS

• Hose and tools must be stored separately
• Brush rolls continue to spin when hose and hand tools are in use

Bissell also introduced HeatWave technology in its upright carpet cleaners which is used to maintain the temperature of the warm or hot water you add to the tank for enhanced cleaning. As per our experience, using warm water does enhance your carpet cleaning results. We have tested similar models from Bissell with many of these features so we have confidence in the brand and we feel comfortable recommending this model.Also, it is rated over 8,400 on Wayfair.

Other special features that make carpet cleaning easier with Bissell are its targeted spray nozzle, which can apply the in-tank carpet cleaning solution to the stain which can then be activated by merely stepping on a pedal. And there’s a two-in-one Pet Upholstery tool that is used dry, for extracting deeply rooted pet hair and wet for eliminating stains in upholstery and mattress fabrics. While other models only have one brush roll, the Bissell’s dual DirtLifter PowerBrush has double brush rolls that will give double the cleaning power and it is small, light and very easy to direct.

The after-use clean-up and storage, we feel, are almost as important as performance when conducting our tests. That is why we must commend this model for having a brush roll cover that is easy to remove for comprehensive cleaning. The hose and tools will have to be stored in another bag and you need to be careful that the brush rolls keep on spinning when using the hose or the handheld tools, make sure that they do not scratch the floor when they touch it.

2

Best Area Rugs Carpet Cleaner

Bissell CrossWave All-in-One Multi-Surface Cleaner

PROS

• Cleans area rugs and hard floors
• Comes with a tray for no-drip storage

CONS

• Not for use on silk or other delicate rugs

It is easier to clean flat area rugs or those with low dense pile as compared to the deep pile carpets. Dirt mostly remains on or close to the surface and accidental spillage can be easily wiped off. But, when they require cleaning, milder ways are safer and often effective enough.

Bissell’s CrossWave does not pose any threat to the area rugs because it uses a soft microfiber and nylon brush to clean the rugs’ short pile and refrain from fraying any loops that are present on the rugs. This versatile multi-tasking compact vacuum/mop is designed not only for vacuuming dry debris but for wet-mopping bare floors as well.

Several models from the CrossWave line have been tested in our reviews, and all have proved to be effective in picking up dry and wet dirt or debris, cleaning stains from hard surfaces, and revitalizing faded rugs. Stains that are set-in will require pretreatment and this model is devoid of a self-cleaning feature like most combo vacuum/mops that we have tested but this unit is very easy to clean after use.

We also like that one is able to decide how much water and cleaning solution it releases with a click of the button – enough to clean, not enough to wet the flooring below. The controls are easy to access and the CrossWave is lightweight so you can transition from vacuuming to washing seamlessly. 

Cleaning is also simple because of an integrated drip tray that has a holder for the wet roller where it can dry. Its two-tank system with dirty water and clean soapy water are stored separately in the machine and 25-feet of power cord to reach a rug in the middle of the room.

3

Best Value Carpet Cleaner

Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner

PROS

• Automatically mixes cleaner with water for less mess
• Cleans on forward pass, dries on backward pass
• Treat stains without bending down3

CONS

• A bit heavier than some models
• Cord is a little shorter than other full-size models

Hoover has always had an excellent range of floor-cleaning appliances and this carpet cleaner is really quite affordable. It may not be the cheapest model on this list, however, do remember that the prices on these appliances can vary from time to time. But still, this increase in price is easily justified by the good performance and additional features the model provides.

The Hoover SmartWash Pet Pro is a fully portable carpet cleaner with a separate extra stick that helps to remove stubborn stains without the need for additional bottles of cleaning solution. It is self-contained and has its own container of stain solution that is operated by batteries. Just twist off the wand, aim the spray and bingo, you’ve just taken out a stain.

Other features include the flushing of water and cleaning solution at the same time using its double brush rolls (don’t have to measure it for yourself and no buttons to squeeze!) It sweeps when you are pushing the cleaner forward, vacuums and leaves the carpet dry when you are pulling the cleaner backward.

Having to wait for the carpet to become dry can prove to be very inconvenient, especially in houses with active families and pets, which is why we appreciated the “dry-only” setting letting the carpet sit and dry while emitting heat and moving forward, to allow the carpets to be walked on quicker. An 8-foot hose and 22-foot cord are more than sufficient for cleaning stairs, remote corners, and large upholstery pieces, but not as long as some other full-size models reviewed by this site have.

One of the testers wrote, “It apparently has better suction than my vacuum because I cleaned the floor really well before using it and despite this the cleaner very fast was full with dog fur, dust, carpet fibers and sand. ” No wonder! As we established earlier, even the best vacuums can falter when it comes to handling heavy pet shedding or pet hair on carpets.

4

Best Compact Carpet Cleaner

Tineco CARPET ONE Smart Carpet Cleaner Machine

PROS

•  Easy to maneuver and store
• Has audio prompts and feedback
• Small footprint

CONS

• A bit more expensive than others

Even carpet cleaners are becoming smarter these days. Tineco’s Carpet One Smart Carpet Cleaner is the innovative smart device in the carpet cleaning market. This carpet cleaner has an attached app and adapts the suction and the amount of water it dispenses to the amount of dirt and particles it identifies.

Audio messages let you know when it is time to replenish the clean water storage tank and dispose of the soiled water tank while lights indicate that the area you are working on is clean. It has a heater that maintains the cleaning solution at an optimum temperature for stain removal and also enables quick drying of the carpets.

This model was very effective in cleaning carpet and was more maneuverable than large machines. It is easy to attach the hose to transition from carpet to upholstery cleaning and it only weighs 16. 5 pounds, which is considerably lighter than other full-size cleaners that are available in the market. And because of this it occupies less space it can easily be pulled out and set up which makes you use it frequently. However, it is important to point out that the 8-foot hose and the handheld accessory cannot be stowed on board.

5

Best Professional Carpet Cleaner

Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner

PROS

• Easy to disassemble and clean
• Handle folds for storage
• Large tank

CONS

• Pricey

It will always be near impossible to get the same result as professional carpet cleaners can get using industrial equipment, but the Bissell’s Big Green is the easiest to use professional-like home carpet cleaner.

The large 1. 75 gallon Large tanks are very convenient to fill, move around, and replace, and the spinning flow indicator atop simplifies the process of determining when the cleaning solution needs a refill. While it appears to be heavy, it is not complicated to steer and is fairly mobile even during its fully loaded state. 

Both the handle and the length of the shower head adjust to fit the requirements of each user, and the handle also flips up when not in use. One has to remember that this machine weighs over 51 pounds, so individuals who have carpets located in various floors of their house might encounter a slight challenge when it comes to moving the cleaner from one floor to another.

The rotating brush scrubs dirt in the loop pile carpet and the strong suction lifts dirty water and this makes our test carpets soft, not overly wet. Due to its size, the Big Green is more of the kind that users get for the big jobs like the spring cleaning or cleaning large spaces before the restocking of the furniture. 

The extra-long 25-foot power cord let our specialist clean the entire carpet area of a room without plugging it in. We also saw the 9-feet hose and the handheld stain tool as ideal for cleaning upholstered furniture, along walls and stair treads.

6

Best Portable Carpet Cleaner

Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus

PROS

• Convenient control buttons
• Pre-mixed formula stores onboard

CONS

• Takes just over four hours to charge

Despite possessing a full-size carpet cleaner, there are times when it is more than what you need — or would like to use — to remove a stain on the carpet or a spot on the couch. That is why a lightweight portable carpet cleaner is quite useful in such a situation.

Our most recently conducted test for this category saw this Bissell model emerging as the overall winner in stain and odor removal, sound, run time, among others, even beating larger counterparts. It performed well at removing fresh and dried stains including red wine and blueberry pie: it was easy to set up, clean and put away so it is always ready for use at times when speed is essential. It was also among the lowest noise emitting models in our list.

A built-in rotating brush for scrubbing the carpet and is equipped with Bissell’s pre-mixed detergent for a deeper clean, though it can be turned off when cleaning small stains on delicate fabrics. A nubby rubber tool makes cleaning up after pets less cumbersome and less dirty. It is not effective for cleaning a very large area as it has a battery duration of 20 minutes, and the small tanks will require refilling if there are many stain areas to clean, but it is ideal for homes with few carpeted areas or stains.

7

Best For Pet Stains Carpet Cleaner

Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner

PROS

• Retractable carrying handle and wheels
• Excellent stain removal

CONS

• Can be heavy, especially when tanks are full

This Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner is a real workhorse as it powered throughout our tests and delivered the best results when it comes to eradication of fresh stains, old stains, and odor – most especially when the pet is part of the house. It has 64 ounces of cleaning solution in each of its large tanks so there may be more time between refilling or emptying when doing big or multiple room cleaning compared with other models.

Despite its weight – particularly when fully laden – its retractable handle and large wheels make it easy to steer or wheel into a closet for storage. It can be placed ideally at the top or bottom of a staircase; with the 4-foot stretch hose, you can probably clean an entire flight. Also good for homes with pets is the fact that the nozzle of the Rug Doctor has rubberized bristles that can capture hair as it cleans stains.

What to look for when purchasing a carpet cleaner

The idea of using a rented carpet cleaning machine may sound like a good idea of saving on costs, there are certain factors that ensures that the cost of renting a machine, the cost of cleaning solution, the time spent in going to pick the appliance and dropping it back and the fact that the machine used is probably not as clean or as effective is a new one, a better way is to purchase the machine.

If you have a house with children or pets, or if you find yourself cleaning carpets more often, then it is convenient to have it for long-term use. Besides, it will enable you to deal with stains and other problematic areas much faster and this will translate to better care for your carpets. Keep these points in mind when shopping for a carpet cleaner:

✔️ Weight and maneuverability: Upright cleaners are far more massive and hard to maneuver and use than traditional vacuum cleaners, especially carpet cleaners. Not only do they weigh this much when dry but they weigh even more when water is added. Your home is likely to be a multiple storey building, and when moving a heavy machine between the floors, it can be very inconvening. 

When choosing water tanks, ensure you select those that have openings that are broad enough for easy filling so that you get value for your money and also those with big handles that can facilitate easy carrying.

✔️ Footprint: Upright models are bulkier than portable or handheld and therefore occupy more storage space. If you do not use the carpet frequently or you just have a few stained areas, then it is possible you may not require a very big product and a compact model or possibly a hand held item would suffice perfectly. For cleaners that have many accessories and long cables or hoses, storage in the cleaner is convenient because you are less likely to misplace these accessories if they are kept within the cleaners themselves.

✔️ Special features: Most full-size machines come with rotating brushes, a hose, a heater and upholstery, pet, and spot attachment along with small containers of detergent. Fixed heaters are especially useful because hot or even warm water are better suited to removing stains than cold water. And they can help the carpet dry faster as well. Cleaning carpeted stairs will be easier with a long hose and so will getting underneath tight car seats. 

If you have sensitive carpets at home, consider a model that comes with rotating brushes which can be turned off or additional rollers to prevent damaging delicate carpets when cleaning. Other desirable features include pet-stain sprayer and appliances that clean the hose and brushes with water to reduce odor and get ready when stored. The concept of an app is connectivity is quite common in modern society but it’s not necessarily inevitable.

✔️ Warranty: This information is usually posted on their websites, but it ranges from one to five years which is standard for most carpet cleaners. One should also bear in mind that many manufacturers specify the type of cleaning solution to be used and using any other may nullify the warranty. Before cleaning the carpet, ensure that you are not using a product that will disqualify the carpet warranty.

How do these Carpet Cleaners actually work?

Carpet cleaners are available in different styles, sizes, and types that include portable cleaners, canister vacuums, upright cleaners, and even professional carpet cleaning machines that are similar to those you’ll find at a rental store. All of them have hoses and mini nozzles for better cleaning of narrow zones like furniture and stairs, and all of them are equipped with two tanks: the first is for clear water and soda solution, the second is for taking used water from the carpet.

They operate through applying a cleaning solution and water on your carpet to loosen dirt and stains with a rotating brush that assists in scrubbing the cleaning solution into the carpet. The carpet cleaner then sucks the solution and any dirt that is picked from the carpets into the dirty water tank. While carpet cleaners are often called “steam cleaners,” this is a misnomer: They don’t use steam but you can put hot water into the tank.

How frequently should you get your carpets cleaned?

The makers of carpet and the Carpet and Rug Institute suggest getting your carpets deep cleaned by a professional every 12 to 18 months. Some carpet makers mandate professional cleaning to maintain the carpet’s warranty. Professional carpet cleaners have stronger, more powerful cleaning equipment than is available for purchase or rental. 

They also pretreat stains, and can refresh and reapply the stain repellent treatment that was probably applied when your carpet was new. But, if you do have carpet cleaner — even a portable rental or bought machine — you can do more frequent cleanings and quickly clean up stains so your carpets will look better longer.