Are you looking to get a professional-quality carpet cleaning without having to hire someone? Are you wondering which carpet cleaners will leave your carpets looking like new?
Looking at the options available for carpet cleaners can be a bit overwhelming. This is why we have reviewed five of the best carpet cleaners. Read through our reviews, and then you will be able to find the best carpet cleaner to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Top 5: Carpet Cleaners Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
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9.7 | ||
9.4 | ||
9.2 | ||
9.5 | ||
9.9 |
If you have a home full of pets, the Bissel Turboclean Powerbrush Pet Upright is a great option to consider. This machine only weighs 12 pounds, making it easy to carry and maneuver. The handle collapses, which allows you to store this item more easily than some other models.
The cleaning path width of this item is 9.5 inches and its tank has a half gallon capacity. It features a double tank system to effectively keep the dirty and clean water separated from one another.
This product is efficient at pulling up dirt, debris, and stains from your carpets and area rugs. It features a four-row dirt lifter power brush that rotates to loosen dirt. This model also has powerful suction to suck all the dirt into the machine and out of your carpets.
This product also features EdgeSweep bristles that will help you keep your baseboards clean. For easy clean up once you are done cleaning your carpet, the machine's nozzle can be easily removed and rinsed out. Bissel will also donate $10 towards saving pets from every purchase.
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The Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet Carpet Cleaner is another great option to consider if you have pets in your home. This model has a large tank; it has a 25% higher capacity than some other models. It features a dual tank system to keep the clean and dirty water separated.
This product uses the SpinScurb System. This works to safely provide a deep cleaning for your carpets; removing odors and dirt with 360-degree brushes. The brushes are also antimicrobial, which will leave your carpets even cleaner.
There are two cleaning modes you can choose from with this product. The Heatforce and Quick Clean Mode allows you to give your carpets a quick cleaning or touch up. When you use this mode, it should only take your carpets about 45 minutes to dry.
For tougher cleaning jobs, the Deep Clean Mode will come in handy. This cleaning mode will remove dirt that is embedded in your carpets and get rid of tough stains. This product includes a two-in-one anti-microbial pet tool which will allow you to effectively take care of pet stains. When you purchase this product, you'll also receive a sample bottle of Hoover's pet cleaning solution.
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The Rug Doctor Pro is a heavy-duty cleaner that will produce results you'll love. This is a professional-grade cleaner, so it will give your carpets the same deep cleaning you'd get with the pros. When you use this product, it will scrub, clean, deodorize, and polish each carpet fiber. This will make your carpet clean, fresh, and stain-free.
This product is about 25% lighter than other professional rental models. It is easy to maneuver the Rug Doctor Pro on your carpets and around furniture. It also features a handle to help you carry it.
This product can move both forward and backwards with ease. It will clean and then extract the dirt and excess water from your carpets, helping them to dry more quickly. It has 20% more suction than other rental machines, which will result in cleaner carpets that dry more quickly.
This product is durable and built to last. It is made using strong materials that will hold up well to frequent use. The water tanks for this product click in and out with just one click.
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If you are looking for a portable option, then the Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro may be what you want to purchase. Since this model is portable, it will allow you to more easily clean upholstery and stairs, while still allowing you to give your carpets a deep clean.
This product features a large capacity tank, so you'll be able to clean for longer without stopping to change the water. It also features a 22-foot cord and long hose to allow you to clean for a long time without having to unplug the machine and move it.
The Bissell SpotClean will get your carpets and other items very clean. It has a tough brushing auction and powerful suction to loosen and remove dirt and other particles from your surfaces.
This item includes two tools designed to help you tackle tough pet stains: the stain trapper and tough stain tool. The stain trapper tool will clean up liquid messes and leave them inside the tool, instead of in the main machine.
When you purchase this product, you'll also receive a trial size of the Bissell Professional Pet Urine Eliminate + Oxy to give your carpets a deep cleaning and remove pet stains and odors.
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The Bissell Big Green Machine is a professional-grade product. It is designed to let you get your carpets as clean as if you were to pay a professional carpet cleaning company. It comes with a five-year limited warranty to protect your purchase.
This product features a large DirtLifter PowerBrush to loosen and remove all the trapped dirt, dust, and allergens from your carpets. The heavy-duty suction power will suck up all the trapped dirt. It will also aid in letting your carpets dry more quickly.
When you use this product, you can push it both forwards and backwards. The forward pass cleans the carpet and loosens debris. The backwards pass sucks up all the dirt and excess water.
This model has two large water tanks to allow you to clean a full room without needing to change the water. It has a hand tool you can use to help you remove tougher stains. The tool is connected to a nine-foot hose so you can reach areas that are tough to get at. This item has a handle that will let you easily push and pull the machine. Your purchase of this product will also include a trial size bottle of Bissell's Professional Formula.
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Buying Guide
When you are trying to find a new steam cleaner to clean your carpets, there are lots of models to consider. The functions, features, and prices of these models can vary quite a bit.
So, before you make a purchase, you'll want to compare the different options and think about what you really want to get out of your purchase.
Consider whether you think you'll want hand tools. Are you planning on using your carpet cleaner to clean your stairs, upholstery, or other items?
If you have cats or dogs at home, you might want to consider one of the pet models, since those are designed with features that can help remove pet stains and odors.
Finally, think about if you want a portable model. Do you plan on bringing your carpet cleaner to other locations? Do you think you'll want to use it to clean your vehicle?
best carpet cleaner
The five different models that we reviewed are all excellent products. Our favorite carpet cleaner is the Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine, 86T3.
Since this product is professional-grade, it has superior cleaning and extraction power. The DirtLifter PowerBrush will remove all the dirt and grime from each carpet fiber, then the powerful suction will remove everything from your carpet. The powerful suction on this machine also helps to remove a lot of the excess water, which means that your carpets will dry more quickly.
Another reason we love this product is because it has two water tanks. The two water tanks have a large capacity, which means you'll be able to clean a whole room before you need to stop to change the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Shampoo or Steam Clean My Carpet?
To prolong the life of your carpet and keep your home at its cleanest, your carpets should be cleaned at least once a year. Many experts recommend cleaning them at least twice a year in order to remove more dirt and allergens to keep all the residents of your home healthy.
Which Is Better, Shampooing or Steam Cleaning a Carpet?
Shampooing a carpet involves creating a thick layer of sudsy foam to remove the dirt stuck down in the carpeting. The shampoo works to break the bond between the carpet and the dirt, releasing the dirt to allow it to be removed. Sometimes when carpets are shampooed, a sticky soap residue can remain on the carpet.
When you steam clean a carpet, hot water and steam are sprayed onto the carpet and work to release the stuck-on dirt and debris. The machine will then suck in all that dust and dirt. When you steam clean a carpet, there is no residue left behind.
The exact cleaning method that is going to be best for your carpet may vary depending on the condition of your carpet and how dirty it is. Shampooing is an older method, while steam cleaning is now a more popular option for many.
How Long Are Carpets Wet After Deep Cleans?
Depending on the thickness of your carpets and the air circulation in your home, it could take up to 24 hours for them to dry completely after cleaning. However, in most cases, you can expect them to be dry within ten hours after cleaning.
What Is the Best Carpet Cleaning Solution?
The best solution for your carpets will vary a bit based on how dirty they are and whether you are trying to remove specific stains or odors, such as those caused by pets. Here are a few solutions that are highly rated and will allow you to provide your carpets with a deep clean.
ways to keep your carpet clean
After you use a carpet cleaner and get clean carpets, it's important to KEEP them clean! Check out our tips below.
10 Ways To Keep Your Carpet Clean
Are you struggling to keep your carpets clean? Guess what? It doesn’t need to be as hard as you think to accomplish your goal. There are simple steps to take that helps keep your carpeting fresh, clean and healthy.Consider that there are many flooring options available, such as:
- Bamboo
- Tile
- Laminate
- Stone
- Cork
- Wood
- Vinyl
You probably love carpeting for the same reasons most people do. It’s more fun to walk across a carpet and enjoy its softness and warmth than it is to walk on a hardwood floor, for instance. This is especially true on a winter morning before the house has warmed up.
On the surface, carpeting seems easier to maintain than hard surfaces. You simply need to vacuum it regularly and perform a periodic deep cleaning in order to keep it looking great.
We all know life isn’t that simple, though. At some point, your carpets will become victims to:
- Splashes
- Spills
- Messy accidents
- Pets & kids tracking in dirt from outside
That’s when you need to hone your carpet-cleaning skills and get those soft surfaces back into great-looking condition again.
Luckily, it’s merely a matter of learning a few simple tips to keep your carpets looking good. We’re going to teach those to you here. First, however, let’s provide you extra motivation by touching on why keeping your carpets clean goes beyond the aesthetics aspect of the process.
Health Benefits Of Clean Carpeting
Understanding how dirty carpets contribute to an unhealthy home environment goes a long way in staying on top of the job. It’s easy to tell yourself that you’ll get to cleaning at a later date. Let’s reveal the health benefits for keeping carpeting clean at all times.
Unlike hardwood floors, carpets are magnets for:
- Mold
- Dust
- Toxins
- Allergens
The longer you allow these contaminants to sit inside your carpet’s fibers, the worse your indoor air quality becomes. The result is a deteriorating living environment that results in allergies, asthma, respiratory issues and other debilitating health conditions.
Another problem that occurs with dirty carpeting is dust mites. This is especially problematic for anyone in your household already suffering from allergies. The best way to keep dust mites from becoming an issue is keeping your carpets clean at all times. This eliminates the environment that dust mites thrive in.
Did you know that mold and mildew thrive in dirty carpet conditions, as well?
Don’t allow your home to become a mold attractor. Some mold is harmless from a health standpoint and simply looks bad. Other types of mold cause respiratory problems and other health conditions.
Focusing on keeping carpets dry and clean goes a long way in avoiding any conditions where mold and mildew grow.
Are you motivated now to keep your carpets clean all the time? Let’s reveal all the necessary tips that will help you make this a reality.
Vacuum Regularly
You might be surprised to learn that carpet experts recommend vacuuming your carpeting twice weekly. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s not enough to get out the vacuum cleaner a couple times a month.
Instead, create a habit where you break that machine out two times per week and suck up all the dirt, grit, grime, pet dander and human hair. If you have a vacuum cleaner with a clear dirt collector, then you’ll be absolutely amazed by how much it fills up on each cleaning.
The best way to vacuum carpet is to go slowly. Vacuum slowly for several feet in one direction and then move in reverse. You need to overlap your vacuuming direction often in order to most effectively remove embedded soil.
If you vacuum too quickly or don’t overlap directions, then it’s highly unlikely that you’ll remove the dirt and debris that’s located deep within your carpet’s fibers.
Next, let’s cover tips that help remove stains, spills and pet accidents.
Don’t Rub Carpet Stains
Resist the temptation to start scrubbing a spill or stain immediately. That type of action pushes the stain further down into your carpeting. The more effective action is to dab at the stain with a little bit of cleaning solution. Use a clean sponge, paper towel or cloth.
Using a blotting action soaks up stains by placing a small amount of pressure on them. Your carpet fibers won’t break down prematurely like they will if you use a rubbing motion.
Work your way inward by starting at the stain’s outer edge. If you work the other way, then you’ll only spread the stain out further across your carpet.
Use Club Soda Correctly
We’ve all heard that club soda works on stains. It does if you use it properly. The first thing you need to do is to pour it onto a clean cloth. Use a blotting action on the stain and continue if the stain begins turning a lighter shade.
Stop using the club soda if the stain isn’t getting lighter. Instead, mix up a one-to-one ratio of water and white vinegar. Pour the solution into a small spray bottle and spray it on the spill or stain.
Wait about 15 minutes and then use a dry, clean sponge to press down on the wet area. Allow the sponge to soak up the stain and cleaning solution. Keep using the sponge until the stain is finally removed completely.
Use some warm water to rinse off the spot after the stain has been removed. Gently get the carpet fibers going into their natural direction by brushing them with your hand.
The final step you should take is to spread a few paper towels over the entire area. Use a heavy book to keep the paper towels weighed down. The towels are there to absorb wetness and to prevent anything from staying too damp underneath the carpeting. Make sure the paper towels:
- Are white, without any designs
- Stay in place for about one day, or until the carpet is entirely dry
Have you or a family member unknowingly tracked chewing gum into the house and it turned into a sticky mess on your carpet? It’s frustrating until you discover a little trick that involves your freezer.
The key to getting rid of gum is to freeze it first. Press a few ice cubes up against the sticky gum for about 30 seconds until it’s completely frozen. Lift up the frozen mass with a spoon.
As you do, use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to cut the mass out of the carpet. Be careful to cut the carpet fibers tightly against the gum. If you do it correctly, then it will be impossible to notice that the gum was ever there.
Use Shaving Cream
Regular shaving cream does an excellent job to remove almost any kind of carpet stain. All you need to do is spray the shaving cream onto the spill or stain and then wait for about one half hour.
Use a dry white cloth to blot out the stain. While you’re waiting the 30 minutes, create a one-to-one solution of water and white vinegar. Spray the stained area with this solution after blotting the stain out. Use a dry cloth to wipe the solution away and your carpet will look great again.
How To Remove Wax
If you like to use candles in your home, then it’s highly likely that you’ve experienced the frustration of seeing a wax stain underneath a used candle. The wax hardens and embeds itself within the fibers of your carpeting.
The best way to remove hardened wax is simply heating it back up again. Do this by heating up an iron using its “no steam” option. Place a white cloth over the iron’s surface and use the iron to heat up the wax spill until it starts melting. Use a butter knife to scrape the softened wax away from your carpet’s fibers.
How To Remove Grease Carpet Stains
A grease stain can be one of the most frustrating stains to try and remove from a carpet. That is, unless you know the carpet cleaning tricks that work. Go to the sink and grab your dishwashing soap. A brand like Dawn is one of the best because it works to fight grease.
Dissolve the soap into a small container of warm water. Mix up the solution well and then transfer it into a small spray bottle. Spray the greasy carpet stain and soak it well. Use a white paper towel or cloth to blot at the affected area. It’s possible that you’ll need to repeat the process a few times in order to fully remove the grease.
How To Remove Crushed Candy
It’s inevitable that you’ll find candy crushed into your carpet at some point if you have kids or grandchildren. Try using a butter knife to lift out as much candy as possible. Next, dip a sponge into a mixture of mild soap and warm water.
Use the sponge to blot out the candy stain. Apply a white paper towel or cloth to dry the spot after you’ve removed all the candy.
The most important part about this carpet cleaning job is to get all of the sugar removed. Any remaining sugar will become a magnet for more dirt, dust and debris over time.
How Hydrogen Peroxide Can Make Carpet Cleaning Easier
Have you ever suffered a small finger cut or nosebleed and dropped some blood on your carpet as you run to the bathroom or kitchen? Blood stains are unsightly. However, they don’t need to become permanent eyesores.
Using a mixture of mild detergent and warm water, get any dried blood loosened up. Scrape all loosened blood out of the carpet’s fibers with a butter knife. Apply full-strength hydrogen peroxide to the affected area in order to get rid of any remaining blood.
You’ll notice that the stained area begins to fizz and foam as soon as the hydrogen peroxide is applied. This is perfectly normal so don’t become alarmed. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to remain on the stain for several minutes and then blot everything up with a clean white cloth or paper towel.
How To Clean Up Pet Accidents
We all love our pets. We don’t love it when they have an accident on our carpets, however. Once you feel confident removing pet stains, then there’s no need to get upset at your pet when this happens.
There are organic or eco-friendly cleaners on the market that work well. Here are a few to consider:
- Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
- Eco-88
- Begley’s Brand
- ZorbX
- Only Natural Brand
- Venus Laboratories
You’ll likely need to work at a pet stain for a while before it’s entirely removed. Use a white paper towel or cloth to blot up the cleaner once you’re done. By the way, these types of nontoxic pet cleaners also work well on other kinds of spills, such as spaghetti sauce or coffee stains.
Once you start using some or all of the above tips, you will never be fearful of carpet stains ever again. Keep these ideas in a safe place and review them the next time you experience a dirty carpet.
Lastly, you may want to have your carpets professionally cleaned periodically to make sure every last bit of dirt and grime is removed. Enjoy your clean carpets!
Final thoughts
Don't delay; decide which carpet cleaner is the ideal model for you so you can make your purchase today. Soon, you'll be enjoying the feel of a freshly cleaned carpet on your feet.
