Clean carpets can make your home feel noticeably fresher, but regular vacuuming isn’t always enough. Over time, carpets can collect embedded dirt, spills, food particles, and everyday grime that settle beneath the surface.
A good carpet cleaner can help refresh your carpets more thoroughly by combining water, cleaning solution, agitation, and powerful extraction. The result can be a cleaner-looking carpet and a more comfortable living space.
But not every carpet cleaner is designed for the same job. Some are compact and ideal for apartments, while others offer large tanks and powerful extraction for whole-home cleaning. Portable spot cleaners are particularly useful for spills, stairs, upholstery, and small stains.
To help you choose, we’ve compared seven of the best carpet cleaners for home use, considering cleaning performance, tank capacity, portability, attachments, ease of use, and overall value.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
Best Automatic Cleaning: Hoover SmartWash+
Best Deep Cleaning: Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
Best Portable: Bissell Little Green Machine
Best Budget: Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact
Best for Stains: Shark CarpetXpert
Best Professional-Style: Bissell Big Green Professional
Comparison Table: 7 Best Carpet Cleaners
| Product | Best For | Type | Tank Capacity | Portability | Attachments | Cleaning Power | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro | Best Overall | Upright | Large | ⭐⭐⭐ | Multiple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
| Hoover SmartWash+ | Best Automatic Cleaning | Upright | Large | ⭐⭐⭐ | Multiple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
| Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner | Best Deep Cleaning | Upright | Large | ⭐⭐⭐ | Multiple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
| Bissell Little Green Machine | Best Portable | Spot Cleaner | Small | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Multiple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | $$ |
| Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact | Best Budget | Compact Upright | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Basic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | $$ |
| Shark CarpetXpert | Best for Stains | Upright/Portable System | Medium-Large | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Multiple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ |
| Bissell Big Green Professional | Best Professional-Style | Upright | Large | ⭐⭐⭐ | Multiple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$ |
1. Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro — Best Overall
The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro is an excellent all-around carpet cleaner for households that want strong cleaning performance combined with useful features for everyday messes.
Its upright design is particularly well suited to cleaning larger carpeted areas, while specialized tools can help with stairs, upholstery, and smaller problem areas.
Why We Like It
- Strong carpet-cleaning performance
- Designed with pet messes in mind
- Multiple cleaning modes
- Useful attachments
- Good whole-room coverage
- Excellent balance of performance and versatility
Best For
Homeowners who want one carpet cleaner capable of handling regular deep cleaning and tougher household messes.
Ideal For
- Family homes
- Carpeted bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Pet households
- Stairs
- Upholstery
- High-traffic areas
Feature Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Overall performance |
| Type | Upright carpet cleaner |
| Cleaning System | Water + solution + brush agitation + extraction |
| Tank Size | Large |
| Heating | Built-in cleaning technology |
| Cleaning Modes | Multiple |
| Brush System | Multi-brush design |
| Pet Tool | Yes |
| Upholstery Tool | Yes |
| Stair Cleaning | Yes |
| Carpet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pet Stains | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| High-Traffic Areas | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Upholstery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Stairs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Main Advantage | Excellent all-around cleaning |
| Main Drawback | Larger footprint than portable cleaners |
| Overall Score | 9.5/10 |
2. Hoover SmartWash+ — Best Automatic Cleaning
The Hoover SmartWash+ is designed to simplify carpet cleaning by automating some of the process.
Instead of manually controlling every part of the cleaning cycle, its automatic system helps determine when to wash and when to extract as you move the machine.
Why We Like It
- Automatic cleaning technology
- Strong extraction
- Large cleaning capacity
- Easy-to-follow operation
- Excellent for whole-room cleaning
- Useful for frequent household maintenance
Best For
Homeowners who want a straightforward carpet cleaner with automated operation.
Ideal For
- Large carpeted rooms
- Families
- High-traffic areas
- Routine deep cleaning
- Whole-home carpet maintenance
Feature Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Easy automatic cleaning |
| Type | Upright carpet cleaner |
| Cleaning System | Automatic wash/extract |
| Tank Size | Large |
| Automatic Cleaning | Yes |
| Brush System | Multi-brush |
| Drying Assistance | Yes |
| Upholstery Tool | Available |
| Pet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Carpet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| High-Traffic Areas | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Upholstery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stairs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Main Advantage | Simplifies the cleaning process |
| Main Drawback | Large compared with spot cleaners |
| Overall Score | 9.3/10 |
3. Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner — Best Deep Cleaning
The Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner is aimed at shoppers who prioritize serious carpet cleaning performance.
Its upright design and strong extraction make it a good choice for larger carpeted areas and homes where carpets receive significant daily traffic.
Why We Like It
- Powerful cleaning performance
- Strong extraction
- Large tank capacity
- Excellent for high-traffic carpets
- Designed for deeper cleaning
- Suitable for larger homes
Best For
Homeowners who prioritize deep cleaning over compact storage.
Ideal For
- Large homes
- High-traffic carpets
- Family rooms
- Hallways
- Bedrooms
- Deep-cleaning sessions
Feature Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Deep carpet cleaning |
| Type | Upright carpet cleaner |
| Cleaning System | Spray + agitation + extraction |
| Tank Size | Large |
| Brush System | Multi-brush |
| Extraction Power | High |
| Upholstery Tool | Available |
| Stair Cleaning | Yes |
| Carpet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pet Stains | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| High-Traffic Areas | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Upholstery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stairs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Main Advantage | Strong deep-cleaning capability |
| Main Drawback | Heavy and less compact |
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 |
4. Bissell Little Green Machine — Best Portable
The Bissell Little Green Machine is one of the most practical options for targeted cleaning.
Instead of being designed to clean an entire house in one session, it’s compact enough to grab whenever you spill something or need to clean a small carpeted area.
Why We Like It
- Compact
- Easy to carry
- Excellent for spot cleaning
- Useful on upholstery
- Simple storage
- Great for stairs and car interiors
Best For
People who need a compact machine for spills, stains, stairs, and upholstery.
Ideal For
- Apartments
- Small homes
- Pet owners
- Car interiors
- Stairs
- Sofas
- Spot cleaning
Feature Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Portable spot cleaning |
| Type | Portable carpet cleaner |
| Tank Size | Small |
| Cleaning System | Spray + brush + extraction |
| Hose | Yes |
| Specialized Tools | Yes |
| Pet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Carpet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Stain Removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Upholstery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stairs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Storage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Main Advantage | Excellent portability |
| Main Drawback | Not ideal for cleaning an entire house |
| Overall Score | 9.1/10 |
5. Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact — Best Budget
If you want an upright carpet cleaner without spending as much as you would on a premium model, the Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact is a compelling option.
Its smaller footprint makes it easier to store than many full-size carpet cleaners.
Why We Like It
- Affordable
- Compact upright design
- Good cleaning performance
- Pet-focused features
- Easy storage
- Lightweight compared with larger models
Best For
Budget-conscious homeowners with small to medium carpeted areas.
Ideal For
- Apartments
- Small homes
- Pet households
- Bedrooms
- Small living rooms
- Regular spot and carpet cleaning
Feature Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Budget carpet cleaning |
| Type | Compact upright |
| Tank Size | Medium |
| Cleaning System | Spray + brush + extraction |
| Brush System | Rotating brush |
| Pet Cleaning | Yes |
| Upholstery Tool | Limited/varies by model |
| Carpet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Pet Stains | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| High-Traffic Areas | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Upholstery | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Stairs | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Storage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Main Advantage | Good value in a compact design |
| Main Drawback | Smaller capacity |
| Overall Score | 8.9/10 |
6. Shark CarpetXpert — Best for Stains
The Shark CarpetXpert is a strong option for shoppers who want a modern carpet-cleaning system with a focus on stain removal and versatile cleaning.
It’s particularly useful when your home regularly deals with spills, food messes, or other localized carpet problems.
Why We Like It
- Strong stain-cleaning performance
- Versatile cleaning design
- Useful attachments
- Good extraction
- Suitable for multiple surfaces
- Convenient for everyday messes
Best For
Households that frequently deal with stains and spills.
Ideal For
- Families
- Pet owners
- High-traffic areas
- Stairs
- Upholstery
- Spot cleaning
Feature Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Stain removal |
| Type | Carpet cleaner |
| Tank Size | Medium-Large |
| Cleaning System | Spray + agitation + extraction |
| Brush System | Powered cleaning brush |
| Specialized Tool | Yes |
| Pet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Carpet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stain Removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Upholstery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Stairs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Storage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Main Advantage | Excellent stain-focused performance |
| Main Drawback | More expensive than basic compact models |
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 |
7. Bissell Big Green Professional — Best Professional-Style
The Bissell Big Green Professional is designed for shoppers who want a robust carpet cleaner with a more professional-style approach.
Its powerful cleaning system and large design make it particularly attractive for homeowners who regularly perform deep carpet cleaning.
Why We Like It
- Powerful cleaning performance
- Professional-style construction
- Strong extraction
- Large tanks
- Excellent for heavily used carpets
- Built for demanding cleaning sessions
Best For
Homeowners who want professional-style carpet cleaning at home.
Ideal For
- Large homes
- Thick carpets
- High-traffic areas
- Frequent deep cleaning
- Larger families
Feature Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Professional-style cleaning |
| Type | Heavy-duty upright |
| Tank Size | Large |
| Cleaning System | Spray + brush + extraction |
| Brush System | Large rotating brush |
| Extraction | Powerful |
| Pet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Carpet Cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| High-Traffic Areas | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stain Removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Upholstery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stairs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Storage | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Main Advantage | Excellent deep-cleaning performance |
| Main Drawback | Bulky and expensive |
| Overall Score | 9.4/10 |
How to Choose the Best Carpet Cleaner
Choosing a carpet cleaner becomes easier when you start with your home’s actual cleaning needs.
Step 1: Decide How Much Carpet You Need to Clean
Small Carpeted Areas
Choose a portable cleaner if you only need to clean:
- Stairs
- Small rugs
- Spot stains
- Furniture
- Car interiors
Whole Rooms
Choose an upright carpet cleaner if you’re cleaning:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Hallways
- Multiple rooms
Step 2: Choose Between Portable and Upright
| Feature | Portable Cleaner | Upright Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Spot cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Whole-room cleaning | ⭐⭐½ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Storage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tank size | Small | Medium-Large |
| Stairs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Upholstery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Large carpets | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best for | Stains and small areas | Whole-home cleaning |
Choose Portable If:
You mainly need a machine for spills and smaller cleaning jobs.
Choose Upright If:
You want to deep-clean entire rooms and larger carpeted areas.
Step 3: Check the Tank Capacity
Tank size directly affects how much carpet you can clean before stopping to refill.
Smaller Tank
Best for:
- Spot cleaning
- Apartments
- Small rooms
- Quick jobs
Larger Tank
Best for:
- Whole-home cleaning
- Large rooms
- Longer cleaning sessions
Remember that a larger tank can also increase the machine’s weight.
Step 4: Look at Brush Design
The brush system helps agitate carpet fibers and loosen embedded dirt.
Look for:
- Rotating brushes
- Multiple brush rows
- Pet-focused brush designs
- Easy-to-clean brush rolls
Step 5: Consider Extraction Power
Cleaning isn’t finished when the carpet becomes wet.
A good carpet cleaner should remove as much dirty water as practical.
Strong extraction can help:
- Reduce remaining moisture
- Improve drying time
- Remove loosened dirt
- Reduce the chance of over-wetting
Step 6: Consider Drying Time
Carpets that remain wet for too long can be inconvenient.
To encourage faster drying:
- Avoid over-wetting.
- Use the extraction passes properly.
- Increase ventilation.
- Use fans where appropriate.
- Keep foot traffic off the carpet until it’s dry.
Step 7: Check the Attachments
Useful attachments can expand what your carpet cleaner can do.
Look for:
- Upholstery tools
- Stair tools
- Crevice tools
- Pet stain tools
- Specialized brushes
- Hose attachments
How to Deep Clean Your Carpet
Step 1: Vacuum Thoroughly
Remove loose dirt, dust, hair, and debris first.
Step 2: Treat Visible Stains
Apply an appropriate stain treatment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Fill the Clean Water Tank
Use the recommended amount of water and cleaning solution.
Avoid adding more solution than instructed.
Step 4: Test a Small Area
Before cleaning the entire carpet, test the cleaning method on an inconspicuous area.
Step 5: Begin Cleaning
Move the machine slowly and follow the manufacturer’s recommended technique.
Step 6: Make Extraction Passes
Use additional extraction passes where recommended to remove excess moisture.
Step 7: Improve Airflow
Open suitable windows or use fans to help the carpet dry.
Step 8: Wait Before Heavy Foot Traffic
Allow the carpet to dry thoroughly before returning furniture or allowing significant foot traffic.
How to Remove Carpet Stains
Different stains can require different treatments.
Food and Drink
Blot the spill as soon as possible and use a suitable carpet-cleaning solution.
Mud
Allow excess mud to dry when appropriate, then vacuum before treating the remaining stain.
Pet Messes
Remove solids first, blot moisture, and use a cleaner designed for the type of stain.
Greasy Stains
Use a cleaning solution appropriate for the carpet fiber and stain.
Always check your carpet manufacturer’s care instructions before using a cleaning chemical or carpet-cleaning machine.
Carpet Cleaner vs. Vacuum Cleaner
These two appliances perform different jobs.
| Feature | Vacuum Cleaner | Carpet Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Removes dry dirt | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Removes embedded grime | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Uses water | No | Yes |
| Deep carpet cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Everyday cleaning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spill cleaning | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Drying required | No | Yes |
Don’t replace your vacuum with a carpet cleaner. The two appliances work best together.
Vacuum regularly and use a carpet cleaner periodically for deeper cleaning.
How Often Should You Deep Clean Carpets?
There’s no single schedule that works for every home.
Consider deep cleaning more frequently if you have:
- Pets
- Children
- Heavy foot traffic
- Frequent spills
- Multiple carpeted rooms
For lower-traffic homes, occasional deep cleaning may be sufficient.
The most important thing is to follow your carpet manufacturer’s care recommendations.
Common Carpet Cleaning Mistakes
1. Skipping Vacuuming
Loose dirt can interfere with the deep-cleaning process.
2. Using Too Much Cleaning Solution
More detergent doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner carpets. Excess solution can leave residue.
3. Over-Wetting the Carpet
Too much water can extend drying time unnecessarily.
4. Moving Too Quickly
Give the machine enough time to perform its cleaning and extraction cycle.
5. Ignoring the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Different carpet fibers have different care requirements.
6. Returning Furniture Too Soon
Wait until the carpet has dried appropriately.
7. Choosing a Full-Size Cleaner for Tiny Jobs
A portable spot cleaner may be much more convenient for occasional spills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are carpet cleaners worth buying?
They can be a worthwhile investment if you regularly deal with stains, pets, children, or heavy foot traffic. They can also reduce the need to hire professional cleaners for routine deep cleaning.
What is the best carpet cleaner overall?
The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro is an excellent overall option because it combines strong cleaning performance, useful attachments, and versatility.
What is the best carpet cleaner for pet owners?
Look for a model with strong stain extraction and specialized pet-cleaning tools. The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro and Shark CarpetXpert are particularly appealing options.
Is a portable carpet cleaner better than an upright?
Neither is universally better. Portable cleaners are excellent for stains, stairs, upholstery, and small areas, while uprights are better for cleaning entire rooms.
How long does carpet take to dry after cleaning?
Drying time varies based on carpet thickness, humidity, airflow, and how much water was used. Good extraction and ventilation can help speed up the process.
Can carpet cleaners remove old stains?
They can improve the appearance of many stains, but results vary depending on the stain, carpet fiber, age, and previous treatments.
Should I vacuum before using a carpet cleaner?
Yes. Vacuuming first removes loose dirt and debris and helps the carpet cleaner focus on deeper grime.
Can I use a carpet cleaner on rugs?
Only if the rug’s care instructions allow water-based machine cleaning. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.
Final Verdict
The best carpet cleaner for a fresher home depends on the size of your home, the type of carpet you have, and the messes you regularly deal with.
For the best overall balance, the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro is our top pick. It offers excellent cleaning performance and enough versatility to handle everyday household messes.
If convenience is your priority, the Hoover SmartWash+ simplifies the cleaning process with automatic operation. For intensive deep cleaning, the Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner and Bissell Big Green Professional are strong choices.
For smaller jobs, the Bissell Little Green Machine is hard to beat for portability and convenience, while the Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact offers an appealing balance of affordability and performance.
The Shark CarpetXpert is another excellent option for households that frequently deal with stains and spills.
Before buying, focus on cleaning performance, tank capacity, extraction power, brush design, attachments, portability, and drying time. The right carpet cleaner should complement your vacuuming routine—not replace it.
Carpet Cleaner Buying Checklist
- Decide whether you need spot or whole-room cleaning
- Choose portable or upright
- Check tank capacity
- Compare extraction performance
- Look at brush design
- Check available cleaning modes
- Review included attachments
- Consider pet-cleaning features
- Check machine weight
- Consider storage space
- Check hose length
- Look at drying-time features
- Confirm carpet compatibility
- Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations
- Compare warranty and long-term value