Keeping carpets clean is no easy job, especially with kids, pets, and messy guests around. Over the past few months, I took it upon myself to personally test five of the most talked-about carpet cleaners available online. I tried them on coffee spills, muddy paw prints, food stains—you name it. What I learned? Not all carpet cleaners are created equal.
Whether you’re looking for a deep-cleaning machine to tackle a whole house or a compact spot cleaner for small messes, I’ve got you covered.
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s look at a few questions that can help guide your purchase.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- How often do you clean your carpets?
- Do you need it for spot cleaning or full-room coverage?
- Is portability important to you?
- Do you have pets or children?
- What’s your budget?
Types of Carpet Cleaners
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Upright Carpet Cleaner | Full-room, deep cleaning |
| Compact/Portable Cleaner | Spot treatments, stairs, upholstery |
| Commercial Carpet Cleaner | Large spaces, high-traffic areas |
Our Top Picks by Category
| Category | Product | Why Best? |
| Best Overall | Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner, Upright Shampooer, FH68050 | Excellent balance of cleaning power, ease, and features |
| Best Budget | BISSELL TurboClean PowerBrush 3952 | Affordable yet effective for routine jobs |
| Best Commercial | Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS | Heavy-duty build, perfect for large spaces |
| Best Spot Cleaner | Bissell Little Green 1400B | Portable, powerful for small messes |
| Best for Pet Stains | Shark CarpetXpert with StainStriker EX201 | Specialized formula tackles stubborn pet messes |
Full Reviews of Each Product
Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner, Upright Shampooer, FH68050
Best for: Deep cleaning entire rooms, families with pets or kids
Why We Like It: I was genuinely impressed with how thorough the Hoover PowerScrub was. From thick rugs to wall-to-wall carpet, this upright cleaner lifted up dirt I didn’t even know was there. The HeatForce drying really worked—I could walk on my carpets in just a couple of hours.
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Lightweight for its size
- Heated drying
- Easy to fill and empty tanks
Cons
- A bit loud
- Takes up some closet space
BISSELL TurboClean PowerBrush 3952
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, small apartments
Why We Like It: I wasn’t expecting much at this price point, but the TurboClean PowerBrush surprised me. It’s incredibly easy to use and did a great job on light stains and routine messes. It’s not for deep-down dirt, but for regular upkeep, it’s a steal.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple operation
Cons
- Smaller tank
- Not ideal for heavy-duty cleaning
Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS
Best for: High-traffic areas, large offices or commercial spaces
Why We Like It: The Oreck is built like a tank but glides easily. It’s meant for people who need to clean fast and often. I used it in my garage carpeted workspace and it handled sawdust, dirt, and foot traffic effortlessly. It’s not a shampooer but perfect if you want high suction and efficiency.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Long cord
- Lightweight body for commercial use
Cons
- No built-in carpet shampooer
- Industrial look
Shark CarpetXpert with StainStriker EX201
Best for: Pet stains and upholstery
Why We Like It: The StainStriker formula is the real hero here. I tried it on an old cat urine stain I had tried treating multiple times—this was the first product that truly removed the odor. The handheld design makes it ideal for furniture, stairs, and cars.
Pros
- Great for pet owners
- Dual-tank system
- Effective stain treatment
Cons
- Small coverage area
- Needs refilling often
Bissell Little Green 1400B
Best for: Spot cleaning, upholstery, car interiors
Why We Like It: The Little Green lives up to the hype. I’ve used it on car seats, couch cushions, even a fabric headboard. It’s portable, powerful, and the suction is excellent for such a compact unit. It’s become my go-to for surprise messes.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Strong suction
- Easy to store
Cons
- Smaller tank capacity
- No heating element
Other Things to Consider
- Tank Size: Larger tanks mean fewer refills, but add weight.
- Weight: Upright models can be heavy, especially when full.
- Noise Level: Most machines are loud—some louder than others.
- Filtration: HEPA filters can be useful for allergy sufferers.
- Attachments: Upholstery and stair tools are game changers.
- Drying Time: Heated models speed up the process.
- Cord Length: Long cords reduce the need to switch outlets.
- Price: More money usually gets you better features and build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can carpet cleaners remove old stains?
Yes, but it depends on the machine and the type of stain. Machines like the Hoover PowerScrub and Shark CarpetXpert paired with strong cleaning solutions can lift older, set-in stains—especially if they haven’t been sealed in with improper cleaning in the past.
Are portable carpet cleaners as effective as upright models?
Portable models are excellent for spot cleaning and upholstery, but they don’t offer the same power or coverage for full-room cleaning as upright models do. They’re perfect for quick messes and small spaces like cars or stairs.
Do I need special detergent?
Yes. Using a detergent specifically formulated for your machine ensures optimal performance and helps avoid voiding the warranty. Generic or incompatible formulas may cause clogging or reduced efficiency.
How often should I deep-clean carpets?
Most experts recommend deep-cleaning carpets every 6 to 12 months. However, if you have pets, children, or high-traffic areas, you may need to clean more frequently—about every 3 to 6 months.
Are carpet cleaners safe for all carpet types?
Generally, yes, but always check your carpet manufacturer’s care guide. Delicate or natural fibers like wool may require specific settings or professional cleaning to avoid damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right carpet cleaner really depends on your specific needs. If you’re someone who needs a full-room clean and wants all the features, the Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner, Upright Shampooer, FH68050 offers the best overall balance of power, features, and value. For anyone on a budget or with limited storage, the BISSELL TurboClean is surprisingly effective. Pet owners struggling with odors or stains should consider the Shark CarpetXpert with its targeted formula. If portability is your top priority, especially for cars and furniture, the Bissell Little Green is compact and powerful. And if you’re managing a commercial space or large area, nothing beats the efficiency of the Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS. No matter which you choose, a clean carpet makes a big difference in the feel and hygiene of your home.
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