These are the machines that effectively removed stains, pet hair, crumbs and more in our rigorous tests.
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Your everyday vacuum cleaner can quickly remove dust, pet hair, lint and food crumbs from your carpets, area rugs and upholstery — but simply vacuuming these materials isn't enough. Occasionally, they need wet cleaning and that's when it's time to put a good carpet cleaner to work. A wet carpet cleaner washes carpets and upholstery fabrics using a mix of water and a cleaning solution to dissolve stains and ground-in dirt.
To find the best carpet cleaners in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we use each machine to clean a pre-stained, industry-standard white carpet, taking measurements before and after cleaning to determine each model's stain-cleaning ability. We also assess how long it takes for carpets to dry, how adept each machine is at removing fresh and dried stains, how easy each appliance is to use and more.
At the end of this guide, we share more info on how we tested these machines, what to look for in a carpet cleaner and some insight on how to clean rugs. Our complete guide to cleaning your carpet has step-by-step instructions and tips for tackling different stains, removing odors and maintaining your carpet regularly.
Through the years, our experts have tested many of Bissell's full-size and portable carpet cleaners — including an earlier version of this model — and found them to be effective, easy-to-use appliances.
Bissell was also the first to incorporate HeatWave technology in its upright carpet cleaners which helps maintain the temperature of the warm or hot water you put into the tank for better cleaning performance. In our experience, using warmer water does improve your carpet cleaning results. While we haven’t tested this exact model, we have tested similar ones from Bissell with many of the same features, so we trust the brand’s performance and are comfortable recommending this model. Plus, it has over 8,300 ratings on Wayfair.
Other Bissell innovations that make carpet cleaning easier are its targeted spray nozzle for zapping stains with the in-tank cleaning solution simply by tapping a button with your foot. And there's a two-in-one Pet Upholstery tool that works dry to pull out stubborn pet hair and wet to zap stains on furniture fabrics and mattresses. Unlike single brush roll models, Bissell's dual DirtLifter PowerBrush uses double brush rolls for more cleaning action and yet it's still fairly lightweight and very maneuverable.
In the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab, we consider after-use clean-up and storage to be right up there with performance. That's why we give this model kudos for its removable brush roll cover for easier, more thorough cleaning. You will have to store the hose and tools in a separate bag and be aware that the brush rolls continue to turn even when using the hose and handheld tools, so keep tabs that they don't damage any floor surface they come in contact with.
RELATED: 6 Best Bissell Vacuums, According to Testing
In our experience, Hoover's floor-cleaning appliances offer great value for the money, and this carpet cleaner is no exception. While it may not always be the least expensive model on this list, keep in mind that prices on these appliances fluctuate frequently. And with its good performance and innovative features, this model offers lots of plusses, even when there's a small hike in the price.
The Hoover SmartWash Pet Pro is a full-sized carpet cleaner with a unique removable stain-pretreating wand that allows you to address stains without bending over or reaching for extra bottles of carpet cleaner. It's battery-operated and holds its own canister of stain solution. Simply pop off the wand, point and shoot to zap a stain.
Other notable features include dispensing an automatically mixed combo of water and cleaning formula through its double brush rolls (nothing for you to measure and no triggers to hold!). It cleans when you push it forward and suctions and dries the carpet when you pull it back. Waiting for a carpet to dry can be a real hassle, especially in busy households, so we really liked the "dry-only" mode that doesn't dispense cleaning solution, but rather emits heat to dry as you move it forward so carpets can be walked on more quickly. An 8-foot hose and 22-foot cord provide ample length for cleaning stairs, hard-to-reach areas and large upholstery pieces, though both are shorter than those on some other full-size models we've tested.
Consumer testers in our last Cleaning & Organizing Awards rated this cleaner highly, especially for its ease of use, and all said they would continue to use the appliance in their cleaning routine. One tester notably shared, "It apparently has better suction than my vacuum because I vacuumed thoroughly before using, and the cleaner still quickly filled up with dog fur, dust, carpet fibers and sand." No surprise to us! In our experience, even the best vacuums for pet hair can struggle with heavy pet shedding or pet hair buildup on carpets.
Even carpet cleaners are getting smarter these days. Tineco's Carpet One Smart Carpet Cleaner brings intuitive technology to the carpet cleaning space. Like the Tineco combo vacuum mops we've tested in the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab, this carpet cleaner works with an app and automatically adjusts the suction and water flow according to how much dirt and debris it detects is being picked up.
Voice prompts tell you when to refill the clean water tank and empty the dirty water tank, and lights alert you when the area you're working on is clean. Its built-in heater keeps the cleaning solution hot for optimal stain-fighting, and the heater helps dry carpets faster, too.
In our tests, we found this model cleaned carpets very well and was much easier to maneuver than bigger machines. Our expert — who uses it to clean carpets, area rugs and upholstery in her own home — was impressed with the LED display that keeps you informed of the cleaning mode, how dry the carpet is and more. Attaching the hose to go from carpet to upholstery cleaning is easy and at just 16.5 pounds, this model is lighter than many other full-size cleaners. And because it has a smaller footprint, it's easier to store, pull out and set up which also means you're likely to use it more frequently. But take note, the included 8-foot hose and handheld accessory cannot be stored onboard.
Even if you own a full-size carpet cleaner, sometimes it's more than you need — or want to deal with — for just an occasional spot on the carpet or couch. Those are the times when a lightweight portable carpet cleaner is a practical solution.
In our most recent test of this category, this Bissell model was our best overall winner for stain and odor removal, sound, run time and more, outperforming the larger models we tested. It erased fresh and dried red wine and blueberry pie stains with ease, and we found it easy to set up, clean and store so it's ready to go the moment a spill happens when speed is key. It was also among the quietest models we tested.
A built-in rotating brush gently agitates the carpet pile and works in Bissell's pre-mixed detergent solution for deep cleaning, but it can be switched off when tackling stains on delicate fabrics. A nubby rubber tool makes tackling pet messes easier and less messy. You won't be able to clean a very large area on one charge as it only has a 20-minute runtime, and the small tanks will likely need refilling if you're removing multiple stains, but it's a great option for homes with less carpeting or few stains to clean.
While it's difficult to achieve the same carpet cleaning results professionals can get with their industrial equipment, Bissell's Big Green is the most user-friendly professional-style home carpet cleaning machine we've tested.
The large 1.75-gallon tanks are super easy to fill, carry and replace and the spinning flow indicator on top takes the guesswork out of knowing when the cleaning solution needs refilling. Though it looks bulky, it's simple to operate and relatively easy to maneuver for a machine this size, even when full. The adjustable handle moves to the most comfortable position for each user and folds for easier storage. Keep in mind that the machine weighs in at over 40 pounds, so those with carpets to clean on multiple levels will likely need help carrying it up and down stairs.
A rotating brush gently works the cleaning solution into the carpet pile and this, combined with the strong suction, removes deep-down dirt, leaving our test carpets soft and not overly wet. Because of its size, the Big Green is typically the type of appliance you pull out for bigger jobs, like spring cleaning or cleaning large open spaces before furniture goes in. The extra-long 25-foot power cord made it easy for our expert to clean an entire room of carpeting without stopping. And we found the 9-foot hose and handheld stain tool perfect for cleaning upholstery, along wall edges and stair treads.
Flat area rugs or those with low, dense piles are generally easier to clean than deep-pile carpets. Dirt tends to stay mostly on or near the surface and spills can be blotted up quickly. So when they do need cleaning, less aggressive methods are safer and usually do the trick.
Bissell's CrossWave gently cleans area rugs with a soft microfiber and nylon brush, so there’s no fear of damaging the short pile or fraying any loops. This lightweight, multi-function two-in-one vacuum and mop also vacuums up dry dirt and wet-cleans bare floors. We've tested several models from the CrossWave line in our Lab, and all have performed well picking up dry debris and wet messes, cleaning stains from hard flooring and refreshing dingy rugs. Set-in stains will likely need pretreating and this model doesn't have a self-cleaning function like most other combo vacuum/mops we've tested, but cleanup after use is still easy. One Amazon reviewer called it, "Terrifyingly easy to clean."
We like that you can control how much water and cleaning solution it dispenses with the click of a button — just enough for cleaning, but not so much that it wets the flooring underneath. The CrossWave is lightweight and has easy-reach controls so you can go from vacuuming to washing without missing a step. Storage is easy, too, thanks to an included drip tray that even has a spot to stash the wet roller until it's dry. Its two-tank system means dirty water and clean soapy water are stored separately in the machine, and its 25-foot power cord lets you easily reach a rug in the center of the room.
This Rug Doctor is a real workhorse that powered through our tests and did the best job at removing fresh stains, old stains and odors — exactly what you need when pets are part of your family. Its large tanks hold 64 ounces of cleaning solution so there's a lot less refilling and emptying during big or multi-room jobs than you would experience with smaller models.
Though heavy — especially when full — its retractable handle and large wheels make it as easy to maneuver or wheel into a closet for storage. Place it either at the top or bottom of a staircase and with its 4-foot stretch hose, you'll likely be able to clean an entire flight. Another plus for homes with pets is the Rug Doctor's nozzle has rubberized bristles to grab hair while it's removing stains. Take note: It's louder than some other portable models we tested.
RELATED: The Best Carpet Cleaners for Pet Messes, Tested & Reviewed
At last count, the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab has tested 20 full-size and portable carpet cleaners, 21 carpet stain removers, an assortment of upholstery cleaners and several in-home professional carpet cleaning services. We evaluate carpet cleaning machines for how well they clean pre-soiled, dingy industry-standard white carpet test panels.
We take color measurements before we start, set up each cleaner according to the manufacturer's directions and run each machine over the dirty carpet for an identical number of passes. After cleaning, the carpet panel is weighed to assess how much moisture each machine leaves behind. We note how long it takes the carpet to dry then remeasure the color of each stain in the same location to calculate how well the machine cleaned the carpet.
Portable machines are tested for how well they remove stains we've applied — like red wine and chocolate — from test carpet and upholstery swatches. Both fresh stains and set-in stains are treated with each portable machine, and we also rate how well they remove odors — like ammonia— from the test swatches. Each model's user manual is also carefully reviewed.
Other features like the weight, included accessories, battery charge/runtime and noise level are rated and culminate in the overall score assigned to each model. We also assess how easy the appliances are to assemble, use and store. We test any attachments on upholstered furniture or upholstery fabric swatches and often have consumer testers come into the Lab to give us feedback on how easy the machines feel to use and maneuver.
Renting a carpet cleaning machine may sound convenient, but when you factor in the effort needed to pick up the appliance and drop it off, the cost of cleaning solution and the fact that the rented machine is probably quite used (i.e. not as efficient or clean as a new one may be), a better option may be to buy one.
If you have frequent spills and pet accidents or a home full of carpeting that needs regular cleaning, owning a machine can be a time-, energy- and money-saving option in the long run. Plus, it will allow you to tackle stains and messes more quickly which ultimately means better care for your carpets. Keep these points in mind when shopping for a carpet cleaner:
✔️ Weight and maneuverability: Carpet cleaners are much heavier to carry and push and more cumbersome to use than traditional vacuum cleaners. Once you add water, they weigh even more. If your home has more than one level, carrying a heavy machine up and down the stairs is no easy task. Look for water tanks with wide openings that are easy to fill and that have large handles so they are easy to carry.
✔️ Footprint: Upright models require more storage space than portable or handheld models. If you don't have a lot of carpeting or mostly have stains to deal with, a compact model or even a handheld unit may be sufficient for your needs. For models with lots of attachments and long hoses, onboard storage is helpful as you'll be less likely to lose these attachments if they live right on the cleaner.
✔️ Special features: Most full-size machines have rotating brushes, a hose, a heater and attachments to clean upholstery, pet messes and small areas, plus small bottles of detergent to get you started. Built-in heaters are especially helpful as using hot or even warm water helps remove stains faster and more effectively than cold water. And they can help the carpet dry faster, too. A long hose is a must for cleaning carpeted stairs and reaching under tight car seats. If you have delicate rugs at home, look for a model with rotating brushes that can be shut off or separate rollers to avoid damaging delicate rugs as you clean. Nice extras to have are targeted stain sprayers and models that self-clean or flush the hose and brushes with clear water to stay fresh and odor-free while stored. App connectivity is becoming more popular, but it's not an absolute must.
✔️ Warranty: Many manufacturers post this information on their websites, but a warranty between one and five years is the norm for most carpet cleaners. It's also important to note that if a manufacturer recommends a specific cleaning solution, using a different one can void your warranty. While you're at it, check your carpet's warranty to make sure you're not using a cleaning product that will void it.
Carpet cleaners come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from portable models and canisters to uprights and even professional-style machines that mimic those you can rent. Most come with hoses and mini nozzles to more easily clean small areas like upholstery and stairs and all have two tanks — one you fill with clean water and detergent solution and one for the dirty water that they pull from the carpet.
They work by dispensing a mixture of cleaning solution and water onto your carpet to dissolve dirt and stains while a rotating brush helps work the solution into the carpet fibers. The cleaner then suctions the solution and any dirt that is removed from the carpets into the dirty water tank. While carpet cleaners are often called "steam cleaners," this is a misnomer: They don't work with steam but you can add hot water to the tank.
Carpet manufacturers and the Carpet and Rug Institute recommend having your carpets professionally deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Some manufacturers even require it to uphold the carpet’s warranty. Professional cleaners use stronger, more powerful equipment than what you can buy or rent, plus they pretreat stains and can refresh and reapply the stain-repellent treatment your carpet likely came with when it was new. But owning a carpet cleaner — even a portable one — means you can do more frequent cleanings and tackle stains promptly so your carpets will look better longer.
With over 40 years of experience at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Carolyn Forté has tested hundreds of floor cleaning appliances including carpet cleaners, cordless stick vacuums, robot vacuums, steam mops and more as the executive director of the Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. She tested most of the carpet cleaners featured in this guide and oversaw all of the portable and full-size carpet cleaner category tests conducted by our Lab analysts.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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