The 9 Best Carpet Cleaners of 2024, Tested by Real Simple

A standard vacuum cleaner alone is enough to handle crumbs, dust balls, and pet hair, but larger messes like food stains and spills are sometimes beyond the scope of this device. During times like these, it’s best to opt for more heavy-duty carpet cleaners and/or upholstery sprays to handle the job. Combined, these cleaning components can help restore your home to its previous, unsoiled state without having to spend countless hours scrubbing away at stains.

For those who want a true deep clean, Matthew Baratta, VP of Operations at Daimer Industries, an advanced eCommerce commercial and industrial cleaning equipment company, can’t recommend using this device enough. “Those who have a constant need to deep clean large surface areas of carpet, or deal with heavy soil or frequent spills may benefit from owning a carpet cleaner.” He adds that the best carpet cleaners are efficient and reduce dry time for the carpets.

To help you find the best carpet cleaner for your home, we tested several cleaners and put the most effective sprays and treatments for carpets and upholstery up against the toughest stains. During testing, we evaluated important factors such as performance, price, weight, and more to see which devices excelled in specific categories. Testing aside, we also spoke with Aaron Christensen, the Resident Cleaning Expert and VP of Growth at Homeaglow, for extra tips on finding the right carpet cleaner.

Amazon

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5

Effectiveness

5/5

Noise Level

3/5

Ease of Use

5/5

Portability

5/5

Right from the start, we loved how simple the Bissell Big Pet Pro carpet cleaner was to set up thanks to the clear instructions and minimal parts that easily locked into position. Once assembled, this upright did double duty by sucking up dirt and hair before going to work on a myriad of stains ranging from wine to chocolate syrup. After a few passes and the use of the handy wet/dry attachment, the stains had vanished and the carpet was as good as new. 

Although it weighs over 40 pounds, the wheels on this carpet cleaner make it easy to maneuver around the house. Additionally, the water tanks are easily accessible and a cinch to fill up and dump out. The only main drawback we noticed with the carpet cleaner was the amount of noise it produced while in action. Its volume certainly isn’t ear-piercing, but we did note how easy it was to hear from one room over. 

Weight: 44 lbs | Cord Length: 25 inches | Hose Length: 9 inches | Dirty Water Tank Size: 1.75 gallons | Clean Water Tank Size: 1.75 gallons | Cleaning Path: 10.5 inches

Wayfair

Our Ratings

Setup

4.8/5

Effectiveness

5/5

Noise Level

3.8/5

Ease of Use

5/5

Portability

4.8/5

What Could Be Improved

It produces a lot of noise, and since there’s only one setting, there’s no way to reduce the volume.

The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution carpet cleaner is great for pet owners thanks to its included cleaning solution. We wanted to highlight this extra component because the cleaner was not only great for breaking down pet urine, it also effectively masked the scent. Moreover, the stand-up machine’s hose and brush attachments also made deep cleaning a breeze, allowing us to intensely scrub away wine and coffee stains with ease. 

The trade-off for this handy device is the noise it produces. Other carpet cleaners offer different settings that affect the level of noise that is produced, but this cleaner has a single, loud setting that can’t be adjusted. It’s also important to note that whereas some carpet cleaners simply click into place during setup, the ProHeat 2X requires the use of a screwdriver to attach the cord wrap. Despite these cons, we were impressed with how lightweight, yet powerful this carpet cleaner was.

Weight: 17.5 lbs | Cord Length: 25 inches | Hose Length: 10 inches | Dirty Water Tank Size: 1 gallon | Clean Water Tank Size: 1 gallon | Cleaning Path: 11 inches

Walmart

Our Ratings

Setup

4.8/5

Effectiveness

4.5/5

Noise Level

4.4/5

Ease of Use

5/5

Portability

4.5/5

The Hoover Pro Clean Pet Carpet Cleaner is one of the most budget-friendly options on our list, and it still packs quite a punch. We especially loved that its tank capacity — while not as large as some of the other options on this list — was still pretty sizable and required minimal refilling during cleaning sessions. However, we did notice that when it was full, it was a little heavy and hard to maneuver.

During testing, we noticed its solid performance when tackling everything from pet hair to upholstery stains. It didn’t leave the carpet too wet at the end of cleaning, but we did note that there were some faint stains left behind. That being said, we highly recommend pre-treating stains before using this device to minimize the potential for lingering marks. Although it does have its quirks, the overall value this device offers was more than enough to make up for these small faults.

Weight: 18 lbs | Cord Length: 20 feet | Hose Length: 8 feet | Dirty Water Tank Size: 0.8 gallon | Clean Water Tank Size: 1 gallon | Cleaning Path: 13 inches

Rug Doctor

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5

Effectiveness

5/5

Noise Level

5/5

Ease of Use

4.8/5

Portability

4/5

At almost 35 pounds when filled with clean water, The Rug Doctor TruDeep Carpet Cleaner does have some heft to it, but its easy carry handle helps alleviate the bulk when transporting this device. Thankfully, this carpet cleaner arrived pretty much assembled straight out of the box, so we didn’t have to worry about lifting and attaching heavy parts. We also took note of the included pet upholstery tool that was able to get rid of most stains and hair with a single pass, significantly cutting down on cleaning time.

Although we loved how effective this carpet cleaner’s attachment tool was, its soap and scrub feature does use up a lot of water. While using this feature, we noticed that the clean water tank was completely emptied after just five minutes, leading to frequent refills for bigger messes. The clean water tank did drain fairly quickly, but interestingly, the cleaner’s dirty water tank didn’t fill up nearly as fast, which did help balance out the device’s water usage.

Weight: 27.8 lbs | Cord Length: 26 feet | Hose Length: N/A | Dirty Water Tank Size: 1 gallon | Clean Water Tank Size: 1 gallon | Cleaning Path: 12.5 inches

Amazon

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5

Effectiveness

4.7/5

Noise Level

5/5

Ease of Use

4.5/5

Portability

5/5

While it may weigh under 17 pounds, the Tineco iCarpet is sturdy and reliable. Those living in small spaces will not only enjoy this device’s compact structure, but also its simple assembly that allows pieces to click easily into place. During testing, we also noted how quiet this carpet cleaner was compared to other options on the market, which is a major plus for those looking to minimize noise while cleaning.

While we really loved the size and quiet nature of the iCarpet, its cleaning power could use a boost. We noticed that the device does excel at cleaning spilled wine and coffee, but set-in dirt and large messes were major obstacles. The iCarpet left behind faint traces of dirt after several passes, while its small two-liter tank required frequent refilling to clean up major messes. Overall, this lightweight carpet cleaner gets the job done, we just wish it had a little more power.

Weight: 16.5 lbs | Cord Length: 21.3 feet | Hose Length: N/A | Dirty Water Tank Size: 1.5 liters | Clean Water Tank Size: 2 liters | Cleaning Path: 11 inches

Hoover

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5

Effectiveness

4.5/5

Ease of Use

5/5

Portability

4.5/5

Noise Level

5/5

If you need a strong spot cleaner without the added bulk, the Hoover CleanSlate XL is a lightweight option that’s easy to move around the house. With a variety of attachments such as brushes and smaller suctions, this 11-pound Hoover performs on a mix of stains, from dark soda to wine — although in our tests, the brighter the stain, the more it struggled. Its performance on pet stains, however, is excellent when used with the included OXY stain-removing solution which quickly eradicates the odor and color of most spot messes.  

While there are no wheels, the spot cleaner’s retractable handle makes it easy to carry it around from one soiled area to the next. Moreover, the gripping-textured base keeps the machine stable on almost any surface. During testing, we also noted that it was relatively quiet when operated — in fact, the noise it produced is comparable to that of a standard handheld vacuum. Just note that since this is a great pick for spot cleaning, its limited tank capacity and power doesn’t make it suitable for bigger messes.

Weight: 11 lbs | Cord Length: 22 feet | Hose Length: 5 feet | Dirty Water Tank Size: 40 ounces | Clean Water Tank Size: 96 ounces | Cleaning Path: 7 inches

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Walmart

Our Ratings

Setup

5/5

Effectiveness

5/5

Ease of Use

4.8/5

Portability

5/5

Noise Level

3/5

The 13-pound Bissell SpotClean Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner is excellent for both carpet and upholstery cleaning. During testing, we noticed that its cleaning performance on wine, soda, and marinara stains on sofa cushions was stellar. Additionally, the included four- and six-inch suction attachments work perfectly to suck dirt from even the smallest crevices, and its relatively light weight makes cleaning on a staircase that much easier. Not to mention, its 22-foot cord and five-foot hose — that are both easy to lock in place when not in use — allows for even more convenient cleaning sessions. 

While we loved how lightweight and storage-friendly this device is, it did struggle a bit when it came to brighter stains like mustard. Like with other products on this list that also had this same issue, we highly recommend that buyers use pre-treating sprays in conjunction with this device to effectively remove them. One major con that we noticed during testing, however, was the amount of noise that the spot cleaner produced while in use. While it certainly wasn’t horrible, it was still distracting despite being so small.

Weight: 13 lbs | Cord Length: 22 feet | Hose Length: 5 feet | Dirty Water Tank Size: 1 gallon | Clean Water Tank Size: 1 gallon | Cleaning Path: 6 inches

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Walmart

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5

Effectiveness

5/5

Scent

5/5

Value

5/5

Using a pre-cleaning treatment spray on tough stains provides an extra cleaning boost to minimize any faint marks. Bissell’s Advanced Tough Stain Pretreat Formula was the top performing upholstery spray during testing, and for good reason. This formula was great at wiping out wine, soda, and marinara stains without the use of any additional devices like carpet cleaners. We also loved how comfortable it was to hold, and how quickly we were able to switch between different application settings such as mist and spray.

To further explain how strong this spray was, we noticed that it was able to effectively remove most stains after just a single treatment. And despite its power, the formula carries the EPA’s Safer Choice label, meaning the ingredients are safe for humans, animals, and the environment. However, bright stains are a sore spot, even for this tough spray. Although it was able to get a solid portion of this mess out, there was still a faint mark from where the stain was. To really minimize any lingering stains, we highly recommend pairing this spray with an upholstery or carpet cleaner. 

Type: Pretreater, spot and stain remover | Volume: 22 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet and upholstery

Walmart

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

4.5/5

Effectiveness

4.5/5

Scent

5/5

Value

5/5

OxiClean’s Total Interior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner performed fast and well on a mix of tough stains, ranging from wine to soda. Not to mention, the foam solution also worked really well on a variety of surfaces such as carpets, furniture, and car seats. During testing, we noticed that waiting the recommended 30 seconds for the foam to set in allowed it to effectively eradicate any evidence of dirt, stains, or odors.

There were some hiccups, however, that we took note of while testing the product. When using this product on red wine, we saw this reacted a little unfavorably to the chemical in the cleaner, leaving behind a tinge of blue that did not come from any part of the spray. We also tried out the scrubbing brush on the top of the can, but it did prove to be a little rough on delicate surfaces and furniture. That being said, this spray is truly one of the best carpet and upholstery cleaners on the market, just be sure not to be overzealous while applying it.

Type: Cleaner | Volume: 19 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet, upholstery, leather, vinyl, and fabric

Final Verdict

Whether cleaning up after pets or kids, it’s hard to beat the intense power and effectiveness of the Bissell Big Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner. This cleaner was easy to maneuver thanks to its wheels, and it cleaned a variety of stains on both carpets and tile floors with minimal hassle. However, for those who may be on a tighter budget, we do recommend the Hoover Pro Clean Pet Carpet Cleaner which is a master of removing coffee stains. Additionally, handheld spot cleaners and sprays like Bissell Advanced Tough Stain Pretreat Formula and OxiClean Total Interior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner also pair great with most carpet cleaners — or can be used on their own for small stains and spot cleaning.

Our Testing Process

We put many carpet cleaners, upholstery cleaners, and upholstery sprays to the test in real world scenarios to determine which products performed the best. This means we poured out red wine, spilled coffee, let mustard drip, tracked in dirt, and even put some gooey chocolate sauce on fabric to determine which carpet and upholstery cleaning products effectively got the job done. 

For each carpet cleaning devices, we built and set them up with any included attachments, weighed them with and without clean water (which was filled to the recommended line), then used the manufacturer’s recommended detergent, if applicable. Each stain we created was allowed to sit for 10 minutes, and we took before and after photos to see how well each device performed. We also took note of decibel levels while the carpet cleaners were in use, and dumped dirty water tanks in between sessions. Throughout the testing process, we recorded results, times, and paid close attention to how the stains changed, noting if they became more faint, or in some cases, vanished. 

When it came to testing upholstery cleaners, we introduced mustard and marinara sauce into the testing arena and added rugs and cushions into the equation, too. We pitted the best cleaners — with all applicable attachments — against DIY solutions on leather and non-leather surfaces. We also took note of the amount of scrubbing needed to achieve successful results, how moist the cushions and rugs remained after the cleaning was finished, and any additional use of paper towels. 

Finally, the best upholstery sprays were tested against DIY solutions on red wine, dark soda, marinara, and mustard stains that were created on both leather and non-leather upholstery. Similar to the method used to test upholstery cleaners, we measured time, effectiveness, possible abrasion on furniture, and ease of use (i.e. how easy it was to switch between spray settings) to determine which products performed the best across these multiple categories.

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

How to Shop for Carpet Cleaners Like a Pro

Type

The type of carpet cleaner you opt for will likely be determined by the amount of space and type of area(s) you plan on cleaning, as well as how much power you want. “Upright carpet cleaners and portable, cordless carpet cleaners are not powerful enough for commercial cleaning, however, they are terrific tools for homeowners who want to deep clean their carpet periodically.” Baratta explains. “If you mainly need something for spill or spot treatment, a small portable cleaner with heat is a good option, especially if you get one with a cord so you don’t have to worry about charging batteries.”

Tank Size

The larger the clean water and dirty tanks are in your selected carpet cleaner, the longer you will be able to clean without stopping to refill and dump. “If you have a lot of carpet in your home, small children, or pets, you may benefit from a carpet-cleaning machine with a larger tank in your home due to the likelihood of stains and messes,” Christensen says. However, bear in mind that larger tanks will make the cleaner heavier and possibly more cumbersome to operate when full.

Features 

Most carpet cleaner features include a variety of cleaning settings that allow the unit to be used on different types of flooring and surfaces, alongside the ability to add a fresh scent behind while cleaning. Additionally, a low level of noise could end up being the most beloved feature of your carpet cleaner if you want to still carry a conversation or hear the TV while cleaning.

Attachments and Accessories

Overall, it’s recommended that you purchase a carpet cleaner that’s going to have attachments or accessories you think you’re going to need for your home. From wands and extra hoses, to brushes and crevice tools, many carpet cleaners will come with extra attachments to help tackle specific areas, surfaces, and messes. Even better, some devices even include carpet cleaner solutions and/or formulas to pretreat tough food and liquid stains.

More Carpet Cleaners to Consider

Shark CarpetXpert Carpet Cleaner: This carpet cleaner from Shark can make wine stains disappear almost immediately, even before brushing it with the hand tool attachment or applying any suction action at all. However, the device fell short during testing since the water tank filled up quickly while in-use. For small spaces, this may not be an issue, but for consumers with a lot of carpet to clean, it will need to be emptied more frequently than other cleaners. Additionally, its 23-pound weight when filled with water made it difficult to move around, making it one of our least portable options.

Dirt Devil Portable Spot Compact Carpet Cleaner: This budget-friendly Dirt Devil device received excellent marks for being effective and easy to use on stairs, upholstery, and small crevices that other vacuums (even ones with attachments) may struggle to reach. The device also has a gentle squeeze trigger that activates the cleaning solution spray while vacuuming to help clean tough stains. However, this exact feature ended up becoming its downfall during testing because it did leave behind too much moisture.

Questions You Might Ask

What is the difference between a carpet cleaner and a steam cleaner?

According to Baratta, carpet cleaners and steam cleaners both provide users with more powerful wiping and washing capabilities than a typical vacuum or mop, but steam cleaners primarily use heat while carpet cleaners don’t. “[A carpet cleaner] will often spray water or a cleaning solution onto a carpet and simultaneously vacuum the surface,” Baratta explains. “Meanwhile steam cleaners [are composed of] several different types of machines, including vapor steam cleaners, pressure washers, and carpet extractors that also have heaters.”

Is a carpet cleaner worth buying?

A carpet cleaner could be worth buying if you want to deep clean large surface areas of carpet that your vacuum can’t do. Additionally, if you’re regularly dealing with heavy soil, pet stains, or frequent spills from soda, wine, or coffee, carpet cleaners have more power to eradicate these types of messes.

How much should you expect to pay for a carpet cleaner?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for a carpet cleaner, however, the price will vary depending on the size, accessories, features, and included solutions. For example, if you’re eyeing a carpet cleaner that has multiple attachments, or has heavy-duty cleaning power, it may end up costing a lot more than one that’s a little smaller or lacks various bells and whistles. However, if you plan on using a carpet cleaner pretty frequently, it could pay for itself within a few uses when compared to the cost of renting similar equipment.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jeff Bogle, a contributing writer for Real Simple with over a decade of experience writing lifestyle content for a variety of publications. To compile these recommendations, Real Simple tested a variety of carpet cleaners and spot cleaners on a variety of surfaces, spills, and stains. Each product was evaluated on ease of assembly, cleaning power, noise level, portability, and overall quality. For expert tips on how to choose the right carpet cleaner, Jeff consulted Matthew Baratta, VP of Operations at Daimer Industries, an industrial cleaning equipment company, and Aaron Christensen, Resident Cleaning Expert at Homeaglow.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

Source link