Keeping the carpet in your home clean can sometimes be a frustrating task. High traffic areas quickly become dingy, dirty, and worn down—this is especially true if you have children or pets. To keep these areas clean, you may turn to spot treatments. And, while there are several excellent options on the market, hand cleaning a large area can be difficult, not to mention time-consuming. You can spend hours spot cleaning an area only to find stains have reappeared minutes later.
Hiring a professional is the most effective way to deep clean your carpets. Commercial-grade, high-powered machines pull dirt from the area and remove stains for good. Plus, they leave behind a super-clean feeling. But, if the majority of your flooring is carpet, you can end up spending a small fortune to have someone clean it for you.
Investing in your own carpet cleaner is the most convenient way to get a professional-grade cleaning, without overspending. From Bissell to Hoover, many well-known vacuum companies now produce high-quality carpet cleaners that make it easy to deep clean flooring on your own. These machines are easy to use, budget-friendly, and, most importantly, powerful.
But, like any investment, you want to purchase a cleaner that is right for you. If you don’t have pets, there is no need to purchase a carpet cleaner that caters to pet stains. If you have a large area to clean, a smaller, handheld machine just won’t cut it. Traditional vacuum cleaners might not be a perfect fit either. Instead, you’ll want a carpet cleaner to tackle your specific needs, and we are here to help!
We’ve reviewed 7 of the best carpet cleaners of 2024—taking a thorough look at the purpose, function, and usability of each so you can choose the perfect one for your home.
7 Best Carpet Cleaners of 2024
Best Overall Carpet Cleaner
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
With over 2,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, the Bissell ProHeat 2X is tough on pet stains, removes embedded dirt, and eliminates odor–create a fresh, ultra-clean environment. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easy to use in every room of the house and in hard-to-reach places.
$269.99 from Bissell.comBest Carpet Cleaner Overall: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
Best Value Carpet Cleaner: Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe
Most Versatile Carpet Cleaner: Rug Doctor FlexClean
Best Steam Cleaner: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Best Handheld Carpet Cleaner: Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Best Rental Carpet Cleaner: Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Deep Carpet Cleaner
Best Professional-Grade Carpet Cleaner: Bissell Big Green Machine Professional
Best Carpet Cleaner Overall
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
- Weighs less than 18 pounds
- 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool
- Express Clean Mode drys carpets in 30 minutes
Stains don’t stand a chance against the Bissell Proheat 2X Revolution. This home carpet steam cleaner has Bissell’s Max Clean Mode and 12 rows of rotating Dual Dirt Lifter Power Brushes that pull dirt from the carpet. The HeatWave technology then steams the area to remove any trace of the debris. The built-in Clean-Shot tool allows you to pretreat tough stains with a concentrated stream of cleaning solution while you are running the machine. Now, you don’t have to stop the cleaner to treat an area. Plus, the 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool works in either dry or wet mode and is powerful enough to remove pet hair and odor. When using the Express Clean Mode, your carpets will be dry within 30 minutes.
Many high-powered carpet cleaners are heavy and awkward to push around, but the ProHeat 2X Revolution weighs 18 pounds and has a low profile foot. With this sleek design, it is easy to move the machine from room to room and under furniture. The brush roll has a removable cover—making it easy to maintain and clean each brush head.
This home carpet cleaner also comes with a full-size bottle of Bissell’s Antibacterial soap that neutralizes the odor caused by bacteria. If you have pets, this solution is a must for eliminating odor from pet accidents and stains. All of these features combine to make the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution the best carpet cleaning machine of 2024.
Pet owners will also enjoy knowing that for every pet product sold, Bissell donates $10 to the Bissell Pet Foundation™, which works to place rescued animals in safe, happy homes.
Tip: The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution is originally $299.99, but right now, you can save 10% on this cleaner—spending only $269.99 with free shipping on Bissell.com. You can also opt to bundle this machine with Bissell’s Pro Max Cleaning solution for $298.91.
Best Value Carpet Cleaner
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe
- Weighs less than 19 pounds
- Dual Tank Technology to keep clean and dirty water in separate tanks
- Spinscrub Brush System rotates 360 degrees for an even clean
If you are looking for a machine to clean a large area quickly, the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is a great choice. Plus, this machine is responsibly priced and works well within any budget.
This Hoover has a brush system that spins 360 degrees to blast through embedded dirt without damaging the carpet. Hoover’s DualV Nozzle provides high-powered suction to remove dirt and water quickly and evenly. Once the area is clean, a heated drying system forces hot air into the carpet to speed up drying time.
The Power Scrub Deluxe uses a Dual Tank Technology—one dirty water tank and one clean water tank. With an ergonomic design, it is easy to remove and rinse each tank. The built-in detergent dispenser ensures only the perfect amount of cleaning solution mixes with the clean water.
Although this machine has two tanks, it is surprisingly lightweight—weighing less than 19 pounds. The 8-foot Ready-to-Use Hose Tool with attached Upholstery Tool allows you to clean stairs, couch cushions, and drapes with exceptional ease of use.
Most Versatile Carpet Cleaner
Rug Doctor FlexClean
- Weighs less than 21 pounds
- All-in-one floor cleaner
- 2-year warranty
The Rug Doctor FlexClean is the most versatile cleaner on our list because, with a quick two-step adjustment, this machine can clean all types of flooring. You can use the Rug Doctor FlexClean to pick up quick messes in the kitchen or to deep clean high-track, carpeted areas. With this machine, you no longer need to change cleaners if you have different types of flooring throughout your home.
By adjusting the cleaning setting and switching out the nozzle, this machine can clean carpet, area rugs, sealed hardwood, tiles, laminate, and more. It comes with two cleaning nozzles that deliver a deep clean to any surface. Plus, the spray nozzle features three different settings—ideal for each type of surface.
The revolving brush heads on the FlexClean have a dual-action system that scrubs and squeegees to gently lift dirt, remove soap residue, and dry the surface. The strong suction then quickly pulls up tough stains to leave behind an ultra-clean, odor-free surface.
The design of this home carpet cleaner is easy to use, functional, and convenient. Two lightweight tanks click in and out of place and feature an easy filling spout. With the Rug Doctor FlexClean, you receive a 32-ounce all-in-one cleaning solution and an upholstery tool.
“You can use the Rug Doctor FlexClean to pick up quick messes in the kitchen or to deep clean high-track, carpeted areas. With this machine, you no longer need to change cleaners if you have different types of flooring throughout your home.”
Best Steam Cleaner
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
- Weighs around 9 pounds with a 6.5-foot hose
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses
- 2-year warranty on cleaner and lifetime warranty on steam boiler
The Dupray Neat system is a powerful steam cleaning unit that can tackle almost any cleaning job. It can spot clean several different types of flooring—including carpet, area rugs, hardwood, ceramic, and tile. This steamer acts as an all-around cleaning tool because it eliminates grime from kitchen appliances and bathroom surfaces, and removes dust mites and bed bugs from a mattress.
The cleaner itself only weighs around 9 pounds, so it can easily travel with you as you clean. The water tank heats up in 7 minutes and gives you up to 50 minutes of cleaning time. The 6.5-foot hose and cleaning nozzle delivers a blast of 275-degree steam to break up grease and dirt on any surface.
Many upright carpet cleaners rely on a cleaning solution or carpet shampoo in order to do a good job, but the Dupray Neat system is entirely chemical-free. With no cleaning solution, this home carpet cleaner leaves behind no residue, which is ideal for allergy sufferers. The Dupray Neat system comes with a variety of accessories including three microfiber flooring pads, five nylon brushes, and two extension tubes.
Best Handheld Carpet Cleaner
Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
- Weighs around 9 pounds
- Self-cleaning hose
- Dual Tank Technology houses clean and dirty water
If you live in a small space or have very little carpeting in your home, you may not need an upright machine. The Hoover Spotless Portable Cleaner is a lightweight handheld machine ideal for cleaning small areas. This machine lets you quickly treat spills and accidents on carpet, furniture, and rugs. It is also strong enough to draw out ground-in dirt and stubborn stains.
Although this machine is small, it has a 5-foot hose tool that allows you to clean stairs and other hard to reach areas. Hoover Spotless only weighs 9 pounds and stands 15 inches high, so it is easy to carry and can be stored anywhere. The hose has a self-cleaning feature that flushes debris and ensures bacteria, mold, and mildew don’t build-up inside the tool. Included with the machine is an antimicrobial rubber nub tool, plus a sample of Hoover’s cleaning solution and pretreating gel.
Tip: The Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is available on Amazon for $95.99 with free shipping. You can also bundle this machine with a 32-ounce bottle of Hoover’s Pet Plus Cleaner for $105.98.
Best Rental Carpet Cleaner
Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Deep Carpet Cleaner
- Weighs 39 pounds
- 3.9-gallon recovery tank
- Included Soft Surface Versatility tool for upholstery
You’ve probably noticed several professional-grade carpet cleaners are available to rent. If you are looking for a machine you can borrow once a year for a deep cleaning project, the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 is one of the best carpet cleaners for the job. By visiting Rugdoctor.com, you can enter your zip code and find your nearest rental location. Or, you can also opt to purchase this machine if you are looking for a heavy-duty home carpet cleaner of your own.
The Rug Doctor Mighty Pro is incredibly powerful. It has a triple-action vibrating brush with 75% more bristles to gently scrub each carpet fiber. It also lifts and fluffs to ensure your carpet never looks worn or dingy.
This machine is quite heavy—weighing around 39 pounds, and it only draws up dirt and water in a backward motion. However, the massive 3.9-gallon recovery tank offers you hours of home carpet cleaning time without having to stop to refill. If you are trying to clean a large home, this machine will be much more convenient than one with a smaller tank. When purchasing this cleaner, it comes with an upholstery kit and 12-foot hose. Using this kit, you can deep clean stairs, car seats, and outdoor furniture.
The Rug Doctor Mighty Pro has received the highest rating by the Carpet and Rug Institute for soil and water removal and is proven to be gentle on carpet. It also has consistently high customer satisfaction ratings and a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.
Best Professional-Grade Carpet Cleaner
Bissell Big Green Machine Professional
- Weighs 40 pounds
- 1.7-gallon tank recovery tank
- 5-year warranty
The Bissell Big Green is another excellent choice if you want a sturdy, professional-grade cleaner. The strong suction power and microfiber brush head leave behind a super-clean, odor-free surface.
Although this machine weighs about the same as the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro, because of the smaller recovery tank, it will weigh less when in use. The recovery tank on the Bissell Big Green holds 1.7 gallons of water, so it is still big enough to clean a large living room or two smaller bedrooms without need to refill.
This Bissell sprays a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto the carpet. Then, the extra-large DirtLifter PowerBrush works to loosen trapped dirt, while the Powerful Suction lifts debris and water. This combination allows you to achieve vibrant, fresh carpeting without having to pay a professional. It can also clean on a forward or backward motion, which decreases your cleaning time and helps the carpet dry quickly.
Included with this Bissell is a 6 inch Tough Stain Tool that can spray and scrub spots on a variety of soft surfaces. With a 9-foot hose attachment, it is easy to tackle any cleaning project. It also comes with a trial-size of Bissell’s professional formula solution and a 5-year limited warranty. This machine does come with a high price, but those in need of a powerful, commercial carpet cleaner will find it’s well worth the extra cost.
“The Bissell Big Green is another excellent choice if you want a sturdy, professional-grade cleaner. The strong suction power and microfiber brush head leave behind a super-clean, odor-free surface.”
Choosing the Right Carpet Cleaner
Before you invest in a new carpet cleaner, you want to be sure it fits each of your needs. To make the process as easy as possible, we offer some helpful shopping tips below.
Spot vs. Whole Carpet Cleaning
As you shop, consider the area you plan to clean. If you have only a small carpeted area to treat, you may want a handheld carpet cleaner that allows you to spot clean spills or messes. However, if you have a large area to clean, a high-powered machine with a more substantial recovery tank will be your best bet.
Tank Size
A larger water tank size will allow you to clean more surface area without having to stop and refill or empty dirty water. However, with a large tank, the machine will become heavy and awkward to move when filled. If you are looking for a lightweight cleaner you can use more frequently, opt for a smaller tank. If you want a heavy-duty machine that will clean a more extensive area, look for a water tank that holds at least 1 gallon of water.
Pets
If you have pets, you will want a machine that can pick up pet hair, treat difficult stains, and eliminate odors. When considering a carpet cleaning solution, opt for one that kills bacteria and neutralizes the odor from pet accidents.
Special Features
Longer hoses and upholstery attachments are great for cleaning furniture and stains, or just to treat or spot clean a small area. Although these features may increase the price of the machine, they can make the cleaning process much more manageable.
Cleaning Solutions
Some carpet cleaners can only use specific cleaning solutions and carpet shampoos. Being restricted to only one type of soap can become inconvenient over time. Therefore, opt for a machine that can work with any carpet cleaning solution. If a cleaner requires a particular brand, be sure there are several options available to you, such as a pet formula and an all-purpose solution.
Warranty
When selecting between any of the available commercial-grade or home carpet cleaners, read over the warranty. Most come with several attachments or high-powered components, so check that the warranty covers all parts. Before you treat any newer flooring with a cleaning solution, verify if doing so may or may not cause issues with your flooring warranty too. Some carpet warranties may be voided if the surface is cleaned incorrectly.
5 Carpet Cleaning Tips
Once you bring your new machine home, you are ready to start cleaning! Before you begin, the following steps will ensure you get the most out of the process and also protect your furniture.
Vacuum
Before applying steam, water, or cleaning solution, you should run a high-quality vacuum cleaner through the whole area. Be sure to pick up any loose dirt, hair, and debris from the entire surface. If you are planning to clean furniture, vacuum these areas as well. It is also a good idea to vacuum newly cleaned carpets once they’re completely dry.
Protect Your Furniture
To keep water and cleaning solution from damaging your furniture, you can place wax paper or aluminum foil beneath any area that touches the floor, such as table legs. This barrier will also prevent the furniture from staining the wet carpet as it dries.
Spot Treat
If you have any tough stains, you can pretreat these areas with a solution before you start the machine or steam cleaner. Be sure to allow the solution 5 to 10 minutes to soak in before going over the area with your carpet cleaner.
Plan Your Path
To avoid walking on newly cleaned carpet, it is a good idea to have a cleaning path in mind. In most cases, it is best to start at the point furthest from the door and work your way toward the door as you clean. This path will allow you to step out of the room without having to walk on the wet carpet as you exit.
Ventilate
As you clean, keep the windows and doors open. When the area is closed up, the carpet will dry slowly and could cause mold or mildew to form. With proper ventilation, carpets will dry quickly, and the smell of cleaning solution won’t linger in your home.
Final Note
Most professional cleaners suggest deep cleaning your carpets every 12 to 18 months, and more frequently if you have pets. With your own machine, you will save money and have the ability to treat high-traffic areas more regularly.
Remember, your new cleaner should fit your specific needs. If you have a small carpeted area, a handheld machine like the Hoover Spotless would be a great choice. If you want one cleaner that can handle a variety of surfaces, the Rug Doctor FlexClean might be the best carpet cleaner for you. Either way, a high-powered carpet cleaner will help you tackle even the toughest of messes and keep your floors looking and feeling fresh and clean.
