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10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine, Upright Shampooer, FH68050, Black

The Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone needing a deep-cleaning carpet machine. It has a decent 0.8-gallon tank, which allows for longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills or emptying, thanks in part to its TruMAX recovery tank technology. The five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes work well to lift tough stains, making it more effective than cleaners with fewer brushes. Its HeatForce feature helps speed up drying time, so carpets don’t stay wet for long.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,226
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
59238 reviews

Tank Capacity
The design prevents overfilling and simplifies refilling and emptying, streamlining the cleaning process.
Weight and Portability
The machine is surprisingly lightweight and maneuverable, gliding smoothly like a vacuum even when full of water.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments for upholstery and stairs work well, effectively tackling pet messes and hard-to-reach spots.
Drying Time/Water Extraction
Heated air technology speeds up drying time, leaving carpets dry within a couple of hours instead of many.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Easy to assemble and maintain, with parts that remove effortlessly for cleaning after use.
#2
9.4 score

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker, Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner, Perfect for Pets & Hair Removal, Carpet Shampooer, 4 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Copper, EX301

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is an upright carpet cleaner designed for deep cleaning carpets, rugs, and upholstery, making it particularly suitable for homes with pets or high traffic areas. Its standout feature is the high-speed brushroll combined with PowerSpray high-pressure spray and powerful suction, which ensures effective dirt and grime removal. The StainStriker technology is impressive for tackling tough stains, including pet stains, using a powerful OXY formula.

Rating
9.4
Type of Carpet Cleaner
Cleaning Power
Drying Time

Most important from
3314 reviews

Type of Carpet Cleaner
This carpet cleaner is versatile and easy to use, making it a great investment for any home.
Cleaning Power
This machine did a great job and got out old stains from two different carpets that I thought would never come out.
Drying Time
The spot cleaner is easy to use and does an excellent job, with strong suction leaving the carpet only lightly damp.
Weight and Maneuverability
Using this cleaner was a breeze, with no need to push a button to put water down.
Attachments and Accessories
It's worth every penny, with added bonus of three different hand tool attachments.
Ease of Maintenance
The brush roll cover comes off easily to clean, which is important when cleaning carpets with pets.
#3
8.5 score

Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess & Hair Tools, Self-Cleaning, Perfect for Pets & Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools & Pet Solution, Copper, PX251

The Shark StainStriker HairPro is a portable carpet and upholstery cleaner designed especially for pet owners and those needing spot cleaning on carpets, rugs, and car interiors. Its tank holds about 24 fluid ounces, which is moderate for a portable cleaner, so it’s best for small to medium messes rather than large cleaning jobs. Its compact size and lightweight design (around 13 pounds) make it easy to carry and use in tight spaces.

Rating
8.5
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Most important from
7406 reviews

Weight and Portability
Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver around furniture, perfect for quick spot cleaning.
Attachments and Accessories
The included attachments, especially the Pet Mess Tool, effectively tackle tough pet stains and odors without extra pre-treatment.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Every component disassembles easily for thorough cleaning, preventing clogs and ensuring reliable performance over time.
Tank Capacity
While the water tanks are on the smaller side, the machine’s strong suction and portability make it ideal for homes with pets and kids.
Drying Time/Water Extraction
Carpets dry relatively quickly after cleaning, usually within a few hours, which is convenient for regular use.

Top 10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine, Upright Shampooer, FH68050, Black

Tank Capacity: 0.8 Gallons
Weight and Portability: 26.8 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: Five SpinScrub brushes, TruMAX tech
Attachments and Accessories: 8 ft hose, Pet, Upholstery tools
Drying Time/Water Extraction: HeatForce speeds drying
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Easy-clean brushes, nozzle tool

Chosen by 1226 this week

Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess & Hair Tools, Self-Cleaning, Perfect for Pets & Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools & Pet Solution, Copper, PX251

Tank Capacity: 24 fluid ounces
Weight and Portability: 13 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: HairPro Technology
Attachments and Accessories: mini, 3.5-inch stain, hair extractor
Drying Time/Water Extraction: may not dry thick carpets fast
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: on-board self-cleaning feature

Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution

Type of Carpet Cleaner: Upright
Cleaning Power: SpinScrub® Technology
Water Tank Capacity: 3.8 Liters
Weight and Maneuverability: 18.5 pounds
Attachments and Accessories: 8' Hose, Tool Bag, Cleaner, Crevice Tool
Ease of Maintenance: Smart Tank™ system, quick pour spout

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner w/on board self cleaning - Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, Includes 2 Cleaning Tools & 2 Cleaning Solutions, Charcoal, PX221BRN

Tank Capacity: 40.58 Fluid Ounces
Weight and Portability: 8.51 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: dual-activated formula, strong suction, self-clean
Attachments and Accessories: two tools, two cleaning solutions
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: self-cleaning system rinses tool, hose fast

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner with Spot & Stain Remover, Perfect for Pets, Carpet Shampooer, 2 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Cobalt, EX251BRN

Tank Capacity: 28.74 Fluid Ounces
Weight and Portability: 20.7 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: Powerful brushroll, spray, suction, spot remover
Attachments and Accessories: 1.5" crevice tool, 3.5" stain tool, formula
Drying Time/Water Extraction: Quick drying, avoids over-soaking carpets
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Tangle-resistant brushroll design

BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus, 3588F, Upright Deep Cleaner, 30-minute Dry Time, Dual Dirt Lifter Powerbrush, Hose & Tool Attachment, Pet Upholstery and Tough Stain Tool Included

Type of Carpet Cleaner: Upright
Cleaning Power: 6.8-amp motor with TURBOSTRENGTH
Water Tank Capacity: 1 Gallon
Drying Time: 30 minutes
Weight and Maneuverability: 26.7 pounds
Attachments and Accessories: Pet Upholstery Tool, Stain Tool
Ease of Maintenance: Clean tank and accessories after use

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner, Perfect for Pets & Hair Removal, Carpet Shampooer, 5 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Navy, EX304

Tank Capacity: 71 ounces
Weight and Portability: 21 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: HairPro, StainStriker, PowerSpray tech
Attachments and Accessories: Stain Eliminator, Pet & Hair Extractors
Drying Time/Water Extraction: ultra-fast drying
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: self-cleaning, zero-touch hair disposal

BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Tea Green, 4075

Type of Carpet Cleaner: portable carpet and upholstery cleaner
Cleaning Power: one cleaning setting
Water Tank Capacity: 16 ounces
Drying Time: moderate
Weight and Maneuverability: 7 pounds, lightweight, easy to carry
Attachments and Accessories: 4" Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse hose
Ease of Maintenance: self-cleaning tool, removable parts
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Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Cleaners

Buying a carpet cleaner can make a huge difference in keeping your carpets fresh, clean, and free of allergens and stains. Before you make a decision, understand where and how often you'll use it: Are you cleaning a whole house, just a few rooms, or handling pet messes? The right carpet cleaner will depend on the size of your space, the type of stains you frequently deal with, and how portable or easy to store the machine needs to be. Think about the cleaning jobs you need done most often, as this will guide you to the features and specs that match your needs.
Tank CapacityTank capacity determines how much water and cleaning solution the carpet cleaner can hold at one time. A larger tank lets you clean bigger areas before needing a refill, making it useful for larger homes or more extensive cleaning sessions. Smaller tanks are lighter and easier to handle, suiting those who plan to clean only small spaces or want something more portable. If you often clean big rooms or do deep cleans, a bigger tank is more convenient. For quick or spot cleaning, a smaller tank is usually sufficient and easier to manage.
Cleaning Path WidthThe cleaning path width is the span of the area the machine can clean in a single pass. A wider path means more carpet can be cleaned in less time, which is helpful for covering large areas quickly. Narrower cleaning paths are better for tight spaces or areas with lots of furniture. If you're cleaning large open rooms, go for a wider cleaning path. If you need to maneuver in small spaces or around obstacles, a narrow one will be more practical.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and overall portability of a carpet cleaner affect how easy it is to push, carry, and store. Heavier cleaners often feel sturdier but might be difficult to move up and down stairs or across multiple floors. Lightweight models are easier to lift and store, particularly if you’ll be cleaning upstairs or in different rooms. Consider your physical strength and where you'll need to use the machine. If lifting or frequent movement is likely, prioritize lighter and more portable options.
Type of Brushes and Cleaning TechnologyCarpet cleaners use brushes or rollers to lift dirt and scrub stains out of carpet fibers. Some machines have motorized or rotating brushes for deeper cleaning, while others have stationary brushes suitable for lighter dirt and maintenance. Rotating or vibrating brushes excel at removing tough stains and cleaning high-traffic areas. If you need deep cleaning or often tackle stubborn stains, choose a machine with advanced brush systems. For regular, light maintenance, simpler brush types will suffice.
Attachments and AccessoriesMany carpet cleaners come with extra tools like hose attachments or nozzles for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or tight corners. These accessories make the cleaner more versatile. If you expect to clean sofas, car interiors, or stairs, look for models with specialized attachments. If you’ll only use the cleaner on carpets and floor spaces, accessories may be less important.
Drying Time/Water ExtractionHow well a carpet cleaner extracts water after cleaning affects how quickly your carpets dry. Machines with stronger suction or extraction technology pull out more water, which speeds up drying and reduces the chance of mold or mildew. If you need your carpets dry quickly—for example, in high-traffic areas or if you have kids or pets—choose a machine known for effective water extraction. For less frequent or overnight cleaning, drying time may be less crucial.
Ease of Cleaning and MaintenanceSome carpet cleaners require more upkeep, such as emptying tanks, cleaning the brushes, or clearing clogs. Easy-to-remove tanks and simple brush access make regular maintenance much easier. If you value convenience and want to avoid headaches after each use, opt for models designed with easy cleaning in mind. Consider how much time you're willing to spend keeping the cleaner in good shape.

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