A high-quality vacuum cleaner or stick vacuum is essential for removing dust, pet hair, lint, and food crumbs from carpets, area rugs, and upholstery.
However, vacuuming alone isn’t always enough to maintain these soft surfaces. Occasionally, deeper cleaning is necessary to tackle stubborn stains and embedded dirt effectively.
This is where a reliable carpet cleaner comes into play. These machines combine water, cleaning solutions, and suction to dissolve grime, leaving fabrics looking refreshed and revitalized.
They clean pre-soiled white carpet strips, measuring the level of dirt removal before and after use.
Additionally, they evaluate how quickly carpets dry, the effectiveness of each machine in removing both fresh and dried stains, and the overall ease of operation.
1. Bissell Revolution HydroSteam Carpet Cleaner
Now 13% Off
- $400 → $350 at Amazon
- $350 at Kohl’s
Pros:
- Uses real steam for deep cleaning
- Quick-dry mode allows carpets to dry within 30 minutes
Cons:
- Left some suds behind on the backstroke
Having tested numerous Bissell carpet cleaners, we consistently find them to be effective and user-friendly, and this model is no exception.
In fact, it impressed us so much that it earned a place in our Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards. What sets this unit apart is its ability to generate actual steam for stain removalsomething we haven’t seen in other models.
Additionally, its quick-dry mode ensures that carpets dry in under 30 minutes during testing.
This Bissell cleaner is easy to fill, empty, and clean, featuring three different cleaning settings. It effectively removed mustard and wine stains from carpets and includes two specialized attachments: a pet hair tool for upholstery and a tough stain tool for both wet and dry messes.
Where to get it: Bissell Revolution HydroSteam Carpet Cleaner
Additional highlights include its 25-foot power cord, 8-foot hose, and generously sized water tank. Weighing in at 31 pounds, some users may find it slightly heavy to maneuver.
While we did notice a small amount of suds left behind on the backstroke, they disappeared after a few additional passes.
Weight: 31 lbs | Cord Length: 25 ft | Attachments & Extras: Pet hair upholstery tool, tough stain tool
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2. Hoover SmartWash Pet Automatic Carpet Cleaner
Now 33% Off
- $300 → $200 at Amazon
- $219 at Wayfair
- $320 → $249 at Kohl’s
Pros:
- Treats stains without requiring bending
- Cleans on the forward pass, dries on the backward pass
- Automatically mixes the cleaning solution with water to reduce mess
Cons:
- Cord is slightly shorter than other full-size models
One of the standout features of the Hoover SmartWash Pet Automatic Carpet Cleaner is its ability to automatically mix the cleaning solution with the clean water in the tank, eliminating the hassle of measuring and mixing manually.
To operate, simply push the cleaner forward to dispense the solution no triggers required then pull it back to suction up dirty water and dry the carpet.
A particularly useful feature is its “dry-only” mode, which emits heat on the forward stroke to speed up drying time.
With an 8-foot hose and a 22-foot power cord, this Hoover provides ample reach for cleaning stairs and upholstery, though both are slightly shorter than those on some other full-size models we’ve tested.
Where to get it: Hoover SmartWash Pet Automatic Carpet Cleaner
Consumer testers were also impressed, with one noting, “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.”
Weight: 20.5 lbs | Cord Length: 22 ft. | Attachments & Extras: Antimicrobial Rubber Nub Tool, 8-ft. hose, pre-treater wand
3. Bissell Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus
- $134 at Amazon
Pros:
- Onboard storage for pre-mixed cleaning formula
- Convenient control buttons for ease of use
Cons:
- Requires just over four hours to fully charge
For those occasional carpet or couch spills, a full-size carpet cleaner might be more than necessary, making a lightweight, portable option like the Bissell Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus an excellent alternative.
In a recent test for stain and odor removal, noise levels, and runtime, this model stood out as our top overall pick, even outperforming larger units.
It effectively eliminated both fresh and dried red wine and blueberry pie stains while being easy to set up, clean, and store ensuring it’s always ready when spills occur. It was also one of the quietest models we tested.
Equipped with a built-in rotating brush, this cleaner gently agitates carpet fibers while working in Bissell’s pre-mixed detergent solution for a deep clean.
However, the brush can be turned off when dealing with delicate fabrics. A specialized rubber tool helps handle pet messes efficiently and with minimal mess.
Where to get it: Bissell Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus
With a 20-minute runtime, this portable cleaner is well-suited for homes with only a few stains to address. However, the small water tanks may need to be refilled if tackling multiple stains in one session.
Weight: 4.4 lbs | Cord Length: Cordless | Attachments & Extras: Stationary pet tool
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4. Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner
- $411 at Amazon
- $485 at JCPenney
- $444 at Lowe’s
Pros:
- Large water tanks for extended cleaning sessions
- Handle folds down for convenient storage
- Simple to disassemble and clean
Cons:
- Heavy to carry, especially upstairs
- Requires more storage space than compact models
The Bissell Big Green is the most user-friendly professional-grade carpet cleaner we’ve tested. Despite its substantial size, it was surprisingly easy to maneuver and refill.
The 1.75-gallon tank was simple to carry and replace, while the spinning flow indicator provided a helpful visual cue for when the cleaning solution needed refilling.
Though it may look bulky, this model features an adjustable, foldable handle, making storage more convenient. However, at over 40 pounds, transporting it up and down stairs will likely require two people.
Where to get it: Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner
During testing, the Bissell Big Green left our carpets feeling soft without being overly damp. Its extra-long 25-foot power cord allowed us to clean an entire carpeted room without interruption.
Additionally, the 9-foot hose and handheld stain tool made it easy to tackle upholstery, wall edges, and stair treads.
Weight: 42 lbs | Cord Length: 25 ft. | Attachments & Extras: Tough stain tool, 9-ft. hose
5. Tineco Carpet One Pro Smart Carpet Cleaner
- $600 at Tineco.com
Pros:
- Compact size for easy storage
- Maneuvers effortlessly
- Provides audio prompts and feedback
Cons:
- More expensive than similar models
- No onboard storage for hose or attachments
Similar to the Tineco combo vacuum mops we’ve tested in the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab, the Carpet One Pro Smart Carpet Cleaner integrates with an app and automatically adjusts suction and water flow based on detected dirt levels.
Voice prompts notify users when it’s time to refill the clean water tank or empty the dirty one, while an LED display provides real-time updates on the cleaning mode and alerts when the treated area is clean.
Additionally, its built-in heater maintains the cleaning solution at an optimal temperature for improved stain removal and faster carpet drying.
Where to get it: Tineco Carpet One Pro Smart Carpet Cleaner
In our tests, the Tineco delivered excellent cleaning results. Switching from carpet cleaning to upholstery mode was seamless, with the hose attaching effortlessly.
Weighing just 16.5 pounds, this model is significantly lighter than many full-size carpet cleaners. Its compact footprint also makes it easier to store, retrieve, and set up when needed.
Weight: 16.5 lbs | Cord Length: 21.3 ft. | Attachments & Extras: Handheld tool, 8-ft. hose
6. Bissell CrossWave Wet Dry Vacuum
- Now 34% Off
- $380 → $250 at Amazon
Pros:
- Quick and easy setup and breakdown
- Cleans and refreshes area rugs effectively
- Slim and space-saving design
Cons:
- Cup is on the smaller side
- Less effective on deep-pile carpets
The Bissell CrossWave OmniForce stands out for its versatility, functioning as a wet/dry vacuum that can handle both dry debris and pet hair, soak up wet spills, and wash hard floors.
Unlike many vacuum mops, it also effectively cleans and refreshes low-pile area rugs. During testing, we found that it noticeably brightened our dull carpet panels.
However, it doesn’t offer the deep cleaning power of models with rotating brushes, and its dry dust cup has a somewhat limited capacity.
This model is also cordless, providing up to 30 minutes of runtime for convenient, uninterrupted cleaning.
Where to get it: Bissell CrossWave Wet Dry Vacuum
Its slim design makes it an excellent choice for those with limited storage space. Additionally, setup and breakdown are effortless, and it even self-cleans when placed back onto its caddy.
Weight: 15.57 lbs | Cord Length: N/A | Attachments & Extras: N/A
7. Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner
- Now 22% Off
- $190 → $147 at Amazon
Pros:
- Excellent at removing stains
- Retractable handle and wheels for easy transport
- Large tank capacity reduces frequent refilling
Cons:
- Can be heavy, especially when full
- Louder than other portable models we tested
If you share your home with pets, you may already rely on an enzyme cleaner for tackling stains. However, the Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner takes stain removal to another level.
In our testing, it delivered outstanding results on fresh stains, older set-in stains, and even stubborn ammonia odors.
Its large 64-ounce tank minimizes the need for constant refilling, making it a great choice for larger or multi-room cleaning tasks.
Though its weight can be a drawback particularly when the tanks are full this model is designed for easy maneuverability. Its retractable handle and large wheels allow for smooth transport and storage.
Where to get it: Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner
Whether placed at the top or bottom of a staircase, its 4-foot stretch hose offers ample reach to clean an entire flight of stairs.
A bonus for pet owners: the nozzle is equipped with rubberized bristles that effectively capture pet hair while removing stains.
Weight: 18.9 lbs | Cord Length: 15 ft. | Attachments & Extras: Dual-action pet tool
How We Test Carpet Cleaners
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we’ve tested a wide range of carpet cleaners, including 20 full-size and portable machines, 21 carpet stain removers, various upholstery cleaners, and even in-home professional carpet cleaning services.
Our evaluations focus on how well each machine cleans pre-soiled, industry-standard white carpet test panels, as well as how effectively they remove stains.
Before testing begins, we take color measurements of the carpet samples. Each cleaner is set up exactly as the manufacturer instructs, and we run it over the same dirty carpet sections for an identical number of passes.
To measure moisture retention, we weigh the test panel before and after cleaning, then track how long it takes to dry. Finally, we remeasure the cleaned areas to determine how much dirt and discoloration have been removed.
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When assessing portable carpet cleaners, we apply common household stains such as red wine and chocolate to carpet and upholstery test swatches.
We test each model on both fresh and set-in stains and evaluate how well they eliminate odors like ammonia. Additionally, we carefully review every user manual for clarity and ease of use.
Other key features we assess include weight, included accessories, battery runtime, and noise level. We also evaluate how simple each machine is to assemble, use, and store.
Attachments are tested on upholstered furniture or fabric swatches, and we often invite consumer testers to either visit our Lab or try out models at home to provide feedback on usability and maneuverability.
Other Carpet Cleaners We Tested
Kenmore SpotLight Portable Carpet Cleaner – This compact yet powerful cleaner impressed us with its strong suction and ability to lift stains like chocolate syrup, wine, and coffee from nylon carpet swatches.
We also appreciated its large tanks, 6-foot hose, and dual nozzle attachments, including a wider nozzle for tackling bigger areas like sofas.
Dirt Devil Portable Spot Compact Carpet Cleaner – Lightweight, compact, and easy to store, this cleaner did a great job at stain removal.
It includes two nozzles, and the hose neatly wraps around the base for organized storage.
While its tanks are smaller meaning more frequent refills for larger cleaning tasks we liked the built-in hose rinse feature, which flushes out debris before storage, keeping the machine fresh for its next use.