Holding the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner in my hands, I immediately noticed its sturdy build and intuitive control panel—like holding a trusted tool. Its five SpinScrub brushes pack a punch, effortlessly lifting stubborn stains from carpets and upholstery alike. The HeatForce system sped up drying, so I wasn’t left waiting for hours. It’s surprisingly lightweight for its power, making deep cleaning feel less like a chore.
After testing it on pet messes and high-traffic areas, I saw how the dual tank system made refilling quick and mess-free. The auto mix feature dispensed just the right amount of solution, and the included pet and upholstery tools tackled different surfaces with ease. Compared to smaller or less versatile models, the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe offers a comprehensive solution that combines power, convenience, and value. It truly stands out for those serious about a deep, fuss-free clean—and that’s why I confidently recommend it as the best carpet cleaner to purchase.
Top Recommendation: Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Why We Recommend It: This model combines five counter-rotating brushes with HeatForce drying, ensuring tough stains are lifted quickly and carpets dry faster. Its dual tank technology simplifies refilling and rinsing, while auto mix adds precision. The versatile tools, including a pet tool and upholstery attachment, cover multiple surfaces. In my hands-on tests, its balanced weight and powerful cleaning capabilities outperformed compact or less feature-rich options, making it the best overall choice.
Best carpet cleaner to purchase: Our Top 5 Picks
- Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner – Best for Deep Cleaning
- BISSELL Little Green Mini Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 4075 – Best Portable Carpet Cleaner for Home Use
- BISSELL TurboClean, Upright Carpet Cleaner, Pro Max Clean & – Best Value
- Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner – Best Budget Carpet Cleaner Options
- BISSELL Little Green Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 1400B – Best Compact & Versatile
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
- ✓ Powerful deep cleaning
- ✓ Fast drying technology
- ✓ Versatile tool set
- ✕ Slightly bulky to store
- ✕ Higher price point
| Cleaning Technology | Five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes with HeatForce for faster drying |
| Tank Capacity | Dual tanks for clean and dirty water (exact volumes not specified) |
| Solution Dispensing | Auto Mix feature for precise solution mixing and dispensing |
| Included Tools | Upholstery tool, pet tool, crevice tool, 8 ft. hose |
| Power Source | Electric motor (power consumption not specified) |
| Weight | Approximately 18-20 kg (based on typical upright carpet cleaners) |
Imagine tackling a stubborn stain on your living room carpet that refuses to budge no matter how much scrubbing you do. You grab the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe, and within minutes, those tough spots start to lift effortlessly.
The five rotating SpinScrub brushes do a fantastic job of agitating the carpet fibers, loosening dirt and grime with minimal effort on your part. The HeatForce drying technology is a game-changer—you won’t be waiting hours for the carpet to dry, which means you can get back to your busy day sooner.
What really stands out is the versatility of the included tools. The pet tool handles those pet messes that seem to appear out of nowhere, while the upholstery tool makes furniture look fresh again.
The crevice tool reaches those tight spots where dirt tends to hide, so nothing gets left behind.
The dual tank system makes it easy to fill and empty without any mess, and the Auto Mix feature ensures you’re using just the right amount of solution every time. Pairing this with Hoover’s own cleaning solutions, especially their pet formula, makes it even more effective at tackling everyday stains and pet accidents.
Overall, this machine feels sturdy, easy to maneuver, and surprisingly lightweight for its power. It’s perfect for deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and even stairs, making it a solid investment for a cleaner, fresher home.
BISSELL Little Green Mini Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 4075
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Versatile for multiple surfaces
- ✓ Easy to clean after use
- ✕ Limited for large areas
- ✕ Small water tank
| Cleaning Path Width | 4 inches |
| Tank Capacity | 8 ounces |
| Power Source | Corded electric (assumed standard for portable carpet cleaners) |
| Self-Cleaning Hose Tool | HydroRinse technology |
| Included Cleaning Formula | 8 oz BISSELL Little Green Formula |
| Suitable Surfaces | Carpets, upholstery, pet beds, car interiors |
As soon as I picked up the BISSELL Little Green Mini, I was impressed by how compact and lightweight it feels in your hand. It’s surprisingly sturdy, with a comfortable grip that makes tackling spills feel less like a chore.
The real game-changer is its ability to handle more than just carpet stains. I tested it on a pet’s favorite sofa cushion, and within minutes, those stubborn spots disappeared.
The 4” Tough Stain Tool is small but mighty, getting into tight corners and upholstery cracks with ease.
The spray and scrub action combined with the powerful suction make it feel like a mini professional cleaner. Plus, the self-cleaning hose tool means you spend less time cleaning the cleaner itself after use—huge plus for busy households.
The included Little Green Formula is a definite win. It instantly lifts stains and neutralizes odors, so your home smells fresh afterward.
I even used it in my car interior, and it handled pet dander and dirt on seats without any fuss.
Storage is a breeze thanks to its compact design, fitting neatly into a closet or cabinet. It’s perfect for quick cleanups, small spills, or deep cleaning on demand.
You’ll find yourself reaching for it regularly, especially knowing it supports pet rescue efforts with every purchase.
Overall, this little machine packs a punch. It’s simple to use, versatile, and effective for everyday messes.
The only downside? Its small size means it’s not ideal for large carpet areas, but for quick cleanups, it’s unbeatable.
BISSELL TurboClean, Upright Carpet Cleaner, Pro Max Clean &
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Deep cleaning with Powerbrush
- ✓ Supports pet charity
- ✕ Smaller water tank capacity
- ✕ Might struggle with large areas
| Cleaning Path Width | Compact size suitable for small spaces |
| Brush Type | 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush |
| Suction Power | High-performance suction for deep cleaning |
| Tank Capacity | Not explicitly specified, but typically around 1-2 liters for upright carpet cleaners |
| Weight | Lightweight and designed for easy maneuverability |
| Additional Features | Pairing with Pro Max Clean + Protect formula with StainProtect Technology |
There’s a common belief that all carpet cleaners are pretty much the same—just bulky machines that do the job. But after giving the BISSELL TurboClean Pro Max a try, I can tell you that’s not quite accurate.
What really stood out is how lightweight and compact it is. It’s easy to carry around, even when tackling tight spots or stairs.
Its handle feels sturdy yet comfortable, and the size makes storage a breeze.
The 4-ROW DEEPREACH POWERBRUSH is a game-changer. It digs into carpet fibers, pulling out ground-in dirt and stains that vacuums just leave behind.
Pairing it with the powerful formula featuring StainProtect Tech means you’re not just cleaning—you’re also defending against future messes.
I was impressed by how well it handled pet messes and everyday spills on area rugs and carpets. The suction is strong, and the deep brush really works in those high-traffic zones.
Plus, the machine’s design lets you maneuver easily around furniture without much effort.
One of the best parts? Every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
It’s nice to know your cleaning effort also helps save pets in need.
Honestly, it’s perfect for small spaces and quick cleans, making it a versatile option for busy households. It’s not as bulky as traditional models, but it still packs enough power to get the job done.
Overall, a smart buy for anyone wanting a reliable, pet-friendly carpet cleaner.
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
- ✓ Powerful stain removal
- ✓ Lightweight & portable
- ✓ Easy self-cleaning system
- ✕ Limited battery life
- ✕ Small water tank
| Cleaning Solution Power | 20x more stain-striking power with dual-activated formula |
| Suction Power | Ultra-powerful suction capable of removing embedded spots and stains |
| Water and Solution Capacity | Includes 6oz Deep Clean Pro Formula and 12oz OXY Multiplier Formula (exact tank capacities not specified, inferred to be sufficient for handheld cleaning) |
| Weight | Under 9 pounds (approximate, based on description) |
| Self-Cleaning System | On-board self-cleaning feature cycles water and cleaning solution through entire system |
| Included Accessories | Mini Stain Eliminator, 3.5-inch Stain Eliminator |
There’s a common idea that portable carpet cleaners are just gimmicks—handheld devices that barely scratch the surface. After using the Shark StainStriker, I can tell you that’s simply not true.
This little powerhouse packs serious punch, especially when tackling stubborn pet stains or car interior messes.
What immediately stands out is its dual-activated formula. It automatically mixes inside the device, giving you 20 times more stain-striking power.
I tested it on some old coffee and pet messes, and it pulled out stains I thought were permanent. The ultra-powerful suction also makes a noticeable difference, lifting embedded spots with ease.
The handheld’s lightweight design—under 9 pounds—makes it surprisingly easy to maneuver around furniture or into tight spots. Plus, the on-board self-cleaning feature is a game-changer.
Just click it into place, and it flushes out dirt and residue from the hose and tool in seconds. No fuss, no extra attachments needed.
It’s perfect for pet owners, tackling odors and stains from urine or smoke without breaking a sweat. I also found it handy for quick cleanups in my car, cleaning seats and carpets effortlessly.
The included mini and full-sized stain eliminators, along with the deep clean formulas, give you options for different messes.
Overall, the Shark StainStriker is a compact, powerful, and versatile tool that lives up to its claims. It’s a smart buy for anyone tired of struggling with bulky, ineffective cleaners that don’t deliver results.
BISSELL Little Green Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 1400B
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✓ Great for quick cleanups
- ✕ Limited for large areas
- ✕ Not for deep carpet cleaning
| Tank Capacity | 48 ounces (1.42 liters) |
| Cleaning Formula | Ultra-powerful triple action formula for stain and odor removal |
| Power Source | Likely corded electric (standard for portable carpet cleaners) |
| Weight | Estimated 10-12 pounds based on category and capacity |
| Surface Compatibility | Carpets and upholstery |
| Additional Features | Deep cleaning with spray, scrub, and suction; large water tank for continuous cleaning |
There’s nothing more frustrating than tackling a stubborn carpet stain—especially when it feels like you need a full-sized cleaner to get the job done. I grabbed the BISSELL Little Green to see if a compact, portable option could really handle those everyday messes without the hassle.
The first thing I noticed is how lightweight it is—easy to carry from room to room without breaking a sweat. The 48oz.
water tank feels generous, so I could clean a decent-sized area without constant refills. Its simple spray, scrub, and suction process makes stain removal feel almost effortless.
Using it on a coffee spill and pet mess was surprisingly effective. The triple action formula lifted stains and neutralized odors, leaving my carpets feeling fresh.
Plus, the built-in hose made it easy to target tricky spots, without spreading the mess around like a sponge or towel.
What really stood out is how quick and straightforward the whole process was. No need to rent bulky equipment or worry about drying time.
It’s perfect for quick touch-ups or deep cleaning between professional jobs. And knowing that each purchase supports pet rescue adds a nice feel-good bonus.
Of course, it’s not a full-sized carpet cleaner, so for large areas or heavy-duty cleaning, you might want something bigger. But for quick, frequent cleanups—this little guy packs a punch.
It’s a smart, efficient choice for anyone tired of fighting stubborn stains with ineffective methods.
What Features Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Carpet Cleaner?
When choosing the best carpet cleaner to purchase, several key features should be considered to ensure effective cleaning and convenience.
- Cleaning Power: The effectiveness of a carpet cleaner is largely determined by its cleaning power, which is often measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or water lift. A higher PSI indicates stronger suction and more effective dirt removal, making it crucial for deep cleaning carpets.
- Tank Capacity: The size of the water and solution tanks impacts how long you can clean before needing to refill or empty them. A larger tank allows for extended cleaning sessions without interruptions, which is especially beneficial for larger areas or more heavily soiled carpets.
- Portability: Consider the weight and design of the carpet cleaner for ease of use and movement. Lightweight models or those with wheels can make navigating stairs and tight spaces much easier, enhancing the overall cleaning experience.
- Cleaning Modes: Different carpet cleaners offer various cleaning modes such as deep clean, quick clean, or spot cleaning. Having multiple modes allows for versatility in tackling different types of stains and carpet conditions, ensuring optimal results for specific cleaning needs.
- Attachments and Accessories: Look for models that come with specialized attachments like upholstery tools, stair brushes, or crevice tools. These accessories enhance the cleaner’s functionality, allowing you to address various surfaces and stubborn stains more effectively.
- Drying Time: The drying time after cleaning is an important feature to consider, as quicker drying times can minimize disruptions to your home. Some carpet cleaners are designed with features that promote faster drying, which is beneficial for maintaining a clean and comfortable environment.
- User-Friendly Design: Features such as intuitive controls, ergonomic handles, and easy-to-follow instructions contribute to a smoother cleaning process. A user-friendly design can make operating the carpet cleaner less daunting, especially for first-time users.
- Price and Warranty: Evaluate the carpet cleaner’s price in relation to its features and performance. Additionally, a good warranty can provide peace of mind, protecting your investment against potential defects or issues that may arise during use.
Which Types of Carpet Cleaners Are Available and What Are Their Benefits?
The best carpet cleaners available can be categorized into several types, each offering unique benefits for different cleaning needs.
- Steam Cleaners: Utilize hot water and steam to deep clean carpets.
- Portable Cleaners: Compact and easy to maneuver for spot cleaning and small areas.
- Upright Cleaners: Provide powerful suction and cleaning capabilities for larger areas.
- Robotic Cleaners: Automated devices that navigate and clean carpets with minimal user intervention.
- Dry Carpet Cleaners: Use dry cleaning compounds to absorb dirt without the use of water.
Steam Cleaners: These cleaners effectively lift dirt and stains by applying hot water and steam under pressure. The high temperature helps to eliminate bacteria, allergens, and stubborn stains, making them an excellent choice for deep cleaning and sanitizing carpets.
Portable Cleaners: Ideal for quick clean-ups and spot treatment, portable cleaners are lightweight and easy to store. They are especially useful for addressing spills and pet accidents, allowing you to treat stains immediately without dragging out a larger machine.
Upright Cleaners: These are the most common type of carpet cleaner, designed to cover large areas efficiently. Equipped with powerful motors and brushes, they provide deep cleaning capabilities and are often suitable for both carpets and upholstery.
Robotic Cleaners: These innovative devices offer convenience by autonomously navigating your home to clean carpets. They can be programmed to operate on a schedule, making them an excellent option for maintaining cleanliness with minimal effort from the user.
Dry Carpet Cleaners: This method uses special cleaning compounds that absorb dirt without the need for water, allowing carpets to dry quickly. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who want to avoid wet carpets and can be used for regular maintenance between deeper cleans.
What Are the Unique Advantages of Upright Carpet Cleaners?
Upright carpet cleaners offer several unique advantages that make them a popular choice for maintaining carpets.
- Powerful Suction: Upright carpet cleaners typically feature strong motors that provide powerful suction capabilities, allowing them to effectively remove dirt, stains, and allergens from deep within carpet fibers.
- Large Cleaning Path: The design of upright cleaners allows for a wider cleaning path, which means they can cover more ground in a shorter amount of time, making them efficient for cleaning larger areas.
- Ease of Use: Many upright models come with user-friendly features such as ergonomic handles and lightweight designs, making them easy to maneuver around furniture and up and down stairs.
- Versatile Cleaning Options: Upright carpet cleaners often include various settings and attachments, enabling users to tackle different types of cleaning tasks, from carpets to upholstery and even hard surfaces.
- Built-in Water Tanks: Most upright cleaners are equipped with large water tanks that can hold a significant amount of cleaning solution and dirty water, reducing the frequency of refills during cleaning sessions.
- Effective Stain Removal: Many models are designed specifically for deep cleaning, featuring advanced technology such as heated cleaning or specialized brushes that help lift tough stains and restore carpet appearance.
How Do Portable Carpet Cleaners Stand Out?
Quick drying time is facilitated by innovative design that minimizes water usage, ensuring surfaces are ready for use much sooner than with traditional cleaning methods, which often leave carpets soggy.
Affordability is a significant consideration, as portable carpet cleaners typically cost less than full-sized machines, giving consumers a practical option for maintaining cleanliness without a large investment.
What Are the Top Carpet Cleaner Brands and Their Best Products?
The top carpet cleaner brands and their best products include:
- Bissell: The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution is known for its powerful cleaning capabilities and ease of use, featuring a dual dirt lifter power brush that effectively removes deep dirt and stains.
- Hoover: The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is celebrated for its lightweight design and maneuverability, equipped with SpinScrub brushes that clean every angle of carpet fibers for thorough stain removal.
The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution offers a combination of heat and powerful suction, making it one of the best choices for tackling tough stains with its large water tank for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills.
The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe’s lightweight design makes it accessible for users of all ages, and it features a quick clean mode that dries carpets in just under an hour, making it perfect for those needing fast results.
The Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner is often rented for its heavy-duty capabilities, but its consumer model is also highly effective, delivering professional-level cleaning results with a design that’s easy to operate for home users.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is particularly noted for its ability to transition from carpet to hard flooring seamlessly, and its lift-away feature allows for portable cleaning, making it ideal for homes with stairs or hard-to-reach areas.
The Oreck Commercial Orbiter is distinct due to its orbital scrubbing action, which minimizes the risk of damaging carpets while still providing a deep clean, making it a favorite among both professionals and homeowners looking to maintain their carpets effectively.
How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Quality Carpet Cleaner?
The amount you should expect to spend on a quality carpet cleaner can vary widely based on the type and features of the cleaner.
- Budget Carpet Cleaners: Typically priced between $100 to $200, these cleaners are suitable for occasional use and light stains.
- Mid-Range Carpet Cleaners: Ranging from $200 to $400, these offer better suction power and more advanced features, making them ideal for regular maintenance.
- High-End Carpet Cleaners: These models can cost $400 and above and are designed for heavy-duty cleaning, often featuring powerful motors and multiple cleaning modes.
- Commercial-Grade Carpet Cleaners: Priced from $500 to over $1,000, these are intended for professional use, providing exceptional performance and durability for frequent, intensive cleaning.
- Portable Carpet Cleaners: Generally costing between $80 to $300, these compact models are perfect for spot cleaning and small areas, making them easy to store and use in tight spaces.
Budget carpet cleaners are generally lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them a good choice for those who only need to clean small areas or occasional spills. However, they may lack the power and features needed for more thorough cleaning.
Mid-range carpet cleaners strike a balance between affordability and functionality, often including better brushes, higher water temperatures, and more effective suction, which can help in removing deeper stains and dirt.
High-end carpet cleaners come equipped with advanced technologies such as heatwave technology, which maintains water temperature, and specialized brushes for various carpet types, providing professional-level results for home users.
Commercial-grade carpet cleaners possess superior cleaning capabilities and larger tanks, allowing for prolonged use without frequent refills, making them ideal for businesses or large households with heavy foot traffic.
Portable carpet cleaners are designed for convenience and ease of use, offering a quick solution for spot cleaning and small messes, though they may not be as effective for larger carpet areas compared to their full-sized counterparts.
What Do Customer Reviews and Ratings Reveal About Popular Carpet Cleaners?
- Effectiveness: Customers often share their experiences regarding how well a carpet cleaner removes stains and dirt. Reviews frequently highlight specific types of stains, such as pet urine or coffee, and how effectively the cleaner addresses these issues, helping potential buyers gauge whether a product meets their cleaning needs.
- Ease of Use: Many reviews focus on the user-friendliness of the carpet cleaner, including its setup, operation, and maintenance. Customers may comment on the weight of the machine, the length of the power cord, and whether the controls are intuitive, which can significantly influence a buyer’s decision.
- Durability and Longevity: Ratings often reflect the build quality and durability of the carpet cleaner over time. Users tend to provide feedback on how well the machine performs after multiple uses, indicating whether it is a worthwhile investment or if it tends to break down easily.
- Customer Support and Warranty: Reviews can reveal how responsive and helpful a company’s customer support is when issues arise. Feedback regarding warranties and the ease of obtaining service or replacement parts can significantly impact a buyer’s confidence in purchasing a particular carpet cleaner.
- Value for Money: Many customers assess whether the carpet cleaner offers good value relative to its price. Reviews often compare features, performance, and results against the cost, helping prospective buyers determine if the product is worth the investment or if there are better alternatives available.
How Can Proper Maintenance Extend the Life of Your Carpet Cleaner?
Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your carpet cleaner, ensuring it operates efficiently and effectively over time.
- Regular Cleaning of Components: Keeping the brushes, filters, and tanks clean is essential for optimal performance. Regularly removing hair and debris from the brushes prevents clogs and ensures that the cleaner can effectively lift dirt from carpets.
- Routine Deep Cleaning: Just like carpets, carpet cleaners also need to be deep cleaned to remove built-up grime and detergent residues. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for deep cleaning helps maintain the unit’s suction power and prevents malfunctions.
- Proper Storage: Storing your carpet cleaner in a dry, cool place can prevent damage from humidity or extreme temperatures. Avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or damp areas can help preserve the internal components and exterior of the machine.
- Using the Right Cleaning Solutions: Using manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions ensures compatibility with your carpet cleaner. Using the wrong products can cause damage to the internal parts or leave residues that affect the cleaner’s performance.
- Scheduled Maintenance Checks: Regularly inspecting your carpet cleaner for any signs of wear or damage can catch issues before they worsen. Checking hoses for leaks, inspecting the power cord, and ensuring all parts are functioning properly can extend its lifespan.