The Best Carpet Cleaners, According to Our Testing (2024)

Your everyday vacuum cleaner can quickly remove dust, pet hair, lint and food crumbs from your carpets, area rugs and upholstery — but simply vacuuming these materials isn't enough. Occasionally, they need wet cleaning, and that's when it's time to put a good carpet cleaner to work. A carpet cleaner washes carpets and upholstery fabrics using a mix of water and a cleaning solution to dissolve stains and ground-in dirt.

To find the best carpet cleaners, the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab uses each machine to clean a pre-stained, industry-standard white carpet, taking measurements before and after cleaning to determine each model's stain-cleaning ability. We also assess how long it takes for carpets to dry, how adept each machine is at removing fresh and dried stains, how easy each appliance is to use and more.

Through the years, we've tested many of Bissell's full-size and portable carpet cleaners and found them to be effective, easy-to-use appliances. This new-to-market model impressed us so much that it earned a spot in our . What sets it apart from other models is that it's the only "steam" cleaner we've ever tested that made real steam to treat stains and clean. It's a method we prefer to shampooing, as there's less chance of damaging and distorting the carpet’s pile, plus it's easier to rinse out or remove any residue for less chance of re-soiling. It's also equipped with a quick-dry mode that helps carpets dry faster (less than 30 minutes in our tests).

During evaluations, we found the machine easy to fill, maneuver, empty and clean and we like that you can select one of three cleaning modes. Stains didn't stand a chance, either. We steamed out mustard and wine stains without too much effort, even though the machine is pretty hefty. It did leave some suds behind on the backstroke, but it all disappeared with a few passes.

For stains that might need a bit of extra attention, the carpet cleaner comes with two attachments: a pet hair tool for upholstery and a tough stain tool that can tackle both wet and dry messes. We also like the range of movement you get from the 25-foot power cord and the 8-foot hose, as well as the large water tank. Combined, this means you can tackle more square footage in less time — no stopping to refill or unplug.

Weight: 31 lbs | Cord Length: 25 ft. | Attachments and Extras: Pet hair upholstery tool, tough stain tool

In our experience, Hoover's floor-cleaning appliances offer great value for the money, and this carpet cleaner is no exception. While it may not always be the least expensive model on this list, keep in mind that prices on these appliances fluctuate frequently. And with its good performance and innovative features, this model offers lots of plusses, even when there's a small hike in the price.

The Hoover SmartWash Pet Pro is a full-sized carpet cleaner with a unique removable stain-pretreating wand that allows you to address stains without bending over or reaching for extra bottles of carpet cleaner. It's battery-operated and holds its own canister of stain solution. Simply pop off the wand, point and shoot to zap a stain.

Other notable features include dispensing an automatically mixed combo of water and cleaning formula through its double brush rolls (nothing for you to measure and no triggers to hold!). It cleans when you push it forward and suctions and dries the carpet when you pull it back. Waiting for a carpet to dry can be a real hassle, especially in busy households, so we really liked the "dry-only" mode that emits heat as you move it forward so carpets can be walked on more quickly. An 8-foot hose and 22-foot cord provide ample length for cleaning stairs, hard-to-reach areas and large upholstery pieces, though both are shorter than those on some other full-size models we've tested.

Consumer testers in our last rated this cleaner highly, especially for its ease of use, and all said they would continue to use the appliance in their cleaning routine. One tester notably shared, "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." No surprise to us! In our experience, even the best vacuums for pet hair can struggle with heavy pet shedding or pet hair buildup on carpets.

Weight: 20.5 lbs | Cord Length: 22 ft. | Attachments & Extras: Antimicrobial Rubber Nub Tool, 8-ft. hose, pre-treater wand

Even if you own a full-size carpet cleaner, sometimes it's more than you need for an occasional spot on the carpet or couch. Those are the times when a lightweight portable carpet cleaner is a practical solution.

In our most recent test of this category, this Bissell model was our best overall pick for stain and odor removal, sound, run time and more, outperforming the larger models we tested. It erased fresh and dried red wine and blueberry pie stains with ease, and we found it easy to set up, clean and store so it's ready to go the moment a spill happens. It was also among the quietest models we tested.

A built-in rotating brush gently agitates the carpet pile and works in Bissell's pre-mixed detergent solution for deep cleaning, but it can be switched off when tackling stains on delicate fabrics. A nubby rubber tool makes tackling pet messes easier and less messy. You won't be able to clean a very large area on one charge since it only has a 20-minute runtime, and the small tanks will likely need refilling if you're removing multiple stains, but it's a great option for homes with less carpeting or few stains to clean.

Weight: 4.4 lbs | Cord Length: Cordless | Attachments & Extras: Stationary pet tool

While it's difficult to achieve the same carpet cleaning results professionals can get with their industrial equipment, Bissell's Big Green is the most user-friendly professional-style home carpet cleaning machine we've tested.

The large 1.75-gallon tanks are super easy to fill, carry and replace, and the spinning flow indicator on top takes the guesswork out of knowing when the cleaning solution needs refilling. Though it looks bulky, it's simple to operate and relatively easy to maneuver for a machine this size, even when full. The adjustable handle moves to the most comfortable position for each user and folds for easier storage. Keep in mind that the machine weighs over 40 pounds, so those with carpets to clean on multiple levels will likely need help carrying it up and down stairs.

A rotating brush gently works the cleaning solution into the carpet pile and this, combined with the strong suction, removes deep-down dirt. It left our test carpets soft and not overly wet. Because of its size, the Big Green is typically the type of appliance you pull out for bigger jobs, like spring cleaning or cleaning large open spaces before furniture goes in. The extra-long 25-foot power cord made it easy for our expert to clean an entire room of carpeting without stopping. And we found the 9-foot hose and handheld stain tool perfect for cleaning upholstery, along wall edges and stair treads.

Weight: 42 lbs | Cord Length: 25 ft. | Attachments & Extras: Tough stain tool, 9-ft. hose

Even carpet cleaners are getting smarter these days. Tineco's Carpet One Smart Carpet Cleaner brings intuitive technology to the carpet cleaning space. Like the Tineco combo vacuum mops we've tested in the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab, this carpet cleaner works with an app and automatically adjusts the suction and water flow according to how much dirt and debris it detects is being picked up.

Voice prompts tell you when to refill the clean water tank and empty the dirty water tank, and lights alert you when the area you're working on is clean. Its built-in heater keeps the cleaning solution hot for optimal stain-fighting, and the heater helps dry carpets faster too.

In our tests, we found this model cleaned carpets very well and was much easier to maneuver than bigger machines. Our expert — who uses it to clean carpets, area rugs and upholstery in her own home — was impressed with the LED display that keeps you informed of the cleaning mode, how dry the carpet is and more. Attaching the hose to go from carpet to upholstery cleaning is easy, and at just 16.5 pounds, this model is lighter than many other full-size cleaners. And because it has a smaller footprint, it's easier to store, pull out and set up which also means you're likely to use it more frequently. But take note, the included 8-foot hose and handheld accessory cannot be stored onboard.

Weight: 16.5 lbs | Cord Length: 21.3 ft. | Attachments & Extras: Handheld tool, 8-ft. hose

We've tested many iterations of Bissell's CrossWave models, and this new launch was an instant success in Lab tests. We love the versatility of it — the wet/dry machine can vacuum up dust, crumbs and other dry debris, as well as suck up minor liquid spills, mop hardwood floors and treat carpet stains with no extra attachments. And, according to the brand, it's one of Bissell's more powerful models, operating with 75% more power than its predecessor.

Overall, the machine is easy to use too. It has a cordless design that offers up to 30 minutes of runtime — plenty to tackle your average mess, plus some additional spot-cleaning. We think it's a good pick for those who don't have a lot of storage space too. The design is slimmer than many other dedicated carpet cleaners, plus it's easy to set up and break down if you need to. Just don't expect it to be a replacement for vacuum — even though it can suck up dry debris, the dust cup is on the small side and it's not as powerful as dedicated vacuums.

Weight: 15.57 lbs | Cord Length: N/A | Attachments & Extras: N/A

This Rug Doctor is a real workhorse that powered through our tests and did the best job at removing fresh stains, old stains and odors — exactly what you need when pets are part of your family. Its large tanks hold 64 ounces of cleaning solution so there's a lot less refilling and emptying during big or multi-room jobs than you would experience with smaller models.

Though heavy — especially when full — its retractable handle and large wheels make it as easy to maneuver or wheel into a closet for storage. Place it either at the top or bottom of a staircase and with its 4-foot stretch hose, you'll likely be able to clean an entire flight. Another plus for homes with pets: The Rug Doctor's nozzle has rubberized bristles to grab hair while it's removing stains. The one downside is that it's louder than some other portable models we tested.

Weight: 18.9 lbs | Cord Length: 15 ft. | Attachments & Extras: Dual-action pet tool

At last count, the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab has tested 20 full-size and portable carpet cleaners, 21 carpet stain removers, an assortment of upholstery cleaners and several in-home professional carpet cleaning services. We evaluate carpet cleaning machines for how well they clean pre-soiled, dingy industry-standard white carpet test panels.

We take color measurements before we start, set up each cleaner according to the manufacturer's directions and run each machine over the dirty carpet for an identical number of passes. After cleaning, the carpet panel is weighed to assess how much moisture each machine leaves behind. We note how long it takes the carpet to dry then remeasure the color of each stain in the same location to calculate how well the machine cleaned the carpet.

Portable machines are tested for how well they remove stains we've applied — like red wine and chocolate — from test carpet and upholstery swatches. Both fresh stains and set-in stains are treated with each portable machine, and we rate how well they remove odors — like ammonia— from the test swatches. Each model's user manual is also carefully reviewed.

Other features like the weight, included accessories, battery charge/runtime and noise level are rated and culminate in the overall score assigned to each model. We also assess how easy the appliances are to assemble, use and store. We test any attachments on upholstered furniture or upholstery fabric swatches and often have consumer testers come into the Lab to give us feedback on how easy the machines feel to use and maneuver.

• Kenmore SpotLight Portable Carpet Cleaner: This small yet mighty carpet cleaner had great suction and did a great job removing the chocolate syrup, wine, coffee and other stains we applied to nylon carpeting swatches. We liked the large tanks, 6-foot hose and two nozzle attachments, one of which is conveniently oversized for big jobs like sofas.
• Dirt Devil Portable Spot Compact Carpet Cleaner: This machine did a great job removing stains while being lightweight, compact and easy to store — not easy to find in a great carpet cleaner. It comes with two nozzles and the hose wraps around the base for neat storage. The tanks were a bit small, so they may need more frequent refills on large jobs, but we liked the built-in hose rinse to flush the hose of debris before tucking it away for next time.

Renting a carpet cleaning machine may sound convenient, but when you factor in the effort needed to pick up the appliance and drop it off, the cost of cleaning solution and the fact that the rented machine is probably quite used (i.e., not as efficient or clean as a new one may be), a better option may be to buy one.

If you have frequent spills and pet accidents or a home full of carpeting that needs regular cleaning, owning a machine can be a time-, energy- and money-saving option in the long run. Plus, it will allow you to tackle stains and messes more quickly which ultimately means better care for your carpets. Keep these points in mind when shopping for a carpet cleaner:

✔️ Weight and maneuverability: Carpet cleaners are much heavier to carry and push and more cumbersome to use than traditional vacuum cleaners. Once you add water, they weigh even more. If your home has more than one level, carrying a heavy machine up and down the stairs is no easy task. Look for water tanks with wide openings that are easy to fill and that have large handles so they are easy to carry.

✔️ Footprint: Upright models require more storage space than portable or handheld models. If you don't have a lot of carpeting or mostly have stains to deal with, a compact model or even a handheld unit may be sufficient for your needs. For models with lots of attachments and long hoses, onboard storage is helpful as you'll be less likely to lose these attachments if they live right on the cleaner.

✔️ Special features: Most full-size machines have rotating brushes, a hose, a heater and attachments to clean upholstery, pet messes and small areas, plus small bottles of detergent to get you started. Built-in heaters are especially helpful because using hot or even warm water helps remove stains faster and more effectively than cold water. And they can help the carpet dry faster too. A long hose is a must for cleaning carpeted stairs and reaching under tight car seats. If you have delicate rugs at home, look for a model with rotating brushes that can be shut off or separate rollers to avoid damaging delicate rugs as you clean. Nice extras to have are targeted stain sprayers and models that self-clean or flush the hose and brushes with clear water to stay fresh and odor-free while stored. App connectivity is becoming more popular, but it's not an absolute must.

✔️ Warranty: Many manufacturers post this information on their websites, but a warranty between one and five years is the norm for most carpet cleaners. It's also important to note that if a manufacturer recommends a specific cleaning solution, using a different one can void your warranty. While you're at it, check your carpet's warranty to make sure you're not using a cleaning product that will void it.

Carpet cleaners work by dispensing a mixture of cleaning solution and water onto your carpet to dissolve dirt and stains while a rotating brush helps work the solution into the carpet fibers. The cleaner then suctions the solution and any dirt that is removed from the carpets into the dirty water tank. While carpet cleaners are often called "steam cleaners," this is a misnomer: They don't work with steam but you can add hot water to the tank.

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from portable models and canisters to uprights and even professional-style machines that mimic those you can rent. Most come with hoses and mini nozzles to more easily clean small areas like upholstery and stairs and all have two tanks — one you fill with clean water and detergent solution and one for the dirty water that gets pulled from the carpet.

Carpet manufacturers and the Carpet and Rug Institute recommend having your carpets professionally deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Some manufacturers even require it to uphold the carpet’s warranty. Professional cleaners use stronger, more powerful equipment than what you can buy or rent, plus they pretreat stains and can refresh and reapply the stain-repellent treatment your carpet likely came with when it was new. But owning a carpet cleaner — even a portable one — means you can do more frequent cleanings and tackle stains promptly so your carpets will look better longer.

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With over 40 years of experience at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Carolyn Forté has tested hundreds of floor cleaning appliances including carpet cleaners, cordless stick vacuums, robot vacuums, steam mops and more as the executive director of the Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. She tested most of the carpet cleaners featured in this guide and oversaw all of the portable and full-size carpet cleaner category tests conducted by our Lab analysts.