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If most of your floors are carpeted and prone to heavy foot traffic and stains then it’s time you considered investing in a carpet shampooer. Buying your own machine is an affordable long-term solution instead of paying for your carpets to be professionally cleaned, provided you have the storage for one.
On top of that, you’ll have instant access to a carpet cleaner to deal with stains as soon as they occur. You’ll have the tools at your disposable to maintain your carpets and keep them looking fresh.
Today we’ll be giving you a shortlist of top-rated carpet cleaning appliances to give you all the information required to make an informed decision when making your purchase. By the end of this review, you’ll know the how long carpets should take to dry, the level of moisture to expect when cleaning and how to assemble your machine.
Most of the machines on our list come with attachments to clean upholstery and other fabrics in case you need this. We understand that each home has different requirements especially when it involves carpets, a breeding ground for dirt. Our shortlist includes appliances that can handle mess caused by pets, tackle stubborn stains and clean area rugs.
What To Kow Prior To Buying Your Carpet Cleaner
There are several drawbacks to renting a carpet shampooer. You will need to take in account the cost of collecting and returning it, the cost of shampoo detergent, the appliance will probably have a fair amount of wear and tear and might not be as effective as a newer unit. If you factor all of this, it’s better to buy your own machine. Getting the job done yourself will give your carpets and rugs a fresh look and a sense of accomplishment when you see the results.
Weight Of Appliance
Full-sized carpet shampooers are not as light as a regular vacuum cleaner. They require a bit more effort to push and are bulkier to operate. You’ll also need to factor in the additional weight of the water in the tank.
Does It Come With Any Special Features?
Look out for machines with brushes that rotate and preferably come with a heating system to dry wet carpets. Other handy functions are features like edge cleaning and appliances that come with a range of attachments. You’ll find plenty of models that include tools to clean hard-to-reach areas and complimentary shampoo to get you started.
Check the Manufacturer’s Warranty
The warranty information is normally shown on the product listing. Wherever possible, try to buy a machine with a generous warranty in case you encounter faults further down the road.
Prepare For Your Cleaning Day
Before washing your carpets, you need to plan how you are going to get the job done. You should give an allowance of several hours for the carpet to dry. Drying times are roughly between 5-6 hours when using a high-performance washer that doesn’t add too much moisture to the carpet. Keep in mind that you might have to wait 24 hours before the carpet is totally dry. It’s advisable to leave the moisture to evaporate overnight.
Always ensure that the carpet is fully dried out before moving furniture back to avoid it resting on top of damp areas. If this happens, the carpet could end up suffering from mould.
You’ll also have to make sure that carpets don’t get too damp while cleaning them. A good carpet cleaner will ensure that the right amount of water is applied to the dirty layer of carpet whilst avoiding soaking the underlay, which could result in mildew.
Now that you know how to wash your carpets and the type of features to look for, let’s take check out the recommended carpet shampooers for your home.
#1). ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
This carpet washer is at the top of our list because of its affordability, ease of use and effective carpet washing. The unit is a full-sized upright that deep cleans carpets. It also performs well on upholstery, stairs and can extract pet hair while washing. The unit is equipped with a unique spray nozzle which focuses on stains. All you need to do is press the pedal rather than bend down to fiddle with separate controls.
The unit comes with a dual pet upholstery tool which effectively removes troublesome pet hair and cleans stains from mattresses and upholstery. The machine is an improvement from its predecessor’s thanks to the lightweight body, which is easy to move around and a removable brush roll cover for better maintenance.
If you’re a pet owner and your home is mostly carpeted then you’ll want to invest in a carpet shampooer that can eliminate pet mess effectively. The Bissell Pro Heat is designed to tackle difficult dirt caused by pets thanks to the robust wet cleaning mechanism.
It comes with a proprietary stain removal solution called Clean Shot Pretreated as well as a small bottle of Bissell’s Professional Pet Urine Eliminator + Oxy. For tougher jobs, there’s a deep cleaning mode which boosts cleaning performance and delivers a powerful wash which matches the best rental units. There’s also an express cleaning function which leaves carpets dry in just half an hour.
All this high-cleaning performance is packed in a unit easy to manoeuvre and not as heavy as its counterparts. The low-profile cleaning head is ideal for reaching underneath sofas and tables. The Bissell Pro Heat 2X Revolution Pet Pro is a great choice for tackling difficult messes.
Pros
Comes with a tool for difficult stains
An intuitive express cleaning function for dry carpets in just 30 minutes
Easier maintenance thanks to the removable brush roll cover
Cons
There’s no storage on the unit for accessories
Where Can I Buy ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
The Hoover Smart Wash offers powerful carpet washing in a full-sized compact appliance. This affordable option provides user-friendly functionality to shampoo carpets without much effort. All you need to do is glide the machine forward to activate its washer with a mixture of detergent and water. Then pull back the unit to extract moisture and dry.
It automatically sprays an accurate mixture of water and shampoo, which means that you don’t have worry whether you’ve poured in the correct amount. If you think that your carpet is too damp, simply choose the “dry only” option and pass over the wet areas a few more times. The unit is equipped with a hose and various cleaning accessories.
The Hoover smart wash carpet cleaner stops you from guessing whether you’ve done a good job thanks to the automatic washing mode that takes away all of the hard work. It removes complicated controls and is easy to set up.
There’s an automatic drying feature which removes water and applies heat to speed up the time it takes to dry carpets. The Flex force brushes are designed to deep clean ingrained dirt to ensure that your carpets are revived to their former freshness.
Pros
Automatic mixing of detergent and water to remove the guesswork
A removable nozzle to clean smaller areas
Cons
A bit fiddly to carry between rooms
Where Can I Buy Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner?
If you’re looking for a smaller machine to wash low pile carpet such as rugs then this is one of the best solutions. The dirt on low pile rugs can’t travel too far down and as such, it does not require stiff bristles for deep cleaning. The Bissell CrossWave uses a nylon brush and a microfiber cloth to clean delicate carpets.
With this machine, you don’t have to worry about your short pile getting damaged or the loops getting frayed. This unit is a great solution for rugs and hard floors and can even dry vacuum.
It sprays out the right amount of water to clean effectively but ensures that it doesn’t drench the carpets or wet the floor under the rug. The buttons are within a comfortable reach and the machine is easy to handle. You can seamlessly transition from dry vacuuming to washing with the flick of a switch. There’s a bay to store the wet brush after use.
The BlSSELL CrossWave is a versatile appliance for homes with different types of flooring. It’s designed with multi-surface cleaning capabilities for you to vacuum and shampoo your rug all in one go. The unit can be used on rugs, laminate floors, tiled flooring, wooden floors and many other floor types.
It houses two separate tanks to separate the detergent from the dirty water. Onboard is a Dual-Action rotating brush that spins at 3000 RPM and when you combine that with the powerful carpet shampoo, the CrossWave delivers a thorough clean with less effort.
Pros
Compact appliance capable of wet and dry cleaning
Great for gently cleaning area rugs and hard flooring
Intuitive tray to store wet brushes while avoiding drips
Cons
Not practical for high pile carpet or deep cleaning
Where Can I Buy Bissell CrossWave Floor and Carpet Cleaner?
If you’re looking for a truly compact solution for removing carpet stains then you should consider the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser. This is the ideal machine for dry and wet cleaning around the home and can also be used to clean car seats. It’s a battery-powered gadget with around 18 minutes of running time.
The Eraser can efficiently remove coffee and juice stains from pale carpets. The machine can even eliminate stains more than a month old! It’s also very good at removing the nastier stuff such as pet urine, poo and vomit. It comes with a powerful detergent and brushing nozzle for thorough scrubs.
The best thing about the Bissell pet stain eraser is its portability, which lets you keep it close by and activate it immediately from the moment pet stains occur. Use it on carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, stairs and an endless list of areas that would be more difficult to reach with a full-sized machine.
Bissell also provides a sample of Professional spot & stain + Oxy solution which deals with stubborn stains effectively and immediately. The detergent doesn’t need to be mixed and can be poured directly into the machine. It can also be left inside the unit ready to use for the next cleaning session.
All you need to do is apply the detergent to the affected area, scrub with the integrated brush and suck the dirt into the tank. You can stay on top of messy pet stains with this powerful compact cleaner.
Pros
Effective at removing difficult aged stains
Can be used for dry and wet cleaning
Cons
Takes a bit of getting used to to accurately spray the detergent
For those of you looking for a carpet shampooing experience that verges on professional cleaning, the Rug Doctor is as close as you’ll get. There’s an option to rent it if you don’t have enough storage space. But if you decide to buy it you’ll be provided with various accessories and a hose to clean upholstered furniture and stairs. It also comes with a special cleaning formula.
The Rug Doctor is one of the best-rated carpet cleaners for removing soil and moisture and extracting them gently to avoid damaging carpet fibres. The machine works by moving it backwards using a one-pass cleaning mechanism. It sprays, scrubs and sucks moisture simultaneously to thoroughly remove stains, ingrained dirt and bad smells to a commercial standard.
The X3 is equipped with strong jets that spray the shampoo deep into the carpet fibres to start the cleaning process and remove tough dirt.
The brush vibrates to give powerful triple action scrubbing of individual carpet fibres to dislodge dirt and remove smells that alternative appliances often struggle to get rid of.
Pets and kids bring mud from outside and often spill things like food and juice onto carpets, leaving you to deal with the resulting mess. The Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 makes light work of eliminating stains and restores your carpets to their immaculate condition. If you’re after commercial-grade results then this is your best choice.
The unit comes with a large 3.9-gallon recovery tank which is over double the capacity of most carpet washers. As a result, you can clean for longer and not need to fill up and empty the tank as often. The robust wheels enable you to manoeuvre the X3 in most parts of the home. The handle can also be folded down for better storage.
There’s an additional mini handheld upholstery scrubber accessory that you can buy to clean stains on stairs, upholstery, rugs and smaller areas. Rug doctor provides a generous 2 Year Customer Warranty for peace of mind and support whenever you encounter problems.
Pros
A larger tank that does not need to be filled or emptied as frequently
A lengthy 12-foot hose to extend its reach
The handle can be folded for easier storage
Cons
Bulky machine which some might find hard to handle
Where Can I Buy The Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3
#6). Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine
If you’ve got the space for a larger carpet cleaner, the BISSELL Big Green cleaner is a high-performance machine that provides professional standard results. It’s equipped with robust motors and a larger powerful brush to extract tough dirt and give your carpets the deep clean they’ve been waiting for. It removes ingrained dirt effectively and the strong suction ensures that dirt is whisked away into the tank.
The unit houses 2 tanks to separate the clean water and detergent from the dirty water. The large tank ensures that you spend less time filling and emptying the machine and more time cleaning your carpets.
The unit feels sturdy and is designed for heavy-duty tasks thanks to its durable build and high-grade materials. The unit has a lower centre of gravity to ensure that it never tips over. It comes with 2 bottles of Professional Deep Cleaning solution with Scotchgard protection to shield your carpets from further stains.
It comes with a 6-inch Tough Stain Tool to deal with problematic stains on stairs and upholstered furniture. The attachment allows you to spray and scrub awkward areas thanks to the long hose provided.
There are many powerful vacuum cleaners out there but vacuuming alone does not remove stains or restore carpets. The BISSELL Big Green provides a deep clean to make your carpets look new again. The appliance makes sure that the right amount of cleaning fluid is applied to carpets, and the brush gets to work immediately to scrub, agitate and extract dirt from carpeting.
Can the BISSELL Big Green clean urine and vomit stains caused by pets?
Absolutely! For the best result, simply apply BISSELL’s pre-treatment solution to the affected areas, then clean the carpet with BISSELL professional shampoo detergent. It’s as simple as that.
Why should You Consider The Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner?
Bissell specializes in carpet washing and offers the best range of deep cleaning appliances for domestic use while providing professional standard results. Their machines perform to a high standard and are designed to be reliable, giving you many years of service.
Pros
Equipped with a robust dirt-lifting brush which provides powerful scrubbing performance
Strong suction speeds up drying times
2 separate high-capacity tanks for heavy-duty cleaning
Comes with a sample of Bissell’s professional cleaning solution
A generous 5-year customer warranty
Cons
Bulky machine that some might find difficult to manoeuvre
Where Can I Buy Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine
If you’re looking for a compact machine for spot-cleaning, the HOOVER ONEPWR Spotless GO is ideal for dealing with spillages and pet dirt. The machine is battery powered for added convenience and it easily gets rid of stains by using a combination of powerful suction, cleaning brushes and detergent.
The machine has 2 different tanks for clean and dirty water. Filling and emptying are easily done too! The portable unit can be moved between rooms and stored with ease. This is a great solution for tackling spills as soon as they happen.
Spotless GO enjoys the benefits of HOOVER ONEPWR’s ecosystem, which is an intuitive group of cordless, high-powered appliances that take advantage of the same Lithium-Ion battery for a range of domestic tasks.
HOOVER ONEPWR products are specifically designed for tasks around the home such as cleaning carpets, hard flooring, backyards and much more. This allows you to tackle a variety of jobs without worrying about the limitations of an electric cord.
Okay, let’s get back to the Spotless GO. This is the perfect accessories for pet owners and busy households. You can even use it to clean your car seats.
It’s received high praise from customers and a lot of attention has been given to its ability to remove carpets stains, pet messes such as mud and urine and food stains on fabric surfaces.
If your mattress could do with a clean, you can spot clean nasty stains in a matter of minutes. With the Spotless GO, there’s no need to hire an expensive machine to get small jobs done.
There’s an endless list of areas you can use this machine beyond just carpet cleaning, and the portable body allows you to take it anywhere in the house without the limitations imposed by larger machines.
If you’re worried about the weight of the machine once it’s filled with water, don’t be. The tank is not too big and doesn’t require much water to perform a good job. It’s not intended to soak the surfaces that you’re cleaning.
Hoover Spotless GO uses a ONEPWR 20V lithium-ion battery that holds 2.0 Ah capacity and offers enough power to run the machine for 12-13 minutes.
Where Can I Buy Hoover BH12010 ONEPWR Spotless GO Cordless Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner
Ensure that the area is vacuumed to remove debris prior to the deep clean. If possible, move furniture out of the room and only move it back once the carpet is completely dry.
Put wax paper or aluminium foil beneath furniture legs if you can’t move it out the room. This will stop your carpets from getting stained by wood coating or paint.
Start from the area that’s furthest from the door and clean in reverse towards the doorway so that you can exit without stepping on the damp carpet.
Ensure that the room gets as much ventilation as possible to speed up drying times and prevent mold growing in damp carpets. Make sure that doors and windows stay open.
Vacuum the carpet again once it has dried out. This will ensure that any remnants of dirt are sucked up.
Always read the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions before you start cleaning. Make sure you know how much fresh detergent and water to pour into the machine. Most brands will supply a complimentary bottle of shampoo to get you started.
Pay attention to the guidelines regarding the number of times you should pass an area of the carpet. The last thing you want to do is soak the fibres with a lot of detergent and water as this will slow down the drying times and potentially give uneven results.
How Long Will Carpets Take To Dry?
High-performance carpet cleaners will clean with enough moisture to leave the carpets dry in around 5 hours. It will take a freshly-cleaned carpet 24 hours to dry out completely. Always check the carpet cleaner’s rating for drying times to make sure that your carpets are not too damp after the job is done. Models with a high rating will leave a drier carpet at the end of cleaning.
Can Carpet Cleaners Remove Stains & Spills?
Carpet cleaners are ideal for deep cleaning tasks which are generally carried out once or twice per year to rejuvenate your carpets. They are great for spring cleaning and most of them can remove wet spillages with the nozzle tools provided. But if you want to remove tough stains such as mud, coffee or red wine, you’ll be better off with a spot cleaner that’s designed to eliminate stains.
As an overall package, carpet cleaners are generally not that good at removing difficult stains.
What About Water and Detergent?
Warm water is preferable if your chosen appliance allows it. Make sure you don’t use boiling hot water. Manufacturers don’t recommend boiling water as it could shorten the lifespan of the machine, ruin materials or burn you. Always use colder water for wool blend or pure wool carpets. Never use a carpet washer to clean leather, silk, jute, non-colourfast carpets or rugs.
Some models might need the cleaning solution poured into the clean water tank, and other models might have a dedicated tank for the detergent. Most manufacturers will recommend a detergent specifically made for the machine.
Pre-treating Carpets
If your carpet has soiled areas that require extra attention then you should pre-treat those areas. Your chosen model might be equipped with a hose and mini tool to clean upholstered furniture and stairs. You could use this tool to tackle small stains and spills. The carpet will need to be pre-treated 5 minutes prior to cleaning.
However, as mentioned earlier, if you’ve got tough old stains, you’ll need to clean them with a spot cleaner or stain remover. Make sure that you don’t apply too much cleaning fluid to the stained patches or else they’ll take too long to dry and could suffer from mold growth.
Cleaning Technique
Once you start cleaning, ensure that the machine does not pass over the same area more than once. You should reduce the time spent standing on wet carpet. It’s bad enough that you have to walk on it when you return to rinse the carpet but there’s no getting around that.
Each model is equipped with different features depending on the brand you choose, the carpet type and the level of dirt. You will want to use a powerful setting for sections prone to high traffic and a moderate setting for edges or areas will less foot traffic.
Always start-off in the corner that’s furthest away from the doorway and work in a straight line. Once you get to the end, turn back and continue the opposite way. Clean your carpet following a stripe pattern, similar to when you’re using a lawnmower. You should not move the machine in random patterns.
Try to get as close to the skirting board or wall as possible, these are often areas that are neglected. Finally, you should overlap the stripes a little to make sure that you don’t skip any parts of the carpet.
That concludes our shortlist and buyers guide for the best home carpet shampooer for 2021. Are you thinking of buying a carpet cleaner or do you already have one? Please leave your comments in the section below. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Carpet spillages are almost impossible to avoid and the cost of renting a carpet shampooer or hiring a professional cleaner can soon add up. This helpful guide will show you what to look for when searching for your own domestic carpet cleaner and provide a list of recommended appliances for your cleaning requirements.
In a nutshell, carpet cleaners shampoo the carpet with a special cleaning fluid, warm water and scrubbing brushes found at the base of the machine. Regular usage of a carpet washer will keep your carpets looking fresh, minimise stains and target dirt rooted deep within the carpet pile.
Shampooing carpets will vastly improve their appearance compared to solely vacuuming them. It usually takes about 3 to 4 hours for the carpet to dry after washing.
Carpet cleaners are larger than vacuum cleaners because they need to house separate water tanks for clean and dirty water. You can choose a portable machine for smaller jobs such as spot cleaning and eliminating small stains or a bigger machine to clean larger spaces and multiple rooms.
If you want to save yourself money in the long-term but want your carpets to always look as new as the day they got fitted then its time you found a domestic carpet washer that will give virtually the same results as renting a professional appliance.
Lighter-coloured carpets are difficult to maintain and usuall fall victim to stains and spills, they also show signs of ageing much quicker than darker carpets. You can keep on top of this once you get into the habit of periodically washing carpets with your new carpet cleaner rather than putting it off until the next big clean.
I hate to say this but as lovely as they are, kids and pets are not good for the health of a carpet, and vacuuming alone isn’t enough to maintain the life of your carpets. We’ll give you the best advice to make an informed choice to buy a powerful carpet washer that deep cleans and dries carpets fast. You can now enjoy the best of both worlds- clean carpets and family time without worrying about dirt and stains.
The tricky part of the process is purchasing a carpet cleaner that provides the functionality to suit your requirements but without costing you an arm and a leg. It can become a difficult task to strike the right balance between performance and affordability. Thankfully we’ve got you covered. When you’re ready to choose your new carpet cleaner you can go straight to the shortlist of our best product recommendations using the link below:
If you want to research more information about carpet cleaners, read on. This guide covers practically everything you need to know before buying a new carpet washer.
How Does a Carpet Washer Work?
The majority of carpet washers are equipped with a water container and a section for the carpet detergent. Other machines will integrate both the cleaning solution and water to be mixed in a single tank. As you move the machine across the carpet, it sprays the mixture onto the carpet fibres and simultaneously scrubs the area with the onboard brushes to clean stains and dirt.
The cleaner will then deploy powerful suction to suck up the dirty water, debris, moisture and help dry the carpet quicker. Some machines aren’t fitted with a suction feature and will rely on your existing vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt dislodged by the carpet washer.
Although carpet cleaners are manufactured with safety features it’s always good to be extra careful when using water and a machine connected to electricity. Make sure you plug your new carpet washer into a ground-fault circuit interrupter or GFCI outlet which is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to turn off electric power in the event of a ground-fault within as little as 1/40 of a second. It’s highly unlikely to happen but this mechanism will protect you from electrocution in case water and electricity mix.
The cleaning performance of a carpet washer is calculated in watts (W) and as a result, the greater the wattage the greater the power of the machine. Therefore, more power results in better dirt lifting performance and a comprehensive deep clean.
Carpet cleaners with better performance are usually equipped with a motorised scrubbing system that aids in the removal of stubborn dirt and stains.
Water Capacity
The capacity of the water tanks is calculated in litres but you need to bear in mind that a carpet cleaner requires at least 2 tanks to hold the clean water and the resulting dirty water. Clean and dirty water is separated when shampooing commences i.e. clean water is applied to the carpet along with detergent then the dirty water is collected into a separate tank as it’s sucked up from the carpet.
The benefits of using a carpet cleaner with large water tanks means that you won’t need to refill and empty them as often as smaller ones.
Carpet Cleaner Heating System
Premium models will often feature a heating system that regulates the water temperature to ensure that it is always heated correctly to optimise cleaning performance. Hot water helps to break down dirt particles and remove grime from carpets for a perfect clean.
Not all carpet cleaners come with a heating system but I’ll help you find the best carpet shampooers with a heated water regulator. Simply click on the link below to access our latest recommendations.
The length of the carpet cleaner will gauge the amount of floor that can be cleaned in one go. Wider units have a greater cleaning range to scrub more surface area, therefore, reducing the time it takes to clean the area.
Certain cleaners with better reach will let you clean right up to the baseboard and corners of the room.
Carpet Cleaning Detergent
For a carpet cleaner to be effective it needs a good cleaning solution. Most manufacturers will ship their units with a complimentary bottle of recommended cleaning fluid designed for use with that specific machine.
The user guide that accompanies the machine will instruct you on the correct quantities required and the number of times you need to pass each area of carpet to get consistent results. Different solutions are formulated for different tasks. Some will be produced to clean stains whilst others will clean your carpet and add a layer of protection to make it less susceptible to stains.
Advantages of Using a Carpet Cleaner
Regular vacuum cleaning is encouraged to remove visible dirt from your carpet but it won’t always clean tougher dirt hidden deep down the carpet fibres. The occasional use of a carpet cleaner will result in fresher looking carpets throughout your home.
As mentioned earlier, leasing out a carpet cleaner or employing a professional cleaning company is an expensive option if you intend on doing so regularly, buying a domestic carpet cleaner will drive down costs in the long-term and give you the same outstanding results.
A busy household prone to pet stains and messy spillages will massively benefit from owning a carpet washer because spills and stains can be dealt with immediately as they occur, which improves the likeliness of eliminating them completely.
The most effective way of keeping your carpeting 100% fresh and always looking at its best is deep cleaning it a minimum of once a year.
How big is a carpet cleaner and how much does it weigh?
Carpet cleaners weigh more than vacuum cleaners. Some can be as heavy as 50 pounds (22Kgs) and others can be as light as 20 pounds (9Kgs). The dimensions and heaviness of a carpet cleaner can hugely affect its ease of use because cumbersome machines can be challenging to handle.
If you’re going to be carrying the machine between different floors then it’s wise to consider the weight and how easy it can be lifted up and down stairs. Always check the weight of the carpet cleaner prior to buying it.
Another point to consider is that the machine will get heavier as you pour water into the tank. The benefit of a larger carpet cleaner is that it won’t need refilling or emptying as often as a smaller unit. A good tip is to transport the cleaner on an empty tank between floors, then you can always fill it up when you get upstairs.
Carpet Cleaner Suction
One of the primary features of a carpet cleaner is its suction performance. It needs to draw out the water, cleaning fluid and dirt from carpeting to make certain that the cleaning is effective. Great suction is crucial to wipe out troublesome stains.
Powerful suction is also necessary to speed up carpet drying times after shampooing is completed. Typically it will take the carpet between 3 to 5 hours to dry after a wash.
Some carpet cleaners don’t come with suction functionality and depend on you to use a vacuum cleaner after shampooing the carpet to extract dampness and dirt. I wouldn’t recommend this type of carpet cleaner because it’s too much of a hassle and this process could potentially reduce the lifespan of your vacuum cleaner!
Another useful feature is a carpet cleaner that can rinse. This helps you to thoroughly clean the carpet with just pressurised water, after shampooing it, to give it a dedicated rinse.
Carpet cleaning machines are fitted with brushes that agitate dirt and work together with the cleaning mixture (water + detergent) to treat your carpets.
Cheaper cleaners use stationary brushes that don’t move without assistance, other machines use motorised brushes that spin unaccompanied in various directions whilst the machine is operational.
Motorised brushes normally give the best scrubbing performance because the independent movement deep cleans the carpet fibres more thoroughly than fixed brushes. Machines with fixed bristles usually cost less but they aren’t always the most effective option.
Cable Length and Hose
Similar to corded vacuum cleaners the length of the power cable on a carpet cleaner is important because it determines the cleaning range. Longer cables enable you to clean bigger rooms easier. I’d recommend finding a carpet shampooer with a cable that’s a minimum of 15 feet long (4.57 metres).
If you can buy a carpet cleaner that is fitted with a hose, I’d urge you to get one because this increases its reachability to clean areas such as stairs, upholstery and car interiors without moving the whole machine back and forth.
If you want a flexible carpet cleaner you should find a model with a hose that is a minimum of 9 feet long (2.74 metres) in length.
Getting a carpet cleaner with accessories is beneficial because it gives you more options to get certain jobs done that would be practically impossible to do with a full sized machine.
If you plan to clean smaller areas, stairs and fabrics on furniture then you might want a cleaner that is supplied with handheld accessories such as a stair tool, a spray crevice nozzle or a jet cleaning wand for smaller tasks.
Carpet Cleaner Water Tank
When analysing the dimensions of your new carpet washer, you should give thought to the size of the water tank. A bigger tank has the benefit of fewer refills during cleaning.
Machines with larger tanks will usually be heavier though, and could potentially be harder to handle but it also depends on the design of the machine.
As detailed throughout this guide, most good carpet cleaners are equipped with two water tanks- a tank to hold clean water and another for dirty water. Designs tend to be different, other cleaners will utilize a single tank with a bladder-like system i.e. clean water is contained in a small tank within a bigger one, that collects the dirty water and keeps them apart.
Certain models will dispense the cleaning solution differently. Some will mix it straight into the clean water and other machines will dispense the detergent and water separately at specific intervals.
The price range for carpet cleaners is between $100 to $400 to buy. Premium models with the best features such as high suction, motorized brushes and a sizeable water tank, start at about $200 and can go anywhere up to $400.
Cheaper models with lower or no suction power, a small water tank and motionless brushes will generally cost between $99 to $150. Thankfully there’s an option to suit most budgets.
Washing Your Carpets
If you want great results from your new carpet cleaner you need to learn how to use it properly to get the best out of it. Below are a few tips for optimum cleaning performance.
The comprehensive user guide below will talk you through the process and explain what you need to do, from pre-treating your carpet all the way to drying it. For the best cleaning, there are several things to do prior to using your carpet cleaner.
To ensure that your carpet is cleaned evenly you will need to shift obstacles out of the way.
Items like t.v. stands, couches, tables and chairs will hinder your carpet cleaner from washing the areas underneath them. These sections shouldn’t be overlooked as they normally accumulate hidden dirt over time.
If shifting furnishings out of the room proves to be a challenge then you should try moving them to the centre of the room so that you can clean the outer edges of the room.
Vacuum Prior to Washing
To enhance your carpet cleaner’s performance you should vacuum clean the room prior to shampooing to get rid of dust and dirt sitting above the carpet fibres. Removing this first layer of dirt will allow your carpet cleaner to reach deeper hidden dirt easier.
Try not to get your carpet too damp, usually caused by going over the same area multiple times. Some machines don’t provide sufficient suction to completely draw out the wet, which can encourage bacteria and mould.
Stains are best cleaned within a short time of them occurring to improve the chance of removing them completely.
Only use lukewarm water on woollen carpets to prevent harming the delicate fibres.
If your carpets have previously been treated by a stain repellent make sure that you check the machine’s instructions so that you know the correct shampoo solution to clean with. Applying the wrong shampoo may compromise the existing coating.
To speed up carpet drying time after washing its handy to switch on a dehumidifier, fan or air conditioning if available.
The dirt in your carpet is made up of three-quarters of soil treaded into the pile. If you’ve not already done so you should place doormats at the entryways to reduce the transportation of soil from outside into your carpets.
Always use the provided accessories for their specific tasks to simplify and speed up the cleaning process.
Shampooing your carpet more than once a year will quickly recoup your costs in just 2 cleaning sessions.
That concludes our guide for the best carpet cleaners to buy in 2020. Owning a carpet washer will help keep stains and spillages at bay and freshen your carpeting when it’s time to spring clean. Machines such as the Bissell or Hoover brand, with a suction feature, can also collect wet spillages using a nozzle attached to the hose.
It’s important to follow the carpet cleaner’s guidelines to ensure a hassle-free cleaning experience. The manufacturer’s instructions will also show you the number of times to shampoo each area of carpet to make sure that the results are even. Overall, a carpet cleaning machine is great for prolonging the life of your carpets and saving you cash in the long term.
Are you considering buying a carpet cleaner or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.
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The Best Carpet Shampooers 2021
Are you struggling to restore carpets back to their former fresh-looking glory? Find the perfect carpet cleaner with our latest buying guide and shortlist of carefully selected models. While your vacuum cleaner will do a good job at removing dirt, it cannot shampoo dull-looking or stained carpets.
Carpet cleaners come in different shapes and sizes and it’s possible to hire or rent one but this tends to be a costly approach. The best machines treat your carpets with special cleaning fluids using a pressurised system and extract the dirty by-product using powerful suction to ensure a deep clean and fast drying.
We will help you find a suitable carpet cleaner that scrubs your floors like a dream without putting you out of pocket. With so many choices out there finding the correct unit, for your needs, can be a difficult task. I’ve put together an overview of everything you need to know about carpet cleaners followed by a shortlist of recommended units.
A carpet shampooer is not a machine that is used daily, but if your busy household is busy, spillages are bound to happen. It’s disheartening when a glass of wine, sauce or muddy traffic gets onto your beloved carpets which is where a carpet washer comes in to save the day. You can rest assured that it will effectively remove dirt and stains with very little effort from you. It’s certainly easier than getting on your hands and knees and attempting to scrub.
In addition to washing away small messes and stains, carpet cleaners are particularly effective at extracting dirt hiding deep inside carpets and pet hair embedded into carpet fibres. They can clean on a large scale and are especially handy for deep cleaning tired-looking carpets and upholstery.
If your pets have brought mess into the house or the kids have been playing outside and caked your carpets with mud, you will certainly be grateful for the cleaning results delivered by your new carpet washer. Although stains can be removed it’s important to do this as close as possible to the occurrence, don’t expect your new carpet cleaner to wash away a tough stain that has been there for several weeks.
Luckily, there’s only a handful of decent carpet cleaner brands that are worth buying from, so the task of shortlisting a suitable machine isn’t as taxing as trolling through vacuum cleaners. Some cleaners can achieve more than their rivals and I’d recommend sticking to brands like Bissell, Rug doctor and Hoover.
Things to consider before you buy a carpet cleaner
Is it simple to operate a carpet cleaner?
Indeed. Once you get used to what goes where, it’s relatively easy to use a carpet cleaner. When you initially unbox the machine it might seem confusing with all the different parts that need connecting but once you’ve assembled it the first time around it’s straightforward from then on.
The technique used to carpet clean is different from vacuum cleaning- you need to slow down and work systematically across the carpet with approximately an inch of overlap to avoid streaks. To prevent the carpet from getting too wet you should not go over the same area more than 4 times. Always test a small section of the carpet, preferably an inconspicuous area, before unleashing the cleaner onto the rest of the floor just in case the cleaning fluid causes the carpet to discolour.
Domestic carpet cleaners are equipped with average size tanks that can hold between 3.5 to 4 litres of water. The machine will get through a full tank quite fast and needs refilling regularly. The majority of units use a dual tank system, one tank for clean water & detergent and the other to collect the resulting dirty water. Each cycle will shampoo approximately 10 square feet of flooring before the water runs out and the dirty tank needs emptying.
Should you get a carpet cleaner?
Carpet Shampooers are noticeably larger than vacuum cleaners and you will need to dedicate some extra storage space for them. Do you need one? That depends on the amount of carpet in your home and if you’ve got messy pets and/or kids. Small occasional stains can be eliminated the traditional way i.e. with a good old scrubbing brush, warm water and carpet detergent. If your floors are decked with light-coloured carpets and your family is running riot, then, it’s definitely worth purchasing a domestic carpet cleaner.
How heavy is a Carpet cleaner?
Carpets cleaners are considerably heavier than vacuum cleaners. Some models can weigh a whopping 50 pounds and others are as light as 20 pounds. The heaviness and size of a machine will determine its ease of use and manoeuvrability. Cumbersome cleaners are harder to work with.
If you’re planning on lifting your new carpet cleaner up and down stairs, I’d recommend checking the weight of the machine before buying it. If there’s not an opportunity to physically lift it before buying then it’s a good idea to compare it with the weight of your full-sized vacuum cleaner.
Also, remember that the weight of the machine will increase when water is poured into the tank. The plus side is that a larger machine doesn’t typically need to be top-up with water as much as a smaller, lighter cleaner. It’s better to lift the machine up the stairs when the water tank is empty then you can fill it up once it’s upstairs.
Water Extraction
One of the key features of a carpet cleaner is the rate at which it extracts water applied to the carpet. The machine needs to suck up the dampness, detergent, and dirt effectively to guarantee great cleaning results. Strong suction also helps to eliminate tough stains and dries the carpet much faster.
Premium carpet cleaners usually provide the greatest suction power compared to lower cost models. Certain carpet washers aren’t equipped with suction for water extraction. Instead, they rely on your existing vacuum cleaner to go over the wet areas after you’ve finished washing the carpet (not really recommended).
You can also buy a carpet cleaner with a rinsing function. This lets you rinse the carpet once shampooing is finished, solely using water.
Is it okay to clean hard floors with a carpet cleaner?
I wouldn’t advise trying this, particularly on laminate flooring. You could easily damage your flooring from the water that would leak into the gaps between the floorboards. This would cause the laminate to expand and warp. It’s possible to use the carpet cleaner on tiled floors or vinyl but a steam mop would be much easier to use for this type of job.
Here Are Our Best Carpet Shampooers To Buy
1. BISSELL Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine (model 86T3): Recommended for deep cleaning
The Bissell Big green deep cleaning machine is the frontrunning domestic carpet cleaner currently available. This unit is ideal for households with pets, a big family or anybody with a home that’s mostly carpeted and requires a regular thorough scrubbing.
It weighs 9.6kgs and is a large weighty machine, so you might want to think about potential storage issues if your home has limited space. Otherwise, the Bissell carpet cleaner is pleasantly easy to steer and exceptionally effective at eliminating dirt and stains on a grand scale.
As far as features go the Bissell is not short on these. The machine is packed with high-performance functionality including a substantially wide Powerbrush to lift more dirt whilst deep cleaning, the vigorous suction power speeds up the drying process.
It cuts down on cleaning time by cleverly scrubbing as it goes back and forth and dries carpets quicker than top-of-the-range rental carpet cleaners. There’s a dual tank system that can hold enough water to clean the entire room. Bissell also supplies a sample of their professional detergent which contains a special stain guard to protect your carpet from future stains.
The machine is manufactured using quality materials and it feels durable to cope with challenging jobs. It’s designed to avoid tipping over and delivers exceptional carpet scrubbing from the onset.
If you’re after the best performance carpet cleaner that reaches deep into carpets and beautifully restores them whilst removing bacteria, then the Bissell big green is the perfect model. It scores the highest marks.
The machine comes with a 6-inch stain tool and 9-foot hose to target stains that never seem to disappear. The hose is handy for use on stairs and fabric furniture. The long hose length improves reachability to help with getting into small areas.
Why choose the BISSELL deep cleaning machine?
Bissell is a strong brand that prides itself in manufacturing leading domestic appliances and their big green carpet cleaner is no exception. The company is highly experienced when it comes to matters of floor care. Their appliances are user-friendly, easy to operate and perform consistently.
Where can I buy the BISSELL deep cleaning machine?
2. Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Washer FH50150
The next carpet cleaner on our list is the Hoover Power Scrub. This machine is best for cleaning homes with up to 3 carpeted rooms. Although it’s a large unit, it’s surprisingly simple to handle and mover around. Be sure to check if you’ll have adequate storage for it when it’s not in use.
The Hoover cleaner can scrub sizeable carpeted rooms and weighs less than most of its rivals at 8.6kgs (19 pounds). It’s equipped with a long 20-foot cable to widen the cleaning range. There are lots of great features inside this machine including a rinse function, 2 water tanks, hot air blowers to dry carpets quicker and a dual V-shaped nozzle that extracts water uniformly.
The machine is equipped with a cleverly designed water tank that is simple to fill-up and pour out the resulting dirty water. The tank’s fast pouring spout speeds up the whole process of refilling clean water and emptying messy water.
Down by the scrubbing brush is where all the action happens. The fully rotational brushing mechanism scrubs powerful without damaging carpet fibres. It works from multiple angles to reach difficult dirt delivering that all-important deep clean.
The Hoover Power Scrub applies heat to the carpet not only to dry it but to assist with extracting dirt and cleaning bothersome stains.
To add further convenience, you are supplied with an upholstery attachment to clean couches and stairs. You also get an 8′ hose to tackle areas that are harder to clean.
Where can I buy the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Washer?
3. BISSELL PowerLifter PowerBrush Upright Carpet Cleaner and Shampooer, 1622
Bissell feature on our list yet again! The PowerLifter PowerBrush carpet cleaner comes with 4 rows of twin spinning brushes to lift more dirt and stains than ever. The dual water tank makes light work of filling up water and getting rid of waste. It’s got a wide cleaning width of 11 inches.
It deep cleans engrained dirt and stubborn stains with hot water and carpet detergent. There is a detachable nozzle and an integrated measuring aid. The strong suction lifts away dirt and moisture leaving fresh-looking carpets throughout.
The BISSELL PowerLifter PowerBrush Upright Carpet Cleaner rejuvenates dirty carpets by delivering a warm combination of water and shampoo to loosen and remove dirt and provide your carpets with the maintenance that they deserve.
Cleaning is further simplified through the use of a lint screen which captures bigger dirt particles that other carpet cleaners would struggle to remove effectively. The supplied nozzle makes tricky areas easier to access.
The dual water tank unit is equipped with a robust container for fresh water which automatically gets mixed with the detergent during cleaning. The murky water then gets extracted from the carpets and contained in the outer section of the water tank so that it doesn’t mix with the clean water.
The extra wide brush provides more coverage whilst cutting down on cleaning time. The long 20-foot power cable is one of the longest I’ve seen meaning that you don’t need to constantly seek out an available plug socket as you move between rooms.
If you are looking for a cost-effective solution to hiring a professional carpet cleaner then you should consider buying the BISSELL PowerLifter PowerBrush Upright Carpet Cleaner. The machine is provided with a bottle of specialist carpet shampoo which deep cleans and protects the carpet from staining easily.
Where can I buy the BISSELL PowerLifter PowerBrush Upright Carpet Cleaner?
4. Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner; Upright Portable Deep Cleaning Machine
The Rug Doctor Portable Deep Cleaning Machine is a compact carpet cleaner that delivers a similar performance to larger appliances. This small hardworking appliance can extract soil and do away with stains extensively. The unit is equipped with a 28’ cord and a foldable handle.
The unit cleans messy carpets and brings them back to a fresh-looking state. Deep cleaning couldn’t be any easier, with a single pass the portable Rug Doctor will scrub, groom and polish your carpet to look immaculate. The design is also time-saving so that carpet shampooing doesn’t take the whole day to do.
The size of this Rug Doctor carpet cleaner doesn’t compromise its cleaning performance. It operates powerfully and shampoos carpets diligently to clean away dirt and stains. It’s the perfect gadget for demanding households and anyone that loves entertaining friends and family but hates the aftermath.
The dual cross action brushes scrub high traffic areas and restores them back to clean. The brush combines deep cleaning with outstanding grooming. The higher suction rate ensures that carpets dry much faster taking less than 4 hours.
The Upholstery attachment is perfect for cleaning above floor level including areas such as fabric furniture, mattresses and couches. The portable Rug Doctor carpet cleaner has also been awarded the best performance, for a machine its size, by the Carpet & Rug Institute.
If you are longing for a carpet cleaner but are struggling for storage space then the portable Rug Doctor is the ideal solution. It folds away when not in use and the compact dimensions allow it to be packed away easily. You get all of this without making concessions on deep cleaning.
Where can I buy the Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner?
5. RugDoctor Portable Spot Cleaner: The best compact carpet cleaner
If your carpets are prone to stains and mess caused by kids, pets or anything else and you want a stain-eliminator that doesn’t take up too much room then you should look into the RugDoctor Portable stain cleaner. This machine is one of the smallest carpet cleaners available and it saves you the hassle of manually scrubbing with a bucket and brush.
RugDoctor makes some of the best carpet shampooers but with this machine, you are getting the same great features fitted into a compact body. The mini powered hand wand is perfect for cleaning small stains and can even be used to scrub car seat fabric. Keep in mind that it does need a bit of effort for the scrubbing to be effective.
The dual water tanks are conveniently transparent to help you gauge when the clean water needs refilling and dirty water needs pouring out. You’ll need to carefully fill up the primary tank with the correct levels of cleaning fluid and water.
Though the RugDoctor cleaner is portable it weighs slightly over 8kgs, it’s not lightweight but it sits on a pair of wheels and has a pull handle for easier transportation and manoeuvring. Most users are pleased with the high level of scrubbing provided by this small machine and find it useful to clean up after spillages and pets that mistakenly soil the carpet.
Product specs:
Weight: 8.2kg
Cable Length: 4.6m
Cleaning Width: 11.5cm
Clean Capacity: 1.9 litres
Hose provided?: Yes
Heated Drying: No
Where can I buy the Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner?
If your carpet is in dire need of shampooing then you consider the Hoover PowerDash Complete Carpet Cleaner to inject some new life into your flooring. It cleans twice as good as the models with similar specs.
The brush roll is incredibly powerful and has enough oomph to deep clean problem areas that are prone to tough dirt. The brush is guarded against germs and bad smells thanks to the antimicrobial protection system
The machine weighs less than alternative cleaners with comparable dimensions, for easier usage around the home. Its portability and clever design ensure easier storage.
A heating system is provided as standard and as a result, it speeds up carpet drying even after an extensive deep cleaning session. The twin tank design keeps clean and filthy water in two separate compartments. Setup is easy and clean water can be poured without fuss.
The flexible nozzle lets you clean better because it allows easier access to dirt hiding in corners and small areas, this together with the low profile foot ensures that awkward sections of the room get the same deep clean as open areas.
I love that the Hoover PowerDash Carpet Cleaner makes cleaning up after pets simpler because it can scrub away animal hair and soiling. If you’re after a lightweight carpet shampooer, that cleans thoroughly and is easy to store then this is your best model.
Where can I buy the Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner?
7. BISSELL Turboclean Powerbrush Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner, 2085
When spot-cleaning just doesn’t cut it you should consider a carpet cleaner that can ease the burden of freshening up your carpets. If your vacuum cleaner can’t seem to revive your carpet then you should try out the compact the BISSELL Turboclean Powerbrush Pet Upright Carpet Shampooer.
You’ll be impressed at how well it cleans and as a result, you get a lightweight scrubber that is easy to handle and is equipped with a retracting handle for easier storage when you’re finished having fun shampooing.
You’ll also need to take into consideration the weight of the machine once filled up with water, but the unit’s light weight somewhat alleviates the overall heaviness. Another bonus is that you don’t need much cleaning fluid in the mixture and as a result, the small bottle of detergent lasts much longer.
It is recommended that you use warm water but you could get away with using hot water from the tap which is about 120 degrees and within the specified threshold. You should be okay as long as you don’t exceed 180 degrees or else you might end up damaging the machine and the internal plastic materials. If you’re unsure about the temperature use a thermometer to check the heat whilst referring to the handbook.
Unfortunately, the unit cannot heat up water unlike some of the alternative carpet cleaners on our shortlist. Hot water helps with the cleaning process but in this case, you will need to rely on the heated water poured into the tank.
This carpet cleaner has impressive suction to extract moisture. The technique is very simple, you glide it back and forth over a section of carpet while pressing the trigger to apply the water and detergent, then let go of the trigger and move it in the same motion to extract water. The carpet does remain a bit damp when finished, so you will need to let it dry for a few hours to truly see the impressive results.
Bissell offers various cleaning fluids for their carpet cleaners. You should try out a few of them to see what works best for your type of flooring. They also offer boost solutions that are mixed into the existing detergent to strengthen cleaning performance for particular jobs. The solutions come in small bottles which at first doesn’t look like you’re getting much but keep in mind that they are concentrated and will go a lot further because you don’t need to add a great deal to the mixture.
Another bonus about these cleaning solutions is the lovely scent that they exude on your carpets. It makes the whole room smell so fresh and clean and as a result, it adds to the appeal. If you’d prefer to skip the lovely smells then you can buy the unscented options.
The dirty water can be poured out with ease from the tank which is at the head of the unit. Bissell has given us yet another cleaner that is user-friendly and well thought-out. Overall, this machine lives up to the hype and its only minor drawback is the lack of onboard water heating but this shouldn’t put you off because everything else is a joy to use.
Where can I buy the BISSELL Turboclean Powerbrush Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner, 2085?
You’ve come to the end of our guide for the best carpet shampooers 2021. Before we part ways I thought I’d include a set of frequently asked questions to answer anything else you might still be unsure about.
Carpet Cleaner Frequently Asked Questions
Question– Which carpet cleaners are better for tough stains?
Answer– For this, you need a machine with spinning brushes for soiled carpeting. Most of our recommended carpet cleaners include this feature as standard. Rotating brushes clean the fibres thoroughly and as result, dislodge and scrub away ingrained dirt.
Question- Could a carpet cleaner potentially damage my carpet?
Answer– If you buy a carpet cleaner with spinning brushes and your carpet has delicate fibres like PTT or Olefin, then there’s a risk that the brushes might rip the carpet. You should also be careful to choose the correct detergent that isn’t too harsh or else you could wreck your carpet. Always test the machine on a small discreet area before applying the solution to the entire floor.
Question- How much time do I need to leave the carpet to dry after cleaning is complete?
Answer– This will hugely depend on the thickness of the carpet and how damp it gets during the cleaning process. It should take approximately 4 to 6 hours for the carpet to dry.
Are you considering buying one of the steam cleaners mops from our list or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.
