The Best Carpet Cleaners, Tested by Cleaning Experts

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We updated this article in March 2023 to ensure all picks tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab were in stock, available and reflected accurate pricing.

Sure, vacuum cleaners remove the dry dust, hair, lint and grit from carpets and furniture, but what about the stains from spilled wine, food mishaps and kid and pet messes? For that, you'll need a carpet cleaner.

A wet carpet cleaner or carpet shampooer washes carpets and upholstery using water, a cleaning solution and suction to dissolve stains and remove the stuck-on dirt that regular vacuuming can't. You could call a professional cleaning service, but if your home has lots of carpeting and upholstery, a carpet cleaner is a worthwhile investment that is less costly over time. Plus, you’ll be able to tackle messes as they happen so stains don't set in and become tougher to remove.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, our experts clean a lot of carpets and floors every year while evaluating the best cordless stick vacuums, robot vacuums, steam mops and more. Most recently, we tested four new carpet cleaners that were submitted for the latest Cleaning and Organizing Awards. We have also collected data from 14 other carpet cleaners, 21 carpet stain removers and several in-home professional carpet cleaning services. To test carpet cleaners we use each machine to clean a pre-stained, industry-standard white carpet. We record color measurements before and after cleaning, weigh the carpets to determine how much water is left behind and time how long it takes for carpets to dry after each cleaning session. We also take a look at each cleaner’s user manual and score how easy they are to assemble and use.

Because we know that not all households have the same carpet cleaning needs, you’ll find recommendations from our cleaning experts for carpet cleaners that can tackle pet messes, are safe for area rugs and fit in limited storage space.

Check out how we evaluate carpet cleaners in our Lab at the end of this guide, plus everything you need to keep in mind while shopping for one. Looking for more ways to achieve pristine-looking carpets and area rugs? Check out our recommendations for the best carpet stain removers plus our complete guide to cleaning your carpet which has step-by-step instructions for tackling all different kinds of carpet stains.

Our experts first tested a model from Bissell’s ProHeat 2X line more than 10 years ago. Its Heatwave technology contributed to this cleaner’s stellar cleaning performance, earning it the top spot in our Lab tests. This new model from the line with similar technology maintains the temperature of hot water that is added to the clean water tank as it deep cleans, works on stairs and upholstery and even tackles pet hair. While we haven’t tested this updated model yet, we trust the brand’s performance and know from experience that using heated water does improve your carpet cleaning results, so we feel comfortable recommending this model. Plus, it has nearly 25,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

Another one of this Bissell’s innovative features is a targeted spray nozzle for stains. It works with just the press of a pedal, so you don't have to stop, bend down and use a separate product for stain treatment. The 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool works dry to pull out stubborn pet hair and wet to zap stains on furniture fabrics and mattresses. Its dual DirtLifter PowerBrush helps remove tough stains from deep in your carpets. Carpet machines of the past have been bulky, but this one is lightweight and gets a high-five from our Cleaning Lab for its brush roll cover that removes for cleaning. We do, however, wish this cleaner had onboard tool storage for the included tools and accessories to avoid losing them.

In our most recent test of portable carpet cleaners, this Bissell snagged a "best overall" rating for stain and odor removal, sound, run time and more, outperforming the larger models we tested. It removed fresh and dried red wine and blueberry pie filling stains in our tests and ran for 20 minutes on one charge. We found the Bissell easy to clean and maintain, so it's always fresh and ready to use when you need it. It was also among the quietest models we tested. This cordless Bissell has a built-in rotating brush for deep cleaning that's easy to switch off when cleaning delicate fabrics. It comes with a nubby rubber pet tool to tackle messes from furry family members. Since it's so lightweight, it's incredibly easy to pull out and use the minute a pet accident happens, but it doesn't have a built-in water heater like other options on our list. You won't be able to clean a very large area on one charge as it only has a 20-minute runtime for every four and a half hours of charging, but at this price, it's still a great option for homes with less carpeting and upholstery to clean.

We previously had another model from the SmartWash line in this guide and replaced it with this more recent winner from our Cleaning and Organizing Awards. The Hoover SmartWash Pet Pro is a full-sized carpet cleaner with an added stain pretreatment wand that allows you to zap stains without bending over or reaching for extra bottles of carpet cleaner. Our testers 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 notable comment from a tester said, "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." From our experience, even the best vacuums for pet hair can struggle with heavy pet shedding or pet hair buildup on carpets.

This Hoover dispenses a premixed combo of water and cleaning formula when you push forward and dries the carpet when you pull the appliance back. To dry carpets faster after washing, the cleaner also has a dry-only mode that does not dispense any cleaning solution and uses heat force technology that releases heat as it moves forward. An 8-foot hose and 22-foot cord provide ample length for cleaning large rooms, though it is a shorter cord than some other full-size models we've tested.

This is the most user-friendly professional-style home carpet cleaning machine we've found: The large 1.75-gallon tanks are super easy to fill, carry and replace, it's simple to operate and the spinning flow indicator on top takes the guesswork out of knowing when the cleaning solution needs refilling. Though it looks bulky, we didn't find it difficult 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. But the machine weighs in at over 40 pounds, so those with carpets to clean on multiple levels may have a hard time moving it up and down stairs.

A rotating brush roll gently works the cleaning solution into the carpet pile and this, combined with the strong suction, removed deep-down dirt and left our test carpets feeling soft and not overly wet, allowing them to dry quickly. The extra-long 25-foot power cord made it easy for our experts to clean an entire room without stopping. And we found the 9-foot hose and handheld stain tool perfect for cleaning upholstery and stair treads.

Low-pile area rugs are easier to clean because dirt stays mostly on the surface, so you don’t need a stiff brush to get deep down. The Bissell CrossWave gently cleans area rugs with a soft microfiber and nylon brush, so there’s no fear of damaging the short pile or fraying the loops. Best for low, flat rugs, this lightweight two-in-one vacuum and mop also vacuums dry dirt and works on bare floors. We've tested several models from the Crosswave line in our Lab and they have all performed well in picking up dry debris, wet messes and cleaning stains from hard flooring. This model doesn't have a self-cleaning function like most other combo vacuum/mops we tested, but clean-up is still easy. One Amazon reviewer called it, "Terrifyingly easy to clean."

Our experts like that you can control how much water and cleaning solution it dispenses with the click of a button — just enough for cleaning, but not so much that it wets the carpet back or the flooring underneath. The CrossWave is lightweight and has easy-reach controls so you can go from vacuuming to washing without missing a step. Storage is easy thanks to an included drip tray that even has a spot to stash the wet brush until it's dry. Its two-tank technology means dirty water and clean soapy water are stored separately in the machine, and its 25-foot power cord lets you clean every inch of your living room.

This Rug Doctor is a real workhorse that powered through our stain tests and did the best job removing both stains and odors. It was the highest scorer in tests for removing fresh stains and old ones too. Its large tanks hold 64 ounces of cleaning solution meaning there's less refilling and emptying during big or multi-room jobs. Though heavy — especially when full — its retractable handle and large wheels make it 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 may be able to clean an entire flight. For homes with furry friends, the Rug Doctor's nozzle has rubberized bristles to grab hair while it's removing stains. It's louder than some other portable models we tested and received just a one-star rating from QuietMark.

If the upholstery and carpets in your car seem to need constant cleaning, this cordless Hoover is the must-have appliance to keep in your garage. Lightweight and cordless, we found that its slim design and 2-foot hose make it especially suited for reaching and cleaning under a car's seats, inside the trunk and around all the nooks and crannies. In our tests, set-in tea and red wine stains were history, and it completely removed odors from our test carpets. The removable battery recharges in under three and a half hours and works in other Hoover ONEPWR appliances. It also includes a 4-inch scrubbing tool perfect for working away deeply embedded dirt. Its smaller tanks make it lightweight and easy to maneuver and store, though it does mean you can cover less area before you'll need to refill them. The included cleaning solution is ready to use without mixing with water.

You'll likely recognize the Rug Doctor brand from the rental aisle in your local hardware store. Now, you can have the professional cleaning power of a rental in your home every time you need it without having to run to the store. If you're really serious about carpet cleaning, we think the Rug Doctor is the next best thing to professional cleaning. We haven't tested this model in the Cleaning Lab, but we have tested an older version and were pleased with its performance. And this Rug Doctor has earned the highest rating from the Carpet & Rug Institute — the carpet industry's trade organization — for soil removal, water removal and gentleness. Take note that unlike other picks on this list, it only works on the backward stroke and is quite heavy to push and maneuver.

Its 3.9-gallon solution tank and 3-gallon dirty water tank mean you can spend more time cleaning and less time emptying and re-filling your water. You get a hose and handheld attachments for cleaning stairs and upholstery along with cleaning formulas. For a fraction of the cost, it's also available for rent from major appliance stores, grocery stores and other locations you can find on the Rug Doctor site. When you rent, all of the accessories are rented separately. The rental option is best if you don't want to own or don't have adequate storage space for your own carpet cleaner.

Other Picks We Tested

• Tineco's Carpet One Smart Carpet Cleaner brings intuitive technology to the carpet cleaning space. Like the Tineco combo vacuum and mops we've tested in the Cleaning Lab, this carpet cleaner automatically adjusts the suction and water flow according to how much dirt and debris is detected. A built-in heater keeps the water and cleaning solution hot for optimal stain-fighting and helps dry carpets faster too. In our tests, we found this model cleaned carpets well and was easy to maneuver. Our expert was impressed with the LED display that keeps you informed of the cleaning mode it is set to and how clean and dry the carpets are. At just 16.5 pounds, it's lighter than many other full-size cleaners we've tested and has a smaller footprint so it's easier to store, but take note that the included 8-foot hose and spot treatment accessory cannot be stored on-board.

• Another one of our Lab experts' favorite appliances from Bissell, the Little Green carpet cleaner is a pick that has withstood the test of time. First tested in our Lab many years ago, it has skyrocketed back into the limelight thanks to a boost from dozens of oh-so-satisfying cleaning videos on TikTok. In our Lab tests, it received excellent scores for its removal of fresh and set-in stains and for how easy it is to use. Because it's corded, you get an endless runtime and the almost 10-foot cord makes it so you can clean your car seats while it's plugged in in the garage too. Take note that it did receive the lowest possible rating from QuietMark for being loud and the water tank is a little cumbersome to fill. With over 52,000 ratings on Amazon, it has remained a consumer favorite thanks to its affordable price, impressive stain-zapping power and easy-to-store design. The hose and cord both have their own storage spots right on the device.

How we test carpet cleaners

By our last count, the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab has tested 17 full-size and portable carpet cleaners, 21 carpet stain removers and several in-home professional carpet cleaning services. Our experts 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 time how long it takes the carpet to dry then remeasure the color in the same locations to calculate how well the machine cleaned the carpet. Each model is tested on a fresh carpet panel so we're sure that the result of one test is not affecting the next. 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 cleaner, and we also rate how well they remove odors from the swatches.

Each model's user manual is also carefully reviewed and scored. 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 and have consumer testers come into the Lab to give us feedback on how easy the machines are to use and maneuver.

What to consider when shopping for a carpet cleaner

Renting a carpet cleaning machine may sound convenient, but when you factor in the coordination required to pick up the appliance and drop it off, the additional 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), you may want to spring for your own. Rolling up your sleeves and cleaning your carpets yourself will give your carpets new life and give you the satisfaction of having a clean home. Keep these points in mind before deciding on a model:

✔️ Weight and maneuverability: Carpet cleaners are much heavier to 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, you'll want to keep this in mind as carrying a 40-pound machine up and down the stairs every time it's time to clean the carpets is no easy task.

✔️ Footprint: Upright models require more storage space than portable or handheld models. If you don't have a lot of carpeting, a smaller model may be sufficient for your needs. For models with lots of attachments and long cords and 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 come with attachments like rotating brushes, a hose, a heater and attachments to clean upholstery and small areas, plus small bottles of detergents to get you started. Built-in heaters are especially helpful as using hot or even warm water helps remove stains faster and more effectively than cold water. 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 to avoid damaging delicate rugs as you clean.

✔️ 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.

How do carpet cleaners work?

Carpet cleaners 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. Many 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 you pull from the carpet. They work by dispensing a mixture of cleaning solution and water to your carpet that breaks down 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.

How often should you clean your carpets?

Carpet manufacturers and the Carpet and Rug Institute recommend having your carpets professionally deep cleaned every 12-18 months. Some carpets even require it to uphold the carpet’s warranty! While 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 that your carpet likely came with when it was new), 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.

How to make carpets soft and fluffy again

The best way to get your carpets soft and fluffy again is to give them a good wash with a full-size carpet cleaner. If you don't want to pull out your full-size carpet cleaner, all you need is a little baking soda and your regular vacuum. To revive matted carpet and remove odors, lightly sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet and work it in with a soft brush. After 15-30 minutes, using a vacuum with a new bag or empty dust cup, suction the powder from the carpet. The suction from the vacuum will lift the matted fibers and the baking powder will absorb the odors leaving your carpets looking and smelling fresh.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

With over 40 years of experience at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Carolyn Forté has tested hundreds of floor cleaning appliances including carpet cleaners, vacuums, mops and steam cleaners 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.

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