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10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Self-Cleaning, Stain, Hair & Odor Remover, Perfect for Pets & Car Interiors, 3 Tools & Pet Cleaning Solution, Teal, PX253BRN

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,390
Weight and Portability
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
6208 reviews

Weight and Portability
Its lightweight, portable design makes it easy to carry around the home or car, making spot and stain cleaning hassle-free across couches, carpets, rugs, and vehicle interiors.
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology
Completely exceeded expectations by removing old coffee stains and pet messes almost instantly, with a dual-solution technology that breaks down stains deeply without leaving residue or chemical odors.
Attachments and Accessories
The pet hair extractor tool effectively lifts embedded hair and tiny debris without clogging the hose, ensuring the machine stays clear and performs reliably over time.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
All components can be taken apart and washed, preventing unpleasant odors and simplifying maintenance, which enhances the overall cleaning experience.

The Shark StainStriker HairPro is a lightweight, portable carpet and upholstery cleaner weighing just 8.5 pounds, making it easy to carry around the home or use in cars. Its tank capacity of about 24 fluid ounces is decent for spot and small area cleaning but may require refills for larger jobs. It comes with multiple attachments, including mini and XL stain eliminators, which are handy for reaching tight spots or covering bigger stains.

A standout feature is its HairPro technology, specifically designed to pick up embedded pet hair without clogging or tangling, which is a big plus for pet owners. The cleaner’s dual-activated cleaning formula and strong suction work well to remove tough stains and odors, including pet urine and smoke smells. Its onboard self-cleaning feature is convenient and helps maintain the unit without extra tools. The cleaning path is focused on spot and stain removal rather than wide-area cleaning, so it’s best suited for targeted use rather than entire room carpets.

Drying time isn’t specified but its powerful suction suggests decent water extraction, likely leading to faster drying than typical handheld cleaners. Maintenance is simplified with the self-cleaning system, and no assembly is required. This cleaner fits users who need a portable, effective solution for pet stains, hair, and odors on carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. If you plan on regular deep cleaning of large carpeted areas, a larger machine with a wider cleaning path might be more efficient.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,390
Weight and Portability
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
6208 reviews

Weight and Portability
Its lightweight, portable design makes it easy to carry around the home or car, making spot and stain cleaning hassle-free across couches, carpets, rugs, and vehicle interiors.
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology
Completely exceeded expectations by removing old coffee stains and pet messes almost instantly, with a dual-solution technology that breaks down stains deeply without leaving residue or chemical odors.
Attachments and Accessories
The pet hair extractor tool effectively lifts embedded hair and tiny debris without clogging the hose, ensuring the machine stays clear and performs reliably over time.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
All components can be taken apart and washed, preventing unpleasant odors and simplifying maintenance, which enhances the overall cleaning experience.
#2

BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus, 3588F, Upright Deep Cleaner, 30-minute Dry Time, Dual Dirt Lifter Powerbrush, Hose & Tool Attachment, Pet Upholstery and Tough Stain Tool Included

Rating
9.7
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Drying Time

Most important from
5681 reviews

Cleaning Power
Lifts stains thought to be permanent, leaving carpets looking fresh and smelling great.
Water Tank Capacity
Water tanks are big enough to get through about half of a small-medium bedroom before needing to be emptied or refilled.
Drying Time
Quickly cleans carpets without leaving them super wet and gross.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight yet powerful, making the cleaning process quick and hassle-free.
Attachments and Accessories
Built-in spot treatment is great, though a little hard to aim.
Ease of Maintenance
Incredibly easy to use, even for someone not particularly handy with cleaning machines.

The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is designed especially for pet owners, making it a strong choice in the carpet cleaner category. One of its standout features is the Dual DirtLifter PowerBrush, which combines 12 rows of rotating brushes to tackle tough stains deeply embedded in carpets. With a powerful 6.8-amp motor and TURBOSTRENGTH technology, it provides impressive suction while being relatively quiet. Additionally, it boasts a quick drying time of around 30 minutes, thanks to its Express Clean mode, making it ideal for busy households needing fast results.

The included attachments, such as the Pet Upholstery Tool and Tough Stain Tool, enhance its versatility, allowing for effective cleaning on various surfaces beyond carpets, such as furniture and stairs. The 1-gallon water tank capacity is generous, which means fewer trips to refill during cleaning sessions.

The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is a reliable carpet cleaner, particularly for pet owners, offering effective cleaning with quick drying times and useful attachments.

Rating
9.7
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Drying Time

Most important from
5681 reviews

Cleaning Power
Lifts stains thought to be permanent, leaving carpets looking fresh and smelling great.
Water Tank Capacity
Water tanks are big enough to get through about half of a small-medium bedroom before needing to be emptied or refilled.
Drying Time
Quickly cleans carpets without leaving them super wet and gross.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight yet powerful, making the cleaning process quick and hassle-free.
Attachments and Accessories
Built-in spot treatment is great, though a little hard to aim.
Ease of Maintenance
Incredibly easy to use, even for someone not particularly handy with cleaning machines.
#3

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Bonus XL Tool & Full-Size Cleaning Solution, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

Rating
8.8
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
6208 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it does not leave that soapy wet spot.
Water Tank Capacity
It's a little big, but the large capacity for both cleaner and dirty water allows for extended cleaning sessions.
Attachments and Accessories
Better than Bissell! It managed to get every stain out and has much better attachments, including a wider head and scrub brush.
Ease of Maintenance
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning, and the cleaning solution smells better and works better.

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, specifically the Portable Upholstery StainStriker model, is designed to eliminate tough stains and odors from a variety of surfaces including carpets, area rugs, couches, and cars. Its standout feature is the dual-activated stain eliminator which combines two cleaning formulas to tackle even the most stubborn stains and odors without the need for premixing. This makes it particularly suitable for households with pets, as it effectively removes pet urine and smoke odors.

The cleaner is also highly versatile, thanks to its powerful suction that can deep-clean and revive various surfaces, making them look like new again. Weighing under 9 lbs, it is lightweight and compact, ensuring easy maneuverability and storage. The machine comes with multiple attachments like a crevice tool, reversible bristle tools, and a pet tool, adding to its flexibility and targeted cleaning capabilities.

Additionally, it includes two types of cleaning solutions - the Deep Clean Pro Formula and the OXY Multiplier Formula for different cleaning needs. Maintenance is straightforward as well, with no batteries required and components that can be hand-washed. A possible downside might be the water tank capacity of 2 liters, which could require frequent refills during extensive cleaning sessions. Despite this, the ease of use, powerful cleaning performance, and range of included accessories make the Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a clean and fresh home environment, especially for pet owners.

Rating
8.8
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
6208 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it does not leave that soapy wet spot.
Water Tank Capacity
It's a little big, but the large capacity for both cleaner and dirty water allows for extended cleaning sessions.
Attachments and Accessories
Better than Bissell! It managed to get every stain out and has much better attachments, including a wider head and scrub brush.
Ease of Maintenance
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning, and the cleaning solution smells better and works better.

Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Cleaners

Buying a carpet cleaner can make a huge difference in keeping your carpets fresh, clean, and free of allergens and stains. Before you make a decision, understand where and how often you'll use it: Are you cleaning a whole house, just a few rooms, or handling pet messes? The right carpet cleaner will depend on the size of your space, the type of stains you frequently deal with, and how portable or easy to store the machine needs to be. Think about the cleaning jobs you need done most often, as this will guide you to the features and specs that match your needs.
Tank CapacityTank capacity determines how much water and cleaning solution the carpet cleaner can hold at one time. A larger tank lets you clean bigger areas before needing a refill, making it useful for larger homes or more extensive cleaning sessions. Smaller tanks are lighter and easier to handle, suiting those who plan to clean only small spaces or want something more portable. If you often clean big rooms or do deep cleans, a bigger tank is more convenient. For quick or spot cleaning, a smaller tank is usually sufficient and easier to manage.
Cleaning Path WidthThe cleaning path width is the span of the area the machine can clean in a single pass. A wider path means more carpet can be cleaned in less time, which is helpful for covering large areas quickly. Narrower cleaning paths are better for tight spaces or areas with lots of furniture. If you're cleaning large open rooms, go for a wider cleaning path. If you need to maneuver in small spaces or around obstacles, a narrow one will be more practical.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and overall portability of a carpet cleaner affect how easy it is to push, carry, and store. Heavier cleaners often feel sturdier but might be difficult to move up and down stairs or across multiple floors. Lightweight models are easier to lift and store, particularly if you’ll be cleaning upstairs or in different rooms. Consider your physical strength and where you'll need to use the machine. If lifting or frequent movement is likely, prioritize lighter and more portable options.
Type of Brushes and Cleaning TechnologyCarpet cleaners use brushes or rollers to lift dirt and scrub stains out of carpet fibers. Some machines have motorized or rotating brushes for deeper cleaning, while others have stationary brushes suitable for lighter dirt and maintenance. Rotating or vibrating brushes excel at removing tough stains and cleaning high-traffic areas. If you need deep cleaning or often tackle stubborn stains, choose a machine with advanced brush systems. For regular, light maintenance, simpler brush types will suffice.
Attachments and AccessoriesMany carpet cleaners come with extra tools like hose attachments or nozzles for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or tight corners. These accessories make the cleaner more versatile. If you expect to clean sofas, car interiors, or stairs, look for models with specialized attachments. If you’ll only use the cleaner on carpets and floor spaces, accessories may be less important.
Drying Time/Water ExtractionHow well a carpet cleaner extracts water after cleaning affects how quickly your carpets dry. Machines with stronger suction or extraction technology pull out more water, which speeds up drying and reduces the chance of mold or mildew. If you need your carpets dry quickly—for example, in high-traffic areas or if you have kids or pets—choose a machine known for effective water extraction. For less frequent or overnight cleaning, drying time may be less crucial.
Ease of Cleaning and MaintenanceSome carpet cleaners require more upkeep, such as emptying tanks, cleaning the brushes, or clearing clogs. Easy-to-remove tanks and simple brush access make regular maintenance much easier. If you value convenience and want to avoid headaches after each use, opt for models designed with easy cleaning in mind. Consider how much time you're willing to spend keeping the cleaner in good shape.

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