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Carpet cleaners use the power of vacuum, brushes and a cleaning solution to remove stubborn stains, dust and pet hair from your beloved carpet. It brushes, scrubs and loosens dirt to deep clean a carpet.
There are different types of carpet cleaners, including spot cleaners, heavy-duty options and models that specifically target pet fur removal. Apart from a carpet cleaning machine, you also need a carpet cleaner product that aids the cleaning process.
Our team has evaluated different carpet cleaners found on Amazon for this list. We narrowed down our choices based on customer reviews and ratings. Additionally, we considered key product features like price, design and various functions when choosing models for the categories.
We picked the Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner as the best overall cleaner. This model has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 12,000 Amazon reviews.
Hoover's SmartWash Carpet Cleaner features Automatic Cleaning Technology, allowing you to push the machine forward for cleaning and pull it back to dry. It also has an auto-clean motion sensing design that helps minimise the guesswork while leaving your carpets cleaner. Apart from a 2-in-1 pet tool, it comes with a stair tool, a 12ft hose and an accessory storage bag.
Customers praise the product's heavy-duty performance, ease of use and useful accessories. It is tough on stains and caked-on messes. It also helps remove pet hair with ease. Users said the AutoMix function accurately mixes the amount of solution needed for any cleaning job. Some people found the machine a bit heavy to manoeuvre, but this seems to be a minor concern.
The VAX Platinum Compact Power Carpet Washer is an excellent choice for those seeking an effective and budget-friendly solution for maintaining their carpets.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Bunnings, this model boasts features that ensure a thorough and hygienic clean. The antimicrobial AQUASPIN™ brush bar contributes to a deeper clean, while the compact design ensures convenient storage. With a generous 1.9L tank capacity, this unit offers extended cleaning sessions for small areas. Additionally, it employs heat blast technology for quicker carpet drying, leaving your rugs fresh and ready to use in no time.
However, it's important to note that while this unit excels in regular maintenance and spot-cleaning tasks, it may not be the best fit for heavy-duty cleaning needs. Moreover, separating clean and dirty water in dedicated tanks may require frequent maintenance.
Our team recommends the Bissell Proheat 2X Revolution Pet Professional Carpet Cleaner for pet owners. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. It's lightweight and easily maneuverable, with a low-profile foot that makes it effortless to navigate around furniture and into tight spaces.
The carpet cleaner tackles tough stains with the Clean Shot Pretreater and dries carpets in as little as 30 minutes - a speedy process that minimises disruption in your home. It also comes with two rotating brush rolls with 12 rows of Dirt Lifter power brushes and three cleaning modes—max clean, deep clean, and express clean—ensuring a thorough and customised cleaning experience.
Some users said the Heatwave Technology's heat is not as high as they'd prefer for deep cleaning. Also, you may need to buy a separate AU plug adapter as this is an international product. But satisfied customers added that these are minor issues compared to the product's excellence.
The Bissell SpotClean Portable Deep Cleaner comes highly recommended with a remarkable rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on both Amazon and JB Hi-Fi. This appliance features HeatWave Technology that maintains a consistent water temperature throughout the cleaning process, ensuring optimum results every time.
It is also equipped with a 3" tough stain tool to tackle everyday spills and efficiently address stubborn, set-in stains. The product package includes two sample bottles of the brand's compact carpet shampoo, and the cleaner itself is always ready for use, making it a reliable companion for unexpected accidents. It is especially handy for cleaning carpets, upholstery, cars, and caravans.
However, the dirt capacity is 1.4 litres, and the water capacity is 1.1 litres, which might require frequent emptying and refilling for larger cleaning tasks. Additionally, the cord length is 4.6 meters, which may limit mobility if a power source is not nearby.
The Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner earns high marks in performance and functionality, boasting a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 700 reviews on Amazon. That's why it's also our top pick for the best option for tough stains.
It is truly versatile and tackles stains effortlessly, thanks to its dual cross-action brushes that deep clean each carpet fibre, groom, and polish in a single pass. With the Simple Lift water tanks, filling and cleaning after use are no longer chores.
The device offers 75% more suction than similar upright deep carpet cleaners, ensuring an impeccable cleaning experience. The Super Boost setting gives an extra boost to clean heavily soiled areas, making it a formidable tool for tough stains. Maneuvering is a breeze with carpet-friendly wheels, and the collapsible handle ensures compact storage.
Despite its impressive credentials, it's worth noting that cheaper options are available in the market. Furthermore, some found the unit a little too noisy for their liking.
With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 4,000 Amazon reviews, The Hoover Clean Slate Spot Washer is an ideal choice for car owners aiming to keep their vehicles immaculately clean.
The device boasts powerful suction, effectively removing life-size spots and stains. Additionally, it has a 40oz. Dual Tank System and a hose rinse tool that flushes out any remaining dirt and debris. Including Oxy concentrate guarantees the permanent removal of even the toughest stains and spots.
Plus, the versatility of the 7" WidePath Tool and the Tight Spot Tool allows for cleaning in large areas and hard-to-reach spots, providing the flexibility needed when cleaning various messes. This makes it particularly useful for cars, effectively dealing with spills and stains of all sizes, from those expansive coffee stains on the seat to crumbs lodged in the tight spots.
But do note that the 40oz. Dual Tank System can make the machine a bit heavy, which could pose a challenge for some users. Also, while great for tackling big stains, the powerful suction might be a bit too strong for delicate upholstery.
We picked the Britex BR-11 Carpet Cleaner as the best heavy-duty carpet cleaner. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
The BR-11 is a professional hot water extraction system that's incredibly portable and easy to handle. It promises to leave carpets and upholstery spotless and dry within 2 to 4 hours. This cleaner is even approved by the National Asthma Council Australia - Sensitive Choice Program, evidencing its high standards.
However, all these benefits do come with a hefty price tag, costing $1,494. Another potential downside is the size of its solution and recovery tanks. With a 10L capacity for the solution tank and 9L for the recovery tank, the unit is bulkier than most.
The VAX Platinum Compact Power Carpet Washer is also our pick for the best portable carpet cleaner, earning a stellar rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Bunnings.
Its compact design makes for convenient storage and usage, and weighing just 5.5kg, it is one of the lightest models in VAX's carpet cleaning range. Users will notice how effectively it removes common household marks and pet stains, leaving carpets not only visibly cleaner but also dry and fresh-smelling.
The AQUASPIN™ brush bar, equipped with antimicrobial bristles, ensures a hygienic clean each time. And with a 1.9L tank capacity, one can expect extended runtimes for smaller areas, and the heat blast technology significantly reduces carpet drying time. Complimenting this model's performance are the included pre-treatment, platinum solution, and post-treatment solutions.
Some users have reported that the cleaner can be tricky to maneuver, particularly in smaller rooms or tight spaces. In addition, the extraction power may not be as powerful when dealing with exceptionally stubborn stains.
With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman, our team selected the Bissell Power Clean Max Carpet Shampooer as the best shampooer available online.
Its lightweight design and DeepReach PowerBrush Roll make this shampooer a powerhouse, easily eliminating dirt and allergens from carpets. Thanks to its compact size and integrated wheels, maneuverability is also a breeze. Plus, its dual tank setup, which separates clean and dirty water, adds convenience to the cleaning process.
But one minor drawback to the Bissell Power Clean Max Carpet Shampooer could be its removable tanks. While they're designed for ease, some users may find the task of emptying and refilling them a tad tiresome. Unlike other models, this carpet shampooer has no built-in heater to keep the cleaning solution warm.
The Bissell 14051 Oxy Boost Carpet Cleaning Formula Enhancer receives rave reviews, securing an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
This powerful enhancer is specially designed to permanently eliminate old, set-in stains, promising a noticeable difference that one can see right away. It's safe to use in all carpet cleaners and with all formulas, maximising the performance of any carpet cleaning machine.
Despite these glowing attributes, the product has a couple of drawbacks. The 16 oz. bottle only lasts up to eight uses, which some might find limiting. Secondly, although it's available in Renew Boost and Prevent Boost variants, it does not feature Scotchgard Protector. However, these minor cons do little to tarnish the overall effectiveness and value of the Bissell 14051, making it one of the best carpet cleaning products on the market today.
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Methodology
10+ Brands considered
50+ Products compared
10 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
We examined numerous carpet cleaners and carpet cleaning products listed on Amazon. Our team evaluated options from the following brands:
Ajax
Bissell
Bosch
Britex
Dirt Devil
Dr Beckmann
Enigma
Eureka
Ewbank
Hoover
INSE
Optim
OxiClean
Rug Doctor
Tower
Vax
Wertheim
We narrowed down our list based on customer ratings and reviews (as of September 2023). We also considered each model's key product features like design, value for money, functions and other inclusions. We came up with what we believe are the 10 best carpet cleaners available online.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
What is a carpet cleaner?
A carpet cleaner is a handy cleaning machine that helps lift stubborn stains, dirt and grime from carpets, leaving them refreshed and deeply clean.
What does a carpet cleaner do?
Carpet cleaners use the power of brushes, vacuum suction and cleaning solution to remove stains, dirt, debris and bacteria from your carpets. These machines inject cleaning solution and water into your carpet's fibres. The brushes then help loosen dirt and stains, which the vacuum suction lifts away. Some carpet cleaners can also be used on different surfaces like stairs, car interiors and upholstery.
Types of carpet cleaners
In general, there are 3 types of carpet cleaners to choose from. They cater to different needs.
Home carpet cleaners are the most popular and widely available in the market. They are often compact and lightweight, allowing you to manoeuvre the machine to deep clean every nook and cranny of your household. But since they are designed for residential use, they are quite small and not as powerful as other options.
Industrial carpet cleaners are heavy-duty and more durable than residential options. They easily lift and remove stubborn dirt and grime. They are also designed to withstand long cleaning sessions.
Commercial carpet cleaners are ideal for large, busy spaces like restaurants, offices and other business areas. They are often bulky and a bit more difficult to manoeuvre than industrial and home models but are extremely powerful. They are suitable for deep cleaning and removing old stains and other stubborn dirt. However, these are quite expensive.
How to compare carpet cleaners
Here are a few factors you should consider when buying a carpet cleaner:
Weight
Carpet cleaners are heavy even when empty. Consider getting a model that is lightweight and compact, allowing for easy navigation and transportation. This is particularly important if you plan to use the machine to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Tank capacity
Heavy-duty cleaners have a larger tank capacity compared to compact options. Choose a carpet cleaner with a large tank capacity if you don't like frequent refills or you plan to use the cleaner on large surface areas. But for smaller households, a cleaner with a smaller water tank should be enough.
Cord and hose length
Choose a carpet cleaner with a longer hose and cord length. This will save you time and effort from frequent repositioning.
Suction and drying ability
For old stains and other stubborn messes, cleaners with more powerful suction are ideal. For spot cleaning, models with moderation suction power might be enough. Also consider the cleaner's drying ability. Most brands offer machines with a fast-drying function for added convenience.
Accessories
Consider the attachments and other included accessories when picking a carpet cleaner. Pick an option with heaps of inclusions, so you can use the machine for different carpet cleaning needs.
Carpet cleaner maintenance
Check out these top tips to keep your carpet cleaner in its best shape:
Always flush and clean your machine after use. Empty the solution tank and rinse the machine with clean water to remove any chemical residue that the cleaning solution left. Cleaning your machine after use will ensure it is fresh and ready-to-go at any moment.
Don’t leave your machine outside when it's cold. Always store your carpet cleaner in a clean, dry place to avoid any damage. The cold may freeze the solution tank and damage its brass connection.
Use a suitable cleaning solution. Choose a deep cleaning carpet solution for your machine. Make sure to read the label and check the ingredients list. Pick a cleaning solution specifically made for your carpet cleaner. There are also pet and child-safe options available.
Frequently asked questions
We picked Bissell as the best carpet cleaner brand for its powerful cleaning and efficient performance. Bissell offers a wide range of carpet cleaners, from lightweight models to heavy-duty ones that can tackle tough stains and deep-clean carpets.
It is generally recommended to clean carpets with hot water as it helps to dissolve and remove tough stains more effectively. Hot water also allows for better penetration into the carpet fibres, resulting in a deeper clean. However, some carpets may be sensitive to high temperatures, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when cleaning your carpet.
Cleaning an old carpet can be a worthwhile investment. Over time, carpets accumulate dirt, dust, and stains that make them look unappealing and impact the air quality in your home. Regular cleaning of old carpets can help improve their appearance and extend their lifespan.
You should aim to deep clean high-traffic carpets at least every 6 to 8 months. You can also vacuum them once a week to remove surface dirt and messes.
A steamer uses the power of steam to remove dirt and grime on hard surfaces. A carpet cleaner uses the power of a cleaning solution, brushes and vacuum suction to remove tough stains and other messes on carpets, car interiors and upholstery.
Always follow your manufacturer's recommendation. While laundry detergent may seem like a cost-effective cleaning solution, it may damage your carpet's fibres. It is best to use a cleaning solution that is suitable for your machine and carpet.
Find how you can save on energy costs and see which providers are offering cheap rates for your state NSWVICQLDSAACT
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
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