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Karcher topped the list for carpet and floor cleaning features and functions and ease of use. It also had high scores for cleaning performance and value for money.
Carpet shampooers are home appliances designed to deeply clean your floors. They are more effective at cleaning than vacuuming, as they wash out the dirt embedded deep within the carpet, not just the particles resting on top.
Carpet shampooers use water, concentrated detergent and suction to whip up a lathered foam that breaks down dirt particles residing in carpets.
The benefits of using a carpet shampooer include:
There are also some drawbacks to carpet shampooers, including:
There are three ways to get your carpet shampooed: Buy a shampooer, hire or rent a shampooer or book a professional carpet cleaning service. Compare your options below:
| Pros | Cons | Pricing | |
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You can choose between two main types of carpet shampooers: upright shampooers and spot cleaners.
Unlike carpet shampooers, wet and dry vacuum cleaners are designed to clean up liquid spills that have just occurred. If you want to clean a carpet that has accumulated and absorbed dirt over time, a wet and dry vacuum won't provide the deep clean you are looking for.
The right carpet shampooer for you will depend on how often you plan to use it and where you plan to use it. When purchasing or hiring a carpet shampooer, consider the following features:
Carpet shampooers are generally fitted with two water tanks, one for clean water and one for dirty water. The shampooer pushes out clean water mixed with the detergent, then sucks it back up into the dirty tank. You'll have to keep refilling the clean tank and emptying the dirty one as you go. Having a large tank means you'll have to refill it less often, but will involve moving around a heavier piece of equipment.
The longer the cord, the more maneuverability you have. Look for a cord that is long enough to ensure that you won't have to change power points every ten minutes.
Empty carpet shampooers can weigh anywhere from 5kg to 20kg before you add the water. If your home has a lot of stairs, you may want to consider a lighter model with a smaller tank.
Most carpet shampooers are loud. A pair of earmuffs or headphones can help you use your shampooer without damaging your hearing. Keep your neighbours in mind when deciding what time of day would be best to use your carpet shampooer.
Carpet shampooers can come with accessories for different uses, such as:
Check the length of the manufacturer's warranty to find out how long it is and exactly what it covers.
Most carpet shampooers come with a small sample of cleaning solution or a recommendation for which solution to buy. If you buy your own cleaning solution, you can choose a formula specifically designed to tackle any carpet issues you have, such as pet smells and tough stains. However, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions, as using a non-recommended solution can void your carpet shampooer's warranty.
If you hire a carpet shampooer, you might also need to purchase an anti-foamer or defoamer. Check with your hire company to see if these will be included.
Most products have a trigger or switch that releases the detergent solution into the carpet. After you release the cleaning solution, move the cleaning brush over the dirty area, to help the water seep into the carpet. Next, activate the suction mode, which dries the carpet and removes the cleaning solution. Most manufacturers suggest going over each area of carpet at least twice to make sure all of the solution has been removed.
Top tips for effective cleaning:
Drying times vary, depending on the manufacturer and the individual conditions. Some manufacturers suggest that your carpet will be dry in as a little as two hours, while others say it make take six hours or more to dry completely.
However, there are some steps you can take to quicken drying times, including going over the carpet multiple times with the suction. If you clean your carpets on a hot day or use fans to circulate more air, your carpets will also dry more quickly.
| Total Score | Overall rating | Value for Money | Cleaning performance | Ease of use | Features & functions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 7.84 | 4.27 | 4.1 | 4.31 | 4.37 | 4.14 |
| Karcher | 7.61 | 4.14 | 4.07 | 4.07 | 4.17 | 4.21 |
| Bissell | 7.55 | 4.1 | 3.96 | 4.08 | 4.12 | 4.06 |
| Hoover | 7.34 | 3.96 | 4.2 | 3.86 | 4.1 | 4 |
| Black & Decker | 7.17 | 3.95 | 3.93 | 3.83 | 4.05 | 3.61 |
| Britex | 7.11 | 3.91 | 4 | 3.78 | 3.7 | 3.78 |
| Vax | 6.99 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.82 | 3.96 | 3.76 |
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