If you’re like most homeowners, you probably own several vacuum cleaners to deal with everyday dust, pet hair, and food crumbs on your carpets and upholstery. However, when it comes to deep cleaning, vacuuming is insufficient. Your carpets and upholstery may occasionally require a thorough wet cleaning, in which case a reputable carpet cleaner may help. These machines use a combination of water and cleaning solutions to dissolve stains and deeply embedded dirt, leaving your carpets fresh and spotless.
Our Top Picks: Hoover Carpet Cleaner
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we rigorously test carpet cleaners to assess their stain-cleaning abilities, drying times, stain-removing capabilities, ease of use, and more. Here are the top three carpet cleaners of 2023:
BEST VALUE CARPET CLEANER: Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- Treat stains without bending down
- Cleans on the forward pass, dries on the backward pass
- Automatically mixes cleaner with water for less mess
Cons:
- The cord is slightly shorter than other full-size models
- A bit heavier than some models
The Hoover SmartWash Pet Pro offers outstanding value for money.Although it might not always be the most economical option, it is a good alternative due to its performance and cutting-edge features. This full-sized carpet cleaner boasts a unique removable stain-pretreating wand, allowing you to address stains without straining your back or reaching for extra cleaning products. It even has a “dry-only” mode, eliminating the need for a separate drying step. The 8-foot hose and 22-foot cord provide adequate reach for cleaning stairs, tight spaces, and large upholstery pieces.
BEST PORTABLE CARPET CLEANER: Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus
Pros:
- Pre-mixed formula stores onboard
- Convenient control buttons
Cons:
- Takes just over four hours to charge
For spot cleaning and occasional spills on your carpet or upholstery, the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus is an excellent choice. In our tests, it outperformed larger models in terms of stain and odor removal, ease of use, and run time. This lightweight and portable cleaner erases both fresh and dried stains with ease. It features a built-in rotating brush that agitates the carpet pile, working with Bissell’s pre-mixed detergent solution for deep cleaning. It’s also among the quietest models available.
BEST COMPACT CARPET CLEANER: Tineco CARPET ONE Smart Carpet Cleaner Machine
Pros:
- Small footprint
- Easy to maneuver and store
- Offers audio prompts and feedback
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than others
The Tineco CARPET ONE Smart Carpet Cleaner brings advanced technology to the carpet cleaning space. This compact cleaner works with a mobile app and adjusts suction and water flow based on the level of dirt and debris detected. Voice prompts guide you through the cleaning process, making it incredibly user-friendly. Its built-in heater keeps the cleaning solution hot for efficient stain removal and faster drying. Additionally, compared to bigger machines, it is considerably lighter and simpler to move, making it a desirable option for confined locations.
What to Take Into Account When Choosing a Carpet Cleaner
Although renting a carpet cleaner may seem handy, purchasing one may end up being more economical in the long term. The following things should be considered while looking for a carpet cleaner:
- Weight and maneuverability: Compared to regular vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners are larger and heavier. Look for models with easy-to-fill water tanks and large handles for better portability.
- Footprint: Consider the storage space required for the cleaner. Compact or handheld models are suitable for smaller spaces and spot cleaning.
- Special features: Features like rotating brushes, built-in heaters, long hoses, and targeted stain sprayers can enhance your cleaning experience. Warranty considerations are also essential.
- Warranty: Most carpet cleaners come with warranties ranging from one to five years. Ensure you use the recommended cleaning solution to avoid voiding the warranty.
How Carpet Cleaners Work
Carpet cleaners come in various forms, from portable models to uprights. They all have two tanks: one for clean water and detergent and another for dirty water. These machines dispense a mixture of cleaning solution and water onto the carpet, where a rotating brush agitates the solution into the fibers. The cleaner then suctioned up the solution and dirt into the dirty water tank. While often called “steam cleaners,” they don’t use actual steam, but you can add hot water for more effective cleaning.
Hiring a trustworthy carpet cleaner at home may help you save time and money while maintaining the appearance of your carpets and furniture. Consider your specific needs, budget, and available storage space when selecting the right carpet cleaner for your home.
Conclusion
Any homeowner who wants to keep their carpets and furniture immaculate should consider making an investment in a high-quality carpet cleaner. The top three 2023 competitors provide a variety of alternatives to meet various demands. The Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner stands out for its exceptional value and helps users to remove stains with ease. The Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus outperforms bigger versions in quick and effective spot cleaning thanks to its exceptional stain and odor removal abilities.
Last but not least, the Tineco CARPET ONE Smart Carpet Cleaner offers user-friendly technology that simplifies carpet cleaning with its sophisticated features and smartphone connectivity. Considerations including weight, mobility, and unique features should be made while buying a carpet cleaner. In the end, buying a carpet cleaner is a practical and affordable way to keep your house tidy and welcoming.
