With a wide range of professional-grade carpet shampooers on the market, it is often hard for consumers to decide on which model to buy, especially considering the fact that everyone has different needs and expectations from a cleaning machine. That is why we are offering this list, in conjunction with one of the top carpet cleaning companies in Aberdeen, of the top-selling home carpet cleaners below.
In addition to a general list that demonstrates the models with the highest overall ratings, you will also find the ideal models for different groups of people including pet owners, big families with children, and so on.
You can check out the table for the highest-rated models, or use the tabs below the table to find the model that suits your specific needs, use the top menu to read our detailed reviews or check out the summary reviews for a few select models.
Large carpets
If you have large carpets to clean, you will need a shampooer with a large tank that will require fewer trips to the sink to empty/refill water and detergent. The best models in that regard are Bissell Big Green
and the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3.
In addition to the size of the tank, you should also consider the width of the cleaning path. The wider the path, the fewer passes you will need to make to clean large carpets. Big Green boasts a cleaning path width of 10.5 inches, while the Rug Doctor has an ever wider path at 10.8 inches. In addition, both models passed our reviews (and for that matter, the reviews of other users around the web) with flying colors.
Pets
Our beloved pets can often cause havoc on our carpets, leaving a lot of hair or very hard stains and odors in their wake. There are special models designed for pet owners and we would recommend that you check out Bissell Proheat 2X Pet or Bissell Deep Clean Premier Pet. However, the Big Green, Hoover Power Scrub and the Mighty Pro X3 will also work very well, especially if you use the brands’ own special solutions for pet mishaps.
However, you should also remember that it’s always a good idea to vacuum the carpets first if you don’t want your carpet cleaner to catch too many hairs (potentially clogging the filters). Although most models designed for pet owners have extra features like hair collecting baskets, it would still be prudent to vacuum first.
Deep cleaning
If your carpets have deep stains that regular or low quality machines cannot remove, you would be better off with a machine capable of deep cleaning and removing tough stains and lingering odors. As in most other cases, the Big Green is a viable (albeit expensive) alternative. If you want a lower priced shampooer that can offer comparable cleaning power, you may want to check out Bissell Proheat or Hoover Power Scrub.
Budget models
If cost is the main concern, you may prefer to sacrifice some of the more advanced options and a bit of functionality for a machine that will do the job (to an acceptable extent) and not cost an arm and a leg in the process. If that is the case for you, you may want to check out Hoover SteamVac or Bissell Deep Clean. Either machine can be purchased for under $150 most of the time (depending on the discounts/campaigns introduced by the brands), and although they will lack some of the functionality higher priced models have to offer, they will still get the job done and offer enough value for the money.
Lightweight shampooers
Last but not least, if you have any kind of health problems (like back pains and such), you may want to avoid heavy machines like the Big Green or Rug Doctor Mighty X3. Even though these cleaners are among the best in terms of cleaning power and performance, they are also quite heavy and can be very hard to push around, especially if you have health problems. You would be better off looking at lightweight models like the Bissell Little Green (if you need a spot cleaner) or Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe (if you need a full-sized cleaner).
Short Reviews of the Highest Rated Carpet Cleaners
Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine 86T3/86T3Q
Bissell’s most popular and best-selling model, the Big Green, is definitely one of the best home cleaning machines currently available on the market. It is a powerful machine packed with a lot of features and its’ cleaning power is up to par with professional machines that cost a lot to rent.
It has almost anything you would expect from the perfect machine; from fantastic dirt removing thanks to the Dirt Lifter Power Brushes to a long hose and tough stain tool that makes it easy to clean stairs and any awkward spaces, a flow indicator that tells you when to empty/refill the tanks to 2 huge tanks that are not only convenient but also require fewer trips to the sink.
All in all, this is one of the most advanced and powerful machines with the highest ratings. If you have the budget, go for it.
Rug Doctor Deep Cleaner
If you don’t have the budget for the Green machine, you can go with the next best model which costs significantly less while providing outstanding cleaning power and very fast drying times: the Rug Doctor Deep Cleaner. Equipped with a plethora of nice and advanced features, this Rug Doctor model can cope with the worst stains, provide deep and thorough cleaning and get your carpets to dry much faster than most of the models on the market. It is also easy to assemble, use, maintain and store, making it one of the best alternatives currently available. We strongly recommend you consider this model if you will be cleaning your carpets more than a few times a year (and if you don’t have the budget or don’t want to spend that much for the no. 1 model).
Bissell 47A23 Proheat 2x Premier Full-Size
Another powerful model from Bissell. The Proheat 2X is a very decent machine that offers features like surround suction for faster drying, powerful dirt removal capability with 10 rows of Dirt Lifter Power Brushes, the heatwave technology for better cleaning, and accessories for upholstery and stairs including hand tools and a hose. Although not as powerful as the first two models, Proheat definitely does what it is supposed to do (and does it well), and costs even less than the 2nd best model. If the 2 in 1 tank (unlike two separate tanks like most models have) will not be a problem for you, it would be safe to say that this machine is well worth the price it is sold for.
Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3
One of the oldest models among those we reviewed, the Mighty Pro X3 is definitely a cleaner that needs to be considered by anyone including pet owners or families with little children. A powerful machine that takes care of the hardest of stains, packed with multi directional brushes that clean most of the dirt in a single pass, the ability to remove pet stains and odors and a handheld tool for upholstery, stair and car cleaning, the X3 offers everything you would need. With a huge dirty water tank that can hold up to 3.9 gallons, you will be able to clean multiple rooms/carpets before you ever need to visit the sink for emptying/refilling the tank. We have placed the X3 in the fourth place for pretty much a single reason. This is a very heavy machine (including the dirty water tank that gets heavy when filled and can be hard for some people to remove and empty), and hence not suitable for smaller persons or anyone with health problems.
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe
If you are looking for a rather cheap carpet washer that offers a lot more than its price tag would make you expect, the Power Scrub Deluxe is definitely that machine. With a variety of well-thought features including a wash and rinse selector, 360-degree cleaning with Spinscrub brushes, smart tank system (two separate tanks), a handy hose and upholstery tool, fast drying times and a lightweight design, this shampooer undoubtedly offers a lot for any homeowner.
If cost is a consideration for you, then we can definitely recommend this washer from Hoover as it is one of the most affordable models. And the best part is that you won’t be compromising much in terms of cleaning power and performance.
Carpet Cleaner Buying Guide
Cleaning your carpets is a very tedious and challenging job. Not only do you have to get rid of those tough to remove stain but you want to make sure your carpet smells clean and fresh. Having the right carpet cleaner in your home or office will get the job done in no time. The right carpet cleaner depends on how you will use the machine as each model is designed for a specific purpose. We have compiled the most important features you need to consider below.
Best Type of Carpet Cleaning Machine To Look For
Know the different types of carpet cleaners and their specific cleaning purposes. There are many models designed for home use, most of them are basic and easy to operate. Professional units built for businesses (or commercial carpet cleaners) are mostly heavy duty and have added features; they are also usually heavier and bulkier than home carpet cleaners. Some manufacturers produce cleaning machines for both residential and commercial use.Quality – poor-quality shampooers will not do the job efficiently and will not be able to take on heavy-duty demands. Using the wrong kind of machine for the wrong job will end up in a broken cleaning machine or expensive repairs.Air Filtration – for carpet and vacuum cleaners, air filtration is very important, however, even if your cleaner has a very high airflow, if the dust and pollutants escape through the vacuum bag, then it is pointless. Many manufacturers produce vacuums that have a HEPA filter that can capture as much as 99.97 percent of contaminants as small as 0.3 microns.
“Green” Label – the label indicates that the cleaner has met or exceeded the criteria of The Carpet and Rug Institute or CRI. The CRI has launched a certification program for vacuum cleaners. They rate the machines based on their capacity to remove soil, the vacuum bag’s dust containment and how clean the carpet is after vacuuming.
Types
Spot Cleaners – these cleaners are ultimately portable. Spot cleaners are equipped with a small tank for the water and shampoo, and a return tank for the dirty water that is vacuumed up. Some models of spot cleaners require a bit of muscle work; you have to push the cleaner back and forth over the spot that has to be cleaned. The more popular and more expensive models have rotating brushes; you only have to set the unit over the spot that needs to be cleaned, power it on and the brushes rotate and do the work. These cleaners are also excellent furniture cleaners. These cleaners were designed for home use but are also great for commercial use because of their portability.
Small Rolling Canister Cleaners – these cleaners are equipped with wheels for mobility. They hold the cleaning solution, clean water, and the dirty water obtained from the suction hose. These cleaners usually include a heating element to warm the cleaning water or convert the water into steam. The attachments often include a combined applicator and suction wand, a scrubber, and a furniture cleaning attachment. These cleaners are perfect for home and small office use.
Upright Vacuum-Style Cleaners – these shampooers are the bulky version of household vacuum cleaners. The unit has removable tanks to hold carpet cleaning solution, clean water, and dirty water. The machine is pushed back and forth across the carpet like a vacuum cleaner. These cleaners usually have hose attachments for furniture upholstery cleaning.Carpet Cleaning Extractor – this type of cleaning machine is usually employed by professional companies for intense cleaning. They are perfect for occasional cleaning
Steam Cleaning – this is another type of home cleaning machines. This cleaner is perfect if you are planning to shampoo your carpets. They are also excellent for spot and stain removal. The most excellent way to soak and remove any stain or dirt is steam. These models can also be used on sofas and walls.
Dry Cleaning Machines – these machines use dry cleaning agent into the carpet fibers and left for the carpet fibers for 15 to 30 minutes. You can then set your unit to dry carpet cleaning and proceed to vacuum. These machines use a high-suction vacuum to extract the dirt and the cleaning agent. These models are usually used by commercial companies to clean offices.
Bonnet Machines – these machines look like a large floor buffer machine. A cleaning pad is placed on the buffer of the machine and is then dipped into a cleaning solution and buffed on the carpet. You have the option to use the solution on the pads or use the dry method. Vacuuming the carpet afterwards yields best results.
Large Rolling Machines – these cleaning machines vary in sizes and have sizable tanks to cover large areas between refills. These units can effortlessly cover conference rooms, banquet halls, and other large public places with carpeted floors.
Portable Commercial Cleaners – these models can be self-propelled, have larger water storage capacity, have more powerful motors, and are tougher built for extended duty cycles.
Industrial Truck Mounted – these machines are used for commercial cleaning companies that offer residential and business services. The vehicle houses the motors, water tanks, heaters, and steamers. These truck-mounted cleaners are convenient for moving from place to place.
Features
Heated Output – heated output is one of the most advanced features in carpet shampooers. These machines can provide an output temperature of 210°F compared with conventional machines that offer cold water output.
Quick Cleaning – machines with multiple heating elements speed up the cleaning process.
Specialized Wands – wands are essential to cleaning machines in such that they are used to inject and extract mixture of cleaning agent and water into mats and carpets. Modern commercial rug shampooers offer multiple wands for different uses.
Low Flow Technology – machines with this technology limits the quantity of output that flows to the surface which allows the carpets, rugs, mats and upholstery to dry quickly. This technology minimizes water wastage.
Motor Powered Brushes and Rollers – Brushes on the bottom of the cleaner help push water and detergent deep into the pile of the carpet and help to pick up dirt. If your budget allows look for models with a motor-powered brush, which helps loosen ground-in dirt. These either rotate or move from side to side.
Extendable Hoses and Nozzles – machines with extendable hose and nozzles can clean upholstery. Nozzle attachments are also perfect for sucking up spills.
Hard Floor Cleaning – some cleaners can also be used to clean hard floor such as tiles and linoleum.
Machine Weight – choose carpet cleaners that are easy to carry, especially if will use them upstairs. Some machines have removable water tanks which reduce the weight.
Cord Length – machines with longer cords are perfect for cleaning big rooms.
Detergent Dosing – some cleaners require manually adding the detergent to the water tank. There are other cleaners that have separate tanks and automatically add them to the water while you are cleaning.
Rotating Dirt Lifter Power Brushes – this feature is exceptional in loosening and removing tough stains and dirt.
Pressurized Edge-to-Edge Cleaning – the machine sprays pressurized water that loosens and lifts stubborn stains with constant and relentless spray.
Spin Scrub® – this is a patented feature for certain models of Hoover machines. Counter-rotating brushes removes dirt from your carpet fiber at every angle.
Heated Cleaning – certain machines have powerful motor with forced heated air to help speed dry time.
SmartTanks™ System – features separate tanks for clean and dirty water, so you can easily fill, empty and rinse each tank individually.
Ultra-tough Body Casing and Construction – some machines are constructed from durable yet lightweight heavy duty roto-moulded polyethelene (HDPE).
Fan-cooled Electronics – this feature keeps the electronic components at the lowest working temperature.
Brands
Hoover
Founded by William Henry Hoover in The Hoover Company started out as an American floor care manufacturer based in North Canton, Ohio. It also established a major base in the United Kingdom and for most of the early-and-mid-20th century; it dominated the electric vacuum cleaner industry, to the point where the “Hoover” brand name became synonymous with vacuum cleaners and vacuuming in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Bissell Inc.
Also known as Bissell Homecare, is a privately owned vacuum cleaner and floor care product manufacturing corporation headquartered in Walker, Michigan in Greater Grand Rapids; the headquarters has a Grand Rapids, Michigan postal address.
Electrolux AB
Electrolux (commonly known as Electrolux) is a Swedish multinational household and professional appliances manufacturer headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
Oreck
Founded by David Oreck in 1963, Oreck Corporation began as a manufacturer of upright vacuum cleaners for the U.S. hotel industry. Today the company produces and sells vacuums, steam mops, floor machines, air purifiers and cleaning products for use in both hotels and homes throughout the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe.
Daimer Industries® is the undisputed, world’s top ranked brand of steam cleaners with customers in over 200 countries. The company’s customer list includes the White House, some of the largest and most recognizable national and multi-national names, and hundreds of thousands of others ranging from homeowners, small companies, all branches of the military, health care, hospitality, and many more. Our customer list displayed on the website offers merely a small fraction of Daimer®’s total customer base.