Best Carpet Cleaner Machines (Domestic Carpet Washer)

3. Bissell StainPro 6

Best Carpet Cleaner for Pet Owners

Key Features

• Reach: 8.5m
• Power: 800w
• Weight: 13.7kg
• Hard Floors: No
• Tank Capacity: 4L
• Noise Levels: 68db

“Perfect model for cleaning up after pets, especially when they have just come back from a wet walk.”

The Bissell StainPro 6 carpet cleaner sports a relatively compact design that makes it nicely suited to smaller spaces. What’s more, it’s the ideal carpet cleaner for pets, so if you have a furry friend or two in the house you won’t need to worry about mud and grime being left behind after wet walks.

It doesn’t come without its own flaws, but so does every machine, and you will find that it actually does a very good job of keeping your carpets looking, feeling, and smelling amazing. It’s certainly an upgrade from the Bissell StainPro 4, and you’ll see why once you get it started.

Cleaning Power 

This carpet washer certainly packs a lot of punch. The cleaning power is pretty sublime, ensuring that dirt and grime are promptly lifted from your carpets. It has technology that has been developed by Bissell called HeatWave, and this warms up the water so that it can be used to kill germs and bacteria.

It won’t get cold either, as the water is kept at a constant temperature for great results; part of what makes it one of the best carpet cleaners for pets. 

In addition to the hot water, there are also six rows of rotating brushes on the floorhead of this carpet washer, and they sweep right up against the wall for a thorough clean. As you can imagine, this really works the flooring to make sure that dirt is pulled up and away so that even the deepest crevices of your carpet are left carpet cleaner than before.

Combined with a crevice tool for those tight locations and an upholstery hose, no corner of your floor will be left untouched. 

Drying Capabilities

One of the things that the Bissell StainPro 6 carpet cleaner really excels at is drying the carpet. It uses what is known as Surround Suction to really suck all the excess moisture up from the carpet and get it dry. It’s probably one of the best models on the market for drying carpets, with superior tech that works quickly. 

Handling

Despite being a little heavy, it’s actually pretty easy to handle. The motions are smooth, allowing you to glide over your carpets with very little effort.

We were pleasantly surprised by how simple everything was, from the controls and the attachments to the general movements. It’s comfortable and ergonomic, which makes for smooth operation. 

Tank Capacity and Solution

The tank capacity offered by the Bissell StainPro 6 carpet washer is very generous at 4L. This is more than enough to get a couple of rooms done (depending on the dirt in your home). It does come with some Bissell brand solutions that you can buy more of, but it is also compatible with the cleaning product of your choice.

The only niggle here is that emptying it can be a bit of a hassle because removing the tank can be a little fiddly. It does get better with practice, but it definitely frustrating to start with. 

Read the full review for Bissell Stainpro 6 here. 

Pros

• Fantastic on carpets
• Great at drying floors
• Ideal for homes with pets 

Cons

• Could be better at stain removal
• Can be a little heavy to handle 
• Emptying the container can be a hassle

4. Bissell StainPro 4

Best Carpet Cleaners Bissell

Key Features

• Reach: 6.5m
• Power: 800w
• Weight: 7.8kg
• Hard Floors: No
• Tank Capacity: 2L
• Noise Levels: 70db

There is a lot of good to say about the Bissell StainPro 4 carpet cleaner, and it is a carpet cleaner that can provide you with both reliability and an affordable price tag.

It’s reassuring to have a brand that ticks all the boxes, and while there are a few features lacking with this machine, are any of them perfect?

We reckon this might be the perfect choice if you are searching for the best Bissell carpet cleaner. 

Cleaning Capabilities 

It’s so good at cleaning up mud, and that is one of the biggest causes of mucky carpets in our homes. The floorhead itself has four brushes that rotate, and these are known as the DirtLifter power brushes. They really get into the carpet while it is being washed, bringing up grime and dirt that you didn’t even know was there. 

In addition to those lovely carpet brushes, it also has edge sweepers. These reach out from the sides of the floorhead to get right up to the edge of your carpet. That way, you don’t end up with too much of a border after each session. However, it isn’t great with regular stains.

It can reduce the severity of them, but it could be a lot better on that front. Despite this, the Oxygen Technology that Bissell has incorporated does help a lot with lessening the stains over time. As an alternative, we would recommend the Vax ECB1SPV1 we have featured in this guide for stains as it is one of the best for the job. 

Drying Power

The drying capabilities are pretty impressive as well, which really makes up for the lack of stain removal. The water suction is excellent, dragging it back up from the carpet as you go so that you don’t have to spend a whole day waiting to step on your carpets. After only two hours, you’ll be able to walk over them with your bare feet. 

Handling

It’s a really lightweight carpet washer, which makes carrying it around easier when you need to get up the stairs or put it away. When it’s running, it feels as though it is gliding across the carpet, which makes the washing process a more pleasant one. There is also a hose and an upholstery nozzle that will allow you to make the most of your time and even give your furniture a good wash.

Putting it away afterwards is quite good as well, and it is a lot more compact than it looks. It’s not too noisy either, so it shouldn’t be too bothersome when running. Especially when you compare it to the Vax Rapid Power Plus, which is one of the loudest carpet cleaners out there. 

Tank Capacity and Emptying

You will have to calculate how much detergent is being put in the machine, which isn’t the end of the world but it’s also not as handy as some of the other carpet cleaners out there.

Especially when compared to the Vax Rapid Power Plus carpet cleaner that does it all for you. The dispersal of the detergent on the carpet is good, and you will find it gets an even coat before being scrubbed in. The Tank capacity is decent, but emptying the tank can be fiddly at first and takes time to get used to. 

Read Here : Bissell StainPro 4 Review

Pros

• Easy handling and lightweight
• Quiet running
•  Superb drying results

Cons

• Doesn’t work as well with stubborn stains
• Average general cleaning
• Need to calculate detergent

5. Vax Platinum Power Max – ECB1SPV1

Best Carpet Cleaners for upholstery

Key Features

• Reach: 9.7m
• Power: 1200w
• Weight: 13.9kg
• Hard Floors: No
• Tank Capacity: 4.3L
• Noise Levels: 70db

“It’s not just carpets that need a good clean, our upholstery deserves to be treated to a nice wash too. Vax has you covered.”

This is just, simply put, a wonderful carpet cleaner. It is one of the best around, and not just for your upholstery.

It’s loaded with handy tools that will make cleaning the home and washing fabrics easier than ever before. On top of that, it is able to reach right into every corner to ensure results that leave you feeling good about your home.

There are a few things that stop it from achieving perfection, but the positives make these pretty easy to overlook. 

Cleaning Capabilities

This snazzy vax platinum power max looks good and works a treat, washing and scrubbing your carpet to leave it beautifully clean by the end of the run.

There are different cleaning settings as well, which means you can tailor your task according to what your home needs. Do you wash it regularly? Go for a quick clean. Do you wash it rarely? Go for the full treatment instead. 

In addition to these great little features, you also have brushes on the main floor head that work the carpet to remove ingrained dirt that’s been there longer than you care to think about.

That’s not all, however, it also has a wand for pre-treatment of stubborn stains, a mini scrubbing tool, and an upholstery nozzle. This gives you the versatile cleaning you were looking for, and with a hard floor adaptor, your entire home just became a place for this carpet washer to shine. 

It’s great with massively reducing the appearance of stains, but carpet cleaners are rarely able to get it all done themselves. However, you can help the process along by using some handy stain removal hacks; something we have a few great pieces on. 

Drying Carpets and Upholstery

Generally speaking, the drying time for the carpets is pretty good in every setting. The water gets sucked up efficiently by the carpet cleaner, which means you only need to wait a couple of hours before you can use the room again.

However, the Vax Platinum Power carpet cleaner really takes it a step up by incorporating a quick-drying mode that will only take an hour. That’s impressive, as well as one of the reasons it is the best carpet cleaner for upholstery.

Handling

It can be hard to handle this carpet washer, and we will admit that right away. It’s a powerhouse with a mechanical trigger, which means you need to hold it down the whole time you are using it.

This machine is a little chunky and heavy, but you won’t really notice it because there is rarely a need to lift it up. Instead, you can wheel it around comfortably. It is a little noisy as well, and so if this is a dealbreaker for you then you might want to look at the Bissell StainPro 6 that we have also reviewed here. 

Tank and Emptying

The tank capacity is reasonable and certainly holds enough water to get the home clean. It automatically calculates detergent for you as well, which means there is one less thing for you to worry about.

This carpet washer comes with two bottles of washing solution so that you are able to get started right away, and have enough for a few cleans. As expected, it uses twin water tanks to separate dirty and clean water, which gives you peace of mind while you are washing the carpet.

Pros

• Loads of amazing tools
• Fantastic at drying
• Provides a close clean

Cons

• Cannot completely remove stains
• Can be hard work to use
• It’s heavy and noisy

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6. Rug Doctor X3 Mighty Pro

Professional Carpet Shampooer Choice

Professional carpet shampooer choice: loved by professionals and now available for your home, give your carpets the expert touch and show them that you care.

The Rug Doctor X3 carpet washer is loved by professionals for its excellent cleaning power and reliable design. It’s full of excellent features that you just don’t see anywhere else, and the results are absolutely fantastic. One of the most classic and reputable brands for the best carpet cleaners, the Rug Doctor has decades of reliability backing it up.

The price tag might be a little higher than some of the other models out there, but you can really see the value once you’ve finished cleaning your carpets for the first time. It even received the Carpet and Rug Institute’s highest rating.

Cleaning Power 

Rug Doctor claims that this model only needs one pass to deep clean your carpets. It might seem like a bold statement, but it’s also true. It can reach right up to the skirting boards and is also fantastic at removing general traffic marks from your home.

Cleaning along the walls provides some of the best results we have ever seen from a carpet cleaner, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands here with the rug doctor. 

The cleaning brush really gets down to business, reach deep into the fibres of your carpet to pull up all of that embedded dirt and debris.

There are three rows of bristles on the floorhead, and this help to loosen and remove grime that is a little stuck. There is also a pressure injector and brush agitator that can be activated with a single button adding some extra power and solution to the mix. 

It also comes with an upholstery kit that features a twelve-inch hose for cleaning your furniture and car upholstery as well as staircases and skirting boards. This is handy if you want to give your entire home the Rug Doctor treatment and really reach those hidden areas. 

Drying Capabilities 

The rug doctor does an excellent job of drying the carpets as well as washing them, which is good news for everyone involved. Instead of having to wait for hours before you can even place a toe on your freshly washed carpet, it is able to dry them in around 90 minutes. So, you can get the house back to normal working order in absolutely no time at all. 

Handling

The rug doctor is a pretty heavy carpet cleaner, and this makes lifting it up a herculean task in itself. However, you shouldn’t need to do this very often, as it has a set of wheels that will allow it to be pulled across the floor with ease.

The hose is nice and long to ensure that you get a good cleaning radius, and the power cord is also an excellent length to add to this. Overall, the handling is pretty good. 

Tank Capacity and Solution

This carpet washer comes with a litre of Rug Doctor cleaning solution, which should get you started quite nicely. It is best to use the brand that comes with this model, but other customers have used different types of carpet cleaner without issue. Removing the tank is quite simple, as all you need to do is flip a quick-release latch and take it out to be emptied. 

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So what makes a carpet cleaner the best carpet cleaner?

Main Types of Carpet Cleaners

Here are the main types of carpet cleaner:

• Hot water extraction.

This is also known as steam cleaning your carpet, and it uses high-pressure hot water to sanitise and wash your carpets, as well as working to remove stains.

It doesn’t take too long to clean carpets using this method, and you will usually use some form of detergent with the carpet cleaner. However, it can take quite a long time to dry when you are finished. 

• Carpet shampooing. 

 It is not the most popular method out there, namely because it takes most of the day to dry. Older models left carpets sticky because they were not rinsed properly, but newer tech seems to be counteracting this.

It could make strong comeback, and there are plenty of models out there that can provide a good shampooing that doesn’t come with many, or any, of the negatives.

• Bonnet.

This is a surface cleaning technique that is most commonly used in establishments such as hotels. This is because there is a lot of footfall, and so the carpet can be washed regularly but without needing to wait for it to dry.

 That way, guests and staff can keep going as normal, and the carpets benefit from a little sprucing. It doesn’t reach deep dirt, however. 

• Dry.

This form has been around for decades, but it’s only recently that the technology has been spruced up a little. It massages cleaning powder deep into the carpet fibres, leaving them there to gather dirt and grime ready for removal.

The powder, or compound, is usually made from an eco-friendly material, and it is the least disruptive cleaning process because it can be left for a period of time before collection. Therefore, it is a fantastic option for offices and 24/7 businesses.

• Foam.

This really is what it says on the tin, a detergent that foams and crystallises when applied. Once it has dried, it can be vacuumed or brushed to be removed, and you will find the carpets look quite nice indeed.

It is often favoured over-shampooing because it uses less water, but it isn’t ideal for reaching deeper levels of dirt. It’s solely a surface cleaner. 

• Two-in-One

These are machines that are both carpet cleaners and vacuum cleaners, which makes them exceptionally versatile. They can be used to wash your carpets and then hoover your hard floors; a winning combination on all fronts. However, their only fault is that they are only good at each of their tasks. Therefore, they will vacuum and wash well, but they are not excellent. 

What Key Features to Look For

Price Range

One of the first things you will want to look at with a carpet cleaner is the price range. Once you have determined how much you have to spend, you can start to filter the models available to you accordingly.

Here’s how the pricing tends to go for carpet cleaners:

Budget: under £100

• These models are often slightly better than the cheap option, although you will likely find that the cleaning power is equally disappointing. There are some good models in this range though, you just have to find them.  

Mid-Range: under £250

• These carpet cleaners are much better than the previous price brackets, and you are sure to find that a model in this bracket will do a good job of keeping your carpet wonderfully clean.

High-End: over £250

• This price range tends to have models that are the best on the market, and you will usually find that one of these carpet cleaners does an excellent job on your carpets. Of course, not every model will be perfect, but you have much better chances here.

Power

The amount of power a carpet cleaner can give you often refers to how good a clean it is able to provide your carpet with. You want something that can reach right down to all of the embedded dirt and wash it right out – especially if you have light carpets.

When looking at multi-functional models, however, this also refers to the vacuuming ability as you will want something with powerful suction that can rid your carpet of the debris before washing.

Weight

The weight is also a key feature. Many carpet cleaners do tend to be a little bulky, but it is possible to find lightweight models on the market.

You should look for something that is going to be easy for you to handle, but also won’t put too much strain on your arms and back, especially if you have to carry it upstairs or between rooms in your home.

Storage Space

When you go to buy a carpet cleaner, think about the amount of storage space you have. There are smaller and more compact versions on the market, but the ultimate way to save space is by picking up a multi-functional model.

This mean that you don’t need a vacuum cleaner in addition to a carpet cleaner, and so you can save more space in your home.

Water Tank Heater

The water tank heater is used to make sure that the effectiveness of the carpet washing is increased by keeping the water warm at all times.

Not every machine has this, but the tank heaters are great for those with asthma and allergies as they keep the water above liveable temperatures for dust mites.

While it does mean you need to ensure you use the right cleaning solution for the brand you buy, they are a very handy aspect to have.

Tank Size

Leading on from this, the tank size is also an important thing to think about. If you have a large home, you will want a tank that is able to hold a larger capacity – so you don’t have to keep emptying it and refilling it while you clean.

Some models also have two separate tanks for clean and dirty water, and these are well worth investing in for the cleanest possible carpets.

Auto-mix Feature

The auto mix feature is massively underrated because having to mix the solution up yourself can be time-consuming and complex – especially when it comes to measurements.

All you need to do with an auto mix machine is ensure you follow the instructions, put the right quantity of each item into the machine, and it will mix it all up for you. It’s done expertly, and it saves you time, making it a win-win situation.

Cleaning Head Type

There are a couple of cleaning heads that you can get, and each of them is quite beneficial. You, of course, have the classic floorhead, which resembles a vacuum cleaner head. These usually have brushes on the base so that you can scrub the carpets and really get things going. 

Others will have brushes at the sides which have been designed to reach the edges of your home. However, many of these still don’t provide fantastic reach and leave you with a border at the end.

Make sure you take a close look and see what kind of performance the edge brushes give on your chosen model before you buy. 

Different brands also tend to have their own floorheads, and there are plenty of accessories to choose from as well (which we go into a little later).

So, in addition to the most common types above, there are likely to be other variations out there that carry the same basic model with a little more pizazz. 

Hot Air Drying

Many carpet cleaners have a hot air-drying function. This means that when you have finished cleaning the carpet, you can also dry it – so you don’t have to wait hours for your carpet to dry naturally.

This is an incredibly useful feature to have, and one that should be near the top of your priority list when looking for additional features in your carpet cleaner.

Tools and Attachments

Tools and attachments are important, and it is something that needs to be considered with a carpet cleaner.

You can get things like a crevice tool to clean narrow spaces and tight corners, but there is also the turbo tool – a handheld rotating brush that is used to give areas you can’t reach with the main head a really deep and thorough clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

IS IT BETTER TO SHAMPOO OR STEAM CLEAN CARPETS?

Knowing whether it is better to shampoo or steam your carpets really depends on your situation. If your carpets are heavily soiled and on ned of some kind of miracle, shampooing is definitely the way to go. Plus, they are a lot easier to hire than their steam counterparts. 

The steam carpet cleaners have a lot of clear advantages, such as the fact that they actually disinfect carpets as well as kill both fleas and their eggs. They also use water and no detergent, which makes them completely safe for both pets and children. Their extra cleaning power tends to make them the preferred choice. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR CARPET?

Most people only deep clean their carpets once a year with a carpet cleaner. This is usually enough as long as you are vacuuming regularly. If you have pets and kids, you may find that you need to do this more frequently because of the amount of mud and grime that they tend to trek through the house. High traffic areas need the most attention, so keep this in mind. 

Read Here: How to clean and maintain carpets

WHICH IS BETTER VAX OR BISSELL CARPET CLEANER?

This is a tricky question because both are great brands. Asking if Vax or Bissell is best can depend on your personal taste and your trust in the name. However, we do have an opinion on this one.

For affordability and a solid model that will do a consistently good job, Bissell is the one for you. Their carpet cleaners come at a great price, and really are good to have around. 

Vax is fantastic because they have a lot more to them in terms of features and tech, but also as they are more powerful than their Bissell carpet washer counterparts.

IS STEAM CLEANING BAD FOR CARPETS?

Steam cleaning is not bad for carpets. In fact, it is actually surprisingly gentle on the fibres while you clean and disinfect. There have been a few misconceptions that the steam damages the carpet over time, but this is false.

Steam cleaning carpets on a regular basis is fine. Just be aware that you should check the manufacturer’s instructions with regards to carpet care before you use it. 

DOES SHAMPOOING RUIN CARPETS?

The actual process of shampooing carpets won’t ruin it. However, there are some things to be aware of. When you are washing the carpet, you need to ensure that all of the shampoo has been removed at the end.

Otherwise, it can become sticky and attract dirt, as well as the potential for mould growth. If the shampoo and water are left over time, it will only get worse. 

CAN YOU USE ANY CARPET CLEANER IN A BISSELL OR VAX?

In the case of Bissell, you can only use their brand of carpet cleaner inside the machine. Of course, people do use other brands without an issue, but in doing so they have voided their warranty. This little clause means that using Bissell brand detergent is the best way to go. 

For Vax, you don’t need to worry. You can freely use any brand of carpet cleaner in their machines. Vax does have their own line which is fantastic, but you have the choice to use products you are more comfortable with. 

DO CARPET CLEANERS ALSO VACUUM?

Some of the best carpet cleaners are also vacuums, but not all of them. You have to buy a 2-in-1 model that incorporates the technology from both into one machine. These can be a great choice to make, but the only downside is that they tend to be good at each job as opposed to excellent. 

DOES VANISH CLEAN CARPETS?

Vanish does clean carpets. It does a great job as well. On top of keeping the carpets clean, it also leaves them feeling softer and refreshed. It also helps to neutralise any odours, ridding your floors of any foul smells it may have picked up. This is especially good if you have a pet that you are housetraining that’s had a few accidents on the floor. 

CAN I USE BLEACH IN MY CARPET CLEANER?

Yes, you can put bleach in your carpet cleaner but it’s not a smart idea. For starters, bleach can end up damaging your carpet and causing discolouration if the solution is too strong.

Secondly, it isn’t even that great at cleaning. Yes, it can disinfect, but it doesn’t really remove the grime. You’re much better off using a detergent from the store, or a white vinegar and water solution. 

SHOULD I VACUUM BEFORE CARPET CLEANING?

Absolutely. You should always vacuum before you start carpet cleaning. This is because the vacuum cleaner will remove loose dirt and particles, clearing the surface grime so that the carpet cleaner can really focus on the deep cleaning. It just makes life a lot easier for you, and the cleaning process a smoother one. 

To Conclude

Hopefully we have given you a better insight into choosing the best carpet cleaner for your needs. Carpet cleaning is such a tedious task and if you don’t have the right tool to get the job done, you will exert too much time and effort doing just one job.

Carpet cleaner machines are more than just your traditional vacuum cleaner as it provides a more thorough and deep cleaning process.

Hopefully, our list above gives you an easier time in finding the best carpet cleaners for your household and if you have further enquiries, please drop a comment at the bottom of this page.