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10 Best Carpet Shampooers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,393
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
57694 reviews

Cleaning Power
This carpet cleaner is an absolute game-changer, handling old stains like a pro with strong suction power that leaves carpets drying faster than expected.
Water Tank Capacity
Although it requires frequent refilling for larger areas, it's worth the money for the convenience of not having to rent a commercial shampooer.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments work nicely and are easy to connect, making it perfect for cleaning stairs and upholstery, with a hose that reaches about seven steps up.
Ease of Maintenance
Designed with user-friendliness in mind, this model makes cleaning the unit unbelievably easy, with detachable rotating brush rollers and convenient tanks.

The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice for those looking to deep clean their carpets. Its cleaning power is enhanced by SpinScrub® Technology, which features multiple rotating brushes that effectively reach into carpet fibers for a thorough clean. The dual nozzle design ensures that suction is evenly applied, helping to speed up the cleaning process. With a water tank capacity of 3.8 liters, you can clean a decent-sized area before needing to refill, which is quite convenient. Additionally, the Smart Tank™ system makes it easy to fill, empty, and clean the tanks without any mess, saving you time and hassle.

Weighing in at 18.5 pounds, the machine is relatively lightweight, but some users may still find it a bit cumbersome to maneuver, especially in tight spaces or on stairs. It comes with an 8-foot hose and upholstery tool, making it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas, which is a nice bonus. However, for those who need to clean larger areas frequently, the drying time may be a concern, as it can take a bit longer for carpets to dry completely after cleaning.

The machine also scores well on ease of maintenance, with removable brushes that can be cleaned easily. However, it does require assembly upon arrival, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users. This carpet shampooer is best suited for homeowners looking for a reliable and effective cleaning solution that combines power with ease of use. Its features make it a strong contender in the market, though potential buyers should consider their specific needs regarding weight and drying time.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,393
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
57694 reviews

Cleaning Power
This carpet cleaner is an absolute game-changer, handling old stains like a pro with strong suction power that leaves carpets drying faster than expected.
Water Tank Capacity
Although it requires frequent refilling for larger areas, it's worth the money for the convenience of not having to rent a commercial shampooer.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments work nicely and are easy to connect, making it perfect for cleaning stairs and upholstery, with a hose that reaches about seven steps up.
Ease of Maintenance
Designed with user-friendliness in mind, this model makes cleaning the unit unbelievably easy, with detachable rotating brush rollers and convenient tanks.
#2

Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Tea Green, 4075

Rating
9.8
Weight and Maneuverability
Water Tank Capacity
Cleaning Power

Most important from
995 reviews

Weight and Maneuverability
Extremely easy to assemble with a compact design that fits perfectly in tight spaces.
Water Tank Capacity
Comes with helpful measurement lines that simplify the filling process.
Cleaning Power
Ideal for spot cleaning carpets, couches, and vehicle floor mats, handling small jobs efficiently.

The Bissell Little Green Mini is a compact and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner well-suited for small cleaning jobs like car interiors, pet beds, and upholstery rather than large carpeted areas. It offers solid cleaning power with its spray, scrub, and suction combo, effectively tackling stains and odors using Bissell’s Little Green Formula. The 16-ounce water tank is on the small side, meaning you may need to refill it frequently during extended use.

Its lightweight design at 7 pounds makes it easy to maneuver and store, especially in tight spaces. The included 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose accessory enhance its ability to clean tough spots and simplify maintenance by keeping the hose clear of buildup. While it doesn't have multiple power levels or cordless convenience, its single power setting keeps operation straightforward.

Drying time will depend on the cleaned surface but is typical for machines of this size. This cleaner is best for anyone needing a portable, easy-to-use spot cleaner for small messes rather than a full-room carpet shampooer. It’s particularly handy for pet owners or car detailers who want an efficient, compact tool without complex features.

Rating
9.8
Weight and Maneuverability
Water Tank Capacity
Cleaning Power

Most important from
995 reviews

Weight and Maneuverability
Extremely easy to assemble with a compact design that fits perfectly in tight spaces.
Water Tank Capacity
Comes with helpful measurement lines that simplify the filling process.
Cleaning Power
Ideal for spot cleaning carpets, couches, and vehicle floor mats, handling small jobs efficiently.
#3

Shark CarpetXpert with StainStriker Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner with Pet Mess Extractor Tool, Perfect for Pets, Carpet Shampooer, 3 Cleaning Tools, Cleaning Solutions, White, EX201

Rating
9.7
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Drying Time

Most important from
2649 reviews

Cleaning Power
The Shark CarpetXpert excels at removing old, stubborn stains in just one cleaning session.
Water Tank Capacity
Despite a few minor drawbacks like small water tanks and expensive cleaning solutions, the overall performance and ease of use make this cleaner worth every penny.
Drying Time
Fast drying times mean that carpets are only lightly damp after cleaning, reducing the need for additional drying equipment.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, even up and down stairs.
Attachments and Accessories
The handheld spot and stain eliminator is a game-changer, making it easy to clean stairs and upholstery.
Ease of Maintenance
Users appreciate the ease of cleaning and maintaining the machine, with parts that are simple to remove and clean.

The Shark EX201 CarpetXpert is a versatile carpet shampooer designed for deep cleaning and tough stain removal, making it especially useful for homes with pets. One of its main strengths lies in its powerful suction and innovative StainStriker technology, which combines two unique chemicals to tackle stains effectively. The built-in handheld spot and stain eliminator is a standout feature, allowing users to clean stairs, upholstery, and isolated carpet stains with ease. This makes it very convenient for comprehensive home cleaning tasks.

The carpet cleaner also boasts ultra-fast drying times, which means less waiting around for your carpets to dry after cleaning sessions. Potential drawbacks include its weight, as it weighs 18.05 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some users to maneuver easily. On the plus side, it comes with several useful accessories, including a 3.5-inch stain tool, a crevice tool, and a pet tool, along with cleaning formulas, enhancing its value. Maintenance is relatively straightforward, with easy-to-clean components.

Potential buyers should consider their specific needs, like the ability to handle the unit's weight and frequent cleaning demands.

Rating
9.7
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Drying Time

Most important from
2649 reviews

Cleaning Power
The Shark CarpetXpert excels at removing old, stubborn stains in just one cleaning session.
Water Tank Capacity
Despite a few minor drawbacks like small water tanks and expensive cleaning solutions, the overall performance and ease of use make this cleaner worth every penny.
Drying Time
Fast drying times mean that carpets are only lightly damp after cleaning, reducing the need for additional drying equipment.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, even up and down stairs.
Attachments and Accessories
The handheld spot and stain eliminator is a game-changer, making it easy to clean stairs and upholstery.
Ease of Maintenance
Users appreciate the ease of cleaning and maintaining the machine, with parts that are simple to remove and clean.

Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Shampooers

Choosing the right carpet shampooer can make a big difference in keeping your carpets clean and fresh. To find the best fit, consider both the type of cleaning you need to do and how often you’ll use the machine. Thinking about the size of your carpets, how stained they tend to get, and whether you have pets or allergies will help you identify which features are most important for you. Understanding the key specs of carpet shampooers will help you pick one that suits your home and lifestyle.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to how much water and cleaning solution a carpet shampooer can hold at one time. This is important because a larger tank allows you to clean more area without needing to stop and refill as often. Smaller tanks generally hold less than one gallon and are easier to handle but require more frequent refills, making them best for small rooms or spot cleaning. Medium tanks range from about one to 1.5 gallons and suit most average homes. Large tanks, holding over 1.5 gallons, are ideal for big spaces but make the machine heavier and bulkier. If you have large carpeted areas or want fewer interruptions, choose a bigger tank, but if you’re mainly cleaning small spaces, a compact model may be more convenient.
Cleaning Path WidthThe cleaning path width is how wide a strip of carpet the shampooer can clean in a single pass. This is important because a wider cleaning path allows you to cover more area with each swipe, reducing cleaning time. Widths typically range from about 8 to 15 inches. Narrower paths are found on smaller and more portable models, suitable for tight or hard-to-reach spaces. Wider paths are great for large open rooms. Think about the size and layout of your rooms—if you have lots of wide, open carpet, a wider path saves time, but if your home has narrow hallways or lots of furniture, a narrow path may be easier to maneuver.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the shampooer is, both when empty and when filled with water. This matters because heavier machines can be tough to move, especially up and down stairs or around furniture. Lightweight shampooers are under 15 pounds and are ideal if you need to carry the machine around your home. Heavier models, over 20 pounds, often offer more powerful cleaning and larger tanks but can be tiring to use. Consider your strength and mobility, as well as the design of your home, when deciding how much weight is manageable for you.
Power and Cleaning ModesCarpet shampooers can come with different cleaning power levels and sometimes offer modes like deep clean, quick clean, or specialized pet modes. High suction and multiple brush rolls usually provide a more effective clean, helping to lift embedded dirt and stains. Entry-level shampooers may have fewer modes and less suction, which could be sufficient for light cleaning or maintenance. More advanced models often allow you to select different modes for tougher jobs. To decide what's right for you, think about how dirty your carpets get, whether you have pets or kids, and if stain removal is a priority.
Drying FeaturesSome carpet shampooers come with features to help carpets dry faster, like heated air fans or strong water extraction. This is important because wet carpets can be inconvenient and take longer to dry, increasing the chance of mold or mildew. Machines with strong suction remove more water after cleaning, which makes drying quicker. If you need to use your carpet soon after cleaning or you live in a humid area, prefer a model with good drying capabilities.
Attachments and AccessoriesMany carpet shampooers come with extra tools, such as hose attachments, brushes, or nozzles for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or tackling tough stains. These extras are important if you plan to clean more than just your floor, such as car interiors, furniture, or hard-to-reach areas. If you expect to clean a variety of surfaces, look for shampooers with a range of attachments, but if you’re only cleaning flat carpets, you may not need these extras.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use includes how simple it is to fill, empty, and clean the water tanks, how clearly the controls are marked, and whether parts can be easily removed for washing. Machines that are easier to operate and maintain will save you time and hassle. Some models have removable brushes or self-cleaning modes, which make maintenance quicker. If you want a low-fuss experience, favor user-friendly designs with clear instructions and easy-to-handle parts.

FAQ