Best Carpet Steam Cleaner

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Carpet steam cleaners are essential for keeping carpets clean and fresh in homes and offices, using hot water and cleaning solutions to deep clean fibers and remove dirt, stains, and odors that regular vacuums can’t handle. Steam cleaning not only enhances the appearance of carpets but also extends their lifespan by removing grime that wears down fibers over time. When choosing a carpet steam cleaner, consider tank capacity, cleaning power, and ease of use—larger tanks reduce refills, while strong suction and multiple brush rolls ensure better cleaning. Weight and maneuverability are also important for ease of operation. After weeks of research and testing, we’ve found the best carpet steam cleaners for various needs and budgets.

  • Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe

    10

    We think the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe is a solid choice for most people looking to deep clean their carpets and upholstery.

    10

    We think the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe is a solid choice for most people looking to deep clean their carpets and upholstery.

    Pros

    • Strong suction and effective cleaning
    • Quick drying with HeatForce technology
    • Versatile with included attachments

    Cons

    • Somewhat heavy at 18.5 pounds
    • Can be noisy during operation
    • Requires regular maintenance

    We put the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe through its paces on some tough carpet stains. The SpinScrub brushes did a great job working deep into the fibers, lifting dirt and grime we didn’t even know was there. The suction power impressed us, leaving the carpet feeling much drier than we expected.

    The dual tank system made filling and emptying a breeze. We liked being able to see the dirty water – it was oddly satisfying (and a bit gross) to see just how much gunk came out of our seemingly clean carpets. The included attachments were handy for tackling stairs and upholstery.

    After using it, our carpets looked noticeably brighter and felt fresher. The HeatForce feature helped speed up drying time, though high-traffic areas still needed a few hours. While it’s not the lightest machine, we found it easy enough to maneuver. If you have pets or kids, or just want to give your carpets a new lease on life, we think the PowerScrub Deluxe is worth a look.

    Sale
    Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe
    • Easy to Fill, Empty & Clean with Smart Tank™ system making emptying and filling easy with no mess, no tools and no waste of time. The recovery tank comes with a quick pour spout.
  • BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam

    9.7

    We think this carpet cleaner is a great choice for pet owners who want deep cleaning power and quick drying times.

    9.7

    We think this carpet cleaner is a great choice for pet owners who want deep cleaning power and quick drying times.

    Pros

    • Powerful HydroSteam technology
    • Cleans and dries quickly
    • Versatile with multiple cleaning modes

    Cons

    • Smaller tanks require frequent refills
    • Hose attachment could be improved
    • Higher price point than some models

    We tried out the BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam and were impressed by its cleaning power. The HydroSteam technology really made a difference in tackling tough stains and sticky messes. We found it especially useful for pet-related accidents and high-traffic areas.

    The multiple cleaning modes are a nice touch. We liked using the SteamWash Max Clean mode for deep cleaning and the Quick Dry mode when we needed the carpet to dry faster. It lived up to its promise of drying in about 30 minutes, which is great if you have kids or pets who can’t stay off the carpet for long.

    We do wish the tanks were bigger. We had to refill them often when cleaning larger areas. The 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool was handy for furniture, but we felt the hose attachment could use some improvements. Despite these small issues, we think the BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam is a solid choice for most homes, especially those with pets.

    Sale
    BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam
    • EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
  • Bissell TurboClean Pet Carpet Cleaner

    9.5

    We think this lightweight yet powerful carpet cleaner is a great choice for pet owners with small spaces.

    9.5

    We think this lightweight yet powerful carpet cleaner is a great choice for pet owners with small spaces.

    Pros

    • Compact and easy to maneuver
    • Effective on pet stains and messes
    • Simple to clean and maintain

    Cons

    • Small water tanks need frequent refills
    • Not ideal for whole-house cleaning
    • Lacks some features of pricier models

    We recently tried out the Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet carpet cleaner, and we were impressed by its performance on pet messes. At under 13 pounds, it’s a breeze to carry up stairs or store in tight spaces. The four-row brush roll did a nice job lifting dirt and pet hair from our test carpets.

    We found the two-tank system easy to use. It keeps clean and dirty water separate, which is a plus. The tanks are on the smaller side, so we had to refill them often during bigger jobs. But for quick cleanups of pet accidents or muddy paw prints, it worked great.

    The machine feels well-built and sturdy. We like how the nozzle pops off for easy cleaning. While it lacks some bells and whistles of pricier models, we think it offers good value for pet owners in apartments or small homes who need occasional deep cleaning. Plus, Bissell donates to pet charities with each purchase, which is nice.

    Bissell TurboClean Pet Carpet Cleaner
    • Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets..Power Cord Length : 20'. Power Source : Corded
  • BISSELL Little Green

    9.4

    We think the BISSELL Little Green is a must-have for pet owners and anyone who wants a portable, effective carpet and upholstery cleaner.

    9.4

    We think the BISSELL Little Green is a must-have for pet owners and anyone who wants a portable, effective carpet and upholstery cleaner.

    Pros

    • Powerful suction for tough stains
    • Lightweight and easy to use
    • Works on multiple surfaces

    Cons

    • Small water tank needs frequent refills
    • Can be noisy during operation
    • Hose may be too short for some users

    We recently tried out the BISSELL Little Green, and we were impressed by its cleaning power. This compact machine packs a punch when it comes to tackling pet messes, spills, and stains on carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors.

    The Little Green is super easy to use. We filled the tank with water and cleaning solution, plugged it in, and got to work. The strong suction pulled up dirt and stains we thought were set for good. We loved how it sprays, scrubs, and lifts away messes all in one go.

    One thing to note is the 48 oz tank. While it’s big for a portable cleaner, we had to refill it a few times during a big cleanup job. The noise level is also something to keep in mind – it’s not super loud, but it’s not quiet either. Still, for the cleaning power it offers, we think it’s a fair trade-off.

    Sale
    BISSELL Little Green
    • EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
  • Shark StainStriker

    9.3

    We found the Shark StainStriker to be a powerful and versatile spot cleaner that’s ideal for tackling tough stains and pet messes.

    9.3

    We found the Shark StainStriker to be a powerful and versatile spot cleaner that’s ideal for tackling tough stains and pet messes.

    Pros

    • Impressive stain removal power
    • Easy to use and maneuver
    • Versatile for various surfaces

    Cons

    • Small water tank needs frequent refills
    • Can be noisy during operation
    • Pricier than some basic spot cleaners

    When we tested the Shark StainStriker, we were amazed by its stain-fighting abilities. The dual-activated formula really packs a punch, making quick work of wine spills, food stains, and even pet accidents. We liked that we didn’t have to premix any solutions – just fill and go.

    The compact size made it easy for us to carry around the house and store when not in use. At under 9 pounds, it’s light enough to tackle stairs without breaking a sweat. The included attachments were handy for getting into tight spots and dealing with different surfaces.

    We found the suction power to be strong, pulling out dirt and liquid from deep within carpet fibers. This left our rugs looking refreshed and feeling drier faster. The various tools, like the pet tool and wide path tool, gave us options for different cleaning jobs.

    One thing to note is the 2-liter tank size. For bigger cleaning tasks, we needed to refill it a few times. The machine can also get a bit loud when running, which might be a concern for some users. While it’s pricier than basic spot cleaners, we think the performance justifies the cost for people with pets or kids.

    Sale
    Shark StainStriker
    • UNBEATABLE TOUGH STAIN ELIMINATION: Dual-activated tough stain eliminator with no premix required, eliminates stains & odors throughout your home: carpets, area rugs, couches, upholstery, cars & more!
  • Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro

    9.1

    We recommend this carpet cleaner for pet owners who want a powerful, easy-to-use machine that tackles tough stains and dries quickly.

    9.1

    We recommend this carpet cleaner for pet owners who want a powerful, easy-to-use machine that tackles tough stains and dries quickly.

    Pros

    • Cleans pet messes effectively
    • Fast 30-minute dry time
    • Includes useful pet-specific tools

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • Can be heavy when full
    • Requires regular maintenance

    We put the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro through its paces in a home with multiple pets. The results impressed us. It pulled up old stains we thought were permanent and left our carpets looking almost new.

    The machine’s MAX Clean mode did a great job on high-traffic areas. We liked how it scrubbed deep into the carpet fibers. For lighter cleaning, the Express Clean mode was perfect. It left our carpets dry in about 30 minutes, which was nice.

    We found the included pet tools very handy. The 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool grabbed pet hair from our couch with ease. The CleanShot pretreater worked well on set-in stains. While it’s not the lightest machine, we thought it was easy to push and maneuver around furniture.

    Sale
    Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
    • Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets..Power Rating : 6.8 Amps, Power Source : Corded. Power Cord Length : 35'. Hose Length : 8'.
  • BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam

    9

    We think this portable cleaner is a great buy for tackling tough stains on multiple surfaces.

    9

    We think this portable cleaner is a great buy for tackling tough stains on multiple surfaces.

    Pros

    • Strong cleaning power with HydroSteam tech
    • Works on many surfaces
    • Fast-drying results

    Cons

    • Fairly heavy when full
    • Cord limits mobility
    • Can be noisy during use

    We put the BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam through its paces on some stubborn carpet stains. The HydroSteam tech lived up to the hype, lifting set-in dirt with ease. It worked much better than our old spray-and-scrub method.

    The different cleaning modes came in handy. We used SteamWash for greasy spots and plain Steam to freshen up the couch. The large tanks meant less refilling, which we liked. But when full, it got a bit heavy to carry up stairs.

    Drying time impressed us. Our cleaned areas were ready to use again in under 30 minutes. The included tools worked well for most jobs. We even cleaned some sneakers with the multi-surface tool. While it’s a bit loud, the cleaning power makes up for it. Overall, it’s a solid choice for home spot-cleaning needs.

    Sale
    BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
    • EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
  • Bissell Big Green

    8.7

    We think the Bissell Big Green is the best carpet cleaner for most people due to its professional-grade cleaning power and sturdy design.

    8.7

    We think the Bissell Big Green is the best carpet cleaner for most people due to its professional-grade cleaning power and sturdy design.

    Pros

    • Cleans better than rental machines
    • Large-capacity tanks
    • Versatile attachments for stairs and upholstery

    Cons

    • Heavy and bulky
    • Pricey upfront cost
    • Can be loud during use

    We put the Bissell Big Green through its paces on some seriously soiled carpets. Its powerful suction and large brush roll pulled up an impressive amount of dirt and grime. The difference was night and day – our carpets looked and felt refreshed after just one pass.

    The two large tanks are a big plus. We didn’t have to stop and refill as often as with smaller cleaners. The 9-foot hose and 6-inch tough stain tool came in handy for tackling stairs and furniture. While it’s on the heavy side at over 50 pounds, the adjustable handle made it comfortable to maneuver.

    We appreciate that Bissell supports pet adoption with each purchase. The cleaner itself is great for pet owners too. It made quick work of muddy paw prints and pet accident stains. The included Bissell cleaning solution left our carpets smelling fresh. For deep cleaning power that rivals professional services, we think the Big Green is hard to beat.

    Bissell Big Green
    • Tank capacity - 1.75 gallons. Cleans on the forward and backward pass, which reduces your cleaning time and dries faster than competitive Rental cleaners
  • Shark CarpetXpert Cleaner

    8.7

    We think the Shark CarpetXpert is a top pick for most homes due to its powerful cleaning and versatile design.

    8.7

    We think the Shark CarpetXpert is a top pick for most homes due to its powerful cleaning and versatile design.

    Pros

    • Excellent deep cleaning performance
    • Built-in spot cleaner for tough stains
    • Works on carpets, rugs, and upholstery

    Cons

    • Somewhat heavy at 18 pounds
    • Can use up cleaning solution quickly
    • May be overkill for small spaces

    When we tested the Shark CarpetXpert, we were impressed by its cleaning power. The combination of strong suction and high-pressure spray did a great job lifting dirt from our carpets. Even old stains came out easier than we expected.

    We really liked the built-in handheld spot cleaner. It let us tackle stairs and furniture without lugging the whole machine around. The special StainStriker formula worked well on set-in pet accidents and food spills.

    The CarpetXpert dried our carpets faster than other cleaners we’ve used. This was nice since we didn’t have to stay off the floors for hours. We found the controls simple to use, and emptying the dirty water tank was pretty straightforward.

    While it worked great, this cleaner is on the heavier side. Moving it upstairs took some effort. We also went through cleaning solution faster than we’d like on bigger jobs. For studio apartments or homes with little carpet, it might be more machine than needed.

    Shark CarpetXpert Cleaner
    • UNBEATABLE DEEP CARPET CLEANING: Shark's powerful suction and deep-cleaning innovation deliver unbeatable deep carpet cleaning along with the best tough stain elimination** results
  • Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact

    8.6

    We think the Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone needing a lightweight carpet cleaner for quick cleanups.

    8.6

    We think the Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone needing a lightweight carpet cleaner for quick cleanups.

    Pros

    • Light and easy to maneuver
    • Powerful cleaning for its size
    • Dries carpets quickly

    Cons

    • Small water tank needs frequent refills
    • Not ideal for large areas
    • Can be noisy during use

    We recently tried out the Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact, and we were impressed by its cleaning power in a small package. This little machine packs a punch when it comes to tackling pet messes and everyday stains. We found it super easy to use, thanks to its lightweight design.

    The PowerSpin Pet Brush Roll did a great job of lifting dirt and pet hair from our carpets. We noticed a big difference in high-traffic areas after just a few passes. The HeatForce technology also helped our carpets dry faster, which was a nice bonus.

    One thing to keep in mind is the small water tank. We had to refill it a few times while cleaning a medium-sized room. But for quick cleanups and spot treatments, it’s perfect. The compact size also makes it easy to store in small spaces. If you have pets or need a handy carpet cleaner for small jobs, we think the Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact is worth checking out.

    Sale
    Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact
    • LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT: Featuring a lightweight and compact design, the Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaning Machine provides efficient cleaning power and easy storage. It’s an excellent choice for small homes and apartments.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a carpet steam cleaner, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve broken down the most important features to look for:

Tank Capacity

A larger tank means less refilling during cleaning sessions. For big homes, aim for at least a 1-gallon tank.

Cleaning Path Width

Wider cleaning paths cover more area in less time. Look for models with 10-12 inch paths for efficiency.

Hose Length

Longer hoses offer better reach for stairs and tight spots. We recommend at least 8 feet of hose length.

Weight

Lighter machines are easier to maneuver. Try to stay under 20 pounds if possible.

Attachments

More attachments mean more versatility. Upholstery tools and crevice nozzles are especially useful.

Heating Element

Built-in heaters keep water hot for better cleaning. This feature is worth the extra cost.

Noise Level

Quieter machines are more pleasant to use. Look for models under 80 decibels.

Warranty

A good warranty protects your investment. Aim for at least 2 years of coverage.

Here’s a quick reference table of features to prioritize:

FeatureWhat to Look For
Tank1+ gallon
Cleaning Path10-12 inches
Hose8+ feet
WeightUnder 20 lbs
NoiseUnder 80 dB
Warranty2+ years

By focusing on these key aspects, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a carpet steam cleaner that meets your needs.