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Best Affordable Carpet Cleaners in 2023

New carpet can be soft, plush and oh so luxurious. After a few years of being trampled on by pets, children, and guests, your once-immaculate carpet may look dingy and dirty. To restore a carpet, some people turn to a professional carpet cleaning service. However, cost-conscious people buy a carpet cleaner they can use whenever they need it.

Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Carpet Cleaner 1986 Review
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution 1986

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Our Recommended Affordable Carpet Cleaners in 2023

Everyone wants to save money, and we here at HouseholdMe like to help people do it. Here are our recommended affordable home carpet cleaners on the market this year.

#10 Hoover SmartWash Carpet Cleaner FH53000PC

The Hoover SmartWash FH53000PC is a fantastic addition to your collection of household appliances. It comes with a trigger-less design to automatically mix water and your cleaning solution while also dispensing tiny quantities of it to dissolve tough stains. The innovative pretreating wand disconnects from the device to let you spray as much or as little cleaning solution as you need on set-in stains.

Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner FH53000PC
Hoover SmartWash FH53000PC

The SmartWash also has a handy drying-only feature, which, when used alongside HeatForce, will leave your carpets as dry as a bone in much less time than traditional carpet cleaners. If that’s not enough, then you’ll love just how noise-free this beast of a tool is!

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Hoover SmartWash Automatic Cleaner Machine...
  • AUTOMATIC CLEANING: The trigger-less design automatically mixes and dispenses solution as...
  • STAIN REMOVER WAND: The innovative Spot Chaser Pretreat Wand detaches from the machine to...

#9 Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet 2987

Being one of the most notable brands in the carpet cleaner biz, we’re surprised that the company also offers several affordable models. The Bissell 2987 is an upright carpet cleaner that comes with a 7.5-inch-wide PowerBrush that removes stains in carpet fibers with faster, deeper strokes. The narrow floorhead is a great feature for those who need to maneuver a carpet cleaner around several pieces of furniture and other obstacles.

Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet 2987
Bissell 2987

Built into the 2987 is a dual-tank system that can hold onto 5/8 of a gallon at any time. Since there are two tanks—one for clean water and another for dirty water—you don’t have to worry about the 2987 accidentally shooting out contaminated water back onto your floors. The tanks are easy to remove, easy to clean, and easy to refill and reattach.

The overall design of the 2987 isn’t unlike many other upright carpet cleaners on the market. However, this unit is incredibly lightweight at just 13 pounds (dry weight), which makes it easy to transport up and down staircases in a jiffy.

Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet 2987 Review
Bissell 2987

At such an affordable price, don’t expect to get a ton of versatility or premium add-ons with the 2987. It doesn’t come with a spot-cleaning hose or additional tools, but for carpets, this is an absolute beast that pet owners should definitely try out.

Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet Carpet...
  • EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission...
  • FOUR-ROW DEEPREACH POWERBURSH ROLL. Lifts away dirt and stains that a vacuum leaves...

#8 Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet FH50251PC

Hoover isn’t usually one of those brands that you’d associate with budget-friendly cleaning appliances, but the Hoover FH50251PC should change that. This is an impressive upright carpet cleaner that uses the Spin-Scrub system to deliver 360 degrees of deep cleaning with every pass. While it’s bulkier than most other upright carpet cleaners, it definitely delivers in terms of cleaning performance and drying times.

Hoover FH50251PC
Hoover FH50251PC

Speaking of which, thanks to the addition of the Quick Clean mode, the FH50251PC can tackle the most set-in stains in carpets and area rugs and leave the surface as dry as a bone in just 45 minutes. The built-in heater dries whatever moisture is left over after the powerful suction has had its say.

Like many other carpet cleaners, the FH50251PC comes with clean and dirty water tanks to prevent contaminated water from soiling your carpets. The tanks have a 1.25-gallon capacity, which should hold enough water to clean multiple rooms and even floors in a single tankful. Another neat feature is the auto-detergent mixing system to evenly distribute your detergent for the best cleaning results.

Hoover FH50251PC Review
Hoover FH50251PC

Almost everything about the FH50251PC is oversized, from its 12-inch floorhead to the 1.25-gallon tanks, all the way to the 18-pound build. It’s not lightweight by any standard, but it doesn’t take much effort to carry and maneuver.

Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet Upright Carpet...
  • SPIN SCRUB SYSTEM: Powerfully removes deep-embedded dirt and stains with 360 degree...
  • FAST DRY TIME: Tackle surface stains as they happen with Quick Clean Mode and enjoy dry...

#7 Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet 15489

If you want the pet-friendliness of a Bissell carpet cleaner without breaking the bank, then you should check out the ProHeat 2X 15489. This upright carpet cleaner features 1-gallon clean and dirty water tanks, which should provide enough cleaning time to remove set-in stains in multiple rooms in just one tank.

Bissell 15489
Bissell 15489

The magic of the 15489 is HeatWave Technology, which keeps the clean water at a constant warm temperature for enhanced dissolving power. In addition, there’s also a Max Clean Mode that uses all 12 rows of the brush roll to deliver the deepest clean imaginable, thoroughly removing dried bits of food and pet leavings in just one or two passes. The fact that this is a self-propelled carpet cleaner is another huge plus.

You’ll also find a 7-foot suction hose with two deep-cleaning brushes for upholstery, carpeted steps, auto interior, and any soft above-ground surface. The suction hose does tend to clog, especially when removing pet hair. However, according to users, flushing the hose free of debris can be done in under 60 seconds.

Overall, the 15489 is an impressive upright carpet cleaner that’s designed to tackle the stubbornest stains from carpets and area rugs. It weighs 18 pounds, which is quite heavy for some people, but delivers amazing cleaning performance and drying times.

BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Full Size...
  • Every BISSELL purchase helps save pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation...
  • Outcleans the leading rental* and half the weight, making it easy to use and maneuver.

#6 Bissell ProHeat 2X 1548F

The ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet 1548F is a carpet-cleaning tank. With a dual-gallon system that holds onto one gallon of water, you should be able to clean entire floors on a single tank of water with plenty of water left over. The oversized wheels ensure seamless movement when cleaning the shaggiest, high-pile rugs you have at home.

Bissell ProHeat 2X 1548F
Bissell 1548F

The 1548F uses Heatwave Technology to maintain warm water temperature throughout the cleaning cycle, delivering the stain-dissolving power you need to cut through dried mud tracks. With 12 rows of stiff bristles working in tandem, wine stains in delicate carpets are no match for this carpet cleaner.

Apart from the oversized wheels, the 1548F features a low-profile floorhead that fits comfortably beneath low-hanging furniture. Thanks to this design, you won’t have to rearrange much of your furniture before turning on the 1548F. This carpet cleaner weighs about 18 pounds (dry weight), so moving it up and down stairs shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

This premium-grade carpet cleaner comes with two spot-cleaning tools—a pet stain tool to remove the grimiest messes and strands of fur, as well as a three-inch tough stain tool that suctions debris out of upholstery and carpeted steps.

BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Full Size...
  • Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission...
  • Outcleans the Leading Rental. Plus, half the weight of the leading rental carpet cleaning...

#5 Bissell ProHeat Essential 1887

Running on a powerful 6-amp motor, the Bissell 1887 ProHeat produces strong dirt-removing spray and water-extracting suction.

Bissell 1887
Bissell Proheat Essential 1887

The 11-inch-wide floor head boasts six rows of spinning brushes as well as thinner side brushes for edge cleaning. Plus, the translucent brush cover on the floor head lets you see when all the dirty water is collected.

Speaking of water, the divided tank can hold 1 gallon, and it’s equipped with HeatWave technology, which maintains the temperature of hot water. With this 20-pound carpet cleaner, you get on-board storage for the Tough Stain tool and the Spraying Crevice tool.

Thanks to its 7-foot-long hose and 22-foot-long power cord, the ProHeat provides an incredible cleaning radius.

BISSELL Proheat Essential Carpet Cleaner and...
  • Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission...
  • Remove Embedded Dirt & Allergens. 6-Row DirtLifter PowerBrush and powerful suction.

#4 Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet FH50251

The Power Scrub Elite Pet offers three cleaning modes, including deep-clean mode, quick-clean with heated air and rinse mode.

Hoover FH50251PC
Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet FH50251PC

Inside of the carpet cleaner, the 10-amp motor moves the SpinScrub brushes in a counter-rotating motion, and the 12-inch-wide DualV Nozzle provides even suction. A pair of side brushes helps the carpet cleaner make the most of every pass.

Since pets can create mega-disasters, Hoover included a two-in-one SpinScrub tool covered in germ-fighting antimicrobial material. The 18.5-pound carpet cleaner also comes with an 8-foot-long hose, a 20-foot-long cord, and an accessory bag.

Within the 1.25-gallon clean-water tank, there is even a special detergent compartment that gives the perfect water-to-detergent ratio every time.

Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet Upright Carpet...
  • SPIN SCRUB SYSTEM: Powerfully removes deep-embedded dirt and stains with 360 degree...
  • FAST DRY TIME: Tackle surface stains as they happen with Quick Clean Mode and enjoy dry...

#3 Hoover PowerDash Pet FH50700

You never have to worry about a contaminated water supply thanks to the two distinct tanks on the 20-pound Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner.

Hoover FH50700
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact FH50700

These tanks feature a hinged handle to make refills a breeze, and the clean water tank has a 0.5 Gallons capacity. You also get the benefits of hot water that stays hot and heated drying.

The motor spins the five counter-rotating brushes with amazing force, and you can set the brushes to one of three speeds. If you’re dealing with set-in stains or heavy-traffic areas, an extra boost of detergent from the CleanSurge control along with the SpinScrub hand tool or the upholstery tool will get rid of those eyesores.

Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner...
  • EASY TO USE: Lightweight & compact design for efficient cleaning and storage
  • POWERFUL CLEANING: Perfect for pet messes, high traffic areas, area rugs, and small spaces

#2 Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe FH50150

Hoover equipped the Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner with its patented SpinScrub 360 brushes and a heated-air generator to facilitate the drying process.

Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe FH50150
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe FH50150

Like its clean-water tank, the machine’s dirty-water tank holds 1 gallon. When the dirty-water tank is full, the carpet cleaner shuts off to prevent a messy overflow.

A power-control pedal and a detergent-release trigger make using this 18.5-pound carpet cleaner easy.

Other features that make carpet cleaning easier include removable brushes for easy cleaning, an 8-foot hose, a see-through upholstery tool and a hanging mesh bag for tool storage.

Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner...
  • EASY DEEP CLEANING: SpinScrub Brushes powerfully removes deep-embedded dirt and stains...
  • FASTER DRYING: HeatForce for faster drying so you can get back on your carpets quickly

#1 Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush 2085

The Turboclean Powerbrush 2085 is one of Bissel’s more basic carpet cleaner models. It’s a dual-tank system that holds onto as much as 0.5 gallons of water. The floorhead comes with the DirtLifter Powerbrush with four rows of stiff bristles that, combined with powerful suction, loosen set-in stains in just a few sweeps.

Bissell Turboclean Powerbrush 2085
Bissell 2085

The entire unit is easy to control and even easier to stow away. Weighing slightly under 12 pounds (empty tanks), lifting the 2085 up to and down flights of stairs is a breeze. This carpet cleaner has a collapsible handle that makes it easy to store in crowded closets when not in use.

Since the transparent nozzle can be removed, users find it incredibly easy to remove strands of long hair from the brush roll. A quick rinse of the brushes after a cleaning cycle is all it takes to keep the brush roll in tip-top shape. Plus, the floorhead has two EdgeSweep brushes that do a fantastic job of cleaning along baseboards and around furniture legs.

The 9.5-inch-wide floorhead makes the 2085 easy to maneuver while also requiring fewer passes to clean wide carpets and rugs. The 20-foot power cord can be quite limiting, but an extension cord will increase your range of movement.

BISSELL Turboclean Powerbrush Pet Upright...
  • Every Bissell purchase helps save pets. Bissell proudly supports Bissell pet foundation...
  • Clean powerfully. Remove tough stains and pet messes.

Bissell 2085 Full Review

Buyer’s Guide

If there is carpet in your house, you’ll need to clean it periodically. Before you grab the first one within your budget, you need to make sure the one you choose offers features that provide a thorough clean and a user-friendly experience.

Affordable Carpet Cleaners

The motor inside of a carpet cleaner partially determines the machine’s extraction and water-release force. Therefore, the more amps the carpet cleaner can pull, the better.

Usually, residential carpet cleaners range in amperage from 6 to 15 amps. This is an acceptable range for removing ground-in dirt and stubborn stains. Any carpet cleaner with an amperage rating under 5 amps won’t be powerful enough to give you the results you want.

Suction

Powerful suction is essential for ensuring that as much shampoo gets pulled out of the carpet.

The best carpet cleaners are strong enough to scrub tough stains, but they also have powerful water jets and heavy-duty brushes with long handlebars so you can easily move the cleaner around your room.

Maneuverability

Using a carpet cleaning machine is more difficult than using an ordinary vacuum.

Even the spot cleaners are often harder to use than a traditional handheld vacuum.

Ease of Emptying the Dirty Water Tank

It’s important to note that spilling used water can cause a new, nasty mess. The ability to empty dirty water tanks quickly is more important than the capacity for adding clean fluids.

The dirty water tanks are usually nestled inside the clean one, making it necessary to take both out.

To keep your home clean and healthy-looking for years to come, make sure you buy a machine that has separate dirty water tanks.

Brushes and the Cleaning Path

Another component that plays into how well a carpet cleaner removes dirt and stains is the brush on its floor nozzle. You want a carpet cleaning machine with more than one brush, and those brushes should rotate in opposing directions to tackle carpet fibers from all angles.

This type of brush configuration is more effective than straight bristles that move backward and forward as you push and pull the carpet cleaner. For versatility, a few manufacturers use variable-speed brushes.

Be sure to pay attention to the machine’s cleaning path, which is measured by the width of the brush setup and suction inlet. Some carpet cleaners also have side brushes, which add to the machine’s cleaning path.

To thoroughly shampoo your carpet, the passes you make must be slow, so you need a carpet cleaner with a wide cleaning path of at least 10 inches.

Best Cheap Carpet Cleaners

Water Tanks

A big water tank means fewer refills. To reduce the number of trips to the sink, stick with a carpet cleaner that offers a water capacity of no lower than 0.75 gallons. If there is only one tank, it should be divided.

Two tanks ensure that the dirty water collected by the machine never touches the clean water and detergent in the other tank.

The tank, or tanks, should be easy to fill and empty, and an integrated detergent cup makes it a breeze to add the right amount of cleaning solution. Other convenience features include see-through material, so you can tell how full or empty a tank is without removing it, and a handle allows you to carry the tanks without dropping them.

Before you buy a carpet cleaner:

  • Consider the machine’s weight
  • Look for special features
  • Read over the machine’s warranty

Power Cord

When it comes to the power cord on a carpet cleaner, you want all the length you can get – 20 feet is an adequate length for a power cord. Freshly shampooed carpets should not be walked on for hours after they are cleaned.

If you have to backtrack to unplug the cord because it’s too short, you risk undoing some of your hard work. Plus, changing electrical outlets is a pain.

Carpet Cleaners Guide

Accessories

The inclusion of accessories means you can clean certain upholstered furniture and drapes as well as stairs and other areas. Accessories also make spot removal easier. Depending on the model, you’ll usually see one or more accessories.

The carpet cleaner may have a stain tool with spinning brushes or a non-motorized upholstery tool. Some also come with a crevice tool or an attachment that’s two tools in one.

Most carpet cleaners offer a flexible hose. Like the power cord, you want the longest hose you can find. Of course, you also need a place to keep the accessories. Common storage solutions include a bag or an on-board caddy.

The Handle and the Controls

Carpet cleaning is no quick 10-minute job. A sizable living room can take several hours to complete, so you want to be as comfortable as possible from start to finish. Your comfort starts with the handle. It should be ergonomically designed – a bent or looped handle is best.

You also want the detergent-release control within the reach. This control should be a trigger-style control or a fingertip button on the handle. Usually, the power button is also on the handle.

However, some manufacturers put this control on the floor nozzle, so you can just start up the machine with your foot, which is a back-saver.

Hoover Smartwash FH52000
Hoover Smartwash FH52000

All Things Heat

Hot water instead of cool water provides a better clean on carpeting that’s safe to clean with heat because heat activates the chemicals in the cleaning solution. A lot of carpet cleaners are equipped with a warmer.

If you fill the tank with hot water, a warmer will keep the water hot throughout the entire cleaning process.

Cheap Rug Cleaner
Affordable Carpet Cleaner

If you’re busy or have a full household, it can be difficult to block off a room until the carpet is dry. To greatly decrease the carpet’s drying time, get a carpet cleaner that pushes out forced hot air.

Weight and Wheels

Since you’ll be using your carpet cleaner for long stretches of time, you want the machine to be lightweight. Look for a carpet cleaner that weighs 20 pounds or less to prevent muscles strains and soreness.

Have you ever seen rubber marks on a carpet? It’s not a pretty sight, so steer clear of carpet cleaners with rubber wheels. Opt for a model with smooth wheels, which will leave your carpet free of blemishes.

Best Carpet Shampooer

Carpet Cleaner Tips

Get the best results from your carpet cleaner by keeping these tips in mind:

Before you pull your carpet cleaner out of the closet, thoroughly vacuum the carpet. By doing so, you’ll remove loose debris and hair that could clog your carpet cleaner.

Don’t rush. Sure, you don’t want to spend all day cleaning your carpet, but there’s no point in shampooing your carpet if it isn’t clean when you’re done. Sometimes, you need to make several passes over the same area to lift all the dirt.

Rinse all detergent out of your carpet by filling the carpet cleaner’s tank with water only. Due to its tendency to attract dirt, you don’t want to overload your carpet with detergent.

Keep the drying time short by extracting as much water as possible with the help of your carpet cleaner, opening windows and turning on a fan. Carpets that stay damp for an extended period may foster mold growth.

Best Carpet Cleaner Reviews

For the best overall carpet cleaner on the market, the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner shines above the competition. This isn’t a budget-friendly carpet cleaner, but it can be on sale today.

FAQs

How Does a Carpet Cleaner Work?

Although every carpet cleaner varies, the basic mechanics are similar. Carpet cleaners are equipped with either one or two tanks; those with two keep clean and dirty water in separate locations.

Before you turn on a carpet cleaner, you fill the tank with fresh water and the cleaning solution of your choice.

Affordable Carpet Cleaner
Affordable Carpet Cleaner

Once you power on the carpet cleaner, push the water-release button, which is usually located on the handle. As the soapy water is expelled, brushes on the underside of the cleaner scrub away dirt and grime.

Carpet cleaners also extract water via suction – This typically involves pulling the machine backward instead of forward.

What Carpeting Is Compatible With a Carpet Cleaner?

You can use a carpet cleaner to freshen most types of carpeting as long as they aren’t marked as dry-clean only. Some carpeting that can withstand the scrubbing action of a carpet cleaner may require special care.

For instance, if you run a carpet cleaner on Berber, make sure you extract as much water from the carpet as possible. For wool, stick with cool water.

Affordable Carpet Cleaners

Are Carpet Cleaners Limited to Just Carpeting?

The answer to this question depends on the specific carpet cleaner. Those that come with attachments can be used on almost any fabric with the exceptions of silk, velvet, and lace.

With an attachment-loaded carpet cleaner, you can shampoo drapes, mattresses, automobile interiors and upholstery.

Related Post: Best Spot Cleaners

Why Not Use a Professional Service to Clean your Carpet?

There are a few benefits of hiring a professional carpet cleaning service, such as not having to be the one who cleans your carpets. However, the downsides outweigh the positives. First, you have to search for a reputable company.

Then, you have to schedule an appointment, which means you’ll spend hours of your day at home waiting for the carpet cleaning company.

Of course, there is the cost of service. You know those coupons in your newspaper that lure you in with a promise of carpet cleaning in three rooms and one hallway for only $49.99? They’re too good to be true.

After they finish cleaning your carpet, they’ll hand you a bill with a lot of extra fees tacked on for bogus charges like deodorizing and high-traffic areas. You’ll save a bundle in the long run with a carpet cleaner of your own with no risk of hidden charges.

Affordable Carpet Cleaning

Can the Carpet Cleaner be used on Upholstery?

Many carpet cleaners come with useful accessories designed to tackle a variety of cleaning requirements. Many users use carpet cleaners on their car’s interior, on upholstery, on curtains, or even on their mattresses, in addition to their carpets.

It is worth noting, however, that the type and quality of the fabric will influence the effectiveness of the cleaner, and a carpet cleaner must not be used on items made of velvet or silk.

When it comes to non-carpeted floors like tiles or wooden floors, steam cleaning devices are said to be preferable, although some carpet shampooers come with suitable attachments or are equipped with the ability to be used on hard surfaces as well. It’s important for the user to read the instruction book carefully before use to determine whether it would be safe to use the cleaning unit on a certain surface.

What Kind of Cleaning Products Should I Use?

The manufacturer of your particular carpet-cleaning unit will no doubt suggest the best products to use with it, and it is best to heed these suggestions. If, for whatever reason, you come to realize that you don’t like the product or deem it ineffective, you can always try another brand, unless the manufacturer specifically warns against that brand of solution.

How Long Will it Take my Carpets to Dry?

How long it takes for a carpet to dry depends mainly on the size of the carpet and the material it is made of.

Thicker carpets will need more time to dry than thinner ones and it may be useful to set up fans around the room to assist in the drying process, particularly if you have a large and thick carpet.

Some cleaning units may even assist in drying the carpet using certain features. Nonetheless, most carpets won’t take more than a few hours to dry.

Can a Home Carpet Cleaner be used on Carpeted Stairs?

Some home carpet cleaners come with particular attachments such as an upholstery nozzle to take on the odd shapes and corners on carpeted stairs. You can learn more about the relevant attachments from the instruction manual given with the unit.

Bissell ProHeat 2X 1986
Bissell ProHeat 2X 1986

Are Carpet Cleaners Safe for All Kinds of Carpets and Rugs?

With the known exceptions of Berber or wool carpets, which can only be cleaned with a carpet cleaner if cool water is used and they are not left very damp, carpet cleaners should be suitable for most other types of carpets and rugs.

However, carpet-cleaning machines should not be used on materials such as silk, cashmere rugs, sisal carpets, hand-loomed wool, braided rugs, or jute carpets. Pay close attention to the instructions from manufacturers of your carpet or rug.

If they suggest dry cleaning, it would be in your best interests to heed this, even if there are only small stains.

Can a Carpet be Cleaned using only Water?

Water alone will not be effective to get rid of stains or stubborn dirt within the fibers of a carpet. This is why most cleaners come with a prescribed solution to be mixed with water to get the job done properly.

Constant cleans and heavy scrubbing with only water may cause unnecessary damage that could be avoided with a now-and-then thorough cleanse with the right shampoo.

Hoover PowerDash Pet FH50700
Hoover PowerDash Pet FH50700

Are Carpet Cleaners Cost-Effective?

Compared to renting carpet-cleaning equipment or enlisting the help of expert cleaning services, a home carpet-cleaning device is very inexpensive, with most models only costing between $75 to $200.

Having your own cleaner also gives you greater control over scrutinizing troublesome areas in the house and cleaning little spots whenever necessary as opposed to the entire room at once.

Is it Important to Vacuum before Cleaning the Carpet?

It’s a good idea to vacuum up any crumbs and bigger dirt particles before using solutions on the carpet.

Which is More Effective – Steaming or Shampooing?

Steam cleaners have a number of advantages, in that materials dry faster after a steam clean, but they are also generally bulkier, and therefore less easily moved around and stored. Steam cleaners also tend to be more expensive than cleaners that use cleaning solutions. Because of this, many companies tend to favor shampooing cleaners over steam cleaners in recent times.

How Frequently Should the Carpet Cleaner be Used?

Many carpet manufacturers recommend that you have your carpets cleaned once a year and this will likely suffice in general. However, owners of home carpet-cleaning devices have the opportunity to give their carpets a thorough clean more regularly and therefore it’s up to your standards of hygiene.

How often you need to clean may also have to do with the type of carpet or rug in question, how often the room is used and by how many people who could track dirt on their shoes, whether there are children in the house that can cause spills or stains, or pets that shed. All of these different aspects of a house may contribute to the need to clean more frequently and, at the end of the day, it is up to the user’s discretion.

Hoover SmartWash FH53000PC
Hoover Carpet Cleaners

Also worth noting is that homeowners who have allergies or specific health issues that influence their breathing capacity may need to clean their carpets more regularly than those who have no such afflictions.

A deep clean every six months is recommended if you have allergies or pets. Difficult stains like those from spilled wine or other colorful foods should ideally be cleaned away immediately before they can further embed into the material.

What is the Best Methodology for Cleaning Carpets with a Carpet Cleaner?

Each type of cleaner will come with its own user manual to guide you in achieving the ideal clean. It’s very important that you use the recommended carpet shampoos for your specific device or at least a solution that the producer does not specifically warn against.

In general, the following steps should be followed:
Firstly, furniture should be removed from the carpet area, and the area should be rigorously vacuumed with a powerhead vacuum cleaner. Any small objects should be picked up by hand as well. This will allow you to better see any marks or stains on the carpet.

You will then fill the device’s tank with water and follow instructions about adding the shampoo as well. Use the exact amount of shampoo specified so that no excess remains on the carpet after a clean. Make use of multiple accessories that come with the cleaner to reach into all of the nooks and crannies around the room.

After a clean, any excess water should be extracted and excess soap removed so that the carpet will not be too damp and vulnerable to forming mildew.

In fact, if you leave the shampoo on the carpet, it may dry or trap dirt even quicker, making the carpet appear filthier than before. This will also make the carpet much more difficult to clean next time.

Bissell Proheat Essential 1887
Bissell Proheat Essential 1887

What Kinds of Cleaning Solutions should be Used?

Different cleaner manufacturers recommend different shampoos to be used with the cleaning device, but, usually, you can switch to other shampoos. Companies like Hoover and Bissell have a generic shampoo that is odor and allergen-free. This is an ideal solution for households with pets. There are also extra-strength solutions for carpets that are subject to a lot of foot traffic.

If you have pets that shed a lot of hair, carpet-cleaning alone may not suffice and you may want to invest in carpet brushes and other hair-catching devices to use in addition to or before using a cleaner.

How do I Maintain my Carpet’s Appearance?

It’s a good idea to vacuum once or twice every week, particularly if there is a lot of foot traffic in your home. Do your best to remove any spills that could stain immediately using the spot stain remover or an attachment that comes with the carpet cleaner. Leaving stains until later may make them more difficult to remove.

Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet 2987
Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet 2987

On What Kinds of Stains Are Carpet Cleaners Effective?

Carpet cleaners should have no problem tackling grease, oil stains, dirt and mud, food and drink, and even human or animal detritus. Some stains may take more than one treatment and there are certain solutions that are specifically designed for particular kinds of stains which you should consider if you are having any trouble.

For example, there are many shampoos particularly designed with pet stains in mind to get rid of stubborn paw prints, fur, or waste.

Home Carpet Cleaner

What can be Done About Pet Odors?

Some carpet shampoos are quite effective at reducing pet odors, but the effectiveness of shampoos also has to do with whether the padding underneath the carpet is tainted.

If spills have become trapped in the carpet padding, simply cleaning the top-layer fibers of a carpet or rug will not effectively remove the smell and it may be necessary to use an enzymatic solution to rid the carpet of any unwanted odors in addition to using the cleaner.

Take note, however, that hot water should not be placed in the tank of the carpet-cleaning device if you are washing carpets that have been urinated on, as the heat can actually serve to bond the proteins in the urine to the fibers of the carpet or rug. This would make the odor even more apparent and difficult to get rid of.

Final Words

If you are looking for a carpet cleaner that is reliable and effective, look no further than the units on this list. However, before you decide on a particular model, keep your circumstances in mind. Think about the size of your house and all the variables that have led you to the decision to purchase a carpet cleaner. If you keep all of this in mind, you will surely find the ideal model for your needs and will have no regrets in the long run.

If you have a smaller living space, like a mobile home or an apartment, you won’t need a large carpet cleaner and can probably get the job done using a spot cleaner.

It’s also important to keep all the various surfaces in your home in mind so that you can choose a cleaner with the right level of versatility. For example, consider whether you have a lot of thick carpeting or a combination of carpeting and bare floors. This should make a difference when it comes to the model you choose.


Our Recommended Carpet Cleaners

Budget Pick The Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush 2987 is the convenient upright carpet cleaner for pet owners with small spaces to help bring area rugs and carpets back to life.

Most Popular If you own multiple pets and want to get odor and stains under control, this Bissell ProHeat 2X 1986 Carpet Cleaner is worth checking out..

Best of the Best The Bissell Big Green Professional-Grade Carpet Cleaner achieves a whole new level of clean by out-cleaning the leading rental carpet cleaner.

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Last Update: 2024-03-27 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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