The Best Carpet Cleaners, According to Our Editors

Mar 27, 2025

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Spills happen, but these cleaners can reverse the damage.

In This Article

Real Simple

When it comes to cleaning carpets and rugs, sometimes a vacuum just isn’t enough. Removing tough stains on carpet poses quite the challenge without the right tool, which is where a carpet cleaner comes in handy. With the right carpet cleaner, you can bring your carpets and rugs back to life from their dingey state or quickly and effectively remove pesky stains.

To find the best carpet cleaners, we tested the most popular models in our lab, considering how heavy they were, what features and attachments they came with, how well they worked on various stains, and more. We also reached out to cleaning expert Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa, for more info on carpet cleaners. No matter your carpet cleaning needs, we’ve got options for every type of stain and space.

It can be carried around and stored with ease.

It has a short battery life.

Cleaning tools like carpet cleaners can be clunky and heavy, but the Bissell Little Green Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner is just the opposite. At just 10 pounds, this small yet mighty cleaner has two cleaning modes, is cordless, and includes a couple of useful attachments. We also think this is one of the best upholstery cleaners.

In our testing, we were impressed with how well and how quickly it removed coffee and juice stains in particular. We also appreciated the two cleaning modes—turbo and eco—as well as the powerful suction and the attachments that are useful for getting into angles and hard-to-reach areas.

As a bonus, the hose wraps around the entire cleaner for an easy and tangle-free storage. During a six-month testing period, we used this cleaner on several types of rugs, a couch, and car upholstery, and it all held up well. The suction power and spray were perfectly intact and was a great tool to clean up small fibers, pet messes, and brighten carpets and rugs.

Because it’s cordless and compact, this portable carpet cleaner has a run time of approximately 20 minutes or up to 35 minutes on eco mode. However, we don’t mind the short battery life since this model is optimal for portability, maneuverability, and spot cleaning pet messes (but not necessarily for large cleaning jobs). Plus, it’s a great cleaner for carpeted stairs and stores easily in just about any closet in your home.

Weight: 10 lbs. | Battery Run Time: Between 20 and 35 minutes | Hose Length: 4 feet | Clean Water Tank Size: 33 fluid ounces | Dirty Water Tank Size: 37 fluid ounces | Accessories: Tough stain tool, self-cleaning hose tool

It’s lightweight and includes a spot cleaning attachment.

It can leak a bit and the assembly instructions aren’t completely clear.

In our testing, the Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced cleaner removed both fresh and dried coffee, chocolate, and wine stains. The light stains left behind also improved and eventually vanished with more passes.

We especially like how lightweight this model is and the fact that it comes with a two-in-one attachment for spot cleaning pet messes, which we tested in a high-traffic area where a large dog lies down frequently. After using this cleaner for six months, we noticed a brighter look and fresher scent after every use, even lightening old, dark spots.

We did notice that the instructions were not clear on how to attach the hose, and it leaked some water during the cleaning session, but its powerful suction was a notably redeemable feature. For those looking for a lightweight carpet cleaner, especially if you have pets, this cleaner is convenient, efficient, and an overall excellent value.

Weight: 18 lbs. | Cord Length: 20 feet | Hose Length: 8 feet | Clean Water Tank Size: 0.5 gallons | Dirty Water Tank Size: Not listed | Accessories: 2-in-1 tool

It’s tough on stains, and it’s easy to use.

There is no place to store the attachments on the actual model.

Indoor pet messes are notoriously challenging and bothersome to clean up, but with the Bissell Big Green PET PRO Carpet Cleaner, cleaning up these messes is a breeze. In our testing, we found that this model did an excellent job at removing fresh and set-in stains and worked even better with the wet/dry attachment and a couple more passes.

After two months, it brightened up our white-gray carpet and made them smell better too. We’ve been so impressed at how it's removed stubborn stains and lingering pet odors. There aren't any grubby stains or wear spots leftover either.

We thought it was plenty easy and straightforward to assemble and use, and after the cleaning session, we noticed a fresh, clean scent and a brighter rug. Despite its weight and size, this carpet cleaner maneuvers easily and doesn’t feel as heavy as other models, although it does take up quite a bit of storage space.

Additionally, there is nowhere to store the attachments on the cleaner itself, but we didn’t see this as much of a setback because of how well it worked overall. If you have large and/or multiple pets, this is a must-have for your home.

Weight: 41 lbs. | Cord Length: 25 in. | Hose Length: 9 in. | Clean Water Tank Size: 1.75 gallons | Dirty Water Tank Size: 1.75 gallons | Accessories: Tough stain tool, 2-in-1 tool

It’s lightweight, great for small living spaces, and easy to use.

The hose is on the shorter side.

Spot cleaning is essential for overall maintenance, so to get the job done, we recommend the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner FD13000. At just 8 pounds, this is the most lightweight product on our list, so it’s great for smaller living spaces or anyone looking to use a more compact cleaning tool; plus, the handle makes carrying it an afterthought.

We also loved how easy it was to use during our testing—the assembly was simple and emptying and filling the tanks were also a breeze. Over the course of six months, we used this cleaner to successfully eliminate pet stains (including dirty paw marks, drool, and stains from pet snacks) as well as a coffee stain from a couch.

Although this carpet cleaner had a tougher time cleaning stains such as mustard and marinara during our initial testing, it was efficient when removing soda and wine stains. Since this model has a short hose, it's important to be mindful when working on something that might be higher off the floor such as upholstered chairs or a sofa.

With a bit of care and precision, however, you’ll see that this is the best carpet cleaner for spot cleaning especially in smaller spaces and certain crevices due to its compact, portable, and versatile design.

Weight: 8 lbs. | Cord Length: 15 feet | Hose Length: 4.5 feet | Clean Water Tank Size: 19 fluid ounces | Dirty Water Tank Size: 16 fluid ounces | Accessories: 2-in-1 pet tool, stain tool

Our top choice for the overall best carpet cleaner is the Bissell Little Green Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner for its cordless, portable, and compact design, its quick stain removal, effective cleaning modes, and useful attachments. If you’re looking for something just as efficient for a bit less, Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced is our pick for the best budget carpet cleaner.

To compile a list of the best carpet cleaners, we tested a range of the most popular models in our lab and at home for up to six months. First, we noted and considered the overall size, tank size, weight, portability, and features/accessories of each carpet cleaner. We also considered the cord length and how easy each one was to use while cleaning.

Next, we determined the best attachments to clean different stains. We tested both fresh and dried stains on a cushion and dried stains on a rug, which included maple syrup, salad dressing, wine, and mud prints. We took note of how long it took each model/attachment to clean up different stains, moving onto another stain if it took longer than five minutes to remove, and noted any smells left behind after cleaning.

After testing, we evaluated the time it took to empty water tanks and clean the model based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Lastly, we considered the overall performance and price of each model.

Real Simple

Most carpet cleaners are upright or portable. According to Knoll, upright carpet cleaners like the Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced are typically most functional and efficient for cleaning larger areas such as living rooms and office spaces. Portable cleaners, on the other hand, are handheld, lightweight, and compact, which makes them great for spot cleaning, stairs, upholstery, and even cars.

Many carpet cleaners can be bulky and heavy, even more so once they’ve been filled with dirty water after a cleaning session. If you prefer something lightweight and compact, consider handheld carpet cleaners such as the Bissell Little Green Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner whose tank sizes are smaller.

“Tank size definitely matters when considering the overall weight,” Knoll says. “If you’re going up a lot of stairs, opt for a small tank and look for one with wheels or a handle that makes carrying easier.”

Carpet cleaners will almost always have two tanks—one for clean water or for the cleaning solution, and one for the dirty water that gets sucked up while cleaning. While the tank size does affect the overall weight of the product, it also determines how much you can clean and how often you’ll have to empty the dirty water tank.

“When it comes to how big a tank you want, it all comes down to the space,” Knoll says. “If you’re just cleaning up pet messes from time to time, a small tank about half a gallon or less is just fine. If you’re regularly cleaning a whole room or multiple rooms, choose a larger tank of 1.5 gallons or more.”

It’s rare to find a carpet cleaner that doesn’t have at least one extra feature or attachment. These extras, like retractable cords or dry-only settings, can allow you to make routine maintenance and deep cleaning easier.

“Pet stain tools are great for helping pull out deep messes, while some carpet cleaners have stain removal mode with extra suction and power,” Knoll says. “Some models have upholstery tools that are perfect for couches, car seats, and mattresses, while other features like a long hose or retractable cord allow for more reach with less hassle.”

Real Simple

Believe it or not, all cleaning tools require their own maintenance. Carpet cleaners are no exception. Some models are easier to maintain than others, with easy to remove tanks and lids (“their ease of cleaning can prevent mold,” Knoll says), included replacement parts such as brushes, belts, and filters, and cleaning solution refills. Knoll also says it’s best to make sure that replacement parts are easily available before purchasing a carpet cleaner so you’re not left with an unusable model.

While both carpet cleaners and steam cleaners have similar functions, their cleaning mechanisms and surface compatibility can differ. Knoll explains that carpet cleaners work by washing carpets with soap, or a cleaning solution, and suction, while steam cleaners use heat and water.

“Steam cleaners can work great for carpets but most steam cleaners do better on hard surfaces such as tile,” he says. “If you want deep cleaning, especially on carpets, get a carpet cleaner. If you just want to freshen up carpets or clean hard floors, a steam cleaner might work better. It’s also important to ensure that your steam cleaner is compatible with carpets."

It may seem like your carpet cleaner is a one-size-fits-all product, but it may not be so simple. Knoll says it’s best to check the product description before buying to avoid any damage.

“Some machines let you adjust for different carpets with height settings,” he says. “If yours doesn’t, it might be too rough on thick carpets or not work well on flat ones.” That said, some models, like the Bissell Big Green PET PRO Carpet Cleaner, are compatible on all carpet and area rug types.

Real Simple

This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with four years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, we tested carpet cleaners in our lab and at home and considered them based on their weight, type, features and attachments, and more. Daniela also consulted Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa, for more expert advice on carpet cleaners.