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10 Best Carpet Cleaner

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vax Platinum SmartWash Pet-Design Carpet Cleaner Machine, Rug, Upholstery, Car, Stair Upright Shampooer Washer, Handheld Spot Cleaning, SpinScrub and Wash Tools, Solution, 1200W, 8.9kg, CDCW-SWXP

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,219
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Cleaning Power
Delivers powerful cleaning that tackles tough pet stains and odours with over 99% bacteria elimination for a truly hygienic home.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, the cleaner is surprisingly simple to operate for such a powerful machine.
Attachments and Accessories
The detachable pre-treatment wand is a game-changer for targeting stubborn spots before the main clean, perfect for pet messes and tough stains.
Drying Time
Heatblast technology speeds up drying, leaving carpets dry in about an hour, so you can get back to normal quickly.
Ease of Use
Motion Sense Technology makes cleaning effortless by automatically washing when pushing forward and drying when pulling back—no triggers needed.

The Vax Smartwash Pet-Design Carpet Cleaner is a strong choice for pet owners or anyone needing a powerful carpet cleaner for busy homes. It offers excellent cleaning power, killing over 99% of bacteria and removing stains 7 times better than vacuuming alone. Its 1.9-litre tank is moderately sized, meaning it can clean a good amount of carpet before needing a refill, but it’s not the largest available. Weighing 8 kg, it’s on the heavier side compared to some models, so it might feel a bit bulky for frequent or prolonged use. However, it includes a helpful pre-treatment wand that easily detaches for treating tough stains anywhere in the home, which is a great plus for spot cleaning.

The unique Motion Sense Technology simplifies operation—no triggers needed—so it washes as you push forward and dries as you pull back, making it user-friendly even for those new to carpet cleaners. This model is highly rated for effectively handling pet messes, odours, and general deep cleaning, making it especially suitable for pet-friendly households looking for a straightforward and efficient carpet cleaning solution.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,219
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Cleaning Power
Delivers powerful cleaning that tackles tough pet stains and odours with over 99% bacteria elimination for a truly hygienic home.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, the cleaner is surprisingly simple to operate for such a powerful machine.
Attachments and Accessories
The detachable pre-treatment wand is a game-changer for targeting stubborn spots before the main clean, perfect for pet messes and tough stains.
Drying Time
Heatblast technology speeds up drying, leaving carpets dry in about an hour, so you can get back to normal quickly.
Ease of Use
Motion Sense Technology makes cleaning effortless by automatically washing when pushing forward and drying when pulling back—no triggers needed.
#2

Vax Platinum Smartwash Carpet Cleaner | Kills Over 99 Percent of Bacteria | Motion Sense Technology – CDCW-SWXS, Charcoal/Blue, 3.5 Litre, 1200W

Rating
9.1
Cleaning Power
Tank Capacity
Attachments and Accessories
Cleaning Power
It impressively removes deep-seated dirt, with the water extracted often turning almost black, revealing how much grime was embedded in carpets.
Tank Capacity
While the dirty water tank lid can be tricky to fit, careful clipping prevents damage and ensures proper sealing.
Attachments and Accessories
The pre-treatment wand is a convenient tool for targeting stubborn stains before the main cleaning, especially useful for pet messes.
Drying Time
The wash and dry function works seamlessly, significantly reducing drying time by extracting a large amount of water during cleaning.
Ease of Use
The cleaner is easy to assemble and practical to use, delivering excellent results when moving slowly to release water and solution, then pulling back to dry.
Noise Level
Despite being a bit noisy, the machine’s powerful performance and intuitive design outweigh the sound level during operation.

The Vax Platinum Smartwash is a solid choice for effective carpet cleaning, thanks to its powerful Flexforce Brushbars that reach deep into carpet fibers to remove dirt and stains. Its 3.5-litre tank capacity is fairly generous, meaning fewer refills during cleaning sessions. Weighing 7.4 kg, it’s a bit heavier than some models, but still manageable for most users. One of its standout features is the Motion Sense Technology that simplifies use by automatically washing when you push forward and drying when you pull back—this triggerless design makes cleaning more intuitive and less tiring.

The dedicated Dry Only mode is also handy, offering quick drying in about an hour, which is convenient if you want to use the carpet soon after cleaning. Another plus is the antibacterial solution that claims to kill over 99% of bacteria, which helps keep carpets fresher and more hygienic. On the downside, while the 1200W motor is sufficient for most homes, it may not be the most powerful compared to heavy-duty carpet cleaners for very stubborn stains. The cleaner is not the quietest on the market, so noise-sensitive users should be aware it can be fairly loud during operation.

This carpet cleaner is well-suited for household users seeking a deep, hygienic clean with easy operation and reasonable drying times, though it might feel a bit heavy for frequent or extended use.

Rating
9.1
Cleaning Power
Tank Capacity
Attachments and Accessories
Cleaning Power
It impressively removes deep-seated dirt, with the water extracted often turning almost black, revealing how much grime was embedded in carpets.
Tank Capacity
While the dirty water tank lid can be tricky to fit, careful clipping prevents damage and ensures proper sealing.
Attachments and Accessories
The pre-treatment wand is a convenient tool for targeting stubborn stains before the main cleaning, especially useful for pet messes.
Drying Time
The wash and dry function works seamlessly, significantly reducing drying time by extracting a large amount of water during cleaning.
Ease of Use
The cleaner is easy to assemble and practical to use, delivering excellent results when moving slowly to release water and solution, then pulling back to dry.
Noise Level
Despite being a bit noisy, the machine’s powerful performance and intuitive design outweigh the sound level during operation.
#3

Vax SpotWash Home Pet-Design Spot Cleaner, Upholstery, Sofa, Stairs, Home, Car, Rug, Stain Cleaning Small Handheld Shampooer Machine, Solution, SpinScrub and Tools, 4.5kg, White / Blue, CDSW-MPXA

Rating
9.1
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Cleaning Power
This little Vax is powerful, effectively cleaning both small and larger areas, including tough stains like ink and food spills.
Weight and Portability
The machine is easy to use, portable, and not too heavy, making it convenient for cleaning around the house or in cars.
Attachments and Accessories
While the hose could be longer, it provides sufficient reach for most tasks without compromising performance.
Drying Time
The drying time is reasonable, with surfaces left only slightly damp after use.
Ease of Use
The machine is easy to use, portable, and not too heavy, making it convenient for cleaning around the house or in cars.

The Vax SpotWash Home Pet-Design Spot Cleaner stands out with its SPINSCRUB HAND TOOL, which uses automatic rotating bristles for deep cleaning, making it effective for those stubborn stains in carpets and upholstery without the need for manual scrubbing.

It is particularly suitable for homes with pets as it includes a specialized toolkit and an antibacterial cleaning solution designed to neutralize pet stains and odors, which is a significant advantage for pet owners dealing with frequent messes. At 4.5 kilograms, it is moderately lightweight, making it relatively easy to maneuver and store in small spaces.

The tank capacity of 1.1 liters is suitable for spot cleaning tasks, though for larger areas, frequent refilling may be required. The compact design allows for convenient storage, fitting easily into a cupboard when not in use. The machine's self-cleaning feature adds to its ease of maintenance, providing a hassle-free cleaning experience. However, users looking for a quieter option might find the noise level somewhat intrusive during operation. Additionally, while the drying time for cleaned areas isn't explicitly mentioned, spot cleaners can sometimes leave surfaces damp, so this might require additional airing out or drying time. This spot cleaner is particularly beneficial for pet owners and those needing a compact machine for occasional messes and stains.

Rating
9.1
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Cleaning Power
This little Vax is powerful, effectively cleaning both small and larger areas, including tough stains like ink and food spills.
Weight and Portability
The machine is easy to use, portable, and not too heavy, making it convenient for cleaning around the house or in cars.
Attachments and Accessories
While the hose could be longer, it provides sufficient reach for most tasks without compromising performance.
Drying Time
The drying time is reasonable, with surfaces left only slightly damp after use.
Ease of Use
The machine is easy to use, portable, and not too heavy, making it convenient for cleaning around the house or in cars.

Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Cleaner

Choosing the right carpet cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. When selecting a carpet cleaner, it's important to consider various factors that will ensure you get the best performance for your specific needs. Here are some key specifications to look out for and how to navigate them to find the perfect fit for you.
Cleaning PowerCleaning power refers to the effectiveness of the carpet cleaner in removing dirt, stains, and allergens from your carpet. This is often measured in terms of suction power and the efficiency of the cleaning solution. Higher cleaning power is essential for homes with pets, children, or high foot traffic, as it ensures a deeper clean. For light cleaning tasks, a carpet cleaner with moderate cleaning power may suffice. Consider your household's specific needs to determine the appropriate level of cleaning power.
Tank CapacityTank capacity indicates the amount of water and cleaning solution the carpet cleaner can hold. A larger tank capacity means fewer trips to refill, making it ideal for cleaning large areas or entire homes. Smaller tanks are more manageable and suitable for quick clean-ups or smaller spaces. If you have a large home or plan to clean multiple rooms in one go, opt for a carpet cleaner with a larger tank. For smaller apartments or occasional use, a smaller tank will be more convenient.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability are crucial factors, especially if you need to carry the carpet cleaner up and down stairs or move it around frequently. Lighter models are easier to maneuver and store, making them suitable for smaller homes or those with limited storage space. Heavier models often come with more features and larger tanks but can be cumbersome to move. Consider your physical ability and the layout of your home when choosing the weight and portability of your carpet cleaner.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of your carpet cleaner. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and stair tools, which allow you to clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. If you have a variety of cleaning needs, such as furniture, car interiors, or stairs, look for a carpet cleaner with a range of useful attachments. For basic carpet cleaning, fewer attachments may be sufficient.
Drying TimeDrying time refers to how quickly your carpet will dry after cleaning. Faster drying times are beneficial as they reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth and allow you to use the carpet sooner. Some carpet cleaners have built-in heating elements or powerful suction to speed up the drying process. If you need to use your carpeted areas soon after cleaning, prioritize models with shorter drying times. For less frequent cleaning, drying time may be less of a concern.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses the overall user-friendliness of the carpet cleaner, including features like intuitive controls, easy-to-fill tanks, and simple maintenance. A carpet cleaner that is easy to operate will save you time and effort, making the cleaning process more enjoyable. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, look for models with straightforward controls and minimal maintenance requirements. For those who don't mind a bit of extra effort, more complex models may offer additional features and performance benefits.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you have young children, pets, or sensitive neighbors. Carpet cleaners can vary significantly in how loud they are during operation. Quieter models are more suitable for homes where noise is a concern, while louder models may be acceptable if noise is not an issue. Consider your household's tolerance for noise and choose a carpet cleaner that operates at an acceptable noise level for your environment.