10 Best Carpet Cleaners

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Carpet Cleaner is designed especially for pet owners who need to tackle tough stains and odours caused by pets. Its powerful cleaning system uses a high-pressure spray and strong suction to reach deep into carpet fibres, making it more effective than a regular vacuum, particularly for pet messes like urine and hair. The unique anti-tangle technology prevents hair from clogging the machine or tools, which is a big plus for homes with shedding pets. It also includes a built-in spot cleaner with two special formulas that work together to remove stains better than standard solutions.

Weighing about 8.7kg and measuring roughly 38cm by 36cm by 112cm, it’s a bit on the heavier side, so while it’s portable enough to move around the house, it might feel bulky for some users. It comes with several handy attachments, including tools for tough stains, crevices, and pet hair extraction, giving more flexibility to clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery.

Drying time benefits from the powerful suction, which helps carpets dry faster after cleaning, an important factor to prevent damp smells or mould. The cleaner is user-friendly with clear functions and a 5-year guarantee upon registration in the UK, providing peace of mind. However, its 1000W motor means it uses a decent amount of power, so it’s best suited for those who clean regularly and need strong performance rather than occasional light use. This carpet cleaner is a strong choice for pet owners looking for deep cleaning and effective hair removal, though its weight and size might be a consideration for some. Its attachments and built-in spot cleaning make it versatile, especially for tough pet-related stains and odours.

The Vax Rapid Power Revive Carpet Cleaner is designed to give a deep clean while leaving carpets dry in under an hour, which is a big plus if you want to use your carpets quickly after cleaning. With a fairly large tank capacity of 2.5 litres, it means fewer refills during cleaning sessions, making it convenient for bigger areas. Weighing 8.4 kilograms, it’s somewhat on the heavier side, so moving it around might require a bit more effort, especially if you have stairs or multiple rooms.

Its 240-watt motor suggests moderate cleaning power—effective for regular household dirt and stains but may struggle with very tough or ground-in messes. The bagless design helps with easy emptying and cleaning, and having a HEPA filter is a nice bonus for trapping dust and allergens. The size is fairly compact considering its tank size, but the height might make storage a consideration.

Customers have rated it highly for its performance and drying speed, which matches the product's promise. If you’re looking for a carpet cleaner that balances decent cleaning power with quick drying and a large tank, and you don’t mind a bit of weight, this model is a solid choice.

The Vax SpotWash Home Pet-Design Spot Cleaner is tailored for pet owners and household use, excelling at removing stains and odors from carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. Its standout feature is the Spinscrub hand tool with automatic rotating bristles, which effectively digs into fabric fibers to lift dirt without requiring much elbow grease. This makes cleaning easier and more thorough compared to standard spot cleaners. The included pet-specific toolkit and antibacterial cleaning solution are helpful additions that tackle tough pet messes and neutralize odors while removing over 99% of bacteria, adding a hygienic boost.

Weighing 4.5 kg, it strikes a reasonable balance between portability and power, making it manageable to carry around the home but still substantial enough to feel sturdy. Its 1.1-litre tank capacity is on the smaller side, so it’s best suited for spot cleaning rather than large carpet areas; frequent refills might be needed for bigger jobs. The compact design allows for easy storage in tight spaces.

Users find it easy to use, with self-cleaning features simplifying maintenance. Drying times with this type of cleaner can vary and might take a few hours depending on fabric and airflow, so it may not be ideal if quick turnaround times on frequently used areas are needed. The Vax SpotWash is a strong choice for pet owners or anyone needing a focused, effective spot cleaner for localized messes. It combines good cleaning power with convenient tools and hygienic solutions, though its smaller tank and moderate weight mean it’s less suited for deep or large-scale carpet cleaning.