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10 Best Carpet Cleaners

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Carpet Cleaner, Anti-Tangle & Clog, Built-In StainStriker Spot Cleaner, Removes Tough Stains & Odours, Carpets & Upholstery, 5 Tools, 2 Cleaning Formulas, 1000W, EX300UK

10.0  score

Available on
£269.99
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,125
Cleaning Power
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Power
Powerful suction and a variety of attachments make it highly effective at removing dirt and pet hair, even from tricky areas.
Tank Capacity
The cleaner is a bit heavy and requires frequent water tank emptying, but remains straightforward and user-friendly.
Weight and Portability
The cleaner is a bit heavy and requires frequent water tank emptying, but remains straightforward and user-friendly.
Attachments and Accessories
Powerful suction and a variety of attachments make it highly effective at removing dirt and pet hair, even from tricky areas.
Drying Time
Carpets come out impressively clean and dry, thanks to strong suction that also speeds up drying time.
Ease of Use
Effortless cleaning with easy-to-detach sections and a unique hose-cleaning feature that prevents unpleasant smells.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,125
Cleaning Power
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Power
Powerful suction and a variety of attachments make it highly effective at removing dirt and pet hair, even from tricky areas.
Tank Capacity
The cleaner is a bit heavy and requires frequent water tank emptying, but remains straightforward and user-friendly.
Weight and Portability
The cleaner is a bit heavy and requires frequent water tank emptying, but remains straightforward and user-friendly.
Attachments and Accessories
Powerful suction and a variety of attachments make it highly effective at removing dirt and pet hair, even from tricky areas.
Drying Time
Carpets come out impressively clean and dry, thanks to strong suction that also speeds up drying time.
Ease of Use
Effortless cleaning with easy-to-detach sections and a unique hose-cleaning feature that prevents unpleasant smells.
#2

Vax Rapid Power Revive Carpet Cleaner Machine, Rug, Upholstery, Car, Stair Upright Shampooer Washer, Handheld Spot Cleaning Wash Tool, Solution, 1200W, Grey/Orange, CWGRV011

9.7  score

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£119
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Rating
9.7
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Cleaning Power
Delivers a deep clean that refreshes carpets and upholstery effectively, even tackling tough dirt from pets and high-traffic areas.
Weight and Portability
Despite its 8.4 kg weight, the cleaner remains manageable to maneuver around the house, aided by a long hose and generous power cord length.
Attachments and Accessories
The spot-cleaning attachment excels on stairs and flat surfaces but might need a narrower head for curved furniture or car interiors.
Drying Time
Drying time can vary significantly, sometimes taking up to 24 hours depending on carpet thickness and room conditions, so plan accordingly.

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.

Rating
9.7
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Cleaning Power
Delivers a deep clean that refreshes carpets and upholstery effectively, even tackling tough dirt from pets and high-traffic areas.
Weight and Portability
Despite its 8.4 kg weight, the cleaner remains manageable to maneuver around the house, aided by a long hose and generous power cord length.
Attachments and Accessories
The spot-cleaning attachment excels on stairs and flat surfaces but might need a narrower head for curved furniture or car interiors.
Drying Time
Drying time can vary significantly, sometimes taking up to 24 hours depending on carpet thickness and room conditions, so plan accordingly.
#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

8.5  score

Available on
£103.11
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Rating
8.5
Cleaning Power
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Power
This spot cleaner delivers impressive power on small to medium stains, easily lifting ink, tea, food, and grease marks with minimal effort.
Tank Capacity
Smaller tank capacity means frequent refills during larger jobs, positioning it best for spot cleaning rather than whole-room cleaning.
Weight and Portability
Its compact size and manageable weight make it highly portable for use throughout the home, including upstairs and car interiors.
Attachments and Accessories
The Spinscrub hand tool and brush attachments simplify removing dirt deeply embedded in fabrics without excessive elbow grease.
Drying Time
The machine dries carpets to a damp state within a couple of hours, which is reasonable for a spot cleaner but not ideal for quick reuse.
Ease of Use
Self-cleaning functionality is straightforward and effectively clears the hose, making maintenance hassle-free.

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.

Rating
8.5
Cleaning Power
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Power
This spot cleaner delivers impressive power on small to medium stains, easily lifting ink, tea, food, and grease marks with minimal effort.
Tank Capacity
Smaller tank capacity means frequent refills during larger jobs, positioning it best for spot cleaning rather than whole-room cleaning.
Weight and Portability
Its compact size and manageable weight make it highly portable for use throughout the home, including upstairs and car interiors.
Attachments and Accessories
The Spinscrub hand tool and brush attachments simplify removing dirt deeply embedded in fabrics without excessive elbow grease.
Drying Time
The machine dries carpets to a damp state within a couple of hours, which is reasonable for a spot cleaner but not ideal for quick reuse.
Ease of Use
Self-cleaning functionality is straightforward and effectively clears the hose, making maintenance hassle-free.

Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Cleaners

Choosing the right carpet cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. When selecting a carpet cleaner, consider the type of cleaning you need, the size of the area you will be cleaning, and any specific features that might be beneficial for your situation. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Cleaning PowerCleaning power refers to the effectiveness of the carpet cleaner in removing dirt, stains, and allergens from your carpet. This is often determined by the motor's power and the design of the cleaning brushes. Higher cleaning power is important for heavily soiled carpets or high-traffic areas. If you have pets or children, you might need a cleaner with strong cleaning power to tackle tough stains. For lighter cleaning tasks, a model with moderate cleaning power may suffice.
Tank CapacityTank capacity indicates how much water and cleaning solution the carpet cleaner can hold. A larger tank means you can clean a larger area without needing to refill, which is convenient for big spaces. However, larger tanks can make the cleaner heavier and more cumbersome to use. If you have a small area to clean or prefer a lighter machine, a smaller tank might be more suitable. Consider the size of the area you typically clean to determine the right tank capacity for you.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and portability of a carpet cleaner affect how easy it is to maneuver and store. Lighter models are easier to carry and move around, which is beneficial if you have multiple floors or need to transport the cleaner. Heavier models might offer more features or power but can be more challenging to handle. If you have limited storage space or need to frequently move the cleaner, opt for a more portable model.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of a 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 furniture, stairs, or other surfaces that require cleaning, look for a model with the appropriate attachments. Consider your specific cleaning needs to determine which accessories are essential for you.
Drying TimeDrying time refers to how quickly your carpet will dry after cleaning. Some carpet cleaners have features that help reduce drying time, such as heated air or powerful suction. Faster drying times are beneficial to prevent mold and mildew growth and to allow you to use the carpet sooner. If you need to use the cleaned area quickly or live in a humid climate, consider a model with features that promote faster drying.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how simple the carpet cleaner is to operate, including filling and emptying the tanks, using the controls, and maintaining the machine. A user-friendly model will have intuitive controls and easy-to-access tanks. If you prefer a hassle-free cleaning experience, look for models with straightforward operation and minimal maintenance requirements. Consider your comfort level with operating appliances to choose a model that suits you.