10 Best Carpet Steam Cleaners

The Vax Smartwash Pet-Design is a solid choice for pet owners needing a carpet cleaner that tackles tough stains and odors. Its 1.9-liter water tank offers a respectable size, letting you clean a good area without constant refills. Weighing 8 kg, it’s on the heavier side, which might make moving it around less comfortable for some, but it remains manageable with its upright design.

The standout feature is the integrated pre-treatment wand that detaches easily, helping you quickly treat stubborn pet messes anywhere in the home, which many users will find very handy. This model uses Motion Sense Technology, so it washes as you push forward and dries as you pull back, simplifying the process without extra triggers. Vax claims it cleans carpets seven times better than vacuuming alone, suggesting strong cleaning performance. The cleaner also kills over 99% of bacteria and pairs well with a pet-specific stain and odor solution, making it ideal for households with animals.

Maintenance seems straightforward thanks to quick-release parts and no complicated features. On the downside, the cleaner is a bit bulky, which might be a challenge in tight spaces or for frequent lifting. Additionally, it does not have an auto shutoff feature, so you’ll need to remember to turn it off manually. For those seeking a user-friendly, effective carpet cleaner especially geared towards pet messes, this Vax model offers strong cleaning abilities with thoughtful additions like the pre-treatment wand, though its weight and size might limit portability a little.

The Vax 1-1-142784 SpotWash Max Pet-Design Spot Cleaner offers several notable strengths for those seeking an effective carpet-steam-cleaner. Its powerful suction and automatic rotating bristles make it highly efficient in removing stains and spills from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. The 2.8-liter water tank ensures that you can clean larger areas without frequent refills, which is convenient for thorough cleaning sessions.

Additionally, its versatility is enhanced with various antimicrobial attachments, including a Crevice Tool, Wide Path Tool, and Messy Clean Up Tool, making it suitable for diverse cleaning tasks around the home, including hard floors. The self-clean function further simplifies maintenance by rinsing the hose to remove dirt and debris after use, contributing to ease of maintenance and prolonging the cleaner's lifespan.

Weighing 5.5 kilograms, the SpotWash Max is reasonably portable, and its compact design with onboard tool storage and a fold-down handle aids in convenient storage when not in use. However, its weight may still be a bit cumbersome for some users, especially when carrying it up and down stairs or across larger areas. Those who require a powerful and versatile spot cleaner, especially pet owners dealing with frequent messes, will likely find this product beneficial.

The Vileda Steam Mop Steam PLUS is a lightweight and user-friendly steam cleaner designed to hygienically clean all sealed hard floors and carpets without chemicals. It heats up quickly in just 15 seconds, offering three steam settings, which is great for adjusting steam power depending on how delicate or tough your floors are. With a 400ml water tank, it provides a decent cleaning time before needing a refill, and the tank includes a transparent window to easily check water levels. The mop’s triangular head shape and ergonomic handle make it easier to reach corners and tight spaces, which is a handy detail for thorough cleaning.

Weighing only 2.1 kg, it’s comfortable to carry and maneuver around the house, and its foldable design lets you store it compactly. The 6m long cable gives you a fair range without needing to switch plugs often. It comes with two washable microfiber steam pads, which helps reduce ongoing costs. However, it lacks a variety of additional attachments that some steam cleaners offer, which might limit its versatility if you want to clean upholstery or tricky areas beyond floors. The mop is best suited for everyday floor cleaning rather than heavy-duty carpet deep cleaning.

For maintenance, using distilled water is recommended to prevent buildup, and the pads require machine washing after use. If you want a straightforward, chemical-free steam mop for regular home use with easy handling and quick heat-up, this Vileda model fits well. But if you want something with more attachments or longer steam time, you might find it a bit limited.