True story: someone on the New York Post Shopping team (perhaps the byline you see above, but we plead the fifth) spilled bright red and lavender nail polish all over her textured white carpet.
The shock, the horror, the instant vibrant stain — it’s all less than ideal, and we don’t want you to make the same carpet-ruining mistake. Seriously, we had to hire someone to replace that nail-polished spot, simply because we had no idea how to clean a carpet. (Related: best mops we reviewed and best vacuums we reviewed).
So, we turned to a professional cleaning expert at Lowe’s (read more in our in-depth FAQ section below) to properly explain how to use a carpet cleaner and what to look for in the plentiful options on the market.
“A carpet cleaner is great for extending the lifetime of your carpet and keeping its colors bright,” Gary McCoy, store manager at Central Charlotte Lowe’s, told the New York Post. “A quality carpet cleaner will depend on your needs, though you should keep in mind that models can vary in size, height, weight, portability and intended use.”
To have you tending to your sudden mishaps without worry, we also rounded up the best carpet cleaners of 2024, according to McCoy, with additional recommendations by Antony Peter, a professional carpet cleaner. We’ve also thrown in some New York Post Shopping-approved picks.
With our below options — along with the best all-purpose cleaners and hardwood floor cleaners — ensure your space (namely, your area rugs and molding-to-molding room carpet) will be spic-and-span. Another option that may work for you? Washable rugs!
RELATED: Best cleaning products of 2024, tested by editors for spring cleaning
Gary McCoy’s Picks
Best overall: Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- The 9 ft. long-reach hose and 6″ tough stain tool easily cleans stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas
- An adjustable handle lets you comfortably maneuver the machine
Cons:
- Some users say it’s heavier than other models on the market
- You must rinse and dry the machine tanks before storing it away to prevent mold, so there’s an added step
Dimensions: 20.5 x 11 x 42.3 inches
“The Bissell Big Green Carpet Cleaner offers professional-grade cleaning results,” McCoy says. “As an upright cleaner, it features a patented DirtLifter PowerBrush with 8 rows of bristles.”
It also works with powerful suction to remove embedded dirt and stains and is backed by nearly 15,000 positive Amazon reviews.
Best for cars: Bissell Little Green ProHeat Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- Patented Heatwave Technology helps maintain water temperature throughout the cleaning process as you loosen and remove tough stains
- Easy to store in small spaces and easy transportation
Cons:
- Some users say it works better as a spot treatment than an all-around carpet cleaner
Dimensions: 17 x 17 x 14.4 inches
“The Little Green ProHeat portable deep cleaner is a lightweight and compact machine that permanently removes tough spots and stains,” McCoy adds. “It’s engineered with patented Heatwave Technology to help maintain consistent water temperature while cleaning carpets, upholstery, stairs, area rugs, auto interiors or any other soft surface where stains can occur.”
Bissell also offers a SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner ($155), an Amazon best-seller, backed by nearly 13,000 rave reviews on Amazon.
Best for pet hair: Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- Every purchase supports the Bissell Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- The four-row patented DeepReach PowerBrush lifts away dirt and stains that a vacuum cleaner leaves behind
Cons:
- This model may be somewhat bulky to store
Dimensions: 19.5 x 15.5 x 11 inches
“This sleek and lightweight machine is tough on pet messes that take place on carpet and area rugs,” McCoy notes. “It features a two-tank technology so that you never have to clean with dirty water.”
What’s more, the TurboClean is excellent at cleaning high-traffic areas and smaller rugs alike.
Best for a quick clean: Bissell TurboClean DualPro Pet Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- Intuitive removable tanks and nozzle make cleaning up after cleaning easy
- Every ‘Purchase Saves Pets’
- Bissell proudly supports Bissell Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets
Cons:
- Some users say this model comes at a learning curve compared to others on the market
Dimensions: 11 x 17.3 x 44 inches
“The DualPro cleaner works on carpet, upholstery and all those hard-to-reach places,” McCoy says. “It also comes with an Express Clean Mode, which helps to clean and dry your carpet in 45 minutes or less.”
Plus, this nifty purchase features removable tanks and a nozzle, making post-cleanup a snap.
Best antibacterial: Bissell ProHeat 2x Liftoff Pet with Antibacterial Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- Two specialized tools: the 4″ tough stain tool and spraying crevice tool remove tough messes from stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas
- When used with Bissell’s Deep Clean + Antibacterial formula, eliminates more than 90% of odor-causing bacteria
Cons:
- Some users report that the model may leak if too much liquid is added to clean before steaming
Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 44 inches
“This model features the brand’s patented dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes with 10 rows of cleaning bristles, combined with powerful suction to remove embedded dirt and stains,” McCoy explains. “You can use the full-size machine to clean entire rooms or detach the patented Lift-Off portable pod to easily clean pet messes on stairs, upholstery and car interiors.”
More, it’s rated an Amazon best-seller with nearly 13,000 rave reviews.
Best for allergies: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- MAX Clean Mode removes embedded dirt, stains and allergens
- Comes equipped with a pet stain tool and 3-inch tough stain tool to remove pet messes on stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas
Cons:
- Some say the machine takes a while to properly clean
Dimensions: 15 x 12.5 x 43.5 inches
“This easy-to-use carpet cleaner was designed with a low-profile foot to clean and maneuver under and around furniture,” McCoy says. “It promises a professional clean at half the weight of leading professional machines.”
Not to mention, it helps eliminate more than 90% of odor-causing bacteria.
Best portable: Prolux Prostorm 1 Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- The design is completely self-contained, which means you do not have to hook the shampooer up to your sink like you did with older shampooer designs
- Offers much higher power output than other shampooers on the market and offers self-adjusting brush roll height
Cons:
- None to speak of
Dimensions: 7 x 11 x 16 inches
“The Prolux Storm is a deep cleaning commercial grade carpet shampooer and tile cleaner,” McCoy notes. “This design allows the shampoo system to agitate the surface automatically as you clean, instead of having to manually scrub your floor surface.”
And, if its easy-to-store design isn’t enough to sell you, its ability to reach grouted areas on tile flooring most definitely will.
Anthony Peter’s Picks
Best gentle clean: Dawn Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap
Pros:
- Ideal for smaller stains and as a first step in cleaning
- Requires less scrubbing
- Free of parabens, phosphates, and triclosan
- Can also be used in the dishwasher
Cons:
- May not work on deeper strains
Anthony Peter, the owner of Anthony Peter Carpet & Upholstery, suggested that anyone who is dealing with a carpet stain starts with the least aggressive approach first. He recommended mixing water with dish soap for the best results — what he calls “the basics” for carpet disasters. “This should always be what you use on your first attempt to spot-clean a stain. Less is more in carpet cleaning. There are a lot of issues that can arise in the cleaning of carpets,” said Peter.
Best for a variety of stains: Resolve Professional Strength Spot and Stain Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- Ideal for lifting tougher stains and preventing them from reappearing
- Works on a variety of stains (red wine, make-up, coffee, mud and more)
Cons:
- Ingredients could be harmful to pets or children
For a trickier clean, Peter recommended trying a stronger formula for stain removal: “Resolve Professional Carpet Cleaner cleans and refreshes your rugs. Makes them soft and deodorizes your rugs. Works with all major carpet cleaners,” he explained. Reviewers agree that the instructions for using this formula are quite simple, making it a popular choice for a variety of spills or stains.
Best bio-enzymatic: Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
Pros:
- Bio-enzymatic odor-locking technology that reduces smell
- Works with compatible cleaning machines
- Penetrated deep to lift deep stains
Cons:
- Stronger solution may be unnecessary on smaller stains
Peter is also a fan of the Nature’s Miracle solution. In addition to scrubbing away tough stains, this solution works to eliminate odorous smells from pet accidents. “Nature’s Miracle Carpet Shampoo is a go-to for all my customers. It’s a deep cleaner plus a pet stain remover and a deodorizer. Perfect if you have pets. It is phosphate-free and it is bio-enzymatic, which breaks down tough odor molecules,” said Peter.
Post Wanted Picks
Best spot remover: FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover (4-Pack)
Pros:
- Backed by more than 79,000 reviews as an Amazon best-seller
- Safe to use around children or pets
Cons:
- Isn’t apt for large carpets; more so for spot-cleaning
As made viral on TikTok, the FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover is a must-buy, especially for a four-pack that’s less than $40. You’ll enjoy its spot-cleaning magic, its American-made formulation and how convenient it is to store in your laundry room (alongside your laundry detergents).
Best household name: OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Effective at removing dirt and lifting stains
Cons:
- Doesn’t boast a sustainably made formulation
You already know OxiClean as a household name, and its Large Area Carpet Cleaner is the next best thing if you’re not looking for a full-service machine. Namely, it’s beloved by more than 12,000 people who have spilled nail polish, wine, or other uh-ohs (you know the feeling) and is also compatible to use within a carpet cleaning machine. So, it’s versatile.
Best foaming: 3 Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Pros:
- Great to have on hand for carpeted car seats
- Doubles as a fabric cleaner on some surfaces, like toy seat cushions
Cons:
- None to speak of
We love Chemical Guys for its car-cleaning kits and its Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is perfect for those unexpected emergencies. Namely, it dissolves and removes dirt, odors, and stains from automotive carpets, thanks to its quick-action foaming power.
An FAQ on Carpet Cleaners
Ahead, McCoy gave us the 411 on all things carpet cleaners — including how to use them and what to look for in one.
What to look for in a carpet cleaner, according to an expert
Surely, there are plenty of carpet cleaners on the market (which is why we, with the help of McCoy, listed the 10 best to buy above). That said, it’s important to keep specific notes in mind when searching for the perfect one for you.
“If you’re looking for a heavy-duty carpet cleaner for tough stains and messes, you should consider an upright carpet cleaner, which makes it quick and easy to clean rooms that are fully carpeted,” McCoy suggests. “Alternatively, if you want more of a spot-cleaning tool for accidental spills or messes, you might want to go with a portable carpet cleaner, which are smaller machine that can also be used on upholstery.”
Not to mention, carpet spot cleaners exist on the market (a large thanks to Amazon for having some pretty amazing ones), if you’re looking for a more affordable, quick-action option for a smaller surface area.
“You’re going to see portable and upright carpet cleaners, with the main differentiator being portable cleaners are lighter and used for smaller messes, while uprights are typically heavier and used to clean entire rooms,” McCoy adds. “Solution-based cleaners use a specific carpet-cleaning liquid. The machine first creates a foam, which is applied to the carpet and then scrubbed with brushes to loosen dirt.”
How do carpet cleaners work?
Let’s state the obvious — they clean your carpet. But, for a first-time user, there are some notes to keep in mind.
“Carpet cleaners combine water, cleaning solution, motorized brushes, and suction for deep cleaning,” McCoy explains. “You can find models designed to clean fully carpeted rooms and models designed for spot cleaning.”
Most carpet cleaners do use solutions. “The type of carpet cleaning solution you choose will depend on machine type, what kinds of ingredients you’re comfortable with, and what benefits you’re looking for in a cleaner,” he adds.
How often should I use a carpet cleaner?
How often you use your carpet cleaner can vary depending on your lifestyle – pets and kids will naturally create more stains and messes – as well as your carpet type and age. But, as a rule of thumb, you should look to use your carpet cleaner every year or so.
“Between cleanings, you should be taking care of your carpet through vacuuming, changing your HVAC filters regularly, and placing door mats near your entryways to collect dirt and debris,” McCoy adds.
If you’d like to extend the time between deep cleans, consider purchasing a carpet with enhanced durability and stain-resistant technology.
What’s the main difference between a carpet cleaner and a vacuum?
According to McCoy, while vacuums are well suited for lifting debris and assisting with everyday cleaning, carpet cleaners can be used for more heavy-duty cleaning like stain removal or lifting embedded dirt and grime from your carpet.
“Carpet cleaners designed to clean up pet messes usually come equipped with the tools to lift tough stains and eliminate smells,” he adds. “They are also typically lightweight so that pet owners can clean harder-to-reach messes.”
Can you use a carpet cleaner on an area rug?
Yes! Most area rugs, unless washable, cannot go into the washing machine, so carpet cleaning is an excellent alternative to keeping your rugs fresh and colorful throughout the years.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.