10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is an upright carpet cleaner designed for deep cleaning carpets, rugs, and upholstery, making it particularly suitable for homes with pets or high traffic areas. Its standout feature is the high-speed brushroll combined with PowerSpray high-pressure spray and powerful suction, which ensures effective dirt and grime removal. The StainStriker technology is impressive for tackling tough stains, including pet stains, using a powerful OXY formula.

Moreover, the HairPro technology is highly effective at picking up deeply embedded pet hair without clogging or hair wrapping, which is a common issue with other carpet cleaners. This model also eliminates odors instantly, which is beneficial for households with pets or smokers. The handheld spot and stain eliminator extends the cleaner's reach to stairs and upholstery, adding to its versatility.

However, at 20.72 pounds, it may be considered heavy for some users, potentially affecting maneuverability. The built-in self-cleaning feature is a great addition, making maintenance easier by cleaning the tool and hose automatically. It also comes with a variety of accessories and cleaning solutions, adding value. Although it offers powerful cleaning capabilities, the weight and size might not be ideal for everyone, especially those looking for a more lightweight and compact option.

The Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone needing a deep-cleaning carpet machine. It has a decent 0.8-gallon tank, which allows for longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills or emptying, thanks in part to its TruMAX recovery tank technology. The five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes work well to lift tough stains, making it more effective than cleaners with fewer brushes. Its HeatForce feature helps speed up drying time, so carpets don’t stay wet for long.

Weighing about 27 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for a carpet cleaner, which might make it less convenient to carry around or use on stairs, but its upright design and included 8-foot hose with specialized pet and upholstery tools add versatility around the home. The machine’s Auto Mix feature takes the guesswork out of mixing cleaning solution, ensuring good results without extra effort. Maintenance is fairly straightforward, with easy-to-clean brushes and a nozzle cleanout tool included.

With strong stain-fighting ability, pet-specific tools, and faster drying time, it serves as an excellent option for homes with pets, though its weight might be a drawback for frequent heavy-duty use or for those needing a lighter machine.

The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is an upright shampooer designed for deep cleaning carpets. It stands out with Hoover's Exclusive SpinScrub® Technology, which uses multiple counter-rotating brushes for thorough cleaning. This ensures that carpet fibers are cleaned from all angles, making it quite effective at removing embedded dirt and stains. The cleaner features a Smart Tank™ system that makes filling, emptying, and cleaning the tanks straightforward, without causing a mess or requiring tools. This user-friendly design can save you time and hassle during maintenance.

Additionally, the recovery tank has a convenient quick pour spout for easy disposal of dirty water. Its 8-foot hose and upholstery tool are useful for cleaning stairs and other hard-to-reach areas, making this cleaner versatile. The DualV® Nozzle ensures even suction across surfaces, contributing to quicker and more uniform cleaning results. However, at 18.5 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users to maneuver, especially for extended cleaning sessions or for those with limited strength.

While the multiple brush system is beneficial for cleaning, it may also require extra care and cleaning to maintain its efficiency. The dimensions are fairly standard, but users with smaller storage spaces might find it bulky. Its bright red color might not appeal to everyone’s taste. This carpet cleaner is best suited for users looking for powerful cleaning performance and ease of maintenance, even if it means handling a slightly heavier machine.