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10 Best Carpet Shampooers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,465
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
56899 reviews

Cleaning Power
This carpet cleaner is an absolute game-changer, handling old stains like a pro with strong suction power that leaves carpets drying faster than expected.
Water Tank Capacity
Although it requires frequent refilling for larger areas, it's worth the money for the convenience of not having to rent a commercial shampooer.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments work nicely and are easy to connect, making it perfect for cleaning stairs and upholstery, with a hose that reaches about seven steps up.
Ease of Maintenance
Designed with user-friendliness in mind, this model makes cleaning the unit unbelievably easy, with detachable rotating brush rollers and convenient tanks.

The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice for those looking to deep clean their carpets. Its cleaning power is enhanced by SpinScrub® Technology, which features multiple rotating brushes that effectively reach into carpet fibers for a thorough clean. The dual nozzle design ensures that suction is evenly applied, helping to speed up the cleaning process. With a water tank capacity of 3.8 liters, you can clean a decent-sized area before needing to refill, which is quite convenient. Additionally, the Smart Tank™ system makes it easy to fill, empty, and clean the tanks without any mess, saving you time and hassle.

Weighing in at 18.5 pounds, the machine is relatively lightweight, but some users may still find it a bit cumbersome to maneuver, especially in tight spaces or on stairs. It comes with an 8-foot hose and upholstery tool, making it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas, which is a nice bonus. However, for those who need to clean larger areas frequently, the drying time may be a concern, as it can take a bit longer for carpets to dry completely after cleaning.

The machine also scores well on ease of maintenance, with removable brushes that can be cleaned easily. However, it does require assembly upon arrival, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users. This carpet shampooer is best suited for homeowners looking for a reliable and effective cleaning solution that combines power with ease of use. Its features make it a strong contender in the market, though potential buyers should consider their specific needs regarding weight and drying time.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,465
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
56899 reviews

Cleaning Power
This carpet cleaner is an absolute game-changer, handling old stains like a pro with strong suction power that leaves carpets drying faster than expected.
Water Tank Capacity
Although it requires frequent refilling for larger areas, it's worth the money for the convenience of not having to rent a commercial shampooer.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments work nicely and are easy to connect, making it perfect for cleaning stairs and upholstery, with a hose that reaches about seven steps up.
Ease of Maintenance
Designed with user-friendliness in mind, this model makes cleaning the unit unbelievably easy, with detachable rotating brush rollers and convenient tanks.
#2

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Bonus XL Tool & Full-Size Cleaning Solution, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

Rating
9.8
Cleaning Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
6135 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it doesn't leave a soapy wet spot.
Weight and Maneuverability
Easy to set up and maneuver due to small size.
Attachments and Accessories
Much better attachments than other brands, including a wider head and scrub brush that makes cleaning large areas much more manageable.
Ease of Maintenance
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning.

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, also known as the Shark StainStriker, excels in eliminating tough stains and odors from various surfaces like carpets, area rugs, upholstery, and even cars. Its dual-activated formula provides powerful stain removal without the need for premixing, making it convenient and highly effective. The machine boasts strong suction power, ensuring deep cleaning that can revive even the dirtiest carpets and furniture, which is especially useful for pet owners dealing with stubborn pet stains and odors.

At a lightweight 8.51 pounds, it is easy to maneuver around the house and can be stored conveniently after use. The 2-liter water tank is sufficient for tackling most household cleaning tasks without frequent refills, and the drying time is reasonably quick given its powerful suction capabilities. The Shark StainStriker comes with a variety of useful attachments, including a crevice tool, bristle tools, and a pet tool, which enhance its versatility for different cleaning scenarios.

Additionally, it includes two cleaning solutions that further boost its stain-fighting power. Maintenance is straightforward, as the machine requires only hand washing of its components. However, one limitation to consider is the manual maintenance involved, which might be a bit cumbersome for some users. This carpet cleaner is a solid choice for anyone looking for a portable, powerful, and versatile cleaning solution, particularly those dealing with pet-related messes.

Rating
9.8
Cleaning Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
6135 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it doesn't leave a soapy wet spot.
Weight and Maneuverability
Easy to set up and maneuver due to small size.
Attachments and Accessories
Much better attachments than other brands, including a wider head and scrub brush that makes cleaning large areas much more manageable.
Ease of Maintenance
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning.
#3

Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine with Above Floor Cleaning, Lightweight Carpet Shampooer Machine, Pair with a Hoover Carpet Cleaner Solution for a Bright, Refreshed Home

Rating
9.5
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Drying Time

Most important from
83465 reviews

Cleaning Power
The machine delivers impressive cleaning results, even restoring heavily soiled, high-traffic areas to look better than after a professional cleaning.
Water Tank Capacity
Frequent refilling of the cleaning solution and emptying of the dirty water tank is necessary during larger cleaning jobs, but this is manageable with a little planning.
Drying Time
Carpets come out barely damp and dry within a few hours, thanks to the efficient suction and fast-drying HeatForce technology.
Weight and Maneuverability
Its compact and lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to maneuver around furniture and perfect for smaller homes or apartments.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments extend cleaning beyond carpets to upholstery and above-floor areas, adding valuable versatility.
Ease of Maintenance
Users appreciate the easy rinsing and maintenance of the roller and dirty water tank after cleaning sessions.

The Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced is a compact and lightweight carpet shampooer, making it a good fit for smaller homes or apartments where storage space and easy handling matter. Weighing about 16 pounds, it is relatively easy to maneuver around furniture and stairs. Its 0.6-gallon water tank is smaller, which requires refilling more frequently for larger cleaning jobs, but this tank size helps keep the unit light.

The machine includes a pet-specific brush roll designed to tackle pet hair and odors, which is a strong point for pet owners. It also comes with several handy attachments that extend cleaning capabilities to upholstery and above-floor areas, adding versatility beyond just carpets. Thanks to HeatForce technology, it dries carpets faster than some other models, allowing quicker use of cleaned areas. Maintenance is straightforward, with tools included for nozzle cleaning, though the smaller tank means more frequent emptying.

The unit comes with a sample cleaning solution, and using specialized Hoover solutions can improve stain and odor removal. While the smaller tank and compact size may limit efficiency for very large areas, the Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced is a convenient, pet-friendly machine well suited for quick and effective cleaning in smaller spaces.

Rating
9.5
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Drying Time

Most important from
83465 reviews

Cleaning Power
The machine delivers impressive cleaning results, even restoring heavily soiled, high-traffic areas to look better than after a professional cleaning.
Water Tank Capacity
Frequent refilling of the cleaning solution and emptying of the dirty water tank is necessary during larger cleaning jobs, but this is manageable with a little planning.
Drying Time
Carpets come out barely damp and dry within a few hours, thanks to the efficient suction and fast-drying HeatForce technology.
Weight and Maneuverability
Its compact and lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to maneuver around furniture and perfect for smaller homes or apartments.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments extend cleaning beyond carpets to upholstery and above-floor areas, adding valuable versatility.
Ease of Maintenance
Users appreciate the easy rinsing and maintenance of the roller and dirty water tank after cleaning sessions.

Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Shampooers

Choosing the right carpet shampooer can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. A good carpet shampooer will effectively remove dirt, stains, and allergens, leaving your carpets looking fresh and new. When selecting a carpet shampooer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Cleaning PowerCleaning power refers to the effectiveness of the carpet shampooer in removing dirt and stains. This is often measured in amps or watts. Higher values generally indicate more powerful motors, which can provide deeper cleaning. For homes with high traffic areas or pets, a more powerful machine (10-12 amps) is recommended. For lighter use, such as occasional cleaning, a lower power machine (5-9 amps) may suffice.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity determines how much water the shampooer can hold, which affects how long you can clean before needing to refill. Larger tanks (1 gallon or more) are ideal for cleaning large areas without frequent interruptions. Smaller tanks (less than 1 gallon) are more suitable for smaller spaces or quick clean-ups. Consider the size of the area you need to clean and how often you want to refill the tank.
Drying TimeDrying time is the duration it takes for the carpet to dry after cleaning. Some carpet shampooers have built-in heaters or powerful suction to speed up the drying process. Faster drying times (2-4 hours) are beneficial for busy households or areas with high foot traffic. If drying time is not a major concern, standard models with longer drying times (5-8 hours) can be considered.
Weight and ManeuverabilityWeight and maneuverability are important for ease of use, especially if you need to carry the shampooer up and down stairs or move it around furniture. Lightweight models (under 20 pounds) are easier to handle and store, making them suitable for smaller homes or those with limited storage space. Heavier models (over 20 pounds) may offer more features and power but can be more challenging to maneuver.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your carpet shampooer. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and stair tools. These are useful for cleaning furniture, tight spaces, and stairs. If you have a variety of surfaces to clean, look for a model with multiple attachments. If you only need to clean carpets, a basic model without extra attachments may be sufficient.
Ease of MaintenanceEase of maintenance refers to how simple it is to clean and maintain the carpet shampooer. Features like removable brushes, easy-to-empty tanks, and washable filters can make maintenance more convenient. If you prefer low-maintenance appliances, look for models with these features. Regular maintenance is important to ensure the longevity and performance of the shampooer.

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