10 Best Carpet Shampooers 2025 in the United States

The Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is designed to handle tough carpet and upholstery stains, especially useful for pet owners. Its 0.8-gallon tank is fairly generous, allowing you to clean larger areas before needing a refill. The machine weighs about 12.2 pounds, which is manageable for most users, though it might feel a bit heavy if you need to carry it around frequently. Its cleaning power comes from five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes that thoroughly lift dirt, while the HeatForce feature helps carpets dry faster after washing, which is a nice bonus to avoid damp carpets lingering.

This model offers versatile cleaning tools including a pet tool for stubborn messes and an upholstery tool, so it's not limited to floors. The 8-foot hose adds flexibility to reach furniture and stairs. It also has a Quick Clean mode for faster cleaning and drying in smaller spaces and an Auto Mix system that optimizes the detergent and water mix for better cleaning efficiency. However, it relies on specific Hoover cleaning solution pods, which can add to your ongoing cost.

Maintenance is straightforward with helpful features like a nozzle cleanout tool and a patented recovery tank that reduces stops to empty dirty water, making longer cleaning sessions easier. Being corded electric means continuous power but limits mobility compared to cordless models. Some users might find the size a bit bulky for storage. If you want a powerful, pet-friendly carpet shampooer that covers both carpets and upholstery with good drying speed, the Hoover PowerScrub XL is a strong choice. Just be aware of the need for proprietary cleaning solutions and its somewhat heavier weight if portability is a top priority.

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.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is a robust carpet shampooer designed for deep cleaning carpets, rugs, and upholstery. One of its standout features is the CarpetXpert technology, which combines a high-speed brushroll, high-pressure spray, and powerful suction for effective dirt and stain removal. This machine claims to dry carpets quickly, making it convenient for frequent use. The innovative HairPro technology excels at picking up pet hair, minimizing the hassle of hair entanglement and making clean-up straightforward with its Zero-Touch disposal system. Additionally, the inclusion of StainStriker technology offers significant stain-fighting power, particularly beneficial for pet owners dealing with tough stains and odors. The machine also comes with a handy selection of attachments for tackling various cleaning tasks, including a handheld spot cleaner for stairs and upholstery.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The Shark CarpetXpert weighs about 20.72 pounds, which can be a bit heavy for some users, especially when maneuvering across different surfaces. While its water tank capacity and drying time are decent, they may not be as generous as some larger models. Maintenance is generally made easier with the self-cleaning feature, but ensure to follow the guidelines for optimal performance.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro is an excellent choice for pet owners or anyone needing serious cleaning power for carpets and upholstery. It effectively combines advanced cleaning technologies and user-friendly features, although its weight might be a concern for those looking for a more lightweight option.