10 Best Carpet Shampooers 2025 in the United States

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.

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 CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is well-suited for homeowners dealing with pet hair and tough carpet stains. It offers a large tank capacity (about 71 ounces) that allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills. Weighing around 21 pounds, it’s somewhat heavy but still manageable for most users, considering its upright design. The cleaner’s powerful combination of a high-speed brushroll, strong suction, and a high-pressure spray helps remove deep dirt and stubborn stains effectively, including pet-related messes.

Unique StainStriker technology uses a special chemical mix to tackle tough spots better than many competitors. Its standout feature is the HairPro technology, which lifts embedded pet hair straight into a dedicated hair cage, minimizing hair wrap and simplifying disposal with zero-touch convenience—a big plus for pet owners. Multiple attachments, including a handheld spot cleaner and tools designed for stairs, upholstery, and pet stains, add versatility and make it easier to clean different surfaces around the home. The on-board self-cleaning feature is a handy addition that helps maintain the machine with minimal effort.

The unit’s weight and size might be a bit challenging for some users to maneuver or store easily. Also, while drying times are said to be fast, it’s still important to allow carpets to dry fully before heavy foot traffic. This carpet shampooer presents a solid choice for those needing robust stain and hair removal combined with user-friendly maintenance and useful accessories.