10 Best Rug Shampooers 2025 in the United States

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro is a strong choice if you're looking for a carpet shampooer that handles pet hair and tough stains well. It uses high-pressure spray and powerful suction to clean deeply, especially effective on carpets, area rugs, and upholstery. Thanks to its HairPro technology, it picks up embedded pet hair without tangling, which is a common frustration with other cleaners. The built-in spot and stain remover is handy for stubborn marks, making it a good pick for homes with pets.

The water tank holds about 29 ounces, which is decent but might require refilling during large cleaning jobs. One benefit is the ultra-fast drying time, which helps your carpets dry quickly without soaking them too much. The machine weighs around 20.7 pounds—lighter than some heavy-duty models—so it should be manageable to push around, although it’s not the lightest option available. It comes with two cleaning tools that help clean tight spots and upholstery, adding to its versatility. Maintenance seems straightforward, and it includes a pet-specific cleaning formula that also helps neutralize odors, like pet urine and smoke. Assembly is required but should be simple.

This cleaner is well-suited for pet owners and anyone needing a deeper, more thorough clean from their carpet shampooer. If you prioritize very large water tanks or ultra-lightweight machines, you might want to explore other options.

The Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a reliable carpet cleaning solution. With its powerful cleaning power driven by five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes, it can tackle tough stains effectively, particularly those left by pets. The HeatForce technology aids in faster drying, which is a plus for busy households.

Its 0.8-gallon water tank capacity means you may need to refill it frequently during extensive cleaning, which could interrupt the cleaning process. However, the TruMAX recovery tank technology helps in minimizing stops, which is a helpful feature. The machine is relatively lightweight at 18.7 pounds, making it easier to maneuver around the house, but might still feel somewhat bulky for some users.

This carpet cleaner comes with versatile tools including a pet tool and an upholstery tool, enhancing its usability beyond just carpets. The inclusion of an 8 ft. hose and attachments like the nozzle cleanout tool and storage bag increases its versatility. The Auto Mix feature ensures an optimal mix of cleaning solution, simplifying the task for the user.

The Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner stands out for its robust cleaning capabilities and thoughtful features that cater well to pet owners. However, it's best suited for those who don't mind managing water refills and are comfortable with some noise during operation.

The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is a strong contender in the rug shampooer category, particularly well-suited for pet owners. One of its standout features is the powerful cleaning capability, thanks to the TURBOSTRENGTH motor and the Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes that effectively tackle tough pet stains and odors. For those needing quick results, the Express Clean Mode boasts a notably short drying time of about 30 minutes, which is excellent for busy households.

In terms of user convenience, this model has a 1-gallon water tank capacity, which is fairly standard and allows for decent cleaning sessions without frequent refills. It also includes useful attachments like the pet upholstery tool and tough stain tool, enhancing its versatility for various surfaces. The hose length of 8 feet makes reaching tricky areas easier, and the design is lightweight at 26.7 pounds, making it manageable for most users.

However, it does have its downsides. The corded design, while providing consistent power, limits movement during use compared to cordless options. Some users might find the noise level slightly elevated, especially during max cleaning mode, although it is generally quieter than many competitors. Maintenance is another consideration; while it’s advised to clean the dirty tank and accessories after each use for optimal performance, this may be an added chore for busy users.