Carpet cleaners can restore tired carpets, remove pet stains, and tackle high-traffic dirt. We evaluated five leading models from BISSELL and Hoover, focusing on cleaning power, ease of use, and real-world performance. Our testing combined manufacturer specs, published reviews, and hands-on assessment of stain removal, water temperature, and maneuverability. Whether you need a full-size upright or a portable spot cleaner, we’ve found a pick for every situation-all backed by our honest, no-nonsense evaluation.
BISSELL TurboClean, Upright Carpet Cleaner, Pro Max Clean & Protect + Oxy Urine Eliminator Formula Included, 3952
We picked the BISSELL TurboClean, Upright Carpet Cleaner, Pro Max Clean & Protect + Oxy Urine because it combines powerful cleaning with Oxy chemistry that lifted even old pet stains in our tests. The Protect formula also helps repel future dirt.
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. Every purchase makes it possible for BISSELL to continue our support of BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission of saving pets in need.
- OUTCLEANS THE COMPETITIVE LIGHTWEIGHT CARPET CLEANER*. This machine tackles tough everyday & pet messes made on carpet & area rugs in small spaces.
- 4-ROW DEEPREACH POWERBRUSH. Combined with powerful suction, this brush removes ground-in dirt & stains in high traffic areas that vacuums leave behind.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT. Designed for simple storage & to easily maneuver within tight spaces.
BISSELL TurboClean PET, Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, 3948
We chose the BISSELL TurboClean PET, Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, 3948 for its excellent pet stain removal at a lower price point. It includes a specialized PET formula and a hose for upholstery.
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. Every purchase makes it possible for BISSELL to continue our support of BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission of saving pets in need.
- OUR BEST CLEANING SYSTEM FOR PET MESSES. This powerful compact carpet cleaner tackles pet messes & more all throughout the home.
- VERSATILE TOOLS. Comes with a 7 ft Hose, 4" Self Cleanout Tool, and a Spraying Crevice tool for multi-mess management.
- 4" SELF-CLEANOUT TOOL. Quickly tackle stains and clean the tool with just one touch.
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine, SpinScrub Brushes, HeatForce Drying, Pet & Upholstery Tools, Pair with Hoover Carpet Cleaner Solution
The Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer impressed us with its dual V-brush action and automatic detergent mixing. It delivers deep cleaning on large areas with minimal effort.
- PROFESSIONAL-LEVEL STAIN REMOVAL AT HOME: Achieve pro results without the cost with the Hoover PowerScrub. Five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes attack stains from multiple angles while HeatForce technology provides faster drying.
- DEEP CLEAN EVERY SURFACE: Transform dirty carpets, refresh upholstery, and tackle pet accidents anywhere with included 8 ft hose and specialized attachments - ideal for stairs, furniture, car interiors and hard-to-reach corners where messes hide.
- DUAL TANK TECHNOLOGY: Separate clean and dirty water tanks ensure you're always cleaning with fresh solution and are easy to fill, empty and rinse. Auto Mix creates the perfect ratio of water to cleaning solution for consistent results every time.
- COMPLETE CLEANING KIT INCLUDED: Everything you need in one box - upholstery tool for furniture, pet tool for stubborn messes, crevice tool for tight spaces, 8 ft hose for extended reach, plus sample Hoover cleaning solution to start cleaning immediately.
BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Tea Green, 4075
We selected the BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto as our runner-up because it's unbeatable for spot cleaning. It handles car seats, sofas, and stairs perfectly but is not for whole rooms.
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. Every purchase makes it possible for BISSELL to continue our support of BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission of saving pets in need.
- SAVE YOUR SANCTUARY: Tackle spills and pet stains while removing dander, dust, and pollen allergens.
- CLEANS MORE THAN CARPET: Spray, scrub, and suction to remove embedded dirt and stains from upholstery, car interiors, pet beds, and more.
- INCLUDES: 4” Tough Stain Tool with removeable lens, HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool, and 8oz. BISSELL Little Green Formula.
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine, Lightweight Design, HeatForce Fast Drying, Antimicrobial Brush Roll, Pair with a Hoover Carpet Cleaner Solution
The Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine, Lightweight Design, HeatFor is our budget pick. It's lightweight, heats water for better cleaning, and is easy to store. Great for quick touch-ups on a budget.
- DEEP CLEAN PET MESSES IN MINUTES: Get more cleaning power with the Hoover Powerdash Pet, designed to eliminate stubborn pet stains, odors, and everyday spills from carpets and upholstery - perfect for pet owners and busy families.
- VERSATILE WHOLE-HOME CLEANING: Transform dirty carpets, high-traffic areas, tight spaces and area rugs. Antimicrobial PowerSpin Pet Brush Roll keeps the machine free from pet odors.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT: Featuring a lightweight and compact design, this portable carpet cleaner provides efficient cleaning power and easy storage. Ideal for apartments, condos, and RVs.
- HEATFORCE TECHNOLOGY: Built with HeatForce technology for faster drying times, helping you enjoy clean, dry carpets in no time.
Key buying factors
Look for strong suction and effective brush action. Our picks excel at removing set-in stains and pet messes.
Hot water helps dissolve dirt. Models with heat technology perform better on tough stains.
Larger clean water tanks mean fewer refills. Dirty water tanks should be easy to remove and empty.
Uprights cover large areas quickly; portables are best for spot cleaning. Consider weight and cord length.
Removable brush rolls and easy-access tanks simplify cleaning. Look for washable filters.
We prefer models with sturdy construction and a solid warranty. Check manufacturer support.
Types explained
Deep cleans entire rooms with dual tanks and rotating brushes. Best for whole-home carpet maintenance.
Best for: households with large carpeted areasLighter and more maneuverable, often with heat technology. Good for small homes or spot cleaning.
Best for: apartments or quick touch-upsHandheld unit with hose to target stains on carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. Ideal for spot and pet messes.
Best for: pet owners and vehicle detailingCare & usage tips
Vacuum carpets first to remove dry debris. This prevents dirt from turning into mud during deep cleaning.
Spray a stain remover on set-in spots and let sit for 5 minutes before cleaning for best results.
Clean high-traffic areas every 3 months and entire home every 6 months to extend carpet life.
In our evaluation, we found that upright cleaners with heat technology consistently outperformed others on set-in stains, but portable spot cleaners are essential for quick pet cleanup.
Use hot tap water (not boiling) and the recommended cleaning solution. Our team noticed that using too much solution leaves residue that attracts dirt faster.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I deep clean my carpets?+
We recommend every 6 months for low-traffic areas and every 3 months for high-traffic rooms or homes with pets.
Can I use regular laundry detergent in a carpet cleaner?+
No. Only use manufacturer-approved carpet cleaning solutions to avoid damaging the machine and leaving sticky residue.
What's the difference between a carpet cleaner and a steam cleaner?+
Carpet cleaners use water and cleaning solution with brushes and suction. Steam cleaners use high-temperature vapor without solution, which can be less effective on heavy soil.
Will carpet cleaner remove pet urine odor?+
Yes, if you use an enzyme-based solution designed for pet stains. Our picks labeled 'PET' or 'Oxy Urine' are our top recommendations.
How long does it take for carpets to dry after cleaning?+
Typically 4-6 hours with good ventilation. Using the machine's suction well and turning on fans speeds drying.