Electric carpet cleaners are a worthwhile investment for maintaining fresh carpets, especially in homes with pets or kids. They blast water and cleaning solution into the fibers, then extract dirty water, leaving carpets cleaner and drying faster than traditional methods. Today’s top models range from full-size uprights to portable spot cleaners. We’ve tested and reviewed the leading picks from BISSELL and Hoover to help you choose the right machine for your home. Consider your carpet type, cleaning frequency, and desired features like specialized pet tools or lightweight portability.
BISSELL TurboClean, Upright Carpet Cleaner, Pro Max Clean & Protect + Oxy Urine Eliminator Formula Included, 3952
The BISSELL TurboClean, Upright Carpet Cleaner, Pro Max Clean & Protect + Oxy Urine combines strong suction with a specialized Oxy formula for tough pet stains, making it our top pick for everyday deep cleaning.
- 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 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
The BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto offers excellent value for spot cleaning upholstery, car interiors, and small carpet areas at an affordable price.
- 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.
BISSELL TurboClean PET, Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, 3948
The BISSELL TurboClean PET, Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, 3948 features a pet stain tool and specialized cleaning solution, ideal for homes with multiple pets.
- 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 delivers powerful scrubbing action and large tanks for whole-house cleaning with excellent drying performance.
- 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.
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 easy to carry and maneuver, yet still effective for pet stains, perfect for quick jobs.
- 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
For thick plush carpets, choose a model with adjustable brush height. For low-pile or Berber, a fixed brush works fine.
Larger tanks (70+ oz) mean fewer refills for whole-house cleaning. Smaller tanks are lighter for spot cleaning.
Heavier machines (over 25 lbs) offer deeper cleaning but may be harder to carry upstairs. Lightweight models are easier for quick jobs.
Models with powerful suction (like Hoover PowerScrub) leave carpets drier, reducing drying time. Look for heat or airflow features.
If you have pets, consider models with specialized pet stain tools, enzymatic solution formulas, or included upholstery nozzles.
Onboard storage for tools (crevice, upholstery) keeps everything organized. Some models come with a storage caddy.
Types explained
Large machines with wide cleaning paths and dual tanks. Best for wall-to-wall carpets and whole-room cleaning.
Best for: Regular deep cleaning of large carpeted areasCompact, handheld or bissel little green style units. Ideal for stains, upholstery, and car interiors.
Best for: Quick spot cleaning and pet messes on furniture or in vehiclesSeparate unit and hose design. Offers versatility for stairs, tight spaces, and above-floor cleaning.
Best for: Multi-surface cleaning including hard floors with attachmentsCare & usage tips
Empty dirty water tank and rinse both clean and dirty tanks with warm water. This prevents mold and odor buildup.
Remove brush roll and clear hair/debris. Soak in warm water with mild detergent, then rinse and dry completely.
Run a cycle with BISSELL or Hoover cleaning solution to flush internal parts. Follow manufacturer instructions for winterizing.
All models use a four-step process: spray, brush, suction, and recovery. The BISSELL TurboClean models combine a powerful spray with rotating brushes, while Hoover's HeatForce technology uses a heater to warm water for better cleaning.
For pet urine stains, use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for carpet machines. Also, treat fresh stains with a pretreatment spray before running the cleaner.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular laundry detergent in my carpet cleaner?+
No. Only use detergents made for carpet cleaners. Regular detergent creates too many suds and can damage the machine.
How often should I deep clean my carpets?+
Every 6 to 12 months for low-traffic areas. High-traffic homes or pet owners may need cleaning every 3 to 6 months.
Will a carpet cleaner remove old stains?+
It can improve set-in stains but may not remove them completely. For tough stains, consider a professional cleaning or a pre-treatment spotter.
What is the difference between a carpet cleaner and a steam cleaner?+
Carpet cleaners use water and detergent to scrub and extract. Steam cleaners use hot water vapor (often without detergent) to sanitize, but they don't extract dirt as well.
Can I use a carpet cleaner on area rugs?+
Yes, if the rug is not rubber-backed. Check the manufacturer's recommendation. For delicate wool or silk rugs, consult a professional.