A good carpet cleaner is essential for a Spring clean to head into the warmer months- taking your home from run down to sproused up and luxurious.
There are many types of carpet from reasonably priced to super expensive, and depending on how well you look after yours and the quality you go for, this will determine how long it will stay looking as good as new.
But there are times where no matter how hard you try to keep your carpet looking its best- it's inevitable that wear and tear and stains will get the better of it and have it looking dull and lifeless - but there's no need to feel defeated as there are a number of at home carpet cleaners on the market that you can get your hands on that will bring your carpet back to life.
The best carpet cleaners will include different features that will get to work on the grease and grime that's embedded into the nitty gritty of your carpet.
What exactly does a carpet cleaner do?
Carpet cleaners are a combination of cleaning solution, powerful scrubbing brushes and vacuum suction that will inject a mixture of cleaning solution and water deep into your carpet fibres.
The brushes will then agitate, scrub and loosen the dirt and stains while the powerful vacuum suction lifts it all away.
And by 'it' we also mean the deep down dirt that is ground into your carpet, the kind you can't see and that the hoover can't get to - this dirt includes pollen, food particles and dead skin.
Regular up-keep with a carpet cleaner reduces wear and tear by removing debris and large dirt particles that dull your carpet, which further accelerate wear and tear.
DIY carpet clean Vs professional carpet clean?
DIY - There's plenty of do it yourself carpet cleaners that can be bought or rented, and they tend to work well for smaller areas that require regular cleaning, however the downside to this is that they won't always get as hot as professional cleaners.
In some cases the carpet cleaner may not extract as much water from the carpet that will leave it close to dry after the clean.
So if you're wanting to replace furniture soon after or need to walk on the area that has been cleaned before it is dry you could be doing more harm than good in the long run.
Professional - Professional cleaners are either a truck mounted unit or a portable machine. There are several benefits to using each for example, if you live in a block of flats, you would require the portable version.
Truck mounted units are more powerful and are the ideal solution for large surface areas, that said, they can be used in the home too, if a super-clean is required.
What are the different types of carpet cleaning?
There are five types of carpet cleaning, but you will generally find that 'hot water extraction' and 'professional steam clean' are the ones used with DIY carpet cleaners.
Types of carpet cleaning:
- Hot water extraction - this involves a combination of high temperatures water mixed and cleaning agents being injected into the carpet at high pressure to loosen the dirt, stains and soil from its fibre. It has two tanks - solution tank to hold the clean water and cleaning solution and a recovery tank which is where all the dirty water is extracted to. This is an effective deep-cleaning method for commercial and domestic use.
- Professional steam cleaning - steam is expelled at high pressure and high temperature to help get rid of bacteria, dust mites and odour. This method is effective at removing dirt, mould and scents from carpets and improving their overall appearance. Ideal for both commercial and domestic use.
Dry powder cleaning - a soft, natural cleaning product is combined with a small amount of water, detergent, and a safe-to-use solvent which is then sprinkled onto the carpet, creating clumps that look like sawdust. The clumps act like micro-sponges that dissolve and absorb dirt vacuumed out to reveal a cleaner carpet surface. This method is not ideal if you require a deep clean since it just removes dirt from the surface of a carpet.
- Encapsulation cleaning - the carpet is vacuumed before the encapsulating chemical is applied. Afterwards, a rotary agitation machine is placed on the carpet, allowing the encapsulating chemical to absorb and isolate the dirt on the carpet, which is then vacuumed. This cleaning process is fast - as it is a low-moisture system, carpets can be put back into use promptly. A great carpet method for commercial use and high foot traffic carpet.
- Bonnet cleaning - this is a low moisture clean as only the surface of the carpet is treated and dries within 30 minutes. Self-neutralising detergent is sprayed into the carpet and it’s then agitated with a rotary scrubber with a dry cotton bonnet pad attached. Ideal for commercial use.
How often should you use a carpet cleaner?
To keep your carpet looking as good as new for as long as possible, it is recommended that your carpet is cleaned at minimum every 12–18 months.
This will also depend on the amount of traffic in your home - if there are a lot of feet walking on the same spots on a frequent basis, the likelihood of those areas becoming grubby and worn sooner is pretty high, so you may need to clean your carpet more often.
Best carpet cleaners to buy in 2023
1. BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
Best for homes with pets
The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Carpet Cleaner is a powerful carpet cleaner that achieves professional results without having to rent a cleaner and will have your carpets looking fabulous.
With twelve rows of dual dirt-lifter power brushes, consistent water temperature and a tank capacity of 3.7L, this BISSELL carpet and upholstery washer will give you a professional clean that remove ingrained dirt and stains from all carpets, stairs, upholstery, and all those hard-to-reach areas.
What's more? The express clean mode offers quick and easy cleaning that dries in 30 minutes.
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
3 cleaning modes: max clean, deep clean, and express clean
- Hose length: 2.1 m
- Clean shot stain pre-treated tackles tough stains
- Carpets dry in 30 minutes
- 2 rotating brush rolls with 12 rows of dirt lifter power brushes
- Heatwave technology for consistent cleaning temperature
2. Vax Rapid Power Plus Carpet Washer
Best extra large tank
Not only is the Vax Rapid Power Plus powerful, it also comes with an extra-large tank capacity so you can clean for longer while the auto mix system will measure the water and solution for you.
The twin tanks also ensure clean and dirty water is kept separate, meaning you'll only ever put clean water and solution into your carpets.
Best of all - carpets are dry in less than one using quick clean mode, leaving your carpets dry and smelling fresh in no time.
- Deep cleans
- Carpets dry in as little as one hour
- Spin scrub technology for a deep thorough clean
- Above floor cleaning - ideal for cleaning stairs, upholstery, car seats.
- Large tank capacity - for a longer clean without needing to refill
- Edge to edge cleaning- cleaning right up to the edge of your carpets
- Includes: spin scrub tool, upholstery wash tool, crevice tool, Platinum solution and pre and post treatment solution
3. Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
Best compact carpet cleaner
The Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner will have your carpets looking plush and smelling fresh in no time.
By using the powerful dual cross brushes that oscillate through carpet fibres to clean, groom and polish, the Rug Doctor will transform your carpet.
The super boost spray is ideal for high traffic areas, such as doorways and hallways and the powerful suction technology will remove moisture from your carpets significantly reducing the drying time.
- Rotating brush bar
- Simple lift tanks
- Removable tool caddy
- Super boost spray
- Compact design
- Grooming brush
- Agitating brush
- Hand tool
- Trial size 266ml detergent
4. Tower Carpet Washer
Best budget carpet washer
Clean and refresh the carpets throughout your home with ease using the Tower Carpet Washer t hanks to its deep cleaning performance.
Versatile and efficient, this handy unit allows you to effortlessly remove unwanted stains and spots from your carpets, rugs, and upholstery – leaving behind fresh looking and smelling fabrics
Included:
- Easy to manoeuvre
Carpet cleaning shampoo - 250ml
Compact design
Lightweight - 5kg
1.8L clean water tank
1.7L dirty water tank
5. Russell Hobbs Upright Carpet Cleaner
Best all round carpet cleaner
The Russell Hobbs Upright Carpet Cleaner is ideal for picking up spills and refreshing carpets and rugs. It's super easy to use - all you need to do is fill the clean water tank with warm water, add the carpet cleaning solution and switch it on.
At just 6kgs, the lightweight design makes it easy to transport around your home accessing those hard-to-reach places with ease.
- Power: 600 W
- Two year manufacturer's guarantee
8m power cord
1.8L clean water capacity
2.45L dirty water capacity
6. Swan Dirtmaster Carpet Washer
Best deep clean
This compact, lightweight carpet washer gives your carpets, rugs and car interiors an efficient and effective clean by sucking up spills and removing stains.
The vibrating brush technology and side brushes lift dirt effectively for a deeper clean.
The lightweight upright design is easy to manoeuvre and can be carried up and down stairs effortlessly.
- Ideal for pet owners
- Neutralises odours
- Large capacity tanks
- Includes carpet shampoo/cleaning solution - 250 ml
- Item Weight - 4.9kg
7. VAX ONEPWR SpotlessGo Carpet Cleaner
Best lightweight carpet cleaner
The Vax ONEPWR SpotlessGo Spot Carpet Cleaner is portable and lightweight and works to rid stains and spills on all floor types.
The ONEPWR multi-floor solution allows you to remove 99% of bacteria as you go. And whether you're cleaning tile, laminate or carpet, the built-in jet spray directs a stream of water to the places that need it the most
Includes:
- Multi-purpose tool
- Squeegee
- Pet tool
- ONEPWR battery
- Item weight 3.2kg
- Power: 130 W
- Clean water capacity: 0.16 litres
- Dirty water capacity: 0.28 litres
- Includes cleaning detergent
8. Henry Wash Cylinder Carpet Cleaner
Best all round carpet cleaner
The Henry Wash carpet cleaner quickly cleans carpets and hard-floors, it will freshen up furniture and the car, tackle emergency cleans and DIY from unblocking the sink to sucking-up spills.
Revive and freshen up carpets and upholstery for a clean and hygienically fresh home.
- Suitable for carpets, hard floors, stairs and upholstery
- 5 litre clean water tank capacity
- 9 litre dirty water tank capacity
Weight 15.3kg.
- 10m power cord
- 2.5m hose
- Sucks up spills
- Carry handle
- Includes: Dual scrub floor tool, fishtail tool, upholstery tool and carpet washing solution
- Manufacturer's 3 year guarantee
9. Karcher SE 4001 Carpet Cleaner
Best for allergy sufferers
The Karcher spray extraction cleaner cleans deep into the fibres of textile surfaces such as your carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses and even car seats.
This spray extraction machine is ideal for allergy sufferers and households with pets and the removable fresh water tank is easy to fill and empty without having to open the machine.
- Suitable for carpets, hard floors, stairs and upholstery
- 4 litre clean water tank capacity
- 18 litre dirty water tank capacity
- 8m power cord
- 2m hose
- Sucks up spills
- Includes spray extraction nozzle with hard surface attachment
- Weight 7.9kg
- Manufacturer's 2 year guarantee
10. Beldray Compact Carpet Washer
Best all-in-one carpet cleaner
This Beldray Compact Carpet Washer is perfect for removing stubborn stains or embedded dirt from your carpets and will make a great addition to any home.
It's the perfect all-in-one cleaning solution for carpets and rugs and the 600w carpet cleaner is compatible with any carpet shampoo.
The compact design features a removable dual-tank system, made up of 1.5 L clean water and 1.6 L dirty water tanks for optimum performance, combining practicality with style.
- Compact design
- dual tank system
- 1.5L clean water tank
- 1.6L dirty water tank
- Capacity 2.5L
11. Lynsey Queen of Clean by Swan Handheld Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Powered by a 500W motor - this Swan handheld carpet cleaner will deliver effortless cleaning for all of those unexpected accidents on carpets, rugs and upholstery.
The versatile device uses a two-tank system that has been designed to keep clear water and dirty water separate as you clean.
Use the spray to dampen a stain with fresh water, whilst the sponge filter traps dirt and bacteria to re-brighten your home furnishings in an instant.
And as it's so lightweight and convenient to use, zipping it round your home will be an absolute breeze.
- Spray rate 150ml per minute
- Exhaust sponge filter
- 5m Cord length
- Stationary cleaner brush
- Weight: 3.4kg
- Clean water capacity: 480ml
- Dirty water capacity: 900ml
12. BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser Handheld Carpet Cordless Spot & Stain Cleaner
This cordless portable carpet cleaner is always ready to remove tough pet messes on the go, making it the perfect options for families.
The powerful rotating DirtLifter PowerBrush helps to loosen, lift and remove tough pet stains while the lithium-ion battery provides an extended run time for cordless cleaning, and unlike many other portable carpet cleaners, this machine allows you to store the formula in the tank when it's not in use.
Instantly clean pet messes and other stains on carpet, stairs, upholstery, area rugs, car interiors, and more with ease and convenience.
- Rotating DirtLifter PowerBrush
- Lithium-ion battery with extended run time
- Powerful Suction & OXY Formula
- Lightweight and compact
- 2 Year Guarantee
