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If you want a professional grade carpet shampooer, we recommend the BISSELL Big Green: this is what we use to clean our carpet… and it does its job extremely well!
Dirty carpets can make even the most pristine home look dull and dingy. At one time, professional cleaners and rental machines were the only way to deep clean your carpeting. Today, you can purchase a carpet shampooer that works just as well, if not better, than the professional machines.
Carpet cleaners are similar to traditional vacuums, but rather than simply sucking up trapped dirt and dust, shampooers also apply a cleaning solution and heat to deep clean the carpeting. Shampooers look just like a regular vacuum but are typically much heavier. Some models also have an extra tank to separate the clean water from the dirty water.
Deep cleaning your carpets can help make your home feel cleaner, fresher and brighter. It can even eliminate unwanted odors and trapped dirt hiding deep within your carpet fibers. If you’re considering purchasing a carpet shampooer, you need to first understand how to clean your carpets properly, and we’ll show you how. In this guide, we’ll also review the 3 best carpet shampooers on the market, so you can find the best model for your needs.
Knowing how to clean your carpet properly can make a world of difference. The right cleaning regimen can transform your flooring and make your old carpets look new again. Believe it or not, it only takes six simple steps to keep your carpets clean and properly maintained.
So, to cut the process short:
While you can hire a professional to deep clean your carpeting, it’s often more economical to purchase your own carpet cleaner and shampoo your flooring yourself.
We put the top 3 carpet shampooers to the test to see which one offered the best performance
BISSELL claims that their Big Green Cleaning Machine offers a professional-grade carpeting cleaning, and we’d have to agree. In fact, BISSELL compared the performance of this shampooer to the leading rental carpet cleaner and found that the Big Green was the clear winner.What we really like about this cleaner is the fact that its clean and dirty water tanks are high-capacity. We took fewer trips to the sink, which meant that we could get the job done quickly and efficiently. Both tanks also have flow indicators that let you know when it’s time to check the solution and water levels.
The machine’s powerful DirtLifter PowerBrushes were able to remove dirt that was deep down in the carpeting. This is thanks to the forward and backward cleaning motion of the brushes. We also really liked that this model came with multiple attachments to help us clean those hard-to-reach areas.
Included in the box is a 9-foot hose and a 6-inch stair tool. BISSELL also gives you a sample of their professional deep cleaning formula, so you can start cleaning your carpets right away. All of this is backed by a 5-year limited warranty.
While there are plenty of great things to talk about with this machine, there are some drawbacks too. Some customers complained that their shampooer arrived with missing or damaged parts. Although the parts were replaced, this can be a major inconvenience.
The machine is also quite heavy, which may turn your cleaning session into a cardio workout.
The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Washer delivers a deep and powerful cleaning. We loved that this machine was incredibly lightweight (less than 19lbs) and easy to use. It uses a two-tank system that separates the clean water/solution from the dirty water. Each tank has its own quick pour spout, which made it easy for us to dump the dirty water without making a mess in the kitchen.
Part of what makes this model so effective is its Spinscrub technology. The machine uses a rotating brush system that offers 360 degrees of cleaning. The Dual v nozzle also allows for edge-to-edge cleaning and a quick dry time using forced heated air.
We also loved that we could wash and then rinse the carpet. After applying the clean water/solution, we used the rinse function that uses water only to remove any residue leftover from the soap.
All of this sounds too good to be true, right? Just like any other product on the market, this model does have its flaws. Many customers have issues with the handle breaking. Hoover is quick to fix the issue, but this can be an inconvenience, especially if the handle breaks while in the middle of a cleaning session.
The Hoover SteamVac Carpet Cleaner is one of Hoover’s most powerful machines, and we felt that it felt like a professional-grade cleaner when using it. It features a separate tank for dirty water and all of its brushes pop out for easy cleaning and detangling. What’s great about these two features is that it prevents the machine from moving dirt from one area of your home to another.
Unlike other machines on the market, this shampooer cleans and dries quickly. The heated drying feature prevents mold growth and reduces waiting times. We also loved that you could use this cleaner on other fabrics as well, such as upholstery, stairs, vertical surfaces and even furniture. The multi-directional brushes offer a deep cleaning to remove dirt at every angle.
One of the great features of the Hoover SteamVac is the button layout at the top. Unlike a lot of other cleaners, you don’t have to bend down to activate all the options of this cleaner. It is just a matter of switching to whatever mode you need at the top to go on your way. This is very useful if you have a lot of hard spots to clean. The Clean Surge feature can be used to get rid of most spots on your carpet that a normal cleaner just wouldn’t be able to get out normally.
Preparing the cleaner is also relatively simple. There are two main tanks, one for your dirty water and one for your clean water and cleaning solution. You don’t need any special equipment to mix the solution. Just add water and your mix will be prepared automatically. You must be careful to follow the instructions when first getting the Hoover SteamVac, though. If you aren’t careful you may end up with a leak.
When buying the SteamVac you will get a variety of different accessories. Most notable are five different brushes. The controls at the top will also allow you to spin the brushes at different speeds to suit whatever needs you may need. You will easily be able to reach whatever you need also with the eight feet hose which comes in the package.
The Clean Surge control came in handy when we used the cleaner on heavy stains. This nifty feature applies extra detergent to really deliver a deep clean on heavily soiled and trafficked areas of the home.Although this is one of Hoover’s top steam cleaners, there are some issues with this model. Some users have had issues with their tanks leaking. Others have also noted that this model does not work well with Berber carpeting.
Life is busy, and our homes can be hectic places. No matter how much we tidy on a regular basis, sometimes life requires an extra-thorough cleaning job. If you have multiple pets, children and high traffic in your home, you’ve likely noticed your carpets are not so fresh. Perhaps you’ve tried a home steam cleaner to discover it doesn’t make a significant difference on stubborn stains.
If you’ve found that standard home-use carpet cleaners are just not sufficient for your needs and require a machine that goes the extra mile, the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Pet Pack might be just what you’re looking for.
Distinctly more rugged than other non-commercial cleaners, it is the industry-leading home carpet cleaner and has excellent features, including:
There are many “pros” to owning the X3 Pet Pack cleaner. Although it costs a little more than machines from other brands, it is also more powerful. When the cost of renting a similar machine or hiring a company to clean your carpets is considered, the X3 pays for itself in two or three uses. So if you have pets, children and high traffic areas in your home that could use regular cleaning, this machine may be a worthwhile investment.
One drawback to the X3 Pet Pack is its size and weight. Of course, a more heavy-duty machine is bound to weigh more, yet the bulkiness of this one may be off-putting for some consumers. Another downside is the price. While it’s an excellent investment that pays for itself over time, the initial “sticker shock” may be a deterrent for some people. Otherwise, the performance of the machine is rated highly.
The Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Pet Pack has several distinct features, including a stair and upholstery cleaner with 12-inch long hose and a targeted urine-eliminator sprayer that is extremely useful for pet owners. It conveniently also has large capacity water tanks to hold more fluid and prevent frequent emptying and refilling, and powerful multi-directional fiber brushes that vibrate instead of rotate, to excel at scrubbing and lifting dirt out of carpets. However, the primary feature that sets this machine apart from other home carpet cleaners is it’s almost equivalent to a commercial machine.
The X3 carpet cleaner is popular with consumers and frequently given highly favorable reviews. The main negative aspect pointed out by buyers is that its weight and size make it cumbersome. While it is powerful and useful, it’s not terribly easy to cart around the house. The design and heaviness are off-putting for some people who may be inclined to choose a slightly inferior machine that looks more portable, like a vacuum cleaner.
In conclusion, this machine doesn’t come cheap, but if you like to have your carpets cleaned often, it is worth splurging on. With proper use and care, in conjunction with the included Rug Doctor detergent, it will be effective and keep your carpets fresh and looking new for years to come.
The Hoover MaxExtract Dual V Carpet Cleaner is a must have for those who are in need of a heavy duty carpet cleaner. Manufactured by an established company known for creating quality home cleaning appliances, the Dual V allows for even suction across the entire path.
Known for picking up more dirt and debris than any other brand, the Dual V also has spin brush technology that allows the bristles to clean all sides of the carpet fiber. There is also a heat feature that allows heat to be delivered right to your carpet. The Dual V comes with a full range of features that are perfect for everyone.
The MaxExtract Dual V has several key features that are designed to make carpet cleaning faster and more efficient. A few of the most highly reviewed features are:
Reading about the key characteristics of any product increase a buyer's chances of purchasing the best product for their personal needs.
The unique SpinScrub Brushes technology is designed to move in a way that ensures all of the bristles hit every side of the fiber in the carpet. The uncommon brush movement makes for a deeper clean than normal brushes because only hit the front side of the fiber in the direct path of the carpet shampooer. SpinScrub technology helps make the Hoover MaxExtract Dual V carpet cleaner more efficient than those manufactured by competitors.
The Dual V Nozzle Technology ensures even suction across the entire path of the area being cleaned. The suction from the Dual V nozzle picks up more water than any other brand. Considering more water it is picked up by the carpet cleaner, the Hoover MaxExtract Dual V carpet cleaner guarantees that your carpet requires less drying period and that less dirt and sediment left behind on the carpet fibers.
Hoover’s heated cleaning feature utilizes three different types of direct heating to speed the cleaning process and help prevent staining. The three different heating options that are applied are spill pick-up, gentle scrub, and power Scrub, and users should choose the heat setting based on the situation. When somebody is cleaning a spill involving a heated liquid, they would not need as much heat as they would need if they were performing a deep clean on the whole carpet. The direct heating is an extra advanced feature for carpet shampooers as it has been troublesome to use heated water in carpet cleaners in the past. With the Dual V, you can apply any amount of heat to your carpet.
The Dual V also has an automatic detergent mixing system that was designed to make adding cleaning fluid to the unit easier. Most people who have used a carpet cleaner in the past knows how hard it can be to mix the right amount of detergent with water to get the best cleaning results. In order to make things simpler for buyers, Hoover has automated the mixing process to help users get a deep clean on their carpet without ending up with too much soap or another issue.
One of the most attractive features of the carpet shampooer, the two tank system has one clean tank and one dirty tank. The clean tank holds the water used to when brushing the carpet, while the water that is suctioned out of the carpet is stored into the dirty tank. The two tank feature benefits users via getting a thorough clean by not requiring them to reuse dirty water on the carpet they are soaking. And importantly, having two separate tanks empowers users to refill or drain one tank with no being forced to disturb both tanks.
Yes, the Hoover MaxExtract Dual V Carpet Cleaner has a one-year manufacturer warranty.
One of the most popular carpet cleaners, the Hoover MaxExtract Dual V has hundreds of positive reviews on the Internet including many on the manufacturer’s website. The most prevalent and most discussed feature was supporting 3 different heating settings. While other carpet shampooers want the users to place hot water into the tank the MaxExtract heats the water on its own.
The two separate water tanks were also highly appreciated by product owners who had previously had or used carpet shampooer experienced issues when struggling with one tank. Those who use the Dual V are able to clean their carpets without stopping to completely empty and refill the unit. Additionally, owners of the device were surprised by how easy it was to clean the carpet shampooer after each use.
There were not many complaints made by those who purchased the Dual V. Though, there were a few points that carpet cleaner owners were not satisfied with. One thing that owners were not happy about is the weight of the carpet cleaner saying that they felt a 33-pound carpet cleaner was too heavy to maneuver. However, these users did realize that most carpet cleaners were heavy as well and they noticed that after a few exercises the weight was no longer an issue. Also, a couple of users reported leaks in the base of the water tanks, but one later stated that the problem was really caused by an improperly replaced tank. When one user did not manage to fix the leak they were able to get Hoover to repair the breaking quickly.
All products have their advantages and disadvantages. Ability to quickly review a list of pros and cons makes the buying process a bit easier.
The Hoover MaxExtract Dual V is perfect for anyone looking for an effective deep clean. With the spin brush bristles, the built-in heater, and the Dual V nozzle technology, this carpet cleaner is in a field all by itself. Having pets in the home or kids that make a mess all over your new carpet? Then this carpet cleaner is for you.
The Bissell 33N8 is a unique model that combines automatic and manual carpet cleaning. Also referred to as the SpotBot Pet Deep Cleaner, the 33N8 is known for its ability to be placed in one spot to automatically clean messes caused by pets or any other type of stain on a carpet. Special brushing features allow for a deep clean that can remove even the toughest set stains. Tests have shown that the carpet cleaner is able to remove 99% of odor-causing bacteria when it is used in conjunction with the pet stain and odor remover cleaning solution and water mixture.
Hand tools are available for the manual cleaning of tough spots, or for those that would prefer to manually clean a stubborn stain. For those who would prefer to let the carpet cleaner do the work, the Bissell 33N8 has several cycles that help the carpet cleaner remove dirt from a surface without the operation or supervision of the user. In one position the SpotBot can clean approximately a seven-inch area and deliver a high-quality cleaning.
With more companies focusing on creating carpet cleaners intended for personal use, it has become harder for the average consumer to choose the best carpet shampooer for their household needs. While most manufacturers and retailers focus on promoting a few features that they feel are most important, the features of the 33N8 that most owners find useful are:
Each of these five features has helped owners of the 33N8 thoroughly clean their carpet.
The unique protection offered by the Bissell 33N8 helps to prevent the growth of bacteria, mildew, and mold within the carpet cleaner tank. Even though few carpet cleaners are aware of it, the growth of harmful bacteria and mold is common in carpet cleaners that are used often and owned over a long period of time. The growth becomes more pronounced when the carpet cleaner is not cleaned regularly, and in some cases, the bacteria, mildew, and mold can be spread when the affected carpet cleaner is used.
Deep reach technology enables the carpet to be cleaned from the bottom to the top using a unique spiral brushing, cleaning solution sprayer and strong suction. The brushes lift dirt and stains from deep within the carpet, while the sprayer works with the suction to loosen and lift dirt. Owners of the Bissell 33N8 have found that the deep reach technology to be useful when dealing with stains that also have strong odors.
The Bissell 33N8 has two water tanks, one for the water and cleaning solution, and another for the dirty water that is suctioned up during cleaning. Most carpet cleaners have either one tank for the water, or they have a small dirty water tank. The 33N8 has a 32-ounce tank that is used to store the dirty water separately from the clean tank. Having a large separate dirty water tank reduces the number of times the tank needs to be emptied and gives owners the option of emptying dirty water while leaving the clean water tank undisturbed.
It is not unusual for a carpet to have a few stubborn spots that are impossible to clean completely with just a carpet cleaner. In order to help users handle difficult stands, the Bissell 33N8 comes with hand tools such as a six-inch stair tool, four-inch upholstery tool and the three-inch tough stain brush. There are also additional hand tools that can be purchased by owners of the carpet cleaner who find they need more help getting their carpets completely clean.
The Bissell 33N8 has the ability to function on its own without the use of hand tools or accessories; provided the user turns it on and selects one of the preset cleaning cycles installed in the carpet cleaner system. Owners of the 33N8 can turn on the carpet cleaner and leave it unattended while an area of 7 inches is cleaned automatically. The hands-free stain cleaning option is perfect for those who need to multitask throughout the day, and do not have time to wait for a deep set stained to be cleaned.
Yes, the 33N8 comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty on parts and labor.
The Bissell 33N8 has been well-reviewed by owners who were impressed by this time-saving carpet cleaner. One of the most popular aspects of the 33N8 are the hands-free cleaning capability and the hand tools available for use. The automatic cleaning of specified stains or spots without having to do much work pleases the vast majority of users. Consumer reviews state the handiness of the hand tools make the SpotBot perfect for cleaning pet spots and tough stains in a short period of time. Busy parents and pet owners were impressed by the cleaners ability to tackle deeply ingrained dirt without requiring them to hand scrub or pretreat an area.
Unfortunately, some reviews were disappointed in the unstable cleaning solution tank; some reported cases of the tank spilling its contents when they were transporting the carpet cleaner from one area to another. Other owners were mildly annoyed by the irregular size of the cleaner making it hard to store, and they mentioned that changing the hand tool attachments was difficult. However, owners of the Bissell 33N8 did mention that double checking the tank prior to transporting it helped avoid spills as many problems were caused by users cleaning the tank and not replacing it properly. Also, owners found that changing the hand tools became easier in time and they stressed the importance of making sure owners purchased hand tools that were compatible to the 33N8 Bissell.
Even after reading a few opinions of carpet cleaner owners, it is difficult for some buyers to make a final choice. Being aware of the Bissell 33N8 pros and cons will increase your chances of purchasing a carpet cleaner that you will be happy with.
The 33N8 offers many time-saving capabilities with automatic cleaning and fast drying as it suctions and sprays almost simultaneously. Brushes dig deep to clean the entire depths of the carpet while eliminating odor-causing bacteria leaving the room with a fresh clean smell.
If you’re shopping for a carpet cleaner and want a machine that is truly a step above its competitors, then you may want to consider the MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaning System. This little yellow steam cleaner has been rated the #1 pick from Consumers’ Digest Magazine, and it’s no wonder.
The superb features of the Primo include:
A distinctly positive aspect of this machine is that it’s far more than just a carpet cleaner. While it does clean carpets, it also has different attachments like a jet spray nozzle and squeegee that enable it to clean hard surfaces too. A true all-in-one clean machine, it can be used to get stains and dirt out of everything. Whether you have mildew on your tile grout, can never seem to get in the cracks and eliminate the crud from glass shower enclosures, want to freshen your rugs or even just make your hardwood floor shine beautifully, the Primo is up to the task.
A distinctly positive aspect of this machine is that it’s far more than just a carpet cleaner. While it does clean carpets, it also has different attachments like a jet spray nozzle and squeegee that enable it to clean hard surfaces too. A true all-in-one clean machine, it can be used to get stains and dirt out of everything. Whether you have mildew on your tile grout, can never seem to get in the cracks and eliminate the crud from glass shower enclosures, want to freshen your rugs or even just make your hardwood floor shine beautifully, the Primo is up to the task.
While the Primo is rated very highly overall, there are a few criticisms of it. For one, it can be messy to use the jet nozzle, with water and steam left dripping on some surfaces. In addition, while it has many more functions than a carpet cleaner, it lacks the ability to extract water from rugs like a traditional machine would.
A distinct feature that sets the MR-100 Primo apart from other machines is that it doesn’t use harsh, expensive chemical cleaning solutions. Its effectiveness is through the excellent sanitation abilities of steam. For those who try to eliminate chemicals from their homes as much as possible, are concerned about children or pets coming in contact with detergent residue, or are even sensitive to the smell of cleaning products, the simple effectiveness of steam is ideal.
Another feature that makes the Primo unique is the fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty. So, on the off chance that you do have an issue with the machine’s performance or parts, you are able to address them with the company without added expense. Just make sure you fill out and submit the warranty card to register your purchase!
Some buyers have suggested carrying a microfiber cloth along with you when using the MR-100, to mop up excess water from the spots you’re cleaning. Other concerns raised by a few consumers relate to the makeup of the machine. While it does have a durable stainless steel tank, the connectors, fittings, nozzle and attachments are made of plastic. They’re strong, but may possibly crack or wear out more easily than expected.
Overall, this is an outstanding machine that would be a worthwhile investment in any home. The ability to clean so many different surfaces and materials without the use of chemicals that can strip or discolor finishes is superb and buyers are likely to be impressed with how much cleaner and healthier their homes are as a result.
You don’t always want to be lugging around the big vacuum to do every job in the house. Sometimes there are just a few spots you need to touch up, whether it is on the carpet or furniture. It is better when you don’t have to bother with cords. With the Bissell SpotLifter 2X you just make sure it is charged and take it wherever you need it. This makes this cleaner a great quick fix for pet accidents or spills that just happened. The suction and spray mixture will be more than enough to handle these kinds of situations. This rechargeable cleaner will only work for quick jobs since the battery will only last around 15 minutes.
There are a number of great features that make the Bissell SpotLifter great for the price you are getting it at. This is one of the portable cleaners that will apply a water mixture to the spills and stains you use it on. This works great for areas that are fresh and haven’t left a larger stain on your furniture or floor. You get just the right amount of suction for getting these irritating spots out. You will also be aided by brushes which agitate the carpet to dig up dirt that may be caked into your floor and suck it into the host.
It won’t be difficult to manage this solution with the two tanks Bissell provides. You will have one take for your water and cleaner solution, along with one more tank for your dirty water. When you clean you will apply the clean water to your spill or spot and have the cleaner suck up the spill or dirt into the dirty water tank. The only thing you must be careful about is the level of dirty water in the tank. It can lead to some unexpected spills of dirty water if you don’t watch carefully.
You will also be cord-free when you buy this Bissell cleaner. When using it you should expect to have around 15 minutes of use at full power when using. With that, you will have around a 24 hour charge time. This may be too little for some people, so if this will be a problem for you then you will probably be better off with another spot cleaner.
The Bissell SpotLifter 2x isn’t for everyone. It is a great budget cleaner, though. If you have a pet or have a lot of spills in your home this will be a great fit. It will handle all those problems without a hitch. If you need something more powerful, or can be used for a longer cleaning session then you are better off looking elsewhere.
When you invest in the best carpet shampooer, you save money in the long run. The top machines on the market are well made and highly durable, which means you spend less on replacement parts and can enjoy your cleaner for many years to come.