What Are the Best Carpet Cleaners on the Market?

Why should you invest in a good carpet cleaner when you vacuum regularly and your carpets look clean? The most obvious answer is that carpets are often a lot dirtier than they look and even the strongest vacuum cleaner can’t pick up the deep-seated dirt in the fibres. While there are many reasons why people might choose carpet for their floors, one major disadvantage is that they are a lot harder to keep clean and hygienic than other kinds of flooring. Think of a carpet cleaner as the equivalent of mopping your floors after vacuuming.

Another reason why you might want a carpet cleaner is that they are quite handy – they are easy to use, often lightweight, and able to remove stains. If you spill liquid on your carpet or if your pet has had an accident, it can be an absolute nightmare and feel like the patch is never properly clean again. A good cleaner will rectify that.

You’re still not quite sure if it’s worth spending the money? High-quality carpet cleaners will last for a long time, and the price won’t seem so big if you consider its lifespan. If you invest in one, its many advantages usually outweigh the cost quite quickly.

Kärcher is a German company that was founded in the 1930s and has long since become internationally renowned for its steam and pressure cleaners. The company has received numerous awards for its products over the years, and is known for its high-quality products that keep homes and businesses clean efficiently.

One of its top-rated models is the Kärcher Puzzi 10/1, a professional spray-extraction cleaner designed for deep-cleaning carpets, rugs, upholstery and car interiors. It comes with a 10-litre tank for water and nine litres for dirty water.

Another popular product is the Kärcher SE 4. It is fully functional for wet and dry vacuuming and is recommended for households with pets or allergies. It thoroughly cleans any fabric or textile surface and is known for its easy handling.

Sealey is an established British brand that has been around since the 1970s. It specialises in tools and equipment that are known for their durability and quality. Its carpet cleaners are generally considered to be powerful, robust and versatile.

One example is the Sealey PC310 20L Wet & Dry Valeting Machine, a sturdy device that works with a 1250W pump to ensure optimum suction during the cleaning process. Users appreciate that it leaves the surface almost dry after one go and also the large tank.

The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro has been designed specifically with pet owners in mind. While our furry companions bring us a lot of joy, the occasional mess is unavoidable and can be difficult to clean up if it happens on your rug or other textiles. The cleaner is designed to be lightweight and easy to manoeuvre and outperforms some of the popular models available for rental.

Bissell is a US-based business and has been developing carpet cleaning devices since the 1800s! This level of experience is unbeatable and the business is considered the floor care expert with the highest market share in the US.

Another carpet cleaner that’s specifically designed for pet owners is the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet EX300UK (EX301 series). Its high-pressure, high-speed brush and powerful suction are manufactured to be extra thorough when picking up pet hair while avoiding clogging, and its stain-removing capabilities are equally impressive.

The Shark floor cleaning product range is part of SharkNinja, Inc., a US business that might not have been around as long as some of its competitors but nevertheless was named one of the 100 most influential businesses by Time magazine in 2025. The company stands out due to its innovative approach to household appliances, which often go viral on social media.

You may be wondering whether it is worth investing in your own carpet cleaner when you could just hire one. Either option works as long as the equipment is high quality and you use it correctly.

There are upsides to both approaches – you might not want to buy a device if you don’t use it frequently and have little storage space, or you might want to purchase your own carpet cleaner to always have it at hand. Over time, getting your own usually pays off as a good carpet cleaner will last forever.

Which is the best carpet cleaner in terms of suction? While a lot of high-quality carpet cleaners deliver good results, we found that in our tests, the Bissell Big Green Machine performed best when it comes to suction. Whether it is the perfect device for you depends on several factors, including your budget.

How often a carpet will need cleaning depends on its location and purpose. Is the carpet in your home or is it in an office with a few employees? Does your carpet have a lot of foot traffic because it is in a shop or a space where you entertain customers frequently?

Even then, there are several other aspects to factor in – for example, whether or not people wear shoes, if pets frequent the area, and more. If your carpet gets visibility dirty, it will need to be cleaned. Also, clean-looking carpets still require regular maintenance for hygiene reasons. You might think that your carpet looks clean, but you’ll be surprised by how much dirt comes out when you use a high-quality cleaner!