The best carpet cleaners of 2024
Autoblog may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
Deep cleaning carpets, whether for home or auto, is a cleaning chore that should be done regularly to keep your house and car completely clean. A vacuum cleaner can remove loose debris, dirt, and pet hair from carpets but will struggle with liquid stains and spills. Wet/dry vacuums are better at cleaning up wet messes but don’t clean deep below the carpet’s surface. You can deep clean your carpet’s fibers with a carpet cleaner. They’re designed to remove tough carpet stains and often come with a spray solution that can disinfect surfaces in addition to having traditional vacuuming abilities. Carpet cleaners can also be used to clean car seats and floor mats. Here are the best portable carpet cleaners available at Amazon.
$78.99 at Amazon
Key Features
Vacuums, sprays and scrubs
Can spotclean effectively
Wide-shaped nozzle
Dishwasher safe nozzle and collection bowl
Built-in cleaning formula dispenser
Cordless
This Black+Decker Spillbuster is a 3-in-1 cleaner that vacuums, sprays and scrubs. The wide-shaped nozzle allows it to cover more ground and clean up more thoroughly. The powered scrub brush makes it easier to clean upholstery, carpets and rugs. The collection tank is detachable and can be washed in the sink or dishwasher.
$99.99 at Amazon
Key Features
7.2v lithium-ion battery
No water or mixing needed
Removable scrub brush
2 bottles of cleaning solution included
3.3 pounds
The BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser Plus is a cordless and convenient tool that can clean the carpet, rug or car interior. It’s great for cleaning up spills, fresh stains and dirt. Two trial-sized bottles of PET PRO OXY Spot & Stain and a scrub brush are included with your purchase.
$99.99 at Amazon
Key Features
400w motor
Dual tank design
4 ft hose
10 ft power cord length
17 oz sewage tank capacity
37 oz water tank capacity
The HAUSHOF Portable Carpet Spot and Upholstery Cleaner in an all-in-one device that can clean up stubborn stains. There is a 17 oz sewage tank and a 37 oz water tank. It includes 2 different nozzles: a right angle nozzle for gap cleaning and a nozzle with a brush for deep cleaning. It weighs just 7.5 lbs and is easy to carry.
$107.99 at Amazon
Key Features
6.5” wide path nozzle
3.5” tough stain nozzle
6 foot hose
Portable and easy to store
Dual tank design
Includes bottle of cleaning solution
Kenmore makes many household products and this portable cleaner is one of the best. It removes stains on carpets, upholstery and vehicle interiors. It has a 6.5” wide path nozzle for removing tough stains and a 3.5” nozzle for cleaning up minor messes.
$144.18 at Amazon
Key Features
1.5L clean water tank
Cleans carpet, upholstery, tiles and car interiors
Takes 5 minutes to heat up
Maximum temperature of 293° F
Up to 50 minutes of runtime
21 accessories
The Aspiron Steam Cleaner features 21 different accessories to get the most out of this device. These accessories include a variety of brush heads, extension tubes, nozzles, towels, gloves and a squeegee. It takes up to 5 minutes for this hot water steamer to heat up and can reach a temperature of 293° F. It can clean carpets, upholstery, tiles, metal surfaces and vehicle interiors.
How to use a carpet cleaner
Carpet cleaners are very similar to traditional vacuum cleaners and they work in the same way, except they work in and suction up cleaning solution. You turn them on and run them over whatever surface you are trying to clean. For cleaners with attached sprayer solutions, spray the liquid in the path you are going to clean deeply into the surface.
What can be cleaned with a carpet cleaner?
Carpet cleaners can clean many surfaces effectively and quickly while specializing in stain removal. They can be used for cleaning carpet, furniture, upholstery, rugs and automotive interiors. For cars they can clean seats, floors, mats and trunks. Carpet cleaners are one of the most effective methods for interior car cleaning.
Are there any drawbacks of handheld carpet cleaners?
There aren’t many. But consider the type of floor in your home. A typical carpet cleaner can clean many surfaces, but may struggle when it comes to tile or hardwood floors.
Carpet cleaner vs wet/dry vacuum
Wet/dry vacuums are great for their versatility of cleaning up wet and dry messes efficiently. Some wet/dry vacuums can be used as a blower as well. Carpet cleaners specialize in deep cleaning carpets and will remove stains that are difficult to remove. They also have vacuuming functions but wet/dry vacuums are better at cleaning up liquid.
