The best carpet cleaning machine for stubborn stains

Give your carpets the deep clean they deserve.

Carpet cleaning machine

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

If you are looking for the best carpet cleaning machine, you have come to the right place. Whether you've been grappling with stubborn stains or want to refresh your carpets, the best carpet cleaning products are here to transform your cleaning routine. Carpets can harbour dirt, odours, and allergens, so choose the right cleaning tool, such as the best steam cleaners, to keep your living spaces fresh and clean.

A carpet cleaner, also known as a carpet extractor or carpet shampooer, is designed to eradicate deeply embedded dirt and stains in carpets. When it comes to carpet cleaners, you will want to look at the main features that make a difference in your cleaning experience. While assembling, these machines might seem daunting initially, but they are as straightforward as operating a vacuum cleaner. The carpet cleaner machines on this list excel at eliminating embedded dirt and pet hair, making them the best carpet cleaner for pets.

Best carpet cleaning machine at a glance:

• Best value: Vax ECB1SPV1 Platinum Power Max Carpet Cleaner - View on John Lewis
• Best compact carpet cleaning machine :  BISSELL HydroWave Carpet Cleaner - View on Amazon UK
• Best carpet cleaning machine for speed:  Vax Rapid Power Plus Carpet Cleaner - View on Amazon UK

So what about compatibility with various surfaces? While these machines are perfect for carpets, it's advisable to steer clear of wooden or laminated floors due to potential water damage. However, they're an excellent fit for tiled and vinyl floors. With specially formulated cleaning solutions and powerful brush heads, carpet cleaners delve deep into your carpet's fibres, uprooting grime and dirt that have made themselves at home. Also, when it comes to carpet cleaning options, steam cleaners are another versatile choice. Using the power of high-temperature steam, these cleaners penetrate deep into carpet fibres, dissolving dirt, grime, and even stubborn stains. Handheld steam cleaners, in particular, offer a convenient and efficient solution for tackling tough messes and refreshing carpets.

In this article, we'll delve into the best carpet cleaning machines for every type of household as well as break down the features. So, let's get into it. Here are our favourite options that can transform your carpets and living spaces, making cleaning a breeze and leaving your home refreshed and renewed.

Best carpet cleaning machine

Best value carpet cleaning machine

Description

Upgrade your carpet cleaning routine with the Vax ECB1SPV1 Platinum Power Max Carpet Cleaner.

Pros

  • Stretch hose for tackling hard-to-reach areas
  • The brush bar lifts away deep-down dirt
  • Comes with a Quick Clean Mode

Cons

  • Heavier than other cleaners
  • May take up a lot of storage

Best compact carpet cleaning machine

BISSELL HydroWave Carpet Cleaner

Rrp: £495.00

Price: £495.00

Description

Give your carpet a thorough cleaning with the BISSELL HydroWave Carpet Cleaner. Its motorized XL

Pros

  • Fast drying — carpets dry within 30 minutes in express clean mode
  • Lightweight, suitable for many floorings

Cons

  • The small tank needs emptying often

Best carpet cleaning machine for speed

Vax Rapid Power Plus Carpet Cleaner
Price: £216.55
Alternative retailers
Currys£219.00View offer
AO.com£219.00View offer
JD Williams£219.99View offer
Argos£220.00View offer

Description

This is a carpet-cleaning machine that you can use throughout your home. The versatile machine is

Pros

  • Dries in one hour
  • SpinScrub Technology
  • Above-floor cleaning for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and car seats
  • Large tank capacity
  • Edge-to-edge cleaning

Cons

  • Can be heavy when carried up the stairs

Best carpet cleaning machine for smart features

Vax Platinum Smartwash Carpet Cleaner

Rrp: £299.99

Price: £229.00
Alternative retailers
Currys£229.00View offer
AO.com£229.00View offer
JD Williams£229.99View offer
Argos£230.00View offer

Description

The Vax Platinum Smartwash Carpet Cleaner takes your cleaning experience to new heights. The

Pros

  • SpinScrub hand tool
  • Anti-Bacterial when used with Vax Platinum Antibacterial Solution
  • Motion Sense Technology
  • Dry only mode
  • Six-year guarantee

Cons

  • Some reviews say stairs were harder to clean

Best carpet cleaning machine for pets

BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner

Rrp: £328.00

Price: £328.00
Alternative retailers
AO.com£329.00View offer
JD Williams£329.99View offer

Description

Designed for homes with pets, the BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner delivers

Pros

  • Easy to use upright design
  • Carpets dry fast with Express Clean

Cons

  • Heavier than others

Best carpet cleaning machine for affordability

Description

Looking to tackle stubborn stains on a tighter budget? This funky little machine from Vax is a

Pros

  • Small, compact, storage-saving
  • Comes with a washer-cleaning solution

Cons

  • Not ideal for cleaning large floor areas

Best carpet cleaning machine for smaller spaces

Rug Doctor 93306 Portable Spot Cleaner

Rrp: £159.99

Price: £119.00

Description

For targeted stain removal at home, the Rug Doctor 93306 Portable Spot Cleaner excels at what it

Pros

  • Affordable option
  • Lightweight and convenient
  • The pull handle makes it easy to move around

Cons

  • Noisier than other cleaners
  • Hose feature may extend cleaning time

What to consider when choosing a carpet cleaning machine

Size: Consider the size of your living space and the extent of carpeted areas. Larger homes might benefit from more heavy-duty models, while those with smaller homes may prefer a more compact model.

Features: From adjustable cleaning settings, brush options, and the capacity of clean and dirty water tanks - these are some aspects to consider that can greatly influence your cleaning experience.

Compatibility: Modern carpet cleaners often come with versatile functions, including upholstery and hard floor cleaning. Ensure you're using the machine correctly on different surfaces by checking the manufacturer's recommendations.

FAQs about carpet cleaning machines

How often should I use a carpet cleaner?

The frequency of use depends on factors such as pets, family and how often you walk in your home with shoes. Generally, a thorough cleaning every 6-12 months is recommended.

Can I use a carpet cleaner on upholstery or other surfaces?

Many modern carpet cleaners offer versatile functions, including upholstery and hard floor cleaning. However, we would recommend you check the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure you're using the machine correctly on various surfaces.

Can carpet cleaners eliminate pet odours?

Yes, some carpet cleaners come equipped with features designed specifically to tackle pet odours and stains. These models usually incorporate specialised cleaning solutions and tools to ensure your carpets are not only clean but also fresh-smelling.

How do I maintain and clean my carpet cleaner?

Regular maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of your machine. After each use, empty and clean the dirty water tank, rinse the brush and nozzle attachments, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for overall maintenance.

Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.

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