9 Best Carpet Cleaners of 2025

If you’re battling stubborn spots that refuse to budge, FOLEX is your secret weapon. This no-nonsense spot treatment delivers instant results without requiring rinsing, vacuuming, or long wait times—just spray and watch stains vanish before your eyes. Its powerful surfactant action attacks grease, dirt, and grime on contact, making it ideal for pet accidents, spills, and everyday messes on colorfast carpets and upholstery.

In real-world testing, FOLEX proved exceptionally effective on fresh and set-in stains alike, from red wine to muddy paw prints. It works on any surface that can be safely dampened with water, including car interiors, stairs, and delicate fabrics. The formula doesn’t just lift stains—it prevents them from reappearing magnetically, a rare feature among spot cleaners. However, it’s not a full-system deep cleaner, so it won’t replace a carpet shampooer for whole-room cleaning.

Compared to machine-based solutions like the BISSELL ProHeat or Shark CarpetXpert, FOLEX occupies a unique niche: immediate, no-fuss spot removal. It’s the go-to for renters, pet owners, and parents who need fast fixes without setup or drying time. While other products offer comprehensive cleaning, FOLEX stands out for speed, simplicity, and precision, making it a must-have companion even if you own a high-end carpet cleaner.

When tough stains won’t quit, the Shark CarpetXpert with StainStriker rises to the challenge with 20X more stain-striking power than standard formulas. This upright powerhouse combines high-pressure PowerSpray, a高速 brushroll, and ultra-powerful suction to obliterate embedded grime, pet messes, and odors in one pass. Its built-in OXY-boosting hand tool activates a dual-chamber formula on-demand, unleashing oxidative cleaning power without premixing—perfect for set-in spills and organic stains.

In practice, the StainStriker tool shines on ketchup, coffee, and even dried pet urine, lifting stains that lesser machines leave behind. The dual tank system ensures you’re always spraying fresh solution, while the 3.5-inch reversible bristle tool tackles stairs and upholstery with ease. Dry times are impressively short—under 4 hours—thanks to optimized water extraction. However, the machine struggles slightly on ultra-plush carpets where overspray can occur if not guided carefully.

Positioned between budget models and pro-grade units, the EX201 outperforms mid-range rivals like the Hoover PowerDash in suction and stain removal. Compared to the BISSELL ProHeat 2X, it offers smarter chemistry and faster drying, though with slightly less hose reach. It’s ideal for pet-heavy homes needing deep, reliable cleaning without rental-level bulk, striking a rare balance of innovation, power, and user-friendliness.

The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus earns its title as best overall with a relentless focus on deep cleaning performance and odor destruction. Equipped with 12 rows of Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes and Turbostrength motor technology, it excavates dirt, dander, and even skunk odor from carpet fibers with surgical precision. Its Max Clean Mode delivers professional-grade results, while Express Clean Mode gets floors dry in about 30 minutes, a game-changer for busy households.

Real-world use confirms its dominance on high-traffic zones and pet-prone areas—its 8-foot hose and included Tough Stain Tool make baseboards, stairs, and car interiors accessible. The 35-foot power cord eliminates outlet-hopping, and the 6.8-amp motor runs quietly compared to competitors. That said, the machine is bulky and requires careful handling on area rugs to avoid over-wetting.

Against the Shark CarpetXpert EX201, the ProHeat 2X offers broader tool compatibility and faster drying, though without the OXY-boost innovation. It outclasses the Hoover PowerDash in every performance metric, justifying its position as the top all-rounder for pet owners and large homes. With unmatched versatility and proven cleaning power, it sets the benchmark for whole-home deep cleaning.

For small-space warriors and apartment dwellers, the Hoover PowerDash Pet delivers big cleaning in a compact body. Weighing under 10 pounds, this lightweight shampooer slips into closets and closets yet packs enough punch to handle pet messes, area rugs, and high-traffic zones. Its HeatForce technology accelerates drying, so carpets are dry faster than many full-sized models—a rare win for portability and performance.

Testing shows it excels on fresh spills and surface-level stains, thanks to the antimicrobial PowerSpin brush roll that resists odor buildup. It’s intuitive to use, with simple fill-and-go operation and a built-in solution dispenser. However, its 0.7-gallon tank demands frequent refills on larger jobs, and suction power lags behind premium models on deep-set stains.

Compared to the BISSELL TurboClean, the PowerDash is more compact but less powerful, making it better suited for maintenance than deep restoration. It’s no match for the ProHeat 2X in cleaning intensity, but for renters or those with one pet and a studio layout, it offers exceptional value and ease of use. If your priority is quick cleanups without storage hassle, this is the smart minimalist choice.

Pet hair warriors, rejoice: the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro is engineered to conquer hair-choked carpets like no other. Its HairPro Technology prevents clogs and tangles, extracting 3x more pet hair—wet or dry—while maintaining full suction. Combined with PowerSpray high-pressure jets and a high-speed brushroll, it pulverizes dirt, dander, and odors in one seamless pass, leaving no clumps behind.

In real homes with shedding dogs and cats, the HairPro consistently outperformed standard extractors, especially on low-pile and berber carpets where hair nests are common. The built-in spot remover handles stains on the fly, and ultra-fast dry times mean pets can re-enter the room quickly. However, its premium price and weight make it overkill for homes without heavy shedding.

Next to the BISSELL Big Green, the HairPro is less bulky but more specialized, trading raw tank size for hair-specific engineering. Compared to the Shark EX201, it swaps the OXY tool for enhanced hair pickup, making it the undisputed king for multi-pet homes. If fur is your biggest battle, this machine offers targeted, tangle-free cleaning that justifies every dollar.

When square footage piles up, the BISSELL Big Green steps in as the heavy-duty solution for large homes and commercial spaces. With a 1.75-gallon tank capacity, it cleans forward and backward—doubling efficiency—so you spend less time refilling and more time cleaning. Its 12-amp motor and XL DirtLifter brushes deliver industrial-grade agitation, tearing through decades of embedded filth in high-traffic hallways, basements, and rental properties.

Field tests on 2,000+ sq ft homes confirm its stamina: it handles entire floors on a single tank, and the 9-inch hose with Tough Stain Tool reaches under furniture and along baseboards. Dry times are respectable for its class, though not as fast as Shark’s models. The machine is loud and cumbersome, requiring a dedicated storage area and strong arms.

Versus the Shark EX251BRN, the Big Green wins on tank size and cleaning speed, but loses on convenience and noise. It’s overpowered for small homes but unbeatable for estates, Airbnb hosts, or cleaning businesses. If you need maximum coverage and deep cleaning in minimal passes, this is the professional-grade workhorse that gets the job done.

The BISSELL TurboClean strikes a perfect mid-range balance between power and practicality, outperforming lightweight rivals while staying affordable and agile. Its 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush digs deep into high-traffic zones, removing grime that vacuums miss, while the included Pro Max + Oxy Urine Eliminator formula tackles pet accidents at the molecular level. It’s a no-compromise solution for homes that need more than surface cleaning but don’t require pro-level bulk.

In testing, it handled everyday spills, tracked-in dirt, and moderate pet messes with ease, drying in under 5 hours. The compact design fits in tight corners and closets, and the 35-foot cord ensures wide reach. However, it lacks the dual-tank system found in Shark models, meaning dirty water can mix with clean solution over time.

Compared to the Hoover PowerDash, the TurboClean delivers superior suction and deeper cleaning, closing the gap with premium models at half the price. Against the BISSELL ProHeat 2X, it sacrifices drying speed and hose tools for smaller size and lower cost. For families wanting strong performance without overspending, this is the sweet spot in the carpet cleaner lineup.

Pet owners craving wide-coverage cleaning with minimal refills will love the BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL. Its 10-inch cleaning path and 1-gallon clean tank let you power through living rooms and hallways without constant trips to the sink—ideal for homes with multiple pets or large carpeted areas. The 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush pairs with PRO MAX Clean + Protect formula to lift stains and defend against future spills, adding a proactive layer to cleaning.

In real use, it excels on dander, tracked-in mud, and dried urine, especially when paired with the 3-inch Tough Stain Tool for furniture and stairs. The spraying crevice tool adds versatility for baseboards and car interiors. However, the machine lacks heat-dry technology, so drying takes longer than Shark’s models.

Next to the standard TurboClean, the Pet XL offers wider cleaning and bigger tanks, making it better for larger homes. Compared to the Hoover PowerDash, it’s more powerful and efficient, though less compact. It’s the ideal step-up for pet-heavy households needing speed, reach, and stain defense, delivering near-premium performance at a mid-tier price.

For budget-savvy shoppers who refuse to sacrifice performance, the Shark CarpetXpert EX121BRN is the best budget-friendly carpet cleaner that still feels premium. Despite its lightweight build, it packs CarpetXpert Technology—high-speed brushroll, PowerSpray, and ultra-powerful suction—to deliver deep cleaning that rivals models twice its price. It’s perfect for pet owners who want like-new results without overspending.

In testing, it removed coffee, mud, and pet odors effectively, with dual tank technology keeping solution fresh and dry-only mode speeding up drying. The storage tray keeps tools organized, and the 12 oz. Deep Clean Essential Formula gets you started right. However, the smaller tank means more refills on larger jobs, and the brushroll can struggle on high-pile rugs.

Against the Hoover PowerDash, the EX121BRN offers better suction, dual tanks, and faster drying, making it the clear upgrade. Compared to the BISSELL TurboClean, it’s more efficient but less stain-protected. If you want Shark-level performance at an entry price, this is the smartest value pick for small to medium homes.