Welcome to our comprehensive guide on finding the best rated steam cleaners for carpet! If you’re tired of stubborn stains, pet messes, and general grime dulling your carpets, a powerful steam cleaner can be a game-changer. These incredible machines harness the sanitizing power of steam to deep clean and refresh your flooring, often without the need for harsh chemicals. We’ve meticulously researched and tested a range of top-rated models to help you make an informed decision and bring new life back to your home’s carpets. Let’s dive into our expert recommendations for achieving a truly spotless clean!
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Rated Steam Cleaners For Carpet Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner: Chemical-Free Carpet Cleaning with 2-Hour Runtime.
The McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a powerful, chemical-free way to tackle dirt and grime on their carpets and beyond. This unit boasts a lengthy 2-hour runtime, allowing you to clean extensive areas without constant refills. It’s incredibly versatile, coming with a comprehensive set of accessories to handle various cleaning tasks around your home and even in your car.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Chemical-Free Cleaning: Utilizes hot, pressurized steam to naturally eliminate grease, grime, and stains without harsh chemicals, making it safe for families and pets.
- ✓ Extended Runtime: Offers an impressive 2-hour continuous steam time from a single fill, perfect for larger cleaning projects.
- ✓ 23 Versatile Accessories: Includes a wide array of attachments like a floor mop, mop pads, various brushes, and an angled nozzle for comprehensive cleaning tasks.
- ✓ Detailed Auto Cleaning: Designed for personal car detailing, allowing you to deep clean seats, carpets, and tight crevices with ease.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the McCulloch MC1385 for its robust steam power and exceptional versatility. It’s a workhorse that can refresh your carpets, sanitize hard surfaces, and even detail your car, all without relying on harsh detergents. The long runtime is a significant advantage, reducing interruptions and making big jobs feel much more manageable.
Best For
This steam cleaner is best for homeowners seeking an all-in-one chemical-free cleaning solution for large areas, frequent deep cleaning, and detailed automotive care.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful, pressurized steam effectively removes tough stains and sanitizes surfaces.
- Extensive accessory kit makes it suitable for a multitude of cleaning tasks.
- Large water tank provides up to two hours of continuous steam.
- Chemical-free operation is safe for children, pets, and sensitive individuals.
Cons:
- Canister design, while powerful, might be less maneuverable than upright models for some users.
- Requires a heat-up time before steam is ready for use.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Corny title aside, this has been a well-worth purchase. We recently moved into a house where the previous owners did not know how to clean properly. Whether they moved into the house with it like this or not, the grout on these kitchen tiles were so full of gunk and God knows what else that when we finally got this, it cleaned them right up. The bathroom floor tiles and shower tiles got some love too. This is not a wet vac so it won’t pull up liquid, but it loosens everything and makes it super easy to wipe away. Highly recommend!
Customer Review: I picked up the McCulloch MC1375 mainly for personal car detailing, and it’s been awesome so far. The steam pressure is strong, it heats up quickly, and the tank lasts a long time — plenty for doing seats, carpets, and all the little cracks and trim pieces. The attachments are useful, and switching between them is simple. It’s well-built and feels like it will last. Definitely recommend it for anyone needing a powerful steam cleaner for various tasks.
2. Portable Steam Carpet Cleaner with Heating Technology, Powerful Suction for Pets and Upholstery.
This portable steam carpet cleaner is a compact powerhouse, specially designed to tackle stubborn pet stains and spots with impressive suction and heating technology. Its versatility shines through with multiple cleaning modes, allowing you to choose the perfect setting for various surfaces and challenges. Whether it’s a quick spot clean or a deeper refresh, this machine delivers professional-level results right in your home.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 18,000 PA Strong Suction Power: Effortlessly lifts and removes tough pet stains, dirt, and spots from carpets, upholstery, and car interiors.
- ✓ Multiple Cleaning Modes: Features Cold Water Clean, Warm Water Clean, Steam Clean, and Steam Sanitization for adaptable cleaning on diverse surfaces.
- ✓ Heating Technology: Integrates heating for enhanced cleaning performance, especially on stubborn and greasy stains.
- ✓ Versatile Brushes: Comes with a 3″ hand tool for precision stain removal and a 5″ wide tool for larger messes, plus an integrated crevice tool.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this portable steam cleaner for its impressive suction and tailored cleaning modes, which make short work of pet messes and general spills. The heating technology really helps in breaking down tough, set-in stains, while its compact size ensures easy storage and quick deployment for unexpected accidents. It’s a fantastic solution for maintaining a clean home with pets.
Best For
Ideal for pet owners, apartment dwellers, or anyone needing a powerful, portable solution for spot cleaning carpets, upholstery, and vehicle interiors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional suction power effectively removes deep-seated dirt and liquids.
- Variety of cleaning modes (cold, warm, steam) offers flexibility for different tasks.
- Compact and portable design makes it easy to store and carry.
- Specific tools designed for pet messes and hard-to-reach areas.
Cons:
- Smaller tank capacity may require frequent refills for larger cleaning jobs.
- The focus is more on spot and upholstery cleaning rather than entire rooms.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This portable carpet cleaner punches above its size, tackling spills, pet messes, and ground-in stains with impressive suction. It’s easy to fill, heats quickly, and the brush head agitates fibers without damage. Noise is moderate, and the small tank needs refills for big jobs, but for apartments, cars, and quick clean-ups, it’s a lifesaver. Plus, it’s quite compact for storage. Definitely a solid pick!
Customer Review: As the owner of a cream-colored couch and a clumsy husband who recently spilled an entire glass of red wine, this portable carpet cleaner has earned its place as my new favorite household tool! I’ve had it for about 10 days now and have already used it for three different stains and it has completely removed them all. The suction is incredibly powerful. My only complaint is that the water tank is a little small, but for quick clean-ups, it’s perfect.
3. BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam: Top-rated upright deep cleaner for carpets and tough stains.
The BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam is an impressive upright deep cleaner engineered to tackle even the most challenging carpet stains and overall grime. Featuring innovative HydroSteam Technology, it boasts superior cleaning power, loosening sticky messes and embedded dirt more effectively than ever before. This machine combines powerful suction with an XL DirtLifter PowerBrush to ensure a truly deep and revitalizing clean for your carpets.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ HydroSteam Technology: Delivers up to 45% better cleaning performance by harnessing the power of steam to loosen tough, sticky stains.
- ✓ Built-In Steam Pretreater: Targets and helps break down stubborn, dried-on messes before the main cleaning cycle for enhanced effectiveness.
- ✓ XL DirtLifter PowerBrush: Features robust brushes that actively lift and remove embedded dirt and stains from carpet fibers.
- ✓ Upright Design: Offers easy maneuverability and comfortable operation for cleaning larger carpeted areas.
Why We Recommend It
This BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam is a fantastic upright deep cleaner that really delivers on its promise of powerful carpet cleaning, especially for households dealing with frequent spills or heavy foot traffic. Its HydroSteam technology makes a noticeable difference on stubborn spots, revitalizing carpets and leaving them looking and feeling fresher. We appreciate its user-friendly design and effective deep cleaning capabilities.
Best For
This machine is ideal for homeowners who need an effective, upright deep cleaner for entire rooms and regularly contend with tough, set-in stains on their carpets.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- HydroSteam technology significantly improves stain removal efficiency.
- Pretreater function helps break down sticky and dried messes.
- Large brush head covers more area, speeding up cleaning time.
- Relatively easy to assemble and operate compared to older models.
Cons:
- Can be heavier than portable spot cleaners, making it less ideal for stairs.
- Requires specific cleaning solutions for optimal performance (though not always required).
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: My old machine was a nightmare compared to this one… SO VERY EASY, everything from putting it together, out of the box (took me less than minute) to using it. NOTE: For those people who mentioned dirty water in the hose after use, do this fix: Put the upholstery attachment on the hose, set it to wash, and run clean water until it runs clear. Seriously, this machine is a game-changer for carpet cleaning, especially with the steam!
Customer Review: Oh I’m tickled beyond happy. I had an old Bissell carpet cleaner that lasted me 5 years. I was surprised because it wasn’t a fancy thing. But, I knew it needed desperately a new carpet cleaner. Let me set up my household. I have a man who for the life of me, doesn’t wipe his boots before coming into the house, and he works in a factory so his boots have all sorts of stuff on them. So my carpets were a disaster. This new HydroSteam tackled everything. I used the pre-treat on the high traffic areas and it worked wonders. My carpets look new!
Customer Review: My old machine was a nightmare compared to this one… SO VERY EASY, everything from putting it together, out of the box (took me less than minute) to using it. NOTE: For those people who mentioned dirty water in the hose after use, do this fix: Put the upholstery attachment on the hose, set it to wash, and run clean water until it runs clear. Seriously, this machine is a game-changer for carpet cleaning, especially with the steam!
Customer Review: Oh I’m tickled beyond happy. I had an old Bissell carpet cleaner that lasted me 5 years. I was surprised because it wasn’t a fancy thing. But, I knew it needed desperately a new carpet cleaner. Let me set up my household. I have a man who for the life of me, doesn’t wipe his boots before coming into the house, and he works in a factory so his boots have all sorts of stuff on them. So my carpets were a disaster. This new HydroSteam tackled everything. I used the pre-treat on the high traffic areas and it worked wonders. My carpets look new!
4. BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam: Versatile portable cleaner for carpet, upholstery, and cars.
The BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam is a portable cleaning marvel, perfect for tackling unexpected spills and refreshing smaller areas. This versatile machine combines steam, powerful suction, and OXY formula to deliver up to 50% better cleaning on set-in stains and even oily messes. Its three distinct cleaning modes make it adaptable for a variety of surfaces, from carpets and upholstery to car interiors and even tile grout.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ HydroSteam Technology: Offers up to 50% better cleaning performance by combining steam, suction, and OXY formula to remove tough, stuck-on, and oily messes.
- ✓ Three Cleaning Modes: Features SteamWash for oily messes, Steam for refreshing upholstery and grout, and Wash for enzyme-based stains like pet accidents.
- ✓ Portable and Lightweight: Designed for easy carrying and quick deployment, making it perfect for spot cleaning and hard-to-reach areas.
- ✓ Supports Pet Foundation: Every purchase helps the BISSELL Pet Foundation save homeless pets, adding a feel-good factor to your cleaning.
Why We Recommend It
We absolutely love the BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam for its portability and powerful cleaning capabilities, especially its HydroSteam technology. It’s an indispensable tool for households with pets or young children, where unexpected spills and stains are a regular occurrence. The ability to switch between steam and wash modes makes it incredibly versatile, handling everything from pet accidents to sticky food messes with ease.
Best For
This portable cleaner is best for active households, pet owners, and anyone needing a quick, effective solution for spot cleaning carpets, upholstery, stairs, and vehicle interiors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for quick clean-ups and refreshing small areas due to its portable design.
- HydroSteam and OXY formula combination delivers superior stain removal.
- Multiple cleaning modes increase its versatility for various types of messes.
- Compact size makes storage easy and convenient.
Cons:
- Not designed for cleaning entire rooms or large carpeted areas.
- Small tank capacity requires more frequent refills than full-sized cleaners.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Works great. Removed all stains and left a very clean appearance on our lobby furniture. Easy to use. Light weight even filled with the water. The steam feature was amazing. I highly recommend this small unit over renting a large capacity cleaner. Worth the money and time saved. It’s become my go-to for all sorts of small messes.
Customer Review: If you have pets, this machine is absolutely worth it. I can’t believe how much cleaner my carpets, furniture, and even my car seats look after using the Little Green Pet Pro. It pulled up stains I thought were permanent — old accidents, muddy paw prints, and mystery spots that just wouldn’t come out with regular cleaning products. The HydroSteam is a game changer, it truly gets deep into the fibers. The dirty water tank is always shockingly dark, which shows how much it’s actually cleaning!
5. BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet: Top-rated upright deep cleaner for carpets and pet messes.
The BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet is specifically engineered to tackle the toughest pet messes and allergens embedded deep within your carpets. As the only carpet cleaner with HydroSteam Technology, it offers twice the cleaning power, effectively washing and removing dirt, stains, and odors that other cleaners might miss. This upright deep cleaner is an essential tool for any pet-loving household aiming to maintain pristine and fresh-smelling carpets.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ HydroSteam Technology: Uniquely uses steam for enhanced cleaning, delivering 2X better performance on embedded dirt and pet messes.
- ✓ Pet-Specific Design: Optimized to handle pet stains, odors, and allergens, making it perfect for homes with furry friends.
- ✓ SteamWash Max Clean Mode: A powerful mode designed to deep clean and remove even the most stubborn pet-related grime and odors.
- ✓ Supports Pet Foundation: Your purchase helps the BISSELL Pet Foundation in its mission to save homeless pets.
Why We Recommend It
For pet parents, the BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet is an absolute must-have. Its dedicated HydroSteam technology truly makes a difference in breaking down and lifting stubborn pet stains and neutralizing lingering odors. This machine effectively restores carpets, making them look and smell fresh, giving you peace of mind even with the most active pets.
Best For
This is the ultimate carpet cleaner for pet owners, especially those with multiple pets or prone to frequent pet accidents and embedded messes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Specifically designed to excel at cleaning tough pet stains and odors.
- HydroSteam technology provides unmatched deep cleaning power.
- Efficiently removes embedded dirt and allergens, improving indoor air quality.
- Contributes to a good cause by supporting the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
Cons:
- The specialized features for pets might be overkill for homes without animals.
- It can be a bit heavy to maneuver, especially when the water tanks are full.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: My old machine was a nightmare compared to this one…SO VERY EASY, everything from putting it together, out of the box (took me less than minute) to using it. NOTE: For those people who mentioned dirty water in the hose after use, do this fix: Put the upholstery attachment on the hose, set it to wash, and run clean water until it runs clear. This Bissell Revolution HydroSteam Pet is truly amazing for getting out pet stains.
Customer Review: Oh I’m tickled beyond happy. I had an old Bissell carpet cleaner that lasted me 5 years. I was surprised because it wasn’t a fancy thing. But, I knew it needed desperately a new carpet cleaner. Let me set up my household. I have a man who for the life of me, doesn’t wipe his boots before coming into the house, and he works in a factory so his boots have all sorts of stuff on them. My two dogs also track in mud. My carpets were a disaster. This new HydroSteam Pet tackled everything. My carpets look new!
Complete Buying Guide for Best Rated Steam Cleaners For Carpet
Choosing the perfect steam cleaner for carpets can feel overwhelming with so many options available. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the features and make an informed decision. Think about your specific needs, the size of your home, and the types of messes you typically encounter. A good carpet steam cleaner isn’t just about removing visible dirt; it’s about deep cleaning, sanitizing, and extending the life of your carpets.
Essential Factors We Consider
When we evaluate the best rated steam cleaners for carpet, several factors stand out as crucial for overall performance and user satisfaction. First and foremost is cleaning power. This encompasses steam pressure, water temperature, and whether the unit includes agitation features like rotating brushes. Powerful suction is also key for effective extraction and faster drying times. We also look at tank capacity, as a larger tank means fewer refills and more continuous cleaning, which is great for bigger homes. For versatility, we consider the range and quality of attachments and accessories, ensuring you can tackle various surfaces beyond just carpets, such as upholstery, hard floors, and even auto interiors. Finally, ease of use and maneuverability are vital—a lightweight, easy-to-fill, and simple-to-operate machine makes the cleaning process much less of a chore.
Budget Planning
Investing in a quality carpet steam cleaner is an investment in your home’s cleanliness and health, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Prices for top-rated models can vary significantly, typically ranging from portable spot cleaners under $150 to robust upright or canister models well over $300. Consider your cleaning frequency and the extent of the areas you need to clean. If you only need to tackle small spills and pet accidents, a portable unit like the BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam might be perfect and more budget-friendly. For whole-house carpet cleaning, an upright model, while a larger initial investment, will likely offer better value and performance in the long run. Remember to also factor in the cost of cleaning solutions or distilled water if required by the model.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best rated steam cleaner for carpet is one that fits your unique needs and lifestyle. Whether you prioritize chemical-free cleaning, pet stain removal, portability, or comprehensive whole-home capabilities, there’s a steam cleaner out there for you. We hope this guide has shed some light on the key features to look for and helped you feel more confident in selecting a machine that will bring renewed freshness and cleanliness to your carpets for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a steam cleaner on all types of carpet?
A: While most modern carpets can be steam cleaned, it’s always best to check your carpet manufacturer’s recommendations first. Some delicate carpets, like wool or certain antique rugs, may require different cleaning methods to prevent damage. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first.
Q: Is steam cleaning better than traditional carpet shampooing?
A: Steam cleaning (often referring to hot water extraction, which many “steam cleaners” actually do) is generally considered superior to traditional shampooing. It uses hot water and suction to lift dirt and solution, leading to less residue left behind, which can attract new dirt. True steam cleaning uses dry steam to sanitize and clean without chemicals, offering a different benefit.
Q: How often should I steam clean my carpets?
A: For general maintenance, professional guidelines suggest steam cleaning your carpets every 12-18 months. However, if you have pets, young children, or high-traffic areas, you might benefit from cleaning every 6-12 months. Spot cleaning with a portable unit can be done as needed for spills.
Q: Do I need to use cleaning solutions with a steam cleaner?
A: It depends on the specific steam cleaner. Some models are designed for chemical-free cleaning using only water and steam to sanitize and lift dirt. Others, particularly deep carpet cleaners, work best with specialized cleaning solutions for enhanced stain removal and deodorizing. Always refer to your machine’s manual.
Q: How long does it take for carpets to dry after steam cleaning?
A: Drying times can vary significantly based on the efficiency of your machine’s suction, carpet thickness, humidity levels, and ventilation. Generally, carpets can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours to fully dry. Using fans, opening windows, and ensuring good air circulation can help speed up the process.
Choosing the right steam cleaner for your carpets can truly revitalize your living spaces, making them healthier and more inviting. From tackling everyday grime to conquering stubborn pet messes, our top picks offer powerful, efficient, and user-friendly solutions for every need. Don’t let dirty carpets diminish your home’s appeal any longer! We encourage you to explore our recommended models and find the perfect machine to bring that fresh, clean feeling back to your home. Click here to check out the best rated steam cleaners for carpet on Amazon today!
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
