Welcome to our comprehensive guide on finding the best rated carpet steam cleaner! If you’re tired of stubborn stains, pet messes, and general wear and tear making your carpets look dull, you’re in the right place. A top-notch carpet steam cleaner can revitalize your home, offering a deep clean that goes beyond surface-level dirt. We understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right machine with so many options available. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the leading models, rigorously tested and highly recommended, to help you make an informed decision for a cleaner, fresher living space.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Rated Carpet Steam Cleaner Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Portable Carpet Steam Cleaner with Heating Technology and Powerful Suction for Pets and Upholstery.
This portable carpet steam cleaner is a game-changer for anyone dealing with persistent pet stains and general grime. Its advanced heating technology ensures a powerful clean, while the robust suction effortlessly lifts dirt from various surfaces. It’s a versatile tool, perfect for deep cleaning not just carpets but also upholstery and even car interiors, making it a true all-rounder for household messes.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 18,000 PA Strong Suction Power: Effectively removes tough pet stains and deep-seated dirt.
- ✓ Multiple Cleaning Modes: Offers Cold Water Clean, Warm Water Clean, Steam Clean, and Steam Sanitization for diverse needs.
- ✓ Integrated Heating Technology: Enhances cleaning effectiveness by using hot water and steam.
- ✓ Versatile Brushes Included: Comes with a 3″ hand tool, a 5″ wide tool, and a crevice tool for detailed cleaning.
- ✓ Portable and Lightweight Design: Easy to move around for quick clean-ups or tackling larger areas.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this cleaner for its impressive combination of power and versatility. The multiple cleaning modes genuinely adapt to any situation, from refreshing upholstery to sanitizing surfaces with steam. Its strong suction ensures you’re not just moving dirt around, but truly extracting it, leaving your home much cleaner.
Best For
This is ideal for pet owners, families with young children, and anyone needing a powerful, portable solution for both quick spot treatments and deeper cleaning tasks across various surfaces including carpets, rugs, and furniture.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent suction power for removing deeply embedded dirt and stains.
- Heating technology provides a superior, sanitizing clean.
- Highly versatile with multiple cleaning modes and brush attachments.
- Compact and portable design makes it easy to store and use in different areas.
Cons:
- Water tanks might need frequent refilling for larger jobs due to its compact size.
- Can be a bit loud during operation.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I was truly amazed by how much dirt this little machine pulled out of my old sofa. The steam function is incredible for pet accidents, and it dries much faster than my previous cleaner. Highly recommend for any pet parent!” – Sarah K.
Customer Review: “This portable steam cleaner is a powerhouse! It tackled old coffee stains on my carpet that I thought were permanent. The different tools make it easy to clean every nook and cranny. Definitely one of the best rated carpet steam cleaner options I’ve tried.” – Mark D.
2. BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner for Car Detailing.
The BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a compact yet powerful solution for targeted cleaning. Known for its exceptional ability to tackle tough stains and refresh various surfaces, this model combines the power of steam with strong suction, making it a favorite for homeowners and even car detailing enthusiasts. Plus, every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which is a big win!
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ HydroSteam Technology: Delivers up to 50% better cleaning for set-in stains and oily messes.
- ✓ 3 Cleaning Modes: Includes SteamWash, Steam (for refreshing and grout), and Wash (for enzyme-based stains).
- ✓ Compact & Portable Design: Ideal for spot cleaning carpets, upholstery, stairs, and car interiors.
- ✓ OXY Formula Integration: Works with BISSELL OXY formulas for enhanced stain removal.
- ✓ Supports Pet Foundation: A portion of every sale goes to helping homeless pets.
Why We Recommend It
This BISSELL portable carpet cleaner is an editor’s choice because it punches above its weight. The HydroSteam technology truly makes a difference on stubborn, oily stains that other cleaners often miss. Its portability and dedicated modes make it incredibly versatile for all kinds of messes, particularly those left by our furry friends.
Best For
Perfect for pet owners, apartment dwellers, and anyone needing a highly effective spot cleaner for carpets, rugs, upholstery, and especially for deep cleaning vehicle interiors. It’s a top contender for the best rated carpet steam cleaner in its category.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for removing tough, set-in, and oily stains with steam power.
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver for quick clean-ups.
- Multiple modes offer great flexibility for different cleaning tasks.
- Supports a charitable cause with every purchase.
Cons:
- Smaller tanks require more frequent refilling for extensive cleaning jobs.
- Hose length can be a bit restrictive for very large items.
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 stem feature was amazing. I highly recommend this small unit over renting a large capacity cleaner. Worth the money and time saved.” – Amazon Customer
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!” – C. Janson
3. BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Upright Deep Carpet Cleaner with Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool and Formulas.
The BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Upright Deep Carpet Cleaner brings professional-level cleaning right to your home. This upright model is designed for comprehensive carpet revival, leveraging innovative HydroSteam Technology to break down and lift even the most set-in dirt. Its self-cleaning tool is a thoughtful addition, simplifying maintenance and ensuring your cleaner is always ready for its next challenge. It’s truly one of the best rated carpet steam cleaner options for a whole-room refresh.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ HydroSteam Technology: Cleans messes up to 45% better, penetrating tough stains.
- ✓ Built-In Steam Pretreater: Loosens sticky, stubborn stains before deep cleaning.
- ✓ XL DirtLifter PowerBrush: Effectively lifts and removes embedded dirt and debris.
- ✓ Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool: Makes cleaning the tool easy and hygienic.
- ✓ Upright Design: Ideal for cleaning large carpeted areas with ease.
Why We Recommend It
For those seeking powerful, full-room carpet cleaning without breaking the bank, this BISSELL model is an excellent choice. The HydroSteam technology and DirtLifter PowerBrush work in tandem to deliver impressive results, making it feel like you’ve hired a professional cleaner. The self-cleaning tool is a convenient feature that saves time and effort.
Best For
This deep carpet cleaner is best for homeowners with large carpeted areas, high-traffic zones, and persistent dirt or sticky stains. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who wants a thorough clean and appreciates convenient maintenance features.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional cleaning performance with HydroSteam and powerful brushes.
- Effectively removes deeply embedded dirt and pretreated sticky messes.
- Self-cleaning tool simplifies post-cleaning maintenance.
- Great value for its robust feature set and cleaning power.
Cons:
- Can be a bit heavy for some users to maneuver.
- Requires a dedicated storage space due to its upright size.
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: FIX: Put the upholstery attachment on the hose, set it to steam, and let it suck up clean water for a few seconds. That cleans out the hose!” – J. Smith
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 it has cleaned up his foot traffic, and my dog messes. I’m obsessed.” – Brittany
4. BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Upright Pet Carpet Cleaner with 2-in-1 Upholstery Tool and Formulas.
For pet owners who face regular battles with pet hair and accidents, the BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Upright Pet Carpet Cleaner is a lifesaver. This model builds on the success of the Revolution series, integrating HydroSteam Technology for unmatched cleaning power against pet stains and odors. With a specialized 2-in-1 upholstery tool and included formulas, it’s designed to make your home look and smell fresh, demonstrating why it’s a best rated carpet steam cleaner for animal lovers.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ HydroSteam Technology: The only carpet cleaner with this powerful steam capability for pet messes.
- ✓ 2X Better Cleaning: Achieves superior results in SteamWash Max Clean Mode, removing embedded dirt and allergens.
- ✓ 2-in-1 Upholstery Tool: Versatile attachment for cleaning pet messes on furniture and stairs.
- ✓ Included Pet Formulas: Comes with specific formulas designed to tackle pet stains and odors.
- ✓ Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation: Every purchase helps save homeless pets.
Why We Recommend It
If pets are a central part of your home, this pet carpet cleaner is an absolute must-have. The HydroSteam technology, combined with dedicated pet formulas, offers an incredible cleaning depth that truly eliminates pet stains and the lingering odors they can leave behind. The specialized upholstery tool is perfect for addressing pet hair and dirt on furniture too.
Best For
This BISSELL steam cleaner is explicitly designed for homes with pets, effectively handling pet accidents, tracked-in dirt, and embedded pet hair on carpets and upholstery. It’s also great for general deep cleaning of high-traffic areas.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Specifically engineered to combat tough pet stains and odors with HydroSteam.
- 2X cleaning power ensures deep removal of dirt and allergens.
- Versatile 2-in-1 tool makes cleaning pet messes on upholstery easy.
- Contributes to a worthy cause with every purchase.
Cons:
- Requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent pet hair clogs.
- The included formula might be consumed quickly, requiring frequent repurchases.
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: FIX: Put the upholstery attachment on the hose, set it to steam, and let it suck up clean water for a few seconds. That cleans out the hose!” – J. Smith
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 it has cleaned up his foot traffic, and my dog messes. I’m obsessed.” – Brittany
5. BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner with Upholstery Tough Stain Tool and Formula.
The BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner is engineered for efficiency, helping you clean more carpet in less time. With its extra-wide cleaning path and specialized tools, it’s designed to tackle pet messes across large areas and hard-to-reach spots. This model focuses on delivering a powerful and refreshed clean, making it a strong contender for the best rated carpet steam cleaner for those with extensive carpeted homes and pets.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ XL Cleaning Path (10 inches): Covers more area per pass, reducing cleaning time.
- ✓ PowerBrush Technology: Lifts and removes embedded dirt, pet hair, and stains.
- ✓ Upholstery Tough Stain Tool: Perfect for cleaning pet beds, stairs, and furniture.
- ✓ Spraying Crevice Tool: Reaches tight spaces and baseboards for comprehensive cleaning.
- ✓ Lightweight Design: Easier to maneuver compared to bulkier upright models.
Why We Recommend It
This upright carpet cleaner is ideal for those who need to clean large carpeted areas efficiently, especially with pet-related messes. The XL cleaning path is a real time-saver, and the combination of PowerBrush technology with specialized tools ensures no mess is left behind. Its lighter weight is a bonus for maneuverability.
Best For
Great for homes with large carpeted rooms or multiple carpets, especially if you have pets. It’s also suitable for tackling a variety of above-floor cleaning tasks like stairs, upholstery, and pet bedding with its versatile attachments.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide cleaning path significantly reduces cleaning time.
- Effective PowerBrush technology for deep-seated dirt and pet hair.
- Versatile tools for comprehensive cleaning, including tough stains and crevices.
- Relatively lightweight for an upright cleaner, enhancing maneuverability.
Cons:
- May require multiple passes on extremely tough, old stains.
- The tank capacity, while good, might still need refills for very large houses.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This Bissell carpet cleaner makes cleaning up after pets quick and effective. The PowerBrush technology lifts dirt, hair, and stains from carpets and rugs with ease. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for stairs, small areas, and spot-cleaning. The formula works well with the machine to leave carpets smelling fresh.” – Michael S.
Customer Review: “I never review products, and for that reason I felt it necessary to tell everyone how impressed I am with this carpet cleaner. I’ve owned my own machine for 15+ years until it recently died. I’ve also hired companies over the years to clean for me when I didn’t have time to do it myself or when I needed a very deep clean. This machine rivals them all!” – Elizabeth R.
Complete Buying Guide for Best Rated Carpet Steam Cleaner
Essential Factors We Consider
Choosing the best rated carpet steam cleaner involves looking beyond just price. We consider several key factors to ensure you get a machine that truly meets your needs. First, suction power is crucial; higher PA (Pascals) means better extraction of dirt and water, leading to faster drying times and cleaner carpets. Next, look for models with heating technology, as heated water or steam significantly improves stain removal, especially for set-in or oily messes. Tank capacity is also important; larger tanks mean less refilling, which is a huge convenience for bigger homes. Consider the machine’s portability and weight if you plan to clean multiple rooms or move it frequently. Finally, think about the included attachments and cleaning modes – versatile tools and different settings (like spot clean, deep clean, or steam-only) extend the cleaner’s utility to upholstery, stairs, and even car interiors.
Budget Planning
Investing in a carpet steam cleaner is a smart move for maintaining a clean home. When planning your budget, remember that prices can vary significantly based on features and brand reputation. Entry-level portable spot cleaners might start around $100-$150, offering basic stain removal. Mid-range upright models, typically $200-$350, often come with more powerful motors, larger tanks, and additional tools, providing a good balance of performance and value. High-end steam cleaners, costing $400+, feature advanced technologies like HydroSteam, wider cleaning paths, and premium accessories, delivering professional-grade results. Consider how frequently you’ll use the cleaner and the types of messes you anticipate. Sometimes, spending a little more upfront can save you money on rental fees or professional cleaning services in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the “best” carpet steam cleaner is one that fits your lifestyle and cleaning demands. Whether you need a compact solution for quick pet clean-ups or a robust upright machine for whole-house deep cleaning, there’s a best rated carpet steam cleaner out there for you. Prioritize features like strong suction, effective heating, and useful attachments. Remember that regular maintenance of your cleaner will also ensure its longevity and continued high performance. A clean carpet not only looks better but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment, and with the right steam cleaner, achieving that is easier than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does a carpet steam cleaner work?
A: A carpet steam cleaner doesn’t actually use steam in the traditional sense. Instead, it sprays a mixture of hot water and cleaning solution deep into your carpet fibers. Agitating brushes then scrub the fibers to loosen dirt and stains. Finally, powerful suction extracts the dirty water, leaving your carpets clean and refreshed. Some advanced models, like those with HydroSteam technology, do incorporate true steam to break down tough, oily messes more effectively.
Q: Can I use tap water in my carpet steam cleaner?
A: Most carpet steam cleaners are designed to work with regular tap water. However, if you live in an area with hard water, using distilled or demineralized water can help prevent mineral buildup in the machine’s internal components over time. Always check your cleaner’s user manual for specific recommendations on water type.
Q: Are carpet steam cleaners safe for pets and children?
A: Yes, when used correctly with appropriate cleaning solutions, carpet steam cleaners are generally safe for homes with pets and children. Many manufacturers offer pet-specific and eco-friendly formulas that are non-toxic. It’s always a good idea to ensure the carpet is dry before allowing pets or children back into the cleaned area, and to ventilate the room during and after cleaning.
Q: How long does it take for carpets to dry after steam cleaning?
A: Drying time for carpets after using a carpet steam cleaner can vary widely, typically from 2 to 24 hours. Factors like the machine’s suction power (better suction means less moisture left behind), humidity levels in your home, carpet thickness, and ventilation all play a role. You can speed up drying by opening windows, using fans, or running a dehumidifier.
Q: What is the difference between a carpet steam cleaner and a carpet shampooer?
A: The terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle distinction. A traditional carpet shampooer primarily uses a foamy cleaning solution to scrub carpets, often leaving residue. A carpet steam cleaner (or “hot water extractor”) uses hot water and solution, and then extracts it with powerful suction, leading to a deeper clean and less residue. Modern machines often combine elements of both, with “steam cleaner” being the more common term for these deep-cleaning extractors.
There you have it – our top picks for the best rated carpet steam cleaner, complete with detailed reviews and a comprehensive buying guide. We hope this breakdown helps you confidently choose the perfect machine to keep your carpets looking their absolute best. Say goodbye to unsightly stains and hello to a cleaner, healthier home environment. Ready to transform your living space? Click on the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons to explore these fantastic options and take the first step towards sparkling clean carpets 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.
