10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is an upright carpet cleaner designed for deep cleaning carpets, rugs, and upholstery, making it particularly suitable for homes with pets or high traffic areas. Its standout feature is the high-speed brushroll combined with PowerSpray high-pressure spray and powerful suction, which ensures effective dirt and grime removal. The StainStriker technology is impressive for tackling tough stains, including pet stains, using a powerful OXY formula.

Moreover, the HairPro technology is highly effective at picking up deeply embedded pet hair without clogging or hair wrapping, which is a common issue with other carpet cleaners. This model also eliminates odors instantly, which is beneficial for households with pets or smokers. The handheld spot and stain eliminator extends the cleaner's reach to stairs and upholstery, adding to its versatility.

However, at 20.72 pounds, it may be considered heavy for some users, potentially affecting maneuverability. The built-in self-cleaning feature is a great addition, making maintenance easier by cleaning the tool and hose automatically. It also comes with a variety of accessories and cleaning solutions, adding value. Although it offers powerful cleaning capabilities, the weight and size might not be ideal for everyone, especially those looking for a more lightweight and compact option.

The Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone needing a deep-cleaning carpet machine. It has a decent 0.8-gallon tank, which allows for longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills or emptying, thanks in part to its TruMAX recovery tank technology. The five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes work well to lift tough stains, making it more effective than cleaners with fewer brushes. Its HeatForce feature helps speed up drying time, so carpets don’t stay wet for long.

Weighing about 27 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for a carpet cleaner, which might make it less convenient to carry around or use on stairs, but its upright design and included 8-foot hose with specialized pet and upholstery tools add versatility around the home. The machine’s Auto Mix feature takes the guesswork out of mixing cleaning solution, ensuring good results without extra effort. Maintenance is fairly straightforward, with easy-to-clean brushes and a nozzle cleanout tool included.

With strong stain-fighting ability, pet-specific tools, and faster drying time, it serves as an excellent option for homes with pets, though its weight might be a drawback for frequent heavy-duty use or for those needing a lighter machine.

The Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is a lightweight and compact machine weighing just under 9 pounds, making it easy to carry and store. It features a modest tank capacity of about 40.5 ounces, which suits quick spot cleaning and smaller areas rather than whole-room deep cleans. The included small tools optimize its use for detailed work on upholstery, car interiors, stairs, and spot stains rather than large carpeted zones.

This model uses a dual-activated cleaning formula and strong suction that is especially effective at removing tough stains and odors, including pet messes, making it ideal for pet owners or households dealing with stubborn spots. One standout feature is the onboard self-cleaning system that rinses the tool and hose quickly without extra attachments, simplifying maintenance.

It comes with two cleaning tools and two specialized cleaning solutions. This cleaner is best suited for those needing a portable, easy-to-use spot cleaner for targeted stain removal rather than a heavy-duty carpet cleaner intended for large floor areas.