Pets. We love them and we can’t imagine life without them.
But we can’t deny that our furry friends make a mess out of our houses. No matter how well-trained your pets are, they are prone to having accidents on your carpet.
Animals track in mud and dirt from outside. Sometimes they throw up– or if you have a cat, they cough up nasty looking hairballs in the strangest of places!
Sometimes your dog will accidentally pee on your carpet. Your cat will have an accident outside their litter box.
These accidents usually end up with a frustrated human, a confused animal, and a smelly house. Whether it’s vomit or urine, your pet’s messes absorb into furniture or rugs/carpets. This means the odor sticks to the material and the mess leaves a stain on your carpet or couch.
Instead of yelling at your pet, try using a carpet cleaner to wash your rugs. The best carpet shampooer for pets will remove every trace of your pet’s little accident. They remove all sorts of stains and smells and allow your carpets to dry quickly.
Interested? Keep reading to find out the best carpet shampooers available on the market. We’ll tell you what makes them special, as well as all the things you need to consider before getting a carpet cleaner.
Also, we’ve included a FAQ section to address any queries you might have about carpet shampooers for pets. With our help, you won’t ever have to worry about your house smelling like a barn!
Why Do You Need a Carpet Shampooer?
You might think regularly vacuuming your carpets is enough to keep them clean. But this isn’t true.
Carpets fibers trap dirt and dust in them, making them a prime breeding ground for mold and mildew. They make your house smell bad and create breathing problems for those with asthma and respiratory disorders.
As a result, you need to shampoo your carpet once a year.
And if you have pets?
This definitely complicates things!
Like we mentioned earlier, your pet’s messes sink into the carpet fibers and are absorbed by the material. Simply vacuuming your pet’s urine won’t be enough to clean it.
Moreover, scrubbing the mess makes things worse. Even if you use bleach or washing powder, rubbing the mess just drives them deeper into your carpet’s pile. This will make the stain harder to remove.
If you have a pet, you should shampoo your carpet every four or six months.
Getting your carpet professionally shampooed multiple times a year can be expensive. That’s why you might find buying your own carpet shampooer a cheaper alternative. Although the machines are pricier, owning one is cheaper than a professional shampooer in the long run.
How Do They Work?
Most carpet cleaners use a cleaning solution or carpet shampoo, powerful scrubbing brushes, and vacuum suction to clean carpets and rugs.
First, they inject the cleaning solution and water deep into your carpet’s pile. The brushes then agitate the fibers, loosening the dirt and breaking up any stains. Finally, the strong vacuum suction lifts away the debris.
Different Kinds of Carpet Cleaning Machines & How They Work
Not all carpet cleaning machines are the same. Different carpet cleaners function differently and they each have specific purposes. Here are a few types of carpet cleaners:
Steam Cleaners:
These machines use a method known as hot water extraction cleaning. They use hot water at a high pressure to agitate the carpet fibers and dislodge the debris trapped between them.
Also, before using this kind of cleaner, you have to cover your carpet with a cleaning solution and let it soak in the carpet. Afterward, the machine is used to deep clean the carpet.
It takes a short time to clean carpets and is best used for large spaces such as offices and cafés.
Dry Cleaners:
If you use this method, a machine will apply a cleaning powder or compound that will settle into the bottom of your carpet. A motorized rotating brush will separate the fibers, allowing the cleaning compound to get fully absorbed into the carpet.
The cleaning compound will break down the dirt in your carpet, so it is easily removed at the end of the cleaning process.
Bonnet Cleaners:
These are great at cleaning your carpet surface, making it look bright and polished.
A motorized machine with a spinning pad soaked in the cleaning solution will absorb the dirt from the carpet surface. This method is often used in between steam cleaning to maintain carpets and rugs.
Carpet Shampooers:
Like we said before, this uses a cleaner machine that will spray a cleaning solution over your carpet. This will break down oils and proteins in the dirt stains. A brush agitates and loosens the dirt, which is then vacuumed away.
Along with steam cleaning, this method is the best for extremely dirty carpets. However, the one drawback is that the carpets take longer to dry.
Our Top Picks
In case you’re in a hurry, we’ve compiled our favorite carpet shampooers right here.
- Editor’s Choice: Hoover PowerDash FH50700 Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
- Best Budget Carpet Cleaner: Hoover Power Scrub FH50251PC Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner and Shampooer
- Best High-End Carpet Cleaner: Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Pet Pack Carpet Cleaner
- Best Portable Carpet Cleaner: Bissell 3624 SpotClean Professional Portable Carpet Cleaner
- Best Professional Carpet Cleaner: Bissell 86T3 Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine
The 15 Best Carpet Cleaning Machines That Pet Owners Can Buy
Let’s get right to the meat of the matter. Here are our carpet shampooer reviews, where we talk about our favorite carpet cleaners and all the reasons why we love them.
01. Hoover PowerDash FH50700 Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
This carpet cleaner is a hit among everyone who tested it out. It has all the qualities of a professional, heavy-duty carpet shampooer but is lightweight and easy to use at home.
It has twice the cleaning power of similarly designed carpet cleaners. Also, the specialized PowerSpin pet brush roll delivers flawless cleaning and removes all kinds of nasty smells from your carpet.
Moreover, it has an antimicrobial scrubbing brush that is perfect for removing pet stains with the least effort. The deep cleaning abilities of this device makes it the best carpet cleaning machine for pet urine. It is equally good at cleaning vomit, fur, and any mess your pet makes outside the litter box.
This carpet cleaner has a unique HeatForce power. As a result, your carpet will dry in half the time it takes when compared to other carpet shampooers.
The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver it around furniture and it can also clean under beds and sofas. It has just the right amount of power to clean a medium-sized apartment thoroughly. The compact shape also makes storage much simpler.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 15.2 x 10.1 x 43.5 inches
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Manufacturer: Hoover
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Affordable price.
- Removes pet hair, stains, and smells.
- Convenient to store.
- HeatForce Power dries carpet faster.
Cons:
- The water tank is rather small.
Why We Recommend It:
This is our favorite carpet cleaner because of how effective it is. It cleans all kinds of messes and removes stains and odors, leaving your carpets looking and smelling clean and fresh. Did we mention it comes with a 64oz bottle of Hoover cleaning solution?
The small size makes it easy to store and it won’t use up much space in your cleaning closet. It weighs under 15 pounds so it is easy to maneuver it across your house. All in all, we have to say this is a must-have for all pet owners!
02. Bissell 86T3 Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine
Looking for an easy way out? This carpet cleaner will be perfect for you.
It can be hard to manage a large house, especially if you have multiple pets. This carpet shampooer will help you stay on top of things. All you need to do is press a button, and the machine does the cleaning.
How is this carpet cleaner designed for professional use? For starters, it has a really large water tank–1.75 gallons. In comparison, most of the carpet cleaners for home use have really small tanks.
Also, it uses FlexForce PowerBrushes that deep clean between your carpet fibers and dislodges stubborn dirt and old stains. The powerful scrubbing action means cleaning will take less time.
You won’t even have to bother mixing the cleaning solution and the water. There are two tanks and the AutoMix feature does it for you.
The best part?
It has a 2-in-1 antimicrobial Pet Tool for cleaning furniture, upholstery, and vehicle interiors. This makes it excellent for spot cleaning in case your pet has an accident on the couch or inside your car.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 11 x 42.2 inches
- Weight: 48 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Pros:
- Large tank.
- Deep cleans stubborn stains.
- Removes the smell of pet urine.
- Pet Tool is great for spot cleaning.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Heavy and difficult to move around.
Why We Recommend It:
The Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner is one of the most effective carpet shampooers we tested. It can clean both large areas and spot clean messes.
It does a great job removing stains and litter. Also, we noticed it left no trace of funky smells after cleaning cat urine. This makes it the best carpet shampooer for pet stains and smells.
03. Hoover Power Scrub FH50251PC Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner and Shampooer
While carpet cleaners are super helpful, they can be rather expensive. This Hoover shampooer is a little more budget-friendly and is great if you’re looking to save some money.
Despite its price, it functions just as well as the higher-end models. It has a spin scrub brush that removes embedded dirt and dirt.
This makes it useful if your pet had an accident while you were at work. The brushes break up old or stubborn stains that have been on your carpet for quite a while.
The brushes and the vacuum suction are still gentle on your carpet, so you won’t have to worry about damaging your pile.
It is also good at tackling surface stains through superficial cleaning in the Quick Clean mode. As a result, your carpet can dry in just 45 minutes. It is the best pet carpet shampooer for a medium-sized house as the water tank is reasonably large.
This cleaner also comes with additional tools that make cleaning easier. The Pet Tool allows you to clean hard to reach areas and spot-clean furniture or upholstery. The 8-foot hose lets you clean under furniture without difficulty.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 12.3 x 43 inches
- Weight: 18.5 pounds
- Manufacturer: Hoover
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Automatic detergent mixing takes out all the guesswork.
- Pet tools clean tight spaces and furniture.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- The power cord is too short.
- Difficult to use on stairs.
Why We Recommend It:
As far as cleaning capabilities go, this hoover power scrub carpet shampooer is simply amazing. We found that it could tackle all kinds of messes, big or small.
The water tank is large so you won’t have to interrupt your cleaning to refill it. The long hose and additional tools make cleaning even easier and your house will be sparkling before you know it. This is the perfect vacuum if you’re on a tight budget or live in an apartment without stairs.
04. Bissell 1400B Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Does your pet hog your couch? Has your cat taken up his position in your favorite armchair?
If your pet prefers a certain spot on your furniture, you may notice that the area is discolored or darker than usual. This is because the oil from your furry friend’s skin is transferring onto the furniture or carpet.
These kinds of stains need a small spot cleaning device. This Bissell portable carpet cleaner is the best carpet cleaner machine for pet stains on furniture or upholstery. It is also perfect for cleaning stairs, cars, and RVs.
Although it is small, the machine packs quite a lot of power. It has a strong spray and a powerful suction, and together these features break up stains and remove debris.
The 48-ounce water tank is removable and this makes filling and emptying it quick and easy.
It also has a tough stain tool that is excellent for removing set-in stains. Furthermore, the Hydro Rinse tool attachment lets you clean out the hose easily after every use.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 8.2 x 17.2 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 9.65 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Pros:
- Easy to store and use.
- Light and easy to carry around.
- It can deep clean multiple surfaces.
- Water tank is removable.
Cons:
- The hose is rather short.
- The water tank is very small and needs frequent refilling.
Why We Recommend It:
If you need something to deep clean your stairs and upholstery this is the carpet cleaner for you. It is light and very easy to use.
Also, it can clean vomit, urine, and mud without leaving any stains or smells behind. The compact design makes this shampooer easy to store and carry. In short, if your pet leaves stains in your car or on your furniture, this is the carpet cleaner for you.
05. Bissell 3624 SpotClean Professional Portable Carpet Cleaner
If you need a heavy-duty corded portable carpet cleaner, look no further than this Bissell SpotClean cleaner.
The machine sprays the cleaning solution so that it soaks right into your carpet’s pile. It then removes all kinds of tough spots and stains from your rugs, carpets, and upholstery.
Also, it has a 5-flex hose that makes it easy to clean small, tight, and hard to reach areas. Moreover, it comes with a stair tool and a tough stain removing tool. This tool helps remove vomit and urine stains, as well as other kinds of spills.
It has a long 22-foot power cord, which is long enough to clean an average-sized apartment without changing the outlet.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 10 x 14 x 14 inches
- Weight: 16.62 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Pros:
- Versatile and can clean anything, anywhere.
- Lightweight and easy to store and maneuver.
- Removes tough stains.
- Includes useful accessories.
Cons:
- Some users say their hose cracked or broke.
- Suction weakens over time.
Why We Recommend It:
This device is the best carpet cleaning machine if you need something compact and portable. It’s small shape and size make storage easy and you can easily maneuver it around your home.
This carpet cleaner was great at tackling all kinds of stains. Whether it was from an accident-prone pet or a glass of spilled wine; there’s nothing this cleaner can’t pick up.
06. Rug Doctor Mighty X3 Pro Pet Carpet Cleaner
Do you want your carpet to look like it was professionally cleaned, but don’t want to spend the money hiring a carpet shampooing service? This Rug Doctor cleaner will be your best friend.
It has rotating brushes that penetrate deep into your carpet’s pile. This will break up stains and dislodge embedded dirt. As a result, it can clean vomit, mud, and grime.
The Professional Urine Eliminator spray gets rid of the smell of urine, even if the stain has set in.
Furthermore, it comes with a handheld soft surface tool that is perfect for use on furniture and upholstery. It is very versatile and can be used on mattresses, plush toys, and your pet’s bed. This makes it the best carpet cleaner for pet stains, especially if your pet is still being toilet-trained.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 11 x 26 inches
- Weight: 50.3 pounds
- Manufacturer: Rug Doctor
Pros:
- Can clean tough stains in a single pass.
- The compact shape makes storage easy.
- Excellent for spot cleaning furniture and upholstery.
- Strong suction power.
Cons:
- Rather expensive.
- Emptying the high capacity tank is difficult.
Why We Recommend It:
This is one of the best carpet shampooers you can buy. It is a heavy-duty carpet cleaner and is designed for larger homes with multiple pets.
The three-step cleaning process extracts the oldest bits of debris stuck to your carpet fibers. As a result, it can remove old stains with just one sweep. The additional tools make it great for cleaning furniture, vehicles, and upholstery.
All things considered; this carpet cleaner is an excellent investment if you have lots of furry, fuzzy friends.
07. SpotClean 2458 Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner
Still looking for a portable carpet cleaner? This powerful carpet cleaner is portable and is excellent for cleaning rugs, furniture, and the interior of cars.
Did your pet have an accident in the car? This carpet shampooer will take care of the mess. It has powerful scrubbing brushes and intense suction power that breaks down stains and removes embedded debris.
Besides removing dirt, it will also leave the surface smelling clean and fresh. Also, it is pretty small and light, making it very comfortable to use.
It comes with a Stain Trapper that fights the most stubborn stains and dirt. Along with the Tough Stain Tool, these accessories will give you professional-style results.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 10 x 14 x 14 inches
- Weight: 13.2 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight.
- Water tank is large.
- It comes with lots of useful tools for deep cleaning.
- Cleans just like a professional carpet shampooer.
Cons:
- The hose can be a little flimsy.
- Shampooer will heat up when left running for long.
Why We Recommend It:
If you don’t need a large, full-sized carpet cleaner, this is a good alternative. If you have a well-trained pet that doesn’t usually have accidents, you will find this carpet cleaner coming in handy.
It is the best carpet cleaner machine for pets that are small like rabbits and hamsters. The cleaner is great for cleaning around cages and litter boxes, as well as cleaning the entrance of your house. Also, it is useful for cleaning rugs and the interior of vehicles.
08. BISSELL 20037 Pet Stain Eraser
Need a carpet cleaner that’s cordless and portable? Bissell has you covered.
This tiny, hand-held carpet cleaner can spray, scrub, and suction embedded dirt from carpets and upholstery. It is very convenient and has a lithium-ion battery so you won’t have to worry about plugging it in.
Moreover, it is great for use in tight and hard to reach spaces, like cleaning under furniture. The machine stores the cleaning solution and mixes it for you, so you won’t have to do it yourself.
The suction strength is strong enough to lift away debris from your carpet’s pile.
It removes all kinds of stains. Whether your pet tracked in mud, or if your puppy had an accident on the rug, this carpet cleaner can clean it all. This carpet cleaner is versatile and can clean blood, vomit, spilled food, and oil in minutes.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 16.5 x 7 inches
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact.
- Good surface cleaning.
- Spot cleans dirt and stains.
- Cordless and convenient to use.
Cons:
- The cleaning fluid may leak.
- Suction power decreases over time.
Why We Recommend It:
Using a full-size carpet cleaner takes a lot of time and energy. This small cleaner is handheld and cordless, making it much more convenient to use.
It is particularly useful if you’re potty training your pets. Also, it is great if you have a senior pet that has issues controlling their bladders. You can use it to spot clean rugs, mattresses, and other furniture.
This carpet cleaner is perfect if you’re going on a road trip or vacation with your pets, as it is also good for cleaning the inside of a car or RV.
09. Hoover Power Scrub FH50150 Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine
This carpet cleaner is an upright device with a powerful SpinScrub brush system. The 360-degree brushes clean embedded dirt and stains from your carpet without damaging the pile.
The dual nozzle gives the device a powerful suction, cleaning all surfaces evenly. It also has Heat Force technology which lets your carpets dry faster. These features make it the best carpet cleaner for pets, no matter what kind of furry friend you have.
It comes with an 8-foot hose which cleans hard to reach spots. It also comes with a stair tool, an upholstery tool, and a crevice tool. These specialized tools make cleaning much more pleasant.
Also, the carpet cleaner has a large gallon; it can store a gallon of dirty water. This means you can shampoo the carpet of a large house without having to empty the tank.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 21.2 x 14.2 x 22.9 inches
- Weight: 18.5 pounds
- Manufacturer: Hoover
Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible.
- Includes lots of useful and specialized tools.
- Automatic detergent mixing is convenient.
- Heat drying will dry your carpet faster.
Cons:
- Some users claimed their tanks leaked.
- Internal parts are prone to rust.
Why We Recommend It:
This is a more budget-friendly carpet cleaner compared to similar models. It is lightweight and is very easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles.
It can clean all sorts of stains, grime, and pet hair. The carpet cleaner is powerful and is safe to use on all kinds of carpets. It is easy to use, convenient to store, and will easily fit anybody’s budget.
If you’ve moved into your first apartment with your pet, you might want to look into getting this shampooer!
10. Proheat Essential 1887 Carpet Cleaner and Carpet Shampooer
If you have a puppy or a kitten, you know how quickly they can mess up your house. This Bissell carpet cleaner can handle the biggest messes.
It has a very strong spray that settles deep into your carpet. It is often used with the best carpet shampoo for pet urine. They include proteases that breakdown the proteins in the stains.
The powerful suction lifts away mud, dirt, debris, pet hair, and other allergens from your carpet. The carpet shampooer will also remove odors embedded in carpets and furniture.
Moreover, there are 6 rows of rotating brushes that agitate the carpet fibers, dislodging the embedded debris in them.
It has a one-gallon tank. The large capacity means you won’t waste time refilling it while you clean.
The power cord is 22-feet long and can clean large areas without getting tangled in your furniture. It also includes additional tools for spot cleaning the upholstery and crevices of your home.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 12 x 43 inches
- Weight: 19.75 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Pros:
- Removes all stains and smells.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- A large tank makes cleaning convenient.
- Long cord and hose make the device easy to clean with.
Cons:
- Tank is flimsy.
- Emptying the tank is difficult.
Why We Recommend It:
We liked this carpet cleaner because of how well it broke up stains and removed odors from rugs and even furniture. The brushes and carpet shampoo didn’t damage the carpet’s fibers.
After using this on filthy, matted carpets, they came out looking as good as new. The large tank is a bonus; you won’t have to refill it in the middle of your cleaning.
11. Hoover Smartwash FH52000 Automatic Carpet Cleaner
Need a carpet shampooer that does the cleaning for you? This Hoover model uses automatic cleaning technology, making cleaning much easier.
Although this carpet cleaner looks almost vintage, it has an auto-clean sensor which knows when to clean and where to dry, taking out the guesswork for you.
All you have to do is push the cleaner across your carpet!
The FlexForce PowerBrushes gently dislodge embedded debris. The HeatForce technology enables quick-drying, so you won’t have to deal with a soggy carpet.
It also includes an antimicrobial pet tool that spot cleans messes, tackles stains, and removes smells. This tool will take care of all your pet’s messes.
It is one of the best shampooers for carpets because it is so easy to use. It feels just like using an ordinary vacuum.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 18.9 x 13 x 43.5 inches
- Weight: 18.49 pounds
- Manufacturer: Hoover
Pros:
- Uses automatic cleaning technology.
- Easy to use.
- Deep cleans and removes all kinds of stains.
- Comes with cleaning accessories and a sample of cleaning liquid.
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a quick cleaning mode.
- No manual sprayer for detergent.
Why We Recommend It:
If you don’t have time to clean, this carpet cleaner is the device for you. It performs exceptionally well, breaking down tough stains and deep cleaning all surfaces.
It works just like a vacuum; all you need to do is sweep it across your floors. The included accessories make cleaning even easier, especially if you need to clean under furniture, stairs, or spot clean messes.
In short, this carpet cleaner combines ease of use with heavy-duty performance.
12. Bissell 1548F ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Full Size Upright Carpet Cleaner
This is a heavy-duty carpet cleaner, designed to deal with the nastiest of messes.
Vomit, urine, a knocked over litter box? This shampooer can handle them all.
Skeptical? We were too until we saw it in action.
It has a Max Clean mode and 12 rows of rotating brushes that clean stains that are days old. It can break up embedded debris and remove all kinds of funky smells. This will make your carpets look like they were professionally cleaned.
Also, there is an Express Clean mode which will have your carpet clean and dry in half an hour. Perfect for emergencies and unexpected visitors!
Furthermore, it has a 7-foot hose which can clean hard to reach spaces. It also comes with several accessories that are great for spot cleaning particularly stubborn stains. You can also use them to clean furniture, upholstery, and your pet’s bed.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 15 x 12.5 x 43.5 inches
- Weight: 24.6 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Pros:
- Deep cleans all kinds of carpets and soft surfaces.
- Heavy-duty and durable design.
- Easy to use.
- Allows quick drying.
Cons:
- Nozzle often get blocked by pet hair and debris.
- Noisy and loud.
Why We Recommend It:
This is the best carpet shampooer if you have large dogs like Dobermans or mastiffs. It is good at quickly cleaning large messes, making it perfect for large and messy pets.
The carpet cleaner can clean both large messes and small ones, thanks to the two cleaning modes. It has lots of suction and can lift away and remove dirt, mud, and other kinds of debris.
All in all, we were seriously impressed by this carpet shampooer’s cleaning abilities.
13. ProHeat Bissell 2X Revolution Max Clean Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
This is one of the strongest carpet cleaners available on the market. The manufacturers claim that it can even remove skunk odor!
It has an Express Mode for surface cleaning and fast-drying, which is useful when you’re in a hurry. There is also a Max Clean mode for deep cleaning.
If you want to get rid of a very stubborn stain, use the Clean Shot Pretreated feature. It delivers a concentrated jet of cleaning solution to very dirty areas.
There is an EZ brush roll you can use to clean the machine after every use. Furthermore, it also comes with accessories, including a pet upholstery tool that you can use to spot clean your furniture.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 15 x 12.5 x 43.5 inches
- Weight: 17.5 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Pros:
- Deep cleans tough stains.
- Easy to assemble and use.
- Versatile and can be used on upholstery too.
- Relatively quiet.
Cons:
- The engine gets hot while running.
- Suction decreases over time.
Why We Recommend It:
Bissell’s 2X Revolution Pet Full Size Upright Carpet Cleaner is a remarkable device in terms of performance and cleaning ability. No matter what kind of mess you or your pet makes, this carpet cleaner can make them vanish in mere minutes.
Also, we liked how it allowed fast drying and didn’t leave our carpets damp and soggy. If you need a durable upright shampooer, you will like how this carpet cleaner works.
14. Bissell 2694 SpotClean ProHeat Portable Carpet Cleaner
We’ve included many portable carpet shampooers in this list but this one is a little different. It uses Heatwave technology and has two different water tanks. This lets you maintain constant water temperature while you clean.
The tanks are easy to remove so you won’t have trouble refilling or cleaning them.
The device is slender and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use. Also, it has two nozzles for more efficient cleaning. One is a tool for fresh stains, the other is for old, set-in stains.
It also has a tool that helps you clean areas that are difficult to reach with a regular nozzle.
The best part? There is a self-cleaning tool that makes cleaning the shampooer after every use much easier.
This is a great carpet cleaning machine if you want to get rid of old stains, but don’t have much space in your supply closet.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 12 x 14.5 inches
- Weight: 11.9 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Pros:
- Compact and light design.
- Easy to use and store.
- Cleans all kinds of stains and debris.
- Maintains constant water temperature for optimal cleaning.
Cons:
- The water tank is very small.
- The hose could be longer.
Why We Recommend It:
If you have pets or small children, you will know that spots and stains are unavoidable. You just have them clean them as soon as they show up.
This carpet cleaner is perfect for spot cleaning. It deep-cleans stubborn stains that have set in our rugs or furniture. With this device, cleaning will be a breeze and you won’t have to drag a huge machine across your house.
15. Bissell Turboclean 2085 Powerbrush Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner and Shampooer
Looking for a reasonably cheap, upright carpet cleaner? This Turboclean device is simple to use and doesn’t have a bunch of fancy features.
It works in a pretty straightforward way. There are 4 rows of PowerBrushes that agitate carpet fibers, loosening the dirt stuck to them.
It also has a strong suction, which lifts away debris and removes stains. It can tackle tough spots and messes. Besides cleaning up your pet’s messes, it can also clean coffee and other stubborn food stains.
It also has a retractable handle, so carrying and storing it will be much easier. Because of the simple design, this machine is best used for low pile carpets. The brushes might be too harsh for high pile carpets and delicate rugs.
Product Information:
- Dimensions: 17.3 x 9.8 x 45 inches
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Retractable handle for carrying it.
- Can deep clean dirt and older stains.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Not durable.
- Prone to frequent breakdowns.
Why We Recommend It:
Sometimes you just want a simple carpet cleaner, without all the extra features and accessories. This device is perfect if only part of your house has carpets. It is also helpful if you have smaller pets.
The low price makes this a good option if you’re on a tight budget. The brushes can remove all kinds of stains, smells, and messes. In short, this is a simple but very effective carpet shampooer.
Choosing the Perfect Carpet Shampooer
Now that you’ve seen our pet carpet cleaner reviews, the next step is to decide which shampooer is the right one for you. Here are the things you need to consider beforehand!
Cleaning Ability:
The whole point of a carpet cleaner is its ability to clean. A shampooer with subpar brushes and poor suction is no good to anyone.
To get your money’s worth, make sure you choose a carpet cleaner that has a powerful motor. This will give it a stronger suction, which in turn will allow it to clean deeply embedded debris and hair from your rugs and carpets.
The Hoover PowerDash FH50700 Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner and Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Pet Pack Carpet Cleaner both have excellent cleaning power.
Size:
Choosing the right size for your carpet shampooer will make cleaning much more pleasant. It will also make storing your device convenient.
If you have a large carpeted home, lots of pets, little kids, and enough storage space, you can get away with a big and upright carpet cleaner. In that case, you go for the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Pet Pack Carpet Cleaner or the Bissell 86T3 Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine.
On the other hand, if you want something small and portable, you can always get the Bissell 20037 Pet Stain Eraser.
Price:
Carpet cleaners always tend to fall on the expensive side. However, everyone agrees that they are a good investment if you have pets. That being said, you might be looking for something cheaper.
The Bissell Powerbrush Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner and Shampooer and Hoover Power Scrub FH50251PC Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner and Shampooer are both pocket-friendly options.
If you want to splurge on a carpet shampooer, we recommend the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Pet Pack Carpet Cleaner.
Attachments:
Attachments and accessories always come in handy. Pets don’t just make a mess on your carpet or floor.
Your dog can hop up on your couch with muddy paws. Your cat might throw up on your favorite rug. This is why attachments are necessary. They allow you to clean furniture and upholstery, as well as the inside of cars and other vehicles.
Extension hoses and attachments let you clean hard to reach spaces. They are useful for spot-cleaning extremely stubborn stains.
The Bissell 86T3 Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine, Bissell 3624 SpotClean Professional Portable Carpet Cleaner, and Hoover Power Scrub FH50150 Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine all come with useful attachments.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Still have questions about carpet shampooers and cleaning up after your pet? We’ve got your back!
01. How Does a Carpet Shampooer Work?
A carpet cleaner or carpet shampooer works in three stages. First, it will spray the cleaning solution onto your carpet. This will soak the fibers, breaking down or dissolving the dirt.
Next, scrubbing brushes dislodge deeply embedded debris that clings to your carpet’s pile. Finally, the suction will lift away the dirt and remove it from your carpet.
02. What Can I Use in a Carpet Shampooer?
To get the most out of your shampooer, use a good cleaning solution. A good carpet shampoo will have enzymes like amylase and protease. These enzymes will break down the proteins and compounds in urine, blood, and vomit.
As a result, enzyme washes are the best option if you have pets.
Looking for a good carpet shampoo? Users consider Hoover Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo to be among the best carpet shampoos for pets.
Your carpet shampoo shouldn’t just remove stains. They should also eliminate bad odors and leave your carpet smelling clean and fresh.
03. Can I Use Essential Oils in My Carpet Shampooer?
If you have pets, adding essential oils to your carpet cleaner is a bad idea. Many essential oils are harmful to pets, so it is best to avoid using them in your house altogether.
04. Can I Use Laundry Detergent in My Carpet Shampooer?
Yes, you can use laundry detergent in your carpet shampooer. It will work just as well as carpet shampoos and will clean your carpet and remove stains and smells.
However, if you have a very dirty carpet or lots of pets, laundry detergent may not be enough to tackle set-in, old stains and messes.
05. Is It Better to Shampoo or Steam Clean Carpets?
For regular, everyday cleaning, shampooing your carpet is more than enough to clean it.
On the other hand, if your carpet is exceptionally filthy, shampooing it won’t be enough. Old and stained carpets need to be steam cleaned to remove all traces of mold and dirt. Also, steam cleaning will sanitize dirty carpets as well.
06. Can I Use Vinegar in My Carpet Shampooer?
Many people have safely used vinegar in their carpet cleaners. To do this, you have to mix equal parts of hot water and white vinegar and use it instead of carpet shampoo.
Although it will leave your carpet smelling a bit like a salad, the smell will dissipate after a while. Spraying some Febreze on your carpet will also help with the smell.
This will clean light stains and dirt. However, they won’t clean vomit, urine, or feces as well as an enzyme shampoo. Also, it is important to remember that if the vinegar damages your shampooer, it will void your device’s warranty.
07. What Is the Difference Between a Carpet Cleaner and a Carpet Shampooer?
They are the same thing and the terms can be used interchangeably.
Wrapping Up
A dirty carpet can make your whole house smell like a dumpster. If you have pets, buying a carpet shampooer will be life-changing. The best carpet shampooer for pets will remove embedded debris and stains, and eliminate smells. In short, they will leave your carpet spotless.
Despite their price, they are a great investment and pay for themselves. They are also way cheaper than hiring a cleaning service every few months.
Now that you know which carpet cleaner is the best for you, your pet’s messes won’t feel like such a big deal. Thanks to your shampooer, you can clean your carpet in minutes and then snuggle on the couch with your furry friend!