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10 Best Carpet Shampooers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner, Perfect for Pets & Hair Removal, Carpet Shampooer, 5 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Navy, EX304

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is well-suited for homeowners dealing with pet hair and tough carpet stains. It offers a large tank capacity (about 71 ounces) that allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills. Weighing around 21 pounds, it’s somewhat heavy but still manageable for most users, considering its upright design. The cleaner’s powerful combination of a high-speed brushroll, strong suction, and a high-pressure spray helps remove deep dirt and stubborn stains effectively, including pet-related messes.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,316
Tank Capacity
Weight
Power and Cleaning Modes

Most important from
2476 reviews

Tank Capacity
Despite smaller water and soap tanks, the unit’s efficient operation means fewer refills than expected during typical cleaning sessions.
Weight
The machine’s weight and size are manageable for most users, especially considering its upright design and powerful cleaning capabilities.
Power and Cleaning Modes
Distinct cleaning modes balance deep cleaning with efficient drying, saving both time and soap usage.
Drying Features
The auto-spray feature smartly controls moisture, preventing carpet over-saturation and keeping floors dry enough to avoid tracking water around.
Attachments and Accessories
The pet attachment isolates liquid messes, ensuring pet stains are handled hygienically without contaminating the main system.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Effortless assembly and clear usage reminders make the cleaning process straightforward and worry-free.
#2
9.4 score

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess Tool, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, Includes 3 Cleaning Tools & Cleaning Solution, White, PX201

The Shark StainStriker is a lightweight and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner designed especially for tackling tough stains and pet messes. It stands out with its strong cleaning power, thanks to a dual-activated formula that removes stains 20 times better than some other solutions. This makes it a great choice for pet owners or anyone dealing with stubborn spots on carpets, furniture, or even car interiors. Its suction is powerful enough to pull embedded dirt out, helping to restore surfaces to a like-new look.

Rating
9.4
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
6846 reviews

Cleaning Power
It effectively traps pet hair and removes tough stains, restoring rugs to like-new condition.
Water Tank Capacity
Its large capacity for both clean and dirty water allows for longer cleaning sessions without frequent refilling, though the tank size is smaller compared to some full-sized models.
Weight and Maneuverability
The machine is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it convenient for spot cleaning and small-to-medium areas.
Attachments and Accessories
The included attachments, such as the crevice tool and reversible brushes with both stiff bristles and rubber nubs, add versatility for different cleaning needs.
Ease of Maintenance
The brush heads detach easily for cleaning, and the dual-sided brushes cater to different surfaces, enhancing cleaning performance.
#3
8.8 score

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Bonus XL Tool & Full-Size Cleaning Solution, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, also known as the Shark StainStriker, excels in eliminating tough stains and odors from various surfaces like carpets, area rugs, upholstery, and even cars. Its dual-activated formula provides powerful stain removal without the need for premixing, making it convenient and highly effective. The machine boasts strong suction power, ensuring deep cleaning that can revive even the dirtiest carpets and furniture, which is especially useful for pet owners dealing with stubborn pet stains and odors.

Rating
8.8
Cleaning Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
6846 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it doesn't leave a soapy wet spot.
Weight and Maneuverability
Easy to set up and maneuver due to small size.
Attachments and Accessories
Much better attachments than other brands, including a wider head and scrub brush that makes cleaning large areas much more manageable.
Ease of Maintenance
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning.

Top 10 Best Carpet Shampooers 2025 in the United States

Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution

Cleaning Power: SpinScrub® Technology, dual nozzle
Water Tank Capacity: 3.8 liters
Weight and Maneuverability: 18.5 pounds, lightweight
Attachments and Accessories: 8' Hose, Tool Bag, Cleaner, Crevice Tool
Ease of Maintenance: removable brushes, Smart Tank™ system

Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Powerful Suction, Pair with Hoover Cleaner Solution

Tank Capacity: 0.8 Gallons
Weight: 12.2 pounds
Power and Cleaning Modes: Corded Electric, Quick Clean, Auto Mix
Drying Features: HeatForce
Attachments and Accessories: Nozzle Tool, Carpet Pods, Upholstery, Pet, Hose
Ease of Use and Maintenance: Nozzle tool, patented recovery tank

Rug Doctor Pro Deep Commercial Carpet Cleaning Machine, Pet Bundle, Includes 48 oz. of Pro Pet Cleaning Solution and 22 oz. Pro Urine Eliminator Spray

Cleaning Power: best-in-class suction
Water Tank Capacity: 1.5 Gallons
Drying Time: longer than lighter models
Weight and Maneuverability: 32.5 pounds, less maneuverable
Attachments and Accessories: 24 oz urine eliminator, 48 oz cleaner
Ease of Maintenance: easily removable tanks
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Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Shampooers

Choosing the right carpet shampooer can make a big difference in keeping your carpets clean and fresh. To find the best fit, consider both the type of cleaning you need to do and how often you’ll use the machine. Thinking about the size of your carpets, how stained they tend to get, and whether you have pets or allergies will help you identify which features are most important for you. Understanding the key specs of carpet shampooers will help you pick one that suits your home and lifestyle.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to how much water and cleaning solution a carpet shampooer can hold at one time. This is important because a larger tank allows you to clean more area without needing to stop and refill as often. Smaller tanks generally hold less than one gallon and are easier to handle but require more frequent refills, making them best for small rooms or spot cleaning. Medium tanks range from about one to 1.5 gallons and suit most average homes. Large tanks, holding over 1.5 gallons, are ideal for big spaces but make the machine heavier and bulkier. If you have large carpeted areas or want fewer interruptions, choose a bigger tank, but if you’re mainly cleaning small spaces, a compact model may be more convenient.
Cleaning Path WidthThe cleaning path width is how wide a strip of carpet the shampooer can clean in a single pass. This is important because a wider cleaning path allows you to cover more area with each swipe, reducing cleaning time. Widths typically range from about 8 to 15 inches. Narrower paths are found on smaller and more portable models, suitable for tight or hard-to-reach spaces. Wider paths are great for large open rooms. Think about the size and layout of your rooms—if you have lots of wide, open carpet, a wider path saves time, but if your home has narrow hallways or lots of furniture, a narrow path may be easier to maneuver.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the shampooer is, both when empty and when filled with water. This matters because heavier machines can be tough to move, especially up and down stairs or around furniture. Lightweight shampooers are under 15 pounds and are ideal if you need to carry the machine around your home. Heavier models, over 20 pounds, often offer more powerful cleaning and larger tanks but can be tiring to use. Consider your strength and mobility, as well as the design of your home, when deciding how much weight is manageable for you.
Power and Cleaning ModesCarpet shampooers can come with different cleaning power levels and sometimes offer modes like deep clean, quick clean, or specialized pet modes. High suction and multiple brush rolls usually provide a more effective clean, helping to lift embedded dirt and stains. Entry-level shampooers may have fewer modes and less suction, which could be sufficient for light cleaning or maintenance. More advanced models often allow you to select different modes for tougher jobs. To decide what's right for you, think about how dirty your carpets get, whether you have pets or kids, and if stain removal is a priority.
Drying FeaturesSome carpet shampooers come with features to help carpets dry faster, like heated air fans or strong water extraction. This is important because wet carpets can be inconvenient and take longer to dry, increasing the chance of mold or mildew. Machines with strong suction remove more water after cleaning, which makes drying quicker. If you need to use your carpet soon after cleaning or you live in a humid area, prefer a model with good drying capabilities.
Attachments and AccessoriesMany carpet shampooers come with extra tools, such as hose attachments, brushes, or nozzles for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or tackling tough stains. These extras are important if you plan to clean more than just your floor, such as car interiors, furniture, or hard-to-reach areas. If you expect to clean a variety of surfaces, look for shampooers with a range of attachments, but if you’re only cleaning flat carpets, you may not need these extras.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use includes how simple it is to fill, empty, and clean the water tanks, how clearly the controls are marked, and whether parts can be easily removed for washing. Machines that are easier to operate and maintain will save you time and hassle. Some models have removable brushes or self-cleaning modes, which make maintenance quicker. If you want a low-fuss experience, favor user-friendly designs with clear instructions and easy-to-handle parts.

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