"I thought you said you have three dogs. Your house doesn't smell like it," a house guest once said to me. My house smelled great that day because I'd just cleaned the carpets with an upright carpet cleaner. Doing this often enough will not only clean your carpets but also deodorize them. As a pet and toddler parent -- and owner of white carpets -- I understand the struggle of keeping your carpets clean and smelling fresh. That’s why I personally tested the leading carpet cleaning machines in my own home, pouring red wine, chocolate syrup, ketchup, pet urine and even Sharpie marker on white carpet to find the best for tackling tough stains and odors. Here’s how each performed.
- Best Carpet Cleaners: I Used Real Life Messes as the Ultimate Test
- Best Overall & Best at Eliminating Pet Odors
- Best for Tough Stain Removal & Quietest
- Best Value & Lightweight
- Best for Ease of Use & Fast Drying
- What we updated:
- Other carpet cleaners we've tested
- Factors to consider when choosing a carpet cleaner
- How we test carpet cleaners
- Keeping your carpet cleaner clean
Read More: I Finally Found a Carpet Cleaner That Can Lift Pet Urine Smell
Pros
- Best at pet odor removal
- Second best at tough stain removal
- Longest cord at 25 feet
- Self-cleaning mode is helpful
- Pre-steam feature helps with stain and odors
- Big tank means less refilling and emptying
Cons
- Heaviest of the cleaners we tested at 22.5 lbs
- Sticky reclining pedal (needs a heavy push)
- Loud
The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is the best overall carpet cleaner I tested. It was the only carpet washer that effectively removed pet urine and pet odors from my carpet. It also came in second to the Tineco Carpet Cruiser with tough stain removal. But for $300 less than the Tineco, its price-to-value ratio is unbeatable.
Why I like it: While the Tineco Carpet Cruiser edged out the Bissell HydroSteam on the tough stain removal test, the Bissell blew away the competition on pet odor testing. It effectively removed the pet urine smell and dog dander odor and came in close second in tough stain removal. The pre-steam function is unique in that it helps lift those tough odors from the carpet fibers and loosen the stains before washing it. I also liked its larger water tanks and long cord. Unlike most other carpet cleaners, I didn't need to stop to empty or refill before completing the cleaning of my 500 square feet of carpet. With most carpet cleaners, I have to unplug and replug to clean my entire carpet -- not with the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam.
Who it’s good for: This carpet cleaner is best for pet owners and parents -- especially cat owners, dog owners and toddler parents. During testing, the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam effectively removed pet urine odor and the lingering "dog smell" from my carpet. It also lifted tough stains like ketchup, red wine and chocolate syrup.
As a parent currently going through toddler potty training, removing tough stains and urine smells is key. In between sniff tests, I used lemon to cleanse my pallet and reset my sense of smell. When sniffing the carpet samples with the pet urine, I couldn't detect the urine smell after using the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam.
Any dog or cat owner knows there is a distinct pet odor -- not from potty accidents -- just from having pets. Their dander leaves an odor on my furniture and carpets. I waited two months to clean my own carpet to test which carpet cleaner could lift and deodorize that distinctive “dog smell.” The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam was simply the best at eliminating and deodorizing pet smells.
Who shouldn’t buy it: As much as I loved how well it performed, it is the heaviest of the bunch at 22.5 lbs. Also, the recline pedal needs more pressure than on the other machines I tested. A few times, I needed to kick it to get it to recline. This carpet cleaner isn’t ideal for anyone who struggles with dexterity or carrying it up and down stairs.
As the second loudest, this carpet cleaner might not be good for those with sensitive hearing or for use while children are sleeping, as you might wake them (like I did).
If you simply need general foot traffic cleaning or you don't have pets, you're better off with a cheaper model, such as the Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce or our budget pick, the Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X.
Pros
- Best at tough stain removal
- Quietest
- Fast drying
- Push assist is a unique feature
- Smart sensor automatically applies suction and water flow
- Could pass for professional cleaning
- Self cleaning is a nice feature
Cons
- Can't override the smart detection
- Small dirty and clean water tank
- Have to empty dirty tank more often
- Prompts to self clean too soon
- Heavy to lift
- Pricey
Why I like it: The Tineco Carpet One Cruiser is the Cadillac of carpet cleaners and it has a price tag to match. But it's the only carpet cleaner we tested with AI-smart detection, Wi-Fi-enabled features and three levels of push-assist, while also nailing our tough stain test. Based on our sight evaluation, it 100% lifted the chocolate syrup, ketchup and red wine. It almost 100% lifted the Sharpie marker but to be fair, none of the carpet cleaners did a good job on the Sharpie marker test. Plus, the Sharpie marker is labeled as permanent.
The Tineco is also the quietest carpet cleaner I tested, with a decibel (dB) level of 76.8 -- equivalent to a busy restaurant. A quieter carpet machine is important if you have sleeping children or nosy neighbors.
The unique push-assist feature made navigating the machine incredibly easy, reducing user effort. The smart sensor automatically adjusts suction and water flow based on the level of dirt, ensuring optimal cleaning without guesswork. The self-cleaning mode is a huge bonus feature unlike any other. With the push of a button it initiates cleaning mode, which saves you time after cleaning, prevents odor buildup within the machine and will extend the life of the cleaner.
While it's much pricier than other options, its performance and state-of-the-art smart features make it an excellent choice for professional-level carpet cleaning.
Who it’s good for: This carpet cleaner is ideal for parents of messy kids or clumsy folks who often spill. If you expect to be in a tough stain situation or have experienced tough carpet staining in the past, this machine will impress you with its stain-fighting prowess.
Its quiet operation also makes it perfect for households with sleeping children or those with sensitive hearing.
The push-assist feature could be great for users who want effortless maneuverability or those who lack dexterity or strength to push a heavy cleaner.
Who shouldn’t buy it: While a clear winner for stain removal, the Tineco Carpet One Cruiser is the most expensive carpet cleaner we tested -- by a large margin. It is $300 more than the next best tested cleaner on stains: Bissell Revolution HydroSteam. And its $700 price tag makes it inaccessible for many.
Its smart features and AI-detection are cool, but if you prefer to have manual control over the suction and water flow, you can’t override it on the Tineco.
I also found it annoying to have to empty the dirty water tank five times for one carpet cleaning session. Compared to the other cleaners I tested, this was a lot. For reference, the most I needed to empty on the other machines was twice. It has a dual dirty and clean water tank, which seems convenient at first, but it limits the space and both tanks are smaller.
While the push-assist mode is unique and great for those who can’t push a heavy machine, it's still heavy to lift or carry up and down stairs.
Pros
- Lightweight at 17.5 lbs
- Quieter than most competitors
- Great for light staining like foot traffic
- Easy to use
- Good value for price
Cons
- No self-cleaning mode
- No storage tray
- Average at tough stain removal test
- Average at pet odor test
The Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X is light to lift, light to push and one of the quieter models. It has a simple and easy-to-use set up. While it's not the top performer for tough stains or pet odors, its ease of use and affordability make it a solid budget-friendly option. Top carpet cleaner models generally cost $300 or more making this $230 Bissell a good value buy.
Why I like it: At only 17.5 pounds, the Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X is noticeably lighter than other carpet cleaners I tested, making it easy to maneuver and transport. It's also quieter than most competitors, which is a welcome feature for sensitive hearing or parents with sleeping children.
For general foot traffic and light staining, this machine performs well, leaving carpets refreshed. Its straightforward design makes it incredibly easy to set up and use, even for first-time carpet cleaner owners. The combination of its lightweight design, quiet operation and effective light cleaning results in excellent value for its price.
Who it’s good for: This carpet cleaner is perfect for individuals or families with light to moderate carpet cleaning needs, such as general foot traffic or occasional small spills. If you live in an apartment or a smaller home and need a carpet cleaner that's easy to store and move around, its lightweight design is a plus. It’s also a great option for those looking for a cost-effective solution for maintaining clean carpets without breaking the bank.
Who shouldn’t buy it: If you have multiple pets, especially stinky pets or pets that have frequent potty accidents, this model isn’t the best choice. If you're dealing with significant pet odor issues, deep-set stains or frequent heavy-duty cleaning, the Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X might not be powerful enough. If you spend $150 more, the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is a better choice for pet owners.
It’s a basic model, so no self-cleaning mode, no smart features and no storage tray. This means you'll need to clean the machine more manually after each use and without a tray, you might see leakage during storage.
Pros
- Dry-only mode helps dry carpet faster
- No measuring or mixing solution
- Big dirty water and clean water tank
- Great for light staining like foot traffic
- Only carpet cleaner tested I can complete on one tank
Cons
- Short cord
- Loud
- Average at stain removal test
- Average at pet odor test
- Good value for the price
The Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce is an excellent choice for ease of use and fast drying, thanks to its intuitive design and dedicated dry-only mode. It's particularly effective for general foot traffic and offers great convenience with its large tanks and no-mix solution system.
Why I like it: The Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce stands out for its exceptional ease of use. There's no measuring or mixing solution, as it automatically dispenses the correct amount, simplifying the cleaning process. The dry-only mode is a fantastic feature. During the dryness test, it stood out as the fastest drying cleaner I tested. Also, this was the only carpet cleaner I tested that allowed me to clean my entire carpet area on a single tank of water, thanks to its large dirty and clean water tanks, which saved a lot of time and effort by minimizing interruptions for refilling or emptying.
Who it’s good for: This carpet cleaner is ideal for anyone seeking a hassle-free cleaning experience, especially those who prefer minimal setup and want their carpets to dry quickly. If you have large carpeted areas and want to avoid frequent tank refills, the generous tank capacities of this machine will be a major benefit. It's also a great option for individuals who primarily need to address general foot traffic and light staining, rather than consistently tackling deep-set or pet-related messes.
Who shouldn’t buy it: While it excels in ease of use and drying, the Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce might not be the best choice for dealing with extremely tough stains or significant pet odors, as its performance in those tests was only average. Its short cord can be a minor inconvenience, requiring you to unplug and replug more often in larger rooms.
It's also a loud machine, which might be a consideration for those with sensitive hearing or if you need to clean while others are sleeping. While it offers good value for its price, if your primary need is superior performance on deep stains or eliminating strong pet odors, you might want to consider other models on our list.
July 2025:
We changed our testing methodology to be less scientific and more subjective, with a visual stain test versus a refractometer measurement. We added new additional testing procedures including a test for pet odors, urine odors, dryness and noise level.
We tested these carpet cleaners under new testing: Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X, Bissell Revolution HydroSteam, Tineco Carpet One Cruiser, Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce, Hoover Power Scrub and the Hoover Power Max Pet.
We removed the Bissell ProHeat 2X Lift-Off and the Hoover Pro Clean Pet because they are out of stock.
We removed the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum because I haven't tested it in under the new conditions yet.
Carpet cleaners compared
| Overall & Pet Odors | Tough Stain Removal & Quietest | Value & Lightweight | Ease of Use & Fast Drying |
| 25 feet | 21.3 feet | 22 feet | 22 feet |
| 22.5 lbs | 22 lbs | 17.5 lbs | 18.5 lbs |
| Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 1 gallon | 0.4 gallons | 0.4 gallons | 0.5 gallons |
| 1 gallon | 0.5 gallons | 1 gallon | 1 gallon |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 80.1 dB | 76.8 dB | 80.1 dB | 82.2 dB |
| $400 | $699 | $230 | $270 |
Hoover Power Scrub: I had high hopes for this carpet cleaner because it was the only one I tested with the unique circular brush design. It appeared as if it would stand out. But it didn't perform as well as the others. It came in toward the bottom in all the testing. It's also one of the louder units we tested, and had a shorter cord for my liking. I had to re-plug the unit twice to complete my entire carpet. The Hoover Power Scrubs has two pluses: 1. The price (it's on the cheaper side, retailing around $150) and 2. It markets to also clean hard flooring. I tried it on my hard floors but I haven't tested other products that do this yet to be able to asses how well it works. If you need light cleaning and deodorizing, this carpet cleaner will work fine.
Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce (left) and the Hoover Power Scrub (right).
Katie Collins/CNETHoover Power Max Pet: I've owned this carpet washer for a few years now -- so full disclaimer -- it's a used unit compared to the others we tested as new. However, that shouldn't play too much of a part in testing results, especially because I regularly clean it. It has a short cord and is loud. It came in last with stain and pet odor testing, too. But it's cheap and can handle general cleaning and light deodorizing.
When choosing the best carpet cleaner or carpet shampooer for your home, several factors come into play beyond just the price. Here's a breakdown of what to consider:
Cleaning power and the types of messes you need cleaned
Are you battling tough, set-in stains? Or are you mostly dealing with everyday foot traffic and light dirt? Answering that question will help you find the best carpet cleaner for your needs. If you have pets that have potty accidents, you'll want a cleaner specifically designed to tackle pet odors and urine smells. Some cleaners excel at deep cleaning for serious messes, while others are better for general maintenance and light dirt pick up or deodorizing. The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam, for instance, is a strong contender for pet owners and overall cleaning, while the Tineco Carpet One Cruiser works best on tough stains.
Convenience and ease of use
Consider how easy the machine is to operate. Some models offer "smart" features like automatic water and solution dispensing (such as the Tineco Carpet One Cruiser), which can simplify the process. Others have a dedicated "dry-only" mode (like the Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce) to help carpets dry faster, which is a big plus to prevent mildew and get your room back to normal quickly. Also, think about the size of the water tanks -- larger tanks mean less refilling and emptying during a cleaning session.
Portability and storage
Carpet cleaners can be bulky and heavy to lift and carry. Check the weight of the machine if you'll be moving it up and down stairs or storing it in a tight space. A lighter model such as the Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X might be more manageable for some users. Also, see if it comes with a storage tray to prevent leaks and keep your floor clean when not in use.
Noise level
Carpet cleaners can be loud. If you have sleeping children, sensitive pets or live in close quarters, the noise level might be an important consideration. Noise is measured in decibels (dB), and generally, a lower number means a quieter machine. For comparison, a quiet conversation is around 60 dB, while a vacuum cleaner is typically 70-80 dB. The Tineco Carpet One Cruiser is noted for being one of the quieter options.
Attachments and features
Most carpet cleaners come with hose attachments for cleaning upholstery and stairs, which is a handy feature for reaching beyond just your carpets. Some even have a self-cleaning mode (like the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam and Tineco Carpet One Cruiser) that helps clean the machine after use, making maintenance easier and extending its lifespan.
I tested six carpet cleaners at my home using various procedures, including a tough stain test, a pet odor test, a pet urine sniff test and noise level and dryness testing.
I used ketchup, chocolate syrup, red wine and Sharpie ink, letting them set for an hour before cleaning.
Katie Collins/CNETTest 1: How each performed on tough stains
(Ketchup, chocolate syrup, red wine and Sharpie marker)
I tested each cleaner's ability to lift tough stains by pouring chocolate syrup, red wine, ketchup and Sharpie ink on each section. I ran each carpet cleaner on its highest mode (if applicable) and ran each back and forth 20 times. I cleaned each stained section from different angles and performed a visual sight test after four hours of drying. The winners and losers were clear.
| Bissell Revolution HydroSteam |
| Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X |
| Hoover Power Scrub |
| Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce |
| Hoover Power Max Pet |
From left to right:
- Hoover Power Max Pet
- Hoover Power Scrub
- Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce
- Tineco Carpet One Cruiser: The best at lifting tough stains in this test.
- Bissell Revolution HydroSteam
- Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X
Test 2: How each performed on pet urine odor
I used wolf urine for this pet urine sniff test. Wolf urine can be purchased on Amazon and it is marketed towards folks looking to keep vermin away from their property. Trust me when I say the smell is comparable to dog urine.
I poured a pee-accident-sized amount onto the carpet. I used each carpet cleaner's strongest cleaning mode (if applicable) and the solution labeled for pets during each cleaning session. I ran each cleaner back and forth 20 times. I let the carpet dry in humid outdoor summer air for five hours before sniff-testing each section. I used fresh-cut lemon in between each test to properly cleanse my nasal palate. I also had my spouse do the same sniff test to compare results. Some cleaners lifted the wolf urine from the carpet fibers well, while others only masked the odor with a perfume-like smell.
| Tineco Carpet One Cruiser |
| Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X |
| Hoover Power Scrub |
| Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce |
| Hoover Power Max Pet |
My chocolate lab isn't sure what to make of the wolf urine.
Katie Collins/CNETWolf urine spilled across six carpet samples.
Katie Collins/CNETTest 3: How each performed on dog stench odor
I didn't clean my own carpet for one month, allowing my chocolate Labrador's regular dog stench to set in. I used each carpet cleaner in different sections of my carpet. I then did a sniff test on each section to see which cleaner lifted that dog smell. I used lemon in between each sniff test to ensure I properly cleansed my nasal palate.
| Tineco Carpet One Cruiser |
| Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X |
| Hoover Power Scrub |
| Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce |
| Hoover Power Max Pet |
If you have a cat or dog, you know there is a distinct pet smell. It sets into your carpet over time. I tested which carpet cleaner could best deodorize my carpet.
Katie Collins/CNETTest 4: How each performed with noise level in decibels (dB)
Using a free app called the Sound Meter, we tested the noise level in decibels for each carpet cleaner.
| Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X |
| Hoover Power Scrub |
| Hoover Power Max Pet |
| Bissell Revolution HydroSteam |
| Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce |
The Tineco Carpet One Cruiser was the quietest carpet cleaner I tested at 76.8 dB -- equivalent to the noise inside a restaurant.
Katie Collins/CNETThe Bissell Revolution HydroSteam one of the louder carpet cleaners tested.
Katie Collins/CNETTest 5: How fast each carpet cleaner dried after cleaning
After each carpet cleaning session, I placed colored paper on the carpet and stepped on it to see how well each cleaner dried on the surface. The clearer the footprint, the wetter the carpet was.
| Tineco Carpet One Cruiser |
| Hoover Power Scrub |
| Bissell Revolution HydroSteam |
| Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X |
| Hoover Power Max Pet |
I set a paper towel down and applied foot pressure on it to help visualize how dry each section was post cleaning.
Katie Collins/CNETThe Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce was the fastest-drying carpet cleaner we tested.
Katie Collins/CNETWhile the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam outperformed most carpet cleaners on all the testing, it's one flaw was leaving a wet carpet behind.
Katie Collins/CNETWhile we like to think that our carpet cleaners are self-cleaning (they do use soap, right?), in reality, these devices need real cleaning from time to time. From hair getting tangled around the brush to dirty water tanks, there are still reasons that these cleaners need us to maintain them. By doing some regular maintenance on your carpet cleaner, it should continue to perform well for years.
Some of the routine cleaning of your carpet cleaner should be done after each use, while others aspects of it can be done weekly or even monthly, depending on how frequently you use your cleaner.
- Daily: Emptying and rinsing the dirty water tank and checking wheels for stuck debris.
- Weekly: Cleaning brush rolls and wheels.
- Monthly: Clean hose and attachments if used; remove and deep-clean the brushes.
Most of this work will take only a few minutes at most, and your carpet cleaner will be able to perform at its peak, leaving you with a much cleaner house in return. Some models come with a self-cleaning mode, but you still want to check for built-up pet hair.
It's a device that uses a combination of water, cleaning solution, mechanical brushing and vacuuming to remove dirt, stains and debris from carpet fibers.
Mostly, yes. These machines are designed to be safe and effective on a wide range of carpets, including synthetic and natural fibers. Just double-check the manufacturer's guidelines and test a small area first, especially for delicate or antique carpets.
It depends on various factors, such as the amount of foot traffic, the presence of pets and indoor air quality. A good rule of thumb is to deep clean carpets at least once or twice a year, with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning in between.
Absolutely. Carpet cleaning machines will improve indoor air quality by removing allergens such as smoke particles, dust, pollen and pet dander. Regular cleaning can help reduce the presence of these allergens, making the indoor environment healthier overall.
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