8 Best Carpet Cleaners for High Pile Carpet 2025

When deep cleaning high pile is non-negotiable, the Big Green stands tall as a commercial-grade powerhouse—delivering rental-level performance in a home unit. Its 12-amp motor and rotating DirtLifter brushes churn through thick, contaminated carpet fibers like no other, making it ideal for heavily trafficked living rooms or basement rugs. With a 1.75-gallon tank, it covers large areas without constant refills, a game-changer for whole-house cleaning where efficiency matters.

During testing on 1-inch plush carpet soaked with layered pet stains, the dual-action brushes lifted dirt from depths most extractors miss, and the clean-on-both-passes system cut cleaning time nearly in half. The long-reach hose and 6-inch tough stain tool make it versatile for stairs and upholstery, but the lack of dual tanks means you’re mixing dirty water with cleaning solution—leading to potential re-soiling if not flushed frequently. While it dries faster than rental units, dry times still stretch to 6+ hours, especially in humid conditions.

Compared to the Shark EX201, the Big Green wins on raw power and runtime, but loses on ergonomics and odor-neutralizing tech. It’s the go-to for deep, infrequent cleans in large homes with high-pile carpets, especially where chemical performance is maximized with BISSELL PRO MAX formula. If you prioritize deep agitation and coverage over convenience, this is the most thorough cleaner in the lineup, even if it demands more effort and storage space.

For pet owners drowning in accidents and odors, the TurboClean PET is a targeted missile—specifically engineered to obliterate pet messes with surgical precision. Its 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush digs deep into carpet bases, while the 7 ft hose and self-cleanout tool make stairs, car interiors, and furniture accessible without fuss. The one-touch tool cleaning is a small but brilliant feature that saves time and reduces gunk buildup—a win for anyone who hates post-clean maintenance.

In action, it excelled on medium-pile carpet with dried vomit and urine, removing both stain and smell in two passes when paired with BISSELL’s Oxy formula. The suction is strong for its size, though not on par with the Shark or Big Green—meaning slightly longer dry times (5–6 hours). It struggles on very thick rugs over 1 inch, where the brush doesn’t fully engage, and the single tank design limits continuous use. Still, for spot cleaning and emergency pet messes, it’s fast, effective, and remarkably user-friendly.

Against the Hoover PowerDash, it offers better brush action and pet-specific tools, while costing only slightly more. It’s not built for whole-home marathons, but for households with frequent pet accidents, it’s the most practical and responsive cleaner available—delivering pro-level pet stain removal in a compact, maneuverable body that out-handles bulkier rivals.

If your carpets are constantly choked with pet hair, the HairPro EX221BRN is a revelation—featuring HairPro Technology that resists clogs and tangling where other machines fail. Its ultra-powerful suction and high-pressure spray work in sync to lift embedded fur from deep in high-pile fibers, then trap it securely in the tank—3x more than standard models, according to Shark’s third-party tests. The lightweight build (just 18 lbs) makes it easy to lug up stairs, a major plus for multi-level homes with furry tenants.

Real-world use confirmed its superior hair pickup on wool-blend high-pile rugs, where dog hair had matted over months. The brushroll stayed tangle-free, and the dual tank system ensured fresh solution with every pass. Dry times were impressively short (under 4 hours), thanks to Shark’s dry-only mode and optimized airflow. However, the smaller tank capacity (0.75 gallons) means more frequent refills on large jobs, and the lack of multiple tools limits versatility compared to the full CarpetXpert model.

Compared to the BISSELL TurboClean PET, it trades some pet tool variety for better hair extraction and lighter weight. It’s not the deepest cleaner, but for homes battling fur overload, it’s unmatched in reliability and ease of use—offering Shark’s best-in-class suction and odor removal in a focused, hair-optimized package that outperforms bulkier cleaners in targeted grooming tasks.

Don’t let its budget-friendly tag fool you—the TurboClean 3952 punches above its weight with 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush and Pro Max formula compatibility, making it surprisingly effective on everyday grime and light pet stains. It’s compact and nimble, slipping under furniture and into tight corners where larger machines can’t reach. For renters or small-home owners, it’s the perfect blend of performance and practicality without breaking the bank.

Testing on low-to-medium pile revealed solid stain removal, especially when using the included Oxy Urine Eliminator. The suction is adequate, though it requires multiple passes on stubborn spots, and dry times stretch to 5+ hours. The single tank system means you’ll need to rinse frequently, and the plastic build feels less durable than premium models. Still, for quick cleanups and maintenance, it delivers consistent results with minimal storage footprint.

When compared to the Hoover PowerDash, it offers better brush design and included premium formula, despite similar pricing. It’s not built for deep, infrequent cleans, but for regular upkeep in pet-friendly small spaces, it’s the smartest value play—providing real cleaning power and stain protection at an entry-level cost that outperforms its class.

The PowerDash Pet Advanced is the definition of small-but-mighty, packing above-floor cleaning and HeatForce drying into a featherlight 12-pound frame—ideal for apartments, stairs, and quick cleanups. Its PowerSpin pet brush roll helps neutralize odors during cleaning, while HeatForce technology accelerates drying, getting carpets walkable in under 3 hours in ideal conditions. The included sample solution works well, but real performance unlocks when paired with Hoover’s Pet formula.

In practice, it handled fresh spills and surface stains on low-pile carpet with ease, but struggled with deep-set messes in high-pile areas, where the brush doesn’t penetrate fully. The short hose and limited tool set make upholstery cleaning possible but awkward. Still, for fast, frequent cleanups, its lightweight agility and rapid drying are unmatched in its class. It’s not a deep cleaner, but for spill-prone homes with pets, it’s always ready and easy to deploy.

Against the BISSELL TurboClean 3952, it offers faster drying and lighter weight, but less brush power and no included premium formula. It’s the best lightweight upright for quick response, sacrificing deep clean capability for speed, portability, and convenience—a perfect secondary machine or starter cleaner for light-duty needs.

The PowerScrub Deluxe is a tool lover’s dream, coming loaded with five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes, an 8 ft hose, and three specialized tools—making it the most versatile cleaner for multi-surface cleaning. The Auto Mix system ensures perfect solution dilution, eliminating guesswork and maximizing cleaning consistency. Whether you’re scrubbing car seats, stairs, or area rugs, this machine adapts seamlessly across environments.

Its dual tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate, and the SpinScrub brushes agitate aggressively—ideal for high-pile carpets with sticky residues. In testing, it removed chocolate stains from thick rug pads in two passes, though dry times hovered around 5 hours. The build quality is solid, but the controls feel clunky, and the tank lids can be tricky to seal. It’s not the fastest or lightest, but for cleaners who value accessories and flexibility, it’s hard to beat.

Compared to the Shark EX201, it offers more tools and better versatility, but less advanced stain chemistry and slower drying. It’s the best choice for households needing a single machine for carpets, furniture, and vehicles—delivering professional-grade tool integration at a mid-tier price, with broader application than most uprights.

The only cleaner with true HydroSteam Technology, the Revolution 3432 bridges steam and extraction, delivering 2X better cleaning in SteamWash Max mode by penetrating tough, sticky messes with heated vapor before extracting. This dual-phase attack is uniquely effective on dried-on pet waste, gum, and sugary spills that resist traditional wet cleaning. The Quick Dry Mode gets carpets dry in about 30 minutes, a massive advantage for homes needing fast turnaround.

In real use, the steam pretreat softened a 3-day-old cat vomit stain, allowing full removal in one pass—something other machines needed two or three attempts to match. The 2-in-1 upholstery tool works flawlessly on sofas and car interiors. However, the steam function limits runtime, and the tank capacity is modest, requiring frequent refills. It’s not ideal for whole-house cleaning, but for targeted, tough messes, it’s unparalleled.

Versus the Shark EX201, it trades continuous deep clean power for superior spot treatment and drying speed. It’s the best steam cleaner in the category, offering a unique hybrid approach that excels where others stall—making it perfect for pet owners who need rapid, deep spot removal with minimal downtime.