8 Best Carpet Cleaners on the Market 2025

When pet stains feel impossible, the BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution steps in like a deep-cleaning powerhouse built for war against grime. Its Turbostrength Motor delivers 40% more suction than standard models while running noticeably quieter, a rare combo that makes whole-house cleaning less of a chore. The Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes with 12 rows of bristles aggressively agitate carpet fibers to dislodge ground-in dirt and allergens, while HeatWave Technology keeps cleaning solution hot from start to finish—critical for breaking down oily pet residues. If you’ve got dogs, kids, or both, this machine is engineered for your reality.

We tested it on high-traffic hallways, pet beds, and even a wine spill on synthetic fiber—each time, the Max Clean Mode pulled up residue that previous cleaners left behind. The Express Clean Mode reduced drying time to about 30 minutes on thin carpets, a huge benefit for busy homes. On plush, thick-pile rugs, however, the suction recovery lagged slightly, leaving a damp spot if not overlapped carefully. The lack of a dedicated portable tool also means you’ll need a separate device for car seats or stairs—limiting its flexibility compared to all-in-one systems.

Against the Shark EX201, the ProHeat 2X trades advanced chemistry for raw mechanical power. It doesn’t have oxygen-boosted stain tools, but it cleans deeper in a single pass on heavily soiled floors. Compared to the Hoover PowerScrub, it offers better heat retention and suction efficiency, though it’s slightly heavier. Best suited for households with recurring pet accidents and carpeted basements, it’s a workhorse over a wizard—less flashy, but incredibly reliable. For those prioritizing consistent deep cleaning over smart features, it outperforms at its price point.

Don’t underestimate this industrial-grade gallon—Zep’s carpet shampoo concentrate is the secret weapon of professional cleaners packed into an affordable, do-it-yourself format. One jug makes 25 gallons of cleaning solution, making it the most cost-effective option on this list by a landslide. The formula penetrates deep into carpet fibers to dissolve grease, food spills, and ground-in dirt without leaving sticky residue. It’s compatible with Bissell, Hoover, Rug Doctor, and commercial extractors, so whether you own a machine or rent one, this is the upgrade your cleaner has been missing.

In side-by-side tests, carpets cleaned with diluted Zep showed noticeably brighter results than those using store-brand solutions, especially on high-traffic commercial-grade nylon. It excels at cutting through oily residues—think kitchen spills or garage workshop messes—thanks to its non-ionic surfactant base. However, it won’t eliminate biological odors like pet urine on its own; pairing it with an enzyme treatment is recommended for full decontamination. And because it’s not formulated with odor masking agents, your carpet smells clean, not artificially perfumed.

Compared to Bissell’s proprietary formulas or Shark’s OXY boosters, Zep lacks specialty stain-targeting chemistry, but it outperforms them in sheer cleaning power per dollar. It’s not a standalone machine—it’s the fuel that makes any extractor perform like a pro model. Ideal for landlords, large homes, or anyone tired of repurchasing small bottles, this concentrate is the smart backbone of a high-performance cleaning routine. While it won’t replace a machine, it transforms good ones into great ones—a silent MVP in any cleaning arsenal.

When spills strike, the BISSELL Little Green Pet Deluxe is the first responder you want on hand—a portable powerhouse that fits under the sink but cleans like a full-sized unit. With 48 oz of tank capacity, it delivers longer run time than most portables, letting you tackle a full car interior or multiple pet accidents without constant refills. The Pet Oxy Boost formula breaks down organic stains and neutralizes odors at the source, not just masking them. Whether it’s vomit on the rug or mud in the backseat, this compact extractor handles it with surprising force.

We tested it on car upholstery, stairs, and a heavily stained area rug—the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool made post-clean maintenance effortless, while the Stain Trapper Tool pulled up residue other tools left behind. Suction is strong for its size, though it can’t match uprights on deep carpet penetration. The cord length (15 feet) is generous, but the unit feels top-heavy when full, requiring two hands for overhead spots. It’s not meant for whole-house cleaning, but for targeted messes, it’s unmatched.

Compared to the BISSELL TurboClean PET, the Little Green is more portable and versatile, while the upright offers better floor coverage. Against the Shark EX121BRN, it wins on mobility and spot-cleaning agility, though it lacks heated water and auto-dispensing solution. Ideal for apartments, cars, and pet owners, it’s the ultimate quick-clean sidekick. While it doesn’t replace a full extractor, its combination of power, portability, and pet-specific tools makes it the best on-the-go solution in this lineup.

Don’t let its size fool you—the BISSELL TurboClean PET is a compact beast engineered for maximum impact in tight spaces. Despite being one of the smallest uprights here, it packs a 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush that dives deep into carpet fibers to extract ground-in dirt and pet debris that vacuums miss. The 4-inch Self-Cleanout Tool is a genius touch—cleaning the tool itself takes seconds, eliminating the gross factor of gunk buildup. For small homes, apartments, or pet owners with limited storage, this is the perfect balance of power and footprint.

We used it in a 600 sq ft apartment with two dogs and found it handled daily messes with ease, drying in under 4 hours thanks to efficient suction. The 7-foot hose and spraying crevice tool made stairs and baseboards accessible, though the solution tank is small (0.6 gallons), requiring frequent refills on larger jobs. It lacks heated water, so stain dissolution isn’t as effective as with premium models. Still, for quick, frequent cleanups, it’s faster to deploy and store than bulkier units.

Compared to the Shark EX121BRN, the TurboClean PET is lighter and more compact, but the Shark wins on suction power and drying speed. Against the Hoover PowerScrub, it’s less aggressive on deep grime but far easier to handle and store. Best for urban dwellers, renters, or pet owners with small spaces, it’s the most practical upright for routine maintenance. While it’s not built for whole-house marathons, its ease of use and smart design make it ideal for frequent, no-fuss cleaning.

When wet cleaning isn’t an option, the Capture Dry Cleaner powder steps in as a brilliant, no-mess alternative that absorbs stains and odors without moisture. Unlike steam cleaners that risk wicking and mold, this dry formula acts like a sponge, pulling dirt and liquids from deep within fibers and locking them away until vacuuming. It’s safe for wool, silk, and Code S fabrics, making it perfect for delicate rugs, car interiors, and upholstery where water could cause damage. For pet owners, it’s a game-changer—eliminating urine odors without soaking the padding below.

We used it on a wool area rug with old pet stains and found that after sprinkling, brushing, and vacuuming, the smell vanished and the color lifted noticeably. A 4-pound pail covers up to 400 sq ft, making it incredibly economical for spot treatments. However, it requires a pre-mist (sold separately) for best results, and won’t remove heavy soiling on its own—it’s a maintenance tool, not a deep cleaner. It also needs thorough vacuuming; leftover powder can attract new dirt.

Compared to liquid extractors, it doesn’t clean as deeply, but it prevents over-wetting and extends time between wet cleanings. Against Zep’s liquid concentrate, it’s less aggressive but safer for sensitive materials. Ideal for renters, car owners, and homes with delicate textiles, it’s the best dry solution for odor and spot control. While it can’t replace a carpet shampooer, its convenience, safety, and effectiveness make it a must-have for quick fixes.