Did you know that tiny particles of dirt and other nasties might still be lurking inside your carpet even after it’s been vacuumed?
Aside from being downright disgusting – and unaesthetically pleasing – this can be especially problematic for people with allergies and asthma.
But there’s no need to worry, according to Director of Söka Australia, Nicole Gibson.
“Firstly don’t panic. I have seen so many disasters from trying different products on carpet stains,” the laundry and stain removal expert said.
“Take time to do a good job (because) when you are pushing the vacuum over the carpet at a fast pace, then you are not allowing enough time for the carpet dirt to be suctioned up as thoroughly by the machine.”
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Thankfully, brands like Vax, Bissell and Hoover offer carpet washers – appliances that both vacuum and clean your carpet so you can tackle even the most stubborn of stains (we’re looking at you, red wine).
The love child between a stick vacuum and a steam mop, these clever carpet cleaners apply a water and cleaning solution mixture into the carpet fibres and use powerful brushes to loosen the dirt or stain. This makes it easier for the appliance to suck up the particles into the dirty water tank, so none of the germs and grubby marks end up in the clean water tank that’s helping to refresh your carpet.
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Need a powerful model to deep clean entire rooms, or prefer something that cleans itself? Read our guide to check out the best vacuum carpet washers for your home. One of our favourites is the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Carpet Washer, which many shoppers are calling “the real deal” for banishing stains and grime.
BEST CARPET CLEANERS BUYING GUIDE
BEST CARPET CLEANER OVERALL
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Carpet Washer (2066F), $689, The Good Guys
• Weight: 7.9kg
• Cord length: 7.62m
• Accessories: 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool, tough stain tool, 3-in-1 stair tool, 2.4m hose, 236ml Wash and Protect Pro Formula, 236ml Antibacterial Formula and 236ml Oxy Boost.
One carpet cleaner that’s currently on many best carpet cleaner wishlists is the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet carpet washer. Designed to tackle pet and regular household messes, this appliance uses its CleanShot pre-treater and Dual Dirtlifter Power Brushes to banish tough stains and deep clean large areas.
Many customers say their carpets look “as good as a new”, with reviewers especially surprised how much ground-in dirt and pet hair was picked up despite having vacuumed beforehand.
“I am OBSESSED with this machine! Bought it to save some money on professional cleans twice a year, thinking it’s worth taking the risk based on the reviews. The amount of debris, sand and pet hair it picks up is soooo satisfying!” praised one shopper.
“I’ve taken it to help out friends with their carpets now as well! Super easy to set up and pack down, easy to carry (and) wheel around. (I)t’s one of my best ever purchases!”
“Not only was it easy to use but my large synthetic carpet square was dry to the fingertip touch almost immediately,” another posted.
PROS:
+ Can get rid of hair, stains and odours from carpets, rugs and upholstery.
+ Has a low profile so it can go under furniture.
+ Large 3.78-litre water tank capacity.
+ Separate clean and dirty water tanks.
+ Offers Deep Clean and a 30-minute Express Clean modes.
+ Includes an easy to clean EZ Clean Brush Roll Cover.
CONS:
– On the pricier side.
– A little loud.
BEST COMMERCIAL STYLE CARPET CLEANERS
Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner (RUGDOC93170), Appliances Online, $574 (down from $649)
• Weight: 11.34kg
• Cord length: 8m
• Accessories: Upholstery tool, tool caddy and Rug Doctor Carpet Detergent.
Is your current carpet cleaner just not cutting it? This option from Rug Doctor supposedly provides 75 per cent more suction compared to other models on the market, and uses Dual Cross Action Brushes to get deep into the fibres as well as groom and polish the carpet – all in one go. The machine also has a Super Boost Spray function for heavily soiled areas, such as living rooms, bedrooms and other high-traffic spaces.
Plus, it has been rated Gold for Best in Class Performance by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).
PROS:
+ Suitable for cleaning carpets, rugs, stairs, upholstery and vehicles.
+ Separate clean and dirty water tanks.
+ Has a water tank cap and measuring cup for accuracy and convenience.
+ Includes a collapsible handle for compact storage.
+ Contains a removable tool caddy to keep accessories.
CONS:
– Not portable – but it has wheels to make the appliance easy to manoeuvre.
– Noisy.
Bissell Big Green Commercial Carpet Shampooer (48F3G), Godfreys, $1,599
• Weight: 19.05kg
• Cord length: 7.7m
• Accessories: Carpet shampooer and tough stain brush.
For heavy duty carpet cleaning, Bissell’s Big Green carpet cleaner is worth investing in. Unlike some other models, this appliance cleans using both forward and backward motions and can wash surfaces and remove dirty water at the same time. It also has a long cable and very large eight-litre tank capacity, so you won’t need to constantly re-fill the machine as you go.
Other features include dual motors, spray trigger, dual tank system to separate clean and dirty water, and a flow indicator to show water and solution levels.
PROS:
+ Suitable for carpets, stairs and upholstery.
+ Handle can be folded for easy storage.
+ Includes a front carry handle and tank carry handle for convenience.
+ Easy to understand instructions.
+ Two-year domestic warranty.
CONS:
– More expensive than other carpet shampooers.
– Heavier than other carpet washers.
BEST VALUE CARPET CLEANERS
Bissell Turbo Clean Power Brush Carpet Cleaner (2222F), Amazon Australia, $299 (down from $399)
• Weight: 5.9kg
• Cord length: 5.1m
• Accessories: Bissell 236ml Wash and Protect Pro and Bissell 236ml Oxy Boost.
If you’re concerned about whether a carpet washer can pick up dust and dirt that’s dried into hard-to-reach areas like corners and along walls, look for features that target edges. The EdgeSweep bristles on this Bissell carpet cleaner are one example. It uses a rotating Dirt Lifter Power Brush to help lift stains and dirt that’s stuck deep inside the carpet fibres.
“This is a great price, easy to use and did a great job cleaning both my carpet and rugs. We have pets and children and it managed to get all the fine dirt and dust that settles over time that a vacuum can’t remove,” an Amazon customer reviewed.
PROS:
+ Has a collapsible handle for space-saving storage.
+ Easy to assemble.
+ Easy to clean.
+ Fairly lightweight.
+ Suitable for carpet and hard floors.
CONS:
– Rug or carpet may take some time to dry.
– Need to keep an eye on the dirty water tank because it might start to leak or spray once full.
– While it’s designed to work on both carpet and hard floors, online reviews suggest this vacuum is only worth using on carpets.
Bissell SpotClean Carpet Cleaner (36984), The Good Guys, $229
• Weight: 3.86kg
• Cord length: 4.5m
• Accessories: 236ml Spot & Stain Formula, 236ml Oxy Boost. 3-inch Tough Stain Brush and 6-inch Tool.
This Bissell carpet washer is listed as one of the top sellers on The Good Guys, as well as a bestseller on the brand’s online store. It’s particularly popular among pet owners, with one happy customer describing it as “honestly the best thing I’ve ever bought!”.
“Paid its money back three times over, over getting a professional in and results are just as good but I can do it anytime I want (very addictive though).”
The Bissell carpet washer has a slim design and a soft grid handle so you can comfortably carry it up the stairs and easily use it to clean rugs and furniture in multiple rooms.
PROS:
+ Slim and compact, making it easy to store.
+ Soft-grip handle.
+ Budget friendly.
CONS:
– Small one litre tank.
BEST CARPET CLEANER FOR PET MESSES
Vax Platinum Spot Wash, The Good Guys (VACSC21E), $199
• Weight: 3.9kg
• Cord length: 4.5m
• Accessories: 250ml Vax Solution, Hard Floor Tool and Multi Surface Tool.
Need an appliance to tackle muddy paw prints and other small everyday messes? This best selling lightweight Vax cleaner is exclusively available from The Good Guys and is specifically designed to handle stains, rather than perform general deep cleans all over the house. Backed up by a 4.5-star average customer rating, the model can be used on carpets, sealed hard floors, stairs and upholstery such as couches and dog beds. The carpet cleaner can also soak up the orange juice your toddler spilt in the car.
One shopper gave the model a five-star review, commenting “Originally purchased machine to clean a couple of sofas. It did a fantastic job.”
“Couldn’t believe the amount of dirt that came out of them (they were only two years old) and now they look new again. Have also used it to clean sections of the carpet in my house and the carpet in my cars.”
But keep in mind that it’s not as powerful as other Vax carpet washers, so you may want to keep window shopping if you’re hoping to perform some serious deep cleaning.
PROS:
+ Portable and compact.
+ Affordable.
+ Easy instructions.
CONS:
– Dirty water tank is small, which might mean you need to empty the cleaner a couple of times for bigger spills.
Bissell CrossWave Pet Vacuum Cleaner Wash & Mop, Amazon, $473.41
• Weight: 5.22kg
• Cord length: 7.62m
• Accessories: Multi-Surface Pet Brush Roll, Pet Hair Strainer, 236ml Bissell Multi-Surface Pet Cleaning Formula and Rinse & Clean Out Tray.
This Bissell carpet cleaner is a staple for many pet owners.Even if you don’t have a dog or cat, it’s still a cordless carpet washer that can handle more than just small stains.
Listed on the brand’s website as one of the bestsellers, this Bissell carpet washer has a tangle-free brush roll to prevent hair from constantly getting stuck, and smart-touch controls on the handle so you can easily switch between rugs and hard floors.
PROS:
+ Vacuums and washes at the same time.
+ Multi-surface pet brush can clean simultaneously mop and pick up dry debris.
+ Contains two tanks to separate clean and dirty water.
+ Parts can be removed and cleaned.
+ Designed to be suitable for people with allergies and asthma.
CONS:
– Needs to be maintained well (e.g. cleaned regularly).
BEST CARPET CLEANERS FOR DEEP CLEANING
Hoover SMARTWASH+ Automatic Carpet Washer, Amazon, $599.94
• Weight: 8.2kg
• Cord length: 9m
• Accessories: 2-in-1 Pet Tool and FlexForce PowerBrushes.
Backed up by more than 12,800 five-star ratings on Amazon, this Hoover carpet cleaner is worth checking out. It’s designed to be as easy to use as a vacuum, thanks to its ability to automatically switch from washing to drying — just push the cleaner forward to wash the carpet or rug, then pull it back to dry. Unlike some other models, this has a triggerless design to make it more comfortable to use, which is particularly helpful if your hands tend to get tired easily while cleaning.
Other standout features include Auto Mix technology, which mixes and dispenses the ideal amount of solution for you, plus Auto Dry and Heat Force technology to help dry the surface faster.
Many customers call this Hoover carpet cleaner “the real deal”, with one reviewer writing “it does a better job than any of the other cleaners I’ve had”.
PROS:
+ Has larger clean and dirty tanks compared to other options on the market, offering 3.8 litre and 2.1 litre capacities respectively.
+ Easy to set up and use.
+ Three-year warranty.
CONS:
– Short cord.
– No button to spray extra detergent.
Vax Platinum Power Max Carpet Washer (VX100), The Good Guys, $399
• Weight: 9.5kg
• Cord length: 9m
• Accessories: 250ml Vax Platinum Cleaning Solution, 250ml Vax Pre-Treatment Solution, Spin Scrub Tool, Hard Floor Adaptor, Wash Tool, Pre-Treatment Wand, 4.6 hose and accessory bag.
Need an appliance that can get down and dirty? Vax’s Platinum Power Max Carpet Washer is not only the brand’s most powerful carpet washer, but it also contains larger clean and dirty water tanks than other Vax models so you won’t need to empty the cleaner as much.
Offering Deep Clean and Quick Clean modes, the Vax carpet washer uses Automix Technology for an effective deep clean plus an antimicrobial treatment to minimise any bacterial and fungi growth on the machine’s brushes. It also has Heat Blast technology for faster drying action, and a 4.6m stretch hose for extra flexibility when you’re cleaning furniture, car interiors and stairs.
PROS:
+ 3.5 litre clean water tank.
+ Uses Heat blast technology for fast drying.
+ Uses an antimicrobial treatment for a hygienic clean.
+ This Vax carpet washer already comes packed with a 250ml bottle of Platinum Cleaning Solution and 250ml of Pre-Treatment Solution, plus a couple of other attachments and an accessory bag for convenient storage.
CONS:
– Carpet or rug can take a while to dry if using the deep clean mode, similar to other carpet washers.
– A little on the heavier side.
BEST PORTABLE CARPET CLEANER FOR SMALL SPACES
Bissell StainEraser Turbo (2982F), The Good Guys, $179 (down from $199)
• Weight: 2kg
• Cord length: None
• Accessories: Upholstery nozzle, dry floor nozzle, crevice nozzle, fleece filter bag, spray extraction tubes, spray extraction hose with handle and a Bissell Carpet Cleaner cleaning agent.
Can’t stand cables? Bissell’s cordless carpet cleaner is one of the brand’s latest releases and contains similar attachments to other larger and pricier alternatives. The single 236ml water tank and lack of cord makes the appliance super lightweight and ideal for small stains.
Shoppers agree it makes cleaning convenient and, unlike some models, is easy to empty. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have a twin tank, so the fresh and dirty water aren’t separated.
One customer wrote, “So easy to use, takes stains right out of the carpet and the couch – then the clean up is just as easy!! Being cordless I can take it anywhere, and its small enough to store neatly in the cupboard.”
PROS:
+ Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.
+ Easy to use.
+ Good suction.
+ Budget friendly.
CONS:
– Small water tank size.
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CARPET CLEANER?
Being the genius designer behind the popular Söka Tub, Nicole certainly knows a thing or two about banishing stains and dirt. Here are her top features to consider and why when buying a carpet cleaner.
• HEPA filter capacity
You want to ensure the filter is trapping carpet dust sufficiently so you are not breathing in recirculated filthy air.
• Noise levels
Check for machine noise levels and whether you will need to wear ear protection when vacuuming to reduce the risk of industrial deafness.
• Is it practical to use in your home?
Does it suit your living conditions and needs? There is no use buying a vacuum cleaner that is awkward to manoeuvre to vacuum stairs or is too thick to get under furniture. Make sure it comes with attachments that you can service different fixtures of the house.
• Batteries
Does it have the option to replace batteries and parts in years to come?
ARE CARPET WASHERS WORTH IT?
It’s worth buying a carpet washer if you’re constantly scrubbing out stains and dirt and need to regularly deep clean your floors to reduce bacteria build-up. Carpet cleaners are also useful for people with allergies and asthma to tackle dust mites, dander and other allergy triggers.
Otherwise, you can probably get away with a multi-surface steam cleaner or hire a professional carpet cleaning service to pay a visit once a year. There’s also a growing number of two-in-one robot cleaners and stick vacuums that both sweep and mop.
HOW DO CLEAN CARPET STAINS
When cleaning stains, Nicole recommends vacuuming any dry debris then using a wet vacuum to clean any spills. But make sure to tackle any spillages as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming a permanent blemish on your floor.
Understanding where the stain is from and what will break it up is also important.
“With any carpet stain you, should avoid vigorously rubbing the area as the carpet fibres will split and the stain will go deeper,” she explained.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A CARPET CLEANER?
It’s a good idea to give your carpet a deep clean between every six and eight months to extend its lifespan and keep it looking and feeling as fresh and fluffy as possible. Although small stains should be dealt with straight away to prevent it from drying into the carpet, making it more difficult to clean later. Either way, avoid over-soaking your carpet as a way to put off doing a deeper clean. It won’t make the carpet any cleaner and will take much longer to dry, plus leave streaky marks once it has dried.
CAN YOU USE ANY CARPET SHAMPOO IN A CARPET WASHER?
Technically, no — brands generally recommend only using their own approved concentrated cleaning solution for its carpet washers, otherwise it can produce too much foam and you’ll run the risk of losing your warranty if the machine decides to kick up a stink. The same goes for essential oils and bleach since they might end up staining the carpet.
Fortunately, many carpet washers come prepacked with sample bottles of carpet shampoo and treatments. Some manufacturers such as Vax offer 250ml detergents, which is pretty handy considering its models typically need around 40ml per use so you can get a few cleans before needing to restock.
But make sure to read the instruction manual to see which solution you should be using and how much is required.
CAN A CARPET WASHER CLEAN A RUG?
Most carpet washers and carpet cleaners can definitely be used on rugs and many other surfaces, not just carpets. They’re generally designed to also handle dirt, spills and stains on upholstery, stairs, car interiors and hard floors. Many models come with multiple attachments to choose from already in the box, such as a hard floor tool and multi-surface tool.
Need dirt on how to clean hardwood floors and tiles instead? Check out our guides on the best cordless stick vacuums, best robot vacuums, best handheld vacuums or best bagless vacuums. We’ve also got roundups of the top car vacuum cleaners and vacuums for pet hair to target certain messes.
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