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The best carpet cleaners for 2025, editor tested and expert approved

Walking on plush carpet is like walking on cushy clouds: It creates a soft landing for your feet — and joints — not to mention welcome padding for children and pets to play on. Of course, you'll want to take care of your investment, but if you're not sure how to clean your carpets beyond using a good vacuum, rest easy. You've come to the right place!

In our search for the best carpet cleaners of 2025, we spoke to pros from leading maid services and hotels, as well as other cleaning experts. This list includes the sprays, concentrates and gadgets they swear by to keep carpets and rugs in tip-top shape, plus products we Yahoo home editors have tested and use in our own spaces.

Whether you have a fully carpeted home or just a couple of area rugs — and whether you're looking to give them a full refresh or tackle occasional spills and stains — you'll be floored by the difference these cleaners can make. (Psst: We rounded up pro picks for hardwood cleaners and grout cleaners should you be shopping for those, too.)

Best carpet cleaners for 2025

Size: 1 gal. | Formula: Liquid concentrate | Surfaces: Carpet and upholstery | Scent: Fresh Spring

This biodegradable, quick-drying cleaner is a triple threat: It cleans, deodorizes and lifts messes, including dirt and food, from carpet in just one go. You can use it in a carpet cleaning machine or alone with a mop and bucket (just make sure to dilute it). "It's great for deep-cleaning carpets and keeping them looking fresh longer," says The Home Depot's senior cleaning merchant Kristen Little, who helps decide which products the store will stock. "This cleaner is four times stronger than competitors."

Ecolab also makes a much-loved hardwood floor cleaner. As for this carpet formula, the brand says it not only cleans but serves as a protectant to help prevent re-soiling. You only need 4 ounces of solution per gallon of water, so one bottle should last you a while.

$10 at The Home Depot

Size: 36 oz. | Formula: Spray | Surfaces: Carpet and fabric | Scent: Unscented

For spot-cleaning stains, this odor- and petroleum-free formula from Folex could be just what you need. "It quickly removes stubborn spots and stains from carpet and upholstery, without the need for any rinsing or vacuuming," says Little. Just make sure your carpet is colorfast — and if you're not sure, test the cleaner in a small, out-of-sight spot first.

The solution works on regular grime, plus pet accidents and even marks left from rust, wine, oil, grease and ink. Reviewers go so far as to call its cleaning powers "magic."

"Removed the grease my son tracked onto the carpet from his work shoes (he’s a cook, so grease, food particles … gross)," shared one five-star fan. "Also used it to clean a vintage couch I just purchased that was in very rough shape. Will always keep this on hand from now on."

$7 at The Home Depot

Size: 8.25"D x 17.25"W x 12.5"H | Weight: 9.65 lbs. | Tank capacity: 48 oz. | Type: Portable cleaner

Need some assistance? The Bissell Little Green is an Amazon No. 1 bestseller backed by 70,000 five-star ratings for its compact silhouette and professional cleaning capabilities.

Both our senior home editor, Jessica Dodell-Feder, and I own one, so we can personally attest to how easy it is to carry and use: Just fill up one of the tanks with water and cleaning solution, secure the brush attachment and plug the machine in. I've used it to zap up spills and refresh rugs in a pinch, as well as to restore a favorite area rug that went through the wringer during a recent move.

Read more in my Bissell Little Green review.

$100 at Wayfair

Size: 25 oz. | Formual: Spray | Surfaces: Carpet, fabric, hardwood and more | Scent: Cucumber and mint

Anyone with a dog or cat knows that pet stains are a whole other beast. But they're manageable with the help of this Puracy cleaner, says Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and owner of MaidPro franchises in Temecula and Murrieta, Calif.

"The five-enzyme blend gobbles up stains and odors from pet accidents like urine, feces and vomit," she explains. "In my household, it's not just for pets — it's also effective on stains from humans like blood, urine and sweat because they share similar organic components."

Another reason Duarte likes this "awesome" formula: "Unlike many enzyme-based cleaners that require rinsing (which can be tricky on carpets or mattresses), this one’s a no-rinse solution. Not everyone has a carpet cleaner stashed away for those sudden stain emergencies, so having this handy is a lifesaver." Even the scent is a winner, she adds. "It's so mellow and relaxing — like enjoying a cucumber facial at a spa while sipping a mojito."

Prefer unscented cleaning products? Chris Murphy, operations training manager at MaidPro, likes Woolite Pet Stain & Odor Remover. "It uses an enzyme-based cleaning formula, which is both highly effective and safe for use on carpets, rugs, wool and nylon," he says. "It's also free from harsh chemicals."

$17 at Amazon

Size: 128 oz. | Formula: Liquid concentrate | Surfaces: Carpet | Scent: Unscented

For tough jobs, Claudia Meneses, founder of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, uses this soap- and odor-free spray as a pre-treatment. "It prepares any carpeted surface for cleaning while providing environmental safeness," she says. You can dilute the concentrate and apply it using a cloth or spray bottle.

"It loosens carpet fibers, which helps isolate the stains, so by the time we clean the carpet, the process is fast and easy. It's a great choice for pet-related accidents, oil stains, food spills, sticky grease marks and dirt."

For a less costly pick, Meneses also likes Procyon's Spot & Stain Remover: "The spray leaves carpets and upholstery softer and brighter, and it removes grease, oil and dirt."

$63 at Amazon

Size: 11.61"L x 13.78"W x 26.14"H | Weight: 12.5 lbs. | Tank capacity: 28 oz. | Type: Upright vacuum, cleaner and steamer

Steam machines combine heat with water and cleaning solutions for a more aggressive approach to dirt. They work especially well for stickier, goopier messes by loosening and lifting particles — and the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam series is a Yahoo editor favorite.

I recently used this version, which serves as a vacuum, mop and steamer in one, to restore my parents' rugs and tackle a few "mystery" pet stains they'd (unsuccessfully) attempted to clean. The HydroSteam was incredibly easy to use and maneuver, and everything came up in a matter of a few passes. It's truly mesmerizing!

For another hardworking model, Dodell-Feder credits the Bissell CrossWave Omniforce for saving her floors (and sanity!) during a recent renovation. Prefer a smaller iteration? Here's our guide to the best handheld steamer cleaners.

$270 at Wayfair

Size: 48 oz. | Type: Liquid concentrate | Surfaces: Carpet and upholstery | Scent: Unscented

When it comes to solutions formulated for carpet cleaner machines, Rozalyn Early, director of housekeeping at Conrad New York Downtown, considers Bissell Pro Max "a key component of any good cleaning routine."

"This powerful solution not only removes deep-set stains but also provides a protective barrier to help prevent future soiling — essential for our high-traffic areas," she explains.

Early recommends following this two-step process when using a carpet cleaning machine: "First, do a deep-cleaning pass to break down embedded dirt, followed by an extraction pass to lift away residue and moisture. This method ensures a refreshed, spotless finish that enhances both appearance and longevity."

$22 at Amazon

Size: 33.8 oz. | Type: Liquid concetrate | Surfaces: Carpet, fabric, wood and more | Scent: Unscented

For a natural, versatile concentrate that can be used to clean carpets and beyond, Dr. Cynthia Barrett, founder and CEO of Wellness Couture, says she uses "Branch Basics throughout the house for basically everything!" (It's also one of our top picks in our guide to the best natural cleaning products.)

In addition to being Made Safe certified (a designation for products made with ingredients that won't harm humans and the ecosystem), this cleaner is free from fragrances and dyes. "It's safe for my sensitive skin, but still tough on dirt and grime," says Barrett.

Because it's a concentrate, it costs more upfront, but according to the brand, a single bottle, once diluted, can make three bottles each of hand soap, all-purpose/floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner and streak-free cleaner — with enough left over for 64 loads of laundry! Just make sure to pay attention to the directions on the back for how to dilute it for your desired formula.

$55 at Amazon

Factors to consider when choosing a carpet cleaner

Purpose/surface: Carefully read the packaging of any cleaning product to make sure it's safe for the intended surface. Carpeting is made from different fibers, including wool, nylon and cotton, and while many are durable and colorfast, some of the more delicate options could bleed or fade. Always check your rug's or carpet's care instructions to ensure there aren't any additional cautions.
Formula: Try to prioritize natural and gentler cleaning ingredients where possible, particularly when it comes to everyday use and when cleaning indoors. Always make sure to follow instructions carefully and take proper precautions to protect yourself, as well as any nearby children or pets. Carpet cleaners typically come in two forms: a bottled liquid or a spray. Most of the bottled liquids on our list should be diluted, and one is meant only for carpet cleaner machines. Sprays are helpful for targeted messes (like a pet accident) — you probably wouldn't want to spray down a whole floor!
Machine type: If you're using a carpet cleaner machine, you have a couple of options. You can get a handheld, which is ideal for spot-treating, or an upright, which is best for tackling bigger messes and large swaths of carpet. Traditional cleaning machines typically combat dirt, mud and liquids, while steam settings are particularly helpful for loosening and lifting stickier messes. You can also rent professional-grade carpet cleaning machines from stores like The Home Depot and Lowe's.

How we chose these carpet cleaners

We researched top-selling carpet cleaners, sorting through hundreds of customer reviews, and asked professional cleaners and other product experts for recommendations based on their experiences at home and on the job. Among this list are formulas we've tested personally as longtime home editors who evaluate products for a living.

Carpet cleaner FAQs

How often should you clean your carpets?

Vacuuming regularly can help keep everyday dust and dirt from not only collecting, but settling. "It’s the best way to keep your rug looking fresh and feeling great," says Neil Hegwood, chief merchandising officer at Rugs USA. "But how you vacuum is just as important as how often."

Hegwood advises "raising the rotating brush or beater bar as high as possible and avoiding fringe or tassels. And always use the lowest effective setting to prevent damage. "

For spills, you'll want to act as quickly as possible to stop substances from penetrating and staining carpets. Duarte recommends a regular professional carpet cleaning every six to 12 months, depending on how much wear it gets.

How do you clean your carpets?

Carefully! Read instruction labels for products and machines to ensure they're safe for the intended use and to help you achieve the best results.

As a general rule for spot-cleaning, Hegwood advises starting gently: Grab a clean white cloth and blot the soiled area (never rub): "Once you’ve soaked up as much as possible, use a mild dish soap and let it sit for a few minutes, then blot again and let it dry completely. After blotting and picking up as much liquid as you can with a clean white cloth, try using a dampened white cloth to blot again to pick up secondary staining."

Hegwood notes that this advice is for synthetic and wool fibers, and he stresses that you should not scrub or agitate the fibers too much, which could damage them. Check out this cheat sheet for other common rug materials:

Viscose: Use suction-only vacuuming and clean spills with acetic or citric acid instead of water to prevent discoloration.
Natural fiber rugs: Loose fibers are normal. Trim them instead of pulling. Also, clean the floor beneath the rug.
Shags: Shake them out before vacuuming and use suction-only to get between the rows.
Leather and cowhide: Just shake them out or use an electric carpet sweeper.

How do you use a carpet cleaner?

Machine carpet cleaners typically consist of a clean water tank (which also holds cleaning solution), a dirty water tank, a hose and a brush roll and/or brush attachment(s). After selecting your desired setting, you turn on the machine. Clean water and solution will be released, then the machine sucks it up along with any remaining dirt. Once finished, you empty the discard tank and clean any attachments as directed.

How do I clean my carpet cleaner?

Some machines are self-cleaning, either automatically or as part of a process you initiate. Otherwise, we recommend rinsing out water tanks with warm, soapy water to dislodge any muck and then with clean water until they're free of debris. Allow them to dry before re-attaching them to the rest of the machine to avoid any mold buildup.

Important safety reminder: Avoid getting electrical components, such as plugs and parts that contain motors wet (this is another reason to read those instructions carefully!).