Life can get messy, especially if you have kids and pets running around. Muddy footprints, accidental juice spills, and pet hair can take a toll on your carpets fast. Regular vacuuming helps, but it often isn’t enough to tackle deep stains and lingering odors. That’s where a good carpet shampooer can save the day. These machines clean deep into your carpets, scrubbing away dirt, grime, and tough stains that vacuums miss. From budget-friendly options to professional-grade solutions (and even rental options), there’s something for everyone. Check out our list of the best carpet shampooers on the market and find the perfect match for your home!

Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner

  • Price Range: About $90

If you’re after something compact, affordable, and super handy, the Bissell Little Green is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for quick clean-ups and is especially practical for families with kids and pets.

Features to Love

  • Portable Size: Small and lightweight, it’s easy to carry around, making it ideal for cleaning stairs, car upholstery, and little messes in tight spaces.
  • Targeted Cleaning: The built-in spray-and-suction tool is fantastic for spot-cleaning accidents like spilled soda or muddy paws.
  • Eco-Friendly Solution: It comes with a trial-size bottle of Bissell’s environmentally safe cleaning formula, so you can start using it right out of the box.

While the Little Green isn’t designed for cleaning large carpeted areas, it’s a great budget option for tackling smaller messes around your home.

Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner

  • Price Range: About $130

Pet parents, this one’s for you. The Hoover PowerDash Pet Cleaner is lightweight, compact, and designed specifically for dealing with the havoc daily life can wreak on carpets.

Features to Love

  • HeatForce Technology: Carpets dry quickly after you’ve cleaned them, so you’re not stuck avoiding a soggy floor for hours.
  • Pet-Specific Design: The PowerSpin Pet brush roll helps pick up stubborn pet hair and eliminate odors caused by furry friends.
  • Compact and Lightweight: At just over 12 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver and store, making it a practical option for any home.

This shampooer is affordably priced and delivers solid results, especially for busy families managing household messes caused by pets.

Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner

  • Price Range: Rental starting at $39.99 for 24 hours

For households in need of a professional-grade cleaning without the hefty price tag of buying a machine, the Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner is a fantastic rental option. It’s well-suited for deeply stained, high-traffic areas or carpets that haven’t seen a good shampoo in a while.

Features to Love

  • Powerful Suction: Industrial-grade motors provide pro-level cleaning, removing embedded dirt and lifting away stubborn stains.
  • Easy to Use: Designed to clean in back-and-forth motions, much like a vacuum cleaner, making it straightforward for first-time users.
  • Large Capacity Tanks: Spend less time refilling and more time cleaning with the oversized water tanks.

If you’re not ready to invest in a carpet cleaner, renting the Rug Doctor is a budget-friendly way to enjoy spotless floors.

Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Clean Pet Pro

  • Price Range: About $250

For homes with never-ending messes, the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution offers heavy-duty cleaning while still being simple to use. Its design caters to pet owners but is just as handy for families with kids who love spilling everything in sight.

Features to Love

  • CleanShot Pretreater: Directly sprays cleaning solution onto the toughest stains, making it easy to break up stubborn messes.
  • Two Cleaning Modes: Choose between an express clean (quick and light) or a deep clean for heavier jobs.
  • Pet Stain Tool: Comes with an attachment built specifically for removing pet-related odors and stains.

Though it’s pricier than other models, its power and versatility make it a worthwhile investment if you often battle tough carpet stains.

Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner

  • Price Range: About $250

For anyone who wants their cleaning routine to be as easy as possible, the Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner is designed to take the guesswork out of carpet shampooing.

Features to Love

  • Automatic Cleaning: Push it forward to clean and pull it back to dry. It doesn’t get much more straightforward than that!
  • Spot-Cleaning Tool: Comes with attachments for cleaning stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach places.
  • FlexForce Power Brushes: Powerful rotating brushes scrub deep into carpets, lifting even the most stubborn grime.

This shampooer is a solid pick for busy households that want professional-quality results with minimal effort.

Bissell Turboclean PowerBrush Pet

  • Price Range: Around $110

Need a full-sized carpet cleaner on a budget? The Bissell Turboclean PowerBrush packs a punch without hurting your wallet. It’s compact and lightweight while still delivering satisfying results for everyday cleaning tasks.

Features to Love

  • Four-Row Rotating Brush: This robust brush system loosens dirt and lifts it away from deep within your carpet fibers.
  • Lightweight Design: Easy to carry up and down stairs or to different rooms in your home.
  • Great Value: Despite its affordable price, it performs well for routine clean-ups of small to medium-sized carpeting areas.

This is an excellent option for families looking for an affordable machine to help handle regular wear and tear.