Bissell carpet cleaners are highly praised for their pet-focused stain-fighting abilities, innovative cleaning technologies (like HydroSteam), and excellent price-to-value ratio across various models. While professional-grade machines offer unmatched power, many reviewers highlight their ease of use, convenience, and compact storage features.
Best carpet cleaner to buy right now that's worth the money in...
Both brands offer exceptional machines, but they cater to different needs. Bissell typically leads in pet-focused features and spot cleaning, while Hoover machines tend to have wider cleaning paths, better raw suction, and dry carpets slightly faster.
Neither brand is objectively "better" overall, as they excel at different things. Shark generally wins for everyday vacuuming due to stronger suction, better hair-tangle prevention, and versatile "Lift-Away" features. Bissell is the superior choice for deep cleaning, wet spills, carpet washers, and spot cleaners.
Whether you're worried about allergies or grime, vacuuming and deep cleaning your carpets is a proven way to extract microscopic particles like pet dander, pollen, dust mite waste, and dust which can quickly build up in carpeting. These nearly invisible bits of debris can trigger allergy symptoms.
Anti-dust mite laundry detergents and additives are specially formulated to neutralize allergens and wash away waste matter in any water temperature, making them highly effective for allergy relief without damaging delicate fabrics.
You can use Dawn dish soap in a carpet cleaner, but use only a tiny amount (no more than 1/2 a teaspoon to a full teaspoon per gallon of water). Because Dawn is highly concentrated, using too much creates excess foam that can damage your machine’s motor or leave a sticky residue behind that attracts future dirt.
The best Bissell model depends on your specific cleaning needs, though the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is widely considered the best overall carpet cleaner. For everyday spot cleaning, the Little Green Pro remains a top compact choice, and the CrossWave HydroSteam excels as an all-in-one vacuum and mop.
Bissell is an excellent, budget-friendly brand if you are looking for specialized pet-hair removal and affordable carpet cleaners. However, their vacuums tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to premium competitors.
When comparing Shark and Bissell portable spot cleaners (such as the popular Shark StainStriker and Bissell Little Green lines), Bissell typically wins on suction power, raw scrubbing ability, and larger tank capacities. Shark excels at design convenience, featuring easier-to-clean components, longer hoses, and dual-solution dispensers that break down tough stains quickly.
Bissell carpet cleaners are highly praised for their pet-focused stain-fighting abilities, innovative cleaning technologies (like HydroSteam), and excellent price-to-value ratio across various models. While professional-grade machines offer unmatched power, many reviewers highlight their ease of use, convenience, and compact storage features.
Bissell offers a variety of top-rated carpet cleaners, but the best overall for most homes is the ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus. For tough, stuck-on messes and pet stains, the Revolution HydroSteam Pet takes the top spot. If you only need a compact unit for quick spills and furniture, the iconic Little Green Machine is the ultimate choice.
The best carpet washers are evaluated on suction power, stain removal, and ease of use. Top models range from roughly $150 to $430, depending on whether you need a heavy-duty professional machine or a lightweight upright for everyday pet messes.
A carpet cleaner (or carpet extractor) is a multi-step machine that sprays water and cleaning solution, scrubs, and immediately suctions the dirty water away. A carpet shampooer primarily applies thick, soapy detergent foam and uses spinning brushes to agitate the fibers.
The carpet cleaners with the strongest suction typically fall into commercial-grade or high-end consumer categories. The Bissell Big Green Machine features the highest unsealed suction at the nozzle, while the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 and Shark CarpetXpert HairPro (EX301 / EX304) lead in sealed suction (water lift).
Professional carpet cleaners use heavy-duty, commercial-grade equipment and specialized chemical treatments to deep-clean fibers. Their standard toolkit involves:
Neither brand is universally "better"; rather, they excel in different areas based on your cleaning needs. Shark generally wins for innovation, hard floor performance, and specialized pet hair tools, while Bissell is often the better value and superior for deep-cleaning thick carpets and wet messes.
The best overall carpet cleaner is the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro (EX301 / EX304). It consistently takes the #1 spot in 2026 for its industry-leading suction, flagship stain-eradicating tools, and onboard self-cleaning hose. It outscores the competition in stubborn stain removal and prevents hair tangles.
Bissell Inc., also known as Bissell Homecare, is an American privately owned vacuum cleaner and floor care product manufacturing corporation headquartered in Walker, Michigan. The company is the number one manufacturer of floor care products in North America in terms of sales, with 20% marketshare.
The Bissell Big Green Machine has the highest measured suction at the nozzle of any carpet cleaner we tested. It cleans most stains much quicker than cheaper alternatives, and it was the only carpet cleaner we tested that was able to completely clean up the tomato sauce stain in our upright stain test.
Based on 2026 expert testing, the Kenmore SpotLite Portable Carpet Spot Cleaner is rated as the best overall for upholstery, while the Shark StainStriker HairPro is top-rated for pet owners. For manual spray cleaners, Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover is a highly trusted, best-selling choice.
Both brands offer exceptional machines, but they cater to different needs. Bissell typically leads in pet-focused features and spot cleaning, while Hoover machines tend to have wider cleaning paths, better raw suction, and dry carpets slightly faster.
For the safest and most effective results, use a specialized, store-bought deodorizing formula rather than homemade additives. If you prefer a DIY approach, add small amounts of distilled white vinegar or a few drops of fabric softener directly to the water tank to eliminate odors.
Hot water loosens and softens dirt more quickly, making it easier to remove, and it also helps to kill bacteria. That's why we recommend filling up your carpet cleaner's tank with warm water. Some BISSELL Carpet Cleaners also use HeatWave technology to keep the water hot throughout the cleaning process.
Coloured drinks have a particularly bad reputation among professional carpet cleaners, but any drink with added dyes in it will present a challenge. Your first step should be to treat the liquid as if it was red wine, but you may require the help of an expert who can clean and treat the stain as soon as possible.