The best carpet and rug cleaners in the UK 2023

It is essential to use a cleaner to restore the original shine of carpets or rugs. They can remove all dirt, even the most stubborn. Perfectly adapted, it will give professional results. Among all the models available, here are the best carpet cleaners.

Kärcher Steam Broom SC 3 1
9/10

Best value for money

Kärcher Steam Broom SC 3

The best carpet and rug cleaner in 2021

This Krächer brand broom has an exceptional performance. It will remove the dirt and dust that gets stuck in the smallest corners of your carpet. You can also use it for your carpet.

103 £ on Amazon

This is an incredible carpet and rug cleaner with top of the line performance. It offers a very intuitive operation, the maximum spray will be achieved after 30 seconds of turning on. There is also an indicator light to know if the device is ready or if the cartridge needs to be changed. You will have three steam modes to choose from, depending on the type of floor to be cleaned. Indeed, there is the parquet mode, the carpet mode and the tile mode.

This extraordinary steam cleaner removes floors without having to use chemicals. It is both hygienic and effective in degreasing floors. The water tank is removable, so you can refill it at any time. The descaling cartridge also ensures automatic descaling. This device that will eliminate 99.99% of bacteria is very resistant to have a long life. This model comes with an adapter, an Easyfix cap and a descaler.

SIMBR Multifunctional Steam Cleaner 2
8/10

Best value for money

SIMBR Multifunctional Steam Cleaner

The best entry-level carpet and rug cleaner

This steam cleaner has a very developed power. It will deep clean your carpets and rugs to eliminate all bacteria. Moreover, it is sold at a very affordable price.

60,79 £ on Amazon

This exceptional device ensures a perfect cleaning for your carpet or rug. It can actually reach up to 4.5 bars of pressure. Moreover, it has a power of 1500 W and the steam can reach up to 120 °C. This way, you can be sure that bacteria, dirt, microbes and dust mites will be completely destroyed.

Without the use of chemicals, you will remove the dirt and grease that can stain your carpet. This device ensures a quality cleaning with a very short heating time and a long jet. In the pack, there will be 13 multifunctional accessories like the glass brush, the ironing towel, the ironing brush...

BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro 3
9/10

Best value for money

BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro

The best high-end carpet and rug cleaner

This is a very high end cleaner, both compact and durable. Of all the models on the market, it surpasses itself in terms of quality and performance.

175 £ on Amazon

This compact cleaner from BISSELL perfectly deserves its place in the top of the range. Indeed, it is a multifunctional device capable of vacuuming, brushing and cleaning all stains, even those that are very difficult to remove. All this is possible thanks to its high power of 750 W. It also eliminates bad odors by scrubbing and vacuuming the encrusted stains;

It is a very robust device with a power of 750 Watt-hours. So you can use it to clean upholstery, carpets, rugs, pet beds, stairs and car seats. In addition, this unit has a high capacity tank and is lightweight for easy use.

ROWENTA steam power all floors 4
9/10

A great choice

ROWENTA steam power all floors

A great carpet and rug cleaner

This broom cleaner is the quality alternative with exceptional features. ROWENTA STEAM POWER ALL FLOORS can meet all your expectations for cleaning your upholstery and carpets.

83,99 £ on Amazon

This steam mop is specially designed to deep clean your floor. It ensures a hygienic and healthy interior because it can both sanitize and disinfect your floor to remove up to 99.9% of bacteria and germs. This device has an incredible 44 minutes of autonomy. You can vary the flow of steam depending on the type of floor you are cleaning. It refreshes the floor without you having to make a big effort.

This model is both light and functional and has a very ergonomic handle. It will take only 30 seconds for it to reach the maximum power of 1200 W. The cartridge also has a limescale resistant feature. Included in the package are a steam mop, two microfiber wipes and a scale-resistant cartridge.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best carpet and rug cleaner

Any specific needs?

The best carpet and rug cleaner in 2021

The best entry-level carpet and rug cleaner

The best high-end carpet and rug cleaner

A great carpet and rug cleaner

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
4.6/512 votes

By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!

Comparison table of the best carpet and rug cleaners

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Kärcher Steam Broom SC 3 5
9/10
SIMBR Multifunctional Steam Cleaner 6
8/10
BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro 7
9/10
ROWENTA steam power all floors 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Kärcher Steam Broom SC 3
SIMBR Multifunctional Steam Cleaner
BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro
ROWENTA steam power all floors
This Krächer brand broom has an exceptional performance. It will remove the dirt and dust that gets stuck in the smallest corners of your carpet. You can also use it for your carpet.
This steam cleaner has a very developed power. It will deep clean your carpets and rugs to eliminate all bacteria. Moreover, it is sold at a very affordable price.
This is a very high end cleaner, both compact and durable. Of all the models on the market, it surpasses itself in terms of quality and performance.
This broom cleaner is the quality alternative with exceptional features. ROWENTA STEAM POWER ALL FLOORS can meet all your expectations for cleaning your upholstery and carpets.
Quality
Motor power
1,600 W
1 500 W
750 Watt
1 200 W
Size
31.5 x 17.5 x 121.8 cm
52 x 28.5 x 28.4 cm
25 x 36 x 35.6 cm
21 x 16 x 110 cm
Tank capacity
0.5 L
1.1 L
2.8 L
0.6 L
Heating time
30 s
5 min
-
30 s

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - carpet and rug cleaner

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us
Our mission
How to support us
We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your carpet and rug cleaner

To choose the ideal carpet cleaner, you will have to take into account several criteria, including your needs, your habits and your budget. Each type of carpet cleaner has its own advantages and disadvantages, so take the time to check out each of the features before settling on a particular brand. Here are the criteria that define the quality of a carpet cleaner.

#1 - The use

As we've just explained, this is the main differentiator between carpet cleaners. Each type of carpet cleaner has its advantages and disadvantages. A vacuum cleaner, with or without a brush, removes the dust and pet hair that clings to and accumulates on the carpet. For daily and deeper cleaning of your carpet, a steam cleaner is recommended. For daily and deeper cleaning of your carpet, a steam cleaner is recommended. It gets rid of very visible surface stains without any trouble at all. The main difference is that it doesn't require any detergents or chemicals. It uses only steam for an efficient, economical, hygienic and ecological cleaning, but for a periodic deep cleaning, a shampooer is required. It is known for its effectiveness on heavily soiled carpets with an unparalleled speed of action. Its main disadvantage is that it will act by spreading a cleaning product in the carpet that will leave a residue that will not be removed for a long time.

#2 - The type

Steam cleaners can be declined in simple model, known for its proven versatility, or in practically automatic vacuum steam cleaner. There are two main types of carpet shampooers: the broom type and the sled type. The broom type shampooer is light and practical and therefore less bulky because it takes up little space. However, its compactness is due to its smaller tank capacity, which is less efficient. The sled shampooer, on the other hand, stands out for its performance due to its large tank capacity and high power. However, it is a bit bulky.

#3 - Autonomy

The autonomy also counts among the main criteria of choice, in terms of carpet cleaner. It depends on the capacity of the tank. The larger the tank, the more autonomous the appliance, so your choice will depend on the surface to be cleaned, knowing for example that a broom carpet cleaner has a smaller tank (about 1 to 3 L) than a sled carpet cleaner. A steam cleaner will provide up to 2 hours of autonomy for 2 L of water, and a device with a large tank avoids frequent stops to refill the tank. The top of the range models have up to 30 L, which means several hours of autonomy.

#4 - The power

The

power of the motor is also a determining criterion when it comes to carpet cleaners. Top of the line models are rated at 1,500 watts or more, which guarantees a quick start-up and a deep clean in no time. High power also ensures that the water temperature is maintained at a constant level throughout the operation. Under these conditions, the dirt embedded on the carpet will not be able to resist any longer.

#5 - Multifunctionality

A multi-function carpet cleaner is also a worthwhile investment. In addition to its basic function, it can clean windows, for example, but also floor coverings such as tiles. The accessories that come with the carpet cleaner also contribute to its versatility, as it is equipped with a brush and a high-pressure gun for cleaning car seats as well as tips for smooth surfaces. Some models even have an iron, and a multi-purpose cleaner is suitable for both wet and dry cleaning, which means it can remove pet hair without any problems.

The carpet cleaner: an essential piece of equipment?

Carpet and rug cleaners play an essential role in a home. These carpets are real nests for bacteria and dust mites, not to mention the amount of dust, hair and other dirt that accumulates. If we wait too long to clean our carpets, we expose ourselves to several kinds of diseases and allergies.

In addition, this type of equipment greatly facilitates the cleaning task. Also, it is essential to get a good quality one because living near garbage is never pleasant, especially if you live with children who, over time, will get used to the accumulation of waste. Also, for your health and well-being, consider getting a durable, high-performance carpet cleaner.

The different types of carpet and rug cleaners

Carpet cleaners come in several types to suit the needs of each user. Here are the 3 most common types at present.

Broom shampoos

The shampooer promises great results in terms of carpet cleaning. Its field of definition also extends to carpets and any other textile surface. The operation of a shampooer is very particular: its membrane pump injects the cleaning solution on the surface, then its nozzle sucks the solution.

It is equipped with two tanks: the first one contains the cleaning solution and the second one collects the dirty water. The broom shampooer is recommended for a punctual and domestic use, i.e. a surface around 40 m².

Sled shampooers

The

sled shampooer, on the other hand, reveals its usefulness in the deep cleaning of surfaces up to 80 m². On the other hand, it is much more massive and imposing. But this is the price to pay for greater power and consequently greater autonomy.

These characteristics also allow it to better vacuum carpets and rugs after cleaning and to optimize the quick drying. This type of appliance has great power and greater autonomy, but lacks in terms of ergonomics because it is larger and more imposing than other types.

Handheld steam cleaner

The

handheld steam cleaner is generally small in size. Its light weight makes it very easy to handle. This type of carpet cleaner is intended for domestic use. It is criticized for its small water tank. The user may have to refill the water tank many times during each cleaning session.

Its ergonomics is one of the strengths of this device. This type of steam cleaner has the advantage of being more manageable. It is very practical to reach hard-to-reach areas. Nevertheless, this equipment has a small tank, which may restrict its use.

Broom shampooer or carpet cleaner with sled?

Broom shampooer

The broom shampooer is ideal for cleaning carpets. It is recommended for home use, as it is easy to handle due to its size and light weight. However, it lacks motor power. It is not recommended for heavy duty and professional use.

Sled carpet cleaner

The sled carpet cleaner is more massive and imposing compared to the other types. Also, it is less advantageous from an ergonomic point of view. Nevertheless, the power of its motor and a long autonomy make it a machine adapted to all your needs. Also, this type of cleaner is adapted to all types of use, in domestic as well as professional environment.

Verdict

Choose a broom shampooer for your domestic sanitation work. It is designed for use on an area of up to 40 m². If you have a larger area to clean or need a machine for heavy-duty use, choose the carpet cleaner with a sled.

Why buy a carpet cleaner?

For the efficient maintenance of carpets and rugs

Comfortable and very aesthetic most of the time, carpets and rugs can require more or less rigorous maintenance. Generally speaking, the more time passes, the more they become dull with stains that are difficult to remove, even with the best strippers. The solution to maintain them efficiently is to use a cleaner or a shampooer adapted to your needs.

For an effortless cleaning

With a steam cleaner or shampooer, there's no need to bend down or scrub hard to remove dirt from your carpets and rugs. In addition, some models have large capacity tanks, which allows for non-stop use for several hours at a time.

To avoid allergies

Over time, carpets and rugs accumulate large amounts of dust, pet hair and other impurities that can cause health problems, especially for people suffering from respiratory diseases or allergies. A thorough cleaning with a suitable appliance ensures that they are clean at all times.

To save money

Calling in professional cleaners can be quite expensive, especially if you have large areas to clean. With a cleaner or shampooer, you have the ability to clean your home at your own pace, without time constraints or extra costs.

To extend the life of carpets and rugs

There are a thousand ways to clean carpets and rugs. However, some cleaning methods, such as those that involve prolonged soaking in water or the use of certain chemicals, can accelerate the deterioration of carpet fibres. With a steam cleaner or shampooer, carpets and rugs are cleaned without any risk of deterioration, thus extending their life.

The best brands of carpet and rug cleaners

In our opinion, the best brands of carpet and rug cleaners in 2022 are :

Bissell
Rowenta
Hoover
Tristar
Käercher

Bissell has been a staple in the floor cleaning industry for 140 years. This brand provides products for the sanitation of all types of floors and has brought to the market some of the most requested appliances for cleaning carpets and rugs.

Rowenta is not to be introduced anymore. It is a brand that specializes in vacuum cleaners, wrinkle removers, air conditioners and heaters. Rowenta has designed the best performing carpet cleaner in 2020.

Hoover brand vacuums are world famous for their performance and durability. This brand has also released one of the best steam cleaners of the moment.

Tristar is a company that specializes in designing various home appliances. Sewing machines, pizza machines and carpet cleaners, their products are acclaimed for their performance as well as their prices.

Käercher is also a leading brand in cleaning appliances. It has marketed carpet cleaners known for their practicality and durability.

What is the price for a carpet and rug cleaner

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
40 £ to 100 £
Mid-range
100 £ to 200 £
High-end
more than 200 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Shake your carpet before cleaning

Before starting the cleaning, it is important to shake your carpet in the garden or over the balcony to get rid of as much dust as possible. Do this several times in a row and in every possible direction. Then, vacuum the carpet to remove other dirt stuck in the fibers.

Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet

To deep clean your carpet and especially to get rid of bad odors, consider sprinkling baking soda on it between cleaning passes. Spread the powder with a broom and let it work for 1 hour. After this time, come back and use the cleaner on your carpet.

Use white vinegar

Sometimes, your cleaner can't get rid of certain stains. To get rid of them, mix 1 L of sparkling water and 200 mL of white vinegar in a bucket. Scrub the stains with this mixture, still using the famous brush. After letting it sit for 1 hour, rinse well with warm water.

Keep children and pets away during cleaning

When you clean your carpet, make sure your young children or pets are not around. Indeed, they may bother you to walk on the carpet, and the dust released could also be dangerous for their health.

Do the cleaning early in the morning

It is preferable to clean your carpet early in the morning to have enough time for drying. Besides, it would be best to take the carpet outside and expose it to the sun to eliminate any bacteria that may still have remained. But if you prefer the carpet to dry in place, make sure to open the windows in the room.

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Kärcher Steam Broom SC 3 9
Kärcher Steam Broom SC 3
SIMBR Multifunctional Steam Cleaner 10
SIMBR Multifunctional Steam Cleaner
BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro 11
BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro
ROWENTA steam power all floors 12
ROWENTA steam power all floors

Lecteurs

Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.

Copyright © 2022 - Made with by buyingbetter.co.uk

Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!