10 Best Carpet Cleaners

The Vax Rapid Power Revive Carpet Cleaner is designed to give a deep clean while leaving carpets dry in under an hour, which is a big plus if you want to use your carpets quickly after cleaning. With a fairly large tank capacity of 2.5 litres, it means fewer refills during cleaning sessions, making it convenient for bigger areas. Weighing 8.4 kilograms, it’s somewhat on the heavier side, so moving it around might require a bit more effort, especially if you have stairs or multiple rooms.

Its 240-watt motor suggests moderate cleaning power—effective for regular household dirt and stains but may struggle with very tough or ground-in messes. The bagless design helps with easy emptying and cleaning, and having a HEPA filter is a nice bonus for trapping dust and allergens. The size is fairly compact considering its tank size, but the height might make storage a consideration.

Customers have rated it highly for its performance and drying speed, which matches the product's promise. If you’re looking for a carpet cleaner that balances decent cleaning power with quick drying and a large tank, and you don’t mind a bit of weight, this model is a solid choice.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Carpet Cleaner is designed especially for pet owners who need to tackle tough stains and odours caused by pets. Its powerful cleaning system uses a high-pressure spray and strong suction to reach deep into carpet fibres, making it more effective than a regular vacuum, particularly for pet messes like urine and hair. The unique anti-tangle technology prevents hair from clogging the machine or tools, which is a big plus for homes with shedding pets. It also includes a built-in spot cleaner with two special formulas that work together to remove stains better than standard solutions.

Weighing about 8.7kg and measuring roughly 38cm by 36cm by 112cm, it’s a bit on the heavier side, so while it’s portable enough to move around the house, it might feel bulky for some users. It comes with several handy attachments, including tools for tough stains, crevices, and pet hair extraction, giving more flexibility to clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery.

Drying time benefits from the powerful suction, which helps carpets dry faster after cleaning, an important factor to prevent damp smells or mould. The cleaner is user-friendly with clear functions and a 5-year guarantee upon registration in the UK, providing peace of mind. However, its 1000W motor means it uses a decent amount of power, so it’s best suited for those who clean regularly and need strong performance rather than occasional light use. This carpet cleaner is a strong choice for pet owners looking for deep cleaning and effective hair removal, though its weight and size might be a consideration for some. Its attachments and built-in spot cleaning make it versatile, especially for tough pet-related stains and odours.

The Vax Platinum Power Max Carpet Cleaner is designed to deliver strong cleaning performance, claiming to clean carpets up to 5 times better than a high-performance vacuum, thanks to its powerful 1200W motor and a professional cleaning solution that removes up to 93% of bacteria. It features separate tanks for clean (3.5 litres) and dirty water (2.9 litres), allowing for cleaning a decent area before needing to refill or empty them. The machine weighs about 9.6kg, which is moderate for an upright cleaner—manageable but might feel a bit heavy if you need to carry it upstairs frequently.

One of its standout features is the quick drying time, using Vax’s HEATBLAST technology to dry carpets in as little as one hour, reducing inconvenience after cleaning. It also comes with versatile attachments including a motorised SpinScrub Hand Tool, a 2.5m hose, and a pre-treatment wand that help tackle stubborn stains, upholstery, stairs, and car interiors effortlessly. These accessories add flexibility and improve the cleaner’s usefulness beyond just carpets.

In terms of ease of use, the upright design with handheld options makes it suitable for various cleaning needs, though the weight might be a consideration for some. The 6-year guarantee offers reassurance in terms of durability and customer support. As a corded electric device, it requires access to a power outlet, which might limit mobility compared to cordless models. This cleaner is especially suitable for households looking for a powerful and versatile machine that can handle carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors, with a focus on thorough cleaning and faster drying. If portability and lightweight design are top priorities, there might be lighter alternatives, but the Vax Platinum Power Max balances strong cleaning ability with practical features well.