If you have wall-to-wall carpeting in your home, you know how quickly it can get dingy and matted down, harboring dirt, dust, pet hair, and other allergens. While regular vacuuming helps, it only removes surface debris. To truly deep clean and revive your carpets, you need a carpet washing machine.

A good carpet washer not only cleans carpets much more thoroughly than vacuuming alone, but it can extend the life of your carpets by years. With so many models on the market though, how do you choose the best carpet washing machine for your needs? This guide will cover the key factors to consider.

Cleaning Performance

The most important factor is obviously how well a carpet cleaner performs at removing embedded dirt, stains, odors, and allergens like dust mites and pet dander. Look for models with strong suction power and brush agitation to loosen and extract grime. Many higher-end models have separate tanks for clean and dirty water to prevent recirculating soiled water back into the carpet.

Ease of Use

Even the most powerful carpet cleaner is worthless if it's too difficult to operate. Pay attention to things like easy-carry handles, low weight, cord length, clean/dirty water tank accessibility, and capacity. Models that provide edge cleaning and heated cleaning capabilities also make the job much easier.

Carpeting Coverage

Different carpet cleaner sizes are suited for different home sizes and carpet areas. Smaller spot cleaners handle small spaces and spot messes, while full-size upright models can clean an entire room in one pass. For large homes over 3,000 sq ft, consider commercial-grade carpet extractors with extended tank capacities.  

Drying Times

When you wash carpets, you want them to dry quickly to prevent mold and mildew growth. The drying times can vary widely between models from just 2 hours up to half a day or more. Look for models with powerful extraction and airflow to accelerate drying.

Price and Ongoing Costs

Carpet washers run a wide range of prices from $100 for a basic model up to $500+ for premium options with all the bells and whistles. The higher initial cost usually means better cleaning performance and more features. You also need to factor in the ongoing costs of carpet cleaning solution refills and maintenance like filter replacements.  

Also Read: Keeping Your Canberra Carpets Clean With Powerful Machines

Top Carpet Washing Machine Picks

So what are the top-rated carpet washers for different needs and budgets? Here are some top recommendations to consider:

Best Overall: Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro

With its dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes, HeatWave technology to maintain temperature throughout the cleaning process, and a Max Clean mode for heavily soiled areas, the Bissell ProHeat 2X cleans carpets exceptionally well. It's also designed with conveniences like a removable nozzle for cleaning upholstery and stairs.

Best Budget Option: Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Washer 

You don't have to spend a fortune to get an effective carpet cleaner for your home. This Hoover model provides powerful cleaning at an affordable price. It has dual V-nozzles for scrubbing, forced heated air for faster drying, and a large capacity tank.

Best for Large Homes: Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 

With its extra large 3-gallon clean water tank and 50% wider cleaning path, the Rug Doctor can clean more area faster, making it ideal for large homes over 3,000 sq ft. It also has an upholstery attachment and automatic detergent mixing.

Best Spot Cleaner: Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe

For cleaning small areas and spotting stains on carpets, stairs, upholstery, and more, the compact Little Green Bissell is highly portable and maneuverable. Its tough stain tool power brushes dig into spots and stains.

Best Commercial Option: Proteam ProGuardian 4 

This powerful 5-gallon carpet extractor is designed for heavy commercial and rental use. It combines high suction lift, heated cleaning, dual aluminum wands, and a flex-idler for dry strokes and fast drying times.

Proper carpet cleaning extends the life of your carpets and keeps them looking fresh. By considering the factors above and choosing the right carpet washing machine for your home, you can maintain cleaner, healthier carpets with less hassle.