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Best Carpet cleaners

Which Carpet cleaners performed best in our tests?

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We tested 9 carpet cleaners to determine the best-performing models. Our expert lab technicians tested each Carpet cleaner based on the following criteria:

  • Noise
  • Cleaning
  • Coverage
  • Weight (lbs.)
  • Dryness
  • Ease of use

Below lists the Carpet cleaners that rated best in each of the tests our experts looked for. Learn about how these tests were performed and find out which Carpet cleaner is rated best when you subscribe.

Consumer Reports Ratings for Best Carpet cleaners

ratingsBest Carpet cleaner for Noise
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Noise is a measure of how loud each machine was during operation. None were quiet. All were noisy, some dangerously so.


This Carpet cleaner which tested best for Noise has the following features: Hose and Separate tanks.

ratingsBest Carpet cleaner for Cleaning
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Cleaning shows how well each machine removed muddy topsoil from carpet.


This Carpet cleaner which tested best for Cleaning has the following features: Hose.

ratingsBest Carpet cleaner for Coverage
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Coverage is how much carpet a machine can clean before it needs to be either refilled or emptied.


This Carpet cleaner which tested best for Coverage has the following features: Hose.

ratingsBest Carpet cleaner for Weight (lbs.)
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Weight is just for the machine. All will be heavier when cleaning solution is added.


This Carpet cleaner which tested best for Weight (lbs.) has the following features: Hose.

ratingsBest Carpet cleaner for Dryness
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Dryness indicates how much solution was left behind. The best left a few ounces; the worst left over a pint in the area cleaned.


This Carpet cleaner which tested best for Dryness has the following features: Hose.

ratingsBest Carpet cleaner for Ease of use
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Ease of use includes machine weight, cord length, and tank access, filling, and emptying.


This Carpet cleaner which tested best for Ease of use has the following features: Hose and Separate tanks.