Best overall
98%of 891 owners rate it 4 or 5 starsVax Platinum SmartWash Carpet Cleaner
- No trigger: washes forward, dries back
- Mixes the solution for you
- Six-year guarantee
- Loud, and Vax's solution adds up
Best carpet cleaners
The Vax Platinum SmartWash is the carpet cleaner most homes should get. For pet stains, get the Shark CarpetXpert; for the deepest clean, the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3; and for spills on sofas and stairs, the Vax SpotWash Home Duo.
Based on 2,658 verified owner ratings and 15 expert reviewsUpdated 1 Nov 2026
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Best for pet stains
Shark CarpetXpert with StainStriker
- Oxy formula mixed on contact
- Hose and tools always on board
- Strong suction, quick drying
- Small tanks, and not for wool carpets
Most powerful
Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3
- Rental-grade build and suction
- Big tanks for whole houses
- Upholstery kit in the UK box
- Heavy, and it cleans only as you pull back
Best spot cleaner
Vax SpotWash Home Duo Spot Cleaner
- Lifts fresh spills from carpet and sofas
- Separate tool for pet mess
- Stores under the sink
- For spills and patches, not whole rooms
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Expert Reviews, Which?, Real Homes, Vacuum Wars, manufacturer specifications.
What 2,674 verified buyers say about their carpet cleaners: every model compared in our buyer ratings study.
Updated 1 Nov 2026How we decide