The most common carpet cleaner problems, from 2,674 verified buyers

1. The most common carpet cleaner problem owners report: “Weak pickup, or carpets left wet or not much cleaner”, raised in 19% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Broke down or developed a fault” (13%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Lifts stains and brings carpets up like new”, in 70% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 94% of verified buyers rated their carpet cleaner 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; carpet cleaners rank 13 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 4% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 25.
5. Across the 5 carpet cleaners with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 89% to 98%.
6. The cheaper half of these carpet cleaners (up to £110) had a median of 94% happy buyers, against 93% for the pricier half, so paying more did not buy happier owners.
7. Buyers in the UK were the happiest (98% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the US and Canada the least (89%).

Share of the 172 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Weak pickup, or carpets left wet or not much cleaner19%
   Came up on 4 models
2. 2. Broke down or developed a fault13%
   Came up on 3 models
3. 3. Leaks water4%
   Came up on 2 models
4. 4. Heavy or bulky2%
   Came up on 2 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Weak pickup, or carpets left wet or not much cleaner (19% of complaints)

   Do slow dry passes with the trigger off to lift water, and expect several passes on old stains. Wet carpets dry faster with a window open or a fan on.

2. 2. Broke down or developed a fault (13% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

3. 3. Leaks water (4% of complaints)

   Check the tank caps and seals sit right before each use, and don't overfill the clean water tank.

4. 4. Heavy or bulky (2% of complaints)

   Check the weight and size against where it will live and who will lift it. A model you have to move often should be one you can carry easily.

Share of the 251 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Lifts stains and brings carpets up like new70%
   Came up on 6 models
2. 2. Easy to use41%
   Came up on 6 models
3. 3. Good on sofas, stairs and pet mess15%
   Came up on 3 models
4. 4. Easy to set up and use11%
   Came up on 3 models
5. 5. Fast9%
   Came up on 2 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.