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10 Best Rug Cleaner For Area Rugs 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a solid choice for anyone looking to tackle tough stains from area rugs and upholstery. One of its biggest strengths is the powerful suction, which effectively removes pet spots and odors, making it ideal for pet owners. With a 48 oz. tank capacity, you can clean larger areas without frequent refills, which adds to its convenience. Its portable design allows for easy maneuverability across different surfaces, whether in the home or in the car.

In terms of ease of use, this handheld cleaner scores high. It comes with specialized attachments like the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and a Tough Stain Tool that enhance its versatility. The included Spot & Stain formula with Febreze Freshness further helps in tackling odors and tough stains effortlessly.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the corded power source provides continuous cleaning without worrying about battery life, it does limit mobility compared to cordless options. The machine itself weighs around 9.7 pounds, which could be a bit heavy for some users during extended cleaning sessions. Additionally, while it does a good job on stains, it may not be as effective on larger scale cleaning tasks or heavily soiled carpets compared to larger, more powerful machines.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner is particularly effective for spot cleaning and is user-friendly, making it a great fit for pet owners or anyone needing a portable solution for minor spills and stains. Just remember that for bigger cleaning jobs, you might need a more robust option.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Cleaning Method
The BISSELL Little Green is a stain-fighting beast, effortlessly tackling red wine, coffee spills, and ground-in dirt.
Power and Suction
Great value for the price, offering powerful cleaning at an affordable cost.
Tank Capacity
Despite concerns about the tank size, it holds enough to clean multiple spots before needing a refill.
Portability and Weight
Compact and portable, it's perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors without the need for a bulky full-size cleaner.
Ease of Use
Setup and operation are a breeze with simple, intuitive controls.
#2

Bissell TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner, Upholstery Tough Stain Tool & Formula Included, 3746

The Bissell TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner, model 3746, is designed for deep cleaning carpets, especially in homes with pets. It boasts a powerful corded electric power source, ensuring consistent and strong suction for effective cleaning. With a sizable 1-gallon tank capacity, it reduces the frequency of refills during cleaning sessions. Weighing 23.3 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might affect portability for some users, but the upright design aids in maneuverability.

The included crevice tool and upholstery tough stain tool add versatility, making it easier to clean tight spaces and furniture. It doesn't require assembly, which adds to the ease of use right out of the box. While the brush configuration is not specified, being a deep cleaner, it is likely to have robust brushes suitable for lifting pet hair and deep-seated dirt.

Customer reviews are highly positive with a 4.5-star rating from over 32,000 ratings, reflecting satisfaction with its performance. This carpet cleaner ranks highly in its category, making it a trusted choice. The lack of battery requirements and its corded nature means it won't run out of power mid-clean. While it is a bit bulky, those needing a powerful cleaner for pet-related messes and deep cleaning tasks will find it beneficial.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Power and Suction
Fantastic suction and does a good job on old carpets.
Tank Capacity
Fantastic suction and does a good job on old carpets. It's easy to use and lightweight, though it requires frequent refilling for larger areas.
Portability and Weight
Incredible! This cleaner is light, efficient, and easy to clean.
Drying Time
Incredible! This cleaner is light, efficient, and easy to clean. It lifts enough water that the carpet doesn’t stay soaked for days, making it worth every penny.
Ease of Use
Incredible! This cleaner is light, efficient, and easy to clean.
#3

Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine, Upright Shampooer, FH68050, Black

The Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is designed specifically for deep cleaning carpets and area rugs, making it a strong choice for pet owners facing stubborn stains and embedded dirt. Its standout feature is the five SpinScrub brushes, which effectively scrub at multiple angles, ensuring that even the toughest stains are lifted. The inclusion of HeatForce technology helps accelerate drying time, allowing you to walk on your rugs sooner, which is a great advantage for busy households.

Another strength is its TruMAX tank technology that allows for a larger dirty water capacity of 0.8 gallons, meaning you can clean more before needing to empty it. Additionally, the versatile tools included, such as the pet tool and upholstery tool, make it easy to tackle various surfaces beyond just carpets, enhancing its usability.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Weighing in at 18.7 pounds, it may not be the most portable option for those who need to carry it up and down stairs. While the performance is promising, some users might find the cleaner somewhat cumbersome for smaller spaces due to its upright design. Also, some may feel that the 0.8-gallon tank could still require frequent emptying for larger cleaning jobs.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Cleaning Method
Even tough stains, like pet vomit on light gray carpet, were completely removed after just two passes with the Hoover.
Power and Suction
The vacuum suction is fantastic and leaves the carpet almost dry, and the five rotating brushes really deep clean the carpet.
Tank Capacity
It’s a good shampooer for emergencies and area rugs, but for wall-to-wall carpets, you may need to stop frequently to refill or empty the tanks.
Brush Type and Configuration
The vacuum suction is fantastic and leaves the carpet almost dry, and the five rotating brushes really deep clean the carpet.
Portability and Weight
Despite being a bit heavy when full, the performance of this machine is awesome, outmatching even commercial shampooers in cleaning effectiveness.
Drying Time
The Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is an absolute game-changer, effortlessly handling old stains and drying carpets faster than expected.
Ease of Use
This model is designed to be very user-friendly, with each part being easy to clean and maintain, which extends the service life of the cleaner.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments work nicely and are easy to connect and use, making it convenient to clean furniture and stairs.

Buying Guide for the Best Rug Cleaner For Area Rugs

Choosing the right rug cleaner for your area rugs can make a significant difference in maintaining their appearance and longevity. The right cleaner will effectively remove dirt, stains, and allergens without damaging the rug fibers. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and features of rug cleaners. Here are some essential aspects to consider when selecting a rug cleaner for your area rugs.
Cleaning MethodThe cleaning method refers to how the rug cleaner operates to remove dirt and stains. Common methods include steam cleaning, dry cleaning, and shampooing. Steam cleaning uses hot water and steam to deep clean, which is effective for removing tough stains and sanitizing. Dry cleaning uses minimal moisture and is suitable for delicate rugs that may be damaged by water. Shampooing involves applying a cleaning solution and scrubbing the rug. Choose a method based on the type of rug you have and the level of cleaning required. For delicate or antique rugs, dry cleaning is often the safest option, while steam cleaning is great for heavily soiled rugs.
Power and SuctionPower and suction determine how effectively the cleaner can remove dirt and water from the rug. Higher power and stronger suction generally mean better cleaning performance. Rug cleaners with adjustable power settings allow you to customize the cleaning intensity based on the rug's material and condition. For thick or high-pile rugs, a cleaner with strong suction is essential to reach deep into the fibers. For more delicate or low-pile rugs, a lower power setting may be sufficient and safer for the rug.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to the amount of cleaning solution and water the cleaner can hold. Larger tanks mean fewer refills during the cleaning process, which is convenient for cleaning large area rugs. However, larger tanks also make the cleaner heavier and potentially more difficult to maneuver. If you have multiple or large rugs, a cleaner with a larger tank capacity will save you time. For smaller rugs or occasional cleaning, a smaller tank capacity may be more manageable and easier to use.
Brush Type and ConfigurationThe type and configuration of brushes on a rug cleaner affect its ability to scrub and lift dirt from the rug fibers. Some cleaners have rotating brushes, while others have fixed or vibrating brushes. Rotating brushes are effective for deep cleaning and agitating dirt, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. Fixed or vibrating brushes are gentler and better for delicate rugs. Consider the type of rug you have and the level of dirt when choosing the brush type. For delicate or antique rugs, opt for a cleaner with gentler brush action.
Portability and WeightPortability and weight are important factors, especially if you need to move the cleaner between rooms or floors. Lightweight and portable cleaners are easier to maneuver and store. However, they may have smaller tanks and less powerful suction. If you have a large home or multiple rugs, a more portable cleaner will be convenient. For smaller spaces or occasional use, a heavier cleaner with more features might be acceptable if it offers superior cleaning performance.
Drying TimeDrying time refers to how quickly the rug dries after cleaning. Some cleaners have features that help speed up the drying process, such as heated air or powerful suction to remove more water. Faster drying times reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth and allow you to use the rug sooner. If you need to clean rugs frequently or have limited drying space, a cleaner with a shorter drying time is beneficial. For occasional cleaning, drying time may be less critical.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses various factors, including the design of the cleaner, the simplicity of controls, and the ease of filling and emptying tanks. A user-friendly cleaner will have intuitive controls, easy-to-access tanks, and clear instructions. If you are new to using rug cleaners, look for models with straightforward operation and minimal setup. For experienced users, advanced features and settings may offer more control and customization.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of a rug cleaner. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and stair tools. These accessories allow you to clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. If you plan to use the cleaner for more than just rugs, consider a model with a variety of attachments. For dedicated rug cleaning, fewer attachments may be needed, but having a few options can still be useful for comprehensive cleaning.

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