These Handy Machines Make It Easy to Keep Your Carpets Stain Free

  • <p>Accidents happen – a knocked-over glass of red wine, food spilled, even <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a17267/stains-feces-may07/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:pet stains" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">pet stains</a>. And even if we intend to deal with them as quickly as possible, stains still happen. That's where <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/a25804817/best-carpet-cleaners-reviews/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:carpet cleaners" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">carpet cleaners</a> come in, with onboard cleaning solution and a built in spray at the nozzle to power through wet spills and stains. </p><p>When a full-sized option is too large or unwieldy, a portable carpet cleaners are ideal for zapping smaller stains from carpet, upholstery and even from your car. Each machine has two tanks – one holds the cleaning solution (either pre-mixed or you must dilute it, depending on the machine) and the other is for the dirty liquid that is sucked up. They’re easy to use: Pre-spray the stain, wait a few minutes, then drag the nozzle or machine over the stain to suck up the dirty liquid. For heavier stains, extra applications can be necessary.</p><p>When the <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a19748212/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Good Housekeeping Institute" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Good Housekeeping Institute</a> Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab evaluates portable carpet cleaning machines, we test how well they lift fresh and set-in stains, and how easy they are to fill, empty and clean. We also look at their weight, how easy they are to maneuver, and how comfortable they are to use. For this project, <strong>we conducted 38 different tests, and logged over 494 data points</strong>. Understanding the impact of noise pollution, we sent the machines to be evaluated by <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/a686686/ghi-announces-new-noise-initiative-quiet-mark/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Quiet Mark" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Quiet Mark</a>. Appliances deemed “quiet” earned a 3-star rating, while those deemed “loud” were given a 1-star rating. Based on our tests, these are the top portable carpet cleaning machines to buy:</p><ul><li><strong>Best Overall Portable Carpet Cleaner:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bissell-Stain-Eraser-PowerBrush-2837/dp/B08HDKZKHK/?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus</a></li><li><strong><strong>Best Value Portable Carpet Cleaner:</strong></strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hoover-PowerDash-Lightweight-Upholstery-FH13010PC/dp/B087MW7W67?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Hoover PowerDash GO Pet + Spot Cleaner" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Hoover PowerDash GO Pet + Spot Cleaner</a></li><li><strong>Best Lightweight Portable Carpet Cleaner:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-spillbuster-Cordless-BHSB320JP/dp/B086T5FFZW/?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Black+Decker spillbuster Cordless Spill + Spot Cleaner" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Black+Decker spillbuster Cordless Spill + Spot Cleaner</a></li><li><strong>Best Stain Removing Portable Carpet Cleaner:</strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rug-Doctor-Portable-Cleaner-93300/dp/B018A3EVOE?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner</a><br></li><li><strong>Best Portable Carpet Cleaner for Pet Messes:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BISSELL-SpotClean-Portable-Cleaner-2458/dp/B07D46SQ63?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bissell Spot Clean Pet Pro" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Bissell Spot Clean Pet Pro</a></li><li><strong>Best Portable Carpet Cleaner for Cars:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hoover-Spotless-Upholstery-Lightweight-BH12010/dp/B07ZDT5WKF?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Hoover ONEPWR Spotless Go" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Hoover ONEPWR Spotless Go</a></li><li><strong>Easiest to Maintain Portable Carpet Cleaner:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bissell-Multi-Purpose-Portable-Upholstery-1400B/dp/B0016HF5GK?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bissell Little Green Machine" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Bissell Little Green Machine</a> </li></ul>
  • <p><strong>Bissell</strong></p><p>amazon.com</p><p><strong>$119.99</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HDKZKHK?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>This cordless Bissell has <strong>a built-in rotating brush for deep-cleaning power</strong> (just switch it off when using on delicate fabrics like woven rugs and velvet). It also comes with a nubby rubber pet tool to tackle messes from furry family members. Expect 20 minutes of running time on one charge.</p><p>In our test, this model earned the best overall score for performance, encompassing stain and odor removal, sound, run time and more. It removed fresh and dried red wine and blueberry pie filling stains, and the machine was easy to clean and maintain. Testers loved the ease of the thumb controls. Bissell recommends you use their own ready-to-use formula.</p>
  • <p><strong>Hoover</strong></p><p>amazon.com</p><p><strong>$89.98</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087MW7W67?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Easy to carry and store, <strong>this corded portable cleaner features a five-foot hose</strong> that makes it easy to pick up spills in awkward places such as behind the sofa or in the car. Replace the brush head with the pet attachment to tackle set-in and embedded stains. </p><p>This Hoover got top marks for ease of use. Its slim design makes it easy to carry — and use — on stairs. The tanks stand on their own, so they are super easy to fill — use Hoover's own pre-mixed solution or risk voiding the warranty. The cord wraps at the back, and the hose clips to it neatly. It’s not the quietest nor the loudest machine: Quiet Mark rated it 2-star.</p>
  • <p><strong>BLACK+DECKER</strong></p><p>amazon.com</p><p><strong>$99.99</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086T5FFZW?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Weighing in at only four pounds, this cordless Black+Decker’s wide mouth and powered rotating brush (which can be switched off) deals with wet messes like juice, oatmeal or chunky soup. Unlike many others, it uses any brand of portable machine cleaning solution. It runs for 30 minutes per charge. </p><p>Chunky, wet messes are easy to pick up with this model. The tank and nozzle are top-rack dishwasher-safe, so it’s easy to maintain. It was second only to the Rug Doctor in lifting mustard stains, and an indicator signals when it needs recharging.</p>
  • <p><strong>Rug Doctor</strong></p><p>amazon.com</p><p><strong>$149.99</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018A3EVOE?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>The large tanks on Rug Doctor’s corded model hold 64 ounces of cleaning solution, meaning less refilling through big or multiple jobs. Wheels and a carrying handle help make it easy to maneuver and move between areas, and the nozzle’s rubberized bristles grab pet hair while removing stains.</p><p><strong>It’s a workhorse that powered through our stain tests</strong> and did the best job of nixing both the stain and the odor of the yellow ammonia we put down to simulate pet urine. The handle and wheels made getting it up and down stairs easy. Adding the cleaning solution to hot water in the solution tank is a little tricky as the tank does not stand on its own.</p>
  • <p><strong>Bissell</strong></p><p>amazon.com</p><p><strong>$169.98</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D46SQ63?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Bissell’s SpotClean Pet Pro’s four-foot hose, extra-long power cord, plus large tank capacities make it useful for bigger cleaning jobs, especially in harder-to-reach places. <strong>The special “stain trapper” tool keeps nasty pet messes from reaching the hose</strong> or dirty water tank.</p><p>During our tests, it was second only to the Rug Doctor in overall stain removal, and was excellent at removing odor. The cleaning formula must be diluted before use, so it lasts longer.</p>
  • <p><strong>Hoover</strong></p><p>amazon.com</p><p><strong>$149.99</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZDT5WKF?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>The removable battery on the compact Hoover ONEPWR Spotless Go recharges in less than three and a half hours, and is interchangeable with batteries in other ONEPWR devices. <strong>Cordless power plus a two-foot hose makes it easier to reach stains in cars</strong> and on stairs. The smaller tanks make it fairly lightweight and ideal for a quick cleanup, and tea and red wine stains were no match for it. Quiet Mark rated it 2-star for sound.</p>
  • <p><strong>Bissell</strong></p><p>amazon.com</p><p><strong>$109.99</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016HF5GK?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.35471783%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Holder of the primary <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a22148/about-good-housekeeping-seal/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Good Housekeeping Seal" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Good Housekeeping Seal</a> and the <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a17832/about-green-good-housekeeping-seal/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Green Good Housekeeping Seal" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Green Good Housekeeping Seal</a>, the Bissell Little Green Machine is a solid reliable cleaner. The four-foot hose extends the reach of the machine, and the 48oz dirty water tank capacity means you don’t have to empty it that often. After cleaning, <strong>a handy hydro-rinse tool helps you flush out the hose before storing it</strong> – goodbye to trapped gunk which could start to smell after a while!</p>
  • <ul><li><strong>Warranty</strong>. Some manufacturers will void the warranty if you don’t use their brand of cleaner. Check your carpet's warranty or the manufacturer's website to be sure. Also, check if you should use it full-strength or dilute it with water in the solution tank.</li><li><strong>Brush</strong>. Consider a carpet cleaner with a powered rotating brush to take the effort out of removing the stain from your carpet. Without a powered rotating brush, you will need to scrub the stain manually using the built-in scrub brush.</li><li><strong>Tank size. </strong>Large tanks for cleaning solution and dirty water mean less frequent refilling and emptying for larger jobs, but remember that large tanks weigh more when full, and can be heavier to carry up and down stairs. If you know you will be frequently cleaning up stains, or cleaning large stains, a larger machine might be more handy than a smaller one.</li><li><strong>Cordless vs. corded.</strong> Cordless cleaners increase portability, but check how long they run, and how long they need to recharge, if you’re contemplating using them for bigger jobs.</li><li><strong>Power rating:</strong> Usually, a more powerful motor will produce better suction – it will also generate more noise.</li><li><strong>Weight</strong>: Carpet cleaners with hoses stand on their own while you're using them, but need to be carried from room to room and perhaps up and down stairs. A 64 oz tank filled with solution will add 4 lbs of weight to the machine.</li></ul>
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These Handy Machines Make It Easy to Keep Your Carpets Stain Free

Accidents happen – a knocked-over glass of red wine, food spilled, even pet stains. And even if we intend to deal with them as quickly as possible, stains still happen. That's where carpet cleaners come in, with onboard cleaning solution and a built in spray at the nozzle to power through wet spills and stains.

When a full-sized option is too large or unwieldy, a portable carpet cleaners are ideal for zapping smaller stains from carpet, upholstery and even from your car. Each machine has two tanks – one holds the cleaning solution (either pre-mixed or you must dilute it, depending on the machine) and the other is for the dirty liquid that is sucked up. They’re easy to use: Pre-spray the stain, wait a few minutes, then drag the nozzle or machine over the stain to suck up the dirty liquid. For heavier stains, extra applications can be necessary.

When the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab evaluates portable carpet cleaning machines, we test how well they lift fresh and set-in stains, and how easy they are to fill, empty and clean. We also look at their weight, how easy they are to maneuver, and how comfortable they are to use. For this project, we conducted 38 different tests, and logged over 494 data points. Understanding the impact of noise pollution, we sent the machines to be evaluated by Quiet Mark. Appliances deemed “quiet” earned a 3-star rating, while those deemed “loud” were given a 1-star rating. Based on our tests, these are the top portable carpet cleaning machines to buy:

Psst: There are even cordless models for your car.

From Good Housekeeping

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