Let's be honest, life gets messy sometimes. Between spills, dirt, and everyday wear and tear, keeping our homes clean can be a challenge. Especially when it comes to carpets, rugs, upholstery and furniture. Those are tough to get truly clean.
That's where a trusty carpet cleaner comes in handy! These machines are like superpowered cleaning assistants for your fabrics. They can shampoo, rinse, and suck up dirt to deep clean stubborn surfaces. Carpet cleaners are easy to use, durable, and way more effective than just using spray bottles and elbow grease.
If you're looking to buy your first carpet cleaner or upgrade an older model, there are some key things to consider. These machines vary in price, size, weight, water tank capacity, hose length, cord length and more. All those factors impact how well they will clean and how convenient they are to use.
In this guide, we'll go over the top carpet cleaners available in Canada right now. We'll look at the pros and cons of each to help you find your perfect cleaning companion. Let's get started with our top five recommendations!
The Best Carpet Cleaners Right Now
Top Pick: Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush
High Performance Pick: Bissell Big Green Machine
Compact Pick: Bissell Little Green Plus Carpet & Upholstery Machine
Budget Pick: Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
Portable Pick: Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Spot Cleaner
Our Top Pick for The Best Carpet Cleaner
Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Review
Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush (This link opens in a new tab)
The Best Overall
If you're on the hunt for a compact and efficient carpet cleaner, the Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush is a top contender. Designed for convenience and effectiveness, this cleaner boasts powerful suction and a lightweight design, making it a favourite among homeowners seeking a reliable cleaning solution.
What We Think of the Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush
At first glance, the compact Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush seems simple. But don't underestimate this little carpet cleaner! Bissell packed some serious cleaning innovation into it.
The star of the show is the 4-row DirtLifter PowerBrush. It's designed to dig deep into carpet fibres, lifting even set-in dirt and stains. And with its mighty suction power, this small-but-mighty machine can deliver deep cleaning results.
What also makes the PowerBrush stand out is its lightweight body (it’s just 12 pounds). Maneuvering it around and storing it is a breeze compared to bulkier cleaners. The collapsible handle makes it super storage-friendly, even in tight spaces.
It's not 100% perfect. The smaller water tank requires filling up more often during big cleaning sessions. But for a compact cleaner, the PowerBrush still blows away expectations. Bissell truly found the sweet spot between convenience and cleaning power.
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush
Reviewers consistently praise the Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush for its impressive cleaning capabilities. Many users are astounded by the amount of dirt and grime it manages to extract from their carpets. Its lightweight design is frequently highlighted, with users appreciating the ease with which they can maneuver the machine. The compact size is also a hit among those with limited storage space. However, some reviewers did mention the need for frequent water tank refills, but this was often overshadowed by the cleaner's overall performance.
Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Specifications
Weight: 12 pounds
Cleaning Path Width: 9.5 inches
Features: Four-row rotating DirtLifter PowerBrush, EdgeSweep bristles, collapsible handle
Water Tank capacity: 5/8 Gallon
Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pros and Cons
Pros:
Powerful suction capabilities
Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Effective DirtLifter PowerBrush technology
Compact design ideal for storage
Cons:
Limited water tank capacity
Our Final Thoughts on the Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
The Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush is a compact powerhouse, perfect for those seeking an effective and convenient carpet cleaning solution. While its water tank might require frequent refills, its performance and design make it a worthy investment for any homeowner.
Our High Performance Pick
Bissell Big Green Machine Review
Bissell Big Green Machine (This link opens in a new tab)
The Advanced Choice
Seeking pristine, professional-grade carpet cleaning? Look no further than the Bissell Big Green Machine. This carpet cleaner delivers unmatched performance that’ll help you tackle even the toughest stains and messes.
What We Think of the Bissell Big Green Machine
When it comes to carpet cleaning, Bissell's Big Green Machine is a beast. This heavyweight machine is a perfect match for folks with wall-to-wall carpeting or messy kids and pets.
Its jumbo water tanks, 9-foot hose, and 25-foot cord allow you to deep clean entire rooms in one go, minimizing the back-and-forth. This pro-level cleaner makes quick work of even major messes.
One handy feature is the flow indicator monitors. They track water usage and alert you when tanks need refilling or emptying. The attached 6-inch hand tool lets you spot clean stairs and furniture, too.
Now for some caveats. This aptly named machine weighs over 50 pounds. Lifting it up stairs regularly may be challenging, and the high price tag could deter some shoppers with lower budgets.
But for carpet cleaning power, the Big Green Machine is a force to be reckoned with. Just make sure you have the space and strength to handle this cleaning behemoth!
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Bissell Big Green Machine
This model has over 13,000 reviews on Amazon Canada, with an average star rating of 4.7. Reviewers are particularly impressed with the machine's powerful cleaning capabilities and its large water receptacle, which allow for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills. Many users have mentioned that it's a sturdy and well-built machine, with some even comparing its performance to professional cleaning services. The machine's suction power and the speed at which carpets dry after cleaning are also frequently praised. On the downside, some users have pointed out that the machine is bulky and heavy, making it a bit challenging to move around, especially when carrying it up or down stairs.
Bissell Big Green Machine Specifications
Dimensions: 20.5” x 11” x 42.25”
Weight: 51.4 lbs
Capacity: 6.6 L each tank
Hose Length: 9 ft
Power Cord Length: 25 ft
Warranty: 2 years
Bissel Big Green Machine Pros and Cons
Pros:
Professional level performance
Flow indicator monitors water levels to indicate the need for refill
Has a 6” spot-cleaning tool
High-powered motor can work all day if needed
Cons:
Quite bulky and heavy
Expensive
Cannot get under furniture
Our Final Thoughts on the Bissell Big Green Machine
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
The Big Green Machine lives up to its name with industry-leading suction power and cleaning capabilities. It scrubs and lifts away dirt, grime, and stains that smaller cleaners could never bust through. No mess stands a chance against this cleaning powerhouse.
Our Compact Pick
Bissell Little Green Plus Carpet & Upholstery Machine Review
Bissell Little Green Plus Carpet & Upholstery Machine (This link opens in a new tab)
The Space-Saving Choice
Got small spaces that need some heavy duty cleaning? You don't need a huge carpet cleaner taking up your whole closet. The Bissell Little Green Plus is the perfect little machine for minor messes.
What We Think of the Bissell Little Green Plus Carpet & Upholstery Machine
The Bissell Little Green Plus proves that powerful cleaning performance can come in a small package. Despite its compact and portable size, this machine delivers deep cleaning capabilities on par with larger models.
Its dual-tank system efficiently separates clean and dirty water. The removable tanks simplify filling and emptying. A built-in carry handle enhances mobility for cleaning multiple areas. The HydroRinse tool automatically cleans the hose after use, inhibiting mould and bacteria growth.
While its size understandably limits utility for wall-to-wall carpet cleaning, the Little Green Plus excels at spot cleaning, stairs, upholstery, and vehicle interiors.
Aside from its limited effectiveness at full-carpet cleaning (and this should be expected considering its title), the only issue we have with this carpet cleaner is the amount of noise it makes while it’s performing its duties. If you have sensitive ears, we recommend using hearing protection of some sort (over-ear headphones, ear plugs, etc.) to preserve your hearing and make cleaning more comfortable.
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Bissell Little Green Plus Carpet & Upholstery Machine
This model has over 60,000 reviews on Amazon Canada, with an average star rating of 4.5. Reviewers are particularly impressed by its efficiency in cleaning tough stains, highlighting its effectiveness on carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. Many appreciate its compact size, saying it’s easy to store and maneuver. The self-cleaning hose feature is also frequently praised, as it simplifies the post-cleaning process. On the downside, some users found the water tank capacity to be insufficient for larger cleaning tasks. However, the majority of users expressed satisfaction with their purchase, emphasizing its value for money.
Bissell Little Green Plus Carpet & Upholstery Machine Specifications
Dimensions: 8.3” x 17.3” x 12.5”
Weight: 9.7 lbs
Capacity: 1.4 L each tank
Hose Length: 4 ft
Power Cord Length: 15 ft
Bissell Little Green Plus Carpet & Upholstery Machine Pros and Cons
Pros:
Removable dual-tank system
Perfect for use in vehicles, on stairs, and in tight spaces
Has a carry handle for portability
HydroRinse tool cleans the hose after each use
Cons:
Only for spot cleaning/small spaces
Quite loud
Our Final Thoughts on the Bissell Little Green Plus Carpet & Upholstery Machine
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
For homeowners with limited storage capacity or needing to clean in confined areas, the compact Bissell Little Green Plus carpet cleaner is an optimal choice. Its small footprint and portability facilitate maneuvering in tight spaces and spot cleaning tasks. While it understandably lacks the power of larger models for wall-to-wall carpet jobs, the Little Green Plus is ideal for stairs, upholstery, vehicle interiors, and other contained surfaces.
Our Budget Pick
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Review
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner (This link opens in a new tab)
The Affordable Choice
For shoppers seeking a quality carpet cleaner at an affordable price point, the Hoover PowerDash Pet compact model is worth looking into. This budget-friendly upright cleaner delivers robust cleaning capabilities in a streamlined, user-friendly package.
What We Think of the Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
The Hoover PowerDash Pet is a carpet cleaner that delivers quality without the high price tag. It's a great fit for budget-savvy folks, especially pet owners.
Despite the low cost, this Hoover model does a darn good job lifting stains, dirt, and pet messes from carpets. The lightweight body makes maneuvering a breeze too.
One handy feature is the low-profile foot that slides easily under furniture to clean hard-to-reach spots. The HeatForce tech accelerates drying time so you can start walking on carpets sooner.
Now for some trade-offs. The tank capacity (less than 2 litres) is on the smaller side, so frequent refills are needed for big rooms. And without a hose or tools, it only handles floor carpeting. Pet hair cleanup can be messy too.
But for an affordable cleaner focused on everyday messes, the PowerDash Pet packs a cleaning punch. It's a win for budget-conscious pet owners wanting convenient carpet refreshes. You'll just need to work around a few limitations.
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
This model has over 68,000 reviews on Amazon Canada, with an average star rating of 4.3. Reviewers are particularly impressed with its compact size, saying it’s easy to store and maneuver. They also appreciate its powerful cleaning performance, especially on pet stains. Many have mentioned that it dries carpets quickly, which is a significant advantage. On the downside, some users have pointed out the need for frequent refills due to its smaller size. A few also mentioned that it might not be suitable for larger cleaning tasks.
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Specifications
Dimensions: 15.25” x 43.5” x 10.125”
Weight: 12.5 lbs
Capacity: 1.9 L
Power Cord Length: 20 ft
Warranty: 1 year
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Pros and Cons
Pros:
HeatForce technology helps dry the carpet faster
Dual tank system makes it easy to fill and empty
Low profile foot reaches easily under furniture
Highly effective on all spills/stains
Cons:
Tank capacity is fairly low for full carpet cleaning; requires multiple refills and empties
Will spit out balls of hair occasionally if using in homes with pets
Does not have a hose
Our Final Thoughts on the Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
For clients seeking robust carpet cleaning on a budget, the Hoover PowerDash Pet upright model is a solid option. While it understandably lacks certain versatility features of more advanced models, this affordably-priced cleaner excels at lifting everyday stains and dirt from carpeting.
Our Portable Pick
Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Spot Cleaner Review
Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Spot Cleaner (This link opens in a new tab)
The Travel-Friendly Choice
For portable, on-the-go spot cleaning, you should consider the Hoover Spotless Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. Its compact and lightweight design maximizes portability and convenience. This machine is also incredibly easy to keep clean.
What We Think of the Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Spot Cleaner
Right off the bat, the ease of use of this Hoover carpet cleaner is impressive. Even if you're new to carpet cleaners, you'll find it a breeze to operate. Its compact design ensures you can effortlessly move it around your home or even in your car. Plus, the detachable water tanks simplify the process of filling and emptying.
What really stands out is its self-clean feature, which ensures the hose is free from lingering dirt and bacteria. The hand tool, crafted from antimicrobial materials, promises consistent cleaning performance over time. And with a two-year warranty, we're confident about its durability.
All in all, this Hoover carpet cleaner is a top-notch machine. However, do note that it's primarily a spot cleaner, ideal for tackling challenging areas like stairs, vehicles, and spaces beneath furniture, rather than cleaning an entire home.
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Spot Cleaner
This model has over 22,000 reviews on Amazon Canada, with an average star rating of 4.3. Reviewers are particularly impressed with its efficiency in cleaning tough stains, noting that it works wonders on old and new stains alike. Many users have highlighted its portability and ease of use, stating that it's a game-changer for quick clean-ups. The compact design is another point of praise, with users appreciating how it doesn't take up much storage space.
Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Spot Cleaner Specifications
Dimensions: 9.7” x 13.9” x 15”
Weight: 9 lbs
Capacity: 1.5 L clean tank, 1.06 L dirty tank
Hose Length: 5 ft
Power Cord Length: 14 ft
Warranty: 2 years
Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Spot Cleaner Pros and Cons
Pros:
Self-Clean technology flushes the hose after every use
The multi-purpose tool is made of antimicrobial materials
Has two removable tanks for clean and dirty water
Very easy to use
Cons:
Only designed for spot-cleaning
Our Final Thoughts on the Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Spot Cleaner
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
All in all, we highly recommend the Hoover Spotless carpet cleaner for every individual who is prioritizing a portable and user-friendly machine. It isn’t capable of full carpet cleaning, but it is a perfect choice for managing upholstery, vehicles, stairs, spot stains, and tight spaces.
Selecting the Right Carpet Cleaner: A Detailed Guide
Price Point
Carpet cleaners span a broad price spectrum. While budget-friendly options are available under $200, top-tier models can soar beyond $600. Generally, a higher price correlates with larger water tanks and enhanced cleaning capabilities.
Tank Size Matters
Tank capacities can range from a modest one litre to an ample six litre. A larger tank facilitates extended cleaning sessions without refills but adds to the overall weight.
Considering Dimensions & Heft
The size and weight of your carpet cleaner are pivotal. Heavier models might pose challenges on stairs and demand more storage space. Conversely, lightweight cleaners are nimble, perfect for vehicles and tight spaces, but might fall short for larger areas.
Hose Length: A Handy Feature
For models equipped with a hose, its length is crucial. A lengthier hose offers superior reach, especially beneficial for vehicles and furniture cleaning.
Power Cord: The Longer, The Better
A generous power cord minimizes outlet switches, streamlining your cleaning process. Prioritize a long cord that aligns with your other specifications.
Maintenance & Upkeep
Given the diverse messes carpet cleaners tackle, their cleanliness is paramount. Seek out models with self-cleaning capabilities, detachable tanks, and accessible interiors for occasional deep cleaning.
Additional Features
Modern carpet cleaners often boast extra features like heat drying, stain pre-treatment, and fragrance dispensing. While not mandatory, these can elevate your cleaning experience.
Noise Level
A quieter machine ensures a more pleasant cleaning experience, especially in households with pets or children.
Attachments & Tools
Consider models that come with additional tools, such as brushes for specific stains or attachments for upholstery cleaning.
Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient model not only reduces electricity consumption, but can also help you save on utility bills in the long run.
Warranty & Customer Support
A longer warranty period indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the product. Additionally, responsive customer support can be invaluable for troubleshooting or maintenance queries.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.