Top 5 Rated Steam Carpet Cleaners: Buyer's Guide

Does the thought of stubborn stains and dingy carpets make you sigh? We’ve all been there. Your living room rug looks tired, and you know it needs a deep clean. But then comes the big question: which steam carpet cleaner should you trust?

The market is flooded with machines, promising miracles but often delivering disappointment. Choosing a “rated” cleaner feels like a gamble. You worry about wasting money on a weak model or buying something too complicated to use. Finding a powerful, reliable steam cleaner that truly restores your carpet’s life shouldn’t be this difficult.

This post cuts through the confusion. We review the top-rated steam carpet cleaners that actually work. You will learn exactly what features matter most for deep cleaning, how to spot a great deal, and which machine deserves a spot in your home. Get ready to say goodbye to grime and hello to fresh, vibrant carpets!

Top Rated Steam Carpet Cleaner Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Carpet Cleaner, Upright Deep Cleaner, HydroSteam Technology, 4-inch Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool & Formulas Included, 4123

CLEANS MESSES UP TO 45% BETTER with HydroSteam Technology
BUILT-IN STEAM PRETREATER loosens sticky stains from carpets
XL DIRTLIFTER POWERBRUSH lifts & removes embedded dirt and stains
TACKLE LARGER AREAS & FEWER REFILLS with 1-gallon clean tank
DEEP CLEAN COUCHES, STAIRS, PET BEDS, & MORE with the 7-foot hose and tools

SaleBestseller No. 2

Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution

THE COMPLETE CLEAN COMBO: The Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaning Machine combines five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes and HeatForce faster drying to lift and remove the toughest stains and renew your carpets.
VERSATILE TOOLS: Deep cleaning goes beyond just the floor. PowerScrub Deluxe Pet Carpet Cleaners come with a pet tool for stubborn pet messes, an upholstery tool that scrubs and lifts on fabrics, and a crevice tool for hard-to-reach places.
DUAL TANK TECHNOLOGY: With individual tanks for clean and dirty water, it’s easy to fill, empty and rinse.
AUTO MIX: This Hoover carpet cleaner machine has an Auto Mix feature that precisely mixes and dispenses solution for optimal carpet washing. Package includes upholstery tool, pet tool, crevice tool, 8 ft. hose, sample solution.
PAIR WITH HOOVER CLEANING SOLUTION: For a bright, refreshed home, use the PowerScrub Deluxe with a Hoover carpet shampoo solution. Tackle pet messes with our Pet formula or clean everyday stains with our Everyday solutions.

Bestseller No. 3

BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner, Upright Deep Cleaner, HydroSteam Technology, 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool & Formulas Included, 3432

EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
HYDROSTEAM TECHNOLOGY. The ONLY carpet cleaner with the power of HydroSteam Technology.
2X BETTER CLEANING1. Wash & remove embedded dirt, stains and allergens in SteamWash Max Clean Mode.
PENETRATE TOUGH STUCK-ON & STICKY MESSES. HydroSteam Technology cleans messes better with Steam Pretreat Mode.
FAST DRYING. Dries in about 30 minutes in Quick Dry Mode.2

Bestseller No. 4

BISSELL TurboClean, Upright Carpet Cleaner, Pro Max Clean & Protect + Oxy Urine Eliminator Formula Included, 3952

EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. Every purchase makes it possible for BISSELL to continue our support of BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission of saving pets in need.
OUTCLEANS THE COMPETITIVE LIGHTWEIGHT CARPET CLEANER*. This machine tackles tough everyday & pet messes made on carpet & area rugs in small spaces.
4-ROW DEEPREACH POWERBRUSH. Combined with powerful suction, this brush removes ground-in dirt & stains in high traffic areas that vacuums leave behind.
COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT. Designed for simple storage & to easily maneuver within tight spaces.
PRO MAX CLEAN + PROTECT. Pair with our most powerful formula with StainProtect Technology to defend against future stains.

Bestseller No. 5

BISSELL TurboClean PET, Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, 3948

EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. Every purchase makes it possible for BISSELL to continue our support of BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission of saving pets in need.
OUR BEST CLEANING SYSTEM FOR PET MESSES. This powerful compact carpet cleaner tackles pet messes & more all throughout the home.
VERSATILE TOOLS. Comes with a 7 ft Hose, 4" Self Cleanout Tool, and a Spraying Crevice tool for multi-mess management.
4" SELF-CLEANOUT TOOL. Quickly tackle stains and clean the tool with just one touch.
4-ROW DEEPREACH POWERBRUSH. Combined with its powerful suction, this brush removes ground-in dirt and stains that vacuums leave behind in high traffic areas.

SaleBestseller No. 6

Steam Mop, 19-in-1 Detachable Handheld Steam Cleaner for Home, 230°F Floor Steamer, 2 Steam Modes,3 Adjustable Level, 350ML Tank, Powerful Steam Mops for Cleaning Hardwood Floors, Carpet Tile Grout

【20-Second Heat-Up Upgrade】 No more tedious waiting! Our Steam Mop heats up in just 20 seconds (true to its quick-heat feature), releasing powerful 230°F high-temperature steam to soften stubborn stains. As a premium floor steamer and top-rated steam mop for floor cleaning, it’s perfect for busy households—enabling quick, efficient heavy-duty cleaning without hassle. Tackle daily messes or tough grime with instant deep cleaning; this Steam Mop is ideal as a steam mop for hardwood floors, tiles, and grout!
【19-in-1 All-Surface Steam Mop】 MissSteam 19-in-1 floor steamer is your ultimate multi-purpose cleaning companion! This detachable handheld Steam Mop works on floors, carpets, windows, sofas, grout, etc. Included: 2 extension poles, window tools, flat/ironing/round brushes, 2 microfiber pads, free gloves, storage/laundry bag, 5 disposable cloths to free hands. As a top steam mop for floor cleaning and gentle steam mop for hardwood floors, it blasts grease/grime, replaces multiple tools—perfect for all tasks!
【350ml Leak-Proof Water Tank】 MissSteam Steam Mop (reliable floor steamer) has a 350ml removable tank, offering 10-25 mins continuous cleaning—no frequent refills. As a practical steam mop for floor cleaning, it covers more ground, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens. Leak-proof and easy to refill, mess-free. Use as steam mop for hardwood floors or multi-surface cleaner—enjoy uninterrupted heavy-duty cleaning with this durable Steam Mop!
【3-Level Steam Control + 2 Modes】 MissSteam floor steamer has 3 adjustable steam levels + 2 modes for tailored steam mop for floor cleaning! Low setting for daily cleaning/delicate surfaces (gentle steam mop for hardwood floors); higher settings for deep cleaning sanitizing tough stains on tiles, grout, carpets. This 1200W powerful Steam Mop adapts to surfaces while protecting them, delivering thorough cleaning—ultimate tool for efficient, personalized cleaning!
【Lightweight & Safe Design】 This Steam Mop (reliable floor steamer) prioritizes ease of use & safety! With 180° swivel for easy maneuverability, clean around furniture/tight spaces effortlessly—thorough, hassle-free heavy-duty cleaning. As a trusted steam mop for floor cleaning, it’s durable, detachable, easy to clean. Telescopic rod & grip offer comfortable handling; leak-proof design adds peace of mind. Ideal as steam mop for hardwood floors, it makes cleaning safe, light, effective for busy parents & efficiency seekers!

SaleBestseller No. 7

Starrybot Portable Carpet Cleaner Machine with Steam and Heating Techology,18Kpa Powerful Suction with Versatile Tools for Pets, Couch,Spot Cleaner for Stairs/Furniture/Rug(Gray,3"&5"Hand Tool)

Strong Suction Power: With 18,000 PA of suction, effortlessly eliminate stubborn pet stains and spots from carpets, upholstery, car interiors, and more. Experience the deep clean you and your pets deserve!
Multiple cleaning modes:Cold Water Clean, Warm Water Clean, Steam Clean, and Steam Sanitization—that adapt to various surfaces and cleaning challenges. This versatility ensures thorough and effective results, whether you're dealing with everyday spills or deep grime, making it a highly efficient solution for any cleaning task.
Efficient Tank Design for Easy Cleaning:The 60oz clean water tank and 40oz dirty water tank design provide efficient and hassle-free cleaning. The 6.5ft hose allows you to clean large areas without having to move the carpet cleaner machine constantly.
Versatile Brushes for Precision Cleaning:Equipped with a 3" hand tool for stubborn stains, a 5" wide tool for larger messes, and an integrated CreviceCollector Tool to tackle dirt in tight gaps, the Starrybot upholstery steam cleaner ensures both precision and efficiency. Additionally, the Steam Brush Tool is designed for targeted steam treatment of deep stains. With its range of brushes, cleaning becomes faster and more effective, delivering excellent results quickly.
Compact and Portable Design:Weighing only 13.42 lbs, the Starrybot carpet cleaner is lightweight and easy to maneuver. Its compact build and detachable handle make it simple to store and transport, making it an ideal cleaner for both home and car use.

Bestseller No. 8

GOATCLEAN Steam Cleaner, Power Steamer for Chemical-Free Home Cleaning, 22-Piece Accessory, Multipurpose Floor Cleaner for Grout, Kitchen, Bathroom, Car, Upholstery, 16ft Cord, High Temperature

PROFESSIONAL 1500W STEAM CLEANING POWER - Heavy-duty canister steam cleaner delivers 65 PSI high-pressure steam up to 275℉, penetrating deep into grout lines, tile surfaces, hardwood floors, and carpets to effectively tackle stubborn stains and baked-on grease without harsh scrubbing and solustions. Perfect multipurpose steamer for whole-home deep cleaning, more effective than traditional mops.
CHEMICAL-FREE CLEANING FOR FAMILY & PETS - Portable steam cleaner uses only water and heat to clean your home, without the need for harsh chemicals. Ideal for kids’ play-areas, pet bedding, mattresses, upholstery, and kitchen surfaces. Handheld steamer mode handles bathroom buildup, kitchen grease, and other everyday messes naturally, providing a cleaner, fresher home for your loved ones.
22-PIECE COMPLETE ACCESSORY KIT FOR EVERY SURFACE - All-in-one steam mop includes floor brush, extension poles, window squeegee, fabric steamer, nylon & brass brushes, rotating brush, nozzles, microfiber pads, and wallpaper removal tool. From sealed hardwood to tile grout, car detailing to upholstery refresh, BBQ grills to bathroom fixtures – this floor steamer handles all your cleaning tasks. Every accessory is supported under our care program.
EXTRA-LONG RUNTIME WITH 1.5L LARGE-CAPACITY TANK - Continuous steam cleaning for up to 40 minutes per fill means fewer refilling interruptions. 16ft power cord plus 6ft steam hose provides 22ft extended reach, allowing you to clean entire rooms, multi-level homes, RVs, and vehicles without constantly unplugging. Heats up in just 8-12 minutes for quick cleaning when you need it.
INDUSTRY-LEADING 2-YEAR TRUE FULL-COVERAGE WARRANTY - GOATCLEAN covers EVERYTHING: damaged brushes, worn nozzles, replacement parts, AND return shipping - ZERO out-of-pocket costs. No hassle, no fine print, no surprise charges. If any component fails or wears out, we replace it FREE. Easy mobility with durable wheels and ergonomic handle. Expert customer support team responds within 24 hours. Buy with complete confidence knowing you're protected long after purchase.

Your Guide to Buying the Best Rated Steam Carpet Cleaner

Buying a steam carpet cleaner can make your home sparkle. These machines use hot steam to lift dirt deep out of your carpets. This guide helps you choose the best one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

Good steam cleaners have features that make cleaning easier and better. Look closely at these points when you shop.

Heat-Up Time

Fast Heating: The best models heat up quickly. You want to start cleaning fast, not wait ten minutes. Look for cleaners that heat up in under one minute.
Temperature Control: Some high-end models let you adjust the steam temperature. Higher heat kills more germs.

Water Tank Capacity and Refill System

Large Tanks: Bigger tanks mean you clean longer before stopping to refill. This saves time.
Easy Refill: Check if the tank is removable or if you have to pour water carefully into a small opening. Removable tanks are much easier to use.

Cleaning Attachments and Tools

Variety Matters: Does it come with different nozzles? You need a wide floor tool for large areas. Small brushes are great for spot cleaning stairs or upholstery.
Scrubbing Power: Some cleaners have rotating brushes. These brushes help scrub tough stains away, making your job easier.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used in the cleaner affect how long it lasts and how well it works.

Housing and Body

Durable Plastic: Most cleaners use strong plastic. Make sure the plastic feels sturdy, not flimsy. Cheap plastic breaks easily if you bump it.
Metal Components: Look for metal parts where it matters, like in the heating element. Metal lasts longer than plastic when dealing with high heat.

Hose and Cord Length

Long Cord: A long power cord means you plug the machine in fewer times. This saves you from constantly searching for new outlets.
Flexible Hose: If you clean furniture, a long, flexible hose lets you reach tight spots easily.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Several things make one cleaner better than another. Good quality means better cleaning results.

Steam Pressure (PSI)

High Pressure is Good: Steam pressure, measured in PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), pushes the dirt out of the carpet fibers. Higher PSI cleaners clean deeper. Lower PSI cleaners are only good for light surface dirt.

Drying Time

Less Water Left Behind: A quality steam cleaner sucks up most of the water it puts down. If your carpet stays soaking wet for hours, the machine is not efficient. Good suction power reduces drying time significantly.

Maintenance Needs

Easy Cleaning: Can you easily clean the filter? Does the machine require special descaling solutions often? Simple maintenance keeps the machine running smoothly.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where and how often you plan to use your steam cleaner.

Weight and Maneuverability

Lighter is Better: If you have many rooms or stairs, a heavy machine tires you out fast. Test how easy it is to push and pull.
Swivel Steering: Machines with swivel steering move around furniture legs easily. This feature improves the overall cleaning experience.

Best Use Cases

Deep Cleaning: For old, ground-in dirt, you need a powerful machine with good scrubbing action.
Quick Refresh: If you just need to kill surface germs or refresh a room quickly, a lighter, faster-heating model works well.
Pet Messes: For pet accidents, look for models with specialized stain tools and strong odor removal features.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rated Steam Carpet Cleaners

Q: Is a steam cleaner the same as a carpet shampooer?

A: No. A steam cleaner uses hot water vapor (steam) to clean and sanitize. A carpet shampooer usually mixes water with strong soap to scrub the carpet.

Q: Do I need special soap for a steam cleaner?

A: Most true steam cleaners only need water. Some manufacturers suggest using a special cleaning solution for tough stains, but plain water cleans and sanitizes effectively.

Q: How long does it take for the carpet to dry after using a steam cleaner?

A: Drying time varies greatly. A good, powerful machine might dry carpets in 2 to 4 hours. Older or weaker models might leave the carpet damp for 8 hours or more.

Q: Can steam cleaners damage my carpet?

A: If you use too much water or scrub too hard on delicate natural fibers (like wool), damage can happen. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for water temperature and pressure settings.

Q: What is the best PSI for good cleaning power?

A: For effective deep cleaning, look for a machine that offers at least 40 PSI. Higher is usually better for very dirty carpets.

Q: Are steam cleaners good for killing dust mites and germs?

A: Yes. The high heat of the steam effectively kills many common germs, bacteria, and dust mites living deep in the carpet fibers.

Q: How often should I deep clean my carpets with steam?

A: For homes with pets or high traffic, cleaning every 6 to 12 months is recommended. For light-use areas, once a year is often enough.

Q: What should I do before I start steaming the carpet?

A: Always vacuum thoroughly first. Steam cleaners work best when they only have to lift dirt, not large debris like hair or crumbs.

Q: Are canister or upright steam cleaners better?

A: Upright models are best for large floor areas because they cover more ground quickly. Canister models are often better for detailed work, like cleaning stairs and furniture.

Q: Do I need to use distilled water in the cleaner?

A: Using distilled water protects the heating element. Tap water contains minerals that build up inside the machine over time, which reduces the cleaner’s performance.