What is an upright carpet cleaner?

An upright carpet cleaner is a device used to deep clean carpets, removing dirt and stains using water and cleaning solution.

How does an upright carpet cleaner work?

It sprays a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto the carpet, then brushes and extracts the dirty water back into the machine.

What should I consider when buying an upright carpet cleaner?

Consider factors like weight, tank capacity, power, additional attachments, and ease of use.

Can upright carpet cleaners be used on all types of carpets?

Most upright carpet cleaners can be used on a variety of carpet types, but always check the manual to be sure.

Do upright carpet cleaners also vacuum?

While some models have a vacuum function, not all upright carpet cleaners are designed to vacuum.

April 3, 2026

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10 Best upright carpet cleaners of 2026

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Best Choice

1

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Shark
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN
Main highlights

Unmatched Stain Elimination Power
Dual-activated formula removes tough stains and odors from carpets, upholstery, and cars effortlessly.

Perfect for Pet Owners
Ideal for removing pet stains and odors, ensuring a clean home environment.

Highly Praised Suction Performance
Customers love its strong suction, which cleans deeply and dries quickly.
Key specs
- Dimensions:12.83D x 11.57W x 15H
- Weight:8.51 pounds
- Tank Capacity:N/A
- Cord Length:N/A
- Heater:N/A
9.8

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.9
worth the money

9.5
Simple to use

9.3
Simple to clean
How do we rank?

Powerful technology We scan thousands of products and stores, analyzing reviews to find what matters most to users like you

Careful review Our team ensures quality, value, and fit based on real user feedback

Trusted insights AI and human analysis guide your decisions, reflecting real user priorities
Real users impact

Thousands of users trust our site daily

Based on millions of stores and reviews

Shoppers influence our rankings
Analyzing top stores
Value for Money

2

Bissell
BISSELL® Big Green® Professional Carpet Cleaner with XL DirtLifter PowerBrush, 9-inch Long Reach Hose, 6-inch Tough Stain Tool, Includes BISSELL PRO MAX Formula with Stain Protect Technology
Main highlights

XL DirtLifter PowerBrush for Deep Cleaning
Rotating DirtLifter PowerBrush and strong suction deliver a deep clean, removing embedded dirt and stains effectively with every pass.

Ideal for Large Carpeted Areas and Fast Drying
With large water tanks and forward/backward cleaning, this carpet cleaner is optimal for homes with extensive carpeting and fast cleaning needs.

Praised for Easy Stain Removal and Fewer Refills
Users commonly appreciate the included stain tool for difficult spots and the large tank, which reduces the need for frequent refills.
9.7

Exceptional

Our Rating
3

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

Powerful HydroSteam Technology
The only carpet cleaner with HydroSteam, effectively removes embedded dirt and allergens.

Perfect for Pet Owners
Ideal for tackling pet stains and messes with specialized tools.

Highly Praised Steam Function
Customers appreciate the deep cleaning capability of the steam option.
Key specs
- Dimensions:14.57D x 19.17W x 22.72H
- Weight:31 pounds
- Tank Capacity:N/A
- Cord Length:N/A
- Heater:N/A
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.1
Easy to build

8.7
Simple to use

8.4
Vacuum strength
4

Shark
Shark CarpetXpert with StainStriker Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner with Pet Mess Extractor Tool, Perfect for Pets, Carpet Shampooer, 3 Cleaning Tools, Cleaning Solutions, White, EX201

17% Off
Main highlights

Powerful Suction and Cleaning
Shark EX201 delivers top-tier deep carpet cleaning and tough stain removal with its innovative suction technology.

Ideal for Pet Owners
Perfect for homes with pets, effectively removing odors and stains from carpets and upholstery.

Easy Maintenance and Use
Customers praise the intuitive design and ease of cleaning the machine, making it user-friendly and efficient.
Key specs
- Dimensions:13.15D x 11.97W x 43.5H
- Weight:18.05 pounds
- Tank Capacity:N/A
- Cord Length:N/A
- Heater:N/A
9.5

Excellent

Our Rating

9.9
Simple to clean

9.3
Vacuum strength

8.9
Simple to use
5

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

Powerful Cleaning Performance
The BISSELL TurboClean outperforms other lightweight carpet cleaners, tackling tough pet messes on carpets and rugs.

Perfect for Small Spaces
Ideal for cleaning high-traffic areas and small spaces where dirt and stains accumulate.

Highly Praised Suction Power
Customers frequently praise the powerful suction that removes ground-in dirt and stains.
Key specs
- Suction Power:Powerful suction
- Dimensions:19.6 x 15.69 x 10.69 inches
- Weight:16.37 pounds
- Hose Length:N/A
- Water Tank Capacity:N/A
9.4

Excellent

Our Rating
See Today’s Deals & Prices
6

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

23% Off Limited Time Deal
Main highlights

Powerful Cleaning Performance
Deep cleans carpets and upholstery, removing dirt and pet stains.

Ideal for Pet Owners
Handles pet odors and stains, perfect for homes with pets.

User-Friendly Design
Easy to operate with simple tank removal and tool switching.
9.1

Excellent

Our Rating

8.7
Vacuum strength

8.7
deep clean

8.7
Flexibility
7

Bissell
BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner, Upholstery Tough Stain Tool & Formula included, 3746
Main highlights

Lightweight Design
The BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and carry around the house, even for those with limited strength.

Pet Stain Removal
Ideal for pet owners, this carpet cleaner effectively tackles tough pet stains and dander allergens with its 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush.

Easy Water Tank Access
Users praise the convenient design of the water tanks, which are easy to fill, empty, and securely position, enhancing the overall user experience.
Key specs
- Dimensions:12.83 x 17.71 x 25.04 inches
- Weight:23.3 pounds
- Tank Capacity:N/A
- Cord Length:N/A
- Heater:N/A
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating

9.9
worth the money

9.7
Simple to use

9.5
Fashion
8

Bissell
BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus, 3588F, Upright Deep Cleaner, 30-minute Dry Time, Dual Dirt Lifter Powerbrush, Hose & Tool Attachment, Pet Upholstery and Tough Stain Tool Included

14% Off Limited Time Deal
Main highlights

Powerful Cleaning Performance
Professional-grade cleaning with MAX Clean Mode for deep stains.

Ideal for Pet Owners
Perfect for homes with pets, tackles tough pet messes.

Highly Rated Ease of Use
Customers praise its easy assembly and cleaning process.
Key specs
- Dimensions:25 x 22.25 x 16.5 inches
- Weight:25.4 pounds
- Tank Capacity:N/A
- Cord Length:N/A
- Heater:N/A
8.8

Very Good

Our Rating

9.1
Simple to use

9.1
Maneuverability

8.9
Vacuum strength
9

Hoover
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine, Lightweight Carpet Shampooer Machine, Pair with a Hoover Carpet Cleaner Solution for a Bright, Refreshed Home
Main highlights

Compact Design for Easy Use
Lightweight and compact, ideal for efficient cleaning and storage.

Perfect for Pet Owners
Effectively handles pet messes and high traffic areas.

Powerful Suction Praised by Users
Highly rated for lifting dirt and stains effectively.
Key specs
- Dimensions:15.25D x 10.13W x 43.5H
- Weight:12.5 pounds
- Tank Capacity:N/A
- Cord Length:N/A
- Heater:N/A
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating

9.9
Easy to build

9.3
lasts a long time

8.9
Simple to clean
10

Bissell
BISSELL TurboClean PET, Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, 3948
Main highlights

Best Cleaning System for Pet Messes
The BISSELL TurboClean PET provides powerful cleaning for pet messes with its compact design and advanced technology.

Ideal for Home with Pets
Perfect for homes with pets, it tackles stains and dirt in high-traffic areas efficiently.

Praised Versatile Tools
Customers love the versatile tools, including a 7 ft hose and spraying crevice tool, for their effectiveness and ease of use.
Key specs
- Dimensions:21.75 x 16.25 x 10.75 inches
- Weight:19.16 pounds
- Tank Capacity:N/A
- Cord Length:N/A
- Heater:N/A
8.5

Good

Our Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an upright carpet cleaner?
An upright carpet cleaner is a device used to deep clean carpets, removing dirt and stains using water and cleaning solution.

How does an upright carpet cleaner work?
It sprays a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto the carpet, then brushes and extracts the dirty water back into the machine.

What should I consider when buying an upright carpet cleaner?
Consider factors like weight, tank capacity, power, additional attachments, and ease of use.

Can upright carpet cleaners be used on all types of carpets?
Most upright carpet cleaners can be used on a variety of carpet types, but always check the manual to be sure.

Do upright carpet cleaners also vacuum?
While some models have a vacuum function, not all upright carpet cleaners are designed to vacuum.

10 Best upright carpet cleaners of 2026

1

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

9.9

9.5

9.3

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

BISSELL® Big Green® Professional Carpet Cleaner with XL DirtLifter PowerBrush, 9-inch Long Reach Hose, 6-inch Tough Stain Tool, Includes BISSELL PRO MAX Formula with Stain Protect Technology

3

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

9.1

8.7

8.4

4

Shark CarpetXpert with StainStriker Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner with Pet Mess Extractor Tool, Perfect for Pets, Carpet Shampooer, 3 Cleaning Tools, Cleaning Solutions, White, EX201

9.9

9.3

8.9

5

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

6

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

8.7

8.7

8.7

7

BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner, Upholstery Tough Stain Tool & Formula included, 3746

9.9

9.7

9.5

8

BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus, 3588F, Upright Deep Cleaner, 30-minute Dry Time, Dual Dirt Lifter Powerbrush, Hose & Tool Attachment, Pet Upholstery and Tough Stain Tool Included

9.1

9.1

8.9

9

Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine, Lightweight Carpet Shampooer Machine, Pair with a Hoover Carpet Cleaner Solution for a Bright, Refreshed Home

9.9

9.3

8.9

10

BISSELL TurboClean PET, Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, 3948

Frequently Asked Questions

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Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine with Above Floor Cleaning, Lightweight Carpet Shampooer Machine, Pair with a Hoover Carpet Cleaner Solution for a Bright, Refreshed Home

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