Choosing the best upright carpet cleaner is essential for maintaining spotless carpets, especially in homes with pets or high-traffic areas. Upright carpet cleaners combine powerful suction, deep-cleaning brushes, and user-friendly features to tackle stubborn stains and everyday dirt. Below is a summary table of top upright carpet cleaners, showcasing their standout features to help guide your selection.
| Product | Brand | Key Features | Best For | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright | Bissell | 10” Clean Path, Above-floor cleaning, Upholstery tool | Pet stains, fast cleaning |  |
| BISSELL TurboClean Pro Max Clean & Protect | Bissell | Outcleans lightweight rivals, 4-row brush, Oxy urine eliminator | Pet messes, deep stains |  |
| BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus | Bissell | TurboStrength motor, dual powerbrush, skunk odor removal | Toughest pet odors, large spaces |  |
| Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner | Hoover | 5 SpinScrub brushes, dual tank, multiple tools | Deep cleaning, versatility |  |
| Shark EX201 CarpetXpert Upright Cleaner | Shark | StainStriker tech, built-in spot cleaner, deep stain elimination | Spot cleaning, tough stains |  |
| Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner | Hoover | Lightweight, antimicrobial brush, HeatForce drying | Small spaces, pet messes |  |
BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner
The BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner is built for time-saving and effective deep-cleaning. Its 10” clean path widens coverage so you finish larger rooms faster. The combination of powerful suction with the included 3” tough stain tool and spraying crevice tool ensures above-floor cleaning, targeting areas that collect stubborn dirt such as stairs, upholstery, and pet beds.
This model is ideal for busy households, especially those with pets, thanks to its ability to tackle hard-to-reach messes. The upright design lets you maneuver easily across carpets without unnecessary strain. Its focus on quick cleaning means your carpets dry faster, letting you get back to your routine with minimal downtime.
- Wide 10” clean path for faster results
- Specialized tools for above-floor cleaning
- Engineered for everyday pet messes and debris
With a design focused on speed and versatility, the TurboClean Pet XL effectively keeps both floors and upholstery fresh between deep cleans, especially useful in homes with pets or regular foot traffic.
BISSELL TurboClean Pro Max Clean & Protect Upright Carpet Cleaner
The BISSELL TurboClean Pro Max Clean & Protect Upright Carpet Cleaner is purpose-built to address tough stains left behind by pets and everyday activity. Highlighted by a four-row deep reach PowerBrush, it penetrates carpet fibers to extract embedded dirt and restore a refreshed appearance to high-traffic zones.
Its powerful suction works alongside exclusive Oxy Urine Eliminator Formula, effectively lifting and removing pet messes that vacuums can’t tackle. This unit is designed for smaller spaces, making it optimal for apartments, area rugs, or quick jobs without sacrificing cleaning strength.
- Deep cleaning PowerBrush and suction system
- Tough stain removal, especially pet-related
- Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation with each purchase
This model stands out if you seek compact yet impactful cleaning for recurring stains and smaller living areas. The Pro Max Clean & Protect delivers high performance without unnecessary bulk.
BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus Upright Deep Cleaner
The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus sets itself apart with TurboStrength Motor Technology and a suite of features designed for homes with persistent pet stains. Dual Dirt Lifter PowerBrushes agitate and lift debris embedded deep within carpets, and the system is engineered for quick drying—with some surfaces ready in as little as 30 minutes.
This model comes with an 8-foot hose, a tough stain tool, and a specialized pet upholstery tool to provide flexibility across surfaces, from stairs to sofa cushions. It claims advanced odor removal, up to tackling challenging pet and skunk odors. The extended cord length increases reach without re-plugging, adding to its convenience.
- High-performance suction with quiet operation
- Multiple attachments for pet stains and upholstery
- 30-minute dry time option
Supporting the BISSELL Pet Foundation with every purchase, this upright cleaner is suitable for families looking for a comprehensive solution to pet odors and deep-set carpet stains.
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine
The Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine delivers deep cleaning through its five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes, ensuring effective agitation and stain removal from every angle. HeatForce technology aids faster drying so carpets are left clean and nearly dry promptly after treatment.
The PowerScrub is equipped with a range of multipurpose tools—including a pet-specific tool, upholstery tool, and crevice tool—which help address not only carpet stains but also furniture and hard-to-reach edges. Its dual-tank system separates clean and dirty water for simple maintenance, encouraging a thorough clean every time.
- Versatile selection of tools for deep cleaning
- SpinScrub technology targets set-in stains
- Easy-to-use dual-tank design
Whether dealing with pet messes, everyday dirt, or spill-prone households, this upright cleaner offers both power and flexibility, making it an excellent all-around choice for most homes.
Shark EX201 CarpetXpert Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner
The Shark EX201 CarpetXpert Upright Cleaner introduces several unique innovations, most notably its built-in handheld spot and stain remover. This tool, combined with Shark’s StainStriker technology, integrates two active cleaning chemicals to unleash powerful OXY action, providing around 20 times more stain-fighting capability on contact—ideal for tough pet, food, or drink stains.
Unbeatable deep cleaning is achieved through a combination of high-powered suction and advanced brush technology. The device is purpose-built for not only wall-to-wall carpets but also area rugs and upholstered surfaces, adapting to multi-surface jobs quickly and efficiently.
- StainStriker dual-chemical system for stubborn stains
- Handheld spot cleaner for targeted messes
- Optimized for carpet, rugs, and upholstery
This model is especially suitable for pet-friendly households or those seeking a machine that can manage both whole-room and spot cleaning with ease.
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine
The Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine is designed for efficiency and ease-of-use in smaller spaces. Its lightweight, compact build makes it easy to store and maneuver, ideal for apartments or homes with limited storage. Despite its size, the PowerDash is engineered for effective deep cleaning, particularly when handling pet-related messes and high-traffic zones.
Equipped with an antimicrobial PowerSpin brush roll, this model not only eliminates odors but also provides targeted scrubbing for embedded stains. The built-in HeatForce technology speeds up the drying process, minimizing downtime after cleaning sessions.
- Small, space-saving design
- Antimicrobial pet brush for odor control
- HeatForce for faster drying times
If you’re looking for a lightweight upright carpet cleaner tailored to regular clean-ups and spot treatment, the PowerDash provides strong cleaning power in a portable form.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Upright Carpet Cleaner
When searching for the best upright carpet cleaner, considering your home’s unique needs ensures lasting satisfaction. Below, key aspects are discussed to help you make an informed choice:
Cleaning Performance
The best upright carpet cleaners offer powerful suction and effective brush action. Models like the BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus and Shark EX201 CarpetXpert utilize advanced brush mechanisms and cleaning solutions to tackle deep-seated stains and pet odors. Look for features such as dual or multiple brush rolls, as well as specialized cleaning formulas for tough spots.
Tank Capacity and Water Management
Larger water tanks reduce the frequency of refills, suitable for cleaning large rooms or entire homes. Dual-tank designs, as found in the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe, keep clean and dirty water separated, ensuring optimal cleaning and simplifying maintenance.
Weight and Maneuverability
If portability and ease-of-use are priorities, lightweight models such as the Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact provide comfortable operation and are easy to store. Larger units may offer more power but consider their weight if you need to clean stairs or multiple floors.
Attachment Tools and Versatility
Look for carpet cleaners with a range of included tools, such as crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and handheld stain removers. Machines like the BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright and Shark EX201 CarpetXpert come with accessories that make it easier to clean furniture, car interiors, or other above-floor surfaces.
Drying Time
Advanced models feature technologies like HeatForce or rapid drying modes—for example, the BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution—allowing for quicker turnaround between cleans and letting you use your carpeted rooms sooner.
Pet-Focused Cleaning
Pet owners should prioritize models with antimicrobial brushes, urine eliminator formulas, or dedicated pet tools. All reviewed BISSELL models highlight this feature, ensuring removal of odors and the most stubborn stains linked to pet accidents.
Storage and Maintenance
Compact designs and easy-to-clean tanks simplify storage and upkeep. Removable parts and accessible brush rolls can make regular maintenance more manageable, ensuring continued performance for years.
Supporting Causes
Many BISSELL models proudly support the BISSELL Pet Foundation, so your purchase also goes toward animal welfare causes if that aligns with your values.
Final Comparison Factors
- Deep Cleaning: Evaluate brush strength and cleaning solution effectiveness.
- Ease-of-Use: Consider machine weight, tank emptiness process, and maneuverability.
- Accessories: More tools mean better adaptability across different surfaces.
- Dry Time: Quicker drying helps minimize disruption in busy homes.
- Brand Reliability: Top brands like Bissell, Hoover, and Shark offer robust warranties and customer support.
Assess your cleaning habits, floor areas, and specific challenges such as pet hair or high-traffic stains. The best upright carpet cleaner will be efficient, versatile, and tailored to your home’s daily demands.