When is the last time you had your carpets professionally cleaned? This can be a pricey task, depending on the kind and number of carpets you have. For this reason, you might want to consider buying a commercial carpet cleaner.
Regardless of whether you’re looking to become a professional carpet cleaner or you just need a carpet cleaning machine for your floors, you should consider a few things. The market is packed with commercial carpet cleaners, but only a few are actually worthy of your attention.
Ending up with a machine that has insufficient suction power or is too bulky would result in a disaster. Luckily, we researched the market and reviewed a few models to help you to find the best commercial carpet cleaner.
Below you’ll find a few cleaners and all about their pros and cons, as well as a short guide on how to choose the best one for you.
Product Name | Capacity | Weight | Hose Length |
---|---|---|---|
Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine, 86T3 | 1.75 GAL | 48 lbs | 9 ft |
Rug Doctor 95735 Wide Track Carpet Cleaner | 1 GAL | 44 lbs | 12 ft |
JaniLink Premium 500 PSI Portable Carpet Extractor Machine | 13 GAL | 135 lbs | 25 ft |
Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner, FH52000 | 1 GAL | 18.49 lbs | 8 ft |
Mytee Lite 8070 Carpet Extractor Machine | 4 GAL | 48 lbs | 15 ft |
EDIC Galaxy Commercial Carpet Cleaning Extractor | 12 GAL solution tank & 11 GAL recovery tank | 78 lbs | 25 ft |
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner, Lightweight, FH50700 | 0.5 GAL | 12.5 lbs | N/A |
Top 7 Commercial Carpet Cleaners for the Money
Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine, 86T3
This extra-large commercial carpet cleaner has two 1.75 gallons, which should be enough for cleaning different large spaces. The dual-tank design allows the machine to separate dirty water from clean. Its large power brush allows deep scrubbing, so it’s suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
It sports powerful suction, which helps shorten the drying time as much as possible. It cleans on both forward and backward pass, so it cleans faster, allowing the carpet to dry faster as well.
The cleaner comes with a Bissell professional formula for you to try. It’s a powerful product that enhances the cleaner’s performance.
This one features a 25′ long power cable and a 9′ hose. It comes with a 6” tough stain tool that lets you spray and scrub stubborn spots and stains on upholstery and stairs.
Pros
- Suitable for tough pet stains
- Two water tanks
- Comes with a trial-size cleaning formula
Cons
- Tends to leave upholstery wet
Rug Doctor 95735 Wide Track Carpet Cleaner
This Rug Doctor cleaner comes pre-assembled, which is quite uncommon for such a large machine. Nonetheless, it comes ready to use, so you can start cleaning right away.
It’s a big and bulky cleaner, so make sure to have enough storage space. Keep in mind that you can fold the handle, which does make storage a bit easier. The machine comes with a universal hand tool that’s ideal for upholstery, stairs, and other similar areas.
Another important thing to mention is its maneuverability. Although it’s big and bulky, Doctor Rug is easy to maneuver with thanks to its wheels. It comes with large 6-inch wheels that help you push and pull the cleaner around with ease.
It works with a vibrating brush that helps loosen and pick up even the most persistent dirt from your carpeting.
Pros
- Suitable for deep cleaning
- Durable construction
- Vibrating brush
Cons
- Might leave some areas wet
JaniLink Premium 500 PSI Portable Carpet Extractor Machine
JaniLink is one of the most portable carpet cleaners. It’s been around for some ten years, so you can be sure of its quality and longevity.
The cleaner has three two-stage motors that provide powerful suction. Since each motor provides two stages, you get a total of six stages when it comes to suction power.
One of the most important things to notice is its 228-inch water-lifting power. This means that the cleaner can pick up nearly everything hiding within your carpeting. It’s suitable for pet owners and allergy-prone people.
It has two water heaters, so it heats up quickly, allowing you to wrap the job in less time than ever. Its 500 PSI pump is combined with the 11-gallon solution tank and a 13-gallon recovery tank to provide the most convenient and thorough cleaning.
Pros
- Heats can work individually
- 25′ vacuum hose
- 12 ” full-length wand with dual jets
Cons
- Weighs 135 pounds
Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner, FH52000
Hoover Smartwash might be the best carpet cleaner from the brand. It’s an automatic machine, featuring an innovative automatic cleaning technology that makes it much easier to use.
It works when you push it forward to clean, pulling it back to dry the area. The cleaner has an auto-clean motion sensing design that helps it detect the type of carpet it’s on.
Another automatic feature is the Auto-Mix that mixes and dispenses the solution in the right amounts depending on the kind of carpet. Auto-Dry ensures that the area you cleaned is completely dry by using powerful suction with HeatForce technology.
This one comes with a shampoo sample bottle, an 8′ long hose, and a 2-in-1 pet tool. It has FlexForce brushes that are gentle yet efficient and powerful.
Pros
- Automatic operation
- Low profile foot
- Pet tool included
Cons
- Insufficient drying
Mytee Lite 8070 Carpet Extractor Machine
This large carpet cleaning comes with 4-gallon tanks and a 15′ long hose but weighs only 48 pounds, which is relatively lightweight for a carpet shampooer. Commercial carpet cleaners are often much heavier, so this one is simple to use and carry around.
It comes with a new 3-stage motor, producing 100 CFM and a 130” water lift. It can tackle most types of carpets thanks to its 1,000-watt in-line heater. The hot water helps the cleaner to break up the dirt, pet stains, and grease found on your carpeting.
It also comes with a faucet fill hose for its solution tank. Recovery tank drain hose is also included in the package. Its 15′ hose and 1.25” internal solution hose makes the vacuum easy to maneuver with and use at any time.
Pros
- 8400P Air Lite upholstery tool
- Powerful heater
- 4 gallons
Cons
- Short power cord
EDIC Galaxy Commercial Carpet Cleaning Extractor
Edic Galaxy commercial carpet cleaner is a large but easy-to-use machine. It features a 12-gallon solution tank and an 11-gallon recovery tank for maximum efficiency and ease of use.
The cleaner is powered by powerful dual 2-stage motors, sporting 100 PSI, and a 150” water lift. This is enough power to extract even the most persistent stains and embedded dirt. It comes with a 12′ vacuum and solution hose.
This is a professional choice when it comes to reliability and ease of use. It’s made of sturdy and durable materials, so it can handle rougher and more frequent use.
Also, there’s an option of using a 2000-watt external heater that you can add at any time. This increases its overall lifespan and efficiency by not exposing any of the components to 210° heat.
Specifications
- Capacity: 12 GAL solution tank & 11 GAL recovery tank
- Weight: 78 lbs
- Hose Length: 25 ft
Pros
- Strong suction
- Deep clean performance
- Easy to use
Cons
- Heavy (78 pounds)
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner, Lightweight, FH50700
This is another great model that stands out in Hoover’s line of commercial carpet cleaners. It’s a more innovative machine, weighing only 12.5 pounds, which is quite lightweight for a carpet shampooer.
Hoover PowerDash carpet cleaner has plenty of cleaning power that makes it ideal for high-traffic areas and tight spaces. It comes with a Powerspin Pet Brush that delivers powerful carpet cleaning while protecting your carpets from damage.
It heats up quickly, providing a faster drying time, which is always important. On top of that, its dual tank system allows you to keep dirty water away from the clean.
This one has a low profile, which allows you to clean under furniture with ease as it’s where most grime and dirt builds up.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- 10” cleaning path
- Fast drying time
Cons
- Loud operation
Buying Considerations
Although each of these machines does an amazing job, choosing between as many cleaners for your carpeted areas can be a bit challenging. The best way of choosing a carpet shampooer is first to consider your needs and preferences. Think about the type of carpet you have and what kind of dirt you usually deal with.
However, there are a few other things to consider that are equally as critical. Take a minute to discover these factors and why they’re important.
Storage
Carpet cleaners are usually big and heavy, so storing them might be a problem for some people. If you usually struggle with storage space, you should go for more compact and lightweight machines.
Its size and weight matter that much more if you intend to use it every day or at least a few times a week. Storing a large and heavy cleaner and trying to pull it out of storage several times a week is dreadful and tiring.
For this reason, look for a machine that’s easy to use and store. Some models are even foldable to make this easier for you.
Price Point
You should have a precisely defined budget in mind before you start your search for the best commercial carpet cleaner.
These machines can cost anywhere from $300 to $3000, so you should try to narrow your options as much as possible. Luckily, some of the most efficient carpet cleaner machines are considered affordable.
However, keep in mind that you should try to focus more on the features and specifications you need than the price tag.
Pets
Cleaning after pets can be quite tricky, but this is an important factor to consider when buying a carpets cleaner. Animals leave hair and dander, so you need a powerful machine to extract that dirt.
You probably won’t have to deal with any heavy-duty stains, but even if you do, a carpet cleaner shouldn’t struggle with this. It should clean pet stains, and extract all the hair and dander from carpet fibers.
Read More: Top Carpet Cleaning Machines for Pet Owners
Portability
Portability is an issue when it comes to carpet cleaner machines because they’re typically large and heavy. This can make it difficult to push and pull around or carry them from one room to another.
However, some machines are heavier than others, so you can still find a lightweight cleaner that fits your needs. Any cleaner that weighs less than 50 pounds is, in this case, considered lightweight.
Look for a machine that has wheels as well. Wheels, especially if they’re larger, make a big difference in portability and ease of use.
Cleaning Performance
Just as there are several types of carpets, there are also several types of commercial carpet cleaners. Some are versatile, while others are best to be used on particular surfaces.
If a cleaner uses a lot of water, it can damage the carpet’s construction over time. On the other hand, the dry method can yellow certain carpeting.
Some machines leave your floors moist, so think about if you can give them enough time to dry fully.
Warranty
Warranty is always an important factor, regardless of what you’re buying. It’s no difference when it comes to commercial carpet cleaners, so make sure to give the matter a good thought.
Still, warranties range from brand to brand. Make sure to double-check how long the deal lasts and what it is that it covers for. In most cases, the duration is the only thing that differs as most warranty deals are quite similar.
Cleaning Chemicals
Nearly every carpet cleaner uses chemicals to achieve satisfactory results. However, this is something you should be careful with because chemicals can be harmful.
Not only can you damage your carpeting, but some of these chemicals can be harmful to your pets as well. For this reason, make sure to use only the solutions you receive with your machine. Bissell often sands a sample bottom with its machines, so you might want to test it out.
Accessories
As you probably noticed, carpet cleaners don’t really come with as many accessories. In most cases, you receive an extension hose and possibly a crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas.
Things like an upholstery tool and a telescopic handle are usually sold separately. Still, this isn’t so bad because it gives you a chance to figure out whether or not you even need additional accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
How to use a commercial carpet cleaner?
A: The first thing you should do is remove all the furniture from the area you want to clean. If you have large and heavy furniture that you can’t move, you should cover the legs with plastic bags so that they don’t get wet.
Test the cleaning product on a remote part of your carpet to make sure that it won’t damage the carpet fibers in any way. Also, make sure to vacuum the carpet using your regular, full-size vacuum.
Treat all heavy stains beforehand by using 1/4 cup of carpet shampoo with two cups of warm water. Make the mixture in a spray bottle and dampen the stained area. Let it sit for five to ten minutes before cleaning the stain.
Clean in straight lines because random cleaning isn’t as precise. You might miss some spots unless you go in a more straight pattern. Rinse the carpet as it’s recommended by the manufacturer and allow it to dry completely before vacuuming again.
Q:
Do I need a commercial carpet cleaner?
A: You should get a commercial carpet cleaner if you’re a commercial operator. Some commercial operators choose to stick with consumer-grade cleaners, but that’s definitely not the best way of doing things.
Consumer-grade cleaners might work for smaller tasks, but if you’re a professional, you need a professional machine as well.
But, you can benefit from having a commercial carpet cleaner even if you’re not a commercial operator. If your house is largely carpeted, it will take you much less time to clean the floors with a professional machine. Plus, commercial cleaners are more powerful than consumer-grade ones, so you can do a much better job with the right cleaner.
Think about the task at hand and whether a commercial carpet cleaner can help you with it.
Q:
Do I need thorough carpet cleaning if the carpet is only a year old?
A: You should clean your carpet regularly from the first day of purchase. Waiting for the carpet to look dirty is a common mistake that might cost you a lot of time, money, and effort. Dirt and debris builds up inside the carpet fibers all the time, and waiting for them to show up is a big mistake.
Dust buildup will eventually cause wear and tear, so you’ll have to replace your carpet even though it’s not as old.
Q:
Why not rent a commercial carpet cleaner?
A: Renting is an option, but a risky one. It’s great as an idea, but in practice, it often does more harm than it helps. In other words, you can damage your carpet because these machines are often not as well taken care of.
Water that’s placed inside isn’t always taken out as efficiently. Your carpet might need a longer time to dry, possibly developing mold and mildew.
These machines are typically advertised as universal, but what works for one carpet might not be the best for some other. Also, a rented commercial carpet cleaner might break in your possession.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to deep clean your carpets than with the best commercial carpet cleaner. Still, people often struggle with choosing a commercial carpet cleaner because there are as many models to choose from.
The key to success is in focusing on your needs and preferences. Think about what you need from your commercial machine before you purchase any model in particular. These machines are typically quite pricey, and the last thing you want to do is waste your money on a commercial cleaner that doesn’t fit your needs.
Also, the information in our buyer’s guide can help you figure out what you should focus on. Think about these factors as you go through our reviews, and we’re sure you’ll find the best commercial carpet cleaner for your needs.
Sources and Resources
- Carpet Allergies: What’s Really Causing Your Symptoms?
– https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/carpet-allergies
- Cleaning carpets to reduce allergies?
– https://acaai.org/resources/connect/ask-allergist/cleaning-carpets-reduce-allergies