Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners of 2026
Are your soft surfaces in need of a deep clean? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone: our research shows most people wait to wash chairs, car interiors, and carpet until there’s a deep-set stain or visible layer of dirt and grime.
But there’s no reason to put off deep cleaning until you’re overdue. With your own carpet and upholstery cleaner you can easily tackle sudden messes and maintenance cleaning on your own schedule.
In this guide we walk through the different types of deep cleaners available, break down how they clean, and recommend specific models for washing different messes, surfaces, and spaces.

Best carpet cleaner for big spaces

Best deep cleaners for small spaces


Best deep cleaner for car detailing

Best carpet cleaners for kid-friendly homes


Best deep cleaner for pet parents


Best deep cleaner for upholstery

Best formulas for carpet cleaning machines

What is the difference between an upright deep cleaner and a portable one?
Upright carpet cleaners can easily clean large, carpeted areas. They tend to look like traditional vacuum cleaners. However, a deep cleaner uses its rotating brush roll to massage cleaning formula into carpet, then applies suction to remove or extract the spent solution. Some upright machines have an extension hose for deep cleaning stairs and furniture.
Portable upholstery cleaners are smaller. They come with handheld scrubbing tools for spot cleaning carpet or deep cleaning upholstery, stairs, and vehicle interiors. Like upright carpet cleaners, portable deep cleaners have separate tanks for clean and dirty water. Some portable machines are cordless, which makes them especially convenient for quick cleanups.
Who needs a deep cleaner?
If you have carpeted floors, rugs, upholstered furniture, or a vehicle, you will find plenty of uses for a deep cleaning machine. Pet owners turn to deep cleaners for keeping carpet and upholstery free from pet accidents, muddy paw prints, and pet smells. Families use carpet cleaners to quickly remove sticky spills inside homes and cars and to prep their spaces for company.
How do deep cleaners work?
Carpet and upholstery cleaners take a spray-scrub-suction approach. The machine delivers cleaning formula to soft surfaces such as carpet and upholstery, then scrub brushes work the formula deep into the material and suction power removes residual formula and stain.
Pairing a deep cleaner with BISSELL® formula delivers the best results. These cleaning solutions were specially developed by chemists to deliver maximum cleaning power for different stains.