Which Home Depot Carpet Cleaner Is Best?
If you’re looking for a carpet cleaner that can reliably clean any type of carpet, Home Depot has a range of options, from upright models to more portable models. These machines use a combination of cleaning solution, vacuum, and brushes to penetrate deep into the carpet and lift debris, dirt, spills, and odors. The best carpet cleaner you can find at Home Depot is the Hoover PowerScrub Elite Pet Upright Carpet Cleanerwhich offers a convenient quick-dry feature so you can reuse your floors sooner.
What to know before buying a Home Depot carpet cleaner
Function and type
A carpet cleaner washes and removes deep stains using a special detergent or carpet shampoo. These machines work by using brushes that penetrate the thick fibers of the carpet to release a foam, scrub and dislodge dirt, dander, hair, dust and debris through suction.
Some people confuse carpet cleaners with steam cleaners, but they differ in one main way. Steamers do not use chemicals to clean. Instead, they use steam to loosen the dirt which will then be vacuumed up.
There are two main types of carpet cleaners:
- Straight: These look like modern vacuum cleaners. They are easy to use and can handle large rooms or entire homes. Vertical models are usually heavier than laptops between 30 and 50 pounds. They are also often more powerful, making them ideal for deep cleaning difficult areas.
- Portable: Portable cleaners are easier to move because they usually weigh between 20 and 40 pounds. They excel in deep cleaning. But, since they are small, they are not as effective on large areas. For this reason, they are best for tackling sudden messes or small houses.
Home Depot sells several high quality carpet cleaners. Each has its own brushes, hoses and accessories that make cleaning easy and efficient. Some are equipped with special rotating brushes that rub the fibers of the carpet, allowing a deeper cleaning than that obtained with a fixed brush. Some of their carpet cleaners also come with extension tools that work well on upholstery, stairs, or in tight spaces.
Frequency
In general, you should use a Home Depot carpet cleaner once every six to 18 months. The exact frequency depends on the following factors:
- Pedestrian traffic: The fewer people in your home or the less use a certain rug has, the less frequently you need to clean it. In low traffic homes, use the cleaner once every 12-18 months. If you have several people living with you or if you have regular meetings, consider cleaning the carpet every three months or so.
- General carpet care: If you vacuum your carpet regularly, don’t wear shoes at home, and clean up spills immediately, you can clean it once every 12 months or so.
- Mat type: For homes with thicker carpets, it may be necessary to clean them every three to six months. In low pile or flatter carpets, use the machine every six to 12 months instead.
- Animals and children: Households with children or pets need more regular cleaning, or once every six to 12 months. Pets in particular cause a lot of hair, dander and dirt that can get stuck in the carpet.
Maintenance
You should perform regular maintenance on your Home Depot carpet cleaner, especially if you use it frequently. Before cleaning, make sure it is unplugged from any power source.
Here are the best ways to maintain your machine and make sure it lasts a long time:
- Clean lint and hair: Lint, hair and other debris can easily get caught in the machine. If the carpet cleaner is equipped with a screen or filter, empty it after each use. This can improve aspiration for the future.
- Maintenance of nozzles and hoses: Using water from a faucet or garden hose, clean the nozzles and pipes to remove excess debris.
- Tank maintenance: After using the machine, empty the contents of the tanks. Replace them with clean water and rinse them. Let them air dry completely.
- Dust the exterior: Disinfect or dust the exterior of the carpet cleaner with a damp cloth each time you use it. This will reduce allergens.
What to Look for in a Quality Home Depot Carpet Cleaner
tanks
Almost all Home Depot carpet cleaners come with two tanks. A tank is used to store the cleaning solution, which you can mix with clean water before using the machine. The other tank is for storing dirty water that the machine produces when it vacuums debris and other objects from the carpet.
The larger the tanks, the longer the carpet cleaner can run without you needing to replace the cleaning solution or empty them. Some machines have a tank capacity of around 1 gallon, while smaller ones can only hold 1/4 gallon. Generally, portable machines have smaller tanks than upright machines.
Suction
Most Home Depot carpet cleaners have built-in suction. If not, vacuum thoroughly until the carpet is no longer damp. Leaving the rug too damp could damage the fibers or lead to the growth of mold or odors.
The more suction power a carpet cleaner has, the more effective it is at cleaning. However, higher suction also means using more power. There are, however, modern energy-efficient models, which can help reduce energy consumption. Portable machines generally have less suction power than upright models.
Rope length
Home Depot carpet cleaners typically have cord lengths between 14 and 20 feet, although some models have longer cords. Consider the area to be cleaned and compare it to the length of the cord. This way, you can clean the carpet with minimal hassle.
How much you can expect to spend on a Home Depot carpet cleaner
Most Home Depot carpet cleaners cost between $90 and $300. Some of the higher end models also work as standard vacuum cleaners.
Home Depot Carpet Cleaner FAQ
What else should I consider when using a carpet cleaner?
A. Make sure to ventilate the area well so that the vapors generated by the machine can escape. Once you’ve cleaned an area, wait for it to dry completely before placing furniture or other solid objects there. For best results, start in a corner and move the machine up and down slowly and steadily. Each time you spin the machine, let the rows overlap by about an inch so you don’t miss any sections.
Can a carpet cleaner damage my carpet?
A. Although rare, a carpet cleaner can damage the carpet, especially if it uses rotating brushes or has strong suction. This can also happen if the rug is thin or has weak fibers. Carpets break down over time, so using a machine on an older carpet could also damage it. Finally, test any new cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t harm the carpet.
What is the best Home Depot carpet cleaner to buy?
Home Depot Top Carpet Cleaner
Hoover PowerScrub Elite Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner
What do you want to know: This powerful upright carpet cleaner is ideal for anyone who wants professional deep cleaning in a smaller area.
What you will love: It has two large tanks that are easy to fill and empty. It also automatically mixes the right amount of cleaning solution for any job. This machine has several modes, including a deep cleaning mode and a quick cleaning mode. Quick Clean Mode comes with HeatForce which speeds up drying.
What you should consider: Since it is large, cleaning this machine may take some time.
Or buy: Sold by Home deposit
Best Home Depot Carpet Cleaner for the Money
Hoover PowerDash Go Portable Spot Cleaner
What do you want to know: This easy-to-use cleaner is perfect for spot cleaning or cleaning smaller carpets.
What you will love: Lightweight and portable, this machine comes with two tanks, one for cleaning solution and one for dirty water. It works well on upholstery and car interiors. Plus, it can tackle pet messes with ease. It also has a 14 foot long cord. The solution tank holds 0.06 gallons and the collection tank holds 0.09 gallons.
What you should consider: Since it weighs just over 6 1/2 pounds, it can tip over quite easily. It is also not intended for large spaces.
Or buy: Sold by Home deposit
Worth checking out
Hoover Professional Series Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
What do you want to know: This portable model can tackle any mess with ease, especially in smaller rooms.
What you will love: It comes with versatile tools to tackle different messes. It also features self-cleaning technology that makes machine maintenance easier and reduces bacteria growth or dirt buildup. It has a 14 foot long cord and two tanks.
What you should consider: The tanks are relatively small.
Or buy: Sold by Home deposit
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Angela Watson written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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