✔️ Warranty: Some manufacturers will void the warranty if you don’t use their brand of cleaner. Always be sure to check the manufacturer’s website or the user manual. Most machines come with one-year limited warranties while some may offer longer ones.
✔️ Brush: A carpet cleaner with a powered rotating brush can reduce the effort out of removing stains from your carpet. A switch to turn off the brush when cleaning delicate fabrics is a plus. Without a powered rotating brush, you’ll have manually to scrub the stain with the built-in stationary scrub brush.
✔️ Tank size: Large tanks allow for less frequent refilling and emptying for larger jobs, but remember that large tanks weigh more when full and can be harder to carry up and down stairs. A 64-ounce tank filled with solution and water will add 4 pounds of weight to the machine. If you know you will be frequently cleaning up stains or cleaning large areas, a larger machine might be handier than a smaller one.
✔️ Cordless vs. corded: A cordless cleaner is more portable, making it a great choice for car cleaning. Check how long it runs and how long it needs to recharge, especially if you’re using it for bigger jobs. You won’t have to worry about battery life with a corded model, though you’ll be tethered to a cleaning radius determined by the nearest outlet.
✔️ Weight: Carpet cleaners with hoses stand on their own while you’re using them so all you’re really lifting is the weight of the nozzle, but they will still need toting from room to room and perhaps up and down stairs. With handheld models, you’re holding the entire weight of the machine while you are doing the cleaning, so look for one that will be manageable even when full of water and solution.
