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For pet hair and stains, choose an upright carpet cleaner based on where you need to clean, how easily you can maintain it, and whether its tanks and controls suit your rooms. An extractor is for wet cleaning carpet soil and stains; vacuum first to remove loose pet hair before you use it.
Will an upright carpet cleaner pick up pet hair?
Do not rely on a wet carpet cleaner to collect loose hair. Vacuum the carpet first, then use the extractor for wet cleaning. This is practical cleaning guidance, not a claim that every machine has been tested under the same conditions. Ideal Home distinguishes vacuuming from using a wet carpet cleaner.
Match the cleaner to where you need to clean
Whole-room carpet
For large carpeted areas, compare clean- and dirty-water tank capacities. Larger tanks may mean fewer refills or emptying stops, but the useful capacity depends on the rooms and how you clean. Hoover lists a one-gallon clean tank and a half-gallon dirty tank for its SmartWash PET Complete. Check the exact model’s specifications rather than assuming another cleaner or bundle has the same capacity.
Stairs, upholstery, and localized messes
If you need to clean stairs, furniture, or isolated accidents, look for a hose and the right hand tool. Hoover lists an 8-foot hose and a pet tool for the SmartWash PET Complete. BISSELL Australia lists a pet upholstery tool and stain tools for its Revolution HydroSteam 3670F. These are examples of listed features, not evidence that either product cleans stains better. The BISSELL page describes the Australian-market 3670F; model names and included tools can vary by market and package.
#1 Best Overall
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. Every purchase makes it possible for BISSELL to continue our support of BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission of saving pets in need.
- OUTCLEANS THE COMPETITIVE LIGHTWEIGHT CARPET CLEANER*. This machine tackles tough everyday & pet messes made on carpet & area rugs in small spaces.
- 4-ROW DEEPREACH POWERBRUSH. Combined with powerful suction, this brush removes ground-in dirt & stains in high traffic areas that vacuums leave behind.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT. Designed for simple storage & to easily maneuver within tight spaces.
- PRO MAX CLEAN + PROTECT. Pair with our most powerful formula with StainProtect Technology to defend against future stains.
Check cleanup and maintenance access
Wet cleaning leaves parts that need attention after use. Check whether you can remove and rinse the tanks, nozzle, and brush roll or brush-roll cover. Hoover lists removable tanks, nozzle, and brush roll on the SmartWash PET Complete; BISSELL Australia describes a removable brush-roll cover on the 3670F. Easier access can make inspection and cleanup more straightforward, but it does not establish cleaning performance.
Understand extraction and drying features
Compare the machine’s extraction controls and any dry-only mode. Hoover lists a dry-only mode and HeatForce technology for the SmartWash PET Complete. Those are manufacturer-described features, not independently verified drying-time results. Do not treat a feature name or product description as proof that carpet will dry faster than with another model.
Rank #2
- PROFESSIONAL-LEVEL STAIN REMOVAL AT HOME: Achieve pro results without the cost with the Hoover PowerScrub. Five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes attack stains from multiple angles while HeatForce technology provides faster drying.
- DEEP CLEAN EVERY SURFACE: Transform dirty carpets, refresh upholstery, and tackle pet accidents anywhere with included 8 ft hose and specialized attachments - ideal for stairs, furniture, car interiors and hard-to-reach corners where messes hide.
- DUAL TANK TECHNOLOGY: Separate clean and dirty water tanks ensure you're always cleaning with fresh solution and are easy to fill, empty and rinse. Auto Mix creates the perfect ratio of water to cleaning solution for consistent results every time.
- COMPLETE CLEANING KIT INCLUDED: Everything you need in one box - upholstery tool for furniture, pet tool for stubborn messes, crevice tool for tight spaces, 8 ft hose for extended reach, plus sample Hoover cleaning solution to start cleaning immediately.
- PAIR WITH HOOVER CLEANING SOLUTION: For a bright, refreshed home, use the PowerScrub Deluxe with a Hoover carpet shampoo solution. Tackle pet messes with our Pet formula or clean everyday stains with our Everyday solutions.
Choose a compatible cleaning solution
Follow the instructions for the exact machine. Hoover identifies its Paws & Claws formula for upright carpet cleaners. The BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam user guide says to use BISSELL formulas made for upright carpet cleaners. These model-specific directions do not establish that the formulas are interchangeable or suitable for every brand.
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- Reach: Check hose length and which stair, upholstery, pet, or stain tools are included in the package you will buy.
- Tank size: Compare clean- and dirty-water capacities with the size of your rooms and your tolerance for refilling and emptying.
- Maintenance: Look for removable parts you can rinse and inspect after wet use.
- Storage and handling: Check the exact model’s weight, cord length, and footprint against your storage space and cleaning routine.
- Instructions: Review the model-specific manual for solution compatibility and care requirements before purchasing formula.
Specifications, bundles, and availability can change. Hoover’s current carpet-cleaner category shows multiple upright options aimed at different use cases, so verify the exact product listing and included accessories. Manufacturer feature lists describe what a product includes; they do not provide a comparable independent test of pet-hair pickup or stain removal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT: Featuring a lightweight and compact design, the Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaning Machine provides efficient cleaning power and easy storage. It's an excellent choice for small homes and apartments.
- SMALL BUT MIGHTY: This upright carpet cleaner is perfect for pet messes, high traffic areas, area rugs and small spaces. The antimicrobial PowerSpin pet brush roll helps protect against pet odors.
- FASTER DRYING: Built with HeatForce technology, the PowerDash helps you enjoy clean, dry carpets in no time.
- INCLUDES CLEAN PACKS SAMPLE: This Hoover carpet cleaner machine comes with 14 of our Paws & Claws Clean Packs. Featuring a powerful enzymatic formula, just add a pack to your tank to tackle tough pet messes like urine, vomit and tracked-in dirt.
Rank #4
- CLEAN MORE CARPET TO SAVE TIME. This machine is designed to save cleaning time and help you get back to your everyday life faster.
- 10” CLEAN PATH. Gives you wide cleaning coverage with a powerful and refreshed clean path.
- ABOVE FLOOR CLEANING FOR HARD TO REACH AREAS. Take on baseboards, stairs, upholstery, pet beds and more with the 3” Tough Stain Tool and Spraying Crevice Tool.
- FEWER REFILLS WHILE CLEANING. 1 gallon clean tank means fewer trips to the sink.
- REMOVE TOUGH PET STAINS AND DANDER ALLERGENS. 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush works with included PRO MAX Clean and Protect formula with StainProtect Technology and bonus Pet Stain and Odor + Antibacterial Formula.
Rank #3
- PROFESSIONAL DEEP CLEANING FOR PET MESSES: Removes the toughest pet stains & odors.
- ATTACKS SPOTS & STAINS: The CleanShot Pretreater with OXY permanently removes pet stains and eliminates tough odors like cat urine and even skunk. StainProtect Technology prevents future stains.
- FRESHSTART ODOR PROTECTION: Continuously helps prevent odors & maintain freshness in your machine with antimicrobial brush rolls and a FreshStart Dirt Tank.
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO CLEAN: Get professional results in MAX Clean Mode, or leave carpets dry in about 30 minutes in Express Clean Mode1
- 2-IN-1 PET UPHOLSTERY TOOL, 3” TOUGH STAIN TOOL, & 8FT HOSE: Remove wet & dry pet hair or tough embedded stains from furniture, pet beds, stairs, & more!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
