Floor and carpet cleaners

Floor and carpet cleaners in our range include carpet extractors, wet and dry vacuum cleaners, hard floor cleaners and handheld spot cleaners. They suit households with pets, children or light carpets, as well as small workshops and offices. BISSELL and Kärcher make up most of the range of over 40 models, alongside Dyson and Taurus.

How to choose a floor or carpet cleaner

Type of cleaning. A carpet extractor sprays cleaning solution into the fibres and sucks the dirty water back out, so it is the right tool for deep cleaning rugs, carpets and upholstery. A hard floor cleaner or wet and dry vacuum is better if most of your home has tiles, laminate or sealed wood. If you need both, look for a model that lists carpet and hard floor modes.

Corded or cordless. Corded machines keep their suction and run time constant, which matters for large carpeted areas and for workshop use. Cordless models are easier to carry up stairs and use for quick spills, but the battery limits how much floor you can clean in one go.

Tank size and weight. Separate clean and dirty water tanks are standard on extractors, and a larger tank means fewer trips to the sink. Remember that a full machine is considerably heavier than an empty one, so check the weight if you have stairs or a bad back.

Spot cleaning and attachments. A handheld tool or upholstery nozzle lets you treat stains on sofas, car seats and stairs. Pet owners should look for a brush roll that is easy to remove, because hair wraps around it quickly.

Running costs and upkeep. Many carpet cleaners work best with the maker's own cleaning solution, so check what the machine recommends. Emptying and rinsing the tanks after every use prevents smells and keeps the filters working.

Brands we carry

• BISSELL: a specialist in carpet washers and deep cleaners for the home, known for models that wash and vacuum in one pass. Products sold under BISSELL Homecare are part of the same group.
• Kärcher: a German company best known for pressure washers, with wet and dry vacuums and floor cleaners that are also used in commercial settings.
• Dyson: known for bagless cordless vacuum cleaners with cyclonic suction, and a good starting point if you want a brand you can compare with its dry vacuums.
• Dreame Technology: focuses on robot vacuums and cordless wet and dry cleaners that combine vacuuming and mopping.
• Cecotec: a Spanish brand known for its Conga robot vacuums and affordable household appliances.

Also in our range: Taurus, Proficare, Tefal, Midea, Proscenic and Philips.

Frequently asked questions about floor and carpet cleaners

What is the difference between a carpet cleaner and a vacuum cleaner?

A vacuum cleaner removes dry dust and debris, while a carpet cleaner washes the fibres with water and cleaning solution and then extracts the dirty liquid. Many people vacuum first and use a carpet cleaner every few months for stains and deep dirt. Some wet and dry models can do both jobs.

Can I use a floor cleaner on every type of floor?

No, you should always check the maker's instructions for the floor type. Tiles, vinyl and sealed floors usually handle wet cleaning well, but untreated wood or poorly sealed laminate can be damaged by too much water. Carpet and rug cleaning needs a machine designed for it.

How often should I clean carpets with a carpet cleaner?

Most households clean carpets deeply once or twice a year, and more often in homes with pets, young children or heavy foot traffic. Treat fresh spills straight away with a spot cleaner, as stains are much harder to remove once they dry.

Can I use ordinary detergent in a carpet cleaner?

It is best not to, because washing-up liquid and laundry detergent create too much foam and can leave residue in the carpet. Use the solution recommended by the manufacturer, which is formulated for the machine and avoids damage to the pump and tanks.