Decide how you'll use your carpet cleaner and what type of cleaning is best. Carpet cleaners that use foam cleaning as well as steam are available, and one type may be better for your carpet. Check with the carpet manufacturer to see if there are any recommendations about what to use. If you plan on using a carpet cleaner on a regular basis to clean an entire room, you'll want a vacuum-size carpet cleaner. It can handle tough jobs and cleans deep. Small vacuum carpet cleaners are available if you don't need something quite as powerful or want a cheaper deal.
Families with children or pets who only need their carpet cleaner for tough stains and spots should try a portable or spot carpet cleaner. These kits clean small areas and are much cheaper than the larger cleaner. The downside is they can't do a whole room unless you want to cover it an inch at a time, and they will not provide the same deep cleaning.
Common Pitfalls
Buying the wrong size carpet cleaner not only wastes your money but is inefficient. When in doubt, try a smaller cleaner first, and buy a bigger one when you need it. It's also important to pick up the cleaner at the store to make sure it's not too heavy. If you're the one who cleans the house, but it's too heavy for you to easily maneuver, you'll have problems when you get it home. Check for a warranty on the carpet cleaner before making a purchase.
Where To Buy
Stores such as Wal-Mart and Target carry carpet cleaners. Companies that sell vacuums and other cleaning appliances sell both in-store and online. Amazon.com and HSN.com sell a large variety of carpet cleaners in all sizes and types.
Cost
When buying a large carpet cleaner, expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $300, depending on features and size. Medium-size carpet cleaners run in the $100 to $200 range. The smaller spot cleaners start at just under $100, and prices go up to $150. The price largely depends on the size of the carpet cleaner and how deeply it can clean.
