Tip of the day: Buy the right vacuum

Vacuums are popular with visitors to ConsumerReports.org and readers of Consumer Reports—indeed, "vacuum" is among the most widely searched terms on our Web site. Manufacturers, seeming to have picked up on your interest, continue to introduce new models and new types with myriad bells and whistles and claimed benefits. We'll even be testing one model designed to use ultraviolet light to kill dust mites.

(Consumer Reports has been testing vacs for decades, as illustrated by the circa-1954 photograph shown. In this image, a technician is measuring the suction ability of a vacuum.)
 
Given this crowded market filled with topnotch performers as well as middling models, it's essential to match the type of vacuum you choose to the kind of cleaning you typically do. Below you'll find a description of the common types and the pros and cons of each.

Once you know which style you want, read our latest reports on vacuums and wet/dry models and refer to our Ratings of upright, canister, wet/dry (available to subscribers) to choose the right model for your home. Before you shop, be sure to watch our exclusive video buying guide.

UPRIGHT
Best for deep-cleaning carpets. Most upright vacuums are less expensive and easier to store than canister vacuums.

But you must push and pull the entire machine for most floor and carpet cleaning. When you’re vacuuming on stairs, an upright is less stable than canister models.

Price: $100 to $500 for most models

CANISTER
Best for cleaning bare floors, and stairs, drapes, and upholstery using tools. Canisters are more stable on stairs than uprights. The head fits under furniture, and you move only the head and hose.

But the entire machine tends to be heavier, bulkier, and pricier. Most aren’t as effective on carpets.

Price: $150 to $700 for most models

STICK SWEEPER
Best for light cleaning of carpets, bare floors, and edges. These suctionless sweepers are relatively quiet and have long battery run times.

But they’re not designed to deep-clean carpets, and on bare floors they might scatter debris, such as rice, kitty litter, and other common spills for which they’re designed.

Price: $20 to $80

STICK VACUUM
Best for light-duty cleaning on short-pile carpets and bare floors.

But they have trouble cleaning larger items off carpet and deliver shorter run times than sweepers, and some are no easier to push than full-size vacuums.

Price: $30 to $100

WET/DRY
Best for cleaning heavy dust, remodeling debris, liquids, and other tougher messes.

But dust emissions are high with some models. The largest can be hard to maneuver and store; the cheapest often aren’t very effective. All are noisy.

Price: $30 to $150 for most models

HAND
Best for spot cleanups on carpets and bare floors.

But you need to stoop when using one, and most handhelds lose power quickly, making them suitable only for occasional use.

Price: $20 to $60

ROBOTIC
Best for their novelty and low effort between regular vacuuming in uncluttered rooms.

But they’re expensive as a group and time-consuming to set up and run. In our test, most also tended to miss edges and corners.

Price: $200 to $1,800

CENTRAL SYSTEM
Best for canisterlike cleaning without carrying the body. They tend to be relatively quiet and can be emptied infrequently.

But central vacs are pricey and often require professional installation. The
30-foot hose can be cumbersome and takes up storage space. And there's no
place to carry tools while you work.

Price: $500 to $1,250 with tools; $300 to $750 to install

Comments

[Shauna]

I was surprised to see that CR didn't have a carpet shampoo review/rating. Just trying to figure out which brand I should buy.

[dt]

I really feel ripped off subscribed with one specific interest to motivate me info on Carpet Shampooers but apparently Consumer Reports is more interested in getting subscribers then answering their requests for information. People have been asking for almost 8 months and still nothing

[Grandmother]

I would like to see a report on carpet shampooers. If you have published a report on them, how do I locate it? If you are planning a report, when will it be available? If you have no plans to publish a report, why not? As responses show, lots of us would benefit from it.

[CajunTexan]

ike others I was disappointed to not find a review here on carpet cleaner/shampoo machines.

I just bought the Bissell 2X and I'll post my thoughts on it in a week after I've had the chance to clean all the carpets with it. ;)

[Robert]

HELLO-
DO YOU PLAN TO TEST CARPET SHAMPOOERS??
IT SEEMS THAT WOULD BE QUITE HELPFUL FOR QUITE A FEW PEOPLE....

[Noelle Lynch]

I'm trying to figure out what steam vacuum to buy. I can see by the above comments the CONSUMERS have been begging for a report on these, with no obvious response. Hello! we are the consumers and this is what we want. Please let us know which are the best. Thank you.

[Katie Walczak]

Please review carpet steamers as well as shampooers. Our carpet installer told us not to use anything that had spinning brushes on it. Steam only. Thanks!

[Linda]

I too would like information on a carpet steamer and shampooer. Thanks.

[Kari S. Sanders]

I also came here looking for info on carpet shampooers. Thanks to a previous post for the tip re amazon.com.

[Nancy]

I am pleased that you plan to publish a report on home carpet cleaning machines in 2009. I am also interested in learning whether professional services leave any residue, bacteria, allergens, etc. from previous jobs in customers' homes. I have allergies, no pets, etc. and certainly do not want to introduce any irratants into my home when I work so hard to keep it free of them. I am also interested in learning of problems with any cleaning agents used in the cleaning systems.

Additionally, I also have an older Armstrong no-wax vinyl floor with a white background. Although I use the company's recommended cleaner when I mop, the floor is beginning to look dingy. I am interested in learning what Consumer Reports recommends.

[Shirley]

I have been looking for a steam carpet cleaner. Of course I looked in consumer reports. To my amazement, I found out you don't have information on them. Please help out you very long list of
subscribers interested in this appliance.

Thank you

[Eileen Whitmore]

This is a difficult site - I've already spent 10 minutes behind a secure site that I subscribe to and have not been able to find any ratings for "carpet steam cleaning". It's amazing that I have found several other posts with the same complaint. Too much of a hassle - Consumer Reports really needs to get on board with the technology advances. I won't be renewing the subscription.

[cynwhitt]

Go to overstock.com the have reveiws on the carpet steamers.the've bought.!!

[Linda]

Hi. I'm looking for a lightweight and easy to use vacuum for my hardwood floors. I know they make some models that vacuum/sweep and also mop. I want to buy one and don't even care how much it costs as long as it will save me time and does a good job. I'm looking for advice on what to buy.

Thanks,
Linda

[sheryl]

why nothing on carpet shampooers and floor buffers?

[ms.t]

Please, please review steam carpet cleaners. I'm delaying a purchase and spending too much $ on renting machines. Communicate with subscribers regarding when we can expect one!

[Yolie]

Please give me information on carpet shampoo machines.
Have you tested any?

[Jason Weiss]

It's been a long time since Consumer Reports reviewed carpet shampooers. Technology has changed since then and Christmas is coming. It would be real nice for all your customers to know what to buy. Please tackle this job and lets get some ratings.

[Stephen Carman]

I would like information on carpet steam cleaners. I'm not sure if this is the same as a carpet shampooers but I don't want to put soap on my rug and the stem kills mites as well. Isn't anyone thinking about this like I am? Please, all of you go back and modify your comments to include carpet steam cleaners because I know that's what you meant since most of you said you can't afford to pay someone to do this all the time. That's what they do...steam it! 'Cmon Consumers...get on the schtick!~

[Donald]

I too am dismayed not to see CR reviewing carpet shampoo cleaners! They are "out there" and we need a credible alternative to Stanley Steemer!

[George]

Just would like to add my voice to the clamor of requests for a review of carpet shampooers.

[MJ]

Please rate the carpet shampooers. I have had two Bissell carpet shampooers. They work great but the problem is they only work one time. The next time I get them out to use them, they don't work. I still save over having to hire a company to come in but i would like to know if there are any out there that you can use over and over.

[dianna m.]

I just got off the phone with C.R.They said there was no plan to review shampooers in the next three months. I guess that's as far ahead as they go. They missed the boat on reviewing them BEFORE seasonal houseguests and AFTER thecompany leaves didn't they?

[Ralph Margareeth]

Would have liked to have had some reports on carpet cleaners. This is one of the reasons I am not renewing my subscription

[calligjohn]

I am surprised at the lack of testing by CR on carpet shampooers. Please add my name to the list of those requesting a test on them.

[GEM]

When will ConsumerReports do rug shampooers

[Edward Slipp]

I too am disappointed at the absence of reports dealing with RUG SHAMPOOERS.

[paulngene]

I JUST SPENT $26.00 TO FIND OUT THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON HOME CARPET SHAMPOOERS. THANKS A LOT!

[Geri]

CR has been slow to respond to requests for carpet shampooer reviews; I'm adding my name to the list. My 5-year old Bissell worked very well until a cheap plastic part (the throttle) in the handle stopped responding - thus halting the dispensing of solution. Great, solid machine except for apparently a spring located in the sealed unit - argh!!! Need info on new ones, please.

[Wendy]

I too came to this website to look for information on carpet shampooers. When will they be available? One would think after all these comments something would have been done.

[aschulz]

Helloooo McFly anybody in there?....Where's the carpet shampooer ratings????Nobody could possibly have any use for that info..oh well..I guess I'll look for the ratings on best Plastic Knife & Fork set.Yipee

[aschulz13]

hey Geri thanks for your review. Maybe we could all post our reviews & save CR the trouble.

[Gary]

It's been two years that I've been waiting for Consumers Reports to rate carpet shampooers and nothing to date. I'm going to let me subscription lapse.

[Linda F]

Like other subscribers whose comments have appeared for some time here, I, too, need a carpet shampooer and am surprised to find that CR has not rated them. Please consider this topic soon.

[Lorna McCormick]

Please review carpet shampooers. The economy is tanking and carpet cleaning/shampooing is an expensive service. I would really like to know if it's more economical to buy an appliance and do it myself.

[John]

You owe subscribers an answer when you plan to conduct a test of carpet shampooers. Can't believe CR has not yet responded to all the requests for one.

[Chisubscriber]

I also would like to see a review of carpet shampoo machines from Consumer Reports. I just threw away a $300 Bissell ProHeat 2X Cleanshot after only a few uses because the cheap plastic housing cracked and it became worthless (and I found several other reviews noting the same experience). Also, the attachments were next to useless, and it performed poorly in corners. All this after reading tons of "five star" ratings and doing extensive research before buying the thing. The reviews on the internet for these machines are all over the place and unreliable.

I hope Consumers Union reads these comments.

[john e robertson]

i subscribed to consumer report, to find reports on stand mixers
and carpet shampoo machines. good report on stand mixers no report on shampoo machines. waste of money.
disappointed in ohio

[David Shindler]

Are you too busy to test carpet cleanig equipment for your clients? It is difficult to find reliable nformation on this equipment.

[Elizabeth McManis]

I have reviewed consumer report magazines for past year and found no info regarding carpet shampooers. I just took out subscription to online CR hoping to find some review info and suggestions for purchase and found none. Do you not review carpet shampooers? I see other letters with my same concern.

[George]

I did a google search on carper shampooer reviews... Consumer reports was the first hit.

So I pay my money, and find comments from people asking for carpet shampooer reviews, but no actual reviews.

If I were reviewing consumer reports right now, I would have to say that I have been scammed.

How can you have never over the years reviewed carpet shampooers? Why purchase a keyword hit on google for a phrase you don't have support for? Are you /trying/ to rip consumers off? What part of "carpet shampooer reviews" rates you at the top google paid hit? Do your google adword buyers not know it is wrong to pay for words you don't service?

[chris]

Please, please review carpet shampooers...I have 4 Persian cats that yack!

[Mike]

I can see I'm not the only one that NEEDS to know which carpet cleaner to buy. Do I get one that's most advertised, a Royal Carpet Cleaner, a Bissell, a Rug Doctor, Hoover, Legacy, or Acme?

[rudy]

Please advise when you will be rating carpet shampooers.

[Joseph Briskey]

Consumers reviews some products to death; digital cameras, cars, vacuums, TV's, computers, to name only a few. This approach is too limited to be helpful to consumers overall. Carpet shampooers are a good example of many other products that are neglected. I would rather pay more per subscription for better product coverage than continue with these very limited product reviews and testing.

[Michael Taeler]

I subscribed to you service thinking that you would rate the best "Carpet Shampooers",but there are no ratings on these units. If you do not rate these units this will be my last month.

[Do you care about your customers]

CARPET SHAMPOOER!!!! Anyone at CR......Anyone? Helllooooooooo

[JW]

Add my name to the carpet shampooer list! Come on CR!

[MG]

Looking for ratings on carpet shampooers. Please add their testing to your listings. I can see I'm not alone in this request. Thank you.

[Lyn]

Wake Up customer service and listen to the people!!!!!!!!!!!!! We need rating on carpet shampooers, what the heck are you waiting for! I have depended on Consumer reports before making any major purchase, but you are letting your public down. Come on get with it and do your job please!!!!!!!!!!

[Cathy]

Just subscribed to CR to find information on carpet cleaners. There is nothing. Very disappointed about that. Hope to see something in the near future.

[Elizabeth]

Man, I'm disappointed there are no reviews. How would we know if/when they do rate them? I guess I'll keep checking back.

[Mary J Jimenez]

Would like to see ratings on carpert shampooers..

[Casey]

There are a number of retail sites online that allow recommendations from their visitors. Amazon is one where the traffic is high enough to give a pretty good idea if a particular model works well or not. It offers plenty of room for reviewers to go on and on about their purchases. I too feel better of CR likes things, but feel well supported if Amazon reviewers like them too.

I have the feeling CR is getting right on the carpet shampooer request. Do remember it takes time - from planning, to purchasing, to analyzing data, to publishing. Give them at least a year from now, maybe less if it's in the works.

[JA]

Excuse me, but what percentage of American's have pets?? Why is there no info on carpet steam cleaners? The main reason I subscribed. What's up with that?

[chuck]

How about a test of carpert cleaning services and methods offered and used by companies or independents that are available to the average consumer. I can't believe CR has not done such testing--I've been checking in on a regular basis for several years and still no testing on this issue -somebody at CR wake up.

[Laura]

I am also totally surprised that there is no info on rug cleaners. I bought subscription when looking for a range and was very pleased by what I found. How can you not have information on something as common as a rug/steam cleaner? Any news now will be too late for my much needed purchase.

[Richard Romero]

I have been a long time member of CR and it seems that the more I search the less you have of what I need.

I too would really like some data on carpet cleaners/shampooers/ steamers/etc.

Thank You.

[Libby]

So, it is almost a year past the previous posts, and CR still does not have a rating for a carpet cleaner/steamer/shampooer. Ridiculous.

IS ANYONE AT CR ACTUALLY READING THESE POSTS?

Add me to the long list of folks that wanted information on a carpet shampooer...

[Nancy]

When are you going to put rug shampooers on the list of quality cleaners. A lot of money is charged for these,and we should be able to see which has been tested,and approved.

[Belinda]

I too would like to see a report on carpet cleaning machines, plus the pros & cons of do-it-yourself carpet cleaning. Other replies indicated there would be a report in 2009, but when in 2009? I don't see that info anywhere. I also noticed that others complained that this site isn't "User Friendly" - I thought I was the only one that had problems navigating here.... If there isn't a current report on something, but is in the works, please state that at the top of the search results before any blogs or related articles - please!

[Shannon]

I have some information on Carpet Cleaners that might help everyone who is looking for one. I'm not sure about the rug doctor sold by Costco, but I can tell you that the rug doctor we rented was very disappointing. Hard to use and did a terrible job as far as I am concerned. We owned a Hoover which was a pretty decent run cleaner. We had been happy with it, but then we got 2, yes 2 puppies and our hoover broke. We had it repairs and then ran into a specialist at a small private vacuum center who told us that as far as he was concerned the best on the market was the dirt devil. He gave us an excellent price. I think they are normally between 299 and 399. We brought it home, put it to work and MY GOD it really does the job. It cleaned up what the rug doctor wouldn't and it has suction like you can't believe. It cleaned the pee spots very well and is easy to use except for one minor thing that is worth putty up with. It is extremely heavy to push and pull because of the suction. It can be hard on the back. But if you can put up with this minor inconvenience I highly recommend the dirt devil. We've had several carpet cleaners over the years and never one that cleans like this one does. Hope that helps.

[Melissa Barbree]

Anyone looking for informaiton on Carpet or Rugs can go to carpet-rug.org
They have tons of information regarding carpet and rugs. Covers everything from production to cleaning! I am an flooring inspector and use their site to research issues with carpet and rugs. They set industry standards, they are the "go-to" people!
If you have additional questions, you can email me at barbreeinspections@ yahoo.com or check out our web site at FCITS.org

[Les Brandt]

Common everyone. Do you realize how many things are out there to test? Consumers does a pretty good job overall and I've relied on them for most purchases I've made. I'm sure that those of you who paid $19.00 but didn't have your quest listed would be disappointed but there are a lot of other things you can to refer to over time.I subscribe to their magazine as well as the net. I wouldn't mind knowing about a Central Vac study. I don't see it in the Vacuum catagory. When you get a chance.....

[Brenda Phillips]

I just subscribed as I need info about a carpet cleaner. Well what a surprise, I see pages and pages of similar requests dating back for months. Glad I only subscribed monthly. I definitely will not resubscribe if Consumer Credit does not respond. I had decided to wait to see your opinion before purchasing one today and could not find anything at the local Barnes and Noble in Consumer Reports referencing ratings on carpet cleaners. Now I know why, there aren't any.

[Ray]

I also agree with the need for carpet shampooer/deep cleaner reviews. I am looking to buy one, but know nothing about them. This would be a product that I would expect to see on consumer reports.

[Marcia]

How soon will you rate carpet shampooers. Same as eveyone, I need one and always consult CR before large purchases. Please respond to your loyal customer/consumers.

[Patrick]

Equally dispointed there's no Carpet Shampooer report. May not renew my subscriptions. Looks like this request has gone unaddressed for over a year now.

[Phyllis]

When are you going to check out carpet shampooer's????
We are all desperate for advise!!!

[Kris S]

I am in the market for a carpet shampooer and was really disappointed to find no research on this item. I am also looking for a up right vacuum and the pickings suggested were slim. Wish you all would do as good a job with other products as you do with cars. Also with the recent scares about pet food I was surprised that there is only a very old report that I was unable to check out.

Love you guys but your slipping in recent years.

[Kathy]

How does Chem-dry carpet and upholstery cleaning compare with various shampoo machines for dirt, mold, bacteria,and stain removal? How do "professional" brand-name companies compare with do-it-yourself rental machines for the same categories?

[Bev]

Obviously there's sufficient need for a CR review of carpet shampooers, so why not make your customers happy and oblige? It is disheartening to spend money for a CR subscription and not be able to benefit from same.

Everytime I attempt to log into the website, I have major problems with passwords. Today I requested a new password and received one in my email account, however, within 1 minute of receiving it, CR issued me a second "new" password. It took 15 minutes to actually get into the CR website because NEITHER new password was accepted. Let's get it together Consumer Reports!

[William Armstrong]

I need to make a decision about purchasing a carpet shampoo device and was sure that CR would help. Instead, I found all these many plea's for help. Why do we have to see so many redundant, repetitive reviews of cell phones and autos and never a squeek about something that obviously many people need help with. Shame on CR!! Where is your self-vaunted customer service and helpfulness??

[Cooper in NH]

I suspect that there are no "GOOD" DIY carpet shampoo machines on the market. They can't possibly compete with the "commercial" equipment. I suspect there are so many variables (machine, carpet material, chemicals, operator) that it is sort of like deciding where to take your clothes to the cleaners. Experience maters most. It would be valuable, however to have some input on this from CR and also whether the marketing claims on "Circular Dry Foam" technology that it is really superior to other commercial cleaning methods, are supported by any valid studies..

[sara]

There needs to be reviews for carpet shampoo vacuum's!

[Jane Langley]

I am also waiting on your testing of carpet shampooers. Hurry!

[Bryan]

Like many of you I also am wanting a great carpet cleaning machine. Our new Bissel lasted for about two uses and now doesn't dispense liquids. Our local Vacuum Repair man says that he hardly ever has to repair the old Hoover's (not the new made in China units). He recommended the F5187 which I am trying desperately to find and purchase.

[Marilyn Vollrath]

Please do a review on carpet shampoo equipment. Thank you.

[Annette]

I too was looking for steam cleaner ("deep cleaner") reviews. I bought my last steam cleaner, a Hoover "Steam Vac Dual V" (model F7431-900) based on Consumer Reports reviews. We've had it many years, used it heavily due to a litter of puppies, loved it, but I thought it was about time to replace it - the plastic canisters are about worn out from use. When we got it, my husband measured how much it picked up compared to how much water he put in - and it left one cup per tank of water. We've replaced the brushes numerous times (careful though, you have to pull them straight out, if you can even reach the tabs inside). Consumer Reports, you should at least link back to the most recent Steam Cleaner article you have!

[T-rah]

Hi ~ PLLLLEASE review in this catagory. If your looking for a place to test them use my Carpet =)

[Willis]

I am looking for a good affordable carpet cleaning machine, any suggestions? Anyone?

[Diane Fisher]

CONSUMER BEWARE - Royal Carpet Cleaner
I bought a Royal Carpet Cleaner, Model RY7910 in July 2008. I've taken it back to the dealer multiple times because the water kept filling the soap container. In April 2009 they replaced the machine. Since I had so many problems with the original machine, I tested the replacement fairly carefully.

FLOORS: After cleaning the floor in one room, 1/8 cup of soap was used. It doesn't clean as well as the Bissel machines, but at least it worked properly.

STAIRS: After cleaning one staircase, there was an additional 1/2 cup of liquid in the soap container. The mechanism that is suppose to pull soap from the container doesn't work so you end up cleaning with water only and the soap container will eventually overflow. This is the same problem that the original machine had.

WARRANTY: Additionally, when I contacted the Royal company, they said the warranty is good from the original purchase date (7/2008) instead of the date I received the replacement machine (4/2009). Basically, the warranty is not for the machine, it's for the time period. I will NEVER buy another Royal machine. They don't work and the company does not have a warrenty the serves the purpose of covering the machine.

[eller428]

Any opinions on the Oreck Floor Sweeper Restaurateur 9.5? Just pulled the carpet up from the terrazzo floors and need something to sweep up floor and area rug. Would like some ratings on dust mops, too. Thanks!

[Andrea]

I would like to see a carpet cleaner test as well. Until then, does anyone have any suggestions for set in pet stains?

[beau's mom]

Who dropped the ball on this??
CR used to have a review that liked hoover best for water extraction but voted to call a service to save the hassle. Can't find that review anymore. These should be reviewed every time the vacuums are. What happened CR?

For anyone shopping and interested in my opinion...here goes.
For the record I have a Dyson Ball, Roomba, Scooba and the Hoover Steamvac. I've had the sharper image little wizard steam cleaner and the Eureka 4870 vacuum. I spend my fair share on the floor cleaning. So far - this is my third Hoover and still my favorite model for shampooing carpets.

I bought my second hoover shampooer - a steamvac around 2005 based on the CR reviews and was very pleased with the performance. No complaints there. Plus it had separation of the detergent and the clean water tank. The individual tanks are handy because I've had other ones where you had to mix the detergent and hot tap water - then life happens - you get a phone call and you have to deal with something else and come back to either shampooing with cold water or dump it out and start over. (and carpet shampoo isn't cheap) Absolutely great at water extraction and cleaning - but it developed a leak in the detergent tank that would drip drip slippery detergent everywhere. I read a few complaints online that hoover was charging people upwards of $50 to replace the tanks - and figured I'd just learn to live with it and walk fast/watch my step when carrying it back to the machine. Should say I have 4 pets - so I've definitely put these machines through their paces.

Fast forward about 4 years - I moved to a new home which apparently angered my hairy children. First Mistake - didn't bring the shampooer and they took it out on the carpets. I don't know about your pets - but when mine protest like this, they KNOW they're gonna get in trouble, so they fight sneaky and back it up on the baseboards where it gets down in that crack - really a hassle to clean!! I started shopping and found a new Hoover Steamvac Dual V2 (?) on HSN that had the separate detergent & water tanks - and had added edge cleaners to the setup!! (budget bonus was they sent it out to try with the first payment and broke up the rest of the purchase price over a few months) Groovy! Got it home - tank leaked. ARGH! HSN was super nice - quick to offer to ship me a new one - but all I wanted was the tank. So I called the manufacturer to see what could be done and they were great! Not only sent me a new tank for the new one - But told me there was a recall on the old tanks. So they sent tanks to my parents house for both the steamers they now have custody of. They also paid the shipping. (as it should be) Holy smokes. They stood behind a machine I bought 4 years ago. NICE.

So my hoover experience has still been solid. No motor problems, etc. No issues across the three that I have owned other than that tank which seems to be fixed. I love the separate tanks so I can dump water that gets cold without losing the detergent. This one gets out every drop it puts in - which is what you really want to have it do. (get that dirt out and the water too so you can walk on it faster and not risk souring)

This one has spinning brushes - I'll put it straight on top of a stain and let it just RUN while I hold down the spray button and the brushes scrub (like those spot cleaners?) and then vacuum it up. Works great - and I'm SURE because I use a black light to come back and check my homework when it's a pet stain.

Hand tools work great - nice long hose. Good for cleaning the stairs, cars, upholstery, etc. I was amazed at how dirty my carpet was in the car and have used this on upholstery with FANTASTIC results. Pretreat first with a laundry spray and then go over it as many times as you have to - no substitute for elbow grease. If it's a fresh stain - then it usually comes out first or second pass. (think white microfiber couch and friends visiting that for some reason think it's Ok to hand their toddlers juice/soda) It spits a tiny bit of water when you disconnect that hose, FYI so you'll have to wipe that up.

It blows the hot air from the motor over the carpet - which I suspect aids in the dry time. GREAT water extraction.

I also love the switch on the handle where you can switch to water only. It has a wash and rinse cycle! :) Shampooing is great - but shampoo residue can attract dirt and make your carpet kind of stiff/crunchy. Put the extra effort in to go over it when you're done with the rinse (water only) cycle and voila! Soft clean carpets. LOVE IT & Recommend.

Oh by the way - the tanks are clear. So you can see what's getting pulled out when it's running. That's nice - because unless you're dumping it in a white sink it's hard to get a true gauge on how dirty it is. I don't care HOW clean you think you are - what this machine pulls out is disgusting. Keep running that thing until the water comes up clear - then you've got some super clean carpets!

As long as you've got a closet to store it in - I would much rather own one and treat stains/spills as they happen rather than wait until I think "it's time" to call someone out.

[clay e]

We would like a review on the different cleaners for carpet vacs also.

[George Becht]

Your carpet cleaning machine blurbs are very disappointing. Most of the information could be gotten by looking at the machines in the store or from the manufacturers' web sites.

When will CR actually test carpet cleaners and provide ratings based on those tests? That's what I subscribe to CR for.

[Summer]

I'd like to see ratings on steam cleaners for floors. I tried one that advertised it could be used on carpets and floors. It left puddles and lines of water all over the floors. Help!

[JimS]

Please do a review of carpet cleaning equipment (steam cleaners and etc). Thanks !

[Sara]

We purchased Bissell's Little Green Machine to use with our pets. We are now returning our 2nd machine. Both of the machines has leaked where the hose attaches to the main part of the shampooer. One also did not vacumn up any liquid unless I held the hose up in the air. My husband talked with Bissell and they said it was an internal problem. I am now shopping for another shampooer and will probably go with a smaller upright as I already have a larger Hoover for big jobs. Happy that Walmart takes back just about anything.

[CBarr]

I want to get my carpets professionaly cleaned. I'm leaning toward the dry cleaning method, but I cannot find any consumer reports on this. I would like to know average cost etc. This site has not been helpful at all. How unfortunate

[Dan]

Add me to those who want a rug shampooer/Steam Cleaner test. The interest is obviously there! Why hasn't this happened?

[Jane]

I cannot believe it! CR STILL has not reviewed steam cleaners for carpets. I have been hoping for this one for three years!

[John Bukenberger]

Well, have you set a date yet on the carpet cleaners.

[Debbie]

I subscrbed to your service today in hopes of finds rating on carpet cleaners/steamers. Was very disappointed to find that you have no testing done on these. I see there are many requests in the comments for testing to be done. Why is CR not listening to the consumer? These are a very common purchase and we need a reliable source to test and rate these machines. I hope to see some rating soon.

[Kathy Foreman]

I just subscribed 2 minutes ago...My whole purpose was to find out about carpet shampooers...SOMEONE HELP US ALLLLL !!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Kat

[melanie giles]

Carpet shampooers are important! Please rate them for us!

[Linda]

So where are the ratings for a carpet shampooer? This is why I subscribed?

[Scott]

I am surprised that so many people here do not realize that most web sites that offer a comment section do not read it! Think about the enormity of the proposed task, with comments left throughout the site. A "comments" section is NOT a "feedback" or "contact us" section! Stop being pissed that Consumer Reports did not read your one-of-hundreds comments!

[James Spivey]

I have been subscribing to this site for several years and to the magazine since the middle 70's. I think I have seen the test of carpet shampooers in your magazine---so why aren't they on this site. I just read comments from over a year ago, and the information still isn't here. Come on CR, you can do better than this.Don't disappoint me.