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Best Upholstery Cleaning Machines | Comparison And Reviews

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Housekeeping is not an easy task as it requires several household appliances to maintain a clean home. Some of these appliances include vacuum cleaners  but today we’re focusing on upholstery cleaning machines. Have you ever looked at your couch and wondered what's lurking underneath all that nice-looking fabric? According to reports, your couch could have pathogens, food particles, bacteria, pet dander, molds and germs. If it’s not cleaned thoroughly using the best upholstery cleaning machines, your couch could expose your family to harmful organisms.

Every home is fitted with all kinds of furniture to bring out the style and design of the homeowner. Over time, these pieces of furniture will get dirty, stained and will eventually lose the appeal. This is one of the reasons why you should invest in a good upholstery cleaning machine.

Comparison Table

hands free operation - perfect for pet spots
  • Tools included: upholstery tool, tool caddy
  • tank capacity: 2 gallons
small but powerful - lightweight and easy to use
  • Tools included: 3” Tough stain tool
  • tank capacity: 0.375 gallons
pet owners time saver - highly recommended
  • Tools included: 3” Tough stain tool
  • tank capacity: 0.28 gallons
lightweight and efficient suction - great machine with great features
  • Tools included: Antimicrobial Rubber, Nub tool
  • tank capacity: 0.4 gallons
fantastic and durable - powerful portable spot cleaner
  • Tools included: Stair tool, Tough stain tool
  • tank capacity: 0.75 gallons
large tank capacity - great home steamer with many handy attachments
  • Tools included: Nylon brushes, Cone brush, Floor mop, Telescoping wand
  • tank capacity: 0.375 gallons
lightweight and portable - professional quality at a reasonable price
  • Tools included: Extension tools, Lance, Brass brush
  • tank capacity: 0.42 gallons
compact storage - works great for cleaning tile floors
  • Tools included: Squeegee, Scrubbing pad, Fabric mop pad, Utility brushes
  • tank capacity: 0.4 gallons
cleans extremely well - no set-up required
  • Tools included: Tough stain tool
  • tank capacity: 1.75 gallons

Upholstery Cleaning Machine Buyers Guide

In most homes, you will find that furniture is rarely cleaned and over time the dirt and debris build-up to such a point that the furniture starts to look worn out. With the best upholstery cleaning machine, you can restore the look of your furniture within a few years. Below are a few tips to help you make an informed decision.

  1. Budget

    Before you shop for anything, the first step is always to consider the amount of money you intend to spend on the item. You can get a good upholstery cleaning machine for a wide range of prices. However, if you want specialized equipment, you must be willing to spend more.

  2. Type of upholstery

    Different fabrics require different types of upholstery machines. Some machines can clean several types of fabrics and upholstery but often come at an extra cost. If you intend to be spendthrift, you might as well get a machine that is versatile and flexible enough to clean even the most difficult-to-reach places.

  3. Compact design

    Since you have to lug around the machine as you clean each furniture, you should choose a model that is compact and lightweight. You want an upholstery machine that you can carry from one couch to another with ease. You want a machine that is easy to handle and versatile enough to clean a wide range of stains.

  4. High Temperatures

    Be on the lookout for cleaning machines that have the high-temperature option. You see, furniture cleaning machines with this option ensures that all the dirt is removed by using steam to soften the dirt for easy suction. The steam does most of the work and as you handle the remaining part, which is wiping the stain away. This method works best when you are using a furniture cleaning machine that can reach high temperatures. Higher temperatures will make it easy to clean set-in stains.

    In addition to cleaning stubborn stains, high temperatures can also disinfect your furniture. Look for a furniture cleaning machine with the high-temperature option as it always gets the job done.

  5. Water Used

    Upholstery cleaning machines use water to clean your furniture and carpets. The use of water means that the furniture will require some time to dry. This is why it’s recommended that you look for a couch cleaning machine that uses very little amounts of water as it cuts back on drying time plus it simplifies the cleaning process for you.

  6. Ease Of Use

    You want an upholstery cleaning that is not only easy to use but also easy to assemble. Preferably, choose a product that does not require the use of a manual to set up. Also choose a cleaning machine that has two separate tanks, one for clean water and the other for dirty water. Having two separate tanks makes it easy to dispose of the dirty water.

    Also, check if the water tank is see-through as it will give a clear view of the water level and when the tank needs refilling. The length of the power cord and hose length should also be deciding factors. You want a cleaning machine that can clean all corners of your house without having to move it around every few minutes. Check if it has wheels for easy movement.

  7. Cleaning Performance

    The best upholstery cleaning machines often display the best cleaning performances. With the help of stiff brushes and steam, they can remove stains such as oil and grease. Suction also comes in handy as it plays a critical role by picking up the dirt.

Our Top Picks

1. Rug Doctor Spot Cleaner - hands free operation

Highlights

  • amazing for any stains specially pets
  • Hands Free Spot and Stain Removal with a push of a button.
  • super fast and easy to use

Rug Doctor has become a popular brand due to its high-quality products and efficiency in cleaning dirt and stains. Over the years, they have made the best upholstery cleaning machines, some of which include products such as the Rug Doctor Spot Cleaner. This is a portable cleaner that is renowned for its ability to clean and remove stains regardless of its thickness or density. It manages to retain its efficient cleaning by incorporating a motorized brush that rotates 1200 times a minute.  With such intense movements, the motorized brush can chip away and decimate the stains.

The most impressive feature of the Rug Doctor cleaner is that it does not incorporate the use of chemicals or steam. Instead, Rug doctor uses the momentum of the scrubber to clean the stubborn stains on your couch and carpets.

The Rug Doctor has wheels and a large handle that makes it easy to carry or move the spot cleaner from to room. The wheels are designed to move across carpets with ease without damaging your carpets. Its ability to scrub dirt and stains off your furniture and carpets is unmatched.

It has a power cord that stretches 15 feet and a hose that can stretch up to 5.5 ft. It weighs about 14 lb. and has 2-litre volume capacity. In terms of cleaning performance, the Rug Doctor cleans hard-to-reach places such as upholstery, edges, and stairs with ease. It, however, requires frequent emptying and is a little bit pricey.

Pro Tip


Pros

  • High suction power
  • Long cord
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Compact design
  • Hands-free operation

Cons

  • A little bit noisy
  • Small tank thus has to be refilled frequently

Highlights

  • setup was really easy and only took a couple minutes
  • holds perfect amount of water for cleaning a spot 
  • tank is very easy to fill and empty

The Bissell 1400B is an environmentally friendly cleaner that incorporates the use of recycled plastic and  PVC-free tanks. It measures 9 inches by 18 inches by 13 inches, which makes it just the right size to clean your furniture and carpets. It’s quite popular because it’s optimized for pet owners.

The first thing you’ll notice when using the Bissell 1400B is that it has dual spray plus suction action. This allows you to clean both your carpets and upholstery in a much shorter period. You see, instead of spraying then drying the area separately, the Bissell 1400B does both actions simultaneously.

Finding a compact upholstery machine is becoming increasingly difficult. The small compact design will come in handy when trying a larger home where you have to cover more space. And don’t the compact size fool you as the Bissell 1400B is a powerful upholstery machine despite its small size.

The final feature it has to offer is the multi-purpose brush that’s designed for both large-scale and small-scale cleanups. With the multi-purpose brush, you can clean a small stain on your couch or carpet before transitioning to a wider area.

Pro Tip


Pros

  • Affordable
  • Cleans well
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Short power cord

3. Bissell SpotBot Deep Cleaner 2117A - pet owners time saver

Highlights

  • cleans deep down into carpets and rugs
  • machine is so easy to use and it works amazing
  • great for homes with pets

If you live in a home with pets, you know how difficult it is to clean after them as they are often messy. They make all kinds of messes and mischief, which ultimately needs someone to clean after them. Sometimes the pets will stain your carpets, your couches or your floors. These stains will mess up your furniture if left unchecked, which is why you need the best carpet and upholstery cleaner such as the Bissell SpotBot 2117A.

This is a carpet cleaner that offers deep cleaning and hands-free stain removal. It weighs about 14 pounds and has a concise design that is not only convenient and easy to use but also basic and simple. It also has a hands-free function that allows you to clean your carpets without manually controlling it. Simply place the Bissell 2117A on the floor, choose a cleaning mode, and it does the rest.

Speaking of cleaning modes, the Bissell 2117A has two cleaning modes; there is the Deep clean and the quick clean. The deep clean mode is ideal for cleaning stains on your carpets, furniture, and floors that have been there for long. Alternatively, the quick clean mode is best suited for cleaning stains that are less than a day old.

To clean your upholstery effectively, the Bissell 2117A uses brushes that are positioned at the bottom of the cleaner. The brush makes 400 rotations in a minute. This ensures that even the toughest stains don’t stand a chance.

Pro Tip


Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Quick deep clean cycle
  • Removes most of the stains

Cons

  • Doesn’t get rid of all the odors
  • Small tank

4. Hoover FH11300PC Spot Cleaner - lightweight and efficient suction

Highlights

  • Rugs etc. are lightly damp and dry very quickly
  • Weight is realistic enough can yank it by the hose while cleaning
  • Dirty water seal will not leak when removing for dumping
  • Easy to assemble, easy to use and easy to transport

The Hoover FH11300PC is a portable upholstery cleaner that combines the use of deep tools and powerful suction to deliver a spotless clean. It also has one of the most ingenious features, which is self-cleaning technology. It uses this technology to clean and flush the hose after a cleaning session to prevent the buildup of bad odors and bacteria.

The Hoover spot cleaner is compact and lightweight, thus easy to store and carry around. It has a powerful motor and a multipurpose tool that has antimicrobial materials that only make the cleaning process easier. It also has a smart design that comprises of two separate tanks. One tank handles clean water while the other handles dirty water.

Its powerful stain removal capabilities are unmatched as it can tackle even the most infuriating mess on your furniture or carpets. Thanks to its intelligent design, the Hoover spot cleaner can provide extreme suction power coupled with a high-performance formula. This formula is designed to remove and loosen dirt for easy suction.

It’s one of the top cleaners in the best upholstery cleaning machine consumer reports, which is attributed to its great customer satisfaction and unique cleaning features. However, keep in mind that that the cleaner is designed to be portable and lightweight thus doesn’t have wheels.

Pro Tip


Pros

  • Powerful cleaning motor
  • Allows for disassembly
  • No leaks when using
  • Self-cleaning hose
  • Narrow spray angle thus less overspray

Cons

  • Doesn’t have wheels
  • Only cleans a small area before it has to be moved

5. Bissell 3624 Spot Cleaner - fantastic and durable

Highlights

  • great for pet accidents
  • machine sprays a lot of water, which is why it is so effective
  • easy to use and has an impressive suction

The Bissell 3624 is arguably one of the most powerful cleaners in the spot clean line. It features an ergonomic and lightweight design. While its lightweight design comes in handy due to its superior portability, it’s not ideal for handling large tasks. However, you can use it for cleaning carpets and upholstery.

Although its small size may seem like a downside, the Bissell 3624 comes with a 5.7 amp motor that doesn’t slow down even under extreme conditions. And since it’s an electrically powered cleaning machine, you do not have to worry about the machine losing suction power as the battery power decreases.

One of the most noteworthy features of the Bissell 3624 is that it has a sizeable operating radius. It also has a 22-foot power cord. While this is shorter than what you would typically find in bigger models, you have to understand that the Bissell is handheld. In addition to the sizeable radius, the Bissell 3624 also comes with a 3-inch tough stain tool and a 6-inch stair tool.

You will also appreciate its design, which allows you to wrap the power cord around the base of the machine. Not only does this ensure that the power cord is secure and out of the way but also makes it easy to store the machine when not in use.

The Bissell 3624 gives you value for your money as it’s not only suitable for cleaning upholstery but also carpets and car interiors. It also comes with a two-year warranty and is made of heavy-duty materials, which makes it maintenance-free.

Pro Tip


Pros

  • Easy to operate
  • Two-tank system
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Large capacity tanks
  • Great suction power

Cons

  • Not ideal for cleaning large spaces
  • Doesn’t have automated cleaning

6. McCulloch MC1275 - large tank capacity

Highlights

  • very effective on dirty floor grout
  • easy to set - up, use and clean
  • satisfaction guaranteed

According to the manufacturer, the McCulloch MC175 is a heavy-duty cleaner that’s more powerful than your typical steam cleaner. It utilizes powerful steam and large water tank with a 48 oz. capacity to clean your upholstery. Its capacity is three times that of the average multi-purpose steam mop. The 48 oz.   tank provides about 45 of continuous steaming which is sufficient to clean large spaces.

Although the McCulloch MC175 is big, it’s still portable and easy to assemble. It takes a minute or two to put everything together. It comes with a wide range of accessories which include a tipped jet nozzle, squeegee, nylon brush, stick mop head, triangular brush, and a fill cup. Each of these comes in handy when cleaning different parts of the house.

You can use the brush attachment to clean your stove. It will clean all that grease that has accumulated since the last time you cleaned. It also did a fine job cleaning the dreaded tile grout. It did an even better job cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. Overall, its cleaning performance is impressive and tackles cleaning tasks with ease.

Pro Tip


Pros

  • Portable & compact
  • 45 minutes of uninterrupted steam
  • High pressure
  • Easy to assemble
  • Lots of accessories

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a funnel

7. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner - Lightweight and portable

Highlights

  • very easy to assemble
  • well made durable parts
  • does a great job of spot-cleaning carpet stains
  • very quiet operation

Are you in search of a compact steam cleaner that rivals the best upholstery cleaning machines but at a much lower cost? Don’t worry, you found it. The Dupray Neat cleaner takes on the same design as the Dupray Tusca with a few differences in terms of materials used and size. In terms of performance, the Dupray Neat is just as powerful as the Tusca.

Without water, the Dupray Neat weighs 9 pounds and becomes heavier as you add water. It uses tap water as opposed to distilled water. It’s recommended that you flush out the water after using the machine for more than 20 hours. This helps prolong its service life.

The water tank can hold up to 54oz. of water which translates to 50 minutes of uninterrupted steam cleaning. It takes approximately 7 minutes to heat the water to about 275 degrees. Not only does the 275-degree jet of steam help to remove stubborn stains, but it also helps to clean grease and grime. Besides, the Dupray Neat machine has a portable design that comprises of a retractable handle. The device only has a single button which controls the entire machine.

Other than cleaning upholstery and carpets, the Dupray Neat is also suitable for cleaning bathroom floors, kitchen, and grout. The main downside of using the Dupray Neat is that it’s bulky thus does not easy to clean hard-to-reach areas. It was, however, very useful in cleaning food splattering and grease in the oven.

Pro Tip


Pros

  • Easy to maneuver
  • The wheeled unit thus easy to pull along
  • Heats up in seven minutes
  • Reaches 275 degrees thus cleans grease and removes bacteria with ease
  • 50 minutes of steam

Cons

  • 20 minutes cooling period before you can refill the tank
  • Cannot view the water level

Highlights

  • Every attachment works well and the amount of steam is pretty amazing
  • Easy to use and assemble
  • powerful chemical-free cleaning at a great value

There are several situations where the typical vacuum cleaner is not enough to clean your carpets, tiled floors, and upholstery. This is why you need a steamer such as the Pure Clean XL. With a steamer like the Pure Clean XL, you can clean almost any surface. Its low profile makes it ideal for cleaning high-traffic areas.

Stained floors often prove hard to clean, especially when you are using a brush. However, they are easily removed with the help of a jet of steam. This method is less expensive and convenient compared to replacing the entire floor.

It also ideal for cleaning laminate floorboards and carpets. However, it’s not recommended for commercial carpet cleaning. This is because the steam seeps into the interior layers, which in turn undermines the quality of the carpets.

With the Pure Clean XL, you can carry out a wide range of chores in the house. You can use it to clean grease off your stovetops, refresh carpets and clean the gunk off your kitchen counters.

Pro Tip


Pros

  • The 16-foot long cord is sufficient to clean most corners of your rooms
  • Flow control switch
  • Large capacity
  • Handle organizer
  • 45 minutes of uninterrupted steam
  • Portable and compact

Cons

  • Could use a longer hose
  • No water-level gauge

9. Bissell Big Green 86T3 - cleans extremely well

Highlights

  • has a very clear instructions and easy to use
  • works way faster and better 
  • has an amazing suction that really pulls the water out and makes the carpet drier

Bissell is renowned for its carpet and furniture shampoo machines among which is the Bissell Big Green 86T3. It’s a heavy-duty cleaner that weighs about 52.5 pounds. Its power rating is 12 Amp and comes with a powerful motor that’s mounted on two wheels for easy movement.

The Bissell 86T3 is larger and heavier than your typical carpet cleaner as it has a 1.75-gallon tank. The average cleaner can only hold 1 gallon in its water tank. A larger tank means fewer refills, which not only makes the cleaning process easier, but it also saves on time.

Although the Bissell 86T3 prides itself on being powerful, it has a small cleaning path which only spans 10.5 inches. It also has a 6-inch cleaning attachment that’s often used for cleaning your upholstery and carpet edges. It also comes with a 9-foot hose that is added to help you vacuum dirt off tight spaces.

The carpet and upholstery cleaning machine is equipped with the special DirtLifter PowerBrushes that rotate for a deep clean. Another impressive feature is that it cleans both while moving forward and backwards which reduces cleaning time

Pro Tip


Pros

  • Requires no assembly
  • Comes with a 5-year warranty
  • Handle folds down for easy storage
  • Dual motors improve the suction
  • Relatively long power cord
  • Handles pet hair without a fuss
  • Cleans in a single pass

Cons

  • Hard to maneuver
  • The hose gets easily tangled

Conclusion

After using your couch for several years and occasionally cleaning it once every four months, your couch has lost its shine and appeal due to dirt build-up. It’s not possible to throw it in the washing, so the only option is for you to replace it. Instead of waiting until your couch is beyond repair, why don’t you get one of these upholstery cleaners? You can start with the Bissell 3624 Spot Clean or the Rug Doctor Spot Cleaner.

Top Editor's Choice on Upholstery Cleaner

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FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover, 32oz
Water-based, non-flammable and odor free; VOC, solvent, and petroleum free; Safe to use around children and pets if used as directed
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Resolve 22 fl oz Liquid Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover
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