What is The Difference Between A Carpet Cleaner And A Carpet Shampooer?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a carpet cleaner and a carpet shampooer? I know I sure have! Carpets are such an important part of any home, but they can get dirty pretty quickly no matter how hard we try to keep them clean. As a big cleaning enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for the best ways to clean my carpets without breaking the bank. That’s why I decided to do some research into carpet cleaners and carpet shampooers to see which one might work better for me.

What is A Carpet Cleaner?

A carpet cleaner, also sometimes called a carpet extractor, is a machine that deeply cleans carpets using a cleaning solution and suction. Most carpet cleaners have a tank that holds the cleaning solution, which is sprayed onto the carpet as the machine moves back and forth.

Then, a spinning brush or roller agitates the solution into the carpet fibers to lift out dirt and stains. After that, a powerful vacuum sucks up the soiled cleaning solution and trapped dirt from the carpet. This process leaves your carpets looking fresh and clean!

How Do Carpet Cleaners Work?

Carpet cleaners work through a simple three step process. First, the cleaning solution is sprayed onto the carpet through a hose or nozzle. Common cleaning solutions contain ingredients like detergents, enzymes, and degreasers to cut through dirt and stains.

Second, a motorized brush or beater bar spins to work the solution deep into the carpet fibers. This agitation helps lift out embedded grime. Finally, a strong vacuum sucks up the dirty cleaning solution from the carpet. Some carpet cleaners even have a heat option to help dry carpets faster after cleaning.

What Are The Pros Of Using A Carpet Cleaner?

1. Carpet cleaners can deeply clean carpets, removing dirt that regular vacuuming misses. The agitation and suction power pulls grime from the base of fibers.
2. Heated carpet cleaners help dry carpets quicker than letting them air dry.
3. Most carpet cleaners have large cleaning tanks so you don’t need to refill as often.
4. The motorized brush makes quick work of cleaning large carpeted areas.
5. Carpet cleaners are more affordable initially than hiring professional carpet cleaners.

What Are Some Cons To Consider?

1. Carpet cleaners are bulkier and less portable than other carpet cleaning options. They can be heavy to lug around.
2. The cleaning solution and dirty water tanks need regular emptying during use.
3. It takes some effort to move furniture or move the carpet cleaner hose into tight spaces for deep cleaning.
4. Carpet cleaners aren’t always suitable for delicate or heavily stained carpets that need pre-treatment.

What is A Carpet Shampooer?

A carpet shampooer, sometimes called a carpet extractor, works in a similar way to a carpet cleaner but on a smaller scale. Carpet shampooers are handheld devices that spray cleaning solution onto carpets then use rotating brushes to agitate it into the fibers. After scrubbing, a vacuum sucks up the dirty solution. Carpet shampooers are much more lightweight and portable than full-size carpet cleaners.

How Do Carpet Shampooers Work?

Like carpet cleaners, carpet shampooers have three basic steps: spray, agitate, extract. You’ll pump or spray the cleaning formula onto the carpet surface from the attached bottle or reservoir. Then the motorized brush spins to work that solution deep down.

Finally, flip a switch to activate the built-in vacuum suction that lifts dirt and grime out of the carpet. Most carpet shampooers are corded electric models, but some high-end ones run on batteries now too.

What Are The Pros Of Using A Carpet Shampooer?

1. Carpet shampooers are very lightweight and compact and easy to move room to room.
2. They work well for spot cleaning stains or quick touch-ups between deep cleans.
3. Some models are cordless for even more portable cleaning anywhere.
4. Carpet shampooers cost less up front than a full-size carpet cleaner.

What Are Some Cons To Consider?

1. Carpet shampooers have smaller cleaning paths so it takes more time for large areas.
2. Suction power usually isn’t as strong as a carpet cleaner so they may not lift out ground-in dirt as well.
3. Cordless carpet shampooers have limited run times per charge.
4. Cleaning solution and recovery tanks are tiny so you’ll be refilling more often.

Which is Best – Carpet Cleaner or Carpet Shampooer?

Both carpet cleaners and carpet shampooers can effectively clean carpets. For most homes, a carpet cleaner is the better option since it can handle larger areas more quickly and deeply cleans carpets between professional services.

Carpet shampooers excel for quick spot treatment of stains or light freshening up. If portability is key, a cordless carpet shampooer makes carpets clean from any room. Ultimately, consider your cleaning needs and space to determine which type fits your lifestyle best. With the right tool, your carpets will stay fresh and clean!