Tired of stubborn stains and lingering odors making your carpets look less than pristine? You’re not alone! Keeping your carpets clean, fresh, and vibrant can feel like an endless battle, especially with pets, kids, or just daily wear and tear. While professional services offer a deep clean, they can be pricey and inconvenient. What if there was an effective way to tackle messes yourself?
Enter the carpet cleaner that you vacuum up. This ingenious category of cleaning solutions and devices allows you to actively remove dirt, grime, and even liquid spills from your carpets and upholstery, leaving them refreshed and often dry much faster than traditional methods. Whether it’s a dry powder you sprinkle and then vacuum away, or a wet extraction machine that sprays cleaning solution and immediately suctions up the dirty water, these tools put the power of professional-level cleaning right in your hands.
In this guide, we’ll dive into 10 fantastic options, ranging from powerful spot cleaners to versatile vacuums, all designed to help you achieve a cleaner, healthier home by letting you literally vacuum up the mess. Let’s find the perfect carpet cleaner that you vacuum up for your needs!
Our Top Picks for Carpet Cleaners You Can Vacuum Up
1. Capture Carpet & Rug Dry Cleaner w/Resealable lid
If you’re looking for a hassle-free, dry cleaning method that avoids the long drying times of wet cleaners, Capture Carpet & Rug Dry Cleaner is a game-changer. This innovative powder acts like tiny sponges, absorbing dirt and spills from your carpets, rugs, and even upholstery. It’s especially fantastic for delicate fabrics like wool or silk where moisture is a no-go, ensuring spots don’t wick back up as they sometimes do with wet methods. Just sprinkle, brush, and vacuum – it’s that easy to get a deep, fresh clean.
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Key Features:
- ABSORBENT DEEP DRY CLEANING: Acts like heavy-duty sponges to absorb dirt and spills, preventing wicking.
- BEST CARPET CLEANING SOLUTION: Safe for all carpet types, including Wool and Code S fabric.
- STAIN REMOVER & DEODORIZER: Eliminates tough stains and odors without steam or shampoo.
- EASY APPLICATION: Spray (Pre-Mist sold separately), sprinkle, brush, and vacuum for quick results.
- CONVENIENT, SAFE, EFFECTIVE & TOTAL CARE: Contains no bleach, solvents, or harsh chemicals. Made in the USA.
- PACKAGING: 4lb pail, cleans up to 400 square feet.
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Pros:
- Excellent for delicate carpets and upholstery.
- No long drying times, carpets are ready to use almost immediately.
- Prevents wicking and reappearance of stains.
- Safe for pets and children, no harsh chemicals.
- Effectively neutralizes odors.
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Cons:
- Pre-Mist needs to be purchased separately for best results.
- Can leave a slight residue if not thoroughly vacuumed.
User Impressions: Many users rave about how effective Capture is for pet stains and high-traffic areas, praising its ability to truly remove odors and refresh carpets without leaving them damp. They appreciate the dry application process, especially for quick clean-ups.
2. Eureka Blaze Stick Vacuum Cleaner, Powerful Suction 3-in-1
While not a wet extractor, the Eureka Blaze Stick Vacuum is an excellent carpet cleaner that you vacuum up in the sense of removing surface dirt and debris, which is crucial for maintaining carpet cleanliness or as a pre-step for deeper treatments. This lightweight and versatile 3-in-1 vacuum transforms from a stick vacuum to a handheld, making it perfect for quick clean-ups on carpets, hard floors, and even above-floor surfaces. Its powerful suction and signature swivel steering make navigating around furniture a breeze, ensuring every corner of your carpet gets attention.
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Key Features:
- 3-in-1 design with onboard crevice tool for versatile cleaning.
- Ultra-lightweight at only 4 pounds for easy portability.
- Eureka’s signature swivel steering for improved maneuverability.
- Capture nozzle picks up larger debris with ease.
- Powerful 2 amp motor with washable filtration system.
- 18′ power cord and X-Large dust cup for extended cleaning.
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Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Versatile for multiple surfaces and cleaning tasks.
- Effective at picking up various sizes of debris on carpets.
- Washable filter reduces maintenance costs.
- Affordable and compact for small spaces.
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Cons:
- Not designed for deep wet cleaning or stain extraction.
- Suction might not be as strong as full-sized upright vacuums for embedded dirt.
User Impressions: Users love the Eureka Blaze for its lightweight design and convenience, making daily vacuuming on carpets and hard floors a quick task. It’s often praised as a great secondary vacuum or for apartments due to its easy storage and maneuverability.
3. Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for…
The Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner is your go-to for serious routine carpet cleaning, effectively removing embedded dirt and dust from fibers. Its upgraded cyclone system and powerful suction ensure a deep clean, making it a stellar carpet cleaner that you vacuum up all the debris with. With five height settings, it seamlessly transitions between different carpet pile heights and hard floors, making it a versatile workhorse for the entire home. Plus, it traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens for improved air quality.
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Key Features:
- Upgraded Cyclone System for handling various debris sizes.
- Powerful pick-up penetrates deep into carpet to extract embedded dirt.
- Lightweight design for easy handling.
- 5 Height Settings for carpets, shag rugs, and hard floors.
- Multiple accessories included: crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool.
- Traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens.
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Pros:
- Excellent suction power for deep carpet cleaning.
- Versatile with multiple height settings for different surfaces.
- Lightweight yet robust performance.
- Onboard tools provide convenience for above-floor cleaning.
- Improved air quality by trapping allergens.
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Cons:
- Requires regular roller brush and belt cleaning to prevent clogs.
- Can be a bit noisy during operation.
User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight this Eureka upright for its impressive suction on carpets, especially considering its lightweight build. It’s a popular choice for pet owners who need to tackle pet hair and embedded dirt regularly.
4. uwant Portable Carpet Cleaner 18Kpa Powerful Suction Spot…
The uwant Portable Carpet Cleaner is a fantastic solution for spot cleaning and deep cleaning specific areas, truly embodying the concept of a carpet cleaner that you vacuum up dirty water with. With an upgraded motor boasting 18000Pa suction, it blasts through tough stains on couches, carpets, stairs, and upholstery. Its 2-in-1 water tank design and self-cleaning function make maintenance a breeze, ensuring your machine is always ready for the next spill. It’s a must-have for homes with pets or frequent spills.
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Key Features:
- Upgraded motor with 18000Pa powerful suction for deep cleaning.
- Perfect for Multi-Surface Cleaning: couches, carpets, stairs, upholstery.
- 2-in-1 Water Tank Design (41oz clean, 47oz dirty) for extended cleaning.
- Exclusive Specialty Tools: detachable brush head panel for various surfaces (soft silicone for leather, hard surface brush).
- Redesigned Cleaning Head with front-facing nozzle for accurate water control and improved suction.
- Self-Cleaning Function for hose and brush head.
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Pros:
- Exceptional suction power for stubborn stains and pet messes.
- Highly versatile for various fabrics and surfaces.
- Large water tanks reduce the need for frequent refills/empties.
- Innovative detachable brush heads for specialized cleaning.
- Self-cleaning feature maintains hygiene and prevents odors.
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Cons:
- Portable size means it’s for spot cleaning, not whole-room carpet cleaning.
- Cleaning solution needs to be purchased separately.
User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed with the uwant’s powerful suction and its ability to remove old, set-in stains that other cleaners couldn’t touch. Pet owners especially love it for accidents, citing the ease of use and the self-cleaning feature as major benefits.
5. Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for…
Another strong contender in the upright category, the Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner offers heavyweight cleaning performance without the bulk. At just 10 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry around, yet its 960-watt motor delivers consistent, powerful suction across hardwood, tile, and all carpet types. This makes it an effective carpet cleaner that you vacuum up general dirt and pet hair with on a regular basis. The extra-large dust cup and pet-ready attachments make it a fantastic everyday cleaning companion.
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Key Features:
- Lightweight Yet Powerful: 10 pounds with heavyweight cleaning performance.
- Strong Suction Across Surfaces: 960-watt motor for multiple floor types.
- Extra-Large Dust Cup (2.6-liter capacity) for fewer empties.
- 5-Height Brush Roll Adjustment for precision cleaning.
- Pet-Ready Attachments Onboard: Pet Turbo Brush, crevice tool, dusting brush.
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Pros:
- Excellent balance of power and lightweight design.
- Strong suction effective on both carpets and hard floors.
- Large dust cup for uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
- Convenient onboard tools, especially the Pet Turbo Brush.
- Easy height adjustment for various carpet piles.
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Cons:
- Might not have the same filtration system as more expensive models.
- Some users find the cord length could be longer.
User Impressions: Customers frequently commend the PowerSpeed for its impressive suction, especially on pet hair, given its lightweight design. They find it easy to maneuver and appreciate the large dust cup for less frequent emptying, making daily cleaning a more efficient task.
6. Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner…
The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a streamlined, powerful upright vacuum designed for easy and efficient carpet cleaning. Weighing a mere 7.7 pounds, it’s one of the lightest full-power uprights available, making it simple to carry and store. This makes it an ideal carpet cleaner that you vacuum up everyday dirt and pet hair with minimal effort. Its wide cleaning path and quick-release handle with onboard tools ensure thorough cleaning from floor to ceiling, making household chores much more manageable.
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Key Features:
- POWERFUL ALL FLOOR SUCTION: Effortlessly extracts dirt and hair from hard floors and carpets.
- QUICK RELEASE HANDLE FOR ABOVE FLOOR CLEANING: With crevice tool and dusting brush.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY STORAGE: Only 7.7 pounds, compact and featherweight design.
- EASY MAINTENANCE & ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: Washable filter for no maintenance costs.
- ALL TOOLS ON BOARD: Crevice tool and dusting brush snap on the vacuum for easy access.
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Pros:
- Exceptionally lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Strong suction for both carpets and hard floors.
- Quick-release handle makes above-floor cleaning simple.
- Washable filter is eco-friendly and cost-effective.
- Compact design for easy storage.
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Cons:
- Lacks a brush roll height adjustment for different carpet piles.
- Smaller dust cup than some other upright models.
User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the NEU10AE5’s featherlight build as a major plus, making it incredibly easy to use and store. Its strong suction on both carpets and hard floors, combined with the convenient onboard tools, makes it a popular choice for quick, efficient cleaning.
7. Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister 2.5L Vacuum Cleaner,…
The Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum is a versatile cleaning machine, perfect for homes with a mix of carpet and hard flooring. Its integrated airflow control allows for easy switching between surfaces, delivering strong suction wherever you need it. This lightweight canister design, combined with swivel steering and a telescoping wand, makes it incredibly agile, letting you easily deep clean under and around furniture. It’s an excellent carpet cleaner that you vacuum up dirt and dust from various areas, reaching spots uprights often miss.
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Key Features:
- Innovative Multi-Surface Vacuum: Integrated airflow control for carpet, upholstery, and hard floors.
- Lightweight And Easy To Maneuver: Only 8.15 pounds with swivel steering and telescoping metal wand.
- 2.5L Dust Container, No Maintenance Costs: Bagless design and washable filters.
- 2-In-1 Integrated Crevice Tool: Built into the hose handle for quick access.
- Easy-To-Use: Automatic cord rewind and one-button dust cup release.
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Pros:
- Highly versatile for multi-surface cleaning.
- Extremely lightweight and maneuverable, great for stairs and tight spaces.
- Bagless design with washable filters reduces ongoing costs.
- Integrated crevice tool is always at hand.
- Convenient features like automatic cord rewind.
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Cons:
- Canister design means dragging the unit behind you.
- May not have the same deep cleaning power on very thick carpets as a dedicated upright.
User Impressions: Many users appreciate the WhirlWind’s versatility and lightweight design, finding it perfect for apartment living or homes with mixed flooring. The integrated crevice tool and easy dust cup emptying are frequently mentioned as favorite features, along with its strong suction.
8. Starrybot Portable Carpet Cleaner Machine with Steam and…
The Starrybot Portable Carpet Cleaner is a powerhouse for tackling spills and deep-seated stains, truly excelling as a carpet cleaner that you vacuum up dirty water and grime with. What sets it apart is its multiple cleaning modes, including Cold Water, Warm Water, Steam Clean, and Steam Sanitization, offering unparalleled versatility for different cleaning challenges. With 15,000 PA of suction, a compact design, and a range of specialized brushes, it’s perfect for revitalizing carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors.
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Key Features:
- Strong Suction Power: 15,000 PA to effortlessly eliminate stubborn stains.
- Multiple cleaning modes: Cold Water, Warm Water, Steam Clean, and Steam Sanitization.
- Versatile Brushes for Precision Cleaning: 3″ hand tool, 5″ wide tool, CreviceCollector Tool, Steam Brush Tool.
- Efficient Tank Design: 60oz clean water tank, 40oz dirty water tank.
- Compact and Portable Design: Weighs only 13.42 lbs with detachable handle.
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Pros:
- Exceptional suction power for tough stains.
- Unique steam cleaning and sanitization functions for a deeper clean.
- Wide array of specialized tools for any cleaning scenario.
- Good tank capacities for extended cleaning sessions.
- Highly portable and easy to store.
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Cons:
- Steam function adds to the price point.
- Still primarily for spot or small area cleaning, not whole rooms.
User Impressions: Users are highly impressed by the Starrybot’s strong suction and the added benefit of steam cleaning for sanitization and extra-tough stains. Many remark on its effectiveness on pet accidents and old spills, transforming soiled areas remarkably.
9. Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and…
For those seeking a straightforward and reliable carpet cleaner that you vacuum up everyday messes with, the Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent choice. This lightweight and easy-to-maneuver vacuum offers solid performance for both carpets and hard floors. With a generous 1.7L dust cup and washable filter, it provides convenience and easy maintenance, making it a great budget-friendly option for routine home cleaning.
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Key Features:
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: Only 8.4 lbs with a 25-ft power cord.
- VERSATILE CLEANING: Includes upholstery and crevice tools, detachable handle.
- LARGE CAPACITY DUST CUP: 1.7L for longer cleaning without frequent emptying.
- WASHABLE FILTER: For long-lasting performance and easy maintenance.
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Pros:
- Very lightweight and easy to push around.
- Affordable and great value for everyday cleaning.
- Large dust cup means less frequent emptying.
- Washable filter keeps maintenance costs low.
- Detachable handle and tools for versatile cleaning.
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Cons:
- May not offer the same deep-cleaning power as higher-end models.
- Lacks advanced features like brush roll height adjustment.
User Impressions: Customers often praise the Amazon Basics vacuum for its simplicity, lightweight design, and reliable performance as an everyday cleaner. It’s frequently recommended as a good basic vacuum for small homes or as a secondary cleaner.
10. BISSELL TurboClean, Upright Carpet Cleaner, Pro Max Clean &…
The BISSELL TurboClean is a dedicated upright carpet cleaner that truly embodies the idea of a carpet cleaner that you vacuum up dirty solutions with. This compact and lightweight machine is specifically designed to tackle tough everyday and pet messes on carpets and area rugs. Its 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush, combined with powerful suction, goes beyond what a regular vacuum can do, extracting ground-in dirt and stains from high-traffic areas. Plus, every BISSELL purchase supports pet rescue, which is a great bonus!
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Key Features:
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS: Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation.
- OUTCLEANS THE COMPETITIVE LIGHTWEIGHT CARPET CLEANER*: Tackles tough everyday & pet messes.
- 4-ROW DEEPREACH POWERBRUSH: Removes ground-in dirt & stains with powerful suction.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT: Designed for simple storage & easy maneuverability.
- PRO MAX CLEAN + PROTECT: Pairs with BISSELL’s most powerful formula with StainProtect Technology.
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Pros:
- Specifically designed for deep cleaning carpets and rugs.
- Excellent for pet stains and high-traffic areas.
- Powerful brush and suction combination for thorough cleaning.
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage and use.
- Supports a good cause (pet rescue).
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Cons:
- Requires purchasing BISSELL cleaning solution for best results.
- Primarily for carpets; not suitable for hard floors.
User Impressions: BISSELL TurboClean users are consistently impressed with its ability to refresh dirty carpets and remove stubborn pet stains. Its compact size and powerful cleaning action make it a favorite for quick, effective carpet cleaning jobs, often outperforming expectations for a lightweight machine.
Conclusion
Choosing the right carpet cleaner that you vacuum up can make a huge difference in maintaining a clean and fresh home. We’ve explored a variety of excellent options, from innovative dry powder systems like Capture, which offer quick, moisture-free cleaning, to powerful wet extractors like the uwant and Starrybot that effectively lift deep-seated stains and odors by spraying and then vacuuming up the dirty solution. We also looked at versatile upright, stick, and canister vacuums from Eureka and Amazon Basics, which are essential for daily maintenance and removing surface dirt from your carpets.
The key is to consider your specific needs. Do you have frequent pet accidents that require targeted spot cleaning? A portable wet extractor might be your best bet. Are you looking for a whole-room refresh without long drying times? A dry powder cleaner could be perfect. Or do you simply need a powerful vacuum to keep your carpets free of everyday dirt and debris? The various Eureka and Amazon Basics models offer fantastic solutions.
Ultimately, investing in a quality carpet cleaner that you vacuum up empowers you to keep your home looking its best, extending the life of your carpets and providing a healthier environment for everyone. Take into account your lifestyle, the types of messes you face, and the specific features that will make your cleaning routine easier and more effective. A little proactive cleaning goes a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of your carpets!
FAQ
Q: What is a “carpet cleaner that you vacuum up”?
A: This term generally refers to two types of products: dry powder carpet cleaners that you sprinkle, brush in, and then vacuum up once dry, or wet extraction machines that spray a cleaning solution onto the carpet and then immediately suction up the dirty water and solution. Both methods involve a vacuuming step to remove the cleaning agent and the lifted dirt.
Q: How do dry carpet cleaners work, and are they effective?
A: Dry carpet cleaners, like the Capture system, use an absorbent powder or granules. You typically spray a pre-treatment, sprinkle the powder, brush it into the carpet fibers, and let it sit. The powder then absorbs dirt, grease, and odors, acting like tiny sponges. Finally, you vacuum up the dried powder, taking the trapped grime with it. They are highly effective for surface stains, refreshing carpets, and are excellent for delicate fabrics or when quick drying is essential.
Q: Can I use a regular vacuum cleaner as a carpet cleaner?
A: A regular vacuum cleaner is essential for routine maintenance, removing surface dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets. While it “cleans” by vacuuming, it doesn’t typically involve applying a cleaning solution to break down stains or deep-seated grime. For a deeper clean that tackles embedded dirt and stains, you’ll need a dedicated carpet extractor (wet vacuum) or a dry powder system.
Q: Are portable spot cleaners worth it for pet owners?
A: Absolutely! Portable spot cleaners (wet extractors) are highly recommended for pet owners. They are designed to quickly and effectively remove pet accidents, vomit, and other spills before they set in. Their strong suction and targeted cleaning solutions can penetrate deep into carpet fibers to eliminate both stains and odors, preventing pets from re-soiling the same spot.
Q: How often should I use a carpet cleaner that you vacuum up?
A: For general maintenance and surface dirt, regular vacuuming (daily to weekly, depending on traffic) is ideal. For deep cleaning with a wet or dry carpet cleaner, the frequency depends on usage and lifestyle. Homes with pets, children, or high traffic areas might benefit from deep cleaning every 3-6 months, while low-traffic areas might only need it once a year or as needed for spills.
Q: Can these cleaners be used on all types of carpets?
A: Most dry powder cleaners are safe for nearly all carpet types, including delicate wool and silk, as they don’t saturate the fibers with moisture. Wet extractors are generally safe for most synthetic carpets, but you should always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific carpet (e.g., some natural fibers or high-pile shag carpets might require professional steam cleaning or dry methods to prevent damage or long drying times). Always patch-test in an inconspicuous area first.
Q: What’s the difference between a “carpet cleaner that you vacuum up” and steam cleaning?
A: “Carpet cleaners that you vacuum up” can refer to both dry powder methods (no water) and wet extraction machines (spray solution, then vacuum up liquid). True “steam cleaning” typically uses hot water (often mixed with cleaning solution) under pressure, then extracts it. The primary difference is the use of high-temperature steam in the latter, which can offer deeper sanitization but also greater moisture. Many home wet extractors are often referred to as “steam cleaners,” though they might not produce true steam but rather very hot water.
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