Choosing a Carpet Cleaning Machine That's Right For You
By Guido Stiehle

It used to be cost-prohibitive to own your own carpet steam-cleaner, but these days you can have your pick of models. Before you choose a carpet cleaner, take a look at the different options out there and decide what's best for you. For instance, are you a neat-nick who wants to shampoo all of your carpet on a regular basis? Do you have pets or kids who are prone to spilling? Do you have mostly carpet, or would you like a machine that can clean your tile, laminate, and hardwood, too? Will you mostly be cleaning high traffic areas like halls and stairs, and sticking to a vacuum for the rest? How much storage space to do you have available? You have so many choices available, so to avoid becoming overwhelmed, assess your needs before you begin shopping.

How Much Horsepower Do I Need?

The most important decision when buying a carpet cleaning machine is to decide how much power you need. First, decide if you want an upright, canister model or a spot-treater. An upright machine is operated similar to your regular vacuum. These machines are best if you plan to clean an entire room of carpet four or more times a year. If you know you'll use it at least that often, an upright machine is probably best for you. Keep in mind, though, that they are usually comparable or larger in size to your upright vacuum, so plan ahead where you want to store it.