Buying guide for Best hoover carpet cleaners
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Even if you vacuum regularly, there’s bound to be dirt that makes its way into the fibers of your carpet where it gets deeply embedded, gives it a dingy look, and even causes odors. The only thing that can really get the mess out is a deep, thorough cleaning, which is why a high-quality carpet cleaner is such a good investment. And when it comes to floor-cleaning appliances, it’s hard to find a brand with a better reputation than Hoover.
Hoover carpet cleaners inject water and cleaning solution into carpet fibers where dirt is trapped, brush the solution into the carpet, and suction all the dirt and moisture out of the fibers for a truly clean carpet. You can rent a professional carpet cleaner or hire a company to do it for you, but if you have small children and/or pets, your carpets will likely experience enough messes that doing the job yourself is a more affordable long-term option.
Hoover offers several different carpet cleaners, so if you’re not sure where to start, our convenient guide can help. It has all the information you need to choose the perfect Hoover carpet cleaner for your home. If you’re in a hurry, check out our top Hoover carpet cleaner picks to make shopping as easy as can be.
Key considerations
Full-size vs. spot cleaner
Hoover carpet cleaners are available in full-size models and more compact models designed for spot cleaning.
Full-size: A full-size carpet cleaner is usually about the size of an upright vacuum. It allows you to quickly and efficiently deep clean the carpeting in an entire room, so it’s an ideal option if you have a large home or your family tends to track dirt everywhere. These machines have more powerful suction than spot cleaners, and they’re usually heavier and bulkier.
Spot cleaner: This is a small, lightweight carpet cleaner that’s meant for targeting specific stains and messes. Many spot cleaners weigh half as much as full-size models, so one is easier to move throughout your home or even take on the go. Hoover’s spot cleaner can even be used to deep clean stains on upholstery, too. Keep in mind that smaller spot cleaners don’t usually have the same suction power as full-size carpet cleaners, which means you might not get your carpet quite as clean.
Expert Tip
Consider what you need to clean and how much storage space you have, and think carefully about whether an upright or handheld spot cleaner is right for you.
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Trigger vs. automatic
Hoover offers carpet cleaners with both trigger and automatic operation.
Trigger: Those with a trigger require you to squeeze a button or tab as you move the cleaner over the carpet to inject the cleaning solution into the fibers. When you want to suction out the dirt and dry the carpet, you release the trigger before running the cleaner over the carpet. Trigger models cost less than automatic carpet cleaners.
Automatic: With an automatic model, there’s no trigger to hold. Instead, you simply push the cleaner forward to inject the cleaning solution and pull it back for suction and drying. A Hoover automatic carpet cleaner is easier to use, particularly if you have joint or grip issues.
Weight
Hoover’s carpet cleaners range from 9 to 27 pounds. The lightest models are usually spot cleaners, which may not be able to do as thorough a cleaning job as you’d like. When it comes to full-size models, opt for one that weighs between 13 and 19 pounds, so you’ll have a cleaner that’s powerful enough but still easy to maneuver.
Lightweight carpet cleaners are easier to move around your home, but it’s also important to remember that a cleaner filled with water and cleaning solution is considerably heavier than the empty machine, so think carefully about how heavy a model you’re comfortable using.
Expert Tip
Using the correct cleaning solution for the job will maximize the effectiveness of your carpet cleaner. Sometimes you need a stain remover, sometimes you need a deodorizer, and other times call for both.
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Hoover carpet cleaner features
Tank size
Hoover offers carpet cleaners with tanks as small as 50 ounces in spot cleaners, to 0.5 to 1.25 gallons in full-size carpet cleaners. The larger the carpet cleaner tank, the less frequently you’ll need to stop and refill it with water. The one drawback to a large tank is that it can make a carpet cleaner heavy.
Powered brushes
Carpet cleaners that come with rolling brushes offer a deeper clean because they’re able to really scrub the dirt out of the carpet fibers. Nearly all of Hoover’s full-size models have powered brushes to boost their cleaning power. The spot cleaners have a built-in brush, too, but it’s not powered, so you’ll need to scrub the brush over the carpet yourself.
Steam
Steam helps loosen stubborn dirt and residue to make it easier for the carpet cleaner to remove it. Some Hoover carpet cleaners have a steam setting to provide a more thorough cleaning. For regular cleaning, this feature typically isn’t necessary, but if you have extremely stained or dingy carpeting, a steam model may be a good option.
Quick dry
Some Hoover carpet cleaners are equipped with a quick or auto dry feature, which means you don’t have to worry about keeping your family and pets off a damp carpet all day. These models extract more water from the carpet fibers after rinsing, enabling the carpet to dry more quickly. With some Hoover carpet cleaners, you can expect your carpet to dry in as little as 45 minutes.
Cleaning solution dispenser
Hoover carpet cleaners that have a separate tank or dispenser for cleaning solution so that just the right amount of detergent is released with the water and your carpet isn’t saturated with suds. The dispenser shuts off for the rinse cycle, so you can rinse the carpet without emptying the cleaner.
Expert Tip
Completely empty your device of water and debris prior to storing to prevent mold from growing. EMPTY EACH TANK!
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Tools and attachments
Many carpet cleaners include tools that you can attach to the machine to make cleaning your carpet easier or use to clean other items in your home. Some tools offered by Hoover include the following:
- Antimicrobial multipurpose tool
- Antimicrobial pet tool
- Scrub hand tool
- Crevice tool
- Stair tool
- Upholstery tool
Cord and hose length
A long cord enables you to clean as large an area at a time as possible because don’t have to keep unplugging the carpet cleaner and find a new outlet. For the most convenience, choose a model with at least a 15-foot cord.
For tools and attachments, it also helps to have a long enough hose to reach out-of-the-way spots. Opt for a Hoover carpet cleaner with at least a 5-foot hose.
Hoover carpet cleaner prices
Hoover carpet cleaners vary in price based on the size of the tank and other features. Most models range from $90 to $200.
Inexpensive
Hoover spot cleaners are the most affordable option, ranging from $90 to $100. These are small, compact cleaners with tanks that hold less than half a gallon. They’re easy to maneuver, but they’re only designed to clean small areas, not entire rooms.
Mid-range
Hoover carpet cleaners with tanks that hold one-half to more than one gallon and offer trigger operation are slightly more expensive, ranging from $100 to $150. These work well for cleaning the carpeting in an entire room, but the smaller tank means you’ll have to refill it more frequently.
Expensive
The most expensive Hoover carpet cleaners are models that hold more than one gallon. These usually cost between $150 and $200. Many of those on the higher end of the price range have an automatic operation to make cleaning your carpet easier.
Expert Tip
Each time you use your upright carpet cleaner, check the brushes at the bottom for hairs and lint and clear them if necessary. This helps them last longer.
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Tips
- Vacuum first. Vacuuming the floor before using your carpet cleaner picks up any loose dirt and debris before you wet the fibers.
- Use hot water. For the best results, use hot water in your Hoover carpet cleaner. The heat helps loosen dirt for more effective cleaning.
- Move slowly. When you’re using a Hoover carpet cleaner in suction or drying mode, move it slowly across the carpet. That helps the machine pull out as much of the moisture as possible, so the carpet dries more quickly.
- Vacuum last. After you’ve used your carpet cleaner and it’s completely dry, vacuum the floor again for a truly clean carpet.
FAQ
Q. How often should I use a Hoover carpet cleaner?
A. The best schedule depends on a variety of factors. If anything gets spilled on or ground into your carpeting, you should use your carpet cleaner as soon as possible. If you have pets, use your cleaner at least once every three months to remove embedded dirt, stains, and odors. If your carpeting sees normal traffic throughout the year, using your cleaner once every six months is usually sufficient.
Q. Does a Hoover carpet cleaner work on hard flooring?
A. Most of Hoover’s carpet cleaners are designed for use only on carpeting or other fabric surfaces. However, some Hoover machines can be used on certain hard floors like tile and linoleum. They usually aren’t advised for use on hardwood, though. Read your owner’s manual carefully to determine if your model is suitable for use on an uncarpeted floor.
Q. Are Hoover carpet cleaners protected by a warranty?
A. Hoover does offer warranties for its carpet cleaners. The warranty coverage ranges from one to five years, depending on the model. Keep in mind that the warranty usually covers problems that arise due to manufacturing or defective parts. If your carpet cleaner breaks due to an accident or misuse, it likely won’t be covered.
