Carpeting is popular in homes for its comfort and thermal resistance, but even with regular vacuuming and DIY spot cleaning, areas of moderate to heavy traffic may need a deeper clean than what you can achieve at home. A professional cleaner can help. The key is to find one that uses environmentally friendly methods, and can also tackle tough stains and odors.

The best Expert carpet cleaners are efficient and easy to use. They typically work by dispensing a mixture of water and cleaning solution onto your carpet and then working it into the fibers with rotating brushes. They then suctions up the solution, as well as dirt and debris, into a clean water tank.

“Deep Clean, Fresh Feel: The Benefits of Professional Carpet Cleaning

Some full-size models have additional features that can be helpful. The Smart Carpet Cleaner from Tineco, which we tested in our Cleaning Lab, for instance, connects to your smartphone via an app to automatically adjust the suction and flow of clean water, and provides voice prompts that let you know when it’s time to empty or refill the tanks. Its built-in heater keeps the cleaning solution hot, which helps it fight stains better than cold water. It also includes a 1.5″ integrated crevice tool, Pet Tool and 3.5″ reversible brush tool.

Other models, like the Shark CarpetXpert with Stain Striker (also in our Testing Lab), have separate tanks for the clean and dirty water, so they only mix when you’re using them. It has a long hose, which makes it easier to reach stairs and other hard-to-reach spots. It also has a convenient handle on the nozzle for easy transport.