Bissell TurboClean Pet XL

It ranks #6 (B tier) on our consolidated carpet cleaners board, drawn from 7 independent outlets.

Uses more water than some rivals. Higher water usage compared to some rivals.

It is for pet owners who want a robust whole-room washer with a large tank and strong suction. Reviewers name it the best for pet owners, note its effectiveness on extreme dirt and praise its motor and long-term reliability, which earns it B tier. The Rug Doctor Mighty Pro in A tier is the pick reviewers name for the worst pet messes, and the Tineco CARPET ONE Smart Carpet Cleaner Machine in S tier is the best all-round choice if pets are not the main problem.

Reviewers credit it with a robust motor and long-term reliability, so it should give years of service with basic care. Rinse the tanks and hose after every use and check the brush roll for wear a few times a year, since the brush is the first part to go on any carpet washer. The board records no failure pattern for this model.

It uses more water than some rivals, so carpet can be left damper than after the faster-drying machines on our board. Counter that with one wet pass and two or three dry passes over each strip, a fan or open window, and staying off the carpet until it is dry to the touch. The strong suction does help pull water back out if you give it the extra dry passes.

Yes. It is the machine reviewers name as best for pet owners, it is effective on extreme dirt and its large tank means you can work through a whole room of paw traffic without stopping to refill. Treat fresh accidents with the hand tool first and follow with a full pass once the area has been blotted.

Empty the dirty water tank, rinse it, flush clean water through the hose and tool until it runs clear, and let the tanks air dry off the machine. Pull pet hair off the brush roll, which clogs faster in a pet household. Store it upright and dry with nothing left in the tanks.