Which carpet shampooer?

moonpenny

I was thinking of buying the latest version of Vax Carpet shampooer but have just seen a presentation for Rug Doctor which looks pretty good.
Looks like it leaves carpet pretty dry too.

Has anyone used either machine and which is best in your opinion?
I need it to clean upholstery as well as carpets.

betsie

I have a bissel which I really like. It separates the clean and dirty water.
Is like a hand held hoover so easy to use with tools for upholstery.

Pa_Ja

Are you asking which machine is the best or which detergent to use?

moonpenny

Pa_Ja wrote: »

Are you asking which machine is the best or which detergent to use?

Which machine is best.. Sorry for confusion

Head_The_Ball

I have had very satisfactory results on carpet with a Vax but I can't compare it to a Rug Doctor as I have never used one.

I haven't used our Vax on upholstery although it does have the correct attachments.

Carrot007

I have had many vax's (ok 3). They were all ok ish.

Have rented a rug doctor many times. Nothing beats it. But it is priced as such! I assume there are no cheap consumer models?

Currently after the water company reversed sewage up into my house and had to use my last vax to clean as they had nothing they got me a bissel and I find it better than the vax's but nowhere near the rug doctor.

Callie22

I have a Vax (Dual V model, I think). It's fine and does the job, but to my mind mind most domestic carpet cleaners are better for keeping clean carpets clean(er) than transforming really manky ones. I have used a hired Rug Doctor in the past and it was ok too - I think with the hire machines it can really depend on how new they are when you rent them and how well they've been looked after. I did find that it left the carpets a bit dryer than the Vax though, although there really wasn't a lot in it.

[Deleted User]

If you're buying a Bissel make sure you get some earplugs, I've got tinnitus from using mine.

Heedtheadvice

I have used several domestic machines over the years. The Vax has been best at cleaning/drying but not the most reliable. Currently on my third claim under the 6 year warranty it came with.
All machines are noisy and do a reasonable job if taken slowly. I found with the vax (a dual v) that much less than the recommended amount of detergent is required and it is the rinsing cycle(s) that make the difference. Several non too wet rinse/dry cycles being best and then a thorough dry.
I like the ability with the dual v to turn off the beaters to give maximum power to drying.

I guess commercial machines on rent give best performance but it is very handy to own a machine for accidental spills and the like.

Pa_Ja

There are so many variables; I'd be interested to see a comprehensive comparison between several carpet cleaners.

I own a Vax Rapide 2. I've had it for almost 6 yrs. Must have used it 15 times or so. Very Happy with it.
A large glass of red wine fell on my new beige carpet ; this machine sooked it all up. You wouldn't even know it had happened.

Any half decent machine will keep your carpet clean and fresh dependent on detergent.
I think people have unrealistic expectations. They expect a 'Wow' moment after cleaning the carpet. In reality though, if your carpet is generally looked after... You remove shoes at the door, vacuum daily, then you'll only vax a couple of times of year dependent on you own circumstances.

For any stubborn stains i use Dr Beckmann Carpet Stain Remover which comes with its own brush head.

Carrot007

jack_pott wrote: »

If you're buying a Bissel make sure you get some earplugs, I've got tinnitus from using mine.

Make/Model? Mine is quiet. Still the rugdoctor makes a racket. Still I guess that's why it cleans better.