How does a spot cleaner work?
Spot cleaners are small machines with nozzles that precisely tackle stains on carpets, rugs, upholstery, car interiors, dog beds, and other soft surfaces. The combination of powerful suction and floor cleaning detergents make light work of all manner of unsightly stains, from food and drink to oil and vomit.
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Are spot cleaners different to carpet cleaners?
Spot cleaners and carpet cleaners do a similar job. However, as the name suggests, spot cleaners are designed for use on a small area, targeting a specific stain. Carpet cleaners are designed to tackle bigger jobs. As carpet cleaners are designed for bigger jobs, as you would expect, they are larger and heavier than portable spot cleaners.
What to consider when choosing a spot cleaner
There are a number of things that you should consider when choosing the best spot cleaner for your home.
Budget: The spot cleaners on our list vary in price from £70 all the way up to £200. Make sure you set a budget and stick to it. If you are considering a pricier option, it may be worth waiting until Black Friday or an Amazon sale event to try and save yourself a few pennies.
Water tank size: Tank size can vary across different makes and models of spot cleaner. If you go too small, you may find that you don’t have enough water in the tank to finish the job. On the flip side, larger tanks can make the spot cleaner heavier and you may find it harder to move it around. Choose wisely.
Accessories: Check what accessories come with the spot cleaner you are thinking about buying. If you have pets that often leave smelly messes behind them, some cleaners come with tools specifically designed for tackling this type of stain. Many cleaners also come with samples or bottles of branded detergent, which can be useful to get you started. However, some cleaners can only be used with the brand’s own products (we’re looking at you, Shark), so this extra cost and potential hassle is something to factor in before buying.
Weight: Check the weight of the spot cleaner. Lightweight models may be easier to manage if you are elderly or have certain medical conditions.
Size and storage space: Some spot cleaners are bulky beasts, while others are more compact, similar in size to the average air fryer, which makes storing them a lot easier. Check the dimensions of the spot cleaner to make sure you have enough storage space.
Corded or cordless?: Cordless spot cleaners give you freedom to roam, but a corded model will ensure that you don’t run out of power halfway through a clean.
Alternatives: Spot cleaners are great for tackling all sorts of stains and spillages as and when they happen. But as the name suggests, they are really only suitable for relatively small areas. If you are looking to clean a couple of rooms or even a whole house, investing in a carpet cleaner may be a better option. If you don’t want to buy your own, you can hire a carpet cleaning machine or even pay a professional to come round and do the dirty work for you.
How we chose the best spot cleaner
Recommendations from real people
First up, we searched high and low on the Mumsnet forums for posts about the spot cleaner models and brands our users had tried, tested and loved. We specifically looked out for brands that were effective at removing everyday messes, as well as more difficult stains, such as red wine and pet mess. We also took into account which brand made machines that were easy to use and manoeuvre around the home.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the spot cleaners we recommend are fit for purpose and excel when sprucing up your home, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace.
Authentic consumer reviews
We then thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Currys, and Argos to get wider consumer experiences regarding the spot cleaners on our shortlist, so you can be confident our selection will keep your carpets and upholstery looking fresh.
Real-life testing
Finally, MNHQ editors and testers put selected products from our shortlist through their paces, trying them out extensively in their own homes on a range of messes. They carefully evaluated the Bissell Cordless and Shark models, scoring them on their ease of use, cleaning power, and overall value for money.
About the author
Laura Cooke is a freelance writer and journalist and has written articles for national publications including the Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful magazine.
Laura started writing Swears By articles for Mumsnet in 2021, and has developed an expertise in cleaning and floor care guides. She's reviewed numerous products in the category, including everything from the best robot vacuum cleaners to the best floor mops, to help Mumsnetters make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies. She has also written several useful floor care articles, including a guide on how to clean a carpet and everything you need to consider before buying a robot vacuum cleaner.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
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