Floorcare

The Best Carpet Cleaners & Hard Floor Cleaners in Australia: Tried & Tested

Looking for the best carpet cleaner in Australia? This article will help you compare upright and portable models, steam mops, and multi-surface cleaners, including reviews and comparisons of leading brands. See Bi-Rite’s top picks and FAQs.

Finding the best carpet cleaner for your home isn’t simple. There are upright machines, portable spot cleaners, steam mops for hard floors, and even cordless multi-surface models that handle tiles, vinyl, and timber. To make things easier, we’ve compared the top types, covering different brands, explained drying times and maintenance tips, and curated Bi-Rite’s best picks so you can shop with confidence.

Best Carpet Cleaners for Deep-Cleaned, Fresh Floors

Upright carpet cleaners are the go-to for whole-home deep cleaning. They cover wide areas, lift stubborn stains, and reach deep into fibres. Portable spot cleaners are lighter and designed for quick clean-ups on rugs, upholstery, or stairs. Both are essential tools for different jobs.

Type	Price Range	Cleaning Width	Drying Time
Upright Carpet Cleaners	$350–$800	30–35 cm	30 min – 4 hours
Portable Spot Cleaners	$200–$500	10–15 cm	1–3 hours

Upright carpet cleaner and portable spot cleaner removing stains from carpets, rugs, and upholstery

Best Hard Floor Cleaners for Aussie Homes

Steam mops, hard floor cleaners, and electric mops are a natural choice for tiles and sealed vinyl, blasting away germs without chemicals. They provide gentle cleaning for timber floors where water exposure needs to be controlled. Just make sure any accessories and detergents are compatible with your hard floor cleaner.

Machine Type	Price Range	Suitable Surfaces	Drying Time
Steam Mop	$120–$300	Tiles, vinyl, laminate, sealed floors	5–10 mins
Cordless Electric Mop	$200–$500	Timber, vinyl, tiles, laminate	10–20 mins
Spray Mop	$50–$120	Light cleaning all surfaces	Immediate

See Bi-Rite’s full range of steam cleaners.

Steam mops cleaning tiled and timber floors in Australian kitchens and living rooms

Multi-Surface Cleaners – One Tool for All Floors

If you’ve got mixed flooring, a multi-surface cleaner saves time by vacuuming, washing, and sometimes drying in one pass. These machines often combine mopping with other cleaning functions for improved efficiency. Multi-surface cleaners also create cleaning solutions from water and detergent, allowing for deep cleaning of both carpets and hard floors. Popular options include wet/dry vacuums and cordless machines that handle both carpets and hard floors.

Machine Type	Price Range	Cleaning Width	Drying Time
Wet & Dry Vacuums	$300–$700	25–30 cm	Varies by mode
Multi-Surface Floor Washers	$350–$750	25–32 cm	15–30 mins

Note: Water tank capacity is important for uninterrupted cleaning, as larger tanks reduce the need for frequent refills.

The weight of the machine can affect manoeuvrability, especially in larger homes or when cleaning multiple rooms.

Explore Wet & Dry Vacuums with advanced features such as adjustable cleaning modes and customizable settings for different floor types.

Wet and dry vacuum cleaners, multi-surface cleaners, and portable spot cleaners for hard floors in Australia

How to Choose the Right Cleaner for Your Home

This guide will help you decide which cleaner is best for your individual needs, ensuring you choose the right features and modes for your home.

Consideration	What to Look For	Look For
Room size	Wide cleaning path for large areas; compact design for small spaces	Upright with wide head for big carpeted rooms Lightweight portable for stairs, cars, or apartments
Surface type	Cleaning method safe for timber, tiles, or vinyl	Cordless mop or spray mop for timber Steam mop for tiles and vinyl Multi-surface machine for mixed floors
Cleaning frequency	Convenience for weekly use vs. power for deep cleans (the meaning of quick-dry mode is less downtime between cleans, which means you can use your space sooner)	Quick set-up and fast drying if cleaning weekly Upright with heated cleaning if only deep cleaning seasonally
Lifestyle factors	Fast drying, eco-friendly, pet-safe options (choose features that match your individual needs, such as quick-dry modes, which means less waiting time after cleaning)	Quick-dry modes to cut wait times Pet-safe and eco-friendly solutions Cordless wet/dry vacuums if easily overwhelmed by multiple steps

Note: Some machines are better suited for carpets, while others excel on hard floors. Always check if the cleaning mode is appropriate for your surface type to avoid damage and ensure optimal results.

When comparing cleaning modes or settings, note that each mode is designed for specific floor types. Gentle modes mean safer cleaning for delicate surfaces, while deep-clean modes mean more power for stubborn dirt on carpets.

Carpet & Floor Cleaner Maintenance Tips

A cleaner lasts longer and performs better with regular upkeep.

Routine Care: Step-by-Step Guide

Empty and rinse dirty water tanks after each clean.
Wipe down brushes and rollers to prevent build-up.
Wash or replace filters according to the manual.
Let the machine air-dry fully before storage.
Use eco-friendly or manufacturer-approved cleaning solutions for safe, effective results.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Fixes

Problem	Why It Happens	Fix
Smelly tank	Dirty water left standing after use	Empty and rinse tank after every clean
Weak suction	Filter clogged with dust or pet hair	Wash or replace filters regularly
Roller not turning	Hair or lint jammed in brushes	Remove hair and lint weekly
Leaking machine	Wrong detergent damages seals	Stick with recommended, pet-safe solutions
Mouldy smell after storage	Moisture trapped inside	Store upright and let the machine dry fully before putting away

Bi-Rite’s Top Picks for Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning

We’ve hand-picked models that deliver value and performance for Aussie households. Choosing a trusted brand is important to ensure reliability and top cleaning performance

Model	Type	Key Feature	Drying Time / Notes	Best For
Bissell Revolution HydroSteam Upright Carpet Cleaner Shop now	Upright + Steam	Three cleaning modes, heated cleaning	~30 min (Quick Dry Mode)	Large homes with wall-to-wall carpet, furniture, mattresses, curtains
Bissell PowerForce Pet Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner Shop now	Upright	Budget-friendly upright power	Not specified	Pet owners needing an affordable upright
Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Spot Cleaner Shop now	Portable Spot Cleaner	Dual brush action, compact	Fast drying	Stairs, cars, car interiors, and homes with pets
Bissell SpotClean Portable Deep Cleaner Shop now	Portable Spot Cleaner	Lightweight, easy to store	~1–3 hours	Quick everyday spills and small spaces
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Multi-Surface Cleaner Shop now	Wet/Dry Multi-Surface	Vacuums & washes carpets, rugs, and hard floors	Few minutes (on hard floors)	Busy households with mixed flooring
Dreame H15 Pro Wet & Dry Vacuum & Mop in One Shop now	Cordless Wet/Dry	Strong suction, self-cleaning, cordless	Not specified	Modern homes wanting cordless convenience
Bissell CrossWave OmniForce Edge Shop now	Cordless Wet/Dry	Edge cleaning, wide path	Standard wet/dry drying	Apartments or quick daily cleans

Some models are also suitable for commercial spaces such as offices, making them a versatile choice for both home and business use.

Ready to shop? Come in store or online to explore all floorcare options at Bi-Rite.

Seasonal Cleaning Tip

Spring is the best time for a deep clean. Carpets dry faster in warm weather, and open windows help clear out odours and dust built up over winter.

FAQs: Floorcare for Aussie Homes

Do steam mops damage timber floors?

Not if they’re sealed. For delicate floorboards, stick to cordless spray mops to avoid excess water.

What’s the fastest-drying carpet cleaner?

Premium uprights like the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam have quick-dry modes, leaving carpets ready in about 30 minutes.

Are eco-friendly cleaning solutions effective?

Yes. Plant-based and pet-safe solutions lift dirt without harsh chemicals. Perfect for families and allergy-sensitive homes.

Can I use a carpet cleaner on rugs?

Yes, but check the fibre type. Wool and silk rugs may require gentler care. Carpet cleaners use hot water and steam to break down dirt and stains, ensuring a thorough clean.