Floorcare

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

Looking for the best carpet cleaner in Australia? Compare upright and portable models, steam mops, and multi-surface cleaners. 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, 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 are a natural choice for tiles and sealed vinyl, blasting away germs without chemicals. Cordless electric mops provide gentle cleaning for timber floors where water exposure needs to be controlled. Spray mops are a lighter option for quick daily use.

Machine Type	Price Range	Suitable Surfaces	Drying Time
Steam Mop	$120–$300	Tiles, vinyl, sealed floors	5–10 mins
Cordless Electric Mop	$200–$500	Timber, vinyl, tiles	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. 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

Explore Wet & Dry Vacuums.

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

There's so many things to consider when buying any appliance, we've broken it down to the essential considerations.

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	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	Quick-dry modes to cut wait times Pet-safe and eco-friendly solutions Cordless wet/dry vacuums if easily overwhelmed by multiple steps

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.

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
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, 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