Products and appliances

Carpet cleaners

Carpet cleaners

A carpet cleaner can help bring a dull run-down carpet back to life. But take the proper precautions when using and storing them. 

Most carpet cleaners act in a similar way to a vacuum cleaner, helping to dislodge and remove any dirt and debris that may be caught up in the pile. 

While it is possible to get a professional company in to clean your carpets, many people prefer the convenience and price of hiring or purchasing their own cleaner as they tend to be easy to use once filled with water and plugged in. 

Upright carpet cleaners resemble vacuums and are great for large areas with rotating brushes and solution tanks for deep cleaning.  

Portable spot cleaners tackle small spills, upholstery, car interiors, and stairs, while wet and dry vacuums are versatile for dry debris and liquids. 

They all work by using either water extraction (spraying & suctioning solution), steam cleaning, or absorbent compound cleaning. 

Key points

  • Carpet cleaners must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug (BS 1363). 
  • Keep carpet cleaners unplugged when not in use. 
  • Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks. 
  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them. 

Buying a carpet cleaner

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug. 
  • You will find many online reviews of carpet cleaners but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers. 
  • Register your carpet cleaner so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a carpet cleaner safely

  • Read through the entire owner’s manual, so you are familiar with specific operational instructions. Only use attachments provided or approved by the manufacturer. 
  • Spend a few minutes inspecting the plug and cable before use, to make sure they are in good condition. Don’t use the carpet cleaner if there is any sign of damage. 
  • Avoid pulling the device by the cable and keep it away from sharp objects. Don’t overstretch the cable and keep the cleaner away from any open electrical points or wiring. 
  • It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the detergent and don’t splashing detergents on your skin. Wash it off immediately if you do but if you feel irritation, seek medical advice.  
  • Be careful not to run over the cable whilst cleaning. Don’t use the cleaner around any open electrical points or wiring and avoid areas of standing water. 
  • Don’t run over any hot items such as cigarettes and keep all openings free from blockages. 
  • Make sure the appliance is fully emptied after each use and only handle the supply cable or plug with dry hands. 
  • Turn all switches to the ‘off’ position before unplugging the cleaner. Keep it unplugged when not in use and store in a dry area away from sources of extreme temperature. 

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.  
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer. 
  • Register your carpet cleaner with the manufacturer.  
  • Inspect the plug and cable before use to ensure they are in good condition. 

AVOID

  • Buying from third-party sellers online. 
  • Pulling the carpet cleaner by the cable and don’t overstretch the cable. 
  • Using a carpet cleaner close to any open electrical points or wiring. 
  • Using a carpet cleaner if you notice any unusual smells or sounds. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check your appliance

If you notice a burning smell, sparking, cracks or damage, or any unusual noises, switch the carpet cleaner off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer. 

Check the plug

Regularly check the plug and socket for burn marks, or if it feels too hot to touch and listen for sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling). If you have fuses blowing, circuit-breakers or RCDs tripping when using the carpet cleaner, stop using it and have the cleaner inspected or replaced. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the appliance. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD adapter between the appliance and the socket-outlet. 

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

Not all carpets are the same, so you need to match the cleaner to the type of carpet. For delicate carpets, a carpet extraction cleaner with adjustable settings helps protect the pile. For tougher carpets, a hot water extraction cleaner can handle the heavier work. 

Woman using a washing machine

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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