When it comes to deep-cleaning carpets, a wet vacuum is a game-changer. But with a million different options out there, how do you choose the best wet vacuum for yourself? I put three top contenders—the Bissell wet vac, Shark wet vac, and Hoover CleanSlate Plus—to the ultimate stain test to see which one performed best! Follow along to see the full process and results.
From coffee spills to sticky caramel messes, I evaluated cleaning power, ease of use, cleaning, and moisture levels. Here’s our in-depth comparison to help you decide which best wet vacuum deserves a spot in your home.
Best Wet Vacuum Comparison: Testing Methodology
To ensure a fair battle, I divided a medium-pile carpet into three sections—one for each cleaner—and subjected them to four challenging stain tests:
- Light Surface Dirt – Coffee grounds (tests general dirt removal)
- Food & Grease Stains – Ketchup (evaluates wet oil lifting)
- Dark Liquid Stains – Coffee (measures deep stain removal)
- Sticky Residue Stains – Caramel Sauce (tests ability to remove sugary, sticky messes)
Rating Criteria
- Cleaning Power (1-5 scale)
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (weight, maneuverability, tank handling)
- Drying Time (moisture level meter)
Best Pure Cleaning Power: Hoover CleanSlate Plus
Rating: 4.5/5 Moisture Level Meter Result (30 mins): 21.9
The Hoover CleanSlate Plus edged out the competition slightly in pure stain removal. It handled coffee stains effortlessly, lifted ketchup (especially with its included rubber brush and detail tool), and even tackled stubborn caramel sauce with a little extra scrubbing.
Pros:
✔️ Strong suction for deep cleaning
✔️ Comes with two useful attachments for getting deep into the mess (rubber brush & detail tool)
✔️ Effective on grease and sticky stains
Best Ease of Use: Bissell Wet Vac
Rating: 4/5 Moisture Level Meter Result (30 mins): 22.8
The Bissell wet vac scored high for user-friendly design. Its large water tank made cleaning sessions efficient, and it was easy to dump out dirty water. However, one downside was that the brush head doesn’t fully detach, making post-cleaning maintenance a bit trickier.
Pros:
✔️ Simple, intuitive controls
✔️ Large tank reduces refill needs
✔️ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Cons:
❌ Brush head isn’t removable for deep cleaning
Overall Best Wet Vacuum: Shark Wet Vac Carpet Cleaner
Rating: 5/5 Moisture Level Meter Result (30 mins): 24
My new go-to winner—the Shark wet vac carpet cleaner—combines power, convenience, and smart design. Not only did it clean exceptionally well, but its removable brush cap allowed for 100% post-cleaning access, and the water tank was super easy to rinse out.
Plus, Shark includes a compact portable mini tool for quick spot cleaning—perfect for on-the-go small messes!
Pros:
✔️ Best overall performance in stain removal
✔️ Fully removable brush head cap for thorough cleaning
✔️ Includes a handheld spot cleaner for small stains
After putting these three carpet cleaners through rigorous testing, it’s clear each has its strengths depending on your cleaning needs. The Hoover CleanSlate Plus emerges as the stain-fighting champion, delivering exceptional deep-cleaning performance that makes quick work of stubborn messes. For those prioritizing convenience, the Bissell Wet Vac offers the most user-friendly experience with its large tank and simple operation. However, our top recommendation goes to the Shark Wet Vac, which strikes the perfect balance between power and practicality, complete with innovative features like a fully removable brush head and portable spot cleaner.
No matter which model you choose, remember that proper technique makes all the difference. Always treat stains promptly and finish with a clean-water rinse pass for optimal results. Happy Cleaning!
