Neutral carpets have been all the rage for a few years now, and although they look lovely, they show up dirt and grime a lot more easily than printed and darker carpets. Overall, it means they don’t last as long unless owners take really good care of them. 

Regular vacuuming only removes mess and the surface layer of dirt. For homeowners who want a deep clean, it is worth investing in a carpet cleaner.

Such devices are most useful for homes with many pets and children. They can remove grime and stains from areas that often get mucky, such as the stairs and sofas. 

Often, carpet cleaners can cost just as much as vacuum cleaners, sometimes even more. However, there’s currently a Vax machine on sale at Amazon with £150 off.  Vax’s Smartwash Pet-Design Carpet Cleaner is usually £349.99, but it is on sale for £199. Vax also offers the cleaner at the same reduced price on its official website. 

The device promises to get rid of 99% of bacteria and is designed with an integrated new pre-treatment wand that tackles tough stains and odours. Vax claims the Smartwash Pet-Design Carpet Cleaner is seven times more effective than vacuuming alone. 

A large tank is attached to the body of the cleaner, which collects the dirty water and grime from carpets. Meanwhile, the brush is designed with Motion Sense Technology

The carpet cleaner has more than 2,700 Amazon customer reviews, one wrote: “I'm shocked at what my carpet was hiding, the colour of the dirty water was shocking from the first wash. The carpets looked revitalised after the clean, so well impressed.” 

A second buyer gave it a high rating for its ‘sturdy and amazing quality’ but noted problems with the noise the machine emits, adding: “Noise level is the only big, big con. Especially if you are using it in a small room. We had to use ANC earbuds. It's totally impossible to use it without them.”

Spot washes are good for homeowners with less storage space because they are compact and easier to put away. Argos has a £90 Tower Aquajet Cordless Spot Cleaner, which is designed with two water tanks that separate clean and dirty water.

Elsewhere, Shark’s StainStriker Pet Stain & Spot Cleaner is on sale for £129.99, was £169.99. The cleaner comes with a pet tool attachment and a deep clean pro formula. 

Back to the Amazon reviews for Vax’s Smartwash Pet-Design Carpet Cleaner, an additional buyer said: “It cleans and washes carpets well. I have a cat house, so pet messes are regular. I bought and used it to refresh carpets, which it did an amazing job at. I am totally satisfied with how it performed. The instructions were clear on operation, but basic. I would recommend it for washing carpets.” 

However, they noted a con: “Only downside is the drier function, which does work but is not very effective but overall this didn't have any major impact as long as you can air your carpets once washed. Would buy again.”

Another shopper aid: “Absolutely fantastic carpet washer! Works really well and we used other cleaning products inside it too! The drying time is really good too. Drys so much faster than other carpet washers. I'm very pleased.”