Has anyone any views on carpet cleaners please?  Are they worth the money?  I have to get some carpets cleaned now and it will come in for the future too (shared with family)  I have been looking at Bissell.  Which have said that their shampoo is the best but they have not done any reviews on the cleaners themselves.  I really can't face doing a large expanse of carpets with one of those hired things - they are so heavy and the last time I used one I tried doing most of the house in one go - I was nearly on my knees by the end. 
Christine

I have the Vax Rapide (the upright one). I would not be without it, it is as easy as hoovering the carpet, easy to empty and takes a lot of water out, leaving the carpets almost dry. I usually put old sheets down overnight and I find that I can take them up again next day as the carpet is quite dry by then. Love it, love it, love it.

I have had the old vax cylinder cleaner - my son took it as an ordinary vacuum cleaner - it was fine for small carpets but it is definitely and upright that I am after. 

I have a Vax Rapide XL and buy bottles of the shampoo on the net. It is so easy to use, as Alisongold says- just like hoovering- that I use mine roughly once a month. I agree with you about the ones you can hire- I have exhausted myself using them too! The beauty of having your own is being able to do one room at a time.
The upholstery tool is good too.

Linda

i've got the rapide XL too-its brill. U used to borrow my friends Bissell, but its crap compared to my Vax.

Hi Christine,

have previously used both the large dual Vax and the small Bissell made for spot cleaning - decided the Bissell was better and now have the large upright Bissell powerwash/proheat which is excellent.  Easy to use, fill, empty etc and cleans even older marks/stains and carpets almost touch dry on finishing and fully dry within around an hour :)

HTH, Teri

Thanks everyone - have had a quick look round today.  Saw the Vax in Comets - the rapide has a deluxe version too.  Under a £100 so quite impressed.  However Tesco's have 2 Bissells - one small one like the Vax and one just under £200 that seems singing and dancing.  Comets also had a Maytag -(I only know that they do the huge washing machines - don't know anything about the quality)  The Bissell seems to have a more powerful motor - wouldn't that be better for sucking up the water - leaving the carpet dryer surely?   Only considering this because I have a rented property that had new carpets in - I need to clean the carpets which were new so we can move in when we sell our present house.  Unfortunately it has been my daughter and son-in-law living there who haven't looked after the place - but that is another story!!!!

I'm late, I know. I have the Bissell. Great little machine.

My friend had a Bissell and it was a waste of space and I doubt that it would be a cheap one!!  My steam cleaner cleaned the carpet better!!

I'm looking for a carpet cleaner too - one that's good at cleaning stairs ! - any suggestions wold be very welcome :)

Yvonne

Anyone any experience of having a company clean the carpets - would that be better?  Have been looking at one called Bone dry - they sprinkle powder on the carpet and have a powerful vacuum.  Have my doubts about that one.  They also clean ovens - and that is another job that will need doing.

I have a vax rapide which worked great till about a week after the warranty ran out! Now the liquid seems to come out all in one go and not when you want it to - I found it was great getting dirt out but not so good on stains. I guess these need a spot treatment first?

I don't have carpets!  But, my Mum has a Vax Rapide, which she shares with her sisters and they think it's wonderful.

I get a local guy into do my carpets.  It costs £12 a room and he has a really powerful machine that sooks the water out too and when I get home at night they are bone dry.  I find it easier and more cost effective for me to have someone in to do mine.