10 Best Budget Carpet Cleaner 2025 in the United States

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, model 1400B, is a budget-friendly option that offers powerful suction for removing tough spots and stains from carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. A notable strength is its large 48 oz. water tank capacity, which allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills. Weighing 9.7 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and portable, making it easy to maneuver around the house and carry up and down stairs.

The included specialty tools, like the 3" tough stain tool and HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool, enhance its versatility and usability. The brush system is effective in agitating and lifting stains, but some users may find it less efficient on deeply embedded dirt compared to larger machines. The drying time can vary depending on the surface and stain, but the suction power generally helps to reduce moisture quickly. Ease of use is another strong point, with no assembly required and simple care instructions to follow.

Additionally, every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which is a nice bonus for pet lovers. However, as a corded device, it might limit mobility compared to cordless models. It's also worth noting that while it’s highly rated with a 4.5-star average from over 92,000 reviews, its performance might not match that of larger, more expensive cleaners for heavier-duty tasks. This cleaner is ideal for those seeking a portable, easy-to-use solution for tackling everyday pet messes and minor stains in a budget-friendly package.

The Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner stands out for its powerful cleaning capabilities. This cleaner utilizes a dual-activated formula that mixes Shark’s two unique OXY-based solutions, allowing it to tackle tough stains and odors effectively without the need for premixing. This makes it an excellent choice for homes with pets, as it can permanently eliminate pet urine and smoke odors. The powerful suction helps to pull out embedded dirt and liquid, making carpets, area rugs, stairs, and upholstery look refreshed and clean.

Its lightweight design, weighing under 9 lbs, enhances portability, allowing you to clean different areas of your home with ease and storing it conveniently when not in use. However, the water tank capacity is relatively small at 0.18 gallons, which might require frequent refills during extensive cleaning sessions. The included attachments—such as the integrated crevice tool, reversible bristle tool, and pet tool—add versatility, making it suitable for various cleaning tasks beyond just carpets, including upholstery and cars.

Despite its strong cleaning power and convenience, its battery-powered design might not appeal to those who prefer plug-in models for uninterrupted performance. The Shark PX201 is a solid option for those seeking a budget-friendly, portable carpet cleaner with strong stain-fighting abilities, especially in pet-friendly homes.

The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine offers strong cleaning power with its SpinScrub® Technology, which uses multiple counter-rotating brushes to clean carpets thoroughly from all angles. This feature is particularly effective for deep cleaning stubborn dirt and stains. The machine is equipped with a 3.8-liter water tank, allowing it to clean larger areas without frequent refills, which is convenient for extensive carpeted spaces.

Weighing 18.5 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and portable for an upright carpet cleaner, making it easier to maneuver around the home and clean stairs and hard-to-reach areas using the included 8' hose and upholstery tool. The DualV® Nozzle ensures even suction across surfaces, contributing to efficient cleaning and faster drying times. The Smart Tank™ system simplifies the process of filling, emptying, and cleaning the tanks, which enhances user experience by saving time and reducing mess.

However, assembly is required, which might be a slight inconvenience for some users. Although it is corded, limiting mobility to some extent, this is typical for budget carpet cleaners. The included 2-year limited warranty provides additional peace of mind. The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is a solid choice for those seeking an effective, user-friendly carpet cleaner on a budget.