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 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.

The BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner is a solid choice for those seeking an effective, budget-friendly carpet cleaner, especially pet owners. One of its standout features is its powerful suction, boasting 30% more power than comparable models, which helps in thoroughly cleaning carpets and upholstery. It also comes equipped with a self-cleaning tough stain tool that makes it easier to maintain by rinsing out residue and dirt with a one-touch cleanout system, and a specialized pet hair removal tool which is beneficial for households with pets.

The cleaner excels at removing set-in pet stains with the help of the included Triple Action PET PRO OXY Spot & Stain formula, which not only cleans but also protects against future stains. Additionally, this product supports a good cause, as every purchase contributes to the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which helps save homeless pets. Weighing in at 8.18 pounds, this portable cleaner is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver around the house or car.

The two-tank system is another user-friendly feature, keeping clean and dirty water separate, which simplifies the filling and emptying process. However, the product has a few drawbacks. While the water tank capacity is modest, it might require frequent refilling during extended cleaning sessions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet offers significant benefits, particularly for pet owners or those with frequent small messes, making it a practical and economical choice for maintaining clean carpets and upholstery.