10 Best Carpet And Upholstery Cleaners 2026 in the United States

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is designed especially for homes with pets and hair issues, delivering strong cleaning power through its combination of high-speed brushroll, powerful suction, and high-pressure spray. This allows it to deep clean carpets and upholstery efficiently, tackling tough pet stains and odors effectively thanks to its unique stain-fighting formula that mixes on contact. The cleaner's tank capacity of around 71 ounces is fairly generous, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills.

Portability is reasonable, though it weighs about 21 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially during extended use or when carrying it up stairs. One standout feature is its HairPro technology that prevents hair from clogging the machine and collects it in a special compartment for easy disposal, saving you from dealing with hair wraps and clumps common in other cleaners. The unit comes with multiple attachments, including tools for spot cleaning, pet messes, and stubborn stains, adding versatility for cleaning different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. The drying time is ultra-fast, allowing carpets or furniture to be used again quickly after cleaning.

In terms of ease of use, it includes on-board self-cleaning for the tools and hose, reducing maintenance hassle. Its size and weight may be a drawback for those seeking a lightweight or highly portable option. This cleaner is well-suited for pet owners or anyone needing powerful stain removal and hair pickup, but those looking for a very light or compact cleaner might want to consider alternatives.

The BISSELL Little Green Mini is a compact and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner, designed especially for small spills, pet stains, and car interiors. Its cleaning power is solid for its size, using a spray-scrub-suction action that effectively tackles embedded dirt and stains. The 16-ounce tank means it’s best suited for quick touch-ups rather than large cleaning jobs, so you may need to refill it often if cleaning bigger areas.

Weighing just 7 pounds and measuring about 13.5 inches wide, it’s easy to carry and store, making it convenient for home use and car detailing. Included accessories like the 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and the HydroRinse self-cleaning hose help target tough spots and keep the machine clean, which adds to the ease of use. The cleaning solution removes stains and odors well, especially from pet messes, which is a strong point if you have pets.

One minor drawback is drying time, which depends on the fabric and ventilation but might be a bit longer than larger machines with more powerful suction. Since it’s corded, you won’t worry about battery life, but you will need an outlet nearby. This cleaner is a suitable choice for those needing a lightweight, easy-to-use machine for smaller jobs, upholstery, and car interiors rather than full-room carpet cleaning.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is a powerful upright cleaner designed especially for homes with pets and lots of hair. Its strong suction combined with a high-speed brush and a special spray system helps remove deep-set dirt, tough stains, and pet messes effectively. It stands out with its HairPro technology, which is excellent at picking up embedded hair without clogging or tangling. The machine includes four specialized tools that make cleaning carpets, upholstery, stairs, and even area rugs easier, which adds to its versatility. The cleaning formulas provided, including a pet-specific solution and an oxygen-powered stain remover, boost its stain-fighting ability without needing to mix chemicals yourself.

The tank size is moderate at about 17 ounces, which means it holds enough cleaning solution for a decent session but might need refilling for very large areas. At just over 20 pounds, it’s a bit heavy compared to smaller portable models, so it’s better suited for thorough whole-home cleaning rather than quick spot jobs or frequent carrying up stairs. It also offers a self-cleaning feature that simplifies maintenance by rinsing the hoses and tools after use, making it easier to keep fresh and ready.

Drying times are quicker than many carpet cleaners thanks to its dry-only mode, which is great if you need to use your floors soon after cleaning. Some users might find handling the multiple attachments and the weight a bit challenging, especially if they prefer something lightweight and very compact. For those looking for a deep, pet-friendly clean with strong stain removal and hair pickup, this Shark model delivers strong performance combined with convenient extras.