10 Best Carpet Cleaner 2026 in the United States

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a versatile and portable cleaner ideal for tackling tough pet stains and spots on carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. It boasts powerful suction to effectively remove stains and odors, especially useful for pet owners. The large 48 oz. tank capacity means fewer refills during cleaning sessions, which adds to its convenience.

Weighing just 9.65 pounds, it's relatively lightweight and easy to carry around the house or to the car. The unit comes with useful attachments like the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and a 3-inch Tough Stain Tool, enhancing its versatility and performance across various surfaces. Users will find it straightforward to operate without needing any assembly, and its compact design ensures it doesn't take up much storage space.

On the downside, being a corded model, it may limit mobility compared to cordless alternatives. Additionally, the drying time may vary depending on the type of fabric and the amount of moisture used. This cleaner is a solid choice for those who need an efficient and easy-to-use solution for cleaning small areas and tackling pet-related messes.

The Shark PX201 StainStriker is a versatile portable carpet and upholstery cleaner designed to handle tough stains and odors. It stands out with its dual-activated stain eliminator, which mixes and activates two unique cleaning solutions inside the handheld device to unleash powerful stain-striking capabilities without requiring any premixing. This makes it incredibly effective at removing stains and odors from carpets, area rugs, couches, upholstery, and even cars, making it a good choice for pet owners dealing with tough pet odors and stains like urine and smoke.

The powerful suction feature ensures that embedded dirt and liquids are thoroughly extracted, leaving surfaces looking renewed. Weighing just under 9 lbs, it is lightweight and compact, making it easy to move around and store when not in use. The inclusion of handy attachments, such as a crevice tool, a reversible bristle tool, and a pet tool, adds to its versatility for different cleaning needs.

The Shark PX201 StainStriker's strengths in powerful cleaning performance and ease of use make it a strong contender for those looking for a reliable solution to tackle tough stains and odors in their home or car.

The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine is designed for effective carpet cleaning with a strong emphasis on ease of use. It features the Smart Tank™ system, which simplifies filling and emptying the tanks without causing a mess. This system is handy and saves time, making maintenance straightforward even for non-tech-savvy users.

The cleaner’s SpinScrub® Technology offers 360-degree cleaning with counter-rotating brushes that provide constant contact with carpet fibers, ensuring thorough cleaning. The brushes are removable, which makes them easy to clean after use. The 8-foot hose and upholstery tool are great for cleaning stairs and hard-to-reach areas, adding to its versatility. The DualV® Nozzle ensures even and quick suction across surfaces, enhancing its cleaning performance.

Weighing 18.5 pounds, it’s fairly portable for an upright carpet cleaner, though some might find it a bit heavy to carry up and down stairs frequently. The tank capacity of 3.8 liters is adequate for medium to large cleaning tasks but might require refilling for extensive use. The attachments and accessories, like the mesh tool storage bag and crevice tool, increase its functionality and convenience. Assembly is required, which could be a drawback for those who prefer ready-to-use products. Additionally, while the product is effective, drying time can vary depending on carpet thickness and humidity levels.