10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2026 in the United States

The Bissell Little Green Mini is a compact, portable carpet and upholstery cleaner ideal for quick spot cleaning on carpets, car interiors, pet beds, and upholstery. It offers solid cleaning power to handle spills, pet stains, and embedded dirt with its 4" Tough Stain Tool and a self-cleaning HydroRinse hose, which helps keep the machine in good shape with less hassle.

The water tank holds about 16 ounces, so it’s best for smaller jobs, not large room cleaning. Weighing 7 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in small storage spaces. It runs on corded power with one cleaning setting, keeping things simple but limiting flexibility for tougher messes.

Drying time should be expected to be moderate, typical for this size device. Maintenance is straightforward thanks to the self-cleaning tool and removable parts. For those seeking a portable cleaner mainly for spot treatments, cars, or upholstery, this Bissell model is practical, easy to use, and effective, although it might not be the best choice for deep cleaning large carpets or heavy-duty use due to its small tank and single power level.

The Shark StainStriker HairPro is a portable carpet and upholstery cleaner designed especially for pet owners and those needing spot cleaning on carpets, rugs, and car interiors. Its tank holds about 24 fluid ounces, which is moderate for a portable cleaner, so it’s best for small to medium messes rather than large cleaning jobs. Its compact size and lightweight design (around 13 pounds) make it easy to carry and use in tight spaces.

A standout feature is the HairPro Technology, which efficiently picks up embedded pet hair without clogging or tangling, a common headache with pet messes. The cleaner uses a dual-activated cleaning formula that mixes automatically and boasts powerful suction to tackle tough stains and odors, including pet urine and smoke, without needing pre-treatment or heat. This makes it especially useful for households with pets.

It comes with multiple attachments—a mini and 3.5-inch stain eliminator, a hair extractor, and a pet mess tool—covering various cleaning needs from small spots to hair removal to tough pet stains. The on-board self-cleaning feature is convenient, allowing you to clean the tool and hose quickly without extra parts, which helps maintain the machine easily. The tank capacity limits longer cleaning sessions, so it may require frequent refills for bigger areas. While it’s lightweight for a machine with powerful suction, at 13 pounds it’s not as light as some handheld-only models but remains manageable for most users. Drying time depends on water extraction, and although the suction is strong, it might not fully dry thick carpets immediately. This makes the Shark StainStriker HairPro a solid choice for those seeking a versatile, pet-focused cleaner that’s portable and easy to maintain, ideal for quick spot cleaning rather than deep, whole-house carpet cleaning.

The Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is a lightweight and compact machine weighing just under 9 pounds, making it easy to carry and store. It features a modest tank capacity of about 40.5 ounces, which suits quick spot cleaning and smaller areas rather than whole-room deep cleans. The included small tools optimize its use for detailed work on upholstery, car interiors, stairs, and spot stains rather than large carpeted zones.

This model uses a dual-activated cleaning formula and strong suction that is especially effective at removing tough stains and odors, including pet messes, making it ideal for pet owners or households dealing with stubborn spots. One standout feature is the onboard self-cleaning system that rinses the tool and hose quickly without extra attachments, simplifying maintenance.

It comes with two cleaning tools and two specialized cleaning solutions. This cleaner is best suited for those needing a portable, easy-to-use spot cleaner for targeted stain removal rather than a heavy-duty carpet cleaner intended for large floor areas.