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 Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone needing a deep-cleaning carpet machine. It has a decent 0.8-gallon tank, which allows for longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills or emptying, thanks in part to its TruMAX recovery tank technology. The five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes work well to lift tough stains, making it more effective than cleaners with fewer brushes. Its HeatForce feature helps speed up drying time, so carpets don’t stay wet for long.

Weighing about 27 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for a carpet cleaner, which might make it less convenient to carry around or use on stairs, but its upright design and included 8-foot hose with specialized pet and upholstery tools add versatility around the home. The machine’s Auto Mix feature takes the guesswork out of mixing cleaning solution, ensuring good results without extra effort. Maintenance is fairly straightforward, with easy-to-clean brushes and a nozzle cleanout tool included.

With strong stain-fighting ability, pet-specific tools, and faster drying time, it serves as an excellent option for homes with pets, though its weight might be a drawback for frequent heavy-duty use or for those needing a lighter machine.

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, specifically the Portable Upholstery StainStriker model, is designed to eliminate tough stains and odors from a variety of surfaces including carpets, area rugs, couches, and cars. Its standout feature is the dual-activated stain eliminator which combines two cleaning formulas to tackle even the most stubborn stains and odors without the need for premixing. This makes it particularly suitable for households with pets, as it effectively removes pet urine and smoke odors.

The cleaner is also highly versatile, thanks to its powerful suction that can deep-clean and revive various surfaces, making them look like new again. Weighing under 9 lbs, it is lightweight and compact, ensuring easy maneuverability and storage. The machine comes with multiple attachments like a crevice tool, reversible bristle tools, and a pet tool, adding to its flexibility and targeted cleaning capabilities.

Additionally, it includes two types of cleaning solutions - the Deep Clean Pro Formula and the OXY Multiplier Formula for different cleaning needs. Maintenance is straightforward as well, with no batteries required and components that can be hand-washed. A possible downside might be the water tank capacity of 2 liters, which could require frequent refills during extensive cleaning sessions. Despite this, the ease of use, powerful cleaning performance, and range of included accessories make the Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a clean and fresh home environment, especially for pet owners.