10 Best Carpet Cleaning Machine 2026 in the United States

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner stands out in the carpet-cleaning-machine category, especially for pet owners and those looking for a versatile cleaning solution. Its powerful suction effectively tackles tough stains and odors on various surfaces, from carpets to car interiors. The 48 oz. tank capacity allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills, which is a great convenience for larger areas. Weighing in at a manageable 9.65 pounds, this portable cleaner is easy to maneuver around your home or vehicle.

One of the key highlights is its range of attachments, including a HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and a 3" Tough Stain Tool, which enhance its effectiveness on stubborn stains. The use of the Spot & Stain formula with Febreze Freshness adds a pleasant scent, tackling odors along with visual stains. Additionally, the brand's commitment to supporting pet rescue initiatives is a nice touch, appealing to animal lovers.

The BISSELL Little Green is an excellent choice for those needing a compact, effective cleaner that can handle both carpets and upholstery, particularly in homes with pets. It excels in cleaning power and versatility.

The Shark StainStriker PX201 is a lightweight and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner designed especially for tackling tough stains and pet messes. Its strong cleaning power comes from a dual-activated formula that mixes inside the handheld unit, promising up to 20 times more stain removal effectiveness. This makes it ideal for pet owners and for cleaning car interiors or small areas like rugs and upholstery. At just 8.5 pounds and compact size, it’s easy to carry around and store, which adds to its convenience for quick spot cleaning.

The water tank capacity is modest at 0.18 gallons, so it’s best suited for small to medium jobs rather than deep or whole-room carpet cleaning. This model includes several useful attachments — including a pet mess extractor and multiple stain eliminator tools — which help reach tricky spots and improve cleaning versatility.

Users will find it straightforward to operate since it requires no assembly and comes ready to use, with included cleaning formulas that address both stains and odors. The Shark StainStriker serves as a solid choice for those needing a powerful, easy-to-use spot cleaner that handles pet stains well, although it may not replace larger carpet cleaners for extensive cleaning tasks.

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, specifically the Portable Upholstery StainStriker model, is a strong contender in the carpet-cleaning machine category. Its standout feature is the dual-activated stain eliminator, designed to tackle tough stains and odors, especially those caused by pets. This cleaning power makes it suitable for various surfaces, including carpets, area rugs, and upholstery, which users with pets or kids will appreciate. The lightweight design, under 9 lbs, enhances its portability, allowing for easy maneuverability around the house and convenient storage after use.

In terms of attachments, the machine comes with multiple tools, including a crevice tool and a pet tool, which enhance its versatility and effectiveness in handling a range of cleaning tasks. The included cleaning formulas further boost its performance, particularly in eliminating persistent odors and stains.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the machine is compact and easy to use, carrying it around might become tiring if one needs to clean large areas continually. The water tank capacity of 2 liters means that it may require frequent refills during extensive cleaning sessions. Additionally, being battery powered could limit its runtime compared to corded models, potentially interrupting longer cleaning tasks. The noise level is not specified, which might be a consideration for users sensitive to sound, especially when cleaning in quieter environments. Despite these challenges, this machine excels in stain removal and portability, making it suitable for pet owners and families looking for a reliable solution for tough cleaning challenges.