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10 Best Carpet Cleaning Machine 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Tea Green, 4075

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,394
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
3465 reviews

Cleaning Power
This compact cleaner tackles spills and stains quickly and easily, delivering strong suction and effective cleaning power.
Weight and Portability
Its small size makes it simple to store and convenient to pull out for fast cleanups, especially in tight or hard-to-reach spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The included tools and spray handle enhance the cleaning process, ensuring messes are thoroughly removed and surfaces look refreshed.

The Bissell Little Green Mini is a compact and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner, ideal for quick spot cleaning and tackling small stains, especially in cars, pet areas, or tight spaces. Its 16-ounce water tank is on the smaller side, so it’s better suited for short cleaning sessions rather than large carpets. The cleaner includes useful attachments like a 4” Tough Stain Tool and a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose, which help remove tough dirt and make maintenance easier.

Weighing 7 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around comfortably, and its small size allows for easy storage in cabinets or closets. The cleaning power is effective for embedded dirt and common household stains, and the included formula helps eliminate odors, which is great for pet owners. However, since it’s a compact machine, drying time might not be as quick as larger models, and it’s designed more for spot cleaning rather than deep, whole-room carpet cleaning. Noise levels are typical for machines of this type, neither especially loud nor quiet.

This product is a strong choice if you need a handy, portable cleaner for small messes and upholstery, but it may not be the best fit if you’re looking to clean large carpeted areas regularly.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,394
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
3465 reviews

Cleaning Power
This compact cleaner tackles spills and stains quickly and easily, delivering strong suction and effective cleaning power.
Weight and Portability
Its small size makes it simple to store and convenient to pull out for fast cleanups, especially in tight or hard-to-reach spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The included tools and spray handle enhance the cleaning process, ensuring messes are thoroughly removed and surfaces look refreshed.
#2

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Bonus XL Tool & Full-Size Cleaning Solution, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

Rating
9.7
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
6970 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it doesn't leave any soapy wet spots.
Water Tank Capacity
The compact size means a smaller water tank, requiring frequent refills during cleaning sessions.
Weight and Portability
Easy to set up and maneuver due to its small size, and much lighter to pick up and transport.
Attachments and Accessories
It’s powerful enough to lift the corner of a thick, stiff rug and has much better attachments, including a wider head and scrub brush.
Ease of Use
Easy to set up and maneuver due to its small size, and much lighter to pick up and transport.

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.

Rating
9.7
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
6970 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it doesn't leave any soapy wet spots.
Water Tank Capacity
The compact size means a smaller water tank, requiring frequent refills during cleaning sessions.
Weight and Portability
Easy to set up and maneuver due to its small size, and much lighter to pick up and transport.
Attachments and Accessories
It’s powerful enough to lift the corner of a thick, stiff rug and has much better attachments, including a wider head and scrub brush.
Ease of Use
Easy to set up and maneuver due to its small size, and much lighter to pick up and transport.
#3

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker, Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner, Perfect for Pets & Hair Removal, Carpet Shampooer, 4 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Copper, EX301

Rating
9.1
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Drying Time

Most important from
3035 reviews

Cleaning Power
The cleaner delivers powerful suction and a high-speed brushroll that effectively lifts embedded pet hair and tough stains without needing pretreatment.
Water Tank Capacity
Despite its relatively small water tank, the machine uses minimal water but still achieves impressive deep cleaning results.
Drying Time
The dry-only mode significantly reduces carpet drying time, leaving carpets just damp for a few hours.
Weight and Portability
The unit’s build quality feels solid without being excessively heavy or complicated to maneuver.
Attachments and Accessories
The hose and attachments, especially the pet hair tool, are thoughtfully designed for quick hair removal and easy cleaning.
Ease of Use
Its automatic spray and suction action simplifies cleaning by eliminating the need to manually spray when not using the hose.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is a powerful upright carpet cleaner designed especially for pet owners and those dealing with tough stains and hair. It combines strong suction, a high-speed brushroll, and a high-pressure spray to deep clean carpets and upholstery, making it very effective at removing dirt, grime, and pet hair. The included StainStriker technology is impressive for tackling set-in stains without needing to pre-mix solutions, which simplifies usage. It also features a self-cleaning system that keeps the tool and hose clean without extra effort.

The machine comes with four specialized attachments, including tools tailored for pet messes and hair removal, enhancing its versatility for various surfaces like carpets, area rugs, stairs, and upholstery. In terms of water tank capacity, it holds about 17 ounces, which is on the smaller side, so larger cleaning jobs might require refilling more than once. The weight is about 20.7 pounds, which is somewhat heavy compared to some portable models, so it may feel a bit bulky to move around frequently. Drying times are improved by a dry-only mode, allowing carpets to dry faster after cleaning.

While the product does not specify noise levels, Shark cleaners generally operate at moderate noise, which should be acceptable for household use. The cleaner excels in ease of use thanks to no assembly required and on-board storage for tools, making it a practical choice for pet owners or anyone needing strong stain and hair removal capabilities. However, if portability and larger tank capacity are your top priorities, this model might feel bulky and require frequent refills.

Rating
9.1
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Drying Time

Most important from
3035 reviews

Cleaning Power
The cleaner delivers powerful suction and a high-speed brushroll that effectively lifts embedded pet hair and tough stains without needing pretreatment.
Water Tank Capacity
Despite its relatively small water tank, the machine uses minimal water but still achieves impressive deep cleaning results.
Drying Time
The dry-only mode significantly reduces carpet drying time, leaving carpets just damp for a few hours.
Weight and Portability
The unit’s build quality feels solid without being excessively heavy or complicated to maneuver.
Attachments and Accessories
The hose and attachments, especially the pet hair tool, are thoughtfully designed for quick hair removal and easy cleaning.
Ease of Use
Its automatic spray and suction action simplifies cleaning by eliminating the need to manually spray when not using the hose.

Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Cleaning Machine

Choosing the right carpet cleaning machine can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. The right machine will help you effectively remove dirt, stains, and allergens, making your home healthier and more pleasant. When selecting a carpet cleaning machine, consider the following key specifications to ensure you pick the best fit for your needs.
Cleaning PowerCleaning power refers to the machine's ability to remove dirt and stains from your carpet. This is often measured in terms of suction power and the efficiency of the cleaning solution application. Higher cleaning power means better performance, especially for heavily soiled carpets. If you have high-traffic areas or pets, opt for a machine with strong cleaning power. For lighter, occasional cleaning, a machine with moderate power may suffice.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity determines how much water the machine can hold for cleaning. Larger tanks mean fewer refills, which is convenient for cleaning large areas. However, they can also make the machine heavier and harder to maneuver. If you have a large home or plan to clean multiple rooms in one go, a larger tank is beneficial. For smaller spaces or spot cleaning, a smaller tank will be easier to handle.
Drying TimeDrying time is the duration it takes for your carpet to dry after cleaning. Machines with powerful suction and efficient water extraction will leave your carpets drier, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. Faster drying times are ideal for busy households where carpets need to be ready for use quickly. If you can afford to wait longer for carpets to dry, this may be less of a priority.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability are important for ease of use and storage. Lighter machines are easier to move around and store, making them suitable for smaller homes or those with limited storage space. Heavier machines often have more features and larger tanks but can be cumbersome to maneuver. Consider your physical ability and the layout of your home when choosing the weight and portability of the machine.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of your carpet cleaning machine. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and stair cleaning tools. These can help you clean furniture, car interiors, and hard-to-reach areas. If you need to clean more than just carpets, look for a machine with a variety of useful attachments. If your primary focus is carpet cleaning, fewer attachments may be sufficient.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses the machine's design, controls, and maintenance requirements. Look for intuitive controls, easy-to-fill water tanks, and simple maintenance procedures. Machines that are easy to use will save you time and effort, making the cleaning process more enjoyable. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, prioritize user-friendly designs and features.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you have young children, pets, or noise-sensitive individuals in your home. Quieter machines are less disruptive and more pleasant to use. If noise is a concern, look for machines with lower decibel ratings. For those who don't mind a bit of noise, this may be a less critical factor.

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