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10 Best Carpet Cleaning Machines 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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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 by1,264
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
97041 reviews

Cleaning Power
This compact cleaner delivers surprisingly powerful results, effortlessly removing tough stains and deeply embedded dirt.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and portable design makes it easy to carry around and perfect for use on car seats, furniture, and tight spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The 4-inch Tough Stain Tool is ideal for targeting small, stubborn spots with precision and ease.
Drying Time
Effective suction and spray system ensure thorough cleaning while drying quickly, leaving fabrics refreshed without lingering odors.
Ease of Use
The HydroRinse self-cleaning hose simplifies maintenance, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.

The BISSELL Little Green Mini is a lightweight (7 pounds), portable carpet and upholstery cleaner well-suited for small spaces like cars, furniture, and pet beds. Its 16-ounce tank capacity is on the smaller side, making it ideal for quick spot cleaning rather than large areas. The cleaner has good cleaning power for removing spills, pet stains, and allergens thanks to its spray-scrub-suction method.

It includes useful attachments such as a 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool, which help tackle stubborn dirt and make maintenance easier. Being corded electric and compact, it offers consistent power and easy storage. The straightforward design requires no assembly and is easy to handle, making it a good choice for quick cleanups around the home or vehicle rather than deep or extensive carpet cleaning.

For those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-store cleaner for spot treatments and smaller tasks, this model fits that niche well.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,264
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
97041 reviews

Cleaning Power
This compact cleaner delivers surprisingly powerful results, effortlessly removing tough stains and deeply embedded dirt.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and portable design makes it easy to carry around and perfect for use on car seats, furniture, and tight spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The 4-inch Tough Stain Tool is ideal for targeting small, stubborn spots with precision and ease.
Drying Time
Effective suction and spray system ensure thorough cleaning while drying quickly, leaving fabrics refreshed without lingering odors.
Ease of Use
The HydroRinse self-cleaning hose simplifies maintenance, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.
#2

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
9.4
Cleaning Power
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
4053 reviews

Cleaning Power
This carpet cleaner transformed 15-year-old carpets to look brand new, removing decade-old stains, pet odors, and deeply embedded dirt with remarkable ease.
Tank Capacity
The lightweight design combined with a smaller tank makes it easy to maneuver and handle, even for users with physical limitations, while still providing thorough cleaning.
Weight and Portability
The lightweight design combined with a smaller tank makes it easy to maneuver and handle, even for users with physical limitations, while still providing thorough cleaning.
Attachments and Accessories
Included tools like the Pet Hair Extractor and spot cleaner hose are ready to use without extra assembly, enhancing convenience for pet owners.
Drying Time
The dry-only mode accelerates carpet drying time, allowing cleaned areas to be used again within 1-2 hours.
Ease of Use
The StainStriker technology simplifies tough stain removal without pre-treatment, making spot cleaning efficient and hassle-free.
Noise Level
Despite a bit of noise typical of carpet cleaners, the performance and durability justify the investment, promising long-term satisfaction.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is a strong choice for deep carpet cleaning, especially for pet owners or those dealing with tough stains. It combines a high-speed brushroll, powerful suction, and a high-pressure spray to effectively remove dirt, grime, and hair from carpets and upholstery. Its StainStriker technology uses a special chemical mix that tackles stubborn stains without pre-mixing, simplifying and enhancing stain removal.

The cleaner has a tank capacity of about 17 fluid ounces, sufficient for several cleaning sessions on medium-sized areas before refilling or emptying. Weighing roughly 20.7 pounds, it is somewhat heavier than lightweight models but remains manageable for most users. Its upright design offers portability around the home, though it may feel a bit bulky in smaller spaces or when used on stairs.

This product includes four tools, such as a Pet Hair Extractor and specialized stain eliminators, which assist in cleaning various surfaces like stairs, upholstery, and rugs. It also features an onboard self-cleaning system that rinses the tool and hose quickly, saving time after use. A dry-only mode improves carpet drying time, which is convenient for using cleaned areas shortly after. The cleaner requires no assembly and comes with included cleaning formulas, making it ready to use right out of the box.

Rating
9.4
Cleaning Power
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
4053 reviews

Cleaning Power
This carpet cleaner transformed 15-year-old carpets to look brand new, removing decade-old stains, pet odors, and deeply embedded dirt with remarkable ease.
Tank Capacity
The lightweight design combined with a smaller tank makes it easy to maneuver and handle, even for users with physical limitations, while still providing thorough cleaning.
Weight and Portability
The lightweight design combined with a smaller tank makes it easy to maneuver and handle, even for users with physical limitations, while still providing thorough cleaning.
Attachments and Accessories
Included tools like the Pet Hair Extractor and spot cleaner hose are ready to use without extra assembly, enhancing convenience for pet owners.
Drying Time
The dry-only mode accelerates carpet drying time, allowing cleaned areas to be used again within 1-2 hours.
Ease of Use
The StainStriker technology simplifies tough stain removal without pre-treatment, making spot cleaning efficient and hassle-free.
Noise Level
Despite a bit of noise typical of carpet cleaners, the performance and durability justify the investment, promising long-term satisfaction.
#3

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
9.1
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
8031 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! It efficiently removes spills and stains without leaving soapy wet spots, thanks to its strong suction.
Weight and Portability
Despite its compact size, the Shark is easy to set up, maneuver, and transport, making it a highly portable option for upholstery and carpet cleaning.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are cleverly designed, with a crevice tool and reversible brush that make cleaning various surfaces easy and effective.
Ease of Use
The machine is lightweight and easy to use, with a quick start-up that allows for efficient cleaning sessions.

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, specifically the Portable Upholstery StainStriker model, is designed to tackle tough stains and odors effectively. One of its standout features is its dual-activated cleaning formula, which eliminates stains without the need for premixing, making it user-friendly. With powerful suction capabilities, it pulls out deep-set dirt and liquids, helping to restore carpets, area rugs, and upholstery to their original condition. This machine is particularly beneficial for pet owners, as it is adept at removing pet-related stains and odors.

In terms of portability, weighing just under 9 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver around the house, making it convenient for quick clean-ups. The compact size also means it can be easily stored without taking up much space. The included attachments, such as the crevice tool and various brush tools, enhance its versatility, allowing users to clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas effectively.

The tank capacity of 2 liters is decent, but it may require frequent refills for larger areas, which could be inconvenient for extensive cleaning tasks. Additionally, some users may find the noise level higher than expected, which could be a factor if you prefer quieter appliances. The drying time can also vary depending on the type of fabric and the specific stain, so it's important to manage expectations. The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine is a solid choice for those looking for a portable and powerful cleaning solution for their carpets and upholstery, especially in homes with pets. While it has minor limitations regarding tank size and noise, its effectiveness in stain removal and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any cleaning arsenal.

Rating
9.1
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
8031 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! It efficiently removes spills and stains without leaving soapy wet spots, thanks to its strong suction.
Weight and Portability
Despite its compact size, the Shark is easy to set up, maneuver, and transport, making it a highly portable option for upholstery and carpet cleaning.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are cleverly designed, with a crevice tool and reversible brush that make cleaning various surfaces easy and effective.
Ease of Use
The machine is lightweight and easy to use, with a quick start-up that allows for efficient cleaning sessions.

Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Cleaning Machines

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 remove dirt, stains, and allergens effectively, 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 is determined by the machine's ability to remove dirt and stains from carpets. This is often measured in terms of water lift and suction power. Higher cleaning power means the machine can extract more dirt and water, leading to cleaner carpets and faster drying times. For homes with high foot traffic or pets, a machine with higher cleaning power is recommended. For occasional use or lighter cleaning tasks, a machine with moderate cleaning power may suffice.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to the amount of water and cleaning solution the machine can hold. Larger tanks allow for longer cleaning sessions without needing to refill, which is convenient for cleaning large areas. However, larger tanks also make the machine heavier and potentially more difficult to maneuver. If you have a large home or plan to clean multiple rooms at once, a machine with a larger tank capacity is ideal. For smaller spaces or quick clean-ups, a smaller tank capacity will be more manageable.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability are important factors, especially if you need to carry the machine up and down stairs or move it around frequently. Lighter machines are easier to handle and store, but they may have smaller tanks and less cleaning power. Heavier machines often offer more features and better performance but can be cumbersome to move. Consider your physical ability and the layout of your home when choosing the weight and portability of the machine.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your carpet cleaning machine. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and stair cleaning tools. These accessories allow you to clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas effectively. If you plan to use the machine for more than just carpets, look for models with a variety of attachments. For basic carpet cleaning, fewer attachments may be sufficient.
Drying TimeDrying time is the duration it takes for your carpets to dry after cleaning. Machines with strong suction power and efficient water extraction capabilities generally offer shorter drying times. Faster drying times are beneficial as they reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth and allow you to use the carpet sooner. If quick drying is a priority for you, look for machines that emphasize fast drying times in their specifications.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses factors such as the machine's design, controls, and maintenance requirements. User-friendly machines have intuitive controls, easy-to-fill tanks, and straightforward maintenance procedures. Consider how comfortable you are with operating and maintaining the machine. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, look for models that are known for their simplicity and ease of use.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you are sensitive to loud sounds or plan to use the machine in a household with children or pets. Quieter machines are more pleasant to use and less likely to disturb others. Noise levels are usually measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. If noise is a concern, look for machines that are specifically designed to operate quietly.

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