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10 Best Carpet Steamers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,403
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cord Length

Most important from
96150 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Despite concerns about the small tank, it holds enough to clean multiple spots before needing a refill.
Weight and Portability
Compact and portable, it's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
Cord Length
The long electrical cord makes it easy to use in rooms with few outlets.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is designed to tackle tough stains and odors, making it particularly appealing for pet owners. One of its standout features is the powerful suction, which effectively removes pet spots from carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. With a large 48 oz. water tank, you can clean more without frequent refills, allowing for extended cleaning sessions.

Portability is another strong point, as this handheld cleaner weighs just under 10 pounds, making it easy to carry around the house. The included cleaning attachments, such as the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 3” Tough Stain Tool, enhance its versatility, allowing you to address a variety of surfaces and stains.

The product's ease of use is notable, as there's no assembly required, and it comes with a trial-size formula, making it straightforward to get started with cleaning. If you're dealing with frequent spills or pet messes, the BISSELL Little Green could be a great addition to your cleaning arsenal.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,403
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cord Length

Most important from
96150 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Despite concerns about the small tank, it holds enough to clean multiple spots before needing a refill.
Weight and Portability
Compact and portable, it's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
Cord Length
The long electrical cord makes it easy to use in rooms with few outlets.
#2

Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, 3 Attachments, Perfect for Pets, Carpet, Area Rugs, Couches, Upholstery, Cars & More, White

Rating
9.6
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Attachments

Most important from
5499 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
The compact size makes it lightweight and easy to transport, though the smaller water tank requires more frequent refills.
Weight and Portability
The compact size makes it lightweight and easy to transport, though the smaller water tank requires more frequent refills.
Cleaning Attachments
The attachments are cleverly designed, with a crevice tool and reversible brush that are easy to use and more efficient.
Suction Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it doesn't leave any soapy wet spots.

The Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is a versatile cleaning device designed for tackling tough stains and odors across a variety of surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and cars. One of its main strengths is its dual-activated stain eliminator, which uses OXY power to handle even the most stubborn stains without the need for premixing solutions. This makes it particularly effective for pet owners dealing with pet urine and smoke odors.

Additionally, the powerful suction feature ensures that liquid and dirt are extracted from deep within the fibers, restoring surfaces to like-new conditions. The lightweight and compact design, weighing under 9 pounds, enhances portability and ease of storage, making it convenient for whole-home cleaning. The product also includes several useful attachments, such as an integrated crevice tool, a reversible bristle tool, and a pet tool, which add to its versatility.

However, some drawbacks include its relatively small water tank capacity, which may require frequent refills during extensive cleaning sessions. The Shark PX201 StainStriker is well-suited for those in need of a compact, powerful, and highly portable carpet steamer, especially pet owners and those dealing with regular tough stains.

Rating
9.6
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Attachments

Most important from
5499 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
The compact size makes it lightweight and easy to transport, though the smaller water tank requires more frequent refills.
Weight and Portability
The compact size makes it lightweight and easy to transport, though the smaller water tank requires more frequent refills.
Cleaning Attachments
The attachments are cleverly designed, with a crevice tool and reversible brush that are easy to use and more efficient.
Suction Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it doesn't leave any soapy wet spots.
#3

Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, Portable Upholstery StainStriker, Spot, Odor & Stain Remover, 2 Carpet Cleaner Solutions, 4 Tools, Perfect for Pet Hair, Area Rugs, Couches, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

Rating
9.3
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Attachments
Suction Power

Most important from
5499 reviews

Weight and Portability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for extended cleaning sessions.
Cleaning Attachments
The attachments, like the crevice tool and pet tool, are very useful for different cleaning needs.
Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, quickly removing stains with just a few passes.

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, also known as the Portable Upholstery StainStriker, is designed to tackle tough stains and odors, making it a great fit for pet owners and anyone needing to clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery effectively. With a water tank capacity of 2 liters, it allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills. Weighing just under 9 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver around your home, enhancing its portability.

One of the standout features is its dual-activated tough stain eliminator, which promises to remove stains with a powerful suction capability. The various cleaning attachments included, such as the crevice tool and pet tool, cater to different cleaning needs and surfaces.

While the cleaning power is impressive, the Shark Carpet Cleaner operates at a relatively standard noise level, which might be bothersome for some users during operation. The cord length could limit movement if used in larger spaces without nearby outlets. The machine heats quickly, allowing you to start cleaning without long waits, which is particularly beneficial for addressing unexpected spills or messes right away. The included cleaning formulas enhance the cleaning process but may require replacement purchases over time.

Rating
9.3
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Attachments
Suction Power

Most important from
5499 reviews

Weight and Portability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for extended cleaning sessions.
Cleaning Attachments
The attachments, like the crevice tool and pet tool, are very useful for different cleaning needs.
Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, quickly removing stains with just a few passes.

Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Steamers

Choosing the right carpet steamer can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. Carpet steamers use hot water and cleaning solutions to deep clean carpets, removing dirt, stains, and allergens. When selecting a carpet steamer, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your cleaning needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity determines how much water the steamer can hold, which affects how long you can clean before needing to refill. Larger tanks allow for longer cleaning sessions without interruption, making them ideal for larger areas or whole-house cleaning. Smaller tanks are lighter and easier to maneuver, suitable for smaller spaces or spot cleaning. Consider your cleaning area size and how often you want to refill the tank when choosing the right capacity.
Heating TimeHeating time refers to how quickly the steamer heats the water to the required temperature for effective cleaning. Faster heating times mean you can start cleaning sooner, which is convenient if you have limited time. Heating times can range from a few seconds to several minutes. If you need to clean quickly or frequently, look for a steamer with a shorter heating time.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and portability of a carpet steamer affect how easy it is to move around and use. Lighter models are easier to carry up and down stairs and maneuver around furniture, making them suitable for multi-level homes or those with limited strength. Heavier models may offer more power and larger water tanks but can be more challenging to handle. Consider your physical ability and the layout of your home when selecting the right weight and portability.
Cleaning AttachmentsCleaning attachments enhance the versatility of a carpet steamer, allowing you to clean various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and brushes for different types of stains. If you plan to use the steamer for more than just carpets, such as for furniture, stairs, or car interiors, look for a model with a variety of attachments to meet your needs.
Cord LengthCord length determines how far you can move the steamer from the power outlet without needing to unplug and replug. Longer cords provide greater reach and convenience, especially in larger rooms or areas with few outlets. Shorter cords may require the use of extension cords or frequent outlet changes. Consider the size of the areas you plan to clean and the availability of power outlets when choosing the right cord length.
Suction PowerSuction power affects how effectively the steamer can remove water, dirt, and cleaning solution from the carpet. Higher suction power ensures better extraction, leading to faster drying times and more thorough cleaning. If you have thick carpets or high-traffic areas, look for a steamer with strong suction power to ensure deep cleaning and quick drying.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a carpet steamer can impact your comfort while cleaning, especially if you have young children, pets, or sensitive ears. Quieter models are more pleasant to use and less likely to disturb others in the home. Noise levels are typically measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. If noise is a concern, look for models with lower dB ratings.

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