We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Carpet Steamers 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

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 by1,346
Weight and Portability
Water Tank Capacity
Suction Power

Most important from
9349 reviews

Weight and Portability
The compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to carry, store, and use in tight spaces like closets and car interiors.
Water Tank Capacity
Despite its small water tank, it’s perfectly suited for tackling multiple small stains without frequent refills during typical spot cleaning jobs.
Suction Power
The suction power is surprisingly strong, effectively extracting deeply embedded dirt and old pet stains, leaving upholstery nearly dry to the touch.
Noise Level
It’s a quieter alternative to traditional vacuums, making cleanup less disruptive while still delivering powerful results.
Cord Length
The 12-foot power cord provides ample reach for cleaning various areas without constantly switching outlets.
Cleaning Attachments
Pairing this cleaner with a soft-bristle drill brush enhances stain removal far beyond manual scrubbing, lifting stubborn dirt with ease.

The BISSELL Little Green Mini is a compact and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner designed mainly for small spots and quick cleanups rather than large carpet areas. Its 16-ounce water tank is on the smaller side, meaning you might need to refill it during longer cleaning sessions. The unit weighs about 7 pounds, making it easy to carry around and store in tight spaces like closets or car trunks. It heats up fast, so you can start cleaning without much wait.

The cleaner comes with useful attachments such as a 4-inch Tough Stain Tool for scrubbing tough spots and a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose to keep the machine fresh after use. It works well on various surfaces including upholstery, car interiors, and pet beds, which makes it versatile for pet owners or anyone tackling small stains and allergens.

This Bissell model is an excellent choice if you need a lightweight, portable cleaner for spot treatments and upholstery, especially if you have pets. It is important to keep in mind that it’s not built for deep-cleaning large carpeted rooms.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,346
Weight and Portability
Water Tank Capacity
Suction Power

Most important from
9349 reviews

Weight and Portability
The compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to carry, store, and use in tight spaces like closets and car interiors.
Water Tank Capacity
Despite its small water tank, it’s perfectly suited for tackling multiple small stains without frequent refills during typical spot cleaning jobs.
Suction Power
The suction power is surprisingly strong, effectively extracting deeply embedded dirt and old pet stains, leaving upholstery nearly dry to the touch.
Noise Level
It’s a quieter alternative to traditional vacuums, making cleanup less disruptive while still delivering powerful results.
Cord Length
The 12-foot power cord provides ample reach for cleaning various areas without constantly switching outlets.
Cleaning Attachments
Pairing this cleaner with a soft-bristle drill brush enhances stain removal far beyond manual scrubbing, lifting stubborn dirt with ease.
#2

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner, 1400B

Rating
10.0
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cord Length

Most important from
93929 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
10.0
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cord Length

Most important from
93929 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.
#3

Shark EX150 CarpetXpert, Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner for Pets, Built-in Spot & Stain Eliminator, Deep Cleaning & Dirt & Grime Removal, Carpet Shampooer, Magenta (Renewed)

Rating
7.9
Suction Power
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Attachments

Most important from
243 reviews

Suction Power
The suction and cleaning power are exceptional, visibly pulling deep stains and dirt out of carpets with just one pass.
Weight and Portability
The size and weight strike a good balance—it's easy to carry between floors without feeling too heavy or bulky.
Cleaning Attachments
Cleaning and maintaining the unit is surprisingly simple, making upkeep hassle-free even compared to other brands.

The Shark EX150 CarpetXpert is designed for deep cleaning carpets, area rugs, and upholstery, particularly useful for homes with pets thanks to its built-in spot and stain eliminator. Weighing about 17 pounds, it’s on the heavier side compared to some portable models, which might make it a bit less convenient to carry around, but it stays upright to help with ease of use.

The unit includes several cleaning attachments like a reversible bristle tool and crevice tool, which add versatility for different surfaces and tight spots. Shark machines typically offer quick heat-up for faster cleaning sessions and provide enough cord length for average rooms without needing an extension.

This carpet steamer is suited for pet owners and families looking for a reliable, multipurpose cleaner with good stain removal capabilities. If you need something very lightweight or with detailed technical specifications, you might want to compare a few options.

Rating
7.9
Suction Power
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Attachments

Most important from
243 reviews

Suction Power
The suction and cleaning power are exceptional, visibly pulling deep stains and dirt out of carpets with just one pass.
Weight and Portability
The size and weight strike a good balance—it's easy to carry between floors without feeling too heavy or bulky.
Cleaning Attachments
Cleaning and maintaining the unit is surprisingly simple, making upkeep hassle-free even compared to other brands.

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.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now