10 Best Compact Carpet Cleaner 2025 in the United States

The Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine is a solid option for those who need a powerful, compact carpet cleaner, especially in homes with pets. One of its biggest strengths is the five SpinScrub brushes that rotate in multiple angles to tackle stubborn pet stains and deeply embedded dirt. This makes it particularly effective at renewing carpets. Additionally, the combination of these brushes with HeatForce technology helps in quicker drying times, ensuring your carpets are not left damp for long periods.

Another plus is its versatility; it comes with useful attachments such as a pet tool for tough pet messes and an upholstery tool for cleaning furniture and fabrics. This makes the cleaner quite adaptable for different cleaning needs around the house. Furthermore, the TruMAX tank technology allows for extended cleaning sessions with fewer interruptions to empty the dirty water tank.

On the downside, the machine weighs 18.7 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some users, making it less ideal for people who prefer lighter, more portable devices. Also, while it’s powerful and efficient, it may be a bit overkill for those who don’t have pets or very dirty carpets. In terms of ease of use, it seems straightforward with its upright design, but the weight could be a factor to consider. This carpet cleaner is best suited for pet owners or those with high foot traffic areas who need a robust cleaning solution.

The Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is a powerful tool designed for compact and effective cleaning of carpets, upholstery, and more, making it particularly suitable for households with pets. Weighing just under 9 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, which should be a relief for those who need to move it frequently or use it on stairs and furniture.

Its standout feature is the dual-activated stain eliminator, which requires no premixing and delivers strong, on-contact cleaning power, especially for tough stains and odors like pet urine and smoke. The product's powerful suction effectively removes embedded dirt and liquids, leaving surfaces looking refreshed and clean. The included attachments, such as the crevice tool and pet tool, enhance its versatility and reach in tackling various cleaning tasks.

However, the tank capacity is relatively small at 0.18 gallons, which means you might need to refill it more frequently during larger cleaning sessions. Despite this minor drawback, the Shark PX201 remains a solid choice for those seeking a compact, portable, and effective cleaner for everyday use, particularly in homes with pets.

The Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced is a compact and lightweight carpet cleaner, weighing about 16 pounds, making it easy to carry around and store, which is ideal for small living spaces like apartments. It has a decent tank capacity of 0.6 gallons, allowing you to clean a fair amount of carpet before needing to refill. The cleaning path is designed to be narrow enough for easy maneuverability, making it well-suited for smaller cleaning tasks rather than large areas.

It’s powered electrically and equipped with a pet-specific brush roll that helps remove pet odors and stains effectively. The built-in HeatForce technology speeds up drying time, so your carpets don’t stay wet for long. Attachments like a 2-in-1 pet tool and accessory hose add versatility, letting you clean stairs, upholstery, and above-floor surfaces.

Due to its compact size, it may not have the strongest suction compared to larger models, so heavy or deep cleaning might require more effort. The solution tank is also on the smaller side, leading to more frequent refills for bigger messes. The machine is easy to use with no assembly needed and comes with a sample cleaning solution to get started. It’s ideal for pet owners and those seeking a convenient, quick way to refresh small areas, but less suited for large homes or very heavy-duty cleaning tasks.