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10 Best Compact Carpet Shampooers 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
9.7
Chosen by1,171
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
95022 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is a stain-fighting BEAST, effortlessly tackling red wine stains, coffee spills, and ground-in dirt.
Water Tank Capacity
The tank holds enough to clean multiple spots before needing a refill, despite being smaller than a full-size cleaner.
Weight and Portability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
Attachments and Accessories
The instructions could be more detailed on how to use each attachment, but overall, the pros outweigh the cons significantly.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Setup and operation are a breeze with simple and intuitive controls.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a solid choice for anyone needing a compact solution for tackling stains and odors from various surfaces, especially for pet owners. Its powerful suction effectively lifts tough pet spots from carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors, making it quite versatile for different cleaning tasks around the home and car. With a 48 oz. water tank, you can clean larger areas without frequent refills, enhancing your efficiency during cleaning sessions. This product is easy to handle, weighing just under 10 pounds, which adds to its portability and makes it user-friendly for people of all ages.

There are some aspects to consider. While the suction power is impressive, it may not replace a full-sized carpet cleaner for extensive deep-cleaning needs. The drying time may vary, so areas cleaned might still require some time to dry completely after use, depending on the fabric type. Additionally, while it comes with exclusive specialty tools, some users might find the accessories could be limited for more extensive or specific cleaning tasks.

The BISSELL Little Green is an excellent option for those looking for a compact carpet shampooer that offers strong cleaning capabilities and convenient portability, particularly for pet owners. However, if you're looking for something to deeply clean large carpets regularly, you might want to consider a more powerful machine.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,171
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
95022 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is a stain-fighting BEAST, effortlessly tackling red wine stains, coffee spills, and ground-in dirt.
Water Tank Capacity
The tank holds enough to clean multiple spots before needing a refill, despite being smaller than a full-size cleaner.
Weight and Portability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
Attachments and Accessories
The instructions could be more detailed on how to use each attachment, but overall, the pros outweigh the cons significantly.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Setup and operation are a breeze with simple and intuitive controls.
#2

Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet Carpet Cleaner, 2987

Rating
9.4
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
34037 reviews

Cleaning Power
Incredible cleaning power in a compact size; it's light, same size as a vacuum, and easy to clean.
Water Tank Capacity
While the water and dirty tanks are small, they're easy to empty and refill, making it manageable for smaller areas.
Weight and Portability
Setup is a breeze, and the machine is so lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Drying Time
Fantastic suction power ensures carpets don't stay soaked for long, usually drying within a few hours or overnight.

The Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet Carpet Cleaner is designed for those who need a reliable solution for tackling pet messes in small spaces. Its four-row DeepReach PowerBrush Roll is particularly effective at picking up dirt and stains that standard vacuuming might miss. This feature is essential for pet owners, as it can handle high-traffic areas and area rugs well, making it a practical choice for homes with furry friends. The lightweight design, weighing only 12 pounds, contributes to its portability, allowing you to easily move it around your home without much strain. Additionally, the 20-foot power cord provides a decent range for cleaning without constantly needing to switch outlets.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The water tank capacity, while adequate for small tasks, might not be sufficient for larger areas, requiring frequent refills during extensive cleaning sessions. Also, the machine’s drying time can vary based on the type of carpet and the amount of water used, so you may need to plan accordingly. While it is designed for ease of use, some users may find maintaining the brushes and components a bit cumbersome because of the buildup of pet hair over time.

The Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush is well-suited for pet owners who need a compact and efficient carpet cleaner for routine maintenance and spot cleaning. Its strengths lie in its cleaning power and portability, but potential buyers should consider the limitations in water capacity and drying times for larger cleaning tasks.

Rating
9.4
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
34037 reviews

Cleaning Power
Incredible cleaning power in a compact size; it's light, same size as a vacuum, and easy to clean.
Water Tank Capacity
While the water and dirty tanks are small, they're easy to empty and refill, making it manageable for smaller areas.
Weight and Portability
Setup is a breeze, and the machine is so lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Drying Time
Fantastic suction power ensures carpets don't stay soaked for long, usually drying within a few hours or overnight.
#3

Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, Portable Upholstery StainStriker, Spot, Odor & Stain Remover, 2 Carpet Cleaner Solutions, 3 Tools, Perfect for Pet Hair, Area Rugs, Couches, Burgundy, PX203BRN

Rating
9.2
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
5088 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it doesn't leave soapy wet spots behind. It's very fast and effective for pet-related messes.
Water Tank Capacity
It's easy to set up and maneuver due to its small size, and it's much lighter to pick up and transport. The compact size means the water tank is smaller, requiring more frequent refills, but overall, the performance is impressive.
Weight and Portability
It's easy to set up and maneuver due to its small size, and it's much lighter to pick up and transport.
Brush System
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning, and they include a rubber scrub side and a bristle side for different cleaning needs.
Attachments and Accessories
Compared to the Bissell, the Shark has better attachments, a wider head, and a scrub brush that makes cleaning large areas more manageable. The cleaning solution smells better and works better.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning, and they include a rubber scrub side and a bristle side for different cleaning needs.

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, known as the StainStriker, is a compact and portable option designed for tackling tough stains and odors in carpets and upholstery. One of its standout features is its dual-activated stain eliminator that efficiently removes stains without the need for premixing solutions. This makes it particularly appealing for pet owners, as it effectively deals with pet urine and smoke odors. With a weight of just under 9 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it convenient for cleaning various surfaces around your home, including carpets, area rugs, and even car interiors.

The powerful suction is another strong point, as it efficiently pulls out dirt and liquid that can get trapped deep within your carpets and furniture. The included tools, such as the integrated crevice tool and the pet tool, enhance its versatility, allowing you to clean hard-to-reach spots with ease. Additionally, the cleaning solutions provided are praised for their efficacy, with a special focus on combining the cleaning power of OXY for immediate stain removal.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the water tank capacity of 24.35 fluid ounces is decent for small cleaning jobs, it may require frequent refills for larger areas, which could be inconvenient. Furthermore, while the Shark StainStriker is designed for ease of use, some users might find it less effective for deep cleaning extensive carpets compared to larger models due to its compact nature. The drying time after cleaning can also vary depending on the humidity and thickness of the carpet, so users may need to wait a bit before walking on freshly cleaned areas. This cleaner is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, effective cleaner for pet-related messes and general household stains, but those with larger cleaning needs might want to consider a more robust option.

Rating
9.2
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
5088 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it doesn't leave soapy wet spots behind. It's very fast and effective for pet-related messes.
Water Tank Capacity
It's easy to set up and maneuver due to its small size, and it's much lighter to pick up and transport. The compact size means the water tank is smaller, requiring more frequent refills, but overall, the performance is impressive.
Weight and Portability
It's easy to set up and maneuver due to its small size, and it's much lighter to pick up and transport.
Brush System
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning, and they include a rubber scrub side and a bristle side for different cleaning needs.
Attachments and Accessories
Compared to the Bissell, the Shark has better attachments, a wider head, and a scrub brush that makes cleaning large areas more manageable. The cleaning solution smells better and works better.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning, and they include a rubber scrub side and a bristle side for different cleaning needs.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Carpet Shampooers

Choosing the right compact carpet shampooer can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. These machines are designed to deep clean carpets by injecting a mixture of water and cleaning solution into the carpet fibers and then extracting the dirty water. When selecting a compact carpet shampooer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Cleaning PowerCleaning power refers to the machine's ability to remove dirt and stains from your carpet. This is often measured in amps or watts. Higher power typically means better cleaning performance. For light cleaning tasks or smaller areas, a lower power machine (around 3-5 amps) may suffice. For more intensive cleaning or larger areas, look for a machine with higher power (6-10 amps). Consider your cleaning needs and the type of dirt or stains you typically encounter to choose the right cleaning power.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity determines how much water the machine can hold, which affects how long you can clean before needing to refill. Smaller tanks (less than 1 gallon) are lighter and easier to maneuver but require more frequent refills. Larger tanks (1-2 gallons) allow for longer cleaning sessions but can make the machine heavier and bulkier. If you have a small area to clean or prefer a lighter machine, a smaller tank may be suitable. For larger areas or more extensive cleaning, a larger tank is more convenient.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability are crucial for ease of use, especially if you need to carry the machine up and down stairs or move it around frequently. Compact carpet shampooers typically weigh between 10-20 pounds. Lighter models are easier to handle and store but may have smaller tanks and less power. Heavier models might offer more features and better performance but can be more cumbersome. Consider your physical strength and the layout of your home when choosing the weight and portability of the machine.
Brush SystemThe brush system helps to agitate the carpet fibers and loosen dirt. There are different types of brush systems, including fixed brushes, rotating brushes, and dual brush systems. Fixed brushes are simpler and less expensive but may not clean as thoroughly. Rotating brushes provide better agitation and cleaning performance. Dual brush systems offer the best cleaning but can be more expensive. Think about the level of cleaning you need and the type of carpets you have to decide on the brush system.
Drying TimeDrying time refers to how quickly your carpet will dry after cleaning. Some machines have features like heated drying or powerful suction to reduce drying time. Faster drying times are more convenient and reduce the risk of mold or mildew. If you need to use the carpet soon after cleaning or live in a humid area, look for a machine with features that promote quicker drying. Otherwise, standard drying times may be sufficient.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your carpet shampooer. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and stair tools. These can help you clean furniture, tight spaces, and stairs more effectively. If you have multiple surfaces to clean or specific areas that are hard to reach, look for a machine with a variety of attachments. If you only need to clean carpets, fewer attachments may be necessary.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use and maintenance are important for a hassle-free cleaning experience. Look for features like easy-to-fill water tanks, simple controls, and easy-to-clean brushes and tanks. Machines with removable parts and clear instructions for maintenance will save you time and effort. Consider how often you plan to use the machine and how much time you're willing to spend on maintenance when making your choice.

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