10 Best Compact Carpet Shampooers 2025 in the United States

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.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is a strong choice if you're after a compact carpet shampooer that handles tough stains, pet hair, and odors effectively. Its cleaning power stands out thanks to a high-speed brush roll combined with a powerful spray and suction system that promises deep cleaning and faster drying times. This makes it ideal for pet owners dealing with hair and messes. The included cleaning solutions and the unique StainStriker technology boost its stain-fighting capabilities without needing pre-mixing, which is convenient.

The built-in spot and stain eliminator tool and the suite of four attachments add versatility for cleaning carpets, upholstery, stairs, and rugs. It also features a helpful self-cleaning system for easy maintenance, saving time and effort after use. On the downside, the water tank capacity is modest at about 17 fluid ounces, which might require frequent refilling during larger cleaning jobs. Weighing just over 20 pounds, it’s moderately portable, but could feel a bit heavy for some users when moving around or carrying up stairs.

The brush system is designed to prevent hair tangling, which is a big plus for pet owners, but the upright design might not fit tight spaces as easily as smaller models. This carpet shampooer delivers powerful cleaning and good stain removal, especially for homes with pets, while balancing ease of use and maintenance. If you want a reliable, versatile cleaner and don’t mind its moderate size and tank capacity, it’s a solid option.

The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is a reliable option for anyone looking to tackle tough carpet stains at home. Its main strength lies in its powerful cleaning capabilities, thanks to the SpinScrub® Technology which offers 360-degree cleaning with its counter-rotating brushes. This feature ensures thorough cleaning of carpet fibers without the brushes rolling, enhancing contact and performance. The dual nozzle design provides even suction, making the cleaning process faster and more efficient.

In terms of convenience, the Smart Tank™ system is a standout. It allows for easy filling, emptying, and cleaning of the recovery tank, which has a quick pour spout to minimize mess. The 8-foot hose and upholstery tool are great additions, enabling users to clean stairs and other hard-to-reach areas effectively. The weight of the machine, at 18.5 pounds, makes it relatively portable for an upright cleaner, although some may find it slightly heavy after prolonged use.

There are a couple of drawbacks worth noting. The assembly can be a bit tricky for some users, especially those not familiar with such devices. Additionally, while it does a fantastic job on carpets, it may not be as effective on certain types of upholstery, depending on fabric. Furthermore, the drying time can be longer than expected, which might be a consideration if you need to use the area immediately after cleaning.

For those who need a compact carpet shampooer that’s easy to use and highly effective, the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is an excellent choice, particularly for households with pets or children. Just keep in mind the weight and drying time when making your decision.