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 PowerDash Pet+ is a compact and lightweight carpet shampooer that stands out especially for small homes, apartments, and pet owners. Weighing around 17 pounds, it's relatively easy to maneuver and store compared to bulkier carpet cleaners. Its cleaning power is solid for tackling pet messes and everyday stains, thanks in part to its antimicrobial PowerSpin pet brush roll that helps reduce pet odors. The water tank capacity is decent, allowing for several rooms to be cleaned before needing a refill, which reduces interruptions during use. A helpful feature is the HeatForce technology that speeds up drying time, letting you walk on carpets sooner after cleaning. The package includes a sample cleaning solution, and you can pair the machine with Hoover’s pet-specific or general cleaning solutions to boost effectiveness.

It is a corded device, which may limit mobility around larger spaces. The brush system is designed to be efficient but is best suited for smaller or moderate messes rather than deep cleaning large carpeted areas. While it offers ease of use with straightforward assembly and operation, the lack of multiple specialized attachments means it may not handle upholstery or very tight spaces as well as some other models. Maintenance is manageable, but regular cleaning of the brush and tanks is needed to keep performance optimal.

This makes the Hoover PowerDash Pet+ a practical choice for pet owners or anyone needing a convenient, compact cleaner for smaller spaces, though it may not be the best fit if you want a heavy-duty machine for large or very dirty carpets.