10 Best Compact Carpet Shampooers 2025 in the United States

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 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 with StainStriker is designed to be a strong performer in the compact carpet shampooer category, especially for pet owners. Its cleaning power is impressive, combining a high-speed brushroll with powerful suction and a dual spray system that helps lift deep dirt and set-in stains. The StainStriker hand tool adds extra cleaning punch with its chemical mix that targets tough spots, making it useful for stubborn pet messes and odors.

In terms of water capacity, it uses a dual tank system that keeps clean and dirty water separate, which helps maintain cleaning effectiveness throughout use. While the tank capacity is adequate for regular home cleaning, it might require refilling for very large areas. Weighing about 18 pounds, it’s a bit on the heavier side for a compact model, so while it’s portable enough to carry between rooms, some may find it less handy for frequent stairs or longer sessions.

The brush system is robust, supporting both carpets and upholstery, and the inclusion of three specialized tools (a stain tool, crevice tool, and pet mess tool) adds versatility for different surfaces and hard-to-reach spots. Drying times are reportedly fast due to strong suction that avoids oversoaking, helping your carpets dry quicker than some competitors. Ease of use is enhanced by no-assembly setup and clearly separated tanks, though the weight might require some effort during use. Maintenance is straightforward with hand-washable parts. This model is a solid choice if you need a carpet shampooer that handles pet stains and odors well, offers strong cleaning power, and includes useful accessories. However, if ultra-lightweight or very large water tanks are your priority, there might be better fits.