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10 Best Compact Carpet Shampooers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Tea Green, 4075

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,189
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Brush System

Most important from
96908 reviews

Cleaning Power
Delivers impressive stain removal, even on old, stubborn messes like cat vomit and dog bile across various fabrics.
Weight and Portability
Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and store, perfect for quick spot cleaning around the house or in vehicles.
Brush System
The hose cannot be fully detached for cleaning, but removable parts are easy to wash, preventing clogs even with pet hair.
Attachments and Accessories
The HydroRinse tool simplifies cleaning the hose, making maintenance straightforward and hassle-free.

The BISSELL Little Green Mini is a compact and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner that works well for small messes and spot cleaning, especially in tight spaces like car interiors or furniture. It weighs 7 pounds, making it easy to carry around and store in cabinets or closets. The 16-ounce water tank is relatively small, so it’s best suited for quick cleanups rather than large areas.

This unit uses a 4-inch tough stain tool that sprays, scrubs, and suctions to remove dirt and pet stains effectively, and the included HydroRinse tool helps keep the hose clean, which is a nice feature for maintenance. Cleaning solutions designed for the machine help break down stains and odors, adding to its effectiveness. Because the tank is small and the cleaner is fairly lightweight, it might require frequent refilling and doesn’t cover big spaces as efficiently as larger machines.

This model is especially appealing for pet owners due to its stain and allergen removal and BISSELL’s support for pet charities. If you need a portable, straightforward unit for occasional spot cleaning or car detailing, this cleaner is a good fit. For deep cleaning large carpets or floors, a bigger machine with a larger tank might be more practical.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,189
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Brush System

Most important from
96908 reviews

Cleaning Power
Delivers impressive stain removal, even on old, stubborn messes like cat vomit and dog bile across various fabrics.
Weight and Portability
Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and store, perfect for quick spot cleaning around the house or in vehicles.
Brush System
The hose cannot be fully detached for cleaning, but removable parts are easy to wash, preventing clogs even with pet hair.
Attachments and Accessories
The HydroRinse tool simplifies cleaning the hose, making maintenance straightforward and hassle-free.
#2

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B

Rating
9.7
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
96908 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
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
96908 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.
#3

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker, Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner, Perfect for Pets & Hair Removal, Carpet Shampooer, 4 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Copper, EX301

Rating
9.1
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
4038 reviews

Cleaning Power
The cleaner scrubs effectively with a forward motion and extracts when pulled back, eliminating the need to hold down a trigger for shampooing.
Water Tank Capacity
Although the water tanks are somewhat small, requiring refills during larger jobs, the overall cleaning performance outweighs this minor inconvenience.
Weight and Portability
Its design allows cleaning under furniture easily due to lower clearance, while the wheels and size enable smooth maneuvering close to edges.
Brush System
All parts snap off for thorough rinsing, making maintenance simple and preventing hair from clogging the brush system.
Drying Time
It puts down water automatically while rolling forward and picks up water efficiently when pulled back, with a drying mode that leaves carpets lightly damp for fast drying.
Attachments and Accessories
The spot cleaner attachment is versatile and easy to use, with a rubber brush that simplifies cleanup by only requiring the spot unit to be cleaned.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The system’s parts are easy to remove and clean, supporting quick turnaround between uses and maintaining hygiene.

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.

Rating
9.1
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
4038 reviews

Cleaning Power
The cleaner scrubs effectively with a forward motion and extracts when pulled back, eliminating the need to hold down a trigger for shampooing.
Water Tank Capacity
Although the water tanks are somewhat small, requiring refills during larger jobs, the overall cleaning performance outweighs this minor inconvenience.
Weight and Portability
Its design allows cleaning under furniture easily due to lower clearance, while the wheels and size enable smooth maneuvering close to edges.
Brush System
All parts snap off for thorough rinsing, making maintenance simple and preventing hair from clogging the brush system.
Drying Time
It puts down water automatically while rolling forward and picks up water efficiently when pulled back, with a drying mode that leaves carpets lightly damp for fast drying.
Attachments and Accessories
The spot cleaner attachment is versatile and easy to use, with a rubber brush that simplifies cleanup by only requiring the spot unit to be cleaned.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The system’s parts are easy to remove and clean, supporting quick turnaround between uses and maintaining hygiene.

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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