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 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.

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.