10 Best Home Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner is ideal for pet owners and those who need a versatile cleaning tool for various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. Its powerful suction makes it effective in removing tough pet spots and stains, ensuring that your home remains clean and odor-free. With a 48 oz. water tank capacity, you can cover more area before needing to refill, which is convenient for larger cleaning tasks.

Weighing only 9.7 pounds, this cleaner is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for use on stairs and in tight spaces. However, it may not be the lightest option available for those seeking ultra-portability. The drying time will largely depend on the specific surface and stain being treated, but expect it to be reasonably quick given its powerful suction capabilities.

This model comes with essential attachments and accessories, such as a Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool, which enhance its functionality and ease of use. Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to the self-cleaning hose tool and simple hand wash instructions. A notable benefit is that every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, contributing to a good cause. Despite its many strengths, it might not be the best choice for those who need a carpet cleaner for extremely large areas due to its portable design meant for spot cleaning. Additionally, while effective, it may require multiple passes to completely eliminate very stubborn stains.

The Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is a versatile cleaning tool designed for homes with pets and frequent spills. Its main strength lies in its powerful stain and odor elimination capabilities, particularly for tough stains like pet urine and smoke. The dual-activated formula, which mixes inside the handheld cleaner, ensures no need for premixing and delivers a strong cleaning punch with the power of OXY.

Its 8.51-pound weight makes it lightweight and easy to maneuver, allowing for whole-home cleaning, including carpets, rugs, couches, upholstery, and even car interiors. The inclusion of three attachments – a crevice tool, a reversible bristle tool, and a pet tool – enhances its versatility and makes it perfect for pet owners. Additionally, the compact design ensures easy storage after use.

Maintenance-wise, while it’s designed for ease of use, regular cleaning of the attachments and the machine itself is necessary to prevent residue buildup. This product is best suited for households with pets or children, where frequent spot cleaning is needed, and those who value a lightweight, portable solution for stain removal across various surfaces.

The Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced is a lightweight and compact carpet cleaner ideal for small homes or apartments, making it easy to store and maneuver. Weighing about 16 pounds, it is manageable for most users. Its upright design features HeatForce technology, which helps carpets dry faster than many traditional models. The 0.6-gallon water tank is moderate in size, suitable for quick or small jobs but may require refilling for larger areas. Its cleaning power is strong enough for everyday stains and pet messes, especially with the included PowerSpin pet brush roll that effectively tackles pet odors.

The cleaner includes handy attachments such as a 2-in-1 pet tool and accessory hose, allowing for easy cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. Maintenance is straightforward, although the compact size means smaller tanks need more frequent emptying and filling. It comes with a sample cleaning solution and works best when paired with Hoover’s own formulas for optimal results. While not designed for heavy-duty or very large carpeted spaces, this model provides a practical balance of power, convenience, and speed suitable for typical home use, particularly for pet owners or those with limited storage space.