10 Best Lightweight Carpet Cleaner 2025 in the United States

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a handy tool for anyone looking to tackle stains and odors in various surfaces, particularly for homes with pets. Weighing in at 9.65 pounds, it strikes a balance between being lightweight and robust, making it easy to carry around for home or auto cleaning tasks. Its 48 oz. tank capacity is impressive, allowing for prolonged cleaning sessions without frequent refills, which is a plus for larger jobs. The powerful suction really shines when dealing with tough stains, and the included tools, like the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and the Tough Stain Tool, enhance its versatility. The machine’s ability to work on carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors makes it a multi-functional choice for cleaning enthusiasts.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The corded power source could limit mobility compared to cordless models, as you'll need to stay near a power outlet. Additionally, while the device is designed to be portable, some might find it less compact than expected when in use due to its dimensions and the need to manage the cord.

This cleaner is well-suited for pet owners or anyone needing a reliable solution for upholstery and carpet cleaning. Just keep in mind its corded design when considering your cleaning needs.

The BISSELL TurboClean PET, Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, 3948 is a solid option for pet owners dealing with frequent messes. Weighing in at 19.16 pounds, it’s not the lightest carpet cleaner on the market, but it's manageable for most users. Its tank capacity allows for decent cleaning sessions without frequent refills, which is a plus for those larger clean-up jobs. The cleaning path width is adequate, ensuring you can cover a reasonable area without too many passes.

The suction power, combined with the 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush, is effective at lifting stubborn dirt and pet stains, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas. The cord length provides decent reach, but may require switching outlets for larger rooms. Additional features like the 7 ft hose, self-cleanout tool, and spraying crevice tool add versatility, making it convenient for tackling various cleaning tasks around the home.

However, it may not be the best option for those with limited storage space, as its size and weight could be cumbersome. The BISSELL TurboClean PET is a good match for pet owners or households with kids, where spills and messes are frequent. It's user-friendly with no need for batteries or complex assembly, and it’s also nice to know that each purchase supports pet rescue efforts. The customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars indicates general satisfaction with its performance.

The Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is a versatile tool designed for tackling tough stains and odors across various surfaces including carpets, area rugs, couches, upholstery, and even cars. Weighing under 9 lbs, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it convenient for whole-home cleaning and easy storage. The dual-activated stain eliminator, which does not require premixing, enhances its cleaning power, particularly for stubborn stains and odors like pet urine and smoke.

The built-in powerful suction helps in pulling out embedded dirt and liquid, leaving surfaces looking refreshed. The inclusion of three attachments (a crevice tool, a reversible bristle tool, and a pet tool) adds to its versatility and effectiveness on different surfaces. Its effectiveness is notably highlighted when using Shark's proprietary cleaning solutions, potentially limiting its performance with other brands. The Shark PX201 StainStriker stands out as a powerful and efficient option for pet owners and households needing a reliable spot and stain cleaner.