10 Best Lightweight Carpet Cleaner 2025 in the United States

The Dyson V8 Plus is a lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner that works well on carpets and hard floors. Weighing about 5.7 pounds, it's easy to carry around, making quick cleaning less tiring. Its dustbin holds 0.54 liters, which is decent but may require emptying during bigger cleaning jobs. The vacuum offers strong suction power at 115 AW with two power modes—regular mode balances cleaning strength and battery life for up to 40 minutes, while Max mode boosts power but only lasts about 5 minutes.

The motorized brush is designed to deep clean and effectively detangle long hair and pet hair, which is great if you have pets or family members with long hair. It also converts into a handheld vacuum, adding versatility for cleaning stairs, cars, or upholstery. The cordless design and included attachments make it convenient to reach tricky spots.

The battery runtime in Max mode is relatively short, so heavy-duty cleaning might require charging breaks. Also, since it’s bagless with a moderate dustbin size, you’ll need to empty it often if cleaning a large area. If you want a lightweight, easy-to-use vacuum that handles pet hair well and offers good suction for everyday carpet cleaning, the Dyson V8 Plus is a solid choice. For longer nonstop cleaning sessions, consider models with longer battery life or larger dustbins.

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 Shark StainStriker is a lightweight and compact carpet and upholstery cleaner weighing under 9 pounds, making it easy to carry around for quick spot treatments or cleaning in hard-to-reach areas like car interiors. Its tank holds about 40.5 fluid ounces, which is sufficient for multiple small cleaning jobs without frequent refills. The cleaner uses a dual-activated formula combined with ultra-powerful suction to tackle tough stains, including pet messes and odors, making it a strong choice for pet owners and busy households. It comes with two cleaning tools to address different surfaces and stains effectively.

The built-in self-cleaning feature is a helpful convenience, allowing the machine to clean its hose and tool after use, which saves time and keeps the device ready for the next job. Given its compact size, it is optimized for spot and small-area cleaning rather than large carpeted floors. Since it plugs into AC power, it should provide steady suction without worrying about battery life.

This cleaner excels in portability and ease of use and is best suited for targeted stain removal rather than deep cleaning extensive carpet areas. If you need a lightweight, effective portable cleaner primarily for spots, upholstery, and car seats, the Shark StainStriker offers powerful performance with thoughtful extras to keep maintenance simple.