10 Best Lightweight Carpet Steam Cleaner 2025 in the United States

The Shark Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, known as the StainStriker, is designed specifically for tackling tough stains and odors, making it a great choice for pet owners and households dealing with spills. Weighing in at under 9 lbs, this cleaner is lightweight and easy to maneuver, allowing for convenient use throughout various areas in your home, including carpets, rugs, upholstery, and even your vehicle. With a dual-activated stain eliminator that doesn’t require premixing, it delivers powerful cleaning solutions for tough stains, particularly pet-related ones, with impressive suction to remove dirt and liquid deeply embedded in fabrics.

One of the standout features is its two unique cleaning formulas that work together for effective on-contact stain removal. In addition, it comes with handy attachments like a pet tool and a reversible bristle tool, increasing its versatility for different cleaning tasks.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The water tank capacity is relatively small at 0.18 gallons, which means you may need to refill it frequently, especially during larger cleaning jobs. The heating time is also a factor, as it may take a little while to reach optimal steam pressure and temperature for effective cleaning. Additionally, while the device is battery-powered, there may be limitations on runtime compared to corded models.

The Shark EX201 CarpetXpert is a versatile carpet and upholstery cleaner that excels in deep cleaning and tackling tough stains, making it a strong choice for pet owners and households dealing with challenging messes. Weighing in at 18.05 pounds, it strikes a balance between being lightweight and powerful, which makes it easier to handle compared to heavier models. The water tank has a capacity of 30.4 gallons, supporting longer cleaning sessions before needing a refill.

One of its standout features is the built-in handheld spot and stain eliminator that allows users to extend cleaning to stairs, upholstery, and other isolated areas, which adds to its versatility. The StainStriker technology is impressive, combining two unique chemicals that work effectively on contact for tough stains, promising up to 20 times more stain removal power.

The CarpetXpert technology offers quick drying times and great suction power, although some users may find the heating time a bit longer than expected, potentially delaying cleaning tasks. The cord length could also be a consideration; while it's generally adequate, users with larger spaces might seek a longer cord for uninterrupted cleaning. In terms of maintenance, users will appreciate the ease of use, though the need for specific cleaning solutions can be a drawback for some, as they may prefer universal cleaning products.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro is designed to make carpet cleaning easier and more effective, especially for homes with pets. Weighing about 20.7 pounds, it is lighter than many traditional carpet cleaners, making it easier to push around your home. Its dual-tank system separates clean and dirty water, simplifying refilling and emptying, which helps keep the cleaning process hygienic and straightforward.

The high-speed brushroll combined with PowerSpray technology targets dirt, grime, and stubborn pet hair, which is pulled directly into a special hair cage—eliminating the common problem of tangled hair. It also promotes fast drying times by avoiding over-soaking carpets, allowing you to use your space again quickly. The cleaner includes a 12 oz. pet-safe cleaning solution that tackles odors and stains, including tough ones like pet urine or smoke.

While the unit weighs over 20 pounds, it delivers powerful performance and relatively easy maintenance for deep cleaning carpets with heavy pet hair. This makes the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro a user-friendly and effective carpet cleaner that handles pet messes well without frequent clogging or hair wrapping.