10 Best Rug Shampooers 2026 in the United States

The Bissell Little Green Mini is a compact and lightweight portable cleaner designed for spot cleaning carpets, upholstery, car interiors, and pet areas. Weighing 7 pounds and featuring a small 16-ounce water tank, it is easy to carry and maneuver, making it ideal for quick cleanups rather than large carpeted areas. Its cleaning power is solid for targeted stains, especially with the included 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose, which help tackle tough spots and simplify maintenance.

This corded cleaner eliminates concerns about battery life, though its small tank requires frequent refills if used on bigger messes. Drying time is moderate since it’s a wet cleaner; surfaces won’t dry instantly and need some time after use. Noise levels are typical for deep cleaners but not overly loud. The included cleaning formula effectively removes stains and odors, and storage is easy thanks to its compact size. Ideal for pet owners and car enthusiasts, it provides a handy, portable solution for spot cleaning rather than deep, whole-room carpet shampooing.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner (model 1400B) is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable rug-shampooer, especially pet owners. Its powerful suction makes it effective at removing tough spots and stains from various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. This feature is particularly beneficial for households with pets, as it helps tackle both stains and odors efficiently using the Spot & Stain formula combined with Febreze freshness.

With a large 48 oz. water tank, you can clean more before needing to refill, which is a significant advantage for larger jobs. The portable and versatile design also ensures that you can easily maneuver it around your home and even take it to your vehicle.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. Weighing in at 9.65 pounds, it’s not the lightest option out there, which might make prolonged use a bit tiring for some users. Additionally, being corded limits where you can use it without needing an outlet, though the cord length is generally suitable for most cleaning tasks. The included accessories like the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and Tough Stain Tool enhance its usability and maintenance, but the self-cleaning feature requires diligence after every use to maintain optimal performance. In terms of noise, while it operates within a reasonable range, it may be a bit louder than expected during operation, especially in a quiet environment. The BISSELL Little Green is a robust option for those needing effective cleaning solutions for carpets and upholstery, particularly advantageous for pet owners, but potential buyers should consider its weight and corded design when assessing their cleaning needs.

The Shark StainStriker HairPro is a portable carpet and upholstery cleaner designed especially for homes with pets and for spot cleaning in cars and around the house. Its standout feature is strong cleaning power thanks to Shark’s dual-activated cleaning solution, which tackles tough stains and odors without needing pre-treatment or heat. The HairPro technology is particularly useful as it effectively picks up embedded pet hair without clogging, which many cleaners struggle with. The suction is powerful enough to remove stains and odors, including pet urine and smoke, making it well-suited for pet owners.

With a 24-ounce water tank, it offers enough capacity for several spot cleanings but might require refills for larger areas. At about 13 pounds, it is heavier than some portable models, but the compact design still allows for good maneuverability and easy storage. The included attachments—four specialized tools including a pet mess extractor and mini stain eliminator—add versatility for different surfaces and tight spaces.

A notable convenience is the on-board self-cleaning feature, which simplifies maintenance by flushing the cleaning solution through the tool and hose, saving time and effort. For those needing a handy, pet-focused cleaner that handles hair, stains, and odors with strong suction and easy upkeep, the Shark StainStriker HairPro is a solid choice. It is best for users who want a portable spot cleaner rather than a full-room deep cleaner, especially in homes with pets or vehicles. The weight might be a drawback for those seeking ultra-light models, and managing drying times will depend on the cleaning area.