10 Best Rug Shampooers 2025 in the United States

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.

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 Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is a robust carpet cleaner designed to tackle deep carpet cleaning, tough stains, and pet hair effectively. Its high-speed brushroll, combined with PowerSpray technology and strong suction, ensures excellent dirt and grime removal. This makes it particularly suitable for households with pets, as it excels in hair pickup and stain removal, including pet stains and odors.

The machine features a sizeable water tank, which means fewer refills during cleaning, and it boasts quick drying times, so you can use your carpets soon after cleaning. Weighing around 20.72 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users, but it’s designed to avoid clogs and hair wrap, which makes the cleaning process smoother. The range of included accessories, like the Stain Eliminator Tools and Pet Mess Extractor, enhances its versatility for cleaning upholstery and stairs.

Its self-cleaning feature is a nice touch, simplifying maintenance. However, due to its weight, maneuverability may be challenging for some, especially in larger homes or for those with limited strength. If you need a powerful, pet-friendly carpet cleaner with strong stain and odor removal capabilities, the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro is a solid choice, provided you can manage its weight.