10 Best Small Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner stands out as a solid choice for those looking to keep their carpets and upholstery fresh, especially pet owners. One of the key strengths of this product is its powerful suction, which effectively removes tough stains and odors, thanks to its specialized cleaning formula. The 48 oz. tank capacity is also impressive, allowing for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills, which is a real time-saver.

Portability is another highlight. Weighing around 9.7 pounds, this cleaner is easy to maneuver, making it suitable for various surfaces in your home and even car interiors. Its compact design contributes to its versatility, allowing you to tackle messes in tight spaces effectively. The included attachments, like the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and the Tough Stain Tool, further enhance its cleaning capabilities.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the corded power source provides consistent suction, the cord length may limit your movement, especially in larger rooms or areas far from an outlet. Additionally, although it is designed for ease of use, the maintenance process requires some commitment, especially with cleaning the self-cleaning tool after each use to maintain performance.

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, also known as the StainStriker, is a strong contender in the small-carpet-cleaners category, especially for homes with pets. Weighing under 9 lbs and with a tank capacity of 2 liters, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver. Its powerful suction ensures that liquid and dirt are effectively removed from carpets, area rugs, couches, and upholstery, making them look almost new. This machine is particularly beneficial for eliminating tough stains and odors, including pet urine and smoke, thanks to its dual-activated stain eliminator formula that doesn’t require pre-mixing.

The included 4 tools—crevice tool, 3.5” reversible bristle tool, 7” wide path tool, and pet tool—provide versatility for different cleaning needs, from tight spots to broader surfaces. However, there are a few points to consider. The power source is battery-powered, which may limit usage time compared to corded models. Additionally, some users might find the maintenance a bit demanding, as hand washing is required for cleaning.

Despite these minor drawbacks, its ease of storage, effective cleaning solutions, and comprehensive attachments make it a great choice for those in need of a reliable and versatile carpet cleaner, particularly in pet-friendly homes.

The Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner is a compact and lightweight option, weighing just 7 pounds, making it easy to carry around and store in tight spaces. Its 1.42-liter tank is moderately sized, suitable for small to medium messes but may require refilling for larger jobs. The cleaning path is narrow (around 4 inches), which is ideal for targeting tough spots on carpets, upholstery, car interiors, and pet beds rather than cleaning large floor areas quickly.

Powered by a corded electric motor, it offers consistent suction and cleaning power for stubborn stains and embedded dirt. The included tools, such as the 4-inch tough stain tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose, add convenience when dealing with pet stains or detailed cleaning tasks. The product is praised for removing stains effectively and eliminating odors with the specially formulated cleaning solution.

A limitation is the relatively short cord length, which may restrict mobility unless near a power source. Additionally, it lacks a wide cleaning path, so it is not suited for deep cleaning large carpets. Maintenance is straightforward with the self-cleaning hose feature, which helps keep the machine ready for the next use. This cleaner suits pet owners or anyone needing a portable and efficient spot cleaner for small spills and stains on various surfaces, but it is less ideal for those wanting to clean entire rooms or large carpets frequently due to its size and tank capacity.