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10 Best Steam Carpet Cleaner 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,362
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cord Length

Most important from
110089 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
The large 48 oz water tank capacity supports longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills.
Weight and Portability
It's lightweight and portable, allowing easy maneuverability and storage.
Cord Length
The long electrical cord makes it convenient to use in rooms with few outlets.
Ease of Maintenance
Easy to clean after use, preventing mold buildup.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner (model 1400B) is a versatile and portable cleaning solution suitable for various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. One of its major advantages is the powerful suction, which effectively removes pet stains and odors, making it a great choice for pet owners. The product supports BISSELL's mission to save homeless pets, adding a charitable benefit to your purchase.

With a large 48 oz. water tank capacity, you can clean more without frequent refills, which is convenient for larger cleaning tasks. Weighing 9.65 pounds, it's fairly lightweight and portable, allowing you to move it around easily. The included tools, such as the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and the 3" Tough Stain Tool, enhance its versatility and make maintenance simpler.

The product comes with a 1-year limited warranty, but potential buyers should note that it's corded, limiting range of movement compared to cordless models. It's ideal for those looking for an efficient, easy-to-use cleaner with a focus on pet-related stains and odors.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,362
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cord Length

Most important from
110089 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
The large 48 oz water tank capacity supports longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills.
Weight and Portability
It's lightweight and portable, allowing easy maneuverability and storage.
Cord Length
The long electrical cord makes it convenient to use in rooms with few outlets.
Ease of Maintenance
Easy to clean after use, preventing mold buildup.
#2

BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus, 3588F, Upright Deep Cleaner, 30-minute Dry Time, Dual Dirt Lifter Powerbrush, Hose & Tool Attachment, Pet Upholstery and Tough Stain Tool Included

Rating
7.9
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
4486 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Large water tanks allow cleaning sizable areas without frequent refills, enhancing convenience.
Weight and Portability
The machine balances powerful cleaning with a lightweight feel, making the process quick and hassle-free.
Attachments and Accessories
Built-in spot treatment tool is surprisingly effective and a standout feature compared to other cleaners.
Ease of Maintenance
Designed for easy maintenance with removable parts that simplify cleaning the water tanks and brush components.

The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is a strong option for those dealing with tough pet stains and odors on carpets. It features a large 1-gallon water tank, which means you can clean a good area without stopping frequently to refill. Its two cleaning modes include a Max Clean Mode with 12 rows of rotating brushes to deeply lift dirt and grime, and an Express Clean Mode that dries carpets in about 30 minutes—handy if you need a quicker turnaround. The 35-foot power cord and 8-foot hose offer decent reach around your home, reducing the need to switch power outlets often.

Weighing about 27 pounds, it’s a bit on the heavier side for a portable machine, so moving it around might require some effort, especially for users with limited strength. However, the upright design and included pet-specific tools—like a pet upholstery tool and tough stain tool—make it practical for pet owners tackling hair and stubborn spots. The motor technology promises strong suction without too much noise, which is a nice balance.

Maintenance is straightforward, as the dirty water tank and accessories should be cleaned after each use to keep performance steady. BISSELL models typically heat quickly, so you won’t be waiting long to start cleaning. This carpet cleaner is well-suited for pet owners looking for powerful, deep cleaning with the convenience of quick drying, though those needing a lighter or more compact option might find it a bit bulky.

Rating
7.9
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
4486 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Large water tanks allow cleaning sizable areas without frequent refills, enhancing convenience.
Weight and Portability
The machine balances powerful cleaning with a lightweight feel, making the process quick and hassle-free.
Attachments and Accessories
Built-in spot treatment tool is surprisingly effective and a standout feature compared to other cleaners.
Ease of Maintenance
Designed for easy maintenance with removable parts that simplify cleaning the water tanks and brush components.
#3

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess extractor, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, , White, PX201

Rating
7.6
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
8568 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Despite its smaller water tank, the overall performance and ease of use make it a highly recommended portable cleaner.
Weight and Portability
Powerful enough to lift the corner of a thick, stiff rug, yet surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are cleverly designed, with a crevice tool and reversible brush built into the unit, making it more efficient and powerful.

The Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is a versatile tool designed to tackle tough stains and odors in various settings, including homes with pets. Its dual-activated formula and powerful suction make it effective at removing deep-seated dirt and stains from carpets, rugs, upholstery, and even car interiors. At 8.5 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for users who need a portable cleaning solution.

It comes with a range of useful attachments, including a crevice tool, reversible bristle tool, and pet tool, which enhance its functionality across different surfaces and tight spaces. The product includes a 6oz Deep Clean Pro Formula and a 12oz OXY Multiplier Formula, ensuring you have the necessary cleaning agents on hand. One significant advantage is that it doesn't require any premixing of the cleaning solution, simplifying the cleaning process.

The water tank capacity is relatively small at 0.18 gallons, which might necessitate frequent refills during extended cleaning sessions. The product's compact design and ease of storage are additional benefits, particularly for those with limited storage space. Maintenance is straightforward, with hand wash care instructions provided. While it does not mention specific heat-up time or steam pressure, which are crucial for steam cleaners, it is a reliable and practical choice for users looking for a portable, powerful, and easy-to-use solution for spot cleaning and maintaining their carpets and upholstery.

Rating
7.6
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
8568 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Despite its smaller water tank, the overall performance and ease of use make it a highly recommended portable cleaner.
Weight and Portability
Powerful enough to lift the corner of a thick, stiff rug, yet surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are cleverly designed, with a crevice tool and reversible brush built into the unit, making it more efficient and powerful.

Buying Guide for the Best Steam Carpet Cleaner

Choosing the right steam carpet cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. Steam carpet cleaners use hot water and steam to deep clean carpets, removing dirt, stains, and allergens. When selecting a steam carpet cleaner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity determines how much water the cleaner can hold, which affects how long you can clean before needing to refill. Larger tanks allow for longer cleaning sessions without interruption, making them ideal for larger areas or whole-house cleaning. Smaller tanks are lighter and easier to maneuver, suitable for smaller spaces or quick clean-ups. Consider your cleaning area size and how often you want to refill the tank when choosing the right capacity.
Heat-Up TimeHeat-up time is the duration it takes for the cleaner to heat the water to the required temperature for effective steam cleaning. Faster heat-up times mean you can start cleaning sooner, which is convenient for quick jobs or frequent use. Slower heat-up times might be acceptable if you plan to use the cleaner less frequently or for longer, more thorough cleaning sessions. Choose a model with a heat-up time that matches your patience and cleaning schedule.
Steam PressureSteam pressure indicates the force at which steam is expelled from the cleaner. Higher steam pressure can help remove tougher stains and deeper dirt, making it suitable for heavily soiled carpets or high-traffic areas. Lower steam pressure might be sufficient for regular maintenance and lighter cleaning tasks. Assess the typical dirt level and traffic in your carpeted areas to determine the appropriate steam pressure for your needs.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and portability of a steam carpet cleaner affect how easy it is to move around and use. Lighter models are easier to carry and maneuver, making them ideal for multi-level homes or users with limited strength. Heavier models might offer more features or larger capacities but can be more challenging to handle. Consider your physical ability and the layout of your home when selecting a cleaner with the right balance of weight and portability.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your steam carpet cleaner. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and brushes for different surfaces. These can be useful for cleaning furniture, stairs, and hard-to-reach areas. Think about the variety of surfaces and spaces you need to clean and choose a model with the appropriate attachments to meet those needs.
Cord LengthCord length determines how far you can move the cleaner from the power outlet without needing to switch outlets. Longer cords provide greater reach and convenience, especially in larger rooms or homes with fewer outlets. Shorter cords might be manageable in smaller spaces or if you don't mind using extension cords. Consider the size of your cleaning area and the availability of power outlets when deciding on the right cord length.
Ease of MaintenanceEase of maintenance refers to how simple it is to clean and maintain the steam carpet cleaner itself. Models with removable and washable parts, easy-to-access tanks, and clear instructions for maintenance will save you time and effort in the long run. Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the cleaner. Choose a model that you feel comfortable maintaining based on your willingness to perform regular upkeep.

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