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10 Best Steam Carpet Cleaner 2025 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
9.7
Chosen by1,445
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cord Length

Most important from
96118 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
9.7
Chosen by1,445
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cord Length

Most important from
96118 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

Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, 3 Attachments, Perfect for Pets, Carpet, Area Rugs, Couches, Upholstery, Cars & More, White

Rating
9.4
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
5485 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
9.4
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
5485 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.
#3

BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner, Upholstery Tough Stain Tool & Formula included, 3746

Rating
9.2
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
34942 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Although the water tanks are small, they are easy to empty and refill, making the process straightforward.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and maneuverable, making it easy to handle even for smaller individuals.
Ease of Maintenance
Setup is a breeze, and maintenance is simple with clear, easy-to-handle tanks.

The Bissell TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice for pet owners and those needing a reliable carpet cleaner. It has a 1-gallon water tank capacity, which means fewer trips to refill, making it convenient for cleaning larger areas. At 23.3 pounds, it is on the heavier side, possibly making it less portable and harder to maneuver, especially for extended cleaning sessions. This might be a concern for users looking for a lightweight and easily portable cleaner.

The included crevice tool is helpful for reaching tight spaces and tackling tough stains, which is a plus for detailed cleaning tasks. The corded electric power source ensures consistent power, though the length of the cord isn't specified, which could affect how easily you can move around larger rooms without needing to switch outlets frequently.

Maintenance appears straightforward, as there’s no assembly required. This carpet cleaner is a good fit for those prioritizing large tank capacity, but potential buyers should consider its weight and lack of detailed steam specifications.

Rating
9.2
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Ease of Maintenance

Most important from
34942 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Although the water tanks are small, they are easy to empty and refill, making the process straightforward.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and maneuverable, making it easy to handle even for smaller individuals.
Ease of Maintenance
Setup is a breeze, and maintenance is simple with clear, easy-to-handle tanks.

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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