10 Best Upholstery Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Shark StainStriker is a lightweight and portable upholstery cleaner weighing about 8.5 pounds, making it easy to carry and use on various surfaces like carpets, furniture, and car interiors. It uses a dual-activated cleaning solution that mixes inside the unit to deliver strong stain removal power, especially effective on tough spots such as pet stains and odors. The machine features powerful suction that helps pull out embedded dirt and stains, resulting in visibly cleaner upholstery.

With a tank capacity of roughly 40 ounces, it is suitable for spot treatments and small to medium cleaning tasks without frequent refills. The cleaner includes two specialized cleaning tools—a mini and a 3.5-inch stain eliminator—which allow tackling different sizes and types of stains more efficiently. A notable feature is the on-board self-cleaning system, which simplifies maintenance by cleaning the tool and hose with a quick cycle, reducing hassle.

While excelling in portability and ease of use, the tank size may require refilling for larger cleaning areas. Since it is designed mainly for spot and stain removal rather than full carpet shampooing, it is best suited for targeted cleaning rather than deep cleaning entire rooms. The Shark StainStriker is a convenient choice for pet owners or anyone needing a handy, effective solution for keeping upholstery fresh and stain-free without heavy equipment.

The Shark StainStriker HairPro is a portable upholstery cleaner designed to tackle tough stains, pet hair, and odors with strong suction and a special dual-activated cleaning formula. Its cleaning method uses a handheld spot remover that mixes the cleaning solution automatically, making stain removal easier without needing pre-treatment or heat. The unit holds about 24 ounces of cleaning solution, which is decent for spot and small area cleaning but might require refills for larger jobs. Weighing around 13 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than some portable models, but still manageable to carry around your home or car.

It comes with four attachments, including specialized tools for pet hair and messes, making it especially good for pet owners. The HairPro technology helps pick up deeply embedded hair without clogging the tool, which is a big plus if you have shedding pets. Suction power is strong, effectively pulling out stains and odors, including tough ones like pet urine and smoke. Maintenance is made easier by the on-board self-cleaning feature that rinses the hose and tools quickly without extra parts.

The tank size means it’s best suited for spot cleaning rather than deep cleaning large carpets. Also, being a bit on the heavier side might be a consideration if you need to carry it frequently. This cleaner is ideal for pet owners or anyone looking for a versatile, easy-to-use spot cleaner for upholstery, carpets, and car interiors with effective stain and odor removal.

The BISSELL Little Green Mini is a compact and lightweight upholstery cleaner, weighing just 7 pounds, making it easy to carry around and store in small spaces like closets or cabinets. It uses a spray, scrub, and suction cleaning method that effectively removes dirt, pet stains, and household odors from upholstery, car interiors, and pet bedding. Its 1.42-liter tank capacity is decent for spot cleaning but may require refilling during larger jobs. A standout feature is the included 4-inch Tough Stain Tool, which helps tackle stubborn spots, and the HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool that simplifies maintenance by keeping the hose clean after use. The cleaner operates with corded electric power, so you don’t have to worry about batteries. Suction power is strong enough for deep cleaning small areas but might not be ideal for large carpeted spaces.

Given its size, it’s best suited for quick cleanups and smaller upholstery tasks rather than extensive carpet cleaning. The easy-to-use formula that comes with it permanently removes stains and odors, making it a practical choice for pet owners and anyone dealing with frequent spills. While it shines in portability and targeted cleaning, its smaller tank and limited power mean it’s not the best fit for heavy-duty or whole-room carpet cleaning. This model provides good value and performance as an easy-to-handle, spot-cleaning machine that works well on upholstery and pet messes.