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10 Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B
The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a solid choice for anyone looking to tackle tough stains and odors effectively, especially pet owners. One of its standout features is the powerful suction, which excels at removing stubborn spots from various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. With a large 48 oz. tank capacity, it allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills, a definite plus for bigger jobs.
Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,480
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Corded vs. Cordless
Most important from
95022 reviews
#2
Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner and Car/Auto Detailer, 3353, Gray/Blue
The Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner is a strong contender in the handheld carpet cleaner category, especially for pet owners. One of its standout features is the powerful suction, which effectively tackles tough pet stains and odors from carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. This is coupled with a substantial 48 oz. tank capacity, allowing you to clean larger areas without needing frequent refills.
Rating
9.8
Suction Power
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Most important from
95022 reviews
#3
Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, 3 Attachments, Perfect for Pets, Carpet, Area Rugs, Couches, Upholstery, Cars & More, White
The Shark Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, also known as the StainStriker, is a great choice for anyone needing a compact and effective solution for tough stains and odors, especially pet-related messes. One of its standout features is its dual-activated stain eliminator that requires no premixing, making it easy to use right out of the box. With powerful suction capabilities, it effectively pulls out liquids and dirt from deep within carpets, furniture, and upholstery, leaving surfaces looking fresh and clean.
Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Most important from
5088 reviews
Top 10 Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.9 score
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B
Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 48 oz.
Weight and Portability: 9.65 pounds, lightweight design
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: HydroRinse Tool, 3" Stain Tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: BISSELL Spot & Stain formula
Ease of Maintenance: clean HydroRinse tool after use
Chosen by 1480 this week
Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner and Car/Auto Detailer, 3353, Gray/Blue
Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner and Car/Auto Detailer, 3353, Gray/Blue
Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 48 oz.
Weight and Portability: 9.7 pounds, portable design
Corded vs. Cordless: corded
Attachments and Accessories: 3" Tough Stain Tool, Stain Trapper Tool
Ease of Maintenance: requires hand washing of components
Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, 3 Attachments, Perfect for Pets, Carpet, Area Rugs, Couches, Upholstery, Cars & More, White
Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, 3 Attachments, Perfect for Pets, Carpet, Area Rugs, Couches, Upholstery, Cars & More, White
Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 0.18 gallons
Weight and Portability: 8.51 Pounds, lightweight
Corded vs. Cordless: battery-powered
Attachments and Accessories: pet tool, crevice tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: dual-activated stain eliminator
Ease of Maintenance: straightforward, hand wash
Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, Portable Upholstery StainStriker, Spot, Odor & Stain Remover, 2 Carpet Cleaner Solutions, 3 Tools, Perfect for Pet Hair, Area Rugs, Couches, Burgundy, PX203BRN
Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, Portable Upholstery StainStriker, Spot, Odor & Stain Remover, 2 Carpet Cleaner Solutions, 3 Tools, Perfect for Pet Hair, Area Rugs, Couches, Burgundy, PX203BRN
Suction Power: strong suction
Tank Capacity: 24.35 Fluid Ounces
Weight and Portability: 8.51 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: corded
Attachments and Accessories: 7in Wide-Path tool, Pet Tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: Deep Clean Pro, OXY Multiplier
Ease of Maintenance: no batteries, regular cleaning needed
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine, Upright Shampooer, FH50150, Red
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine, Upright Shampooer, FH50150, Red
Tank Capacity: 3.8 Liters
Weight and Portability: 18.5 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: 8' Hose, Mesh Tool Bag, Cleaner
Ease of Maintenance: Smart Tank™ system
Related Products
Up to 10% off
Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine with Above Floor Cleaning, Lightweight Carpet Shampooer Machine, Pair with a Hoover Carpet Cleaner Solution for a Bright, Refreshed Home
Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine with Above Floor Cleaning, Lightweight Carpet Shampooer Machine, Pair with a Hoover Carpet Cleaner Solution for a Bright, Refreshed Home
Tank Capacity: 0.6 Gallons
Weight and Portability: 16.25 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: 6 oz Solution, Nozzle Tool, Hose, Pet Tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: Hoover's carpet cleaning solutions
Ease of Maintenance: Straightforward with included tools
BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, 3618
BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, 3618
Suction Power: Up to 50% better cleaning
Tank Capacity: 64 oz
Weight and Portability: 13 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: 5” Tough Stain Tool, Multi-Surface Tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: BISSELL's PET PRO OXY formula
Ease of Maintenance: Removable tanks
BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool and Pet Hair Removal Tool (3860)
BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool and Pet Hair Removal Tool (3860)
Suction Power: 30% more powerful than competitors
Tank Capacity: 2 Pounds
Weight and Portability: 8.18 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: pet hair removal tool, trial size formula
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: Triple Action PET PRO OXY formula
Ease of Maintenance: self-cleaning tool, one-touch cleanout
BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet SmartMix Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with SmartMix Technology, Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool and Pet Hair Removal Tool, 38572
BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet SmartMix Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with SmartMix Technology, Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool and Pet Hair Removal Tool, 38572
Weight and Portability: 8.2 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: SmartMix Technology
Ease of Maintenance: Straightforward, no batteries required
#10
7.5 score
BISSELL® Little Green® Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool, Pet Hair Removal Tool, Crevice Tool (3909)
BISSELL® Little Green® Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool, Pet Hair Removal Tool, Crevice Tool (3909)
Suction Power: superior to competition
Tank Capacity: extra-large tanks
Weight and Portability: 14.92 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: self-cleaning stain tool, pet hair tool, crevice tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: Triple Action PET PRO OXY formula
Ease of Maintenance: components need cleaning after use
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Buying Guide for the Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners
Choosing the right handheld carpet cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. Handheld carpet cleaners are designed for spot cleaning and are perfect for tackling small spills, pet stains, and other minor messes. When selecting a handheld 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.Suction PowerSuction power determines how effectively the cleaner can lift dirt and stains from your carpet. Higher suction power means better cleaning performance. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For light, occasional cleaning, a lower suction power may suffice. However, for homes with pets or frequent spills, a higher suction power is recommended to ensure thorough cleaning.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to the amount of cleaning solution and dirty water the cleaner can hold. A larger tank means you can clean more area without needing to refill or empty the tank frequently. For small, quick cleanups, a smaller tank may be adequate. If you anticipate using the cleaner for larger areas or more frequent use, a larger tank will be more convenient and efficient.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and portability of a handheld carpet cleaner are crucial for ease of use. A lighter cleaner is easier to maneuver and carry around, especially if you need to clean multiple areas or stairs. However, lighter models may have smaller tanks and less powerful motors. Consider your physical strength and the areas you need to clean when choosing the weight and portability of the cleaner.
Corded vs. CordlessHandheld carpet cleaners come in both corded and cordless models. Corded cleaners offer continuous power and are generally more powerful, but they limit your range of movement. Cordless cleaners provide greater flexibility and are easier to use in hard-to-reach areas, but they rely on battery life and may need frequent recharging. Choose a corded model if you need consistent power for larger areas, and a cordless model for convenience and portability in smaller spaces.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your handheld carpet cleaner. Common attachments include crevice tools, brush heads, and upholstery tools. These can help you clean different surfaces and reach tight spaces. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you need to clean when evaluating the attachments and accessories included with the cleaner.
Cleaning Solution CompatibilitySome handheld carpet cleaners require specific cleaning solutions, while others can use a variety of solutions. It's important to check the compatibility of the cleaner with different solutions, especially if you have preferences for eco-friendly or pet-safe products. Ensure that the cleaner you choose can work with the solutions you plan to use for effective and safe cleaning.
Ease of MaintenanceEase of maintenance is an important consideration to ensure the longevity and performance of your handheld carpet cleaner. Look for models with removable and washable parts, such as tanks and filters, to make cleaning and maintenance simpler. Consider how easy it is to disassemble and reassemble the cleaner for regular upkeep.