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10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess & Hair Tools, Self-Cleaning, Perfect for Pets & Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools & Pet Solution, Copper, PX251

The Shark StainStriker HairPro is a portable carpet and upholstery cleaner designed especially for pet owners and those needing spot cleaning on carpets, rugs, and car interiors. Its tank holds about 24 fluid ounces, which is moderate for a portable cleaner, so it’s best for small to medium messes rather than large cleaning jobs. Its compact size and lightweight design (around 13 pounds) make it easy to carry and use in tight spaces.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,343
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Most important from
6846 reviews

Weight and Portability
Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver around furniture, perfect for quick spot cleaning.
Attachments and Accessories
The included attachments, especially the Pet Mess Tool, effectively tackle tough pet stains and odors without extra pre-treatment.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Every component disassembles easily for thorough cleaning, preventing clogs and ensuring reliable performance over time.
Tank Capacity
While the water tanks are on the smaller side, the machine’s strong suction and portability make it ideal for homes with pets and kids.
Drying Time/Water Extraction
Carpets dry relatively quickly after cleaning, usually within a few hours, which is convenient for regular use.
#2
9.7 score

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Bonus XL Tool & Full-Size Cleaning Solution, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, specifically the Portable Upholstery StainStriker model, is designed to eliminate tough stains and odors from a variety of surfaces including carpets, area rugs, couches, and cars. Its standout feature is the dual-activated stain eliminator which combines two cleaning formulas to tackle even the most stubborn stains and odors without the need for premixing. This makes it particularly suitable for households with pets, as it effectively removes pet urine and smoke odors.

Rating
9.7
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
6846 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it does not leave that soapy wet spot.
Water Tank Capacity
It's a little big, but the large capacity for both cleaner and dirty water allows for extended cleaning sessions.
Attachments and Accessories
Better than Bissell! It managed to get every stain out and has much better attachments, including a wider head and scrub brush.
Ease of Maintenance
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning, and the cleaning solution smells better and works better.
#3
8.5 score

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, model 1400B, stands out in the carpet cleaner category, particularly for pet owners and those needing a compact solution for tough stains. One of its key strengths is its powerful suction capability, which effectively removes stubborn stains from various surfaces, including carpets and vehicle interiors. Its portable design makes it easy to maneuver around the house or take it along for car detailing, enhancing its versatility.

Rating
8.5
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
101016 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is a stain-fighting BEAST, effortlessly tackling red wine stains, coffee spills, and ground-in dirt.
Water Tank Capacity
The tank, though smaller than a full-size cleaner, holds enough to clean multiple spots before needing a refill.
Weight and Maneuverability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
Ease of Maintenance
Setup and operation are a breeze with simple and intuitive controls.

Top 10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess & Hair Tools, Self-Cleaning, Perfect for Pets & Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools & Pet Solution, Copper, PX251

Tank Capacity: 24 fluid ounces
Weight and Portability: 13 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: HairPro Technology
Attachments and Accessories: mini, 3.5-inch stain, hair extractor
Drying Time/Water Extraction: may not dry thick carpets fast
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: on-board self-cleaning feature

Chosen by 1343 this week

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

Type of Carpet Cleaner: Portable
Cleaning Power: Powerful suction
Water Tank Capacity: 48 oz.
Drying Time: Varies by surface and method
Weight and Maneuverability: 9.7 pounds, portable
Attachments and Accessories: HydroRinse, Tough Stain Tool
Ease of Maintenance: Use HydroRinse after each use

BISSELL Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner and Car/Auto Detailer, 3353, Gray/Blue

Type of Carpet Cleaner: Portable Carpet Cleaner
Cleaning Power: Powerful suction
Water Tank Capacity: 48 oz
Weight and Maneuverability: 9.7 pounds, compact, portable
Attachments and Accessories: 3" Tough Stain Tool, Stain Trapper
Ease of Maintenance: HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner, Perfect for Pets & Hair Removal, Carpet Shampooer, 5 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Navy, EX304

Tank Capacity: 71 ounces
Weight and Portability: 21 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: HairPro, StainStriker, PowerSpray tech
Attachments and Accessories: Stain Eliminator, Pet & Hair Extractors
Drying Time/Water Extraction: ultra-fast drying
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: self-cleaning, zero-touch hair disposal

Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution

Type of Carpet Cleaner: Upright
Cleaning Power: SpinScrub® Technology
Water Tank Capacity: 3.8 Liters
Weight and Maneuverability: 18.5 pounds
Attachments and Accessories: 8' Hose, Tool Bag, Cleaner, Crevice Tool
Ease of Maintenance: Smart Tank™ system, quick pour spout

Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Powerful Suction, Pair with Hoover Cleaner Solution

Tank Capacity: 0.8 Gallons
Weight and Portability: 12.2 Pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: Five SpinScrub brushes, HeatForce tech
Attachments and Accessories: Nozzle tool, pods, upholstery, pet tool, hose
Drying Time/Water Extraction: HeatForce tech speeds drying
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Nozzle tool, TruMAX tank, Auto Mix

BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Tea Green, 4075

Type of Carpet Cleaner: portable carpet and upholstery cleaner
Cleaning Power: one cleaning setting
Water Tank Capacity: 16 ounces
Drying Time: moderate
Weight and Maneuverability: 7 pounds, lightweight, easy to carry
Attachments and Accessories: 4" Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse hose
Ease of Maintenance: self-cleaning tool, removable parts

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

Type of Carpet Cleaner: Upright
Cleaning Power: PowerSpin pet brush roll
Water Tank Capacity: 0.6 Gallons
Drying Time: HeatForce technology
Weight and Maneuverability: 16.25 lbs, lightweight, compact
Attachments and Accessories: 6 oz solution, nozzle tool, hose
Ease of Maintenance: Nozzle tool prevents clogs
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Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Cleaners

Buying a carpet cleaner can make a huge difference in keeping your carpets fresh, clean, and free of allergens and stains. Before you make a decision, understand where and how often you'll use it: Are you cleaning a whole house, just a few rooms, or handling pet messes? The right carpet cleaner will depend on the size of your space, the type of stains you frequently deal with, and how portable or easy to store the machine needs to be. Think about the cleaning jobs you need done most often, as this will guide you to the features and specs that match your needs.
Tank CapacityTank capacity determines how much water and cleaning solution the carpet cleaner can hold at one time. A larger tank lets you clean bigger areas before needing a refill, making it useful for larger homes or more extensive cleaning sessions. Smaller tanks are lighter and easier to handle, suiting those who plan to clean only small spaces or want something more portable. If you often clean big rooms or do deep cleans, a bigger tank is more convenient. For quick or spot cleaning, a smaller tank is usually sufficient and easier to manage.
Cleaning Path WidthThe cleaning path width is the span of the area the machine can clean in a single pass. A wider path means more carpet can be cleaned in less time, which is helpful for covering large areas quickly. Narrower cleaning paths are better for tight spaces or areas with lots of furniture. If you're cleaning large open rooms, go for a wider cleaning path. If you need to maneuver in small spaces or around obstacles, a narrow one will be more practical.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and overall portability of a carpet cleaner affect how easy it is to push, carry, and store. Heavier cleaners often feel sturdier but might be difficult to move up and down stairs or across multiple floors. Lightweight models are easier to lift and store, particularly if you’ll be cleaning upstairs or in different rooms. Consider your physical strength and where you'll need to use the machine. If lifting or frequent movement is likely, prioritize lighter and more portable options.
Type of Brushes and Cleaning TechnologyCarpet cleaners use brushes or rollers to lift dirt and scrub stains out of carpet fibers. Some machines have motorized or rotating brushes for deeper cleaning, while others have stationary brushes suitable for lighter dirt and maintenance. Rotating or vibrating brushes excel at removing tough stains and cleaning high-traffic areas. If you need deep cleaning or often tackle stubborn stains, choose a machine with advanced brush systems. For regular, light maintenance, simpler brush types will suffice.
Attachments and AccessoriesMany carpet cleaners come with extra tools like hose attachments or nozzles for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or tight corners. These accessories make the cleaner more versatile. If you expect to clean sofas, car interiors, or stairs, look for models with specialized attachments. If you’ll only use the cleaner on carpets and floor spaces, accessories may be less important.
Drying Time/Water ExtractionHow well a carpet cleaner extracts water after cleaning affects how quickly your carpets dry. Machines with stronger suction or extraction technology pull out more water, which speeds up drying and reduces the chance of mold or mildew. If you need your carpets dry quickly—for example, in high-traffic areas or if you have kids or pets—choose a machine known for effective water extraction. For less frequent or overnight cleaning, drying time may be less crucial.
Ease of Cleaning and MaintenanceSome carpet cleaners require more upkeep, such as emptying tanks, cleaning the brushes, or clearing clogs. Easy-to-remove tanks and simple brush access make regular maintenance much easier. If you value convenience and want to avoid headaches after each use, opt for models designed with easy cleaning in mind. Consider how much time you're willing to spend keeping the cleaner in good shape.

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