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10 Best Portable Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner w/on board self cleaning - Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, Includes 2 Cleaning Tools & 2 Cleaning Solutions, Charcoal, PX221BRN
The Shark StainStriker is a lightweight and compact portable carpet and upholstery cleaner weighing just under 9 pounds, making it easy to carry around and store. It has a moderate tank capacity of about 40.5 ounces, which should be enough for spot cleaning or small areas but might require refills for larger jobs. Its standout feature is powerful suction combined with a dual-activated cleaning formula that Shark claims offers 20 times more stain-fighting power, especially effective on tough stains like pet messes and odors.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,489
Weight
Cleaning Power (Suction and Brushes)
Attachments and Accessories
Most important from
6846 reviews
#2
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, also called the StainStriker, is a versatile and portable carpet cleaner. It boasts a dual-activated stain eliminator that doesn't require premixing, making it highly convenient for tackling tough stains and odors on various surfaces such as carpets, rugs, upholstery, and even car interiors. The powerful suction helps to deeply clean and refresh surfaces, making them look like new. With a relatively lightweight design at under 9 lbs, it's easy to maneuver and store away.
Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Weight and Portability
Cleaning Attachments and Tools
Most important from
6846 reviews
#3
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 for those in need of an effective cleaning solution for pet stains and odors. With a powerful suction capability, it effectively tackles tough spots on various surfaces such as carpets, upholstery, and car interiors, making it versatile for use throughout your home and vehicle. One standout feature is its large tank capacity of 48 ounces, allowing you to clean more without frequent refills, which is a significant convenience during larger cleaning tasks.
Rating
9.7
Tank Capacity
Suction Power
Weight and Portability
Most important from
101016 reviews
Top 10 Best Portable Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner w/on board self cleaning - Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, Includes 2 Cleaning Tools & 2 Cleaning Solutions, Charcoal, PX221BRN
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner w/on board self cleaning - Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, Includes 2 Cleaning Tools & 2 Cleaning Solutions, Charcoal, PX221BRN
Tank Capacity: 40.58 Fluid Ounces
Weight: 8.5 Pounds
Cleaning Power (Suction and Brushes): Powerful suction with dual cleaning formula
Attachments and Accessories: Two tools and two cleaning solutions
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Built-in self-cleaning system
Chosen by 1489 this week
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
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
Tank Capacity: 2 Liters
Weight and Portability: 8.51 pounds
Cleaning Attachments and Tools: Crevice tool, 3.5” bristle tool, 7” tool
Ease of Use and Maintenance: Hand Wash
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
Tank Capacity: 48 ounces
Weight and Portability: 9.7 pounds
Cleaning Attachments and Tools: 3-inch Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse
Ease of Use and Maintenance: hand washing certain components
BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Limited Edition Color Lake, 4075F
BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Limited Edition Color Lake, 4075F
Tank Capacity: 16 ounces
Weight: 7 pounds
Cleaning Power (Suction and Brushes): spray, scrub, suction action
Attachments and Accessories: 4-inch tool, self-cleaning hose, formula
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: self-cleaning hose
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
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
Tank Capacity: 16 ounces
Suction Power: strong suction for size
Weight and Portability: 7 pounds, compact, easy to carry
Cleaning Attachments and Tools: 4-inch stain tool, self-cleaning hose
Ease of Use and Maintenance: self-cleaning hose reduces maintenance
Related Products
Up to 36% off
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess Tool, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, Includes 3 Cleaning Tools & Cleaning Solution, White, PX201
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess Tool, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, Includes 3 Cleaning Tools & Cleaning Solution, White, PX201
Tank Capacity: 0.18 Gallons
Suction Power: Powerful suction
Weight and Portability: 8.5 Pounds
Cleaning Attachments and Tools: Hose clean tool, 6-oz. Deep Clean Pro Formula, 12-oz. OXY Multiplier Pro Formula, Pet tool, 3" Reversible bristle tool, Crevice tool, Shark StainStrikerTM
Ease of Use and Maintenance: Easy to maneuver, easy maintenance
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
Tank Capacity: 48 oz.
Weight and Portability: 9.7 Pounds
Cleaning Attachments and Tools: 3" Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse
Ease of Use and Maintenance: HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool
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
Weight and Portability: 16.25 Pounds
Cleaning Attachments and Tools: Attachments for carpets, stairs, upholstery
Ease of Use and Maintenance: Lightweight, compact design
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution
Tank Capacity: 3.8 Liters
Weight and Portability: 18.5 pounds
Cleaning Attachments and Tools: 8' Hose, Mesh Tool Bag, Cleaner
Cord Length and Hose Reach: 8-foot hose
Ease of Use and Maintenance: Smart Tank™ system, removable brushes
#10
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine, Lightweight Shampooer Machine, Pair with a Hoover Carpet Cleaner Solution for a Bright, Refreshed Home
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine, Lightweight Shampooer Machine, Pair with a Hoover Carpet Cleaner Solution for a Bright, Refreshed Home
Tank Capacity: 12 Liters
Weight and Portability: 7.3 pounds
Cleaning Attachments and Tools: Cleaning Solution
Ease of Use and Maintenance: Easy to use, clean brush roll
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Buying Guide for the Best Portable Carpet Cleaners
Choosing the right portable carpet cleaner can make maintaining your home much easier, especially if you have pets, kids, or high foot traffic. Portable carpet cleaners are designed to help you quickly tackle stains and spills with convenience. When selecting a carpet cleaner, think about your home’s needs, what types of messes you usually deal with, and how often you plan to use it. Focusing on the right specs will ensure you get a cleaner that's efficient, easy to use, and suited to your lifestyle.Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to how much water and cleaning solution the machine can hold at one time. It’s important because it determines how long you can clean before you have to stop and refill. Small tanks, typically under 0.5 gallons, mean the cleaner will be lighter and easier to maneuver, good for small apartments or quick spot cleaning. Medium tanks, around 0.5–1 gallon, offer a balance for average homes. Large tanks, over 1 gallon, can handle bigger messes and areas but make the machine bulkier and heavier. To choose the right one, consider if you want something light for occasional messes or something more capable for frequent, larger cleaning jobs.
WeightWeight tells you how heavy the portable carpet cleaner is when empty. This matters because you’ll often need to carry the machine around the house, up stairs, or between rooms. Lightweight models (under 10 pounds) are very easy to move but might have smaller tanks. Medium weight cleaners (10–15 pounds) offer a good balance of capacity and manageability. Heavier models may be harder to lift, especially for seniors, but might clean larger areas before needing attention. Think about your physical comfort and how often you’ll need to move the cleaner when deciding.
Cleaning Power (Suction and Brushes)This spec covers how effectively the cleaner can remove dirt and stains from carpets. Models with stronger suction pick up more water and debris, helping carpets dry faster and resulting in cleaner surfaces. Many cleaners also have brush systems—manual, motorized, or rotating—which help scrub and loosen tough stains. Basic models have less suction and simpler brushes, which are fine for light stains. Mid-range and advanced models have powerful suction and advanced brushes for tackling old or stubborn stains. Choose based on the kind of stains you frequently deal with—for regular small spills, basic models are sufficient; for pets or heavy traffic, opt for higher suction and advanced brushes.
Cord Length and Hose ReachThe cord length decides how far you can reach from a power outlet, and the hose reach tells you how flexible you can be once the unit is set down. Short cords (around 10 feet) may require you to switch outlets often, while longer cords (15–20 feet) let you move across larger rooms. Similarly, a longer hose helps you reach stairs, car interiors, or awkward spots without lifting the cleaner. Think about where you plan to use the cleaner most—larger rooms or stairs benefit from longer cords and hoses, while shorter ones are fine for spot cleaning.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments such as different brushes, crevice tools, or specialized nozzles increase the versatility of your portable carpet cleaner. Basic units may include just a standard cleaning head, while more comprehensive models include pet stain tools, stair brushes, or upholstery attachments. If you plan to clean car interiors, furniture, or stairs often, seek out models with these extra tools. Fewer attachments are fine if you only need to clean flat, open carpeted spaces.
Ease of Cleaning and MaintenanceA key part of owning a carpet cleaner is keeping it clean and ready for use. Simple designs with easily removable tanks, nozzles, and brushes make rinsing and maintaining the machine much easier. More complex or tightly designed models can be harder to clean, meaning more time spent on upkeep. If convenience is a priority or if you’ll use the cleaner frequently, look for models designed with maintenance in mind—clear tanks, detachable parts, and simple brush access help a lot.
Noise LevelNoise level tells you how loud the machine is during operation. Quieter models are more comfortable for frequent indoor use, especially if you have pets, small children, or want to clean without bothering neighbors. Louder models may not be a problem if you clean infrequently or don’t mind the noise. This tends to vary, but if this is important to you, look for specs or reviews that mention quieter operation.