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10 Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Suction Power
This little machine is a stain-fighting beast, effortlessly tackling red wine stains, coffee spills, and ground-in dirt in car upholstery.
Tank Capacity
Despite the smaller tank, it holds enough to clean multiple spots before needing a refill.
Weight and Portability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
Corded vs. Cordless
The electrical cord is very long, making it easy to use in rooms with few outlets.
Attachments and Accessories
Some minor assembly is required, and the instructions could be clearer on attachment usage.
Ease of Maintenance
Even with pet hair, the Little Green has yet to get clogged, which is impressive.
#2
9.8 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 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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Tank Capacity
While the tank is smaller than a full-size cleaner, it holds enough to clean multiple spots before needing a refill.
Weight and Portability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
Corded vs. Cordless
The electrical cord is very long, making it easy to use in rooms with few outlets.
#3
9.5 score

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Suction Power
This little machine is amazing! It quickly and efficiently removes spills and stains with strong suction, leaving no soapy wet spots behind.
Tank Capacity
While the water tank is smaller and requires more frequent refills, the overall performance and ease of use make it a worthwhile purchase.
Weight and Portability
It's incredibly easy to set up and maneuver due to its small size and lightweight design, making it perfect for quick start-ups and transport.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are well-designed and easy to use. The crevice tool and reversible brush, with both stiff bristles and rubber nubs, make it versatile for different cleaning needs.
Cleaning Solution Compatibility
The Shark's cleaning solution smells better and works better, and the spray goes exactly where you want it, unlike other cleaners.

Top 10 Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

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

Chosen by 1281 this week

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

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, 4 Tools, Perfect for Pet Hair, Carpet, Area Rugs, Couches, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 2 Liters
Weight and Portability: 8.51 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: 3" bristle tool, Pet tool, 6oz Pro Formula
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: dual-activated solution
Ease of Maintenance: occasional hand washing

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

Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, Portable Upholstery StainStriker, Spot, Odor & Stain Remover, 2 Carpet Cleaner Solutions, 3 Tools, Perfect for Pet Hair, Carpet, 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

Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Powerful Suction Spot Cleaning Machine with Versatile Tools, Pair with Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner Solution

Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 19 oz.
Weight and Portability: 11 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: 2-in-1 pet tool, 4” stain tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: Dirt Devil’s cleaning solutions
Ease of Maintenance: built-in hose rinse, removable lid

Hoover CleanSlate Plus Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner, Stain Remover, Portable, FH14050, White

Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 1.18 Liters
Weight and Portability: 170 Grams
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded Electric
Attachments and Accessories: 7-inch WidePath Tool, TightSpot Tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: Oxy Concentrate
Ease of Maintenance: straightforward, no batteries required

Shark CarpetXpert Upright Deep Carpet Cleaner with Handheld Spot & Stain Eliminator, 12oz Cleanser, Dirt & Grime Removal, Carpet Shampooer, Slate Green, EX151

Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 30.4 Fluid Ounces
Weight and Portability: 17 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: Shark formula, Storage Tray, tools
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: Shark CarpetXpert formula
Ease of Maintenance: no assembly, storage tray
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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.

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