10 Best Portable Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Bissell Little Green Mini is a compact and lightweight portable carpet cleaner, weighing about 7 pounds, which makes it easy to carry around and store in tight spaces like closets or cabinets. Its 16-ounce tank capacity is on the smaller side, so it’s best suited for quick touch-ups rather than deep cleaning large areas. The unit includes useful attachments such as a 4-inch tough stain tool for scrubbing stubborn spots and a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose, which helps keep the machine fresh and reduces maintenance effort.

It uses a corded electric power source. Users appreciate its ability to clean not only carpets but also upholstery, car interiors, and pet bedding, making it a flexible option for homes with pets or vehicles. The cleaning formula that comes with it is designed to remove stains and odors effectively. While it has strong suction for its size, it may not replace larger carpet cleaners for heavy-duty jobs.

For those looking for a convenient, easy-to-use cleaner for small messes and spot cleaning on different surfaces, this model is a suitable choice. However, if you need a larger tank or longer hose for bigger spaces, you might want to consider other options.

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.

This cleaner is especially useful for pet owners, as it effectively removes pet hair, urine, and smoke odors. The package includes four tools: a crevice tool, a 3.5” reversible bristle tool, a 7” wide path tool, and a pet tool, providing a range of options for different cleaning needs. Additionally, the cleaner comes with two cleaning solutions for enhanced performance.

However, some potential drawbacks include the 2-liter tank capacity, which might require frequent refilling for larger cleaning tasks, and the fact that it is battery-powered, so ensuring the battery is charged could be a consideration. Despite these minor limitations, the Shark StainStriker offers a robust and user-friendly solution for home and car cleaning tasks.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a solid choice for anyone looking to tackle stains and odors in carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. With a powerful suction system, it effectively removes tough spots, making it ideal for pet owners who often deal with messes. One of its key strengths is its 48 oz. tank capacity, allowing for longer cleaning sessions before needing to refill, which is very convenient.

Portability is another highlight; weighing in at just under 10 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver around your home or take to your vehicle. The included cleaning attachments, such as the 3-inch tough stain tool, enhance its versatility, allowing you to address different types of surfaces and stains effectively.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The corded design means you’ll need to be near an outlet, which can limit mobility during cleaning. Additionally, while the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool helps maintain performance, it does require some attention to keep the machine in top shape after each use. Some users might find the unit a bit bulky compared to other handheld options on the market. The cleaner is straightforward to use, but its maintenance might pose a slight challenge for those who prefer a more hands-off approach.