10 Best Portable Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

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 Mini is a lightweight, portable carpet and upholstery cleaner weighing about 7 pounds, making it easy to carry and use around the house or in your car. It features a 16-ounce tank capacity, which is on the smaller side, so it’s best for quick spot cleaning rather than deep cleaning large areas. This model offers solid cleaning power with its spray, scrub, and suction action, effectively tackling stains, pet messes, and dirt embedded in carpets, upholstery, and car interiors.

The 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose are useful attachments that help target stubborn spots and make maintenance easier by cleaning the hose after use. Its compact size suggests it’s designed for close-range cleaning rather than large room coverage. This cleaner stores easily in small spaces and includes an 8oz bottle of BISSELL’s Little Green Formula, which helps remove stains and odors.

This cleaner is ideal for pet owners or anyone needing a convenient, portable spot cleaner for carpets, furniture, and car interiors, though its smaller tank means frequent refilling during bigger jobs.

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.