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10 Best Carpet Steam Cleaning Machine 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker, Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner, Perfect for Pets & Hair Removal, Carpet Shampooer, 4 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Copper, EX301

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,363
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
3066 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
The water tank capacity is modest, requiring refills during larger jobs, but the efficient cleaning compensates for this limitation.
Weight and Portability
Despite its larger size and weight, the upright design with a storage tray helps manage bulkiness and prevents floor drips when not in use.
Attachments and Accessories
The included specialized hose attachments, especially the pet hair tool with a hair-capturing tray, enhance versatility and cleaning effectiveness.
Ease of Use
Multiple thoughtfully designed traps and easily removable brush components make hair and debris cleanup simple and user-friendly.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is a strong choice if you need a carpet and upholstery cleaner, especially for homes with pets. It has a moderate water tank capacity (about 17 ounces), which means you might need to refill it occasionally during larger cleaning jobs. Shark’s technology ensures fast-drying carpets thanks to powerful suction and cleaning, which is a big plus for busy households. The cleaner weighs about 20.7 pounds—this makes it a bit on the heavier side, so it might feel bulky if you need to carry it up stairs, but its upright design and included storage tray make it fairly manageable.

One of its standout features is the 4 specialized tools that help with everything from stubborn stains to pet hair, plus a unique stain eliminator that mixes chemicals on the spot without pre-mixing hassles. This model is particularly impressive at removing pet hair and odors, thanks to its ultra-powerful suction and HairPro technology that prevents brush clogs. It has an on-board self-cleaning function that simplifies maintenance, which users will appreciate.

Ease of use is high, with no assembly needed and straightforward controls. If you’re focused on deep cleaning with pet messes in mind, this cleaner is a solid pick, though if you want something lighter or with a larger water tank for very big areas, you might want to consider other options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,363
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
3066 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
The water tank capacity is modest, requiring refills during larger jobs, but the efficient cleaning compensates for this limitation.
Weight and Portability
Despite its larger size and weight, the upright design with a storage tray helps manage bulkiness and prevents floor drips when not in use.
Attachments and Accessories
The included specialized hose attachments, especially the pet hair tool with a hair-capturing tray, enhance versatility and cleaning effectiveness.
Ease of Use
Multiple thoughtfully designed traps and easily removable brush components make hair and debris cleanup simple and user-friendly.
#2

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

Rating
9.7
Weight and Portability
Water Tank Capacity
Ease of Use

Most important from
3623 reviews

Weight and Portability
The lightweight and compact design makes it incredibly easy to carry and maneuver, especially on stairs and upholstery.
Water Tank Capacity
Refilling the small water tank multiple times is necessary for larger jobs, but this trade-off keeps the unit portable and manageable.
Ease of Use
Setup and cleanup are straightforward, with minimal assembly required and easy disposal of dirty water.

The BISSELL Little Green Mini is a lightweight and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner, weighing just 7 pounds, making it easy to carry around and store in small spaces. It has a 16-ounce water tank, which is on the smaller side, so you might need to refill it during larger cleaning jobs. While it doesn’t use steam, it sprays cleaning solution, scrubs, and suctions to remove dirt and stains effectively, especially on carpets, upholstery, car interiors, and pet beds. The included 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool help tackle tough spots and make maintenance simpler.

It’s powered by corded electricity, so you won’t have to worry about battery life, and it heats up quickly. The noise level is moderate, typical of small carpet cleaners, and it’s designed to be user-friendly with no assembly required. This machine suits those wanting a compact, easy-to-use spot cleaner for small to medium messes, particularly pet owners who appreciate the included cleaning formula that helps remove odors and stains.

If you require a device with a large water tank or powerful steam for heavy-duty or whole-room carpet cleaning, this model might feel limited.

Rating
9.7
Weight and Portability
Water Tank Capacity
Ease of Use

Most important from
3623 reviews

Weight and Portability
The lightweight and compact design makes it incredibly easy to carry and maneuver, especially on stairs and upholstery.
Water Tank Capacity
Refilling the small water tank multiple times is necessary for larger jobs, but this trade-off keeps the unit portable and manageable.
Ease of Use
Setup and cleanup are straightforward, with minimal assembly required and easy disposal of dirty water.
#3

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner with Spot & Stain Remover, Perfect for Pets, Carpet Shampooer, 2 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Cobalt, EX251BRN

Rating
9.4
Water Tank Capacity
Heating Time
Steam Pressure

Most important from
3066 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Despite the smaller solution tanks requiring more frequent refills, the lighter weight and efficient cleaning make it manageable and effective for large areas.
Heating Time
Its automatic spray system prevents over-saturation and moisture buildup, ensuring carpets dry quickly within 1 to 2 hours without needing extra fans.
Steam Pressure
The absence of a spray trigger, replaced by an automatic spray when pushing forward, makes cleaning less tiring and more consistent.
Weight and Portability
Despite the smaller solution tanks requiring more frequent refills, the lighter weight and efficient cleaning make it manageable and effective for large areas.
Attachments and Accessories
The specialized pet attachment handles wet messes separately, preventing contamination of the main system and adding convenience for pet owners.
Ease of Use
The unit is thoughtfully designed for easy assembly, cleaning, and maintenance, with clear instructions and accessible parts to keep it running smoothly.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro is a powerful upright carpet and upholstery cleaner that excels at deep cleaning, particularly for homes with pets. Its 28.7-ounce water tank and fast-acting CarpetXpert technology combine high-speed brushes, high-pressure spray, and strong suction to tackle dirt, grime, pet hair, and tough stains effectively. The built-in spot and stain remover adds convenience for treating stubborn areas without extra effort.

Weighing about 20.7 pounds, it's moderately heavy for an upright but still manageable to move around, thanks to its design and included accessories like a crevice tool and stain brush that help clean carpets, stairs, and upholstery thoroughly. Users will appreciate its ability to neutralize odors, especially pet smells, and the quick drying time after cleaning, which means less waiting before using the carpet again.

Despite requiring some assembly that might slow down the initial setup and being less lightweight or quiet compared to some smaller, handheld models, this Shark model is a robust, pet-friendly carpet cleaner that handles hair and stains deeply with a good set of tools, making it a solid choice.

Rating
9.4
Water Tank Capacity
Heating Time
Steam Pressure

Most important from
3066 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Despite the smaller solution tanks requiring more frequent refills, the lighter weight and efficient cleaning make it manageable and effective for large areas.
Heating Time
Its automatic spray system prevents over-saturation and moisture buildup, ensuring carpets dry quickly within 1 to 2 hours without needing extra fans.
Steam Pressure
The absence of a spray trigger, replaced by an automatic spray when pushing forward, makes cleaning less tiring and more consistent.
Weight and Portability
Despite the smaller solution tanks requiring more frequent refills, the lighter weight and efficient cleaning make it manageable and effective for large areas.
Attachments and Accessories
The specialized pet attachment handles wet messes separately, preventing contamination of the main system and adding convenience for pet owners.
Ease of Use
The unit is thoughtfully designed for easy assembly, cleaning, and maintenance, with clear instructions and accessible parts to keep it running smoothly.

Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Steam Cleaning Machine

Choosing the right carpet steam cleaning machine can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. A good steam cleaner can remove deep-seated dirt, stains, and allergens, making your home healthier and more pleasant. When selecting a carpet steam cleaning machine, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the most important specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity determines how much water the machine can hold, which affects how long you can clean before needing to refill. Larger tanks allow for longer cleaning sessions without interruption, making them ideal for bigger homes or extensive cleaning tasks. Smaller tanks are lighter and easier to maneuver, suitable for smaller spaces or quick clean-ups. Consider your cleaning area and frequency to decide the right tank size for you.
Heating TimeHeating time refers to how quickly the machine can heat the water to produce steam. Faster heating times mean you can start cleaning sooner, which is convenient if you have a busy schedule. Machines with longer heating times might be less expensive but can be less convenient. If you need to clean frequently or on short notice, look for a machine with a quick heating time.
Steam PressureSteam pressure is measured in bars and indicates the force at which steam is expelled from the machine. Higher steam pressure can more effectively penetrate carpet fibers and remove stubborn dirt and stains. For homes with pets, children, or high foot traffic, a machine with higher steam pressure is beneficial. For lighter cleaning tasks, lower steam pressure may suffice and can be gentler on delicate carpets.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and portability of the machine affect how easy it is to move around and use. Lighter machines are easier to carry up and down stairs and maneuver around furniture, making them suitable for multi-level homes or those with limited storage space. Heavier machines might offer more features or larger water tanks but can be cumbersome to move. Consider your physical ability and the layout of your home when choosing the weight and portability.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your steam cleaner. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and brushes for different surfaces. These can be useful for cleaning furniture, car interiors, and hard-to-reach areas. If you plan to use the machine for various cleaning tasks beyond carpets, look for models with a range of attachments. Ensure the attachments are easy to switch out and store.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a steam cleaner can impact your comfort while using it. Quieter machines are less disruptive, making them suitable for homes with children, pets, or noise-sensitive individuals. Noise levels are usually measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. If you prefer a quieter cleaning experience, look for machines with lower noise levels.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses several factors, including the design of the machine, the simplicity of controls, and the ease of maintenance. Machines with intuitive controls, easy-to-fill water tanks, and straightforward maintenance procedures are more user-friendly. Consider how comfortable you are with operating and maintaining the machine. Reading user reviews can provide insights into the ease of use of different models.

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