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 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 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.

Portability is another strength, as the cleaner is designed to be lightweight at just 9.7 pounds, making it easy to maneuver and transport between rooms or to your car. The product also comes with essential cleaning attachments, including a 3-inch Tough Stain Tool and a HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool, which enhance its effectiveness and user experience. Additionally, it includes special formulas designed to remove pet odors and stains, which pet owners will particularly appreciate.

There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. While the cord length is adequate for standard uses, some users might find it limiting for larger areas without needing to change outlets frequently. Maintenance could also be a consideration since the unit requires hand washing of certain components to ensure optimal performance.