10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, specifically the Portable Upholstery StainStriker model, is designed to eliminate tough stains and odors from a variety of surfaces including carpets, area rugs, couches, and cars. Its standout feature is the dual-activated stain eliminator which combines two cleaning formulas to tackle even the most stubborn stains and odors without the need for premixing. This makes it particularly suitable for households with pets, as it effectively removes pet urine and smoke odors.

The cleaner is also highly versatile, thanks to its powerful suction that can deep-clean and revive various surfaces, making them look like new again. Weighing under 9 lbs, it is lightweight and compact, ensuring easy maneuverability and storage. The machine comes with multiple attachments like a crevice tool, reversible bristle tools, and a pet tool, adding to its flexibility and targeted cleaning capabilities.

Additionally, it includes two types of cleaning solutions - the Deep Clean Pro Formula and the OXY Multiplier Formula for different cleaning needs. Maintenance is straightforward as well, with no batteries required and components that can be hand-washed. A possible downside might be the water tank capacity of 2 liters, which could require frequent refills during extensive cleaning sessions. Despite this, the ease of use, powerful cleaning performance, and range of included accessories make the Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a clean and fresh home environment, especially for pet owners.

The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is an upright shampooer designed for deep cleaning carpets. It stands out with Hoover's Exclusive SpinScrub® Technology, which uses multiple counter-rotating brushes for thorough cleaning. This ensures that carpet fibers are cleaned from all angles, making it quite effective at removing embedded dirt and stains. The cleaner features a Smart Tank™ system that makes filling, emptying, and cleaning the tanks straightforward, without causing a mess or requiring tools. This user-friendly design can save you time and hassle during maintenance.

Additionally, the recovery tank has a convenient quick pour spout for easy disposal of dirty water. Its 8-foot hose and upholstery tool are useful for cleaning stairs and other hard-to-reach areas, making this cleaner versatile. The DualV® Nozzle ensures even suction across surfaces, contributing to quicker and more uniform cleaning results. However, at 18.5 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users to maneuver, especially for extended cleaning sessions or for those with limited strength.

While the multiple brush system is beneficial for cleaning, it may also require extra care and cleaning to maintain its efficiency. The dimensions are fairly standard, but users with smaller storage spaces might find it bulky. Its bright red color might not appeal to everyone’s taste. This carpet cleaner is best suited for users looking for powerful cleaning performance and ease of maintenance, even if it means handling a slightly heavier machine.

The Bissell Little Green Mini is a compact, portable carpet and upholstery cleaner ideal for quick spot cleaning on carpets, car interiors, pet beds, and upholstery. It offers solid cleaning power to handle spills, pet stains, and embedded dirt with its 4" Tough Stain Tool and a self-cleaning HydroRinse hose, which helps keep the machine in good shape with less hassle.

The water tank holds about 16 ounces, so it’s best for smaller jobs, not large room cleaning. Weighing 7 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in small storage spaces. It runs on corded power with one cleaning setting, keeping things simple but limiting flexibility for tougher messes.

Drying time should be expected to be moderate, typical for this size device. Maintenance is straightforward thanks to the self-cleaning tool and removable parts. For those seeking a portable cleaner mainly for spot treatments, cars, or upholstery, this Bissell model is practical, easy to use, and effective, although it might not be the best choice for deep cleaning large carpets or heavy-duty use due to its small tank and single power level.