10 Best Portable Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Shark StainStriker is a lightweight and compact portable carpet and upholstery cleaner weighing just under 9 pounds, making it easy to carry around and store. It has a moderate tank capacity of about 40.5 ounces, which should be enough for spot cleaning or small areas but might require refills for larger jobs. Its standout feature is powerful suction combined with a dual-activated cleaning formula that Shark claims offers 20 times more stain-fighting power, especially effective on tough stains like pet messes and odors.

The built-in on-board self-cleaning system is very convenient, allowing you to clean the tool and hose quickly without extra parts, which helps keep the machine fresh and ready. The package includes two cleaning tools and two different cleaning solutions, making it versatile for carpets, upholstery, rugs, and car interiors.

This cleaner is ideal for pet owners and anyone needing a handy device for spot and stain removal across different surfaces, though it’s best suited for smaller or targeted cleaning rather than large deep-cleaning jobs.

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.