10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Shark StainStriker HairPro is a portable carpet and upholstery cleaner designed especially for pet owners and those needing spot cleaning on carpets, rugs, and car interiors. Its tank holds about 24 fluid ounces, which is moderate for a portable cleaner, so it’s best for small to medium messes rather than large cleaning jobs. Its compact size and lightweight design (around 13 pounds) make it easy to carry and use in tight spaces.

A standout feature is the HairPro Technology, which efficiently picks up embedded pet hair without clogging or tangling, a common headache with pet messes. The cleaner uses a dual-activated cleaning formula that mixes automatically and boasts powerful suction to tackle tough stains and odors, including pet urine and smoke, without needing pre-treatment or heat. This makes it especially useful for households with pets.

It comes with multiple attachments—a mini and 3.5-inch stain eliminator, a hair extractor, and a pet mess tool—covering various cleaning needs from small spots to hair removal to tough pet stains. The on-board self-cleaning feature is convenient, allowing you to clean the tool and hose quickly without extra parts, which helps maintain the machine easily. The tank capacity limits longer cleaning sessions, so it may require frequent refills for bigger areas. While it’s lightweight for a machine with powerful suction, at 13 pounds it’s not as light as some handheld-only models but remains manageable for most users. Drying time depends on water extraction, and although the suction is strong, it might not fully dry thick carpets immediately. This makes the Shark StainStriker HairPro a solid choice for those seeking a versatile, pet-focused cleaner that’s portable and easy to maintain, ideal for quick spot cleaning rather than deep, whole-house carpet cleaning.

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 BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, model 1400B, stands out in the carpet cleaner category, particularly for pet owners and those needing a compact solution for tough stains. One of its key strengths is its powerful suction capability, which effectively removes stubborn stains from various surfaces, including carpets and vehicle interiors. Its portable design makes it easy to maneuver around the house or take it along for car detailing, enhancing its versatility.

The 48 oz. water tank capacity is another plus, allowing for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills. Additionally, the product comes with useful attachments like the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and a Tough Stain Tool, which aid in maintaining the cleaner itself and tackling specific cleaning tasks.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Despite its robust performance, the BISSELL Little Green is corded, which can limit mobility during use compared to cordless options. Weighing about 9.7 pounds, it may be a little heavy for some users, especially for prolonged cleaning tasks. Also, while it does a great job removing stains, the drying time can vary depending on the surface and cleaning method, which might be a concern for those needing quick results. Individuals looking for a portable and effective carpet cleaner, especially those with pets, will find the BISSELL Little Green a commendable choice, combining convenience and cleaning power but with some limitations in mobility and drying speed.