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 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 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.