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 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 Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner is a versatile and powerful cleaning tool designed to tackle tough pet stains and odors on various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. Its compact and portable design makes it easy to maneuver and store, weighing only 9.7 pounds. The cleaner comes with a large 48 oz water tank, allowing for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills.

The powerful suction effectively removes stubborn spots, making it ideal for households with pets. Additionally, the cleaner includes useful attachments like the 3" Tough Stain Tool and the Stain Trapper Tool, as well as trial-size cleaning formulas to enhance the cleaning experience. One notable advantage is its contribution to the BISSELL Pet Foundation, supporting a noble cause with every purchase.

However, the corded power source may limit mobility, and some users might find the drying time longer than expected. Maintenance is straightforward with the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool, but manual cleaning of some components is necessary. It is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone needing a reliable and portable carpet cleaning solution.