10 Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner is a strong contender in the handheld carpet cleaner category, especially for pet owners. One of its standout features is the powerful suction, which effectively tackles tough pet stains and odors from carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. This is coupled with a substantial 48 oz. tank capacity, allowing you to clean larger areas without needing frequent refills.

Its portable and versatile design makes it easy to maneuver, which is a great benefit when cleaning multiple surfaces like stairs or furniture. The inclusion of helpful attachments, such as the 3" Tough Stain Tool and Stain Trapper Tool, also enhances its usability, making it a well-rounded cleaning solution. Plus, it comes with trial-sized cleaning formulas, ensuring you have everything needed to get started right away.

However, it’s important to note that the Bissell Little Green weighs about 9.7 pounds, which might be a little heavy for some users, particularly if you're lifting it for extended periods. Being corded, it has limited mobility compared to cordless models, so you'll need to be near an outlet while using it. While the machine does a great job on a variety of surfaces, its effectiveness can depend on the severity of the stains; very old or set-in stains may require additional treatments. Maintenance is straightforward, but remember that it requires hand washing of certain components, which might not appeal to everyone.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a solid choice for anyone looking to tackle tough stains and odors effectively, especially pet owners. One of its standout features is the powerful suction, which excels at removing stubborn spots from various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. With a large 48 oz. tank capacity, it allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills, a definite plus for bigger jobs.

Portability is another strength, as its lightweight and handheld design make it easy to maneuver around your home or vehicle. The included attachments, like the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and Tough Stain Tool, add versatility and enhance its cleaning capabilities. Additionally, the compatibility with BISSELL’s Spot & Stain formula, which includes Febreze for freshness, is a nice touch for ensuring thorough cleaning.

On the flip side, being corded can limit mobility to a certain extent, as you'll need to stay near an outlet while using it. Weighing in at about 9.65 pounds, while not overly heavy, it could be cumbersome for some users during prolonged cleaning sessions. The maintenance does require some effort, as you’ll need to clean the HydroRinse tool after each use to maintain its performance. This carpet cleaner is well-suited for anyone looking for a dependable, portable cleaning companion.

The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice for those seeking an effective upright carpet cleaning machine. One of its key strengths is the Smart Tank™ system, which simplifies the process of filling and emptying the tanks, making it user-friendly and efficient. The 3.8-liter tank capacity allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills, which is great for larger areas. Its SpinScrub® Technology, featuring counter-rotating brushes, ensures deep cleaning by making contact with all carpet fibers, which can be particularly beneficial for lifting dirt and stains.

In terms of portability, the machine weighs 18.5 pounds, which is reasonable for an upright cleaner but may be a bit heavy for some users, especially when maneuvering it up and down stairs. However, the included 8-foot hose and upholstery tool expand its versatility, allowing it to reach tighter spaces and clean upholstery effectively.

Being corded can limit mobility compared to cordless options, but it ensures consistent suction power without the worry of battery life. The DualV® Nozzle also contributes to its efficiency, providing equal suction for quicker and more thorough cleaning. For those who need a reliable carpet cleaner that tackles tough stains and provides ease of use, the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is a commendable option, especially for households with pets or children.