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 Shark Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, also known as the StainStriker, is a great choice for anyone needing a compact and effective solution for tough stains and odors, especially pet-related messes. One of its standout features is its dual-activated stain eliminator that requires no premixing, making it easy to use right out of the box. With powerful suction capabilities, it effectively pulls out liquids and dirt from deep within carpets, furniture, and upholstery, leaving surfaces looking fresh and clean.

Weighing under 9 lbs, this cleaner is lightweight and highly portable, which is perfect for tackling spills and stains throughout your home or even in your car. The inclusion of multiple attachments, like the pet tool and crevice tool, enhances its versatility, allowing users to clean various surfaces efficiently.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The tank capacity is relatively small at 0.18 gallons, meaning you'll need to refill it frequently for larger cleaning tasks. Additionally, since it is battery-powered, users should be aware of the potential limitations in runtime, especially during extensive cleaning sessions. Maintenance is straightforward, but the hand wash care instruction may not be as convenient as some users prefer.