8 Best Lightweight Carpet Steam Cleaner 2025 in the United States

The Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet Carpet Cleaner 2987 is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone looking to maintain clean carpets without much hassle. Weighing in at just 12 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for tackling high-traffic areas and small spaces where messes frequently occur. The 0.63-gallon water tank capacity is decent, allowing for a good cleaning session before needing a refill. Its 20-foot power cord provides ample reach, which is helpful when cleaning larger rooms.

One of the standout features is the Four-Row DeepReach PowerBrush Roll, designed to lift dirt and stains that traditional vacuums might miss. This is particularly beneficial for homes with pets, as it effectively tackles tough pet messes.

While it is generally easy to use, some users may find the maintenance process a bit cumbersome, as the brush roll needs to be hand washed. Additionally, being corded means you are somewhat limited by the proximity to an outlet, which could be a drawback for those with larger spaces to clean. Another consideration is the heating time, which could impact how quickly you can start cleaning.

The Shark Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, known as the StainStriker, is designed specifically for tackling tough stains and odors, making it a great choice for pet owners and households dealing with spills. Weighing in at under 9 lbs, this cleaner is lightweight and easy to maneuver, allowing for convenient use throughout various areas in your home, including carpets, rugs, upholstery, and even your vehicle. With a dual-activated stain eliminator that doesn’t require premixing, it delivers powerful cleaning solutions for tough stains, particularly pet-related ones, with impressive suction to remove dirt and liquid deeply embedded in fabrics.

One of the standout features is its two unique cleaning formulas that work together for effective on-contact stain removal. In addition, it comes with handy attachments like a pet tool and a reversible bristle tool, increasing its versatility for different cleaning tasks.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The water tank capacity is relatively small at 0.18 gallons, which means you may need to refill it frequently, especially during larger cleaning jobs. The heating time is also a factor, as it may take a little while to reach optimal steam pressure and temperature for effective cleaning. Additionally, while the device is battery-powered, there may be limitations on runtime compared to corded models.

The Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner, model FH50700, stands out for its lightweight and compact design, making it an excellent choice for small homes or apartments. Weighing just 7.3 pounds, it is easy to maneuver and store. The machine's small size doesn't compromise its performance, as it is equipped with an antimicrobial PowerSpin pet brush roll that effectively handles pet messes and high-traffic areas, helping to mitigate pet odors.

Additionally, the HeatForce technology speeds up the drying process, so your carpets won't stay wet for long. The cleaner comes with a sample cleaning solution, adding convenience. The corded electric power source ensures consistent performance. Maintenance appears straightforward given the simple design, and it does not require batteries, making it hassle-free. With a 1-year warranty, this carpet cleaner is suitable for pet owners and those needing an efficient, portable solution for small to medium-sized carpeted areas.