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 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.

The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is an upright shampooer designed for deep cleaning carpets. It stands out with Hoover's Exclusive SpinScrub® Technology, which uses multiple counter-rotating brushes for thorough cleaning. This ensures that carpet fibers are cleaned from all angles, making it quite effective at removing embedded dirt and stains. The cleaner features a Smart Tank™ system that makes filling, emptying, and cleaning the tanks straightforward, without causing a mess or requiring tools. This user-friendly design can save you time and hassle during maintenance.

Additionally, the recovery tank has a convenient quick pour spout for easy disposal of dirty water. Its 8-foot hose and upholstery tool are useful for cleaning stairs and other hard-to-reach areas, making this cleaner versatile. The DualV® Nozzle ensures even suction across surfaces, contributing to quicker and more uniform cleaning results. However, at 18.5 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users to maneuver, especially for extended cleaning sessions or for those with limited strength.

While the multiple brush system is beneficial for cleaning, it may also require extra care and cleaning to maintain its efficiency. The dimensions are fairly standard, but users with smaller storage spaces might find it bulky. Its bright red color might not appeal to everyone’s taste. This carpet cleaner is best suited for users looking for powerful cleaning performance and ease of maintenance, even if it means handling a slightly heavier machine.