10 Best Portable Carpet Shampooers 2025 in the United States

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner stands out as an excellent choice for those who need a compact, effective cleaning solution for various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. With a tank capacity of 48 oz., it allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills, which is a significant advantage for tackling larger messes. Its powerful suction effectively removes tough pet stains and odors, making it ideal for pet owners or anyone facing challenging cleaning tasks. The versatility of this unit is another strong point; it's lightweight at just 9.65 pounds, making it easy to move from room to room or carry to your vehicle for cleaning on-the-go.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While it excels in suction power and stain removal, users seeking a deep clean might find that it doesn't match the performance of larger, more industrial carpet cleaners—especially for extensive cleaning jobs. Additionally, the cord length, while sufficient for most home environments, may limit mobility in larger spaces, requiring the user to find outlets more frequently.

The included specialty tools enhance its usability, allowing for more detailed cleaning, but some users may wish for additional attachments for even more versatility. Lastly, while the design is portable, it’s worth noting that frequent use can lead to wear on certain parts, especially if the cleaner is not maintained properly.

The Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner appears to be a versatile and powerful option for those in need of a spot, stain, and odor eliminator. One of its standout features is the dual-activated stain eliminator which mixes two solutions to enhance cleaning power, making it especially effective on tough stains and odors, including pet urine and smoke.

This feature, combined with its powerful suction, ensures deep cleaning of carpets, area rugs, couches, and upholstery, pulling out embedded dirt and liquids to leave surfaces looking refreshed. Its lightweight and compact design, at just under 9 lbs, makes it easy to maneuver and store, suitable for whole-home cleaning as well as use in cars.

The inclusion of three attachments – an integrated crevice tool, a reversible bristle tool, and a pet tool – adds to its versatility, making it adaptable for various surfaces and cleaning needs. The Shark PX201 StainStriker is particularly beneficial for pet owners and those looking for a robust solution to manage everyday spills and stains across different surfaces.

The BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner (model 3618) is designed for tackling tough stains and dirt on various surfaces such as carpets, upholstery, and auto interiors. One of its standout features is the HydroSteam technology, which combines steam, powerful suction, and an OXY formula for up to 50% better cleaning of stubborn messes. It offers three cleaning modes: SteamWash for oily stains, Steam for refreshing surfaces and cleaning tile and grout, and Wash for enzyme-based stains like pet accidents.

This versatility makes it suitable for a range of cleaning tasks around the home and car. The dual-tank system with a 64 oz capacity ensures you can clean larger areas without frequent refills, and the fast-drying feature means your upholstery can be dry in about 25 minutes. The cleaner is also equipped with useful attachments such as a 5” Tough Stain Tool and a Multi-Surface Tool, enhancing its multi-surface cleaning capabilities.

Additionally, it includes a powerful stain removal formula and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. However, the product weighs 13 pounds, which might be slightly heavy for some users to carry around. It’s also corded, which could limit its portability compared to cordless models. Despite these minor drawbacks, this portable carpet shampooer is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone needing a robust, multi-purpose cleaning solution for their home or car.