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10 Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner and Car/Auto Detailer, 3353, Gray/Blue
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.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,218
Suction Power
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Most important from
109334 reviews
#2
Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Limited Edition Color Dusk Pink, 4075L
The Bissell Little Green Mini Pet is a compact, corded handheld carpet and upholstery cleaner designed especially for small messes and pet stains. It offers decent suction power suitable for cleaning carpets, car seats, pet beds, and upholstery, making it versatile for home and auto use. Its 1.42-liter tank is moderate in size, which means it’s enough for quick clean-ups but may require refilling if you have larger areas to clean. Weighing about 7 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight and easy to carry around, though not as light as some battery-powered models. Being corded ensures consistent power without worrying about battery life, but it does limit mobility to some extent compared to cordless options.
Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Weight and Portability
Corded vs. Cordless
Most important from
109334 reviews
#3
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B
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.
Rating
8.8
Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Corded vs. Cordless
Most important from
109334 reviews
Top 10 Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner and Car/Auto Detailer, 3353, Gray/Blue
Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner and Car/Auto Detailer, 3353, Gray/Blue
Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 48 oz.
Weight and Portability: 9.7 pounds, portable design
Corded vs. Cordless: corded
Attachments and Accessories: 3" Tough Stain Tool, Stain Trapper Tool
Ease of Maintenance: requires hand washing of components
Chosen by 1218 this week
Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Limited Edition Color Dusk Pink, 4075L
Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Limited Edition Color Dusk Pink, 4075L
Suction Power: decent suction power
Tank Capacity: 1.42 Liters
Weight and Portability: 7 pounds, lightweight, easy to carry
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded Electric
Attachments and Accessories: 4-inch Tough Stain, HydroRinse tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: specialized cleaning formula
Ease of Maintenance: HydroRinse tool cleans hose easily
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B
Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 48 oz.
Weight and Portability: 9.65 pounds, lightweight design
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: HydroRinse Tool, 3" Stain Tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: BISSELL Spot & Stain formula
Ease of Maintenance: clean HydroRinse tool after use
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess extractor, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, , White, PX201
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess extractor, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, , White, PX201
Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 0.18 gallons
Weight and Portability: 8.51 Pounds, lightweight
Corded vs. Cordless: battery-powered
Attachments and Accessories: pet tool, crevice tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: dual-activated stain eliminator
Ease of Maintenance: straightforward, hand wash
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution
Tank Capacity: 3.8 Liters
Weight and Portability: 18.5 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: 8' Hose, Mesh Tool Bag, Cleaner
Ease of Maintenance: Smart Tank™ system
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Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess & Hair Tools, Self-Cleaning, Perfect for Pets & Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools & Pet Solution, Copper, PX251
Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess & Hair Tools, Self-Cleaning, Perfect for Pets & Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools & Pet Solution, Copper, PX251
Suction Power: very powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 24.35 fluid ounces
Weight and Portability: 13.1 pounds, lightweight, portable
Corded vs. Cordless: corded
Attachments and Accessories: four cleaning tools, two formulas
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: pet-specific solutions included
Ease of Maintenance: on-board self-cleaning system
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner w/on board self cleaning - Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, Includes 2 Cleaning Tools & 2 Cleaning Solutions, Charcoal, PX221BRN
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner w/on board self cleaning - Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, Includes 2 Cleaning Tools & 2 Cleaning Solutions, Charcoal, PX221BRN
Suction Power: strong suction
Tank Capacity: 40 fluid ounces
Weight and Portability: 8.51 pounds, lightweight, portable
Corded vs. Cordless: corded
Attachments and Accessories: two tools, two cleaning formulas
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: dual-activated, 12oz OXY, 6oz Deep Clean
Ease of Maintenance: on-board self-cleaning, no assembly
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN
Suction Power: powerful suction
Tank Capacity: 2 Liters
Weight and Portability: 8.51 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: 3" bristle tool, Pet tool, 6oz Pro Formula
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: dual-activated solution
Ease of Maintenance: occasional hand washing
BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, 3618
BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, 3618
Suction Power: Up to 50% better cleaning
Tank Capacity: 64 oz
Weight and Portability: 13 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: 5” Tough Stain Tool, Multi-Surface Tool
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: BISSELL's PET PRO OXY formula
Ease of Maintenance: Removable tanks
#10
BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool and Pet Hair Removal Tool (3860)
BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool and Pet Hair Removal Tool (3860)
Suction Power: 30% more powerful than competitors
Tank Capacity: 2 Pounds
Weight and Portability: 8.18 pounds
Corded vs. Cordless: Corded
Attachments and Accessories: pet hair removal tool, trial size formula
Cleaning Solution Compatibility: Triple Action PET PRO OXY formula
Ease of Maintenance: self-cleaning tool, one-touch cleanout
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Buying Guide for the Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners
Choosing the right handheld carpet cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. Handheld carpet cleaners are designed for spot cleaning and are perfect for tackling small spills, pet stains, and other minor messes. When selecting a handheld carpet cleaner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.Suction PowerSuction power determines how effectively the cleaner can lift dirt and stains from your carpet. Higher suction power means better cleaning performance. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For light, occasional cleaning, a lower suction power may suffice. However, for homes with pets or frequent spills, a higher suction power is recommended to ensure thorough cleaning.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to the amount of cleaning solution and dirty water the cleaner can hold. A larger tank means you can clean more area without needing to refill or empty the tank frequently. For small, quick cleanups, a smaller tank may be adequate. If you anticipate using the cleaner for larger areas or more frequent use, a larger tank will be more convenient and efficient.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and portability of a handheld carpet cleaner are crucial for ease of use. A lighter cleaner is easier to maneuver and carry around, especially if you need to clean multiple areas or stairs. However, lighter models may have smaller tanks and less powerful motors. Consider your physical strength and the areas you need to clean when choosing the weight and portability of the cleaner.
Corded vs. CordlessHandheld carpet cleaners come in both corded and cordless models. Corded cleaners offer continuous power and are generally more powerful, but they limit your range of movement. Cordless cleaners provide greater flexibility and are easier to use in hard-to-reach areas, but they rely on battery life and may need frequent recharging. Choose a corded model if you need consistent power for larger areas, and a cordless model for convenience and portability in smaller spaces.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your handheld carpet cleaner. Common attachments include crevice tools, brush heads, and upholstery tools. These can help you clean different surfaces and reach tight spaces. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you need to clean when evaluating the attachments and accessories included with the cleaner.
Cleaning Solution CompatibilitySome handheld carpet cleaners require specific cleaning solutions, while others can use a variety of solutions. It's important to check the compatibility of the cleaner with different solutions, especially if you have preferences for eco-friendly or pet-safe products. Ensure that the cleaner you choose can work with the solutions you plan to use for effective and safe cleaning.
Ease of MaintenanceEase of maintenance is an important consideration to ensure the longevity and performance of your handheld carpet cleaner. Look for models with removable and washable parts, such as tanks and filters, to make cleaning and maintenance simpler. Consider how easy it is to disassemble and reassemble the cleaner for regular upkeep.