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10 Best Lightweight Carpet Steam Cleaner 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet SmartMix Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with SmartMix Technology, Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool and Pet Hair Removal Tool, 38572

The BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix is a lightweight and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner that weighs about 8.2 pounds, making it easy to carry and maneuver around your home or car. It’s designed especially with pet owners in mind, offering tools like a tough stain cleaner and a pet hair removal attachment to tackle messes effectively. Its SmartMix technology efficiently combines cleaning solution and water for deep cleaning without much hassle.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,193
Weight
Water Tank Capacity
Steam Pressure and Temperature

Most important from
2016 reviews

Weight
Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry and maneuver around the house or car, perfect for quick spot cleaning.
Water Tank Capacity
Some users wish for larger water tanks and a slightly longer handle for more comfortable and extended cleaning sessions.
Steam Pressure and Temperature
Powerful suction and cleaning performance make it incredibly effective on tough stains, lifting dirt with minimal effort.
Attachments and Accessories
The Pet Hair Removal Tool excels at picking up every strand of hair, leaving upholstery and car seats looking fresh and clean.
Cord Length
The long power cord and strong suction allow thorough cleaning without constantly unplugging or leaving surfaces soaking wet.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
SmartMix technology and self-cleaning mode simplify maintenance by efficiently combining solution and water and cleaning out residue after use.
#2
9.8 score

Shark Steam Mop 10-in-1 Pro Lift-Away with Detachable Handheld Steam Cleaner for Whole Home Cleaning, Steams Hard Floors, Upholstery, Garments and Cars, 3 Modes with Steam Blaster Technology, S3973D

The Shark Steam Mop 10-in-1 Pro Lift-Away is a versatile and relatively lightweight steam cleaner, weighing about 7 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver for most users. It features a generous 2.2-liter water tank, allowing longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills. Shark's steam blaster technology and three steam modes (Light, Normal, Deep) give you good control over steam intensity, making it effective on various surfaces from sealed hardwood floors to upholstery and garments.

Rating
9.8
Water Tank Capacity
Heating Time
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
76352 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
The large water tank supports extended cleaning sessions, often covering multiple rooms on a single fill without interruptions.
Heating Time
Although it takes a moment to heat up, the steam power delivers a deep clean that noticeably improves floor appearance.
Attachments and Accessories
Reversible double-sided washable pads add convenience by allowing continuous mopping without needing to stop and change or wait for pads to cool.
Cord Length
The cord length is sufficient for most homes, but some users note newer models have a shorter cord requiring outlet changes during use.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The tank removal process can be awkward, requiring a tilt maneuver, but overall the mop remains easy to use and maintain.
#3
9.7 score

Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet Carpet Cleaner, 2987

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.

Rating
9.7
Weight
Water Tank Capacity
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
35182 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for small spaces and high-traffic areas.
Water Tank Capacity
The clean and dirty tanks are small but easy to empty and fill, making the process manageable even if you have to do it multiple times for larger areas.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Setup is a breeze, and its performance rivals professional-quality cleaners at a fraction of the cost.

Top 10 Best Lightweight Carpet Steam Cleaner 2025 in the United States

Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet Carpet Cleaner, 2987

Weight: 12 pounds
Water Tank Capacity: 0.63 Gallons
Attachments and Accessories: 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush
Cord Length: 20-foot
Ease of Use and Maintenance: Easy to use, brush roll hand wash
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Buying Guide for the Best Lightweight Carpet Steam Cleaner

Choosing the right lightweight carpet steam cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of your home. A good steam cleaner can effectively remove dirt, stains, and allergens from your carpets, making them look fresh and new. When selecting a carpet steam 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.
WeightWeight is a crucial factor, especially if you need to carry the steam cleaner up and down stairs or move it around frequently. Lightweight models are easier to maneuver and store. Generally, a lightweight carpet steam cleaner should weigh between 10 to 15 pounds. If you have a large home or multiple floors, opt for a model on the lighter end of this range to avoid strain.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity determines how long you can clean before needing to refill. A larger tank means fewer interruptions but can add to the weight. For lightweight models, a tank capacity of around 0.5 to 1 gallon is typical. If you have a small to medium-sized area to clean, a smaller tank will suffice and keep the cleaner lighter. For larger areas, consider a slightly bigger tank to reduce the frequency of refills.
Heating TimeHeating time refers to how quickly the steam cleaner can heat the water to produce steam. Faster heating times mean you can start cleaning sooner. Look for models with a heating time of 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If you need to clean quickly or have limited time, a model with a shorter heating time will be more convenient.
Steam Pressure and TemperatureSteam pressure and temperature affect the cleaning power of the steam cleaner. Higher pressure and temperature can more effectively remove tough stains and kill bacteria. For lightweight models, look for steam pressure around 3 to 4 bars and temperatures between 200°F to 220°F. If you have pets or children, higher pressure and temperature can ensure a deeper clean and better sanitization.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your steam cleaner. Common attachments include brushes, nozzles, and upholstery tools. These can help you clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Consider what you need to clean and choose a model with the appropriate attachments. For example, if you need to clean upholstery or tight corners, look for a model with specialized tools for those tasks.
Cord LengthCord length determines how far you can move the steam cleaner without needing to switch power outlets. A longer cord provides more flexibility and convenience. For lightweight models, a cord length of 15 to 25 feet is ideal. If you have large rooms or limited power outlets, a longer cord will allow you to clean more area without interruption.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use and maintenance are important for ensuring that you can operate and care for your steam cleaner without hassle. Look for features like easy-to-fill water tanks, simple controls, and removable parts for cleaning. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, choose a model with self-cleaning features or easy-to-access components for quick maintenance.

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