We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Small Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner and Car/Auto Detailer, 3353, Gray/Blue

The Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe is a portable carpet cleaner designed for pet owners and anyone needing to tackle tough stains on various surfaces. One of its standout features is the powerful suction that effectively removes pet spots and stains from carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. With a generous 48 oz. tank capacity, users can clean larger areas without frequent refills, which is a real time-saver.

This cleaner is also designed to be versatile and user-friendly. Weighing only 9.7 pounds, it's portable enough to carry around the house or even take in the car for cleaning on-the-go. It includes a variety of attachments, such as a Tough Stain Tool and a Stain Trapper Tool, along with a sample cleaning formula, making it well-equipped for a range of cleaning tasks.

There are some aspects to consider. The power cord length may limit movement in larger rooms, and while the cleaner is efficient for quick spot cleaning and small areas, it may not suit those looking for a deep clean across larger carpets. Additionally, while the unit is easy to use, maintenance involves a bit of hand washing, which some might find inconvenient.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Tank Capacity
When you load up the water-solution mixture into its tub and turn it upside down to install it into the machine, it does leak a little bit.
Weight
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
Power and Suction
This little machine is a stain-fighting BEAST. It effortlessly tackled red wine stains on my carpet, coffee spills on the couch, and even ground-in dirt in my car's upholstery.
Attachments and Accessories
I wish the instructions told me how best to use each of the attachments. It tells you how to install them, but I had to search online for more guidance on appropriate usage.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Setup and operation are a breeze. Fill the clean water tank, attach the hose, and you're ready to go. The controls are simple and intuitive.
#2

BISSELL TurboClean, Upright Carpet Cleaner, 3952

The BISSELL TurboClean Upright Carpet Cleaner (Model 3952) is a compact and lightweight solution for cleaning carpets and area rugs, especially in small spaces. One of its standout features is the 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush, which, combined with powerful suction, effectively removes ground-in dirt and stains that regular vacuums might miss. This makes it particularly useful for high-traffic areas and homes with pets.

The product's ease of maneuverability and storage is also a plus, fitting well in tight spaces and easy to store when not in use. With a weight of 16.37 pounds, it is relatively easy to handle, though it might still be a bit cumbersome for some users over longer cleaning sessions. The cleaner does not require batteries or assembly, which enhances its user-friendly design.

Additionally, it pairs well with BISSELL's PRO MAX Clean + Protect formula, which helps in fighting future stains. One of the highlights of purchasing this product is that it supports BISSELL Pet Foundation, contributing to their mission of saving pets in need. Users looking for a carpet cleaner with a wide cleaning path or extended cord length might find this model limiting. However, for those who need a reliable and straightforward carpet cleaner for smaller areas and quick clean-ups, the BISSELL TurboClean 3952 is a solid option.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Tank Capacity
We were quite surprised at how much more solution it held, especially since it wasn't much bigger than our previous cleaner.
Weight
Lightweight and easy to use, this cleaner makes the process pretty easy and is a lot better than renting one or getting a professional cleaning.
Power and Suction
This one has much better suction than the rug doctor and is much easier to move around.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachment for the upholstery cleaner is way easier than our old one.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
This carpet cleaner was easier to use than I thought. It got the carpet really clean.
#3

BISSELL® Little Green® Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool, Pet Hair Removal Tool, Crevice Tool (3909)

The BISSELL® Little Green® Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner is a robust option for those who need an effective solution for cleaning carpets, upholstery, and car interiors, especially in homes with pets. One of its standout features is its strong suction power, which outperforms many competitors, making it efficient for deep cleaning. The professional-style cleaning capability means you can skip renting larger, more cumbersome units and still achieve excellent results at home. This cleaner also claims to remove pet stains permanently when used with specific cleaning formulas, which is a significant advantage for pet owners.

Additionally, the product supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, contributing to a good cause with each purchase. The cleaner has an extra-large clean and dirty tank capacity, reducing the frequency of emptying and refilling, thereby providing more uninterrupted cleaning sessions. Weighing 6.85 kilograms, it is relatively portable but might be considered slightly heavy for some users. The inclusion of a self-cleaning tough stain tool, pet hair removal tool, and crevice tool adds to its versatility, making it suitable for various cleaning needs.

The product is corded, which could limit mobility around larger spaces or in areas without convenient power outlets. The ease of use and maintenance is enhanced by its self-cleaning tool, although handling and storage of multiple attachments might require some organizational effort. This portable cleaner is particularly suited for pet owners and those needing a reliable solution for tackling tough carpet and upholstery stains.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Power and Suction
Effectively removes smells from furniture and isn't terribly loud during operation.
Attachments and Accessories
The canister is easy to wash out, though a slightly longer hose would be more convenient.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Works wonders for detailing vehicles and removing small spots from home carpets, even in tight spots where larger units can't reach.

Buying Guide for the Best Small Carpet Cleaners

Choosing the right small carpet cleaner can make a big difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. Small carpet cleaners are ideal for spot cleaning, small areas, and quick clean-ups. When selecting a small 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.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to the amount of water and cleaning solution the carpet cleaner can hold. This is important because it determines how long you can clean before needing to refill the tank. Small carpet cleaners typically have smaller tanks, which makes them lightweight and easy to maneuver. If you have a small area to clean or need a cleaner for quick spot cleaning, a smaller tank (around 0.5 to 1 gallon) should suffice. For slightly larger areas or more frequent use, look for a tank capacity closer to 1.5 gallons.
Cleaning Path WidthThe cleaning path width is the width of the area that the cleaner can clean in one pass. This is important because a wider cleaning path can cover more area quickly, making the cleaning process faster. Small carpet cleaners usually have a cleaning path width ranging from 6 to 10 inches. If you need a cleaner for small spots or tight spaces, a narrower cleaning path (6-8 inches) is ideal. For slightly larger areas, a wider path (8-10 inches) can be more efficient.
WeightThe weight of the carpet cleaner is crucial for ease of use and portability. A lighter cleaner is easier to carry around and maneuver, especially if you need to clean multiple rooms or stairs. Small carpet cleaners typically weigh between 5 to 15 pounds. If you need a cleaner for quick spot cleaning or occasional use, a lighter model (5-10 pounds) is preferable. For more frequent use or slightly larger areas, a model weighing closer to 15 pounds may offer more stability and power.
Power and SuctionPower and suction determine how effectively the carpet cleaner can remove dirt and stains from your carpet. Higher power and suction mean better cleaning performance. Small carpet cleaners usually have motors ranging from 3 to 7 amps. For light spot cleaning and small spills, a lower power (3-5 amps) should be sufficient. For tougher stains or more frequent use, look for a cleaner with higher power (5-7 amps) to ensure thorough cleaning.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your carpet cleaner. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and stair tools. These are important for cleaning different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. If you need a cleaner primarily for carpets, basic attachments may be enough. However, if you plan to clean upholstery, stairs, or car interiors, look for a model with a variety of attachments to meet your needs.
Cord LengthCord length determines how far you can move the cleaner from the power outlet without needing an extension cord. This is important for convenience and ease of use. Small carpet cleaners typically have cord lengths ranging from 15 to 25 feet. For small rooms or spot cleaning, a shorter cord (15-20 feet) may be sufficient. For larger areas or more flexibility, a longer cord (20-25 feet) is preferable.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use and maintenance are important for ensuring that you can operate and clean the carpet cleaner without hassle. Look for features like easy-to-fill tanks, simple controls, and removable brushes for easy cleaning. If you prefer a straightforward, no-fuss cleaner, choose a model with intuitive design and minimal maintenance requirements. For more advanced users, additional features like automatic mixing of cleaning solution and self-cleaning brushes can be beneficial.

FAQ