When you do your weekly mopping routine, it can often feel you’re excluding your carpets from this regime. After all, what options are there for deep-cleaning your carpet regularly?
We recently bought a portable carpet cleaner, and it’s changed the game for us. Our carpets are fresh and stain-free. Plus, these cleans are easy to use and not too heavy!
If you’re looking for a compact cleaner with strong suction, here are five of the best portable carpet cleaners to consider.
- Hands-free cleaning option
- Two cleaning modes
- Easy to store
- Large 96 ounce tank
- Powerful 5.7 amp suction
- Includes deep-cleaning formula
- Lightweight and compact
- Good for high traffic areas
- Perfect for pet use
- Separate tanks for dirty water
- Easy portability
- Powerful features
Product Reviews
Time to transform your carpets with these seven handy cleaners.
Bissell LittleGreen Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Best Lightweight Carpet Cleaner
The LittleGreen might look retro, but don’t doubt its power. It tackles tough stains with its powerful spray and even stronger suction. Since this model is lightweight, it’s also easy to transport around your home. Additionally, you can use it to clean your car.
It’s easy to get started since the tank is removable — this is especially ideal when refilling it. This is the perfect time to consider adding a carpet shampoo or stain remover for even more spot-removing power.
The compact design is a breeze to store, and you won’t have to empty the whole cabinet to gain access.
What We Like
Excellent Versatility
Having one device to clean multiple areas around the house will save time, space, and money. The versatility this model brings is what many love.
You can easily use it on stairs, carpets, upholstery, and in the car. Because it’s corded, you have to keep it within range of a power outlet. This isn’t an issue, though — you can always use an extension cable.
Easy to Use, Even for Beginners
The 48-ounce tank is completely removable, so you won’t have to try to fit the whole device under the faucet. Once you’re done cleaning, the full tank can be removed and emptied into the sink.
As a bonus, the handle features large switches to help you change between suction and spray.
Lightweight At 11 Pounds
This Bissell product weighs only a little over 11 pounds with a full tank. This makes it significantly lighter than other options. The compact design makes it easy to carry around and can fit into most cabinets without trouble.
Self-Cleaning Ability Saves You Effort
It’s essential to keep your carpet cleaner clog-free. However, this is often a dreaded task left to the next person using the device. Bissell has made it easier by fitting a self-cleaning hose to the machine.
How does this work? The HydroRinse attachment fits on the end of the hose. This forces the water back through, clearing it of clogs.
What We Don't Like
It’s Loud (Might Scare Kids and Pets)
Carpet cleaners are known to be quite loud. However, several customers were unpleasantly surprised at how loud this little device truly is. We put this down to how powerful it is!
Product Specs
| Weight | 9.65 pounds |
| Tank Capacity | 48 ounces |
| Surface Cleaning | Carpet, upholstery, rugs, auto interiors |
| Cord Length | 15 feet |
| Warranty | 1 year, limited |
Our Ratings
Bissell SpotBot Portable Deep Cleaner
Best for Pets
We know how hard it can be to scrub away pet stains and dirt. Getting on the old hands and knees can be too much. Thankfully, Bissell has a highly-rated solution for this — the SpotBot.
This portable carpet cleaner works quickly at eliminating tough stains and pet mess. Two powerful hands-free modes achieve this. To further enhance the clean, add your desired cleaning solution. Bissell includes a Pet Oxy Boost Formula for you to test out.
The small size means you can place it on the steps as you clean the stairs. Or, sit it on the car carpet when cleaning the interior.
What We Like
Hands-Free Cleaning Option
The SpotBot features unique spiral brushes, which quickly work on stains. Simply place the device on top of the stain, and it will do all the work. The cleaner uses spraying, brushing, and suction cycles to remove deep stains quickly.
There’s an included flexible hose to reach smaller areas. It also comes with a three-inch tool that you can use to either spray or suck.
Two Cleaning Modes for Various Messes
The two modes are convenient and can be changed depending on the stain you’re dealing with. One is a quick clean, which is excellent for newer stains that haven’t had time to settle completely. The other is a deep clean for older, deep-rooted stains.
Compact and Easy to Store
At 14 pounds with a full tank, this portable carpet cleaner is easy to carry around the house. It also has a compact design, perfect for storage in small areas.
Excellent for Pet Mess
Pet owners love this smart device. Many mention how easy they found it to work, and the results were better than they expected. The spiral brushes effectively dissolve deep pet stains and remove odors.
What We Don't Like
Uses More Water
The dual brushes use a significant amount of water. Additionally, the tank will only hold a little over 30 ounces. Several customers mentioned that they had to stop to refill very often.
Product Specs
| Weight | 12.5 pounds |
| Tank Capacity | 30.6 ounces |
| Surface Cleaning | Carpet, upholstery, rugs, auto, stairs |
| Cord Length | 16 feet |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Our Ratings
Bissell SpotClean Professional Carpet Cleaner
Best Professional Cleaner
This is the portable carpet cleaner we have, and we 100 percent recommend it.
If you’re looking to find an easy way to get a deep clean in your home, this cleaner could be for you. It has a large tank capacity and comes with several attachments of various sizes to help.
Cleaning various stains such as wine, soil, coffee, and pet mess isn’t an issue. The powerful spray and suction dig into the stain to break it up and remove it. It also works for parents who find a backseat mess after a long drive with the kids.
What We Like
Two Attachments for Large and Small Messes
You get two attachments, each a different size to suit different situations. The six-inch stair tool is an excellent size as you can cover more in one go. The other, a three-inch, tough stain attachment, is ideal for targeting small areas.
If you need to clean your upholstery, the 3-inch attachment is ideal.
Five Foot Long Hose
The flexible hose stretches a full five feet to give you the freedom to clean areas above the floor. It conveniently rolls up on the side of the machine for secure storage.
However, you should avoid wrapping it too tightly as this could damage the hose.
Large 96 Ounce Tank
Having a large tank capacity will enable you to do more without stopping for refills. This tank will hold ¾ of a gallon, which is 96 ounces — much more significant than other products.
If you were to buy this cleaner, remember to empty the tank after each use. It holds dirty and clean water in separate tanks, but leaving the dirty water overnight isn’t a good idea!
Powerful 5.7 Amp Suction
With a power rating of 5.7 amps, this cleaner is mighty for its size. It uses a strong spray that dissolves stains. The strong suction then quickly gets rid of excess water and any traces of the stains.
Includes Deep-Cleaning Formula
Bissell has included its powerful formula to help you get started on your stain-beating journey. This is eight ounces of the Professional Deep Cleaning formula to try out.
This was included in our purchase, and it’s incredible!
The cleaner’s power with the included formula is a strong combination. The machine works deep inside your carpet fibers, and the formula dissolves tough stains. The solution is also known to prevent future stains from settling.
What We Don't Like
Fragile Hose May Break
Several customers experienced their hose breaking. This wasn’t due to a malfunction but rather the storage. They figured that the tight wrapping puts too much pressure on the hose, causing it to kink and crack.
We’ve had our SpotClean for over a year and have no issues with the hose due to careful storage.
Product Specs
| Weight | 13.2 pounds |
| Tank Capacity | 98 ounces |
| Surface Cleaning | Carpet, upholstery, auto, stairs |
| Cord Length | 22 feet |
| Warranty | 2-year, limited |
Our Ratings
Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner
Best Carpet Cleaner and Dryer
A carpet cleaner that also dries your carpets quickly is a great product to have. There’s nothing more annoying than cleaning your carpets thoroughly for them to be soaking wet for hours afterward.
This PowerDash cleaner comes with HeatForce technology which dries the carpets in no time. So you can walk around barefoot and let the dogs back into the room quickly without worry.
In terms of cleaning, this has double the power of some other options on the market. So you can enjoy much cleaner — and drier — carpets than before.
What We Like
Lightweight and Compact
Weighing less than 13 pounds, this is a pretty lightweight carpet cleaner to carry around with you. Plus, it’s got a thin, compact design which makes it easy to store in closets or down the side of a cupboard.
Good for High Traffic Areas
Worried about the living room carpet and that messy kitchen rug? That’s no match for this carpet cleaner. This is quite the machine with double the power and suitability to handle high traffic areas.
Perfect for Pet Use
If you have pets, then this is a product you must consider. It’s equipped with an antimicrobial brush roller to clean up pet messes efficiently and safely. It also protects against odors, so if your fur baby brings in nasty smells, bust them out with this cleaner.
What We Don't Like
Small Clean Water Tank
The clean water tank is only ½ a gallon which many customers found far too small. Therefore, you may need to refill it a few times per clean.
Hard Machine to Clean
We have a carpet cleaner that is an absolute breeze to clean. It makes all the difference. With this machine, unfortunately, cleaning is a hassle.
It took some customers around an hour to clean all the parts! If you want something quick and easy to clean, we recommend looking at other options.
Product Specs
| Weight | 12.5 pounds |
| Tank Capacity | 64 ounces |
| Surface Cleaning | Carpets and area rugs |
| Cord Length | 20 feet |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Our Ratings
Rug Doctor Portable Pet Spot Cleaner
Best Mobile Carpet Cleaner
If you’re looking for something easy to move around, the Rug Doctor is it. It’s a compact little machine that reaches only 15 inches in height. Aside from the short height, the large wheels allow for excellent maneuverability.
The Rug Doctor is designed for carpets and rugs, but you can clean the car interior, upholstery, stairs, and even your pets’ bed.
This device is equipped with two tanks to separate clean and dirty water. We like that it prevents bacteria from re-entering your home. The motorized brush does all the scrubbing for you, and the powerful suction removes dirt and water.
What We Like
Separate Tanks for Dirty and Clean Water
They prevent clean water from becoming dirty and full of gunk. Without this feature, the dirt could re-enter your home. An additional benefit is that the split tanks enable you to use the machine for longer before a refill is needed.
We love that the tanks are completely removable. You won’t have to pick up the whole machine to empty or refill, which could end in a huge mess.
Easy Portability Thanks to the Wheels
The large handle means you can carry the Rug Doctor around comfortably. You can drag it along if you can’t carry it, similar to a small suitcase. Extend the handle, and the carpet cleaner will roll along on its two wheels. This smart feature enables more people to use it comfortably.
Powerful Features
The powerful suction quickly removes excess water, odor, and dirt. Plus, it effectively removes the whole stain, so you won’t have to worry about restaining.
On top of this, you can add a carpet shampoo or stain remover to make the job faster and easier. This will also add a fresh scent to your home, which can be a life-saver in pet families.
Extended Reach Allows for Easier Cleaning
When you combine the compact design, secure handling, and hose, you have yourself a winner. You can quickly bring the machine to the stairs, where it comfortably fits regular steps. After a long drive with the kids, take it to the car to freshen it up — after you’ve poured yourself a drink!
What We Don't Like
Uncomfortable Angle
The angles needed to use the powerful sprayer, and motorized brush are comfortable. However, when you need to use the suction, you have to hold it straight up and down. A few customers pointed this out, saying it was an uncomfortable angle to work with.
Product Specs
| Weight | 18.76 pounds |
| Tank Capacity | Not specified |
| Surface Cleaning | Carpet, upholstery, auto, stairs, pet beds |
| Cord Length | Not specified |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Tank Capacity | Surface Cleaning | Cord Length | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell LittleGreen Cleaner | Lightweight | 9.65 lbs | 48 oz | Carpet, upholstery, rugs, car interior | 15 feet | 1 year, limited |
| Bissell SpotBot Deep Cleaner | For Pets | 12.5 lbs | 30.6 oz | Carpet, upholstery, rugs, auto, stairs | 16 feet | 2-year limited |
| Bissell SpotClean Cleaner | Professional Cleaner | 13.2 lbs | 98 oz | Carpet, upholstery, auto, stairs | 22 feet | 2-year, limited |
| Hoover PowerDash | Carpet Cleaner and Dryer | 12.5 lbs | 64 oz | Carpets and area rugs | 20 feet | 1 year |
| Rug Doctor Cleaning Machine | Mobility | 18.76 lbs | N/A | Carpet, upholstery, car, stairs, pet beds | Not specified | 2-year limited |
Why Choose a Portable Carpet Cleaner?
Cleaning your carpet used to be a task reserved for professionals — or a sponge for spot treatments. However, carpet cleaners are now widely available in today’s growing industry. But, these machines can be significantly large and heavy.
It helps, then, that the alternative portable carpet cleaners are quick to whip out in a stain emergency. Homeowners with pets might also enjoy the convenience of a light cleaner to get rid of pet stains quickly.
Don’t forget, storing a portable carpet cleaner is much easier than a full-sized version. No need to store a bulky model on display. Some of the best portable carpet cleaners will fit right into a storage cupboard.
Product Selection Criteria
Choosing a carpet cleaner is no easy task. If you’re like us, it can be a head spin just contemplating the choices.
To combat this, consider the options and features below:
Tank Capacity
The tank’s capacity is the first thing to look at. However, there’s no right or wrong size; it all depends on your needs. If you want to get more done in one go, a larger tank (around 30 ounces) is sufficient.
But if you only plan to do spot cleaning around the carpet and sofa, you can go for a smaller tank. However, keep in mind that a small tank will need to be refilled more often, forcing you to stop frequently.
Design
A portable carpet cleaner shouldn’t be too heavy or bulky. You can use these anywhere in the house, including the stairs. A compact design will allow you to carry it around comfortably.
Still, don’t automatically assume that portable means light. Some models can weigh up to 20 pounds. Also, once the tank is full of water, it will be much heavier.
Larger models usually come with wheels, so you can drag them instead of carrying them. However, these might be difficult to use on the stairs.
Suction
Portable carpet cleaners are powered by a motor similar to regular vacuums. However, the power of the engine might be divided between the features.
For instance, some carpet cleaners heat the water they use. This is very effective when dealing with tough stains, but it also means that not all power goes into the suction. Instead, the power is split between heating and suction. The result? Perhaps not as much suction as you anticipated.
If you don’t want heated water, choose one with powerful suction. An excellent place to start is one with 3 to 5 amps. Powerful suction provides better results.
You should also keep in mind that more power typically means more noise. A full-sized carpet cleaner usually produces over 80 decibels — regular vacuums only produce around 70 (1).
Cleaning Path
The cleaning path refers to the width of the head. Portable carpet cleaners are significantly smaller than full-sized ones. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. Instead, it makes for quick spot treatments when you don’t want to treat large areas.
For example, a standard size is around three inches wide, which isn’t massive. Alternatively, there are cleaners with wider heads. So consider what suits your needs the most before deciding on a model.
Attachments
The best portable carpet cleaners come with several attachments to suit your task. Accessories like upholstery tools and stair brushes are very common. Some models will even come with special tools to help you clean your car effectively.
The attachments do most of the work for you. The point with a carpet cleaner is that you won’t have to get on your knees and scrub. A good cleaner will be effective as you glide the brush over the area with minimum effort.
Something is amiss if you get worn out from the cleaning process. You’re either doing it wrong, or your carpet cleaner isn’t effective enough.
FAQs
Is a Cleaning Agent Necessary?
One of the best things about carpet cleaners is that you can add cleaning solutions, such as carpet shampoo. These are excellent at deep cleaning and leaving behind a fresh scent.
While cleaning agents might be best for stains and stubborn grime, they aren’t always necessary for general cleaning.
Test First
Can You Use a Portable Carpet Cleaner on Upholstery?
You most definitely can! This is one of the best features of portable cleaners: they come with small, versatile heads. Some cleaners will also have specialized attachments for upholstery and sofas.
You can also take the portable carpet cleaner outside to the car. The small brushes are excellent at getting rid of stains on car seats.
Does the Machine Need to Be Cleaned?
Yes, maintenance is still needed. However, many portable carpet cleaners will have a self-cleaning mode that runs while you’re cleaning. It will then pump more water through the areas where clogs are likely to occur.
The good news is, all cleaning instructions should be included with your purchase. The manufacturer should state how often it requires maintenance and how to go about it. A good habit is to rinse the hose and tank after every use.
Which Portable Carpet Cleaner Has the Most Suction?
The portable carpet cleaner with the most suction is the Bissell Spot Clean Professional. It has a potent 5.7-amp motor that generates incredible suction for such a small machine. It also has a deep clean setting and a 96-ounce tank.
What is the Best Portable Carpet Cleaner for Pet Stains?
The best portable carpet cleaner for pet hairs is the Bissell SpotBot Hands-Free. It has two-stage cleaning, and hands-free control, so you can get on with something else while it gets to work.
Can You Use Portable Carpet Cleaning Solution In an Upright Vacuum?
You can’t use portable carpet cleaning solutions in upright vacuums because they are not designed for them. It is better to use a dedicated upright formula, like this Bissell Pet Stain and Odor Full-Size Formula.
