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10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner, Perfect for Pets & Hair Removal, Carpet Shampooer, 5 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Navy, EX304

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is designed to deliver deep and effective carpet cleaning, especially for homes with pets and those dealing with tough stains. It features a 71-ounce tank capacity which is generous enough for multiple cleaning sessions without frequent refills. The upright design and included tools suggest a versatile reach for various surfaces, including stairs and upholstery.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,466
Drying Time/Water Extraction
Weight and Portability
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Most important from
4044 reviews

Drying Time/Water Extraction
Strong suction combined with PowerSpray technology ensures ultra-fast drying times, often within 1-2 hours.
Weight and Portability
The unit is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver compared to other bulky carpet cleaners, making extended cleaning sessions more manageable.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Onboard self-cleaning and easy-to-remove tanks make maintenance straightforward and help keep the machine fresh and clog-free.
Attachments and Accessories
The integrated hose and spot cleaner attachment is convenient and ready to use without the hassle of separate parts.
Tank Capacity
Despite a smaller tank capacity, frequent refills are not a major inconvenience given the machine’s performance and lighter weight.
#2
9.1 score

BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and 4" Tough Stain Tool, Tea Green, 4075

The Bissell Little Green Mini is a compact, portable carpet and upholstery cleaner ideal for quick spot cleaning on carpets, car interiors, pet beds, and upholstery. It offers solid cleaning power to handle spills, pet stains, and embedded dirt with its 4" Tough Stain Tool and a self-cleaning HydroRinse hose, which helps keep the machine in good shape with less hassle.

Rating
9.1
Type of Carpet Cleaner
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity

Most important from
96952 reviews

Type of Carpet Cleaner
Perfect for quick spot cleaning on carpets, couches, and vehicle floor mats.
Cleaning Power
Comes ready to use with a sample of spot and stain remover.
Water Tank Capacity
Measurement lines on the tank simplify the filling process.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight and portable, fitting comfortably in tight storage spaces.
Ease of Maintenance
Compact design makes it extremely easy to assemble and store.
#3
8.8 score

BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus, 3588F, Upright Deep Cleaner, 30-minute Dry Time, Dual Dirt Lifter Powerbrush, Hose & Tool Attachment, Pet Upholstery and Tough Stain Tool Included

The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is designed especially for pet owners, making it a strong choice in the carpet cleaner category. One of its standout features is the Dual DirtLifter PowerBrush, which combines 12 rows of rotating brushes to tackle tough stains deeply embedded in carpets. With a powerful 6.8-amp motor and TURBOSTRENGTH technology, it provides impressive suction while being relatively quiet. Additionally, it boasts a quick drying time of around 30 minutes, thanks to its Express Clean mode, making it ideal for busy households needing fast results.

Rating
8.8
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Drying Time

Most important from
4320 reviews

Cleaning Power
Lifts stains thought to be permanent, leaving carpets looking fresh and smelling great.
Water Tank Capacity
Water tanks are big enough to get through about half of a small-medium bedroom before needing to be emptied or refilled.
Drying Time
Quickly cleans carpets without leaving them super wet and gross.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight yet powerful, making the cleaning process quick and hassle-free.
Attachments and Accessories
Built-in spot treatment is great, though a little hard to aim.
Ease of Maintenance
Incredibly easy to use, even for someone not particularly handy with cleaning machines.

Top 10 Best Carpet Cleaners 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner, Perfect for Pets & Hair Removal, Carpet Shampooer, 5 Cleaning Tools, Pet Cleaning Solution, Navy, EX304

Tank Capacity: 71 ounces
Weight and Portability: 21 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: HairPro, StainStriker, PowerSpray tech
Attachments and Accessories: Stain Eliminator, Pet & Hair Extractors
Drying Time/Water Extraction: ultra-fast drying
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: self-cleaning, zero-touch hair disposal

Chosen by 1466 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, Tea Green, 4075

Type of Carpet Cleaner: portable carpet and upholstery cleaner
Cleaning Power: one cleaning setting
Water Tank Capacity: 16 ounces
Drying Time: moderate
Weight and Maneuverability: 7 pounds, lightweight, easy to carry
Attachments and Accessories: 4" Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse hose
Ease of Maintenance: self-cleaning tool, removable parts

BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus, 3588F, Upright Deep Cleaner, 30-minute Dry Time, Dual Dirt Lifter Powerbrush, Hose & Tool Attachment, Pet Upholstery and Tough Stain Tool Included

Type of Carpet Cleaner: Upright
Cleaning Power: 6.8-amp motor with TURBOSTRENGTH
Water Tank Capacity: 1 Gallon
Drying Time: 30 minutes
Weight and Maneuverability: 26.7 pounds
Attachments and Accessories: Pet Upholstery Tool, Stain Tool
Ease of Maintenance: Clean tank and accessories after use

Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine, Upright Shampooer, FH68050, Black

Tank Capacity: 0.8 Gallons
Weight and Portability: 26.8 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: Five SpinScrub brushes, TruMAX tech
Attachments and Accessories: 8 ft hose, Pet, Upholstery tools
Drying Time/Water Extraction: HeatForce speeds drying
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Easy-clean brushes, nozzle tool

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

Tank Capacity: 24 fluid ounces
Weight and Portability: 13 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: HairPro Technology
Attachments and Accessories: mini, 3.5-inch stain, hair extractor
Drying Time/Water Extraction: may not dry thick carpets fast
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: on-board self-cleaning feature

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Bonus XL Tool & Full-Size Cleaning Solution, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

Type of Carpet Cleaner: Portable Upholstery StainStriker
Cleaning Power: Powerful suction
Water Tank Capacity: 2 Liters
Weight and Maneuverability: 8.51 pounds, lightweight, compact
Attachments and Accessories: 3" bristle tool, Pet tool, 6oz formula
Ease of Maintenance: Hand Wash, no batteries

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner w/on board self cleaning - Spot, Stain, & Odor Eliminator, Includes 2 Cleaning Tools & 2 Cleaning Solutions, Charcoal, PX221BRN

Tank Capacity: 40.58 Fluid Ounces
Weight and Portability: 8.51 pounds
Type of Brushes and Cleaning Technology: dual-activated formula, strong suction, self-clean
Attachments and Accessories: two tools, two cleaning solutions
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: self-cleaning system rinses tool, hose fast

Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 Commercial Carpet Cleaner – Large Red Pet Pack, Includes 48 oz. Pet Carpet Cleaner Solution, Commercial Carpet Cleaning Machine, Powerful One Pass Cleaning System

Type of Carpet Cleaner: Commercial
Cleaning Power: Superior for embedded dirt and pet messes
Water Tank Capacity: 3.9 Gallons
Drying Time: Faster drying times
Weight and Maneuverability: 47 pounds, difficult to maneuver
Attachments and Accessories: Essential cleaning solutions included
Ease of Maintenance: Straightforward, no batteries or complex parts
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Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Cleaners

Buying a carpet cleaner can make a huge difference in keeping your carpets fresh, clean, and free of allergens and stains. Before you make a decision, understand where and how often you'll use it: Are you cleaning a whole house, just a few rooms, or handling pet messes? The right carpet cleaner will depend on the size of your space, the type of stains you frequently deal with, and how portable or easy to store the machine needs to be. Think about the cleaning jobs you need done most often, as this will guide you to the features and specs that match your needs.
Tank CapacityTank capacity determines how much water and cleaning solution the carpet cleaner can hold at one time. A larger tank lets you clean bigger areas before needing a refill, making it useful for larger homes or more extensive cleaning sessions. Smaller tanks are lighter and easier to handle, suiting those who plan to clean only small spaces or want something more portable. If you often clean big rooms or do deep cleans, a bigger tank is more convenient. For quick or spot cleaning, a smaller tank is usually sufficient and easier to manage.
Cleaning Path WidthThe cleaning path width is the span of the area the machine can clean in a single pass. A wider path means more carpet can be cleaned in less time, which is helpful for covering large areas quickly. Narrower cleaning paths are better for tight spaces or areas with lots of furniture. If you're cleaning large open rooms, go for a wider cleaning path. If you need to maneuver in small spaces or around obstacles, a narrow one will be more practical.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and overall portability of a carpet cleaner affect how easy it is to push, carry, and store. Heavier cleaners often feel sturdier but might be difficult to move up and down stairs or across multiple floors. Lightweight models are easier to lift and store, particularly if you’ll be cleaning upstairs or in different rooms. Consider your physical strength and where you'll need to use the machine. If lifting or frequent movement is likely, prioritize lighter and more portable options.
Type of Brushes and Cleaning TechnologyCarpet cleaners use brushes or rollers to lift dirt and scrub stains out of carpet fibers. Some machines have motorized or rotating brushes for deeper cleaning, while others have stationary brushes suitable for lighter dirt and maintenance. Rotating or vibrating brushes excel at removing tough stains and cleaning high-traffic areas. If you need deep cleaning or often tackle stubborn stains, choose a machine with advanced brush systems. For regular, light maintenance, simpler brush types will suffice.
Attachments and AccessoriesMany carpet cleaners come with extra tools like hose attachments or nozzles for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or tight corners. These accessories make the cleaner more versatile. If you expect to clean sofas, car interiors, or stairs, look for models with specialized attachments. If you’ll only use the cleaner on carpets and floor spaces, accessories may be less important.
Drying Time/Water ExtractionHow well a carpet cleaner extracts water after cleaning affects how quickly your carpets dry. Machines with stronger suction or extraction technology pull out more water, which speeds up drying and reduces the chance of mold or mildew. If you need your carpets dry quickly—for example, in high-traffic areas or if you have kids or pets—choose a machine known for effective water extraction. For less frequent or overnight cleaning, drying time may be less crucial.
Ease of Cleaning and MaintenanceSome carpet cleaners require more upkeep, such as emptying tanks, cleaning the brushes, or clearing clogs. Easy-to-remove tanks and simple brush access make regular maintenance much easier. If you value convenience and want to avoid headaches after each use, opt for models designed with easy cleaning in mind. Consider how much time you're willing to spend keeping the cleaner in good shape.

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