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10 Best Carpet Shampooers 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 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 and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner well-suited for small cleaning jobs like car interiors, pet beds, and upholstery rather than large carpeted areas. It offers solid cleaning power with its spray, scrub, and suction combo, effectively tackling stains and odors using Bissell’s Little Green Formula. The 16-ounce water tank is on the small side, meaning you may need to refill it frequently during extended use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,385
Weight and Maneuverability
Water Tank Capacity
Cleaning Power

Most important from
109712 reviews

Weight and Maneuverability
Extremely easy to assemble with a compact design that fits perfectly in tight spaces.
Water Tank Capacity
Comes with helpful measurement lines that simplify the filling process.
Cleaning Power
Ideal for spot cleaning carpets, couches, and vehicle floor mats, handling small jobs efficiently.
#2
9.4 score

Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Powerful Suction, Pair with Hoover Cleaner Solution

The Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is designed to handle tough carpet and upholstery stains, especially useful for pet owners. Its 0.8-gallon tank is fairly generous, allowing you to clean larger areas before needing a refill. The machine weighs about 12.2 pounds, which is manageable for most users, though it might feel a bit heavy if you need to carry it around frequently. Its cleaning power comes from five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes that thoroughly lift dirt, while the HeatForce feature helps carpets dry faster after washing, which is a nice bonus to avoid damp carpets lingering.

Rating
9.4
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Power and Cleaning Modes
Weight

Most important from
60017 reviews

Ease of Use and Maintenance
The cleaner not only delivers powerful cleaning but also shows thoughtful design that makes assembly and use straightforward and user-friendly.
Power and Cleaning Modes
It effectively lifts deep dirt and stains, revealing surprisingly dirty water even from carpets that look clean to the eye.
Weight
The suction is strong and consistent, aided by the machine's weight which helps maintain contact with the carpet for thorough cleaning.
Drying Features
Drying times are reasonable, with low pile carpets drying within a few hours, thanks to features that speed up moisture removal.
#3
8.5 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 with pet owners in mind, making it a strong contender in the carpet shampooer category. Its powerful 6.8 Amps motor and Dual Dirt Lifter PowerBrushes excel at tackling tough pet stains and odors, making it effective for deep cleaning carpets. Additionally, this model features two cleaning modes: the MAX Clean Mode for intense cleaning and an Express Clean Mode that allows carpets to dry in about 30 minutes, which is a great time-saver for busy households.

Rating
8.5
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Drying Time

Most important from
4455 reviews

Cleaning Power
Lifts stains thought to be permanent and leaves carpets looking fresh and smelling great.
Water Tank Capacity
Water tanks are big enough to clean half of a small-medium bedroom before needing a refill.
Drying Time
Eco mode areas dry quickly, often within a few hours.
Weight and Maneuverability
Lightweight yet powerful, making the cleaning process quick and hassle-free.
Ease of Maintenance
Incredibly easy to use, even for someone not particularly handy with cleaning machines.

Top 10 Best Carpet Shampooers 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  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

Cleaning Power: spray, scrub, suction combo
Water Tank Capacity: 16 ounces
Drying Time: typical for this machine size
Weight and Maneuverability: 7 pounds, lightweight design
Attachments and Accessories: 4-inch Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse hose
Ease of Maintenance: HydroRinse self-cleaning hose

Chosen by 1385 this week

Shark Carpet Xpert Hair Pro with Stain Striker, Upright Carpet, Area Rug & Upholstery Cleaner, Carpet Shampooer, 4 Tools, Copper, EX301

Cleaning Power: CarpetXpert tech with high-speed brushroll
Drying Time: quickly
Weight and Maneuverability: 20.72 pounds
Attachments and Accessories: handheld spot cleaner for stairs
Ease of Maintenance: self-cleaning feature

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

Cleaning Power: strong suction
Water Tank Capacity: 2 Liters
Drying Time: quick
Weight and Maneuverability: 8.51 pounds, easy to use
Attachments and Accessories: multiple tools included
Ease of Maintenance: hand washing required

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet, Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner with Pet Mess extractor, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, , White, PX201

Cleaning Power: removes stains 20 times better
Water Tank Capacity: 0.18 gallons
Drying Time: longer with portable units
Weight and Maneuverability: under 9 pounds, easy to maneuver
Attachments and Accessories: pet tool, stain eliminators, crevice
Ease of Maintenance: hand-washing parts

Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Pair Carpet Cleaner Solution

Cleaning Power: SpinScrub® Technology, dual nozzle
Water Tank Capacity: 3.8 liters
Weight and Maneuverability: 18.5 pounds, lightweight
Attachments and Accessories: 8' Hose, Tool Bag, Cleaner, Crevice Tool
Ease of Maintenance: removable brushes, Smart Tank™ system

BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner, Upright Deep Cleaner, HydroSteam Technology, 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool & Formulas Included, 3432

Cleaning Power: HydroSteam Technology
Water Tank Capacity: 1 Gallon
Drying Time: 30 minutes
Weight and Maneuverability: 31 pounds
Attachments and Accessories: 2-in-1 pet tool, cleaning formulas
Ease of Maintenance: Straightforward
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Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Shampooers

Choosing the right carpet shampooer can make a big difference in keeping your carpets clean and fresh. To find the best fit, consider both the type of cleaning you need to do and how often you’ll use the machine. Thinking about the size of your carpets, how stained they tend to get, and whether you have pets or allergies will help you identify which features are most important for you. Understanding the key specs of carpet shampooers will help you pick one that suits your home and lifestyle.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to how much water and cleaning solution a carpet shampooer can hold at one time. This is important because a larger tank allows you to clean more area without needing to stop and refill as often. Smaller tanks generally hold less than one gallon and are easier to handle but require more frequent refills, making them best for small rooms or spot cleaning. Medium tanks range from about one to 1.5 gallons and suit most average homes. Large tanks, holding over 1.5 gallons, are ideal for big spaces but make the machine heavier and bulkier. If you have large carpeted areas or want fewer interruptions, choose a bigger tank, but if you’re mainly cleaning small spaces, a compact model may be more convenient.
Cleaning Path WidthThe cleaning path width is how wide a strip of carpet the shampooer can clean in a single pass. This is important because a wider cleaning path allows you to cover more area with each swipe, reducing cleaning time. Widths typically range from about 8 to 15 inches. Narrower paths are found on smaller and more portable models, suitable for tight or hard-to-reach spaces. Wider paths are great for large open rooms. Think about the size and layout of your rooms—if you have lots of wide, open carpet, a wider path saves time, but if your home has narrow hallways or lots of furniture, a narrow path may be easier to maneuver.
WeightWeight refers to how heavy the shampooer is, both when empty and when filled with water. This matters because heavier machines can be tough to move, especially up and down stairs or around furniture. Lightweight shampooers are under 15 pounds and are ideal if you need to carry the machine around your home. Heavier models, over 20 pounds, often offer more powerful cleaning and larger tanks but can be tiring to use. Consider your strength and mobility, as well as the design of your home, when deciding how much weight is manageable for you.
Power and Cleaning ModesCarpet shampooers can come with different cleaning power levels and sometimes offer modes like deep clean, quick clean, or specialized pet modes. High suction and multiple brush rolls usually provide a more effective clean, helping to lift embedded dirt and stains. Entry-level shampooers may have fewer modes and less suction, which could be sufficient for light cleaning or maintenance. More advanced models often allow you to select different modes for tougher jobs. To decide what's right for you, think about how dirty your carpets get, whether you have pets or kids, and if stain removal is a priority.
Drying FeaturesSome carpet shampooers come with features to help carpets dry faster, like heated air fans or strong water extraction. This is important because wet carpets can be inconvenient and take longer to dry, increasing the chance of mold or mildew. Machines with strong suction remove more water after cleaning, which makes drying quicker. If you need to use your carpet soon after cleaning or you live in a humid area, prefer a model with good drying capabilities.
Attachments and AccessoriesMany carpet shampooers come with extra tools, such as hose attachments, brushes, or nozzles for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or tackling tough stains. These extras are important if you plan to clean more than just your floor, such as car interiors, furniture, or hard-to-reach areas. If you expect to clean a variety of surfaces, look for shampooers with a range of attachments, but if you’re only cleaning flat carpets, you may not need these extras.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use includes how simple it is to fill, empty, and clean the water tanks, how clearly the controls are marked, and whether parts can be easily removed for washing. Machines that are easier to operate and maintain will save you time and hassle. Some models have removable brushes or self-cleaning modes, which make maintenance quicker. If you want a low-fuss experience, favor user-friendly designs with clear instructions and easy-to-handle parts.

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