10 Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Bissell Little Green Mini is a lightweight, portable carpet and upholstery cleaner ideal for quick spot cleaning and small messes around your home, car, or pet areas. Weighing just 7 pounds, it’s easy to carry and store, making it a good choice if you need a handy cleaner that doesn’t take up much space. Its 16-ounce tank is on the smaller side, so while it works well for targeted cleaning tasks, you might need to refill it frequently during bigger jobs.

Powered by a corded electric source, you won’t have to worry about battery life, but your cleaning range depends on the length of the power cord. The cleaner includes useful tools like a 4-inch tough stain attachment and a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose that helps keep the machine fresh and simple to maintain. It also uses a special cleaning formula designed to remove tough stains and odors, which is helpful if you have pets or kids.

The suction power is effective for removing dirt embedded in upholstery and carpets, but it’s meant for spot cleaning rather than deep, large-area jobs. The included accessories add versatility, allowing you to clean various surfaces beyond carpets, such as car seats and pet beds. Maintenance is straightforward thanks to the self-cleaning feature, which saves time and effort. If you want a handheld cleaner that’s easy to store and handles everyday stains quickly, this Bissell model fits well. However, for larger cleaning tasks or cordless convenience, another option might suit better. Its focus on portability, simple upkeep, and pet stain removal makes it especially appealing for pet owners and car enthusiasts.

The Shark Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, also known as the StainStriker, is a great choice for anyone needing a compact and effective solution for tough stains and odors, especially pet-related messes. One of its standout features is its dual-activated stain eliminator that requires no premixing, making it easy to use right out of the box. With powerful suction capabilities, it effectively pulls out liquids and dirt from deep within carpets, furniture, and upholstery, leaving surfaces looking fresh and clean.

Weighing under 9 lbs, this cleaner is lightweight and highly portable, which is perfect for tackling spills and stains throughout your home or even in your car. The inclusion of multiple attachments, like the pet tool and crevice tool, enhances its versatility, allowing users to clean various surfaces efficiently.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The tank capacity is relatively small at 0.18 gallons, meaning you'll need to refill it frequently for larger cleaning tasks. Additionally, since it is battery-powered, users should be aware of the potential limitations in runtime, especially during extensive cleaning sessions. Maintenance is straightforward, but the hand wash care instruction may not be as convenient as some users prefer.

The Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner is a strong contender in the handheld carpet cleaner category, especially for pet owners. One of its standout features is the powerful suction, which effectively tackles tough pet stains and odors from carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. This is coupled with a substantial 48 oz. tank capacity, allowing you to clean larger areas without needing frequent refills.

Its portable and versatile design makes it easy to maneuver, which is a great benefit when cleaning multiple surfaces like stairs or furniture. The inclusion of helpful attachments, such as the 3" Tough Stain Tool and Stain Trapper Tool, also enhances its usability, making it a well-rounded cleaning solution. Plus, it comes with trial-sized cleaning formulas, ensuring you have everything needed to get started right away.

However, it’s important to note that the Bissell Little Green weighs about 9.7 pounds, which might be a little heavy for some users, particularly if you're lifting it for extended periods. Being corded, it has limited mobility compared to cordless models, so you'll need to be near an outlet while using it. While the machine does a great job on a variety of surfaces, its effectiveness can depend on the severity of the stains; very old or set-in stains may require additional treatments. Maintenance is straightforward, but remember that it requires hand washing of certain components, which might not appeal to everyone.