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10 Best Carpet Steam Cleaners 2025 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,193
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cord Length

Most important from
95991 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
The tank holds enough water to clean multiple spots before needing a refill, despite its smaller size.
Weight and Portability
Compact and portable, this cleaner is perfect for spot cleaning stairs and car interiors without the hassle of a bulky machine.
Cord Length
The long electrical cord makes it easy to use in rooms with few outlets.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a great choice for those looking to tackle tough stains and odors in various surfaces, particularly for pet owners. Its 48 oz. water tank capacity allows for more cleaning between refills, and the powerful suction effectively removes spots from carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. The compact and portable design (weighing around 9.7 pounds) makes it easy to maneuver, which is ideal for quick clean-ups in different areas of your home.

One of the standout features is its versatility - it comes with specialty tools like the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and a Tough Stain Tool, enhancing its cleaning capabilities. Users also appreciate the inclusion of a Spot & Stain formula with Febreze Freshness, which helps in not just cleaning but also deodorizing your spaces.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the corded design provides consistent power, it may limit mobility compared to cordless options. The machine is generally quiet, though some users might find it slightly noisy during operation. This cleaner is particularly beneficial for pet owners and those needing a portable solution for spot cleaning. It excels in suction power and versatility but may require some adjustments for users who prefer greater mobility.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,193
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Cord Length

Most important from
95991 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
The tank holds enough water to clean multiple spots before needing a refill, despite its smaller size.
Weight and Portability
Compact and portable, this cleaner is perfect for spot cleaning stairs and car interiors without the hassle of a bulky machine.
Cord Length
The long electrical cord makes it easy to use in rooms with few outlets.
#2

BISSELL TurboClean PET, Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, 3948

Rating
9.6
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
34984 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Smaller water containers require more frequent refilling, but it's a small trade-off for a compact design.
Weight and Portability
The cleaner's compact size makes it more maneuverable and easy to handle.
Attachments and Accessories
Improvements to the accessory brush tool, including self-cleaning features, are appreciated.

The BISSELL TurboClean PET Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner shines in its ability to handle pet-related messes effectively. It features a powerful 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush and strong suction, which effectively remove ground-in dirt and stains, particularly in high-traffic areas. This makes it a great pick for pet owners or anyone dealing with stubborn carpet stains.

The inclusion of versatile tools like a 7 ft hose, a self-cleanout tool, and a spraying crevice tool further enhances its functionality for various cleaning scenarios. Weighing 19.16 pounds, it is relatively portable for an upright model, though some users might find the weight a bit cumbersome for frequent movement around a large home. Its compact design, however, aids in storage convenience.

Rating
9.6
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
34984 reviews

Water Tank Capacity
Smaller water containers require more frequent refilling, but it's a small trade-off for a compact design.
Weight and Portability
The cleaner's compact size makes it more maneuverable and easy to handle.
Attachments and Accessories
Improvements to the accessory brush tool, including self-cleaning features, are appreciated.
#3

BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner, Car/Auto Detailer, with Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool and Pet Hair Removal Tool (3860)

Rating
9.3
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Cord Length

Most important from
1845 reviews

Weight and Portability
Its portable design is perfect for tackling messes throughout the house and car, with a long cord that minimizes the need for constant unplugging.
Attachments and Accessories
The Pet Hair Removal Tool makes cleaning up pet hair from couches and car seats a breeze, exceeding expectations.
Cord Length
The long power cord and hose provide excellent reach, making it suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks.
Noise Level
The noise level is manageable, quieter than a typical vacuum cleaner.

The BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner is designed with pet owners in mind, offering effective cleaning for tough stains and pet messes. Its superior suction power, being 30% more powerful than competitors, ensures efficient removal of dirt and debris. The self-cleaning tough stain tool simplifies maintenance, making it easier to keep the cleaner in optimal condition. Additionally, the machine includes specialized pet hair removal tools and a trial size of the BISSELL PET PRO OXY Spot & Stain formula for comprehensive cleaning.

The two-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate, reducing cross-contamination and simplifying the cleaning process. The longer hose and cord length provide better reach, making it suitable for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and car interiors. Weighing 8.18 pounds, it is relatively portable but may be a bit heavy for some users.

Rating
9.3
Weight and Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Cord Length

Most important from
1845 reviews

Weight and Portability
Its portable design is perfect for tackling messes throughout the house and car, with a long cord that minimizes the need for constant unplugging.
Attachments and Accessories
The Pet Hair Removal Tool makes cleaning up pet hair from couches and car seats a breeze, exceeding expectations.
Cord Length
The long power cord and hose provide excellent reach, making it suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks.
Noise Level
The noise level is manageable, quieter than a typical vacuum cleaner.

Buying Guide for the Best Carpet Steam Cleaners

Choosing the right carpet steam cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. A good steam cleaner can remove deep-seated dirt, stains, and allergens, making your home healthier and more pleasant. When selecting a carpet steam cleaner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the most important specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity determines how much water the steam cleaner can hold at one time. This is important because a larger tank means you can clean for longer periods without needing to refill. Tanks typically range from small (less than 1 liter) to large (over 2 liters). If you have a large area to clean or prefer fewer interruptions, opt for a larger tank. For smaller spaces or lighter cleaning tasks, a smaller tank may suffice.
Heating TimeHeating time refers to how long it takes for the steam cleaner to heat the water to the required temperature for effective cleaning. This can range from a few seconds to several minutes. Faster heating times are more convenient, especially if you need to clean quickly or frequently. If you have a busy schedule or need to clean multiple areas in one go, look for a steam cleaner with a shorter heating time.
Steam PressureSteam pressure is measured in bars and indicates the force at which steam is expelled from the cleaner. Higher pressure means more powerful cleaning, which is useful for tackling tough stains and deep cleaning. Steam pressure typically ranges from 2 to 6 bars. For heavy-duty cleaning or high-traffic areas, choose a steam cleaner with higher pressure. For general maintenance and lighter cleaning, lower pressure may be adequate.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and portability of a steam cleaner affect how easy it is to maneuver and transport. Lighter models are easier to carry and move around, making them ideal for multi-level homes or frequent use. Heavier models may offer more features or larger tanks but can be cumbersome to handle. Consider your physical strength and the layout of your home when choosing the weight and portability that suits you best.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of a steam cleaner, allowing you to clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Common attachments include brushes, nozzles, and upholstery tools. More attachments can make the cleaner more useful for various tasks, such as cleaning upholstery, car interiors, or grout. Think about the specific cleaning tasks you need to perform and choose a steam cleaner with the appropriate attachments.
Cord LengthCord length determines how far you can move the steam cleaner from the power outlet without needing an extension cord. Longer cords provide greater flexibility and ease of use, especially in larger rooms. Cord lengths typically range from 15 to 30 feet. If you have large areas to clean or limited power outlets, a longer cord will be more convenient. For smaller spaces, a shorter cord may be sufficient.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a steam cleaner can impact your comfort during use, especially if you have a sensitive household or need to clean during quiet times. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. If noise is a concern, look for models that specify a lower dB rating. For those who are less sensitive to noise or use the cleaner infrequently, noise level may be less of a priority.

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