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10 Best Compact Carpet Shampooers 2025 in the United States

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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
9.9
Chosen by1,411
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
96897 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is a stain-fighting BEAST, effortlessly tackling red wine stains, coffee spills, and ground-in dirt.
Water Tank Capacity
The tank holds enough to clean multiple spots before needing a refill, despite being smaller than a full-size cleaner.
Weight and Portability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
Attachments and Accessories
The instructions could be more detailed on how to use each attachment, but overall, the pros outweigh the cons significantly.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Setup and operation are a breeze with simple and intuitive controls.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a solid choice for anyone needing a compact solution for tackling stains and odors from various surfaces, especially for pet owners. Its powerful suction effectively lifts tough pet spots from carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors, making it quite versatile for different cleaning tasks around the home and car. With a 48 oz. water tank, you can clean larger areas without frequent refills, enhancing your efficiency during cleaning sessions. This product is easy to handle, weighing just under 10 pounds, which adds to its portability and makes it user-friendly for people of all ages.

There are some aspects to consider. While the suction power is impressive, it may not replace a full-sized carpet cleaner for extensive deep-cleaning needs. The drying time may vary, so areas cleaned might still require some time to dry completely after use, depending on the fabric type. Additionally, while it comes with exclusive specialty tools, some users might find the accessories could be limited for more extensive or specific cleaning tasks.

The BISSELL Little Green is an excellent option for those looking for a compact carpet shampooer that offers strong cleaning capabilities and convenient portability, particularly for pet owners. However, if you're looking for something to deeply clean large carpets regularly, you might want to consider a more powerful machine.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,411
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
96897 reviews

Cleaning Power
This little machine is a stain-fighting BEAST, effortlessly tackling red wine stains, coffee spills, and ground-in dirt.
Water Tank Capacity
The tank holds enough to clean multiple spots before needing a refill, despite being smaller than a full-size cleaner.
Weight and Portability
It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for spot cleaning or tackling stairs and car interiors.
Attachments and Accessories
The instructions could be more detailed on how to use each attachment, but overall, the pros outweigh the cons significantly.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Setup and operation are a breeze with simple and intuitive controls.
#2

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

Rating
9.8
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
56860 reviews

Cleaning Power
The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is an absolute game-changer. It’s super easy to use, lightweight, and does an incredible job deep-cleaning carpets.
Water Tank Capacity
The separate clean and dirty water tanks are really convenient, and it’s easy to fill and empty.
Weight and Portability
The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is an absolute game-changer. It’s super easy to use, lightweight, and does an incredible job deep-cleaning carpets.
Brush System
The vacuum suction is fantastic, leaving the carpet almost dry. The five rotating brushes really deep clean the carpet.
Drying Time
Old stains that seemed impossible to remove were handled like a pro. The suction power is strong, so the carpet dries faster than expected.
Attachments and Accessories
The hand tool is perfect for cleaning upholstery and smaller areas.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is an absolute game-changer. It’s super easy to use, lightweight, and does an incredible job deep-cleaning carpets.

The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is a reliable option for anyone looking to tackle tough carpet stains at home. Its main strength lies in its powerful cleaning capabilities, thanks to the SpinScrub® Technology which offers 360-degree cleaning with its counter-rotating brushes. This feature ensures thorough cleaning of carpet fibers without the brushes rolling, enhancing contact and performance. The dual nozzle design provides even suction, making the cleaning process faster and more efficient.

In terms of convenience, the Smart Tank™ system is a standout. It allows for easy filling, emptying, and cleaning of the recovery tank, which has a quick pour spout to minimize mess. The 8-foot hose and upholstery tool are great additions, enabling users to clean stairs and other hard-to-reach areas effectively. The weight of the machine, at 18.5 pounds, makes it relatively portable for an upright cleaner, although some may find it slightly heavy after prolonged use.

There are a couple of drawbacks worth noting. The assembly can be a bit tricky for some users, especially those not familiar with such devices. Additionally, while it does a fantastic job on carpets, it may not be as effective on certain types of upholstery, depending on fabric. Furthermore, the drying time can be longer than expected, which might be a consideration if you need to use the area immediately after cleaning.

For those who need a compact carpet shampooer that’s easy to use and highly effective, the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is an excellent choice, particularly for households with pets or children. Just keep in mind the weight and drying time when making your decision.

Rating
9.8
Cleaning Power
Water Tank Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
56860 reviews

Cleaning Power
The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is an absolute game-changer. It’s super easy to use, lightweight, and does an incredible job deep-cleaning carpets.
Water Tank Capacity
The separate clean and dirty water tanks are really convenient, and it’s easy to fill and empty.
Weight and Portability
The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is an absolute game-changer. It’s super easy to use, lightweight, and does an incredible job deep-cleaning carpets.
Brush System
The vacuum suction is fantastic, leaving the carpet almost dry. The five rotating brushes really deep clean the carpet.
Drying Time
Old stains that seemed impossible to remove were handled like a pro. The suction power is strong, so the carpet dries faster than expected.
Attachments and Accessories
The hand tool is perfect for cleaning upholstery and smaller areas.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe is an absolute game-changer. It’s super easy to use, lightweight, and does an incredible job deep-cleaning carpets.
#3

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

Rating
9.5
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Drying Time

Most important from
5275 reviews

Cleaning Power
This carpet cleaner is incredibly easy to use, even for someone who isn't particularly handy with cleaning machines. The setup is simple, and it does an excellent job lifting stains and leaving carpets fresh and smelling great.
Weight and Portability
Bissell continues to improve their designs, making this upright carpet cleaner more effective and easier to use. It quickly gets carpets clean without leaving them super wet, and it's not too heavy to maneuver.
Drying Time
Bissell continues to improve their designs, making this upright carpet cleaner more effective and easier to use. It quickly gets carpets clean without leaving them super wet, and it's not too heavy to maneuver.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
This carpet cleaner is incredibly easy to use, even for someone who isn't particularly handy with cleaning machines. The setup is simple, and it does an excellent job lifting stains and leaving carpets fresh and smelling great.

The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is a powerful upright carpet cleaner tailored for pet owners. With a 6.8-amp power rating and TurboStrength Motor Technology, it offers impressive suction and cleaning capabilities, especially against tough pet stains and odors. It features a dual DirtLifter PowerBrush system with 12 rows of rotating brushes, ensuring deep cleaning efficiency.

The cleaner also provides a convenient express clean mode which can dry carpets in about 30 minutes, useful for quick clean-ups. The water tank capacity is 1 gallon, which is decent for home use, but might require frequent refills for larger areas. At 26.7 pounds, it's relatively heavy, which may affect portability, though the 35-foot power cord and 8-foot hose provide good reach.

The package includes several useful attachments like a pet upholstery tool and a tough stain tool, adding to its versatility. Maintenance involves regular cleaning of the dirty tank and accessories, which is essential for optimal performance. The weight and need for regular maintenance might be drawbacks for some users. This carpet cleaner is particularly beneficial for pet owners needing a robust solution for pet-related carpet cleaning challenges.

Rating
9.5
Cleaning Power
Weight and Portability
Drying Time

Most important from
5275 reviews

Cleaning Power
This carpet cleaner is incredibly easy to use, even for someone who isn't particularly handy with cleaning machines. The setup is simple, and it does an excellent job lifting stains and leaving carpets fresh and smelling great.
Weight and Portability
Bissell continues to improve their designs, making this upright carpet cleaner more effective and easier to use. It quickly gets carpets clean without leaving them super wet, and it's not too heavy to maneuver.
Drying Time
Bissell continues to improve their designs, making this upright carpet cleaner more effective and easier to use. It quickly gets carpets clean without leaving them super wet, and it's not too heavy to maneuver.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
This carpet cleaner is incredibly easy to use, even for someone who isn't particularly handy with cleaning machines. The setup is simple, and it does an excellent job lifting stains and leaving carpets fresh and smelling great.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Carpet Shampooers

Choosing the right compact carpet shampooer can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets. These machines are designed to deep clean carpets by injecting a mixture of water and cleaning solution into the carpet fibers and then extracting the dirty water. When selecting a compact carpet shampooer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Cleaning PowerCleaning power refers to the machine's ability to remove dirt and stains from your carpet. This is often measured in amps or watts. Higher power typically means better cleaning performance. For light cleaning tasks or smaller areas, a lower power machine (around 3-5 amps) may suffice. For more intensive cleaning or larger areas, look for a machine with higher power (6-10 amps). Consider your cleaning needs and the type of dirt or stains you typically encounter to choose the right cleaning power.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity determines how much water the machine can hold, which affects how long you can clean before needing to refill. Smaller tanks (less than 1 gallon) are lighter and easier to maneuver but require more frequent refills. Larger tanks (1-2 gallons) allow for longer cleaning sessions but can make the machine heavier and bulkier. If you have a small area to clean or prefer a lighter machine, a smaller tank may be suitable. For larger areas or more extensive cleaning, a larger tank is more convenient.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability are crucial for ease of use, especially if you need to carry the machine up and down stairs or move it around frequently. Compact carpet shampooers typically weigh between 10-20 pounds. Lighter models are easier to handle and store but may have smaller tanks and less power. Heavier models might offer more features and better performance but can be more cumbersome. Consider your physical strength and the layout of your home when choosing the weight and portability of the machine.
Brush SystemThe brush system helps to agitate the carpet fibers and loosen dirt. There are different types of brush systems, including fixed brushes, rotating brushes, and dual brush systems. Fixed brushes are simpler and less expensive but may not clean as thoroughly. Rotating brushes provide better agitation and cleaning performance. Dual brush systems offer the best cleaning but can be more expensive. Think about the level of cleaning you need and the type of carpets you have to decide on the brush system.
Drying TimeDrying time refers to how quickly your carpet will dry after cleaning. Some machines have features like heated drying or powerful suction to reduce drying time. Faster drying times are more convenient and reduce the risk of mold or mildew. If you need to use the carpet soon after cleaning or live in a humid area, look for a machine with features that promote quicker drying. Otherwise, standard drying times may be sufficient.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your carpet shampooer. Common attachments include upholstery tools, crevice tools, and stair tools. These can help you clean furniture, tight spaces, and stairs more effectively. If you have multiple surfaces to clean or specific areas that are hard to reach, look for a machine with a variety of attachments. If you only need to clean carpets, fewer attachments may be necessary.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use and maintenance are important for a hassle-free cleaning experience. Look for features like easy-to-fill water tanks, simple controls, and easy-to-clean brushes and tanks. Machines with removable parts and clear instructions for maintenance will save you time and effort. Consider how often you plan to use the machine and how much time you're willing to spend on maintenance when making your choice.

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