10 Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners 2026 in the United States

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.

The Bissell Little Green Mini Pet is a compact, corded handheld carpet and upholstery cleaner designed especially for small messes and pet stains. It offers decent suction power suitable for cleaning carpets, car seats, pet beds, and upholstery, making it versatile for home and auto use. Its 1.42-liter tank is moderate in size, which means it’s enough for quick clean-ups but may require refilling if you have larger areas to clean. Weighing about 7 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight and easy to carry around, though not as light as some battery-powered models. Being corded ensures consistent power without worrying about battery life, but it does limit mobility to some extent compared to cordless options.

The cleaner comes with useful attachments like a 4-inch Tough Stain Tool to tackle stubborn spots and a HydroRinse self-cleaning tool that helps keep the hose clean with less hassle, which is a nice feature for maintenance. It uses a specialized cleaning formula that helps remove stains and odors effectively, especially useful for pet owners. Storage is simple thanks to its small size, fitting well into closets or cabinets. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not suited for deep or large-scale carpet cleaning because of its tank size and handheld design. Also, being corded might be less convenient if you need to move far from outlets.

This little cleaner is best suited for quick spot treatments, pet messes, and tight spaces where bigger machines can’t reach.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a solid choice for anyone looking to tackle tough stains and odors effectively, especially pet owners. One of its standout features is the powerful suction, which excels at removing stubborn spots from various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. With a large 48 oz. tank capacity, it allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills, a definite plus for bigger jobs.

Portability is another strength, as its lightweight and handheld design make it easy to maneuver around your home or vehicle. The included attachments, like the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool and Tough Stain Tool, add versatility and enhance its cleaning capabilities. Additionally, the compatibility with BISSELL’s Spot & Stain formula, which includes Febreze for freshness, is a nice touch for ensuring thorough cleaning.

On the flip side, being corded can limit mobility to a certain extent, as you'll need to stay near an outlet while using it. Weighing in at about 9.65 pounds, while not overly heavy, it could be cumbersome for some users during prolonged cleaning sessions. The maintenance does require some effort, as you’ll need to clean the HydroRinse tool after each use to maintain its performance. This carpet cleaner is well-suited for anyone looking for a dependable, portable cleaning companion.