Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Carpet cleaning is a regular task for many homeowners, especially with spills, pet accidents, and everyday dirt making carpets look dull. While full-size carpet cleaners are great for deep cleaning, they can be bulky and inconvenient for quick touch-ups. That’s where handheld carpet cleaners come in. These compact, portable devices are perfect for tackling small stains and messes on carpets and upholstery. Lightweight and easy to use, they rely on a mix of cleaning solution, scrubbing, and suction to lift dirt and stains. When choosing a handheld cleaner, consider suction power, tank capacity, and ease of use for the best results. We tested various models to find the most effective options for everyday messes and stubborn stains.
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Bissell Little Green
We think the Bissell Little Green is a great buy for tackling small messes and pet stains on various surfaces.
We think the Bissell Little Green is a great buy for tackling small messes and pet stains on various surfaces.
We tried out the Bissell Little Green on a variety of surfaces and stains. Its compact size made it easy to carry around the house and even out to the car. We were impressed by how well it lifted old coffee stains from our living room carpet.
The 48-ounce tank let us clean a good amount before needing a refill. We found the included tools handy for different jobs. The tough stain tool worked well on set-in marks, while the crevice tool got into tight spots in our car seats.
We liked that it came with a trial size cleaning solution. It left a fresh scent and didn’t leave our carpets soaked. The machine was a bit loud, but not more than we expected for its power. For pet owners and families, we think this cleaner is a smart choice for quick cleanups.
Bissell Little Green- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
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Shark StainStriker
We think the Shark StainStriker is a top choice for most people seeking a powerful and versatile handheld carpet cleaner.
We think the Shark StainStriker is a top choice for most people seeking a powerful and versatile handheld carpet cleaner.
We tested the Shark StainStriker on various surfaces in our home, and it impressed us with its cleaning power. The dual-activated formula worked wonders on stubborn stains without any premixing hassle. We found it especially useful for tackling pet messes and food spills on our carpets and upholstery.
The StainStriker’s suction power is noteworthy. It pulled out deep-set dirt and liquid from our area rugs, leaving them looking refreshed. The included tools, like the pet tool and wide path tool, made it easy to clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach spots.
We appreciated the compact design, which made storage simple. While it’s not the lightest option at 8.5 pounds, we didn’t find it too cumbersome to use. The 2-liter capacity meant we could clean larger areas without frequent refills. For tough stains, we did need to make multiple passes, but the results were worth the extra effort.
SaleShark StainStriker- UNBEATABLE TOUGH STAIN ELIMINATION: Dual-activated tough stain eliminator with no premix required, eliminates stains & odors throughout your home: carpets, area rugs, couches, upholstery, cars & more!
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Hoover CleanSlate Plus Spot Cleaner
We think the Hoover CleanSlate Plus is a great choice for quick cleanups and spot treatments on carpets and upholstery.
We think the Hoover CleanSlate Plus is a great choice for quick cleanups and spot treatments on carpets and upholstery.
We recently tried out the Hoover CleanSlate Plus, and we were impressed by its cleaning power. This compact machine packs a punch when it comes to tackling spills and stains. We found it super easy to grab and use for quick cleanups around the house.
The 7-inch WidePath tool worked great for cleaning larger spots on our stairs. We also liked the TightSpot tool for getting into corners and crevices. The suction was strong enough to pull up most of the dirt and liquid we threw at it.
We did notice that the water tank is on the smaller side. For bigger jobs, we had to stop and refill it a couple of times. The machine can also be a bit loud, but that’s not unusual for this type of cleaner. While it’s perfect for spot cleaning, we wouldn’t recommend it for whole-room carpet cleaning. But for what it’s designed to do, we think the CleanSlate Plus is a solid choice.
SaleHoover CleanSlate Plus Spot Cleaner- PORTABLE CARPET CLEANER MACHINE: Quickly remove spills when they happen and tackle tough messes like mud, wine, pet messes and more with the Hoover CleanSlate Plus Carpet Cleaning Machine. Includes trial oxy cleaning solution
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Bissell Little Green Pro
We think the Bissell Little Green Pro is a top pick for anyone needing a powerful, portable carpet and upholstery cleaner.
We think the Bissell Little Green Pro is a top pick for anyone needing a powerful, portable carpet and upholstery cleaner.
We put the Bissell Little Green Pro through its paces on various surfaces. This little powerhouse impressed us with its ability to tackle tough stains. Its strong suction and scrubbing action made quick work of spills on carpets, stairs, and car seats.
The included Deep Stain Tool and 3″ Tough Stain Tool proved quite handy. We found them effective for different types of messes. The two trial-size cleaning solutions that come with it also did a good job.
At 13 pounds, it’s not the lightest option out there. But we felt its cleaning power made up for the extra weight. The cord can be a bit limiting, but it allows for constant power without battery concerns.
We liked how easy it was to fill, use, and clean. The 2.8-liter tank meant fewer refills during big jobs. For pet owners and parents, we think this cleaner could be a real lifesaver. It’s great for spot cleaning and seems built to last.
SaleBissell Little Green Pro- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.Hose Length : 5'.Power Rating : 5.7 amps, Carry Handle : Yes..Power Source : Corded.
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BISSELL Little Green Max Pet
We think the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet is a great choice for pet owners looking to tackle tough stains and odors on carpets and upholstery.
We think the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet is a great choice for pet owners looking to tackle tough stains and odors on carpets and upholstery.
We recently tried out the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet, and we were impressed by its cleaning power. This little machine packs a punch when it comes to removing stubborn pet stains. We found it easy to set up and use right out of the box.
The self-cleaning tool is a standout feature. It made cleaning up after use a breeze. We just pressed a button, and the tool rinsed itself out. No more messy clean-up or lingering odors in the machine.
We liked how compact and light the Little Green Max Pet is. It’s perfect for quick cleanups and spot treatments. We had no trouble carrying it up and down stairs or storing it in a small closet. The long cord and hose gave us plenty of reach for cleaning car interiors and hard-to-reach spots.
While using it, we noticed the water tanks are on the small side. For bigger jobs, we had to refill them a few times. The machine can get loud when running, which might bother some users. Also, keep in mind you’ll need to buy cleaning solution separately.
All in all, we think the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet is a solid pick for homes with pets. It tackles tough stains well and is super easy to use and store. Just be ready for some noise and frequent refills during bigger cleaning tasks.
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Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro
We think the Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro is a top pick for pet owners who need a powerful, portable carpet cleaner.
We think the Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro is a top pick for pet owners who need a powerful, portable carpet cleaner.
We tested the Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro on some tough pet stains, and we were impressed with its cleaning power. The strong suction and scrubbing action made quick work of dried mud and old food spills. We liked that we could clean a whole room without refilling the large 3/4 gallon tank.
The included pet tools are a nice touch. The stain trapper tool caught the worst messes, while the tough stain tool worked well on set-in spots. We found the 22-foot cord gave us plenty of reach to clean stairs and furniture without unplugging.
This cleaner is on the heavier side at 13 pounds. It’s not as easy to carry around as some smaller handhelds. The motor is also quite loud, which might scare nervous pets. But for serious cleaning power, we think the trade-offs are worth it.
We appreciate Bissell’s support of pet charities. A portion of each purchase goes to the Bissell Pet Foundation to help homeless animals. While it’s pricier than basic spot cleaners, we think the SpotClean Pet Pro’s performance and features make it a solid value for pet owners.
SaleBissell SpotClean Pet Pro- Every Bissell purchase helps save pets. Bissell proudly supports Bissell pet foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets..Power Rating 5.7 Amps
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BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
We recommend the BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam for its powerful cleaning performance and versatility across multiple surfaces.
We recommend the BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam for its powerful cleaning performance and versatility across multiple surfaces.
We put the BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam through its paces on some tough stains. The HydroSteam technology really impressed us, lifting set-in marks from carpet that we thought were goners. It tackled oily messes with ease, leaving surfaces looking fresh and clean.
The three cleaning modes came in handy for different jobs. We used SteamWash for grimy car seats, Steam mode to freshen up the couch, and Wash mode for some unfortunate pet accidents. The 5″ Tough Stain Tool worked well on carpets and upholstery, while the Multi-Surface Tool let us clean tile grout and even our dirty sneakers.
We liked how quickly surfaces dried after cleaning – about 25 minutes for upholstery. The big 64 oz clean water tank meant less refilling during big jobs. While it’s not tiny, we found it easy to carry around the house. If you have pets or kids, this cleaner is a great tool to have on hand for inevitable messes.
SaleBISSELL Little Green HydroSteam- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
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Kenmore SpotLite Portable Cleaner
We think this compact carpet cleaner is a great buy for tackling small messes and pet stains quickly.
We think this compact carpet cleaner is a great buy for tackling small messes and pet stains quickly.
The Kenmore SpotLite impressed us with its cleaning power. We found it lifted old stains from our carpet with ease. The strong suction pulled up dirt and left the area looking fresh.
At just over 10 pounds, we had no trouble carrying this cleaner up and down stairs. It fit easily in our closet when not in use. The compact size was perfect for cleaning car seats and couch cushions too.
We liked the included attachments. The tough stain tool worked well on set-in spots. The wider tool helped us clean larger areas faster. The trial-size cleaning solution was a nice bonus. We did wish the water tank was bigger, as we had to refill it often during longer cleaning sessions.
SaleKenmore SpotLite Portable Cleaner- REMOVES TOUGH STAINS: Powerful suction lifts stains on carpets, upholstery and auto interiors.Wet Pickup : Yes, Integrated On-Board Storage : Yes
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Bissell Stain Eraser Duo
We think this 2-in-1 cordless cleaner is a solid choice for quick cleanups, but it has some drawbacks to consider.
We think this 2-in-1 cordless cleaner is a solid choice for quick cleanups, but it has some drawbacks to consider.
The Bissell Stain Eraser Duo caught our eye with its promise of tackling both wet and dry messes. We found it handy for small spills and pet accidents. The cordless design let us reach tight spots easily.
In our tests, it worked well on carpets and upholstery. We liked how it kept wet and dry messes separate. This made cleanup a breeze. The included BISSELL PET PRO OXY formula did a good job on tough stains.
But it’s not perfect. The battery didn’t last as long as we hoped. We also struggled a bit with setup at first. For some tasks, we wished for stronger suction. It’s best for quick cleanups rather than deep cleaning large areas.
Bissell Stain Eraser Duo- ONE MACHINE, TWO WAYS TO CLEAN. Tackle both wet and dry messes with this portable deep cleaner plus a hand vacuum in one.
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Eureka NEY100 Spot Cleaner
We think the Eureka NEY100 is a solid choice for quick spot cleaning of carpets and upholstery.
We think the Eureka NEY100 is a solid choice for quick spot cleaning of carpets and upholstery.
We recently tried out the Eureka NEY100 Spot Cleaner and found it to be a handy tool for tackling small messes. Its compact size makes it easy to store and carry around the house. We liked how light it felt while using it on our couch and area rugs.
The suction power surprised us for such a small machine. It did a good job pulling up spills and light stains from our carpet. The dual tank system is nice, keeping clean and dirty water separate. We didn’t have to stop and refill as often as we expected.
We found the 16-foot cord a bit limiting when cleaning larger rooms or stairs. For tough, set-in stains, we needed to go over the area multiple times. The included cleaning solution worked well, but we’ll need to buy more soon. Despite these minor issues, we think the Eureka NEY100 is a useful tool for quick clean-ups and spot treatments in most homes.
SaleEureka NEY100 Spot Cleaner- REMOVE TOUGH SPOTS AND STAINS FOR A DEEP CLEAN: Eureka NEY100 carpet and upholstery cleaner can conveniently tackle stubborn spots and stains in carpets, upholstery, and car interiors with ease while also have high water return rate. Achieve a deep, thorough clean effortlessly.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a handheld carpet cleaner, we recommend considering several key factors:
Size and Weight
Look for a compact, lightweight model that’s easy to maneuver. This is especially important if you’ll be cleaning stairs or hard-to-reach areas.
Suction Power
Strong suction is crucial for lifting dirt and stains from carpet fibers. Check the motor’s wattage as a general indicator of power.
Tank Capacity
A larger tank means less frequent refilling, but it also adds weight. We suggest finding a balance that works for your needs.
Attachments
Different tools help tackle various messes. Common attachments include:
- Crevice tool
- Upholstery brush
- Stair tool
Cord Length
For corded models, a longer cord provides more reach. Alternatively, cordless options offer greater mobility but may have shorter run times.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for units with removable tanks and washable filters. This makes maintenance simpler and extends the life of your cleaner.
Warranty
A good warranty can provide peace of mind. We recommend looking for at least a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be better equipped to choose a handheld carpet cleaner that meets your specific needs.