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 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.