When it comes to keeping your home spotless, compact carpet cleaners are a game-changer. I’ve spent countless hours testing these machines, and I can confidently say they’re a must-have for anyone battling spills, stains, or pet accidents. These portable powerhouses are designed to fit into tight spaces, making them perfect for quick cleanups without the bulk of full-sized machines. Whether you’re tackling a stubborn wine stain on your rug or freshening up your car’s upholstery, a good compact cleaner can save the day.
What sets the best compact cleaners apart is their balance of portability, suction power, and versatility. Some models excel at deep cleaning, while others shine with their lightweight designs and ease of use. After testing several top-rated options, I’ve narrowed it down to the ones that truly deliver. If you’re ready to say goodbye to stains and hello to a fresher, cleaner home, keep reading to discover the best compact carpet cleaners on the market.
Top 10 Compact Carpet Cleaner
- BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Uphols…
- HAUSHOF Cordless Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, Lightweight Dee…
- Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet an…
- Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, Portable Upholstery StainStrike…
- BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus, 3588F, Upright De…
- Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine…
- WORKPRO Portable Carpet Spot and Upholstery Cleaner, 13KPa Up…
- Shop-Vac Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Machine, Powe…
- HAUSHOF Portable Carpet Spot and Upholstery Cleaner, 12Kpa Li…
- EUREKA Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Spot Cleaner f…
1. BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Uphols…See It
The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner is a standout choice for anyone looking to tackle stubborn stains in a compact package. With its powerful suction, it easily removes pet spots and other tough marks from carpets and upholstery, making it a reliable tool for pet owners like myself. I’ve found it indispensable for quick cleanups; it always impresses me with its ability to handle unexpected messes.
This cleaner features a large 48 oz. tank, allowing for extended cleaning sessions before needing a refill. Its portable and versatile design means you can use it on a variety of surfaces—from upholstery to your car’s interior—making it an all-in-one cleaning solution. The inclusion of the Spot & Stain formula with Febreze Freshness effectively combats odors, ensuring your home smells as good as it looks. The BISSELL Little Green stands out not only for its performance but also for its commitment to helping homeless pets through purchases made.
2. HAUSHOF Cordless Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, Lightweight Dee…See It
The HAUSHOF Cordless Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is a game-changer for quick, deep cleaning without the hassle of cords. I’ve used it to tackle everything from pet stains on rugs to spilled coffee on car seats, and its 12Kpa suction power never disappoints. The freedom of cordless operation means no more tripping over wires or hunting for outlets—just grab and go.
What sets this cleaner apart is its brushless motor, which delivers quiet yet powerful performance (under 75dB). Weighing just 7.7 lbs, it’s effortless to carry upstairs or into tight spaces, and the dual-tank system (51 oz clean water/27 oz sewage) keeps cleaning sessions uninterrupted. The included gap brush is perfect for narrow spots, proving HAUSHOF’s thoughtful design.
For a truly portable cleaner that doesn’t sacrifice power, this model excels. Its 30-minute runtime and automatic shutoff when full make it as practical as it is effective—ideal for homes with pets or kids.
3. Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet an…See It
The Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is a powerhouse for deep cleaning, especially for pet owners. Its five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes and HeatForce technology make quick work of tough stains, leaving carpets refreshed. I’ve seen it tackle embedded dirt with ease, restoring my carpet’s vibrancy.
What sets this cleaner apart is its versatility. The included pet tool and upholstery tool extend its use beyond floors, making it ideal for furniture and car interiors. The TruMAX recovery tank allows for longer cleaning sessions, while Quick Clean mode offers fast results for smaller areas.
With its Auto Mix feature ensuring optimal solution dispersion, this cleaner is both efficient and effective. It’s a top choice for pet owners seeking a reliable, deep-cleaning solution that’s both powerful and practical.
4. Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine, Portable Upholstery StainStrike…See It
The Shark StainStriker redefines portable cleaning with its dual-activated formula that requires no premixing – a game-changer when my dog tracked mud across the rug. Its 20X more stain-striking power (vs Shark’s Deep Clean Pro Formula) obliterates even set-in coffee spills and pet accidents on contact, while the powerful suction extracts every trace of dirt and liquid from deep fibers.
What makes this compact cleaner exceptional is its whole-home versatility. Weighing under 9 lbs, it moves effortlessly from carpets to car seats, armed with three specialized tools including a pet tool for stubborn messes. The OXY Multiplier Formula and Deep Clean Pro solution combine automatically to attack odors at the molecular level – I’ve watched it neutralize cat urine smells that other cleaners couldn’t touch.
For a truly portable yet professional-grade cleaner, the Shark StainStriker delivers salon-quality results anywhere. Its 7-inch Wide-Path tool covers more ground quickly, while the compact design tucks neatly away – perfect for apartments or quick cleanups between guests.
5. BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus, 3588F, Upright De…See It
The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is a powerhouse for deep cleaning, especially for pet owners. Its Dual DirtLifter PowerBrush with 12 rows of bristles tackles embedded dirt and stains effortlessly, while the TurboStrength Motor Technology delivers powerful suction with quiet efficiency. I’ve used it to remove stubborn pet stains, and its ability to eliminate even skunk odors is impressive.
What sets this cleaner apart is its MAX Clean Mode, which uses 12 rows of rotating brushes for professional-grade cleaning, and Express Clean Mode, which dries carpets in about 30 minutes. The included pet upholstery tool and tough stain tool add versatility, making it perfect for tackling messes beyond the floor.
With its 8-foot hose and 35-foot power cord, this cleaner offers extensive reach. While it’s an upright model, its compact design and robust features make it a top choice for deep cleaning and quick drying, ideal for busy households with pets.
6. Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine…See It
The Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact Carpet Cleaner is a remarkable choice for those seeking a lightweight yet powerful cleaning solution. It’s the perfect companion for small homes and apartments, effortlessly tackling messes with its PowerSpin pet brush roll that neutralizes pet odors. I’ve found it incredibly efficient for cleaning everything from carpets to upholstery, especially after my dog’s little accidents.
What truly makes this cleaner stand out is the incorporation of HeatForce technology, which accelerates drying time, allowing you to get back on your feet quickly. With its compact design, it’s easy to store and maneuver, making cleaning less of a chore.
This machine also comes with a sample cleaner solution so you can start revitalizing your space right away. Pairing it with Hoover’s specially formulated solutions ensures effective cleaning of tough stains, creating a bright, refreshed home environment perfect for pet lovers.
7. WORKPRO Portable Carpet Spot and Upholstery Cleaner, 13KPa Up…See It
The WORKPRO Portable Carpet Spot and Upholstery Cleaner is a compact cleaning powerhouse that delivers exceptional results. With its 13KPa suction power, it effortlessly handles tough stains like pet urine, wine, and coffee. I’ve used it to freshen up my sofa and carpets, and it leaves them looking and feeling renewed every time.
What makes this cleaner stand out is its dual-tank design—a 54 oz clean water tank and a 25 oz dirty water tank—ensuring hygienic, uninterrupted cleaning. The inclusion of two specialized brushes (wide-path and tough stain) makes it versatile for both large areas and tight spots, saving time and effort.
Weighing just 9 lbs with an 11.5 ft power cord, this cleaner is portable and easy to maneuver. Its space-saving design and multi-surface compatibility make it perfect for homes, cars, and upholstery.
8. Shop-Vac Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Machine, Powe…See It
The Shop-Vac Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Machine is a reliable solution for tackling tough stains and messes. With its 11 kPa suction power and three-in-one function (spray, brush, suction), it efficiently removes deep stains and odors. I’ve used it to clean everything from pet accidents on the sofa to spilled drinks on the carpet, and it consistently delivers impressive results.
This cleaner stands out for its dual water tank system, keeping clean and dirty water separate for hygienic cleaning. The 16 ft cord and 4 ft hose provide excellent reach, making it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas like mattresses and car seats. Weighing just 10 lbs, it’s lightweight and portable, perfect for quick cleanups around the house or on the go.
With its two included cleaning solutions and versatile brushes, this cleaner is a practical choice for various surfaces. Its ability to handle pet stains, upholstery, and curtains with ease makes it a valuable addition to any cleaning arsenal, offering both convenience and effectiveness in a compact design.
9. HAUSHOF Portable Carpet Spot and Upholstery Cleaner, 12Kpa Li…See It
The HAUSHOF Portable Carpet Spot and Upholstery Cleaner is a compact yet powerful solution for tackling tough stains and messes. With its 12Kpa suction power and lightweight design, it’s perfect for pet owners and those who need a reliable cleaner for quick cleanups. I’ve used it to remove stubborn pet stains from my couch and rug, and its efficiency never ceases to impress.
What sets this cleaner apart is its dual-tank design, keeping clean and dirty water separate for a hygienic cleaning experience. The ergonomic handle and portable design make it easy to maneuver around the house or in tight spaces like car seats. Weighing only 8.5 lbs, it’s a breeze to carry upstairs or wherever cleanup is needed.
The included gap brush and long 10-foot cord allow for versatile cleaning, reaching areas other machines can’t. Its versatile tools and powerful suction make it a top choice for compact cleaning needs, ensuring your home stays fresh and clean with minimal effort.
10. EUREKA Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Spot Cleaner f…See It
The EUREKA Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a compact yet powerful tool for tackling tough stains and messes. Its 50.7 oz clean water tank and 27 oz dirty water tank ensure uninterrupted cleaning, making it ideal for larger areas. I’ve used it to remove pet stains from my area rug, and its high water return rate left the carpet looking spotless.
What makes this cleaner stand out is its long reach, thanks to a 5.5 ft hose and 16 ft cord, allowing you to clean hard-to-reach spots effortlessly. The powerful spray and suction system effectively handles everything from pet accidents to daily spills, ensuring a deep clean every time.
With its included cleaning solution, this cleaner not only removes stains but also leaves a refreshing scent. Its compact design and versatile functionality make it a must-have for pet owners and anyone seeking a reliable, portable cleaning solution.
How to Choose the Best Compact Carpet Cleaner
When shopping for a compact carpet cleaner, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs. From suction power to portability, every feature plays a role in delivering an effective cleaning experience. Let’s dive into the key considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Suction Power is one of the most critical factors. A higher suction power means the cleaner can lift embedded dirt and stains more efficiently. Look for models with at least 10KPa of suction for tackling tough pet stains and deep-seated dirt. Portability is another key aspect—opt for a cleaner that’s lightweight (under 10 lbs) and has a compact design for easy maneuverability around furniture and stairs.
Tank Capacity is worth considering, especially if you have larger areas to clean. A large clean water tank (around 50 oz) reduces the need for frequent refills, while a separate dirty water tank ensures a hygienic cleaning process. Noise levels are also important—choose a cleaner with a low decibel rating (under 75dB) if you prefer a quieter cleaning experience.
Additional features like multiple cleaning tools (e.g., upholstery brushes, crevice tools) and adjustable settings (e.g., spray control, dry mode) enhance versatility. Consider the drying time as well; some models offer advanced features like HeatForce technology for faster drying. Finally, think about your budget and brand reputation—reliable brands often provide better performance and durability.
In conclusion, the best compact carpet cleaner for you will depend on your specific needs, such as pet ownership, frequency of cleaning, and the types of surfaces you’ll be cleaning. By focusing on suction power, portability, tank capacity, noise, and additional features, you’ll find a cleaner that delivers professional-grade results in a compact, user-friendly design.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the best compact carpet cleaner for pet stains?
The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Shark StainStriker are top choices. Both offer powerful suction and specialized pet stain tools. BISSELL’s model includes odor-eliminating formula, while Shark’s dual-activated system provides 20X more stain-fighting power.
2. Are cordless carpet cleaners effective?
Yes! Models like the HAUSHOF Cordless Cleaner (25-30 min runtime) work well for quick cleanups. While slightly less powerful than corded versions, their convenience for spot cleaning makes them ideal for apartments or cars.
3. How do I maintain my compact carpet cleaner?
After each use: empty dirty tanks immediately, rinse brushes, and run clean water through the system. Monthly: Check filters and use manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions to prevent clogs.
4. Can these cleaners be used on car interiors?
Absolutely! Most compact cleaners like the WORKPRO or EUREKA models come with crevice tools perfect for car seats. Just avoid oversaturating fabrics and ensure proper ventilation while cleaning.
5. What’s the average drying time?
Typically 30-90 minutes. Models with HeatForce technology (like Hoover’s) dry fastest. For quicker drying, open windows or use fans after cleaning.
6. Are compact cleaners good for large areas?
They’re designed for spot cleaning and small spaces. For whole-room cleaning, consider an upright model with wider cleaning paths and larger tanks.
