10 Best Carpet Steam Cleaning Machine 2025 in the United States

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro is a powerful upright carpet and upholstery cleaner that excels at deep cleaning, particularly for homes with pets. Its 28.7-ounce water tank and fast-acting CarpetXpert technology combine high-speed brushes, high-pressure spray, and strong suction to tackle dirt, grime, pet hair, and tough stains effectively. The built-in spot and stain remover adds convenience for treating stubborn areas without extra effort.

Weighing about 20.7 pounds, it's moderately heavy for an upright but still manageable to move around, thanks to its design and included accessories like a crevice tool and stain brush that help clean carpets, stairs, and upholstery thoroughly. Users will appreciate its ability to neutralize odors, especially pet smells, and the quick drying time after cleaning, which means less waiting before using the carpet again.

Despite requiring some assembly that might slow down the initial setup and being less lightweight or quiet compared to some smaller, handheld models, this Shark model is a robust, pet-friendly carpet cleaner that handles hair and stains deeply with a good set of tools, making it a solid choice.

The Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is designed to deeply clean carpets and upholstery, making it a solid choice for pet owners or anyone dealing with stubborn stains. Its 0.8-gallon water tank allows for cleaning without frequent refills, and the patented TruMAX recovery tank system helps cover larger areas with fewer stops. Although it’s not a steam cleaner in the traditional sense, its five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes combined with HeatForce technology help lift dirt and speed up drying, which means your carpet won’t stay wet for long.

Weighing about 12 pounds, it’s on the heavier side compared to some lightweight models but remains manageable for most users. The machine comes with helpful attachments like a pet tool and upholstery tool, extending its usefulness beyond floors to furniture and hard-to-clean pet spots. This model is corded, so it requires access to an outlet, limiting portability somewhat. The Auto Mix feature that blends cleaning solution automatically is convenient, especially paired with Hoover’s specialized cleaning pods that simplify the process.

Setup and use are straightforward, making it user-friendly even if you’re not experienced with carpet cleaners. This product is a dependable option if you need robust cleaning for carpets and pet messes, though its weight and corded design might be considerations if you prefer a lighter or more portable machine.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, model 1400B, is a handy tool designed for cleaning carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. One of its standout features is the 48 oz. water tank, which allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills. This model doesn’t require batteries as it’s corded, which means consistent power throughout use. Weighing 9.65 pounds, it’s fairly portable and easy to move around, fitting into various cleaning scenarios comfortably.

The powerful suction is effective at lifting tough stains and odors, especially with the Spot & Stain formula included in the package. Additionally, its HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool helps maintain the machine’s performance after each use, which is a thoughtful touch for ease of maintenance. However, being a handheld unit, it might not cover large areas as efficiently as bigger machines. The noise level isn't specified, but being a compact cleaner, it might be quieter compared to larger models.

The inclusion of specialty tools like the 3” Tough Stain Tool makes it versatile for different cleaning needs. It’s also worth noting that BISSELL supports pet foundations, which could be a bonus for pet owners. This BISSELL cleaner is a solid choice for those who need a portable and effective solution for spot cleaning and smaller areas, but it may not be the best option for extensive carpet cleaning due to its compact size.