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 Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it suitable for small homes and apartments. Weighing 16.25 pounds, it offers decent portability considering its upright form factor. With a tank capacity of 0.6 gallons, it can handle moderate cleaning tasks without frequent refills. Its corded design ensures consistent power, though it might limit mobility compared to cordless models.

The machine includes useful attachments like a 2-in-1 pet tool, accessory hose, and nozzle cleanout tool, enhancing its versatility for cleaning carpets, stairs, and upholstery. The PowerSpin pet brush roll is particularly advantageous for homes with pets as it helps manage pet odors. The HeatForce technology aids in faster drying times, which is a beneficial feature for quick clean-ups. It comes with a sample cleaning solution and is compatible with Hoover's range of carpet cleaning solutions, including specialized pet formulas.

Maintenance appears straightforward with the included tools designed for cleanout. However, the compact design may not be as effective for larger areas or heavily soiled carpets compared to bigger models. The electric power source means no need for batteries, ensuring reliable operation. This machine is a strong choice for pet owners and anyone looking for a convenient, multi-functional carpet cleaner for smaller spaces.

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.