Updated: 28th December 2020
Admit it: You just can’t avoid carpet stains. Whether it’s pet stains, liquid stains, food spills, or whatever that ruins your beautiful carpet, you have to deal with these every day.
If you want to remove these carpet stains, you need the best portable carpet cleaner that can handle these blots like a pro.
A handheld carpet cleaner, as the name suggests, is a compact, lightweight, and effective appliance. You can easily carry it anywhere, and it doesn’t occupy much space.
Choosing a suitable portable carpet cleaning machine can be tricky. Therefore, I decided to compile a list of the best portable carpet cleaners in 2024 to simplify your decision-making process.
Have a look at these portable carpet shampooers and buy the one that serves your purpose!
NOTE: Over time, some products have been discontinued. Hence, we’ve linked the latest products that resemble the most to the outdated products.
Which is the Best Portable Carpet Cleaner in 2024? [Clean Homez Top Picks]
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update: October 9, 2024
- Which is the Best Portable Carpet Cleaner in 2024? [Clean Homez Top Picks]
- How I identified the Best Portable Carpet Cleaners?
- 1. BISSELL SpotClean Pro 3624 [My FAVORITE & the BEST]
- 2. BISSELL Little Green 1400B [Best Multipurpose]
- 3. Hoover Spotless FH11300PC [Best for Spot Stains]
- 4. Rug Doctor Pet Portable 93390 [Most Powerful]
- 5. BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro 2458 [Best for Pet Stains]
- 6. BISSELL SpotClean ProHeat 2694 [Best for Everyday Use]
- 7. BISSELL SpotBot Pet 2117A [Most Convenient]
- Final Overview: Best Portable Carpet Cleaners Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- To Conclude: Which portable carpet cleaner will you buy?
How I identified the Best Portable Carpet Cleaners?
A carpet cleaner is not a shampoo that you’ll frequently be buying. When you buy a portable carpet cleaner, your money is at stake. And I’ll definitely not take a risk by recommending the wrong product to you just by doing minimal research.
I’ve put in a lot of effort to compile this list of compact & portable carpet cleaning appliances:
1. BISSELL SpotClean Pro 3624 [My FAVORITE & the BEST]
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 10 × 14 × 14 inches
- Product Weight: 13.25 lbs
- Power Source & Rating: Corded, 5.7 amps
- Cord length: 22 feet
- Tools: 3-inch Tough Stain Tool, 6-inch Stair Tool
- Hose: 5 feet
- Tank Capacity: ¾ gallons (96 ounces)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Surface Type: Carpet, rugs, upholstery & fabric, auto interiors, stairs, and pet beds
- Stains Type: Pet stains (urine, poop, vomit, drool, blood, paw marks, hair, etc.), wine, cola, mud, coffee, juices, ketchup, grease, etc.
Pros
- Powerful suction that deep cleans your carpet
- Strong cleaning formula that eradicates even the toughest stains
- Light, compact, and requires minimal space for storage
Cons
- Hose tends to crack at the point attached to the tool (a design flaw, maybe)
- A little expensive than the rest
BISSELL SpotClean Pro is the best-selling portable carpet cleaner in the market right now. Powerful motor (5.7 amps or ~684 Watts), superior suction, large tank capacities (3/4 gallons), and lightweight design – these factors make SpotClean Pro the best portable carpet cleaner in 2021.
You get two tools with the unit – a 3-inch tough stain tool and a 6-inch stair tool – sufficient to handle all types of stains, whether old or new. The 5-feet hose and 22-feet cord ensure your reach to far corners and edges. Since it’s compact and light, storing and carrying it around is not an issue.
There’s one minor issue, though. In the curled state, the hose tends to break at the point where it joins the tool (due to stress). But you don’t need to worry because BISSELL provides a 2-year warranty on the appliance.
Overall Score — 9.5/10
The Bottom Line: BISSELL SpotClean Pro is perfect in every aspect – cleaning, suction, maintenance, portability, and versatility. The existing customers swore by this compact machine. So go ahead with the purchase!
2. BISSELL Little Green 1400B [Best Multipurpose]
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.2 × 17.2 × 12 inches
- Product Weight: 9.65 lbs
- Power Source & Rating: Corded, 3 amps
- Cord length: 15 feet
- Tools: 3-inch Tough Stain Tool
- Hose: 4 feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.375 gallons (48 ounces)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Surface Type: Carpet, rugs, upholstery & fabric, auto interiors, stairs, and pet beds
- Stains Type: Pet stains (urine, poop, vomit, drool, blood, paw marks, hair, etc.), wine, cola, mud, coffee, juices, ketchup, grease, etc.
Pros
- Cleans up spots stains like a pro
- Easy to set up and use
- Ultra-compact and portable, suitable for daily use
Cons
- Cleaning up machine parts after use requires efforts
- Only 1-year warranty
BISSELL Little Green is a little beast capable of removing tough stains like a pro. A ~360 Watts (3 amps) motor drives the appliance, delivering sufficient suction to pull out stains using a 3-inch tough stain tool, through the 4-feet hose. The HydroRinse tool helps in rinsing the hose after a thorough cleaning session.
Little Green is compact and lightweight (weighs only 9.65 lbs). Hence, you can easily find space to store it, and also carry it anywhere you want – home, shop, office, or to your parent’s house!
The tank capacities are low (0.375 gallons) and, therefore, you’ll have to empty and refill frequently. The 15-feet cord is also a limiting factor, but if the electrical socket is nearby, there won’t be any problem. BISSELL provides a 1-year warranty on the appliance.
Overall Score — 9/10
The Bottom Line: BISSELL Little Green portable carpet cleaner won’t break your trust at all. It’s tough on spots & stains, occupies small space, and looks stunningly beautiful. So go ahead with the purchase if it meets your requirements.
3. Hoover Spotless FH11300PC [Best for Spot Stains]
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.72 × 13.94 × 15.04 inches
- Product Weight: <9 lbs
- Power Source & Rating: Corded, 3.5 amps
- Cord length: 14 feet
- Tools: Antimicrobial Rubber Nub Tool
- Hose: 5 feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.40 gallons (51 ounces)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Surface Type: Carpet, rugs, upholstery & fabric, auto interiors, stairs, and pet beds
- Stains Type: Pet stains (urine, poop, vomit, drool, blood, paw marks, hair, etc.), wine, cola, mud, coffee, juices, ketchup, grease, etc.
Pros
- The ergonomic design makes it very efficient, especially scrubbing & suction
- Lightweight and compact design, easier to carry and store
- Self-cleaning technology keeps the hose clean and odor-free
Cons
- Inlet in the clean water tank is too restricted
- Short cord length limits its reach
Hoover Spotless is driven by a powerful 3.5 amps (~420 Watts) motor, capable of removing tough stains of all types, including pet messes. The antimicrobial rubber nub tool, besides agitating stains, prevents odor-causing bacteria and fungus buildup. The 5-feet hose is long enough for better reach, but the cord is short (14 feet).
The machine is one of the lightest portable carpet cleaning appliances as it weighs less than 9 lbs. The compact design takes minimal space and also makes Spotless easy to pick-and-carry. The Self-Clean Technology flushes the hose, removing every grime of filth out of the passage, thereby keeping it clean.
Tank capacity is moderate (0.40 gallons), neither too high nor too low. Hoover provides a 2-year warranty on the product.
Overall Score — 9/10
The Bottom Line: If maintenance-free, powerful, compact, and lightweight machine is what you are seeking, buy Hoover Spotless Carpet Cleaner without a second thought.
4. Rug Doctor Pet Portable 93390 [Most Powerful]
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 16 × 10.9 × 15.6 inches
- Product Weight: 15 lbs
- Power Source & Rating: Corded, 10 amps
- Cord length: 15 feet
- Tools: Dual-action pet tool with rubberized bristles
- Hose: 5.5 feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.50 gallons (64 ounces)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Surface Type: Carpet, rugs, upholstery & fabric, auto interiors, stairs, and pet beds
- Stains Type: Pet stains (urine, poop, vomit, drool, blood, paw marks, hair, etc.), wine, cola, mud, coffee, juices, ketchup, grease, etc.
Pros
- IPX 4 rating makes it splash-proof
- Powerful suction ensures deep cleaning
- Retractable handle & wheels for ease of movement
Cons
- Water tank designs not ergonomically balanced
- Quite heavy & large-sized
Rug Doctor Pet Portable stands out with its powerful 10 amps (~1200 Watts) motor, delivering impressive suction, not available even in some of the upright carpet cleaners. The dual-action pet tool with rubberized brush successfully dismantles tough pet stains, both old and new. Here you get a 5.5-feet hose and a 15-feet cord, providing a sufficient range of movement.
Rug Doctor’s body is sturdy and splashproof (IPX4 rating), though slightly bulky and heavy (around 15 lbs). The retractable handle and wheels allow you to maneuver it like a trolley bag. Tank capacity is moderate (.50 gallons). However, the design makes it a little difficult to handle the tanks. Rug Doctor provides a 2-year warranty on the appliance.
Overall Score — 8.5/10
The Bottom Line: Rug Doctor Pet Portable is effortlessly portable, powerful, and durable enough to last for a long time. Buy the latest product to deal with the stains like a pro.
5. BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro 2458 [Best for Pet Stains]
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 10 × 14 × 14 inches
- Product Weight: 13.25 lbs
- Power Source & Rating: Corded, 5.7 amps
- Cord length: 22 feet
- Tools: 3-inch tough stain tool, stain trapper tool
- Hose: 5 feet
- Tank Capacity: 3/4 gallons (96 ounces)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Surface Type: Carpet, rugs, upholstery & fabric, auto interiors, stairs, and pet beds
- Stains Type: Pet stains (urine, poop, vomit, drool, blood, paw marks, hair, etc.), wine, cola, mud, coffee, juices, ketchup, grease, etc.
Pros
- Excellent suction and cleaning abilities
- Large capacity tanks
- Compact, beautiful design and a durable body
Cons
- Don’t really need stain trapper tool but that’s alright; it works fine
- Hose prone to cracks at the joints
Powered by a 5.7 amps (~684 Watts) motor, this spot carpet cleaner is a customized version of the SpotClean Pro. Most of the features are the same – 5 feet hose, 22 feet cord, 3/4 gallon capacity tanks, 3-inch tough stain tool, 2-year warranty, and same size and design.
There’s only one major difference – you get a stain trapper tool (captures pet messes in a separate container) instead of a 6-inch stair tool. Further, you get two trial-sized bottles of PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator Formula.
Performance-wise, SpotClean Pet Pro is as capable as the SpotClean Pro. The only thing is the Pet Pro has been designed for buyers specifically looking for a portable carpet cleaner for pet stains.
Overall Score — 8.5/10
The Bottom Line: If pet stains are your main concern, you can blindly trust BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro. The efficient functioning and the trust of BISSELL compel you to go for this appliance.
6. BISSELL SpotClean ProHeat 2694 [Best for Everyday Use]
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.5 × 12 × 14.5 inches
- Product Weight: 9.2 lbs
- Power Source & Rating: Corded, 2.3 amps
- Cord length: 15 feet
- Tools: 3-inch tough stain tool, deep stain tool, HydroRinse self-cleaning tool
- Hose: 4.5 feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.29 gallons (37 ounces)
- Heatwave technology
- Warranty: 2 years
- Surface Type: Carpet, rugs, upholstery & fabric, auto interiors, stairs, and pet beds
- Stains Type: Pet stains (urine, poop, vomit, drool, blood, paw marks, hair, etc.), wine, cola, mud, coffee, juices, ketchup, grease, etc.
Pros
- Self-cleaning hose technology to keep hose clean
- Compact & versatile
- Deep stain tool is remarkable
Cons
- Suction is not much powerful
- Heatwave mechanism is not much effective
BISSELL SpotClean ProHeat, also branded as the BISSELL Little Green ProHeat (2513G), is a midrange portable spot cleaner. Its driven by a 2.3 amps (~276 Watts) motor, providing decent suction to lift everyday messes out of carpets, rugs, upholstery & fabric, stairs, and cars. You get two tools here to tackle all types of stains – a 3-inch tough stain tool and a deep stain tool.
The Heatwave technology maintains the water temperature for a longer duration and the HydroRinse self-cleaning tool rinses the hose, removing all the filth embedded inside the passage. The 4.5-feet hose and the 15-feet cord are shorter than available in other BISSELL variants, but still manageable.
It’s very light (only 9.2 lbs) and compact. Therefore, it’s easy to carry it around. However, the tank capacity is on the lower side (0.29 gallons). BISSELL provides a 2-year warranty on the product.
Overall Score — 8/10
The Bottom Line: BISSELL SpotClean ProHeat is a synonym for convenience and unparalleled performance. Trust me, you won’t regret buying this advanced machine for cleaning carpets.
7. BISSELL SpotBot Pet 2117A [Most Convenient]
Key Specifications
- Dimensions: 9 × 17 × 13.5 inches
- Product Weight: 12.5 lbs
- Power Source & Rating: Corded, 3 amps
- Cord length: 16 feet
- Tools: 3-inch tough stain tool, HydroRinse self-cleaning tool
- Hose: 5 feet
- Tank Capacity: 0.24 gallons (30.6 ounces) for clean water, 0.23 gallons (29.2 ounces)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Surface Type: Carpet, rugs, upholstery & fabric, auto interiors, stairs, and pet beds
- Stains Type: Pet stains (urine, poop, vomit, drool, blood, paw marks, hair, etc.), wine, mud, coffee, juices, ketchup, grease, etc.
Pros
- Completely hands-free functioning
- Perfect for small spots and stains
- Saves your time & efforts
Cons
- Finishing touch needed after hands-free cleaning
- Refilling needed after a couple of cleaning sessions
BISSELL SpotBot Pet is a fully-automatic portable carpet cleaner, providing sheer convenience to the users. A 3 amps (~360 Watts) motor drives the appliance, delivering powerful suction in both hands-free and manual cleaning. There are three modes here – Quick Clean, Deep Clean, and Tool/Attachment.
In the automated state, just press the Quick/Deep Clean button and let the machine spray, scrub (spiral brushing), and suck up the filth. In the manual mode, use the tool (3-inch tough stain tool) to clean spot stains. The HydroRinse tool makes it easy to clean the removable hose (5 feet long).
It’s compact and moderately light (weighs 12.5 lbs). Tank capacities are a bit on the lower side (around 0.30 gallons). An important note – automated cleaning may not work properly for large stains. Therefore, switching to a suitable cleaning mode is something you should watch out for. BISSELL provides a 2-year warranty on the SpotBot Pet.
Overall Score — 8/10
The Bottom Line: BISSELL SpotBot Pet is an intelligent machine that knows what you want! Besides, it looks stunningly beautiful. Buy it to eradicate pet stains in an automatic mode.
Final Overview: Best Portable Carpet Cleaners Comparison
Let’s have an overview of all the best portable carpet cleaners listed above. This will help you in quickly comparing the portable carpet cleaning machines and take a quick decision.
Carpet Cleaners | Key Features | Clean Homez Score |
---|---|---|
BISSELL Little Green Pro [My FAVORITE & The BEST] | Power: 5.7 amps Cord Length: 22 ft Hose Length: 5 ft Warranty: 2 years | 9.5/10 |
BISSELL Little Green 1400B [Best Multipurpose] | Power: 3 amps Cord Length: 15 ft Hose Length: 4 ft Warranty: 1 year | 9/10 |
Hoover CleanSlate Plus [Best for Spot Stains] | Power: 3.5 amps Cord Length: 14 ft Hose Length: 5 ft Warranty: 2 years | 9/10 |
Rug Doctor Pet Portable 93300G [Most Powerful] | Power: 10 amps Cord Length: 15 ft Hose Length: 5.5 ft Warranty: 2 years | 8.5/10 |
BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro 2458 [Best for Pet Stains] | Power: 5.7 amps Cord Length: 22 ft Hose Length: 5 ft Warranty: 2 years | 8.5/10 |
BISSELL Little Green ProHeat [Best for Everyday Use] | Power: 2.3 amps Cord Length: 15 ft Hose Length: 4.5 ft Warranty: 2 years | 8/10 |
BISSELL Little Green Cordless [Most Convenient] | Power: 3 amps Cord Length: 16 ft Hose Length: 5 ft Warranty: 2 years | 8/10 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To Conclude: Which portable carpet cleaner will you buy?
Ask yourself: Does this carpet cleaner solve my purpose? If your heart and mind say YES….go for it!
Also check out
- Hoover CleanSlate Pet Plus vs. Spotless vs. BISSELL Little Green
- Hoover PowerDash Pet vs. BISSELL TurboClean PowerBrush Pet
- BISSELL SpotClean Pro vs. Rug Doctor Pet Portable
- BISSELL Little Green vs. Rug Doctor Pet Portable
- BISSELL SpotClean Pro vs. Hoover Spotless
- BISSELL SpotBot Pet vs. Rug Doctor Pet Portable vs. Hoover Spotless
- BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser vs. SpotClean Pro
- BISSELL SpotClean Pro vs. SpotBot Pet vs. Little Green
Got any questions? Feel free to ask in the comments section. I’ll be happy to resolve your queries. 🙂
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