Portable carpet cleaners seem very similar to vacuum cleaners and indeed at first glance, they do look alike. But, portable carpet cleaners are far more versatile and effective.
Portable carpet cleaners use powerful suction, scrubbing, and cleaning solutions to clean even the toughest of stains. But that’s not all. As they are small and compact, they are budget-friendly and very easy to maneuver.
Choosing the perfect portable carpet cleaner can seem tough. However, worry not, our handy guide will make it a piece of cake.
Let’s move on and have a look at some of the best portable carpet cleaners out there.
Contents
Best Portable Carpet Cleaners Comparison Table
| Name | Weight | Cord Length | Tank Capacity | Pet Friendly | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Also Great Bissell 3624  View Price | Weight 13.2 lbs | Cord Length 22 ft | Cord Length 0.75 gallon | Pet Friendly Yes | Special Features 6” stair tool and cleaning formula included |
Also Great Rug Doctor  View Price | Weight 24 lbs | Cord Length 25-30 ft | Cord Length 1 gallon | Pet Friendly Yes | Special Features 7.7 inch hose |
Also Great Bissell Little Green  View Price | Weight 9.2 lbs | Cord Length 15 ft | Cord Length 0.3 gallon | Pet Friendly Yes | Special Features Hydro-rinse tool, spot & stain formula |
Also Great Bissell Spotbot  View Price | Weight 14 lbs | Cord Length 15 ft | Cord Length 0.3 gallon | Pet Friendly Yes | Special Features Handsfree cleaning |
Also Great Rug Doctor 5.5  View Price | Weight 19.84 lbs | Cord Length 15-16 ft | Cord Length 1 gallon | Pet Friendly Yes | Special Features 5.5 inch hose, removable tanks |
Also Great Hoover Power Scrub  View Price | Weight 24 lbs | Cord Length 20 ft | Cord Length 0.4 gallon | Pet Friendly Yes | Special Features 360 degree brushes |
Also Great Hoover Spotless  View Price | Weight 9 lbs | Cord Length 14 ft | Cord Length 0.4 gallon | Pet Friendly Yes | Special Features Height of 15 inches, dual tank |
Also Great Bissell Turboclean  View Price | Weight 12 lbs | Cord Length 20 ft | Cord Length 0.5 gallon | Pet Friendly Yes | Special Features Edge-sweep bristles, collapsible handle |
Also Great Bissell Spotclean  View Price | Weight 9 lbs | Cord Length 15 ft | Cord Length 0.3 - 0.5 gallon | Pet Friendly Yes | Special Features Self-cleaning and tough stain tool |
Best Choice Bissell 2458  View Price | Weight 13 lbs | Cord Length 22 ft | Cord Length 0.75 gallon | Pet Friendly Yes | Special Features Stain trapper tool, urine-eliminator |
Top 10 Best Portable Carpet Cleaners In 2023 Reviews
1 Bissell 3624
The Bissell 3624 is a very lightweight, professional spot-cleaner. It can be used to clean all kinds of stains on carpets, stairs, upholsteries, and even cars. But that isn’t all.
This portable carpet cleaner combines warm water with a special cleaning formula. It then uses powerful suction and the targeted solution to remove spots and stains.
Here’s what gives the Bissell 3624 its unique qualities. First, this carpet cleaner has a large, 0.75 gallon tank. This will help you go longer without refills.
Second, it has an extremely long power cord of 22 feet. This gives great control over the cleaner’s mobility.
Third, the cleaner has a 5 foot-long hose and an extra 6” stair tool. This makes it very easy to clean hard-to-reach places. A 3” tough stain tool is also included with the cleaner. This can be used to clean very tough stains.
A professional deep cleaning formula is included in the package. This is mixed in the water tank to assist cleaning. The water tank must be emptied after every cleaning. Here’s why:
Leaving the water in the tank, can shorten the carpet cleaner’s life. Not only that, mold can grow on the inside of the tank. This will disrupt the tank’s cleaning abilities.
The carpet cleaner can be cleaned very easily by flipping the lid. You can also pull out the brushes to ensure proper cleaning.
As for the cleaning solution, you have nothing to worry about. The solution is pet-friendly and kid-friendly.
Features
- Spot cleaner
- 0.75 gallon tank capacity
- 22 feet power cord
- 5 feet hose
- 6” stair tool
- 3” tough stain tool
- Weighs 13.2 lbs
- 8 oz professional formula included
- Dimensions – 10 x 14 x 14 inches
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- Large capacity tank reduces time between refills.
- Long power cord gives greater mobility.
- Stair tool specially designed for cleaning stairs.
- Can easily clean tough stains with the tough stain tool.
- Lightweight hence ways to handle.
- Pet friendly and kid friendly.
- Professional cleaning solution provides exceptional results.
- 2 year limited warranty
Cons
- Hose is prone to breakage if wrapped too tightly.
- Does not have wheels.
The Bissell 3624 is a very versatile and effective portable carpet cleaner. It is ideal for cleaning all kinds of stains. So it can be used effectively anywhere and anytime.
2 Rug Doctor
The Rug Doctor is an upright, portable carpet cleaner. It has very large, carpet friendly wheels that make it very easy to maneuver. A handle helps control its movement. It is built to collapse over the cleaner, before storing.
This carpet cleaner is equipped with dual, cross-action brushes. These brushes oscillate and rotate rapidly. This drives out dirt and stains in a quick manner.
But that’s not all, this carpet cleaner has 75% more suction than most other carpet cleaners. Thus, it sucks in deep stains instantly. Coupled with a 12” suction head, the rug doctor is one formidable carpet cleaner.
The carpet cleaner has a 7.7 inc
A super boost setting is built into this portable carpet cleaner. It can be used for extremely tough stains.
The required tools are conveniently placed in a caddy. You can easily remove the caddy to do the job.
It contains two tanks with a total capacity of 1 gallon. Both are very easy to fill and rinse. This makes service and maintenance very simple and hassle-free.
Features
- Upright carpet cleaner
- Large wheels
- Collapsible handle
- Dual, cross-action brushes
- Dual tank
- Removable caddy and upholstery tool
- 7.7 inch hose
- 25-30 feet power cord
- 1 gallon tank capacity
- 12 inch suction head
- Super-boost setting
- Weight - 24 lbs
(4.1 / 5)Pros
- Very easy to move and store.
- Large tank capacity reduces time between refills.
- Very long power cord makes for convenient movement.
- Super boost cleans high-traffic areas in seconds.
- Cleaner comes ready to use straight out of the box
- Pet friendly.
- 2 year limited warranty
Cons
- Heavier than most other carpet cleaners
- Storage can be a problem despite a collapsible handle
The Rug Doctor is one of the best portable cleaners out there. It can be an excellent choice for high traffic areas.
3 Bissell Little Green
Bissell Little Green is a small, dual-tank portable carpet cleaner. It is a spot cleaner that combines powerful suction with a targeted formula to clean tough stains.
It can be used anywhere due to its small size. It can easily access tight spots and tiny areas.
It is also very easy to lift and store as its lightweight. Cleaning and maintenance is a breeze too, as the tanks are removable.
Moreover, it has a 3 inch tool specially designed to clean hard-to-reach areas. The best part? A professional cleaning formula is also included in the package.
What’s even more amazing is that it’s designed using 50% recyclable plastic. This can make it an ideal choice for eco-friendly people.
A hydro-rinse tool is also attached with the carpet cleaner giving it the ability to self clean.
Bissell Little Green is very convenient to use as it has a power cord of 15 feet. This makes maneuvering hassle-free. However, its tank capacity is relatively less at 0.4 gallons.
Features
- Green portable carpet cleaner
- 15 feet power cord
- 0.3-0.4 gallon tank capacity
- 50% recycled plastic body
- Weighs 9.6 lbs
- 3 inch tough stain tool
- Hydro-rinse tool
- Spot and stain formula
- Dual tank
- Removable tanks
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Eco-friendly carpet cleaner.
- Can self-clean due to hydro-rinse tool.
- Long power cord makes for easy movement.
- Pet friendly and kid friendly.
- Excellent at lifting tough stains and spots.
- Can access hard-to-reach places.
- 1 year warranty.
Cons
- Tank capacity is relatively lower compared to other carpet cleaners.
- Doesn’t have wheels so it cannot be dragged around.
Bissell Little Green can be an excellent choice for cleaning small nooks and crannies. It is also recommended for anyone looking for a lightweight, yet strong portable carpet cleaner.
4 Bissell Spotbot
Bissell Spotbot is a handsfree, portable carpet cleaner. It is specially built to clean pet spots and stains. But more on that later.
Let’s first have a look at some of its specifications. The spotbot is very lightweight (14 lbs.) with a power cord of 15 feet. This increases its cleaning range.
At 0.4 gallons, tank capacity is relatively low, but still quite good. But this isn’t all.
The real charm of the Spotbot cleaner lies in its deep-reach technology. This helps the carpet cleaner reach extremely tough stains. It then removes the stains from the bottom up.
Apart from that, Spotbot’s brushes move in a unique spiralling way. They make 400 revolutions to clean and remove tough stains.
Not only this, the unit also offers a hands-free operation. This means you can choose one of the two automatic cleaning cycles on the Spotbot. It will then do all the work for you without any supervision.
A tough stain tool is included within the package, along with a Bissell Pet Formula. These are specially designed to remove even the worst kind of pet stains. Pet odor can also be eliminated completely.
Features
- Hands-free portable carpet cleaner
- Weighs 14 lbs
- 15 ft power cord
- 5 ft on-board hose
- Tank capacity of 0.4 gallon
- Tough stain tool
- 2 preset cleaning cycles
- Bissell pet formula included
- Deep-reach technology
- Spiralling brush action
- 17 x 9 x 12.5
(4 / 5)Pros
- Easy to use and store since it is lightweight.
- Long power cord gives greater access to cleaning areas.
- Can be activated with a single button-push.
- Is hands-free so requires no supervision.
- Comes pre-equipped with pet stain formula.
- Deep reach technology removes stains from the bottom.
- Pet friendly and kid friendly.
Cons
- Tank capacity is relatively lower.
- No wheels so cannot be dragged around.
As this portable carpet cleaner is one of the best out there, it can be an excellent addition to most homes, especially homes with a pet.
5 Rug Doctor 5.5
Rug Doctor 5.5 is an upright, portable carpet cleaner. It has carpet-friendly wheels and a retractable handle. This makes it very easy to drag around. But that’s not all.
The Rug Doctor has a small and compact design. This makes it very easy to lift. It can also reach small spaces very easily. So it can be used on carpets, upholsteries, and even inside cars.
The tanks are very easy to remove and clean. They can also be replaced afterwards.
You will be impressed with its suction power that allows it to remove a variety of stains.
The secret lies in its rotating brushes. These motorized brushes move 1,200 times per minute.
Its specifications are also amazing. With a tank capacity of 1 gallon, it can go a long time without refills. And with a power cord of 15 feet, it’s cleaning range is quite large.
Not only this, but it has a 5.5 inch hose that can easily reach small areas. It can be used indoors and outdoors, giving this carpet cleaner great versatility.
Features
- Upright carpet cleaner
- Weighs 20 lbs
- 15 feet power cord
- 5.5 inch hose
- Tank capacity of 1 gallon
- Motorized brushes
- Dual tanks
- Removable tanks
- Wheels and retractable handle
- 16 x 11 x 16
(3.8 / 5)Pros
- Can be moved around very easily due to carpet friendly wheels.
- Long power cord increases range.
- Large tank provides longer duration between refills.
- Brushes rotate 1200 times per minute.
- Tanks can be removed and cleaned.
- Retractable handle makes it easy to drag around and store.
- 2 year limited warranty.
Cons
- The handle can get in the way when trying to clean very small areas.
- Slightly shorter hose than other portable carpet cleaners.
The Rug Doctor is one of the best portable carpet cleaners due to its flexibility. It can be a great option for people who need a cleaner for both indoors and outdoors.
6 Hoover Power Scrub
Hoover Power Scrub is a lightweight, upright portable carpet cleaner. At a mere 18 pounds, it is very easy to lift and carry around. Plus, it has wheels that make the job even easier.
This beauty’s main charm lies in its spin scrub brush system that rotates the brushes at 360 degrees. This removes even the toughest dirt and stains.
It is also equipped with a dual v nozzle strengthening its suction power. Plus, you will find that it is quick to dry the area as the unit releases hot air that makes the job faster.
Hoover’s dual tank technology is also a major boon. You will find that it is easy to remove, clean, and replace them. Thus, service and maintenance require no tools or expert help.
The unit comes equipped with upholstery, stairs, and crevice tools. These tools aid the carpet cleaner in cleaning hard-to-reach areas. A sample bottle of solution is also included in the package.
With a 20-foot power cord and a 1-gallon tank, this carpet cleaner is one of the most flexible options out there. An extremely long, 8 inch hose adds to the versatility of the cleaner.
Features
- Upright portable carpet cleaner
- Weighs 18 pounds
- 20 foot power cord
- 1 gallon tank capacity
- Upholstery, stairs and crevice tool
- Cleaning solution included
- Dual v nozzle
- 360 degree spin scrub system
- Dual tanks
- Removable tanks
- Wheels
- 8 inch hose
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- The hose and power cord are pretty long.
- Special tools available for every situation.
- Less drying time.
- Excellent scrubbing due to 360 degree motion.
- Can be dragged around effortlessly.
- Can go a long time without refills.
- 2 year limited warranty
Cons
- Storage can be a problem as it is an upright carpet cleaner.
- Can be hard to clean small areas like cars.
Hoover Power Scrub can be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a device that works great everywhere. It is easy to use and offers a long warranty as well.
7 Hoover Spotless
Hoover Spotless is an extremely lightweight, portable carpet cleaner. It weighs a mere 9 pounds and is quite small in size making it ideal for small spaces.
It is designed using deep reach technology that helps it clean very tough stains. Thus, it can be used to clean every kind of stain, including pet mishaps.
The unit comes with a long power cord (14 feet) and a hose (5 feet). This gives the carpet cleaner a very large cleaning range.
It has 2 tanks, each with a capacity of 0.4 gallons. They are removable, which makes them very easy to clean. Even the hose is self-cleaning and removes any debris trapped inside.
An antimicrobial tool is included with the cleaner. It can be used to lift stains in a quick manner.
Since it has a very long hose, it cleans hard-to-reach areas very easily. You do not have to worry if you have kids or pets as it is kid and pet friendly. This makes it an ideal choice for homes with kids and pets.
As it is small and compact, it is very easy to lift and store. But it cannot be dragged around, as it doesn’t have wheels.
Features
- Weighs 9 pounds
- Power cord of 14 feet
- Hose length of 5 feet
- Tank capacity of 0.4 gallons
- 10 x 13 x 15
- Dual tanks
- Removable tanks
- Anti microbial tool
- Deep reach technology
- Self cleaning hose
- Hoover detergents included
(3.9 / 5)Pros
- Easy to carry around and store due to being lightweight.
- Has a large cleaning range.
- Can effortlessly clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Service and maintenance are very easy due to removable tanks.
- Removes stains from the bottom up.
- Anti-microbial tool prevents bacterial buildup.
- 2 year limited warranty.
Cons
- Tank capacity is relatively less.
- Cannot be dragged around as it doesn’t have wheels.
Hoover Spotless can be ideal for people who value ease and comfort while cleaning. It’s affordable and quite durable as well, making it one of the best portable carpet cleaners.
8 Bissell Turboclean
Bissell Turboclean is an upright, portable carpet cleaner specially designed to clean rugs and carpets.
It is equipped with special 4-row rotating brushes that ensure a satisfactory job.
The carpet cleaner works even better when used with Bissell’s oxy based formula. The best part? It uses edge-sweep bristles to remove stuck dirt.
Its dual tank system makes cleaning and servicing very easy. Dirty water can be replaced without any hassle. You can even remove the nozzle to clean it
This carpet cleaner is quite lightweight. Plus, its large, carpet-friendly wheels and handle also help with the movement. Don’t let the handle bother you since it can be collapsed.
With a 20 foot power cord, Turboclean has a very large cleaning range. Its cleaning path is nearly 9.5 inch wide. The tank capacity is adequate at 0.5 gallons.
Features
- Tank capacity of 0.5 gallons
- 20 foot power cord
- 9.5 inch wide cleaning path
- Weighs 12 lbs
- Collapsible handle
- Dual tank system
- Removable tanks and nozzle
- 4-row rotating brushes
- Edge sweep bristles
- Collapsible handle
- Deep clean technology
(4.1 / 5)Pros
- Extremely lightweight for an upright cleaner.
- Very large cleaning range.
- Pet friendly and kid friendly.
- The nozzle is removable and can be cleaned easily.
- Extremely easy to lift and maneuver.
- Can go a long period without refills.
- 1 year limited warranty.
Cons
- Cannot be used in small enclosed areas like cars.
- Can be hard to store.
Hoover Turboclean can be the perfect choice for indoor cleaning. It works best on carpets and rugs and is among the best portable carpet cleaners due to its affordable price.
9 Bissell Spotclean
Bissell spotclean is a small, portable carpet cleaner with all the features of its larger counterparts. Due to its small size, the Spotclean cleaner is extremely lightweight and excellent for small areas. Let’s have a look at some of its main features.
Bissell spotclean weighs a mere 9 lbs and has a 2’ hose.
Spotclean uses heatwave technology to remove stains. Why does this matter? This is because heatwave technology maintains water temperature. This makes it very easy to remove tough stains.
The carpet cleaner has a dual tank system with a capacity of 0.5 gallons. The tanks are removable and can be cleaned and replaced without any hassle.
Apart from this, the tank has a deep reach tool that cleans hard-to-reach areas. It also has a special 3 inch tool for cleaning upholsteries and stairs. The best part? It will clean the hose on its own!
Bissell spotclean is very easy to lift and store. This makes it an ideal choice for cleaning small, enclosed spaces like cars.
Features
- Weighs 9 lbs
- Tank capacity of 0.5 gallons
- Power cord of 15 feet
- 2’ hose
- Dual tank system
- Removable tanks
- Hydro-rinse self cleaning hose
- Special 3 inch tool
- Deep reach tool
- Heatwave technology
- 6.5 x 12 x 14.5
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Extremely lightweight hence very easy to lift and store.
- Self cleaning hose prevents buildup.
- Heatwave technology maintains a constant water temperature.
- Pet and kid friendly.
- Can easily clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Can go long periods without refills.
- 2 year limited warranty.
Cons
- The hose is rather short.
- Cleaning large areas might be a hassle
Bissell Spotclean can be the perfect choice for cleaning small spaces. Cars, upholsteries, stairs and hard-to-reach areas are where this carpet cleaner excels.
10 Bissell 2458
Another beauty from Bissell, this unit is compact and suitable for a variety of uses. The makers present it as one of the best options for pet owners.
Bissell 2458 is extremely lightweight at 13 lbs. It has a very long (22 foot) power cord that gives it a very large cleaning range.
Its 5-foot hose increases the reach. This carpet cleaner combines powerful suction with a brushing action to remove trapped dirt. Using the professional Bissell cleaning formula gives even better results.
Bissell 2458 has a very large tank of 0.75 gallons. This helps it go longer without refills.
The cleaner is also equipped with a tough stain tool that removes even the worst pet stains. A special stain trapper tool is also attached to the cleaner. This keeps the mess from reaching the machine.
This carpet cleaner is very easy to lift and store due to its small size. It can be moved easily, although it doesn’t have wheels and cannot be dragged around.
Features
- Weighs 13 lbs
- Power cord of 22 feet
- 5 foot hose
- Tank capacity of 0.75 gallons
- Stain trapper tool
- Tough stain tool
- Pet urine eliminator included
- 10 x 14 x 14
- Detachable brushes
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Very lightweight hence easy to maneuver and lift.
- Very easy to store.
- Simple cleaning and maintenance.
- Can clean even the worst of stains with the tough stain tool.
- Stain trapper tool safeguards the machine.
- Can go very long periods without refill.
- Great for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
Cons
- Emptying the tanks can be a hassle.
- Cannot be dragged around as it doesn’t have wheels.
Bissell 2458 is one of the best portable carpet cleaners out there for pet owners. It’s affordable and quite durable as well.
Best Portable Carpet Cleaner Buying Guide
Portable carpet cleaners are very popular nowadays. But choosing just one out of the many available can be slightly overwhelming. We’re here to help you with that. Here are a few things you should look out for.
Weight: Choose carpet cleaners that are relatively lightweight and do not sink into your carpet. Heavy carpet cleaners can sink into the carpet, ruining the carpet’s appearance.
Cord and hose length: The rule of thumb here is to go for a carpet cleaner with a long hose and cord. This will give you greater reach and help you clean easily.
A longer cord and hose also gives greater flexibility and ease-of-use.
Tank size: The larger the tank, the better it is. This is because you will have to spend less time running around, refilling your cleaner.
But, larger tanks can be heavier. So you will have to strike a balance between the machine’s weight and its tank size.
Pet friendly: It is very important to buy a machine that is pet and kid friendly. Pet owners must be very particular about this.
Most carpet cleaners are pet friendly, but some are specially designed to clean up pet messes. Look for a “pet” label on the front of the machine. This will help you choose the perfect cleaner for your home.
Storage: Before buying a carpet cleaner, pick a place to store it in. If you do not have space for an upright carpet cleaner, purchase a smaller one. Small, compact carpet cleaners with all the functions of their larger counterparts can be found easily.
Mobility: Carpet cleaners need to be moved around constantly when in use. This is why it is best to look for carpet cleaners with wheels. However, if your carpet cleaner has a long cord and hose, the machine’s movement will not be a problem.
Different Types Of Portable Carpet Cleaners
There are basically two types of portable carpet cleaners:
Carpet steamer: They use a professional cleaning solution and hot water to clean spots and stains.
The solution is sprayed over the stain while brushes scrub the dirt out. The carpet cleaner then uses powerful suction to pull the solution and the dirt out.
Spot cleaners: Spot cleaners are similar to carpet steamers. However, they are smaller in size and are excellent for hard-to-reach areas.
These carpet cleaners can use water to clean like carpet steamers. Or they can use foam and special solvents to dry clean the carpet.
After reading this guide if you still feel you’re more suited to vacuums, have a look at our top 12 picks for vacuums.
Conclusion
Those were our top ten picks for the best portable carpet cleaners. According to us, Bissell 2458 is undoubtedly the clear winner. It is extremely lightweight at 13 pounds with some amazing features including a long cord and powerful suction.
If this isn’t your cup of tea then try the Rug Doctor 5.5. It comes with a warranty and works well. All in all, make sure to pick a unit that works according to your requirements.