Removing stains from carpets, rugs, and upholstery can be simple and effective by using carpet cleaners. Good things come in small packages, including small carpet cleaners.
This review will cover six of the best portable carpet cleaners to use for rugs, carpets, stairs, upholstery, furniture, and vehicle interiors. We'll discuss each model's features, benefits, and disadvantages. We also provide you with a buyer's guide that helps you understand the shopping criteria for portable spot cleaners.
The Bissel Pet Stain Eraser is a handheld carpet cleaner 5.3k that can treat deep stains on stairs, area rugs, furniture, and other carpeted locations that may be difficult to reach with an upright vacuum.
This cordless carpet cleaner stores the ready-mix formula right in your cleaner - no need to mix with water. To treat stains, spray the solution on the spot, and use the built-in brush to clean the area. Then suck up the stains and water with the machine and then empty the tank.
At only 4 pounds and size dimensions of 5.5" x16.5" x7", this cleaner won't take up a lot of room and is easy to transport for versatile cleaning. And when you purchase this Bissel carpet cleaner, you're helping to save homeless pets with a donation to the Bissell Pet Foundation.
Pros
Multiple functions
Ready to use formula
Treats multiple stains
Built-in stain brush
Cons
Requires special formula
It doesn't come with accessories
The Bissell Pet Stain Eraser is the perfect portable carpet cleaner to treat heavy stains in hard-to-reach places caused by pets.
The Rug Doctor Pet Portable spot cleaner is a compact (16.02" x10.94" x15.63") lightweight (18.76 lbs) carpet cleaner with wheels for easy moving around on the carpet and a retractable handle for comfort.
This cleaner has rubberized bristles that can treat deep stains, odors, embedded dirt, pet hair, and harder stains like urine or vomit. Dual tanks keep the clean water separate from the dirty.
Reach challenging spaces using the handheld Dual-Action brush. You can use a stain removal liquid in this vacuum, but you'll need to purchase this separately. And you may want to clean the surface with clean water after using the solution to remove any leftover soap residue.
Pros
Built-in retractable handle
Two large water reservoirs
Rubber bristles remove hair, dirt, and stains
Wheels can work on carpet
Cons
Loud operation
Large size takes up more room for storage
If you're looking for a heavy-duty carpet cleaner that you can roll around on wheels without hunching down and hurting your back, try the Rug Doctor Pet Portable cleaner.
This attractive red Hoover Spotless portable cleaner features a five-foot hose that makes it easy to spot clean fabrics on the floor, furniture, and stairs without moving the machine.
Dual storage tanks keep the stain formula separate from the 36-ounce dirty water, so you're always using clean solutions. And this vacuum has an automatic flush feature that cleans the hose after use, so there's no dirt or bacteria buildup.
At 15" tall and weighing less than nine pounds, this portable cleaner is easy to move around and use at any location, making it perfect for everyday home use.
Pros
5-foot hose
Dual storage tanks
Automatic hose flush
Portable
Cons
The hose is at an awkward angle
Needs a funnel or measuring cup to fill the solution tank
The Hoover Spotless Portable Cleaner is an ideal solution for homes with stairs or multiple surface areas you need to spot clean.
This small handheld vacuum by Homasy operates as a wet or dry battery-operated carpet cleaner. A 90W motor produces up to 8Kpa suction to reduce pet hair, crumbs, and other small debris.
Four 2200mAh lithium-ion batteries allow you to use this vacuum anywhere with a cleaning time of thirty minutes on a two to three-hour charge.
This vacuum has multiple attachments - crevice, brush, big suction mouth, and a rubber jar tool to clean liquid messes up to 100 ml - a large-capacity dust cup, two non-woven washable HEPA filters, and a charging dock.
Pros
Multiple attachments
Cleans up wet or dry messes
8Kpa suction picks up hair, dirt, and other small debris
Washable HEPA filters
Cons
Doesn't spot clean stains with water or solution
Short operation time
If you're in the market for a powerful handheld vacuum to use for wet or dry messes on area rugs, furniture, and all the nooks and crannies of your house, the Homasy Cordless Handheld Vacuum is right for you.
This small handheld vacuum by Homasy operates as a wet or dry battery-operated carpet cleaner. A 90W motor produces up to 8Kpa suction to reduce pet hair, crumbs, and other small debris.
Four 2200mAh lithium-ion batteries allow you to use this vacuum anywhere with a cleaning time of thirty minutes on a two to three-hour charge.
This vacuum has multiple attachments - crevice, brush, big suction mouth, and a rubber jar tool to clean liquid messes up to 100 ml - a large-capacity dust cup, two non-woven washable HEPA filters, and a charging dock.
Pros
Multiple attachments
Cleans up wet or dry messes
8Kpa suction picks up hair, dirt, and other small debris
Washable HEPA filters
Cons
Doesn't spot clean stains with water or solution
Short operation time
To get a professional cleaning without the cost, give the Bissell 3624 portable cleaner a spin. Not only does it treat stains, but it also helps block them from happening again.
The SpotBot Pet hands-free stain cleaner is portable and hands-free. You can choose from two preset cycles that will cause this machine to automatically spray, scrub, and suction fresh or heavy set-in stains. Operation is as simple as the push of a button.
Choose quick clean to tackle fresh stains or deep clean to handle persistent deep stains. This model features a 32-ounce tank, a five-foot hose and includes Pet Stain & Odor and Pet Oxy Boost Formula samples, plus a 3" tough stain tool.
The cleaning brush offers DeepReach Technology to ensure your stuff is getting clean down to the bottom while delivering the cleaning solution and water and scrubbing.
Pros
Automatically sprays, cleans, and suctions stains
Hands-free operation
Two built-in cleaning modes
Lightweight, compact design for portability
Cons
It doesn't let you clean spots manually
Smaller capacity tank
If you're looking for a hands-free carpet cleaner to handle fresh and deep-set stains, the SpotBot Pet hands-free cleaner is your ideal match.
When shopping for a handheld carpet cleaner, compare the following factors to ensure you pick a model that will meet your individual needs. There is no one perfect option for everyone because each person's situation will differ, requiring specific features. Consider these options.
Tank capacity
Because handheld carpet cleaners are portable, they have a smaller tank than bulky upright cleaners. Tank size options range from 30 to 64 ounces. The larger the tank, the heavier the device.
These cleaners will work great for small messes, but you won't be doing a large room without multiple refills. Most people use handheld cleaners for area rugs, furniture, stairs, and other jobs where it's challenging to use a full-size cleaner.
Weight
Weight is a crucial factor in your final decision. Because you'll be carrying your machine by hand, you'll want one that's not heavy or bulky, which can make the operation uncomfortable.
When reviewing a product's description, consider the device's weight and how heavy it will be once filled. One gallon of water equals eight pounds. Dual tanks will weigh more than one.
Length of cord
Many models of handheld carpet cleaners use a cord for power instead of batteries. When shopping for your best pick, you'll want a cable with enough length for easy operation.
There are multiple options with cord lengths of 15 to 22 feet, enough to accommodate most standard-sized rooms.
Other options are cordless, which have their limitations. If you forget to charge the battery, your cleaner won't operate. But they do offer versatility, easier to transport, and the ability to reach tricky places.
Suction and power
You'll also want to weigh the different carpet cleaner ratings for power and suction. These features are essential for getting a cleaner that will clean your carpets properly.
Functionality
Look for carpet cleaners that have brushes and crevice tools to ensure you get a fully functional product. Being able to use the machine on multiple surfaces is also an essential factor.
Some models come with sample cleaning solutions, which let you test a product before buying. You can also search for safety features like auto-shutoff once the tank reaches max capacity or a built-in water heater.
Final Verdict
With so many options for handheld carpet cleaners out there, it helps to have a jump start by checking out our recommendations for the six best portable carpet cleaners. Remember to consider the factors we listed in the buyer’s guide to ensure your final pick is suitable for your situation.
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