15 Best Portable Carpet Cleaners to Banish Stubborn Stains
Kids, pets, alcohol, and other liquids can turn your pet into an ugly mess. Kids and pets will track dirt onto your carpets without a care in the world. However, hauling a bulky upright out of storage is a daunting task for this small cleaning tasks, and that is why you should get a carpet spot cleaner.
But what are the best carpet spot cleaners? Which is the best portable carpet spot cleaner? Which is the best handheld carpet cleaner? If these are some of the things you are struggling with, you are in luck as I have reviewed the best carpets spot cleaners making your work easier.
I also welcome you to read beyond the comparison table as there is more information, such as the buying guide.
Benefits of a Carpet Spot Cleaner
A portable carpets cleaner is a lighter, more compact version of the upright vacuum; only that you cannot use it for demanding tasks or cleaning large areas. It comes with many benefits, which will be a boon to homeowners. Here are some of the few benefits.
- Compact – Handheld carpet cleaners are about half the size of most carpet spot cleaners. Their small size, though, is their primary advantage over traditional carpet cleaners. They are easy to store and perfect for people with limited storage space and are also an excellent option for people with smaller living spaces such as RVs and dorm rooms.
- Lightweight – Other than size, these devices also happen to be light; another benefit over the upright cleaners. As a result, they will be easier to carry around the house. They pose less of a risk, especially when you are carrying them up or down the stairs.
- Quick Cleanups – Instant cleaning is another great benefit of these appliances. You can clean up your kid’s mess in a trice, get rid of small messes before quests arrive, and even clean pet hair.
- Portable – With their lightweight design comes portability. Whether the best handheld vacuum cleaner comes with a cord or not, you can take it with you anywhere. You have more opportunities to clean outdoors, as well as indoors. You can clean your car as well as your bedroom.
- Easy to Use – Finally, using these devices is a cakewalk. They are perfect for kids and the elderly.
Best Carpet Spot Cleaner shops Near You
Buying a carpet spot cleaner online is easy and less time-consuming. However, it lacks the simple pleasure associated with going shopping. Furthermore, it carries the risk of receiving a defective cleaner as you cannot test it. Thus, I advocate you find the best portable spot cleaner for carpet stain shop in your location. Finding one is quite easy too.
Here are some search terms you can use to find the best shop.
- Best carpet spot cleaner shop near me
- Best portable carpet cleaner shop in my location
- Best carpet spot cleaner shop in UK
However, I have done the heavy lifting for you with the map below.
Which Are The Best Portable Carpet Spot Cleaners To Buy?
As you can see from my suggested list, the best option for portable carpet spot cleaner should be the Bissell 3624 while the most affordable option is the Bissell 1716.
Let’s keep on reading to find the best portable carpet spot cleaner for pet owners, tights spots, and more!
- Best Overall: Bissell Spotclean Pro (3624) Carpet Spot Cleaner
“Combination of superior suction and scrubbing action, specially formulated Bissell cleaning solutions, tackle dirt and stains quickly, compact design for easy stair cleaning.” - Best Budget: Bissell SpotLifter PowerBrush 1716 Portable Carpet Cleaner
“18-foot power cord, rotating brush loosen dirt and stains, motorized dual brush roll, manual spray trigger.” - Best for Pet Owners: Bissell SpotBot Pet 33N8A Carpet Spot Cleaner
“Two hands-free cleaning modes, 3-inch tough stain tool, 5-foot hose length, unique cleaning foot, and DeepReach Technology.” - Best Space-saving: Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner
“Motorized brush, twice the suction of other competitors, 5-foot hose, maneuverable, carpet-friendly wheels, easy-to-fill, removable water tank.” - Best for Easy Maintenance: Hoover FH11300PC Spotless Portable Carpet Cleaner
“Self-cleaning technology, dual tank technology, antimicrobial multipurpose tool, lightweight, portable, and compact.” - Best for Stubborn Dirt: Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro 2458 Carpet Cleaner
“Large-capacity tank, long hose and 22-foot power cord, 3-inch Tough Stain Tool for removing stubborn dirt, powerful suction, and scrubbing action.” - Best for Tight Spots: Bissell Little Green Pro Heat 14259 Portable Carpet Cleaner
“Built-in hot water heater, separate clean/dirty water tanks, heat indicator light, long power cord, and compact design.” - Best for Environmentalists: Bissell Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner (1400B)
“Contain at least 50% recycled plastic, strong spray and powerful suction, removable 48-oz water tank, Tough Stain Tool.” - Best for Carpet and Upholstery: Hoover FH11400PC Deluxe Spotless Carpet Cleaner
“Two-tank technology, self-clean technology, antimicrobial Multipurpose ToolStair tool, and crevice tool included.” - Best for Large Areas: Bissell SpotClean 5207A Portable Carpet Cleaner
“Heatwave technology, Deep Reach tool and 3-inch Tough Stain tool, two removable tanks for easy refill, slim and portable design.” - Best Cordless: Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Carpet Spot Cleaner
“Stationary spot and stain brush, cordless convenience, Lithium battery provides 15 minutes of runtime, easy-to-remove suction nozzle.” - Best Powerful: Bissell 1570 Cordless Spot Cleaner
“3-in-1 stair tool, 20-minute runtime, cordless device for convenient use, portable design with powerful performance.” - Best Versatile: Bissell ProHeat 2X Lift-Off Carpet Cleaner
“Full-size carpet cleaner and lift-off portable spot cleaner, Dual Dirtlifter Powerbrush, Heatwave technology, unique and innovative design.” - Best for Compatibility: ONEPWR Spotless Go Portable Carpet Cleaner
“Lightweight design and compact size, multi-purpose pet tool, dual tanks separate clean and dirty water, battery-operated.” - Best High-End: Aqua Pro Vac Carpet Extractor
“Portable, lightweight, but powerful, quiet operation, comes with two wand attachments, 360-degree castor wheels.”
Best Portable Carpet Spot Cleaners Comparison Table
Before we get into the meat of this, here is a comparison guide with some of the features of the 15 best portable carpet spot cleaners.
Top 15 Best Carpet Spot Cleaners: Rated and Reviewed
Now that you have a feel of what to expect, let’s get started. You can expect to learn about the various devices than what is included in the comparison table above. I also welcome you to leave a comment if you have any contributions or question.
Flip through the in-depth reviews of the 15 best portable spot cleaner for carpets, and you can easily track down the product that best fits your needs.
1. Bissell Spotclean Pro (3624)
(Best Overall)
The Bissell Spotclean Pro 3624 is undoubtedly the best carpet spot cleaner. It is a beast of a machine and will make quick work of any stains.
First, the Bissell 3624 is a powerful unit and will get rid of even the toughest stains on carpets, and upholstery. The included tough stain remover makes the entire task a whole lot easier.
You will enjoy cleaning your stairs thanks to the 6” stair tool. It makes it is not too large to fit on stairs, neither is it too small that you will need two or three passes to cover the entire surface.
As for the cleaning temperature, it is limited to whatever comes out of your hot water tap. Therefore you run little risk of burning yourself or damaging your fabric.
The water tank is substantial —probably the largest at 0.75 gallons. It allows you to clean large areas on one tank. The tank lid also caught my eye. It is removable, and you can scrub the inside.
Finally, it has a 27-ft reach thanks to the 5-ft hose and the 22-ft power cord.
Key features:
- Combination of superior suction and scrubbing action
- Specially formulated Bissell cleaning solutions
- Tackle dirt and stains quickly
- Compact design for easy stair cleaning
Pros
- Easy to store as the cord and hose wrap around the unit
- Robust and will clean the most powerful stains
- Come with useful tools
- 20-foot power cord for extended reach
- Ideal for removing pet messes and pet odors
Cons
- It is bulky at 13.2 pounds and gets heavier once you add the liquid
- The hose breaks easily
Product Specifications:
| Color | Black |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Tools included | 6″ Stair Tool, 3″ Tough Stain Tool |
| Formula included | A trial-size bottle of Pro Max clean + protect formula |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpets, stairs, upholstery, auto interiors, and more |
2. Bissell SpotBot Pet 33N8A Carpet Spot Cleaner
(Best for Pet Owners)
This might sound too good to be true, but the Bissell SpotBot Pet 33N8A is a hands-free unit. Turn it on, and it will deep clean any stain without your involvement.
Thanks to its deep reach system, it will carpet stains from the roots leaving your surfaces spotless. The spiral brushing action also gets rid of deeply embedded stains with the fast cleaning action.
Another reason why I consider this as one of the best portable carpet cleaners is the antimicrobial protection. This gets rid of all pet odors and inhibits the growth and spread of bacteria.
The automatic smart system calculates the amount of solution required to clean a stain reducing wastage of cleaning solution. Though it is a hands-free unit, there is still room to use it as a manual cleaner with the handheld cleaning brush.
Key feature:
- Two hands-free cleaning modes
- 3” tough stain tool
- 5-foot hose length
- Unique cleaning foot and DeepReach Technology
Pros
- Easy to use as very little input is required from you
- The detergent included works
- Compact and thus easy to store
- Automatically spray, brush, and suction
- Strong and powerful suction
Cons
- The device is not without shortcomings
- The tank openings are small, and thus cleaning the tasks is nearly impossible
- It is bulky at 14 pounds
Product Specifications:
| Color | Silver |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Tools included | Tough Stain Tool |
| Formula included | Pet Stain & Odor, Pet Oxy Boost |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, Upholstery, Area Rugs |
3. Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner
(Best Space-Saving)
Following on this list of the best portable carpet cleaner is the Rug Doctor. This is an affordable yet robust carpet spot cleaner. Moreover, it is the most portable thanks to the retractable cord and the large wheels. The wheels also make it easy to work on plush carpets.
Another remarkable feature of this device is the motorized brush. It eliminates the need for elbow grease when cleaning tough stains as it does the job for you. As for reach, it is not the best, but it is substantial. With a 15-ft cord and a 5.5-ft hose, you can clean most surfaces with ease.
The strong suction leaves the carpets almost dry as it picks most of the solution. Finally, I cannot ignore that it has removable tanks. Emptying and filling up the tans is, therefore, a walk in the park.
Key features:
- Motorized brush
- Twice the suction of other competitors
- 5 foot hose
- Maneuverable, carpet-friendly wheels
Pros
- Eliminates odors as it injects soapy water deep into the carpets.
- Removable tanks are a nice touch as it is easy to empty and fill up.
- A perfect choice for everyday cleaning
- Easy-to-fill, removable water tanks
Cons
- It leaves a small drip puddle of dirty water under the device
- It is bulky
Product Specifications:
| Color | Red |
| Brand | Rug Doctor |
| Tools included | Attachment Hose, Stair Tool, and Tool Attachment |
| Formula included | Rug Doctor formula |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, Rugs, Stairs, Upholstery and Auto Interiors |
4. Hoover FH11300PC Spotless Portable Carpet Cleaner
(Best for Easy Maintenance)
Next on our list of the best portable carpet cleaner is the Hoover FH11300PC. Two things stood out for me when it comes to this device; the self-clean technology, and the new solution button.
First, using a carpet spot cleaner leaves a lot of solution in the hose and cleaning is a pain. The self-clean tech gets rid of all cleaning solution left in the hose. Also, unlike other models where you have to pump the solution, the Hoover FH11300PC produces a steady stream of solution.
The suction on this unit also happens to be unmatched. It will leave the carpets almost dry. It also doesn’t hold that much water, which saves you the trouble of carrying a bulky device.
Key features:
- Self-cleaning technology
- Dual tank technology
- Antimicrobial multipurpose tool
- Lightweight, portable, and compact
Pros
- Tools for customization
- A powerful device that will make short work of any stains
- Lighter than most devices here
- 5-foot hose to tackle hard-to-remove stains
Cons
- The red plastic brush breaks up and leaves bristles all over your carpet
Product Specifications:
| Color | Red |
| Brand | Hoover |
| Tools included | Rubber nub tool |
| Formula included | Trial size solution |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet and upholstery |
5. Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro 2458 Carpet Cleaner
(Best for Stubborn Dirt)
If your pets have made it a habit to do their business in the house, and especially on your carpets, it is about time you got the Bissell 2458. Thanks to the stain trapper tool, you can now clean these gross pet messes and store them in a different dirt tank, keeping them out of the central unit.
Other than the stain trapper tool, this Bissell Pet pro has a tough stain removal tool for scrubbing those tough stains. Combine this with the tough suction and the cleaning formula, and you will get rid of the toughest stains.
Another reason I consider this as one of the best carpet spot cleaners is the reach. It has a 22-ft power cord and a 5-foot hose. Combined, they give you unmatched reach. Finally, there is a large water tank; you can clean large areas without needing to refill the appliance.
Key features:
- Large-capacity tank
- Long hose and 22-foot power cord
- 3” Tough Stain Tool for removing stubborn dirt
- Powerful suction and scrubbing action
Pros
- For every purchase, Bissell donates to the Bissell Pet Foundation
- You can clean gross messes with ease
- The included detergent is remarkable
- Compact design for effortless stair cleaning
- Stain strapper tool keeps pet messes and liquid messes inside
Cons
- It is bulky, and it only gets heavier when you add water
Product Specifications:
| Color | Purple |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Tools included | A stain trapper tool, 3″ tough stain tool |
| Formula included | Two trial-size pet pro oxy urine eliminator formulas |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, upholstery, stairs |
6. Bissell Little Green Pro Heat 14259 Portable Carpet Cleaner
(Best for Tight Spots)
Next on this list of the best portable carpet cleaner is the Bissell 14259. If you are on the hunt for an aesthetically pleasing carpet cleaner, then get this device. It is also ideal for people with OCD.
The crevice tool helps get dirt in tight spots, and you can clean those juice spills in furniture crevices.
Another interesting feature of this device is the in-built water heater. Unlike other devices which you have to fill with hot water, the Bissell 14259, warms up water up to 25-degrees. It will not get it to boiling temperature, but it will be enough for stains.
Other tools included in this device are the deep reach tool, for those embedded stains, and the stain tool. The vacuum head also picks up pet hair, which is a nice touch.
Key features:
- Built-in hot water heater
- Separate clean/dirty water tanks
- Heat indicator light
- Long power cord and compact design
Pros
- Large dirt tank
- Scrubbing and vacuuming the water requires one pass
- The water tanks are easy to fill and clean
- Strong spray and suction
- Easy to store and use
Cons
- You need elbow grease as you will be scrubbing most of the stains
- Though the tank is large, I cannot recommend it for people with large houses
Product Specifications:
| Color | Green |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Tools included | 3″ Tough Stain Tool, Spraying Crevice Too |
| Formula included | Spot & Stain |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, upholstery, stairs |
Though I recommend it for tight spots, it works well for other spot-cleaning tasks.
7. Bissell Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner (1400B)
(Best for Environmentalists)
If you happen to be an environmentalist, the best carpet spot cleaner for you is the Bissell 1400B. But what is so green about this device? First, it is made of no less than 50% of recycled materials.
Second, the water tanks are PVC free, and finally, it is smaller and uses less energy compared to upright vacuum cleaners.
And while we are still on the topic of tanks, they are easy to fill, empty, and clean. This appliance also has a strong suction allowing you to clean and dry areas in a few passes.
You will also appreciate that it is lightweight at 9.65pounds. Though it gets heavier once you fill it with hot water, it still happens to be lighter than other appliances here.
Key features:
- Strong spray and powerful suction
- Removable 48-oz water tank
- Tough Stain Tool
- Contain at least 50% recycled plastic
Pros
- Quick and easy to assemble
- You can use it to clean upholstery and your car
- Not as noisy as an upright carpet cleaner
- Removes old stains with ease
Cons
- It needs elbow grease to remove all the stains
- It gets difficult to clean once dirt and grime start to build in the appliance
Product Specifications:
| Color | Green and white |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Tools included | Tough Stain Tool |
| Formula included | Spot & Stain |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet and upholstery |
8. Hoover FH11400PC Deluxe Spotless Carpet Cleaner
(Best for Carpet and Upholstery)
Following on our list of the best carpet spot cleaner is the Hoover FH11400PC. The FH11400PC is the upgraded version of the Hoover FH11300. It includes more tools for customization, but you have to spend money.
Additional tools that retail with this device include the stair tool, the 2-in-1 anti-microbial tool, the crevice tool, and the accessory bag. The accessory bag is perfect as it reduces the likelihood of losing the attachments. The crevice tool allows you to get into tight spaces, while the anti-microbial tool protects the device from bacteria and mold.
The dual tank separates clean water from dirty water, but it is a standard feature on most carpet cleaners. It has a strong motor-power thus, the suction will be better. Finally, it also has self-clean technology that eliminates any solution left in the hose.
Key features:
- Self-clean technology
- Antimicrobial Multipurpose Tool
- Stair tool and crevice tool included
- Two-tank technology
Pros
- Easy to use as it saves you the trouble of having to clean it
- It wets upholstery and carpet in no time
- Also ideal for cleaning stairs and car interiors
- Useful tools come with the product
Cons
- There unit leaks where the hose meets the handle. This further affects the suction
Product Specifications:
| Color | Blue |
| Brand | Hoover |
| Tools included | Stair tool, Crevice tool, Antimicrobial tool, Accessory bag |
| Formula included | Sample Size Expert Clean Detergent, Sample Size Expert Clean Pretreat Gel |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, upholstery, stair |
9. Bissell SpotClean 5207A Portable Carpet Cleaner
(Best for Large Areas)
Most portable carpet cleaners do not heat cold water, and neither do they keep it warm. Therefore, you have to work faster before the water turns cold.
However, the Bissell 5207A comes with heatwave technology that will keep the water hot, allowing you to clean larger areas. It will not heat cold water, but it allows you to work for longer periods without having to change the water.
Another feature that allows this device to rank among the best carpet spot cleaners is the deep reach tool that enables you to reach deeply embedded stains. It removes stains from the roots leaving your carpet sparkling.
As for the accessories, the 5207A has a 3-inch wide tool, which will suffice for most cleaning tasks. The tanks are also perfect as they are easy to refill and clean. Finally, it is slim, allowing you to work in tight spaces, and storing is simple.
Key features:
- Heatwave technology
- Deep Reach tool and 3-inch Tough Stain tool
- Two removable tanks for easy refill
- Slim and portable design
Pros
- Cleans like a maniac
- It is strong, and stains will be a cakewalk
- Easy to assemble
- The electric cord is long
- Maintain consistent water temperature every time cleaning
- It is durable
Cons
- Emptying the dirty water tank is difficult and unhygienic. I recommend you use gloves
- Filling the water tank in the sink is difficult as you cannot see the fill lines
Product Specifications:
| Color | Red and black |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Tools included | 3-inch Tough Stain Brush and Deep Reach Tool |
| Formula included | OXYgen BOOST Portable Machine Formula (16 ounce) & 2X Little Green Portable Machine Formula (8 ounces) |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, stair, upholstery |
10. Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Carpet Spot Cleaner
(Best Cordless)
There are instances where you want the convenience of a cordless device. If you are one such person and you are on the hunt for the best portable carpet spot cleaner, then get the Bissell Pet Stain Remover.
This Bissell has a 15-minute runtime, which is more than enough for spot cleaning. With hot water, the quality brush, and the cleaning solution, you will remove the stains in seconds.
It takes 4-hrs to charge, and though this might seem long, it is something you can work with unless you have pets and kids who are constantly making messes.
As for price, it is more affordable than most of the other devices on this list. This product also happens to be lighter at 4.6 pounds and it can also reach those nooks and crannies.
You can also get the Bissell Pet Stain Remover Deluxe which includes the window attachment tool that is ideal for cleaning smudges and other dirt that might collect on windows.
Key features:
- Stationary spot and a stain brush
- Cordless convenience
- Lithium battery provides 15 minutes of runtime
- Easy-to-remove suction nozzle
Pros
- Lightweight and cordless, and you can use it with ease as you are not tethered to an outlet
- The reservoirs are see-through, and you can know when to empty
- Remove tough stains out of your furniture and upholstery
Cons
- There are instances where it leaks from the cleaning solution
Product Specifications:
| Color | Green |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Tools included | Charger |
| Formula included | Professional Spot & Stain + Oxy |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, Upholstery, Auto Interiors, Area Rugs, Stairs |
11. Bissell 1570 Cordless Spot Cleaner
(Best Powerful)
If you want to give up the cord but not the power, then get the Bissell 15702. It is similar to our other top picks for the best carpet spot cleaner, but it is cordless, and thus you can carry it with you everywhere.
The 15702 works with a 25-volt lithium-ion battery. This is way better than batteries used on most stick vacuums and saws, assuring you of power.
Other than power, you will love the included tools. First, you have a tough stain brush with suction. You scrub any stains while picking the dirt. However, my best tool was the 3-in-1 tool.
The 3-in-1 tool is the heart of Bissell’s innovation. It allows you to clean corners, edges, and the treads of carpeted stairs.
Key features:
- 3-in-1 stair tool
- 20-minute runtime
- Cordless device for convenient use
- Portable design with powerful performance
Pros
- You can carry it anywhere as you are not tethered to an outlet
- It is robust making quick work of any stain
- Lightweight at 8.2 pounds — less than a gallon of milk
- Highlyversatile
Cons
- The suction is not that strong. Ensure you have a fan to dry things
Product Specifications:
| Color | Blue |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Tools included | 3-in-1 stair tool |
| Formula included | BISSELL Oxy Boost formula |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, upholstery, stair |
12. Bissell ProHeat 2X Lift-Off Carpet Cleaner
(Best Versatile)
This next device on this best portable carpet cleaner machine guide is not a handheld carpet cleaner, but it has a lift-off feature that allows you to use it as a handheld. This 2-in-1 design comes at a greatprice, but I think it is a reasonable trade-off.
It has the coveted heatwave technology that maintains the water temperature, but that does not mean it will heat it. You still have to fill this appliance with hot water. Another terrific feature is the easy-fill system that prevents spills when filling the device with a cleaning solution.
As for the upright, it has two rows of power brushes that will get deeply embedded stains. You can use it for full carpet cleanups, while the detachable is best for spot cleaning.
Key features:
- Full-size carpet cleaner and lift-off portable spot cleaner
- Dual Dirtlifter Powerbrush
- Heatwave technology
- Unique and innovative design
Pros
- Retails with powerful brushes that eliminate the toughest messes
- It gets into tight spots thanks to the 6-foot hose
- The water tank is easy to clean owing to the large opening
- It does not dampen carpets excessively
Cons
- The upright unit is heavy and difficult to store
- It is quite noisy
Product Specifications:
| Color | Orange and black |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Tools included | 3″ Tough Stain Tool & Spraying Crevice Tool |
| Formula included | BISSELL PRO MAX Clean + Protect & Deep Clean + Antibacterial Formula |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, upholstery, and car |
13. ONEPWR Spotless Go Portable Carpet Cleaner
(Best for Compatibility)
If you have kids or pets, or both, then you know the song and dance. Kid messes up, and you go get the carpet cleaner.
Often, you have to struggle with untangling the cord and getting to the closest outlet, but you are in luck as this is a cordless unit. It is truly a grab and go device that will save you the pain.
This device has a ten-minute runtime, and though that is not long, it is enough to get rid of the pet messes. As for the charge time, it takes 3-hrs to full charge, which is short for a cordless unit.
As for the tools, it has one multi-purpose tool that can scrub and spray most surfaces. It also lifts the solution from the carpets.
Finally, it is easy to store, as there is no cord to fold, and it is compact.
Key features:
- Lightweight design and compact size
- Multi-purpose pet tool
- Dual tanks separate clean and dirty water
- Battery-operated
Pros
- As a cordless unit, it is easy to use
- Part of the ONEPWR ecosystem, and thus you can use any battery from any other ONEPWR device
- A perfect device for cleaning accident spills and pet messes
- Easy and convenie storage
Cons
- The runtime is short. Ten minutes might not be enough for tough stains
- It is not as versatile as it lacks accessories
Product Specifications:
| Color | Blue |
| Brand | ONEPWR |
| Tools included | Multi-purpose pet tool |
| Formula included | Not included |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, stairs, upholstery |
14. Bissell SpotLifter PowerBrush 1716 Portable Carpet Cleaner
(Best Budget)
The Bissell 1716 is the best carpet spot cleaner for people on a tight budget. It is a fraction of the price of other units here and will not leave a dent in your bank.
It is a lightweight unit weighing 4-pounds, but it cannot the pet stain eraser as it is corded. The lightweight design allows you to work for hours without strain. Though the cord limits you, I think you will be happy to know that it is 18-ft long.
Another interesting feature of this device is that it has a rotating brush. Therefore, you don’t need any elbow grease to clean stains. Finally, it has a stain formula, and the tank can hold enough water to clean most messes.
Key features:
- 18-foot power cord
- Rotating brush loosen dirt and stains
- Motorized dual brush roll
- Manual spray trigger
Pros
- Lightweight design allows you to work for long hours
- Get the dirt off the carpet without using any energy on your part
- The included formula is powerful
- Continuous suction for perfect cleaning performance
Cons
- This device does not suck up water well
Product Specifications:
| Color | Blue, white |
| Brand | Bissell |
| Tools included | No tools included |
| Formula included | Spot & Stain |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, upholstery |
15. Aqua Pro Vac Carpet Extractor
(Best High-End)
If you are on a generous budget, you might want to try the Aqua Pro Vac. However, it is pricey for a spot cleaner. First, it is a portable unit that you can carry anywhere, and it has 360-degree castor wheels on the front for maneuverability, and large back wheels for moving on plush carpets.
Included in the package are two attachments and a long hose. The attachments are only different in terms of size and color. You can use the large attachment on carpets, while the other is best for upholstery and other tight spots.
This device uses water pressure to extract dirt. It does not include a brush, so you have to agitate the surface with a separate brush before you extract the stain. That is too much work considering that most units on this list of best carpet spot cleaners have brush attachments.
Key features:
- Portable, lightweight, but powerful
- Quiet operation
- Come with two wand attachments
- 360-degree castor wheels
Pros
- Easier to move around
- Large tanks allowing you to clean longer without having to refill
- A clear, upholstery tool
- Long cord and a long hose
Cons
- It is bulky and pricey
- It does not have wheel locks, so it moves around a lot
Product Specifications:
| Color | Blue |
| Brand | Aqua Pro Vac |
| Tools included | External clear sight spray detail tool, stainless steel floor tool, and clear sight floor tool |
| Formula included | Not included |
| Recommended surfaces | Carpet, upholstery, stairs |
Portable Carpet Spot Cleaner Buying Guide
As promised, here is the buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a carpet spot cleaner. I believe this will be enough to help you pick the best portable carpet cleaner.
Tank Capacity
First, you have to consider the water the device can hold both in the solution tank and the dirt tank. The ideal tank size will depend on the size of your house and the weight one can handle. Some of these devices are on the heavy side, and adding water only adds weight.
Though large tanks add weight, small tanks require frequent refills, which can be a pain. I recommend the former as it allows you to clean larger areas with ease.
Suction Power
Remember you will spraying water and cleaning solution to your upholstery and carpets, and you need a device that can pick the dirt and retrieve the water. The device with the strongest suction on this guide is the Aqua Pro Vac at 79’ of water.
Dual Tank Design
Most of the modern cleaners have separate tanks; one for the dirty water and the other for cleaning water. Though this should be a standard design, there are still portable carpet cleaners that work with one tank. Using the same tank for the solution and the dirty water will only add dirt back to your surfaces.
Also, invest in a device with a third tank for those gross pet messes. The Bissell 2458 is one such device.
Cleaning Brush Action
If you don’t want to do a lot of hand scrubbing when working with a portable carpet cleaner, then get a device with hands-free cleaning action or a rotating brush. Nonetheless, these are few in the market and as such, get a device with a tough brush and a deep stain attachment.
The tough brush will agitate the stain with ease, while the deep stain attachment will get the spots from the roots.
FAQs
We have come to the end of this review. Thank you for coming this far, and allow me to answer some frequently asked questions about portable carpet spot cleaners.
My Top Pick
Whatever your circumstances are, maybe you have an active life with several pets and children, accidents will happen. Kids will track mad on to your carpets without a care in the world, and pets will accidentally do their business in the house. For these small accidents, use a portable carpet cleaner.
Moreover, vacuuming is not enough as it will not get too deeply embedded dirt — another reason to invest in the best portable carpet spot cleaner. That’s why I choose the Bissell Spotclean Pro (3624) for daily cleaning tasks.
I have presented you with my choices, and hopefully, I have helped you narrow down and probably find the best portable carpet cleaner. If you feel there is something I missed, let me know in the comments below.
I am interested in the Bissell 3624 Spot Clean Professional Portable Carpet Cleaner – Corded; have read many reviews. One issue holding me back is the overwhelming negativity surrounding the weak and crack-prone hose — which is also prohibitive in many ways to replace.
To your knowledge, have they upgraded / fixed the hose issue? Have you tested it?
Thanks, Michael
Dear Michael,
First of all thanks for contacting me.
I am aware that people complain about the hose and the main reason why accidents happen is because of the design of this device. The hose is integrated in the body and you are tempted to pull it.
However, if you take it easy and treat it gently, you will not have any problems with it. I had a 3624 model for 2 years and never had issues with the hose. The only reason I gave it away was to test a new model.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Kevin
How big is the area they can clean? I don’t have to much room for storage and I wish to wash a 7.5 x 5 f carpet
Dear Constanza,
Thank you for contacting me,
I would like to inform you that the spot carpet cleaner is good at handling stains here or there. It is made for spot cleaning and takes time to handle the whole carpet. If you need a product that can clean the whole carpet, you should consider the carpet cleaner or portable carpet cleaner to save space.
If you are sure you need a spot carpet cleaner, I have some information for you. Most spot carpet cleaners come at 1-gallon capacity, and it can remove stains for a medium-sized home (about 1000- 2000 square feet) before you need to empty the tank and add the new formula and water. Since you want to remove stains from a 7.5′ x 5′ carpet, you can opt for a smaller tank capacity.
Hope this helps,
Kevin