Best Portable Carpet Cleaner for Pets

Best Portable Carpet Cleaner for Pets (Top 12 Picks for 2024)

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Are you wondering what’s the best portable carpet cleaner for pets? Well, convenience is key when dealing with pet messes.

If you have pets in the house, you know how messy it can get. Pets will mess your space with pet hair, vomit, and poop. That’s besides the fact that they often bring outside dirt inside the home!

Your carpet will not only look messy but will also be smelly. This is where the need for a portable carpet cleaner for pets comes in. With a portable machine, you can clean any pet mess with ease as it happens. 

Unlike full-size cleaners, portable machines are easy to use and will take up less space when it comes to storage. In addition, if you get a portable pet carpet cleaner, they heat fast – you can use them almost instantly.

While there are many portable carpet cleaners for pets, getting the right one is an uphill task. You need to know what features to look for as well as your budget before buying a portable carpet cleaner. For instance, is your whole house carpeted or you have some areas with a hard floor? Do you need sanitization features in your machine? How about a corded and cordless cleaner? Do you want a vacuum and steam mop combo? With all these questions in mind, you will have a hard time making a choice. This is why we have done the heavy lifting for you. We have prepared this article to ease the burden of choosing the ideal portable carpet cleaner.

Our best overall cleaner is BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner. This pet cleaner is portable and powerful. It is very effective when cleaning pet stains and spots thanks to its many features, including a stain trapper tool, superior scrubbing and suction action, and a pet-friendly cleaning solution. It makes cleaning pet stains on carpets seamless.

Related post: Best Steam Cleaner for Pets [Top 14 Picks for 2024]

Our Top Picks for The Best Portable Carpet Cleaner for Pets 2024

Our Top Picks
Best Overall
BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner, 2458, Grapevine Purple, Black, Large
Best Multipurpose Cleaner
Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner, 2X Suction Power, Lightweight Dual Action Pet Tool, Pro-Grade Power Removes Stains & Odors from Rugs, Carpets And Upholstery
Best Budget Option
Carbona Oxy-Powered 2-in-1 Carpet Cleaner, 27.5 Ounces - Pack of 2
Name
Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro
Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner
Carbona 2-in1 Carpet Cleaner
Features
Offers powerful suction and scrubbing action, a large water tank, a professional cleaning solution, and easy to use.
A slim and compact carpet cleaner with mighty suction designed with a motorized brush and a retractable handle.
Quick, effective and affordable, this scented 2-in-1 carpet cleaner is easy to use and friendly to pets and kids.
Best Overall
Our Top Picks
BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner, 2458, Grapevine Purple, Black, Large
Name
Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro
Features
Offers powerful suction and scrubbing action, a large water tank, a professional cleaning solution, and easy to use.
More Info
Best Multipurpose Cleaner
Our Top Picks
Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner, 2X Suction Power, Lightweight Dual Action Pet Tool, Pro-Grade Power Removes Stains & Odors from Rugs, Carpets And Upholstery
Name
Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner
Features
A slim and compact carpet cleaner with mighty suction designed with a motorized brush and a retractable handle.
More Info
Best Budget Option
Our Top Picks
Carbona Oxy-Powered 2-in-1 Carpet Cleaner, 27.5 Ounces - Pack of 2
Name
Carbona 2-in1 Carpet Cleaner
Features
Quick, effective and affordable, this scented 2-in-1 carpet cleaner is easy to use and friendly to pets and kids.
More Info

Top Pick – Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner

Sale
Best Overall
Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro
Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro
This is a portable carpet cleaner and offers great features. It offers powerful suction and scrubbing action, a large water tank, a professional cleaning solution, and easy to use.

Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro is a great choice when it comes to cleaning pet messes on carpets. Whether you are dealing with pet vomit or urine or poop, this machine comes with powerful scrubbing and suction power. For better cleaning, you also get a professional cleaning formula. The formula will help clean all spots and at the same time get rid of any pet odor. Bissell SpotClean also offers a stain trapper tool. This one will keep liquid messes inside the machine but out of the machine. This makes cleaning effortless.

One reason you should buy Bissell SpotClean is that it comes with a 3 inch Tough Stain Tool. This means you can effortlessly clean all types of stains and spots. The machine is also suitable for cleaning carpet and upholstery, and also vehicle interiors, which is a plus. The lightweight and compact design make the machine portable, while the power suction provides a deep clean and gives your professional results.

For better cleaning to ensure you can clean hard to reach areas, you get a 20-foot and a long hose. Bissell SpotClean also comes with a 96 oz water capacity providing a longer cleaning time. The machine weighs only 13lbs.

Best Multipurpose Cleaner – Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner

Sale
Best Multipurpose Cleaner
Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner
Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner
A slim and compact carpet cleaner with mighty suction designed with a motorized brush and a retractable handle. It can clean both new and old carpet pet stains.

Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner does not disappoint when it comes to cleaning old and new pet stains. It comes equipped with great features that make handling everyday pet spots seamless. First, it comes with a Handheld Dual Action Carpet Tool. This feature helps remove pet hair while cleaning tough stains and odors. All you need is to spray, scrub, and extract. With this portable carpet cleaner, you need not worry about pet everyday pet accidents. You also get a retractable handle and wheels, which makes maneuvering seamless.

Unlike other carpet spot cleaners, Rug Doctor’s portable spot cleaner is compact and lightweight. This makes moving and storing it easy. The machine also comes with a dual tank system that separates clean and dirty water for the best results. With high suction power, this portable cleaner is ideal for cleaning different surfaces such as carpets, pet beds, rugs, vehicle interiors, upholstery, and furniture. Other features that make Rug Doctor irresistible include a 0.5 gallons water capacity, 5.5-foot hose, and a long power cord.

Best Budget Option – Carbona Oxy-Powered 2-in-1 Carpet Cleaner

Best Budget Option
Carbona 2-in1 Carpet Cleaner
Carbona 2-in1 Carpet Cleaner
Quick, effective and affordable, this scented 2-in-1 carpet cleaner is easy to use and friendly to pets and kids.

Carbona 2-in-1 Carpet Cleaner is a perfect solution for people looking for a quick, effective, and affordable spot remover. While many spot carpet cleaners are motorized, this requires no electric power, which is a plus because you can use it anywhere, anytime. Since it is manually operated, it is safe and effortless to use. But what makes it ideal for cleaning pet stains? First, it comes with a powerful cleaning formula and a built-in brush head. To start cleaning, you need to squeeze the bottle to let out the cleaning formula and then brush the pet stains or any other spot.

When you buy the Carbona 2-in-1 cleaner, you need not worry about pet odor. The 27.5-ounce cleaning formula is scented, and therefore after cleanup, you will have your carpet smelling fresh. The formula is also safe for steam machines and can eliminate all manner of tough stains and spots. Besides using this machine to remove pet messes, it is also an effective carpet and upholstery cleaner. What’s more, you can get a refill when the cleaner is empty. With the many benefits and considering how cheap the cleaner is, it is a worthy purchase.

Best for Pets – Bissell SpotBot Pet Cleaner with Removable Hose

Best for Pets
Bissell SpotBot Pet Cleaner
Bissell SpotBot Pet Cleaner
This is a dedicated portable carpet cleaner for pets that has dual cleaning modes, automatic stain and spot cleaning, unique spiral brushing, and large water capacity. It also comes with a 3-inch tough stain tool.

Bissell SpotBot Pet Cleaner comes with great features that make it a must-have for pet owners. With pets come stains, odor, and spots. This is where the Spotbot pet cleaner comes in. With a dual water tank, you are sure to have a better cleanup. The clean tank has a capacity of 30.6 ounces, while the dirty tank has 29.2 ounces. Since cleaning pet messes involves a lot of dirty work, Spotbot pet cleaner comes with automatic hands-free cleaning to ensure you do not get your hands dirty. You can easily preset cleaning cycles, and the cleaner will automatically spray, brush, and suction to clean your carpet.

With Spotbot pet cleaner, you can clean all stains, whether new or old, thanks to the two cleaning modes. In addition, the compact design ensures that you can get the messes. The long power cord 15 foot and the lightweight design 14 lb also makes maneuvering seamless. For better cleaning, you also get unique spiral brushing – it completes over 400 cleaning revolutions, ensuring thorough removal of spots and stains. This machine comes with a 3-inch tough stain tool, trial size pet stain and odor formula, and Pet Oxy Formula for professional cleaning. All these features make the machine a perfect choice for pet spots and general household messes.

Best Versatile Cleaner – Comforday Steam Cleaner

Best Versatile Cleaner
Comforday Steam Cleaner
Comforday Steam Cleaner
The machine produces high-pressure steam and can clean any pet mess and other everyday stains from carpets, hard floors, and upholstery.

Comforday Steam Cleaner is a versatile portable carpet steamer for pets. With the hot steam of up to 270°F, this steam cleaner for carpet loosens all types of stains and makes the cleanup process a breeze. Thanks to the high-pressure steam, it is easy to reach even the deep stains, which leave the carpet sparkling clean. While this steam cleaner is small in size, it can steam virtually any surface, including carpet and upholstery, hardwood, fabric, cars, ceramics, and so on. This makes it a worthy purchase for every home. In addition, the compact design makes handling and storage easy.

With steam cleaners come safety concerns. But with a Comforday machine, you need not worry about your safety. The machine comes with a safety lock on the handle, coupled with a safety cap. In addition, it offers chemical-free cleaning, making it safe. You also get 9 accessories for better cleaning, and this includes a spray cup with a brush, extended nozzle, towel sleeve, measuring cup, long spray cup, and much more. This means steaming your carpet, stairs, and clothing is possible. The steam carpet cleaner comes with a 9.8-foot power cord, 2.1 kg, and 350 ml tank capacity for convenience.

Best Manual Cleaner – Resolve Easy Clean Pro

Best Manual Cleaner
Resolve Easy Clean Pro
Resolve Easy Clean Pro
It is the best manually operated carpet cleaner. With this cleaner, you need not get on your hands and knees to clean your floor.

Resolve Easy Clean Pro comes in handy for people on a budget and wants to achieve better and safe cleaning. Unlike other carpet cleaners, this one is manually operated, with no electrical power, no buttons, no steam – it is very safe. But do not mistake it for a weak machine just because it is not motorized. You have the option of choosing between three cleaning formula – large rooms, spot and stains, high traffic areas. For instance, if you are cleaning pet messes, get the spots and stains formula.

This portable carpet cleaner is easy to use – only 4 steps. All you need is to insert the can, dispense, brush, and vacuum. In these few steps, you will have a clean and odorless carpet. According to the manufacturer, Resolve Easy Clean Pro can remove 3X more dirt than vacuuming alone. The cleaner offers a convenient way to deal with odors, stubborn stains, and all pet messes. Refilling the cleaner is also easy.

Best Lightweight Option – Bissell SpotClean ProHeat

Best Lightweight Option
Bissell SpotClean ProHeat
Bissell SpotClean ProHeat
A lightweight cleaner with large capacity, heatwave technology, deep clean tool, self-cleaning tool, and removable water tanks. All this makes the machine ideal for spot and stain cleaning.

Bissell SpotClean ProHeat is among the best lightweight carpet cleaners with no compromises on capabilities. This portable spot cleaner for pets is not only affordable but also resourceful. First, it comes with a 37-ounce tank capacity. This ensures you can clean more, and thanks to the separate dirty water tank and clean water tank, cleaning becomes easy. Like many Bissell products, this machine comes with Heatwave Technology. This feature comes in handy as it reduces the drying time once you clean your carpet. It also makes the machine ideal for pets because you can quickly have your carpet ready for use after cleanup.

Dealing with pet stains is never easy, and with this Bissell multi-purpose cleaner, you get a Deep Rich Tool that removes all embedded dirt and pet stains from the bottom up. In addition, since you do not want to touch any pet messes after cleanup, the machine provides a self-cleaning feature, which makes machine cleaning a breeze. There is also a 3” tough stain tool for cleaning carpets and upholstery. The machine weighs 9 lb and comes with a 15-foot cord length to ensure you get hard to reach areas. Not to mention the machine comes with a 2 years warranty.

Best Handheld Carpet Cleaner – Bissell Pet Stain Eraser

Best Handheld Option
Bissell Pet Stain Eraser
Bissell Pet Stain Eraser
This handheld pet cleaner can clean messes anywhere – it is portable and cordless. The machines also come with spray, Scrub, and Suction features, ensuring an instant and permanent pet messes removal.

Bissell Pet Stain Eraser is the perfect handled pet cleaner you can get on the market today. Being a Bissell product, you can expect nothing less but quality build and effectiveness. But what makes this upholstery cleaner different from other spot cleaners? First, it is lightweight, and the compact design makes using and handling the machine easy. Secondly, this portable spot cleaner is cordless. Sometimes your pet can mess anywhere from your stairs, under the couch, on your carpet, etc., and this is why you need a cordless machine. You can virtually clean anywhere. Another great feature you get with this spot cleaner is an increased tank capacity.

What makes this Bissell model even better is the powerful spray, scrub, and suction. It is fast and effective, and any pet spots will disappear within seconds. In addition, the machine comes with a ready to use formula. This ensures you get the right mixture for better cleanup. You can also think of the machine as a multipurpose cleaner – you can use it to clean and refresh upholstery. Finally, cleaning and maintaining the machine is easy, thanks to the removable suction nozzle and quick to access brush.

Best for Pet Stain – Bissell Little Green Portable Cleaner

Best for Pet Stain
Bissell Little Green Portable Cleaner
Bissell Little Green Portable Cleaner
A tough, environment-friendly portable carpet cleaner for pet messes and other stains. The machine comes with a large water tank, HydroRinse tool and tough stain tool.

Bissell Little Green Portable Cleaner is an environmentally friendly carpet cleaner – is made from 50% recycled materials. Like other Bissell spot cleaners, this machine comes with attractive features such as a large capacity tank – 48 ounces. This is enough to clean up a large area. While the machine is lightweight and compact, it is very capable, thanks to the motorized brush and high suction power. With a 3-inch tough stain tool, it is easy to get rid of pet spots and other everyday stains. Also, the machine is ideal for both small and large spaces.

For easy emptying and filling, this Bissell carpet cleaner comes with a removable water tank design. There is also a HydroRinse Tool, and this makes cleaning the hose easy after every use. In addition, this portable carpet cleaner is compact and lightweight – it weighs 9.6 pounds, which makes handling and using the cleaner seamless. There is also a long power cord – 15 feet, and this makes maneuverability effortless – you can cover more ground. The hose is also long enough (4 feet), and it makes cleaning hard to reach areas easy. With all these features, you will never have problems cleaning pet messes.

Best Vacuum Cleaner – Black+Decker Cordless Cleaner

Best Vacuum Cleaner
Black+Decker Cordless Cleaner
Black+Decker Cordless Cleaner
A cordless cleaner that comes with a dustbowl with a capacity of 20.6 ounces. It comes with cyclonic action, which comes in handy to keep the filter clean and power strong.

Black+Decker Cordless Cleaner is an excellent carpet vacuum cleaner. The machine comes with a lithium-ion battery with a quick charge and can hold a charge for up to 18 months. The machine is lightweight and very powerful. It also comes with a 20.6 ounces dust bowl that is easy to empty and clean. The machine also comes with cyclonic action to clean the filter clean and suck in all debris for better cleaning. The vacuum cleaner also comes with a bagless dirt bowl – it is easy to see when filled up and empty.

Another great reason to consider this vacuum carpet cleaner is that it comes with a rotating slim nozzle. This feature makes the cleaner ideal for several applications. The design of the machine makes it easy to handle and store. Lastly, the machine comes with many accessories that make cleaning easy. Such features include a crevice tool and a washable filter. Considering the cost and the many features, it is a worthy tool.

Best Cordless Carpet Cleaner – Rug Doctor Pro Cleaner

Best Cordless Coption
Rug Doctor Pro Cleaner
Rug Doctor Pro Cleaner
A cordless cleaner with a 12-foot hose, dual-action brushes, and is ideal for multi-surface cleaning.

Rug Doctor Pro Cleaner is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a cordless carpet spot cleaner. The machine comes with a 12-foot hose, which ensures you have an easy time cleaning all corners. The machine also offers dual-action brushes and spiral motion action to extract, lift, and remove pet stains and other messes. This Rug Doctor model also comes with two straight row front and back brushes for better dirt collection, suction, and retention.

Once the scrubber removes stains and spots, then the deep suction feature kicks in to lift the dirty solution from the carpet and places it into the dirty water tank. This makes cleaning flawless. Another reason to get this Rug Doctor machine is that it is a multi-surface cleaner. You can clean carpet and upholstery, furniture, car seats, chairs, and much more. It is also affordable and long-lasting. On top of all these features, there is a warranty.

Best for Small Areas – Hoover Onepwr Cordless Cleaner

Best for Small Areas
Hoover Onepwr Cordless Cleaner
Hoover Onepwr Cordless Cleaner
This portable spot cleaner is versatile, thanks to its compact and cordless design. It comes with dual tank technology, and with its many accessories, it is suitable for multi-surface cleaning.

Hoover Onepwr Cordless Cleaner never disappoints when it comes to cleaning tight access areas. It is portable, and you can move it to any corner, thanks to the cordless design. The machine is ideal for spot cleaning and, therefore, a perfect match for pet owners. With this spot cleaner, you can tackle all pet accidents, spills, and other messes with ease. The battery is long-lasting and charges very fast. As a benefit, the lightweight design makes the machine easy to carry when going upstairs.

This Hoover spot cleaner comes with a multipurpose pet tool that helps scrub and lift away all tough messes. In addition, the dual tan technology makes cleaning effortless by separating the dirty water from clean water – emptying and rinsing the machine becomes easy. Lastly, this pet spot cleaner comes with many accessories, including a pet tool, 4-inch scrubbing tool, 9 ounces recovery tank, and a removable hose. All these features make this upholstery cleaner worth having.

What to Consider When Buying a Portable Carpet Spot Cleaner for Pet Stains

Person using handheld carpet cleaner

Shopping for a portable carpet spot cleaner is more than just checking the brand and reviews. You need to check some specific to be sure you’re getting the right portable carpet cleaner for your needs. Some of these considerations include the following:

Tank capacity

When shopping for a portable carpet spot cleaner, it is crucial to consider the tank capacity. The capacity of the cleaning solution will determine how long you can clean before refilling. The best portable cleaner is one that can clean for at least 20 minutes. This is sufficient for most carpet cleaning tasks.

Dual Tank Technology

In addition to checking the tank capacity, it is also essential to look for a portable carpet cleaner with a dual tank system. Such a cleaner comes with two tanks – one for cleaning solution and one for dirty water. This makes cleaning and refilling easy. Without this technology, dirty water can quickly get back to your carpet/surface.

Suction Power

When cleaning stains and other messes, you will be spraying water plus cleaning solution to your carpets, and therefore you need a cleaner that can pick dirt and retrieve the water while at it. Therefore, the best portable carpet cleaner should have mighty suction power for better results.

Heating Time

If you prefer steam carpet cleaners, it is vital to check the heating time. Look for a machine that heats fast and emits high-temperature steam. Hot steam will help in sanitizing spaces as well as loosen tough stains.

Weight

When shopping for portable spot cleaners, weight is an important factor. Not all portable cleaners are lightweight. Therefore, depending on your needs, look for a lightweight cleaner. Such a machine is easy to handle and store.

Warranty

While you may have trust in a specific brand, it is important to get a warranty. There are always manufacturing flaws, and when the machine malfunctions, you want to be sure you can get a refund, free repair, or replacement. Only buy portable carpet cleaners with at least 2 years warranty.

Hose and Cord Length

Many people overlook these two features, but they are critical. The length of the hose and cord will determine how far you can move from the power outlet. The longer the hose and cord, the better because you can cover more ground. The hose length is also important for cordless carpet cleaners.

Portable carpet cleaner with accessories

Accessories

Before settling for a specific portable carpet cleaner, consider what accessories you’re getting. The more the accessories, the more versatile the machine will be. However, look for accessories that will interest you. If you have pets, look for a machine that comes with a pet tool.

Price

When shopping for spot cleaners, you will realize there is a cleaner for every price. Always start by listing what features to look for and then your preferred brands, and then shortlist by price. Always set a budget and stick to it. Also, remember that the most expensive cleaner is not the best, and vice versa. Make a wise decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which portable carpet cleaner has the best suction?

There is no specific model with the best suction power. All brands have cleaners with varying suction power depending on application and size. Therefore, depending on your needs and budget, shop for a portable carpet cleaner with sufficient suction power.

What is the best carpet steam cleaner for pets?

The best carpet steam cleaner is one that heats fast, produces hot steam, has a long power and hose cord, and most importantly, very safe.

What carpet cleaner is safe for pets?

When it comes to the safety of your pet, look for a chemical-free cleaner – a steam cleaner is better. However, if the cleaner uses a cleaning formula, ensure the formula is both pet and child friendly.

Are portable cleaners better than upright machines?

Yes and No. There is always the right machine for a specific cleanup job. For instance, getting a huge upright machine for everyday spot cleanup is not economical; the same way you cannot use a portable

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