Portable Carpet Steam Cleaners

Best Portable Handheld Carpet Cleaners – Review and Buyer’s Guide

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Whether you’re dealing with pet accidents, food spills, or general dirt and grime, portable handheld carpet cleaners are equipped with advanced features to ensure thorough and effective cleaning.

The Best Portable Handheld Carpet Cleaners offer a convenient and efficient solution for tackling spills and stains on carpets with ease. These compact and lightweight devices are designed to provide powerful cleaning performance while being easy to carry around the house.

I love having one as it makes maintaining the cleanliness and freshness of my carpets with minimal effort = quickly and easily – making them a valuable addition to any household cleaning arsenal. If you have little kids or pets at home, you understand!

Carpets not only add beauty to your homes but provide warmth underfoot and help contribute to a quieter environment. But like any other accessory of your home, carpets tend to accumulate dirt and stains over time. Believe it or not, when someone enters your home, their eyes catch not only the beauty of the walls but the beauty of your floors as well, especially a warm, elegant carpet. If it gets stained or becomes dirty, that can leave a bad impression on your guests.

So carpet cleaning is necessary even though it is an additional load to your cleaning chores. Carpet cleaning has the added benefit of not only keeping your carpets looking fresh and attractive but also cleansing the air in your environment.

Carpet cleaning is considered necessary because if a carpet is left dirty for a very long time, it can become a breeding ground for all kinds of germs and bacteria. This can put your family at risk of disease, especially kids who play on the floors most often. Also, the precious family pets – cats and dogs in your home may be at risk when exposed to bacteria living in your carpets.

To avoid this risk, a good carpet cleaner is your best assistant. Procuring a good carpet cleaner is a fast and efficient approach for thorough cleaning of your carpets and also ensures you have the equipment on hand to immediately clean away any stains that occur due to accidents or carelessness.

What is a Carpet Cleaner?

As the name suggests, it simply means a mechanical device that is used to remove the dirt and stains from carpet and keep it clean for the long term. There are a variety of carpet cleaners that are available on the market which can provide a very deep cleaning to your carpets. Unlike ordinary traditional methods of washing and drying, carpet cleaners make use of simple technology in cleaning up the carpets. Almost all carpet cleaners consist of simple components such as pumps, vacuum, solution tank, recovery tank and a heating unit to dry up after cleaning.

In many commercial offices and other public places, the effort to maintain a carpet is tedious but necessary. Carpet cleaners provide good assistance even in cases of irremovable stains and specks of dirt. Depending upon the method of carpet cleaning, they are classified into:

  • Dry cleaning: The carpets are dry cleaned with the help of special solvents or foam
  • Wet cleaning: These type of carpet cleaners use hot water and chemicals to ease up cleaning of the carpet
  • Carpet Steam Cleaner: It simply uses the magical power of steam and chemicals to clean up the carpet. the vacuum attached will suck up the remaining chemicals.
  • Spot cleaners: They are of very smaller sizes than other carpet cleaners which also use the power of steam to clean carpets. They are easy to store and can be used for smaller areas
  • Bonnet cleaning: These carpet cleaners use special solvents along with a rotary feed machine which is the least expensive method to clean carpets.

Reviews of the Top Portable Handheld Carpet Cleaners

There are a variety of carpet cleaners that vary in size and shape that are now available on the market. These carpet cleaners can handle problems varying from small to large surface areas and depending upon the quality of carpet cleaners, their working standards also increase.

Many carpet cleaners are available in online markets as well as your nearby shops but it’s not hard to become confused about about which cleaner to choose for your situation. So in this section, some of the best portable handheld carpet cleaners have been reviewed based on a lot of tests and positive feedback from the customers after using them. This will help you by saving your time and also ultimately provide you with the best results when carpet cleaning. The best portable handheld carpet cleaners are:

1. Bissell SpotBot Pet

Bissell SpotBot Pet handsfree Spot and Stain Portable Deep Cleaner, Blue, 2117A

Bissell SpotBot Pet 33N8 is one of the top picks in the market because it stands out in the quality of manufacturing and workmanship. It is a hands-free device that can get rid of stains and dirt at the push of a button. It is a lightweight small carpet cleaner which weighs only about 14 pounds.

The biggest advantage of a Bissell SpotBot Pet is that it is equipped with auto-cleaning cycle technology, which means you need not to hang around to clean the carpets. Just switch on the cleaner and magic starts to work automatically.

Once the auto cleaning mode is ON, the machine takes control and begins to clean by spraying, brushing and sucking the stains and dirt out of the carpet. It can clean carpets made of any materials. The hose is 5 inches long and is attached with a rotating spiral turn brush for better cleaning.

Deep Reach Technology helps to clean the carpet from bottom to up thoroughly removing all the stains and dirt by reaching deep into the fibers. It also eliminates bad odors produced from stains, urine, vomit, etc.

Pros
  • Ease of use
  • Comes with a cleaning solution
  • Can clean continuously for six sessions
  • Removes bad odor
Cons
  • No onboard water heater

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2. Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner, FH11300PC, Red

Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner is a lightweight cleaning machine that can clean stains with ease. Sometimes the appearance of the product misleads you to think that it is a heavy product. Actually, it is very light in weight that you can carry around easily while cleaning.

The device consists of an impressive 5-foot self-cleaning hose that is excellent for daily messes and protects you against bacterial growth and odor.

The device is also packed with Dual Tank Technology that can separate clean and dirty water with ease. It also comes with a multipurpose tool, pro treatment gel and cleaning solution which pre-treats stubborn stains and eliminates them. It also provides anti-bacterial protection to your home providing a disease-free environment.

Pros
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Detachable head hose
  • Ease to assemble
Cons
  • The cord is not long enough

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3. Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot 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

The Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner is a robust powerful carpet steam cleaner that cleans stains that others consider impossible to remove.

It is one of the best multipurpose carpet cleaners that can clean everything from carpets to the interior of cars. It consists of a cleaning tank and a collecting tank both of which have a capacity of 0.5 gallons.

It also consists of a handlebar that is flexible and has support wheels to avoid a rough pull while working on carpets. The motorized brush technology is powered by a motor that revolves at 1200 rpm, and where the brush reaches deep into the fibers to provide an effective cleaning to each fiber of the carpet.

It weighs just under 20 lbs which a little more than some of the other cleaners on this list but because of its huge size, more water can be stored inside it. It has a 5.5-foot long hose that can reach almost every corner of your carpet and is also provided with a detachable water tank. The Rug Doctor’s pristine technology uses heat or steam along with rotating bristles which beats out the old stains without causing any damage to your carpet.

Pros
  • Detachable water tank
  • Wheels for added maneuverability
  • High suction force
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • A bit heavy to move around

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4. BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Car and Auto Detailer, with Exclusive Specialty Tools, Green, 1400B

Bissell products are one of the most highly recommended devices in the cleaning industry.

Bissell Little Green 1400b Multi-Purpose Cleaner also lives up to its reputation providing a powerful cleaning experience to it’s users. It is lightweight, weighing around only 9.6 lbs which makes it easy to carry around while cleaning the mess.

It is equipped with a 4 ft hose and a 48-ounce water tank which is easy to refill and empty the water. It is also equipped with a 15 ft long hose to make the device carry around easily. It can work on smaller as well as larger jobs and it can also tackle spots and stains with its strong spray and powerful suction.

One outstanding feature of this product is that it is made of nearly 50% recycled materials. Thus buying this product is eco-friendly and contributes towards our part in working to make the environment plastic-free. Not even the tank and hose consists of even one ounce of plastic and environment-concerned customers would really appreciate this technology. It comes with a 3-inch powerful tool known as hydro rinse tool which easily targets the tough grime and dirt and makes carpet cleaning a much easier job.

Pros
  • Easy to refill
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Tough stain removal tool
  • Recyclable machine parts
Cons
  • A little bit noisy

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5. Bissell 3624 SpotClean Professional Portable Carpet Cleaner

Bissell 3624 Spot Clean Professional Portable Carpet Cleaner - Corded , Black

As mentioned earlier, Bissell products are just plain awesome and that’s why a third Bissel product has made it onto this list.

The Bissell 3624 SpotClean Professional is a multi-surface cleaner that can clean a variety of surfaces like carpets, automobile interiors, upholstery, and many other surfaces. It weighs around only 13.2 lbs which makes it easier to carry around.

The stain removal task is like a piece of cake with this model because of its powerful scrubbing action and vacuum suction. This model has a large water capacity of 96 ounces which is an advantage during cleaning.

It is also equipped with a 5 flex hoses each 4 feet long. It also comes with 6 stair tools, 3 tough stain tools and an 8oz professional deep cleaning formula that provides professional-grade security against future stains.

The stair tools are the best equipment to clean your stairs and with the help of a 22-inch long power cord, more wonders can be done. The carpet cleaner is easy to assemble and handle and refilling of the water tank is much easier too which avoids the annoyance of refilling frequently.

Pros
  • Powerful motor for cleaning
  • Large hose for extended cleaning
  • Easy to move around
  • Simple handheld attachments
Cons
  • The hose is a little bit brittle

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Portable Handheld Carpet Cleaner Buying Guide

There are many factors that need to be considered while buying a carpet cleaner. But what stands out above them all is the purpose for which you are buying the carpet cleaner. It should suit your needs as well as be comfortable for you to use. Portable carpet cleaners are powerful small machines that are neither too heavy nor large but suits all your cleaning needs. Here are some of the other factors that you need to look out for:

Weight

The weight of the machine is an important factor because cleaning itself is usually a pretty hard task and additional effort of dragging around a heavy device makes the job even more of a chore. Avoiding heavy devices that slow you down is the best choice. Sometimes wheels are attached for better maneuverability during cleaning and extended long hoses can also compensate for the heavy weight of some carpet cleaners.

Tank Size

The bigger the tank size of the machine, the better the cleaning process. This statement is true because if the water capacity is large you need not require refilling the device frequently which consumes more time and is much more frustrating if the water source is at a distance apart from where you are cleaning. If you are looking for a carpet cleaner for large cleaning jobs, bigger tanks are the best option and if you prefer only spot cleaning, a smaller size tank will suit you perfectly.

Suction Power

The powerful suction force of a carpet cleaner sucks out the dirt and stains as much as possible in a minimum amount of time. It is much more useful when you are trying to retrieve the water that you have used for cleaning the carpets. When the suction power matches the cleanup job, it shows its best performance. Make sure to invest in a carpet cleaner that has high suction power.

Accessories

Many carpet cleaners come along with a lot of accessories that make cleaning much easier and simpler. A large number of attachments can make your carpet cleaner more versatile and will assist you in doing a variety of jobs with a single device. Some of the attachments available include stair cleaners and flexible hoses. Always opt for a carpet cleaner that has a good number of attachments because it will benefit you in the long term.

Warranty

It is always better to buy a product that comes with a warranty of as long as possible. The warranty helps you to replace the parts of the machine if it turns out to be faulty. You should have good knowledge about the “ Terms and Service “ information of your intended purchase because sometimes the warranty is only issued for specific parts and you may be let down if a defect occurs. It is advisable to call the customer care section to know more about warranty services before buying a product so that you can get a clear picture.

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Final Verdict

Portable handheld carpet cleaners are revolutionizing the cleaning industry as their popularity is increasing dramatically. But with the rise in popularity, a variety of brands have flooded the market.

So in order to provide you with the best pick, some of the best portable carpet cleaners have been listed here and detailed information about selecting a carpet cleaner has also been added to clear out all your doubts. Check the reviews thoroughly to get the best carpet cleaner for your home and I hope you have a magical experience while cleaning with your new equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions for Best Portable Handheld Carpet Cleaners

How do I maintain and clean my portable handheld carpet cleaner?

Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your device. After each use, empty and clean the dirty water tank, remove any debris from the nozzle or brushes, and rinse the filters. Regularly check for clogs, and if your cleaner has removable parts, such as brushes or nozzles, clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, use recommended cleaning solutions to avoid damage and ensure optimal cleaning results.

What makes portable handheld carpet cleaners better than traditional carpet cleaners?


Portable handheld carpet cleaners offer the advantage of convenience and flexibility. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for spot cleaning and handling smaller messes. Unlike traditional carpet cleaners, they don’t require cumbersome setups and are more user-friendly for quick and efficient cleaning tasks.

Can I use any cleaning solution with a portable handheld carpet cleaner?

It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding cleaning solutions to avoid damaging your portable handheld carpet cleaner. Many models have specific recommendations or even provide proprietary cleaning solutions that work optimally with the device. Using the wrong solution may not only compromise cleaning performance but could also affect the warranty coverage, so always refer to the user manual for the recommended cleaning solutions.

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