For most pet households, a full-size upright such as the Hoover SmartWash+ suits whole-room cleaning, the Bissell Little Green or the Rug Doctor Pet Portable suits stains and stairs, and a cordless mini machine suits quick accidents. Carpet cleaners are not all the same kind of tool, so the right pick depends on how much floor you clean, how often accidents happen, and how much storage you have.
Reviewers at outlets such as CNN Underscored, HGTV and Yahoo Shopping do not agree on one winner. The pattern across their roundups is consistent, though: an upright for rooms, a portable for spots, and a premium upright for people who clean often. This guide organises those findings by use case and budget tier, with no pricing, so you can match a machine to your home.
Our top picks
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Carpet Cleaners at a Glance
| Model | Type | Best for | Notes from makers and reviewers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoover SmartWash+ | Full-size upright | Whole rooms, hallways, general upkeep | CNN Underscored names it a top overall pick; reviewers mention automatic mixing and a long warranty |
| Hoover PowerDash Pet | Compact upright | Budget buyers, small rooms, area rugs | Reviewers describe a narrower cleaning path than larger uprights |
| Bissell Big Green Professional | Heavy-duty upright | Large homes, heavy traffic | One 2026 roundup calls it the most powerful full-size option |
| Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet | Heated upright | Pet owners wanting a heated, full-size machine | Appears in several 2026 lists of top full-size cleaners |
| Bissell Little Green | Portable | Spots, stairs, car seats, upholstery | Frequently cited as the value portable; reviewers note no wheels and a smaller tank |
| Rug Doctor Pet Portable | Portable | Tougher stains, higher suction | HGTV and Yahoo each name it a best portable; CNN mentions awkward tank refilling |
| Bissell Little Green Mini Cordless | Cordless mini | Quick accidents, no cord to manage | Named a best cordless pick in one lab-style review |
Types of Carpet Cleaner Explained
Full-size uprights
These machines spray cleaning solution, scrub with brushes, and pull dirty water back into a separate tank. They cover floor quickly and are the right call if you want to clean a living room or a stretch of hallway at once. They are bulky to store and take time to set up, fill and empty, so they tend to come out a few times a year rather than after every spill.
Portable spot cleaners
Portables use a hose and a small tool. They are built for stairs, sofas, car interiors and individual accidents. Because the tanks are small, they are slow for entire rooms. Reviewers often suggest owning one even if you also have an upright, because it removes the temptation to ignore a fresh stain until it dries.
Cordless minis
Cordless units trade tank size and run time for convenience. They are useful for a puppy accident at 2 a.m., but most reviewers treat them as a supplement, not a replacement for a plug-in machine.
Picks by Need
Best for whole-room cleaning: Hoover SmartWash+
CNN Underscored names the SmartWash+ its top overall carpet cleaner, saying it cleans comparably to a Bissell ProHeat while costing less. Other roundups point to its automatic solution mixing, which removes guesswork, and to the length of its warranty. A separate comparison reported that it scored higher than the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 for ease of use. It is the sensible mid-range choice for most households that want one upright.
Best budget upright: Hoover PowerDash Pet
The PowerDash Pet is positioned as the budget-friendly upright. Reviewers describe it as compact, with a narrower cleaning path than bigger machines, which makes it better suited to area rugs and small rooms than to open-plan floors. If you only deep-clean occasionally, the smaller footprint can be a feature rather than a limitation.
Best for heavy traffic: Bissell Big Green Professional
One 2026 roundup names the Big Green its top overall pick, while other lists give it a spot as the powerful premium choice. It is a larger, heavier machine, so it makes sense for big homes, rental turnover, or households with several pets. Expect a premium-tier budget and a bigger storage need.
Best portable for value: Bissell Little Green
Yahoo Shopping calls the Little Green its best-value portable and reported that it removed washable marker faster than other handhelds. Its 48 oz tank is smaller than some rivals, and there are no wheels. CNN notes a loud motor and no built-in holsters for attachments. One reviewer warns against buying it as your only machine if you have wall-to-wall carpet in a large home.
Best portable for tough stains: Rug Doctor Pet Portable
HGTV says the Rug Doctor Pet Portable outperformed the portables it evaluated, and a lab-style review measured the highest suction of the group. Yahoo notes it did better on wine. CNN praises its wheels, handle and 4.5-inch head but criticises tanks with rounded bottoms that are hard to refill. It sits in the mid-range tier.
Best cordless: Bissell Little Green Mini Cordless
For fast cleanups with no cord or hose to set up, this is the pick one lab-style review names for cordless use. Capacity and run time are limited, so plan on a few spots per charge rather than a full carpet.
Budget Tiers
| Tier | What you get | Typical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Compact upright or cordless mini | Smaller tanks, narrower cleaning path, less suction on set-in stains |
| Mid-range | Full-size upright or strong portable | Takes storage space; some portables have awkward tanks |
| Premium | Heavy-duty or heated upright | Heavier, more to maintain, more than a small home needs |
Pet Households: What to Look For
- Separate clean and dirty tanks. This is standard on most machines, but check that the dirty tank is easy to remove and rinse because pet debris can smell if left to sit.
- Pet-specific tools or formulas. Many makers sell enzyme-based pet formulas. Use only formulas the maker lists as compatible with your machine, since the wrong product can foam or damage seals.
- Tank refill design. A wide opening saves frustration, a point CNN raises about one popular portable.
- Cord length and hose reach. Stairs and car interiors expose short cords quickly.
- Noise. Pets can be stressed by loud motors. Plan cleaning when animals are in another room.
Safety and Care Notes
Keep pets and children off the carpet until the manufacturer says it is safe, and until it has dried. Do not mix cleaning products unless the maker explicitly allows it. Test any solution on a hidden patch of carpet first, and follow the machine manual for water temperature, since overly hot water can damage some fibres and adhesives. Empty and rinse tanks after each use and let parts air-dry so odours and mould do not develop. If a stain contains hazardous material, or your carpet is delicate wool or silk, a professional cleaner may be a better choice. Check the carpet label or the carpet maker’s care guidance before using any machine.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| Pick this | If you… |
|---|---|
| Hoover SmartWash+ | want one dependable upright for general room cleaning |
| Hoover PowerDash Pet | have a small space or area rugs and a tight budget |
| Bissell Big Green Professional | clean large areas or high-traffic carpet often |
| Bissell Little Green | mostly deal with spots, stairs and upholstery |
| Rug Doctor Pet Portable | want stronger suction on tougher stains and do not mind the tank design |
| Bissell Little Green Mini Cordless | want a grab-and-go option for small accidents |
Alternatives to Consider
- Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3. A heavy-duty upright suited to large, high-traffic areas. Reviewers say it leaves carpet wetter and is harder to use and maintain than the SmartWash.
- Bissell Revolution HydroSteam. Named best overall by one 2026 roundup; worth comparing against the SmartWash+.
- Professional cleaning. For delicate carpet, large stains or once-a-year deep cleans, hiring a service avoids storage and maintenance entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a portable carpet cleaner enough for a pet household?
A portable is enough if your carpet area is small and accidents are occasional. For multiple rooms or wall-to-wall carpet, an upright covers floor much faster. Many owners end up with both so that fresh stains get treated immediately.
How often should I deep-clean carpet?
There is no fixed rule, and makers differ. Many households clean high-traffic areas a few times a year and treat spills as they happen. Follow your carpet maker’s guidance, and clean more often if pets shed or have accidents regularly.
Can I use any cleaning solution in my machine?
No. Use the formula the maker lists for your model, because other products can foam, leave residue or void a warranty. Never mix chemicals, and read the label for pet-safety guidance.
Why is my carpet still damp after cleaning?
Some machines leave carpet wetter than others, and reviewers noted this about heavier models. Make extra dry passes, ventilate the room, and run a fan. If carpet stays wet for a long time, stop and consult the manual or a professional to avoid mould.
Do carpet cleaners remove pet odours?
They remove the contamination they can reach, and enzyme-based pet formulas are designed to break down organic residue. Urine that has soaked into the pad may need professional treatment. If odours persist, consult a carpet specialist.
Is it safe for pets to walk on carpet after cleaning?
Keep pets off until the carpet is fully dry and follow the cleaning solution’s label. If an animal shows signs of illness after exposure to cleaning products, contact your veterinarian promptly.
