Cleaning the hidden spaces between furniture using wet mops or the best freestanding vacuum cleaner is hard for most people. Furthermore, because freestanding floor cleaners are heavy, they are hard to use in large homes and or offices. While hiring a maid or outsourcing cleaning services can solve such problems, we have found a better and cheaper remedy for you. The portable, handheld carpet cleaners on our list are easier to use in open or tight spaces. They also have excellent power output and can clean low and medium-pile carpet with little effort from people.
List of the Best Handheld Carpet Cleaners of 2023
10. ONSON Handheld Vacuum
ONSON is an all-around machine for wet and dry cleaning of low/medium pile carpets, cars, furniture, and upholstery. It also has a lightweight design (3.52 pounds) and a wireless system that is ideal for cleaning homes and or offices. If you have a cluttered living room, therefore, you will love owning this handheld vacuum cleaner. It is easy to use in tight spaces.
ONSON has a robust, 120-watt system, powered by a rechargeable 14.8V Li-ion battery. It is cordless and has a powerful 8Kpa vacuum system that picks up dirt and fine hair from most surfaces. Thus, unlike some brands that take a bit of time to clean, ONSON will clean your carpet in one pass. After a 2-4 hour charge, the vacuum cleans for up to 20 minutes. Moreover, it is quiet (75dB) and durable.
- Powerful motor (120W)
- Quiet system (75 decibels)
- 8V Li-ion battery
- Powerful suction (18Kpa)
Our Verdict
ONSON is an 18Kpa handheld vacuum cleaner with a run time of 20 minutes after a 2-4 hour charge. It is quiet (75dB) and has a wireless system that works well in small spaces.
9. Bissell Pet Stain Eraser
Pet hair and stains are among the hardest to clean from carpets. They take a bit of elbow grease to lift and often ruin the structure if carpets if mishandled. However, with the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser, you can but stains quickly and restore your carpet on a budget. Its handled design sprays, scrubs, and suctions carpets at the same time, which saves people time. The system also shortens the time you spend on area rugs, upholstery, and carpets, which prevents damage.
Like the ONSON vacuum, the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser has a lightweight, cordless design that requires little effort to use. It even has an on-board tank (8-ounces), which saves you many trips to the sink during wet vacuuming. Unfortunately, due to its small capacity, it is not ideal for cleaning large areas.
- On-board tank (8-ounces)
- Three in one system
- Portable design (wireless)
- Low powered (7.2 volts)
Our Verdict
If you have a pet that urinates on your carpet often, add the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser to your cleaning items. Even though small and low-powered, its 3-in-1 design can lift troublesome on carpets and area rugs. It is also light and effortless to use
8. Bissell Spotlifter Powerbrush Handheld Deep Cleaner
If you do not mind using a corded handheld vacuum, you will enjoy using the Bissell Spotlifter Powerbrush at home. It is a perfect extractor of tough stains on carpets or area rugs due to its 2-in-1 system. A rotating brush on the bottom loosens stains and dirt for easy picking. Then, a powerful suction picks debris and liquids in one step and leaves carpets clean.
The Bissell Spotlifter Powerbrush, although corded, does not limit the movement of users while cleaning a large area. The power cord is long (18 inches) and compatible with most electrical outlets found in homes. Moreover, because Bissell Spotlifter is light (4-pounds), it requires little effort to use.
- Lightweight (4 pounds)
- Long power cord (18-inches)
- Double cleaning action
- Wide path (3 inches)
- Motorized brush roll
Our Verdict
The Bissell Spotlifter Powerbrush has a double cleaning action that is effective against tough stains. Its motorized brush roll lifts tough stains without damaging carpets as its suction picks loose debris and liquid. It also has an onboard dirt tank that you can empty fast when full and a long cord.
7. Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner Vacuum
Rug Doctor is by far one of the most well-known brands of vacuum cleaner due to its quality. This portable spot cleaner, for instance, has a 19.8-pound red-themed design that stands out in many ways. If you have high traffic carpets that require wet cleaning often, for example, this should be your go-to cleaner. Even though compact, it has an inbuilt collection tank that stores up to 0.5 gallons of dirty water. The tank is easy to empty and clean. Furthermore, because it is transparent, you can monitor its capacity easy.
The Rug Doctor has a lightweight design with wheels and an adjustable handle that ease its use. Maneuvering it on rugs and low-pile carpets is easy. It also has a flexible hose (5.5 feet) for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and a compelling, dual-cleaning technology. While in use, its rotating bristles loosen dirt and caked stains for easy extraction via suction.
- Powerful cleaner (dual)
- Adjustable hose (5.5 feet)
- Portable (19.8 pounds)
- Transparent 0.5-gallon tank
Our Verdict
Rug Doctor not only picks up pet stains but also coffee, wine, and pet stains efficiently. It has wheels that improve its mobility on carpets and area rugs. Furthermore, the vacuum is quiet and has a hose for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
6. Hoover FH11300PC Spotless Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Carpets and upholstery pick up dirt and stains faster than wood or laminate flooring. However, using a portable vacuum such as Hoover FH11300PC, all you need is time and a bit of elbow grease to clean them. The portability of this product makes it perfect for routine cleaning of homes and offices. Both men and women can lift and operate it for long without irritation. Also, its long-reach design penetrates and cleans dirt/stains from virtually any area of the home.
Expect a deep clean of your carpet or upholstery whenever you are using a Hoover FH11300PC cleaner. It sprays and scrubs mishaps and pet messes without pulling carpet fabric. It also suctions dirt and fluids and as a self-cleaning system that prevents clogging and bacterial growth. After use, the system flushes the hose automatically to keep it clean.
- Self-cleaning technology
- Long-reach hose (5-feet)
- Portable design (handheld)
- Sprays, scrubs, and suctions
- Dual tank technology
Our Verdict
Via its dual tank system, Hoover FH11300PC separated clean and dirty water to prevent contamination. It also sprays and scrubs messes for fast pickup, and has a long-reach design that is suitable for cleaning under furniture.
5. Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
This deep-cleaning Rug Doctor machine makes routine cleaning low and medium-pile carpets a breeze. Its wide-mouthed design has cross-action bristles that scrub carpet fibers without damage. It also has a cleaning tank for and a powerful suction that shortens the drying time. Thus, if you have pets that piss on your floors often, order yours today.
According to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), the Rug Doctor has a Gold rating in terms of performance. It cleaner deeper than some freestanding vacuum cleaners. Moreover, due to its size, it handles spot cleaning better than similar products. Rug Doctor is a corded carpet cleaner. However, to most people, this is not a limitation since the cord is long (28 feet) and flexible. Moreover, its universal, 120-volt design is compatible with the standard power outlets found on homes. Finally, you get upholstery and caddy tools for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and Super Boost for soiled areas.
- Super Boost technology
- Caddy and upholstery tool
- Cross-action bristles
- Long power cord (28 inches)
Our Verdict
Rug Doctor has Super Boost, which is suitable for cleaning heavily-soiled carpet. By boosting its power ten-fold, the system eases pick-up of stains without damaging fibers. Rug Doctor is powerful and can cover up to 28 feet (corded).
4. Bissell 1400B Multi-Purpose Carpet/Upholstery Cleaner
Bissell 1400B is a stylish, multi-purpose cleaner for carpets and upholstery. If you have pets or kids who stain your carpet or sofas often, Bissell 1400B will be a life-saver. Its 2-in-1 cleaning technology combines a spray jet and powerful suction to loosen and pick stubborn stains from carpets. It also has a free stain removal tool (3-inches) and a trial-size spot and stain formula that works on carpets and upholstery.
The multi-purpose Bissell 1400B cleaner makes cleaning large and small messes easy. If you are tired of your loud and cumbersome vacuum, here are a few reasons why you will like one. First, Bissell 1400B is light (9.6 pounds) yet powerful. It is also easy to maneuver and has an onboard water tank (removable) that holds up to 48 ounces of water. Thus, you can clean a large area without emptying the tank.
- Light (9.6 pounds)
- 48-ounce water tank
- Stain removal tool
- Trial-size formula
- Multi-purpose design
Our Verdict
The multi-purpose design of the Bissell 1400B carpet clean as made it a sought-after product by millions of people. It is easy to maneuver on carpets and area rugs. It also has powerful suction and an adjustable head for cleaning upholstery.
3. SpotBot 33N8 Pet Handsfree Spot and Stain Cleaner
The deep reach design of the SpotBot 33N8 makes it perfect for cleaning cluttered or hard-to-reach areas of homes. Furthermore, due to its versatility, it is not only suitable for cleaning carpets, but also area rugs and upholstery. Here are some of its standout features: first, its portable and hands-free design weighs 12.5 pounds. Even though it is slightly heavier than the Bissell 1400B vacuum, most people can handle one effortlessly. The device lacks cables that might get in your way as you clean. You can also remove and empty its tank, while its adjustable hose enhances its reach.
SpotBot 33N8 has a time-saving design that sprays, scrubs, and suctions automatically. While spring cleaning, therefore, you can cover a wide area in a short time without damaging carpet fibers. It also has a single button control, which is convenient, and snap-on parts that you can maintain easily.
- Push-button control
- Hand-free cleaning mode
- Pre-set cleaning cycles
- Free stain tool (3-inches)
Our Verdict
SpotBot 33N8 makes carpet-cleaning a breeze due to its robust and low-maintenance design. It is also light and has a long cleaning hose that penetrates hard to reach areas.
2. Bissell 3624 SpotClean Professional
The Bissell 3624 SpotClean is a professional-grade carpet cleaner that is effective against tough stains. If you are tired of using a brush to handle such issues, here are a few reasons why buying Bissell 3624 SpotClean is a good idea. Its versatile design, for instance, works on most surfaces. You can use it to clean carpets, upholstery, and stairways with little effort. The cleaner also has a long flex hose that reaches under furniture, 6 stair tools and 3 tough stain tools.
Bissell 3624 requires only 5.7 amps of power to operate. This is acceptable for people who are conscious of the environment or power use at home. It has a long reach cord (22 feet) and a heavy-duty helmet-themed shell with a 2-year limited warranty. If it breaks, the factory replaces it free.
- Two-year limited warranty
- Long-reach cord (22 feet)
- Flexible cleaning hose (5 feet)
- Lightweight design (13.2 Ibs)
Our Verdict
The Bissell 3624 makes light work of tough stains on carpets, area rugs, and upholstery. Its flexible hose (22 feet) boosts reach. It also has a lightweight yet robust design that loosens and picks up dirt and grime without damage.
1. EUREKA EasyClean Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
The simplicity, ease of use, and superior performance of the EUREKA EasyClean have earned it a spot in many reviews. They have also made it the preferred cleaner for millions of people with kids or pets. Which are its stand-out features? Its corded system, for instance, generates consistent power once plugged into a compatible electric outlet. The power cord is long (20 feet), durable, and has a plug-and-use design that needs no skill to set up. You will like its convenience.
Like most product on our list, you are getting a reliable all-in-one cleaner with a dust canister. The canister is large and made of transparent plastic for monitoring its contents. Its dual motors generate powerful suction, while the money-back guarantee and warranty (1-year) offered attest its quality.
- Limited warranty (1-year)
- Long power cord (20 feet)
- Removable dust canister
- Motorized cleaning brush
Our Verdict
EUREKA consists of a motorized brush and dual motors that generate powerful suction while cleaning. It is durable, portable, and has a long power cord that enables you to cover a large area.