9 Best Carpet Cleaners Under $100 2025

The BISSELL Little Green Mini packs a surprising punch for its compact size, delivering professional-grade suction and targeted stain removal that belies its budget-friendly price. Equipped with a 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose, this little powerhouse excels at spot-cleaning pet accidents, spilled coffee, and embedded dirt in high-traffic zones. Its portability makes it ideal for quick cleanups in cars, stairs, and tight corners—solving the all-too-common frustration of lugging around bulky machines for small messes.

In real-world testing, the 1400W motor consistently extracted dirty water and grime from medium-pile carpets and fabric upholstery without clogging. The dual-tank system (clean solution and dirty water separate) ensures hygienic operation, and the 8 oz. included formula extends cleaning time between refills. It handles upholstery, car interiors, and pet beds with ease, though larger spills require multiple passes due to its smaller tank. While not designed for whole-room cleaning, it shines in precision cleaning, especially on fresh spills and set-in food stains.

Compared to the larger BISSELL 1400B, the Mini trades some capacity for ultra-portability and faster maneuverability—a trade-off that favors apartment dwellers and pet owners needing a fast-response cleaner. It outperforms spray-and-wipe alternatives like Resolve by actually extracting moisture and debris, not just masking stains. For under $100, it offers better suction and versatility than most portable units, making it the go-to for homeowners who prioritize performance in a compact form.

The BISSELL Little Green 1400B stands out as a high-capacity workhorse in the under-$100 category, thanks to its 48 oz. solution tank—a game-changer for tackling large spills without constant refilling. Its robust suction and dual-action cleaning path make quick work of deep-set pet stains, muddy footprints, and dried-on spills on carpets and upholstery. With exclusive specialty tools included, it’s engineered for versatility, transforming from a car detailer to a living room savior in seconds.

During testing, the 1400B handled full-car interior cleanups and large-area rug stains with fewer refill stops than competitors, thanks to its spacious dual tanks. The motorized spray and suction system maintains consistent pressure, even on thick carpeting, while the ergonomic handle reduces fatigue during extended use. It performs exceptionally on pet-affected areas, especially when paired with BISSELL’s Spot & Stain + Febreze formula. However, its bulkier footprint makes storage slightly less convenient than the Mini model.

When stacked against the Little Green Mini, the 1400B wins for larger homes or frequent deep cleans, while sacrificing some portability. It outperforms spray cleaners like Resolve by physically extracting dirt, not just dissolving it. For users who clean multiple rooms or large vehicles regularly, this model delivers greater efficiency and fewer interruptions. It’s the clear choice for those who want maximum cleaning volume without stepping into premium pricing.

The Hoover PowerDash Pet brings upright cleaning power to the under-$100 space, combining HeatForce drying technology and an antimicrobial PowerSpin brush roll to target pet messes with surgical precision. Unlike portable extractors, this compact upright uses heated water and agitation to deep-clean carpets and speed up drying—solving the #1 pain point of wet, smelly carpets lingering for days. Its lightweight chassis makes it surprisingly easy to push, even for older users or those with limited strength.

In real-world use, the HeatForce system reduced drying time to under 2 hours on low-pile carpet, a major win over cold-water extractors that leave dampness for 6+ hours. The spinning brush roll agitated stains effectively, especially on dried urine, tracked-in mud, and food spills, while the compact footprint allowed easy storage in closets or under sinks. It struggles slightly on high-pile rugs where the brush can get bogged down, and the tank capacity is modest, requiring refills on larger areas.

Compared to the BISSELL Little Green models, the PowerDash is less portable but more thorough for whole-room cleaning, especially in homes with recurring pet accidents. It outshines spot sprays like Resolve by mechanically scrubbing and rinsing, not just soaking. While it’s technically over $100, its performance justifies the slight bump for pet owners who need fast-drying, deep-cleaning power in a compact upright. It’s a smarter long-term investment than handhelds for households with multiple pets or kids.

The Carbona 2-in-1 Oxy-Powered Carpet Cleaner is a precision strike weapon against fresh stains, leveraging active oxygen foam to lift and brighten carpet fibers without harsh chemicals. Its dual-action applicator—featuring a sponge for surface cleanup and stiff bristles for deep agitation—makes it ideal for attacking red wine, coffee, or pet urine before they set. The oxy-powered foam expands into the carpet base, breaking down organic stains and leaving fibers visibly brighter.

In testing, it performed best when applied immediately after spills, with noticeable improvement within minutes. The foam clings to fibers, preventing runoff and maximizing contact time—unlike watery sprays that spread stains. It excelled on food spills, mud, and makeup, though it required blotting and sometimes a second pass for older, set-in messes. It’s not a substitute for extraction but a first-response solution that prevents minor spills from becoming permanent.

Compared to Resolve Spray, Carbona offers better mechanical cleaning thanks to its brush-sponge combo, giving users more control over scrubbing depth. While Resolve relies on surfactants alone, Carbona adds physical agitation, making it more effective on textured or shag carpets. For under $10, it’s an essential tool for proactive homeowners who want to stop stains before they start, especially in homes with kids or pets. It’s the smartest cheap defense against carpet disasters.

The Resolve Spray & Go is the quickest fix for fresh spills, earning its reputation as the #1 carpet stain remover with a formula that penetrates deep and neutralizes odors in one pass. Its high-pressure spray delivers even coverage without oversaturation, making it perfect for coffee, red wine, pet accidents, and food grease. The no-rinse, no-blanket-required design means you can clean and walk away—ideal for busy households where time is the biggest constraint.

Real-world use confirms it works best on recent spills, lifting tomato sauce, cola, and mud with minimal scrubbing. The surfactant-rich formula breaks down oily residues and prevents wicking, a common issue where stains reappear after drying. It leaves carpets soft and fresh-smelling, though thick or old stains may need repeat applications. It doesn’t extract moisture, so for large spills, it’s a temporary fix until deeper cleaning.

Versus Carbona, Resolve wins on ease of use and spray reach, but loses on scrubbing power—it lacks an integrated brush. Compared to machine cleaners like BISSELL, it’s nowhere near as thorough, but it’s unmatched for speed and accessibility. For under $5, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go solution for accidental spills on low-pile rugs or stairs. It’s the Swiss Army knife of carpet sprays—not perfect, but always ready.

The Resolve Ultra Pet Odor Remover is engineered for war zones of pet ownership, using Oxi+Odor Stop Technology to destroy urine enzymes and eliminate poop odors at the molecular level. Unlike masking sprays, it penetrates deep into padding and subfloor, breaking down ammonia crystals that cause lingering smells. Its 32 oz. size offers extended use, making it ideal for repeated accidents in crates, near litter boxes, or dog beds.

Testing showed it significantly reduced odor recurrence in high-traffic pet zones, especially when applied with a microfiber cloth for deeper absorption. It worked well on dried urine spots and fecal smears, though severe cases required pre-cleaning with a handheld extractor. Safe for use around pets post-drying, it’s a trusted ally for pet owners battling persistent smells. However, it doesn’t clean visible residue—just odor—and works best as a follow-up to physical cleaning.

Compared to Resolve Spray, this version is specifically tuned for biological messes, outperforming it in odor elimination. Against BISSELL machines, it lacks suction power but complements them perfectly as a post-clean treatment. For under $10, it’s the best odor-destroying booster in the category—not a standalone cleaner, but a critical layer in any pet owner’s defense.

The Amazon Basics 64 oz. Carpet Cleaner is a value-packed solution for owners of deep-cleaning machines, offering Safer Choice-certified power at a fraction of brand-name costs. Its hydrogen peroxide base aggressively attacks set-in stains and organic odors, making it ideal for monthly deep cleans or rental machine use. With enough solution for multiple rooms, it eliminates the need for frequent store runs—perfect for large households or landlords.

In practice, it performed on par with BISSELL and Resolve formulas in stain lifting and odor elimination, especially when mixed at the 5 oz. per gallon heavy-duty ratio. The EPA-certified formula is safer for kids and pets, a major plus for health-conscious users. It works seamlessly with BISSELL, Hoover, and Rug Doctor machines, leaving carpets fresh and residue-free. However, it lacks specialized additives like Febreze or enzyme boosters found in premium brands.

Versus Zep High Traffic, it’s less concentrated but more eco-friendly, trading some stain power for safety and scent. Compared to Resolve sprays, it’s meant for machine use only, not spot treatment. For budget-focused users who deep clean regularly, it delivers maximum volume and performance per dollar—a silent MVP in the cleaning aisle.

The Zep High Traffic Carpet Cleaner is a commercial-grade solution built to revive matted, soiled carpets in entryways, hallways, and living rooms. Its penetrating enzyme formula breaks down deep-set dirt and organic odors, restoring color and texture to neglected fibers. With zero dilution needed, it’s ready to use straight from the bottle—ideal for janitorial staff, landlords, or homeowners with heavily used spaces.

Real-world tests showed it lifted years of grime from office carpets and stair runners, especially when paired with a scrub brush or extractor. The enzyme action continued working post-application, reducing re-soiling for weeks. It handled motor oil, tracked-in dirt, and food spills with ease, though it required good ventilation due to strong fumes. Not recommended for delicate fabrics, but unbeatable for durability and stain depth.

Compared to Amazon Basics, Zep is stronger and more targeted for wear zones, though less eco-friendly. Against BISSELL solutions, it’s more aggressive but less convenient for weekly use. For under $11, it’s the best bet for restoring old, trampled carpets—a workhorse formula that delivers pro-level results without the price.

The Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate is a cost-slaying champion, yielding 25 gallons of cleaning solution from a single bottle—making it the most economical choice for frequent or commercial use. Its professional-strength formula reaches deep into fibers to dissolve grease, dirt, and ground-in grime, performing flawlessly in BISSELL, Hoover, and Rug Doctor machines.

In testing, it matched name-brand performance in stain removal while costing a fraction per gallon. Ideal for cleaning rental properties, offices, or large homes, it’s a bulk solution for serious cleaning demands. The concentrate requires precise mixing, and overuse can leave residue. It lacks odor-fighting additives, so pairing it with a deodorizer is recommended.

Versus Amazon Basics, Zep offers better value and strength, though with less eco-focus. Compared to Resolve, it’s not for sprayers—strictly for extractors. For users who clean often and hate repurchasing, it’s the ultimate long-term investment—maximum output, minimum cost.