7 Best Cheap Carpet Cleaners of 2025

This game-changer for small-space deep cleaning packs a serious punch with its 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush and Pro Max Clean & Protect formula, effortlessly obliterating ground-in grime and pet messes that standard vacuums ignore. Unlike flimsy lightweight models that sputter on dried-in spills, the TurboClean combines aggressive agitation with strong suction to lift filth from high-traffic zones, making it a hero for pet owners and parents battling recurring stains. Its compact frame doesn’t sacrifice performance—this upright cleaner delivers professional-grade results without the bulk, solving the classic dilemma of power versus portability.

In real-world testing across low-pile hallways, plush area rugs, and stair edges, the TurboClean consistently pulled up murky water long after other budget machines gave up. The 32-ounce tank strikes a smart balance—large enough to clean a living room without constant refills, yet small enough to empty cleanly. It shines brightest on pet accidents and food spills, especially when paired with the included Oxy Urine Eliminator, which chemically breaks down odors instead of masking them. However, the short power cord (only 15 feet) demands frequent outlet hopping in larger rooms, and the recovery tank fills quickly on heavily soiled areas, requiring mid-session emptying.

When stacked against the Vacmaster SCB301 and Hoover PowerDash Pet+, the TurboClean sits in a sweet spot—more powerful than most portables, yet more agile than full-sized uprights. It’s ideal for renters, pet households, and anyone needing reliable, frequent cleaning without investing in a heavy-duty unit. While the Hoover offers faster drying with HeatForce, the BISSELL outcleans it on stubborn, embedded stains. For those seeking the best blend of cleaning intensity and convenience under $120, this model delivers unmatched value and performance.

Meet the pocket rocket of portable cleaners—the BISSELL Little Green Mini packs pro-level spot-fighting tech into a body small enough to stash under a sink. With the 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose, it’s engineered for precision cleaning on car interiors, pet beds, and upholstery, where messes are frequent but rarely cover large areas. Its motorized trigger delivers pressurized spray and strong suction on demand, making it a must-have for on-the-fly stain strikes, especially for pet owners and commuters.

In real-world use, the Mini excels at localized messes—think spilled wine on a loveseat or muddy paw prints on a car floor mat. The removable brush head agitates fibers effectively, and the self-cleaning tool prevents gunk buildup, a common flaw in compact extractors. However, its 24-ounce tank demands frequent refills, and the short 12-foot power cord limits range, forcing outlet changes even in small rooms. It’s not built for wall-to-wall carpet cleaning, but that’s not its job—this is a targeted stain warrior, not a room dominator.

Against the larger Little Green 1400B, the Mini trades tank size for ultra-portability, making it better for quick car detailing or stair cleaning where lugging a heavy unit is impractical. While the 1400B offers more runtime, the Mini’s specialized tools and sleek design give it an edge for precision tasks. For anyone who values cleaning speed and convenience over coverage, this BISSELL is a smart, agile investment that outperforms bulkier rivals in tight spaces.

The BISSELL Little Green 1400B is the gold standard of portable extractors, blending 48-ounce tank capacity with specialty tools that make it a multi-surface powerhouse for cars, sofas, and stairs. Its high-suction motor doesn’t just lift liquids—it pulls out embedded dirt and odors, especially when paired with the Spot & Stain + Febreze formula, making it a top pick for pet-heavy homes. This isn’t just a carpet spot cleaner; it’s a full-time defense system against the daily chaos of living with animals and kids.

Testing confirms it handles large spills and layered stains better than most portables thanks to its larger solution and recovery tanks, reducing refill frequency during intense sessions. The included tools—especially the 4-inch tough stain nozzle—deliver aggressive scrubbing without fraying fabric, and the unit maintains suction even as the tank fills. However, its bulkier footprint makes storage trickier than the Mini, and the motor is noticeably loud, which can be disruptive in quiet homes. It’s powerful, yes—but not subtle.

When compared to the Vacmaster SCB301, the 1400B offers superior tank size and cleaning versatility, justifying its higher cost for users who clean frequently. Against the Mini, it sacrifices some portability for longer runtime and stronger performance. It’s the best value for those who need a do-it-all portable without stepping up to an upright. If you want maximum cleaning per charge with minimal interruptions, this BISSELL is the undisputed portable champion.

The Hoover PowerDash Pet+ is a compact carpet shampooer that punches above its weight, especially when tackling pet messes and odors with its PowerSpin pet brush roll and HeatForce drying tech. This small-space specialist delivers faster drying times than most budget cleaners, thanks to heated air that evaporates moisture quickly—cutting mold risk and reducing downtime. Paired with the included Paws & Claws solution, it neutralizes odors at the source, not just masks them, making it a top contender for homes with dogs or cats.

In use, the PowerDash glides smoothly over low- to medium-pile carpets, lifting stains with a combination of rotating brushes and strong suction. The larger-than-average tank allows for longer cleaning sessions without refilling—ideal for living rooms or hallways. However, it struggles on high-pile rugs, where the brush roll can drag, and the solution mix ratio isn’t adjustable, limiting control over chemical strength. It’s best suited for light to moderate soiling, not deeply embedded grime.

Compared to the BISSELL TurboClean, the Hoover trades some deep-cleaning aggression for quicker drying and easier maintenance. While the TurboClean has more powerful bristles, the PowerDash wins on convenience and post-clean usability. It’s the better choice for renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone who hates waiting hours for carpets to dry. For pet-focused cleaning with minimal hassle, this Hoover offers a smart balance of speed, scent control, and simplicity.

When stains strike, the Carbona 2-in-1 Oxy-Powered Carpet Cleaner is your first-line chemical warfare, launching an oxy-activated foam assault that penetrates deep into fibers to dissolve set-in messes like wine, mud, and pet accidents. Its dual-action applicator—with sponge for surface stains and stiff bristles for deep scrubbing—makes it a hands-on hero for immediate spill response, preventing permanent damage before it sets. This isn’t a machine; it’s a targeted stain nuke that works without electricity, making it perfect for quick fixes and travel emergencies.

In testing, the oxy-powered foam expanded into the carpet pile, lifting stains within minutes and leaving behind a noticeably brighter spot. The 13.5 fl oz bottle provides enough for multiple treatments, and the formula works on most synthetic fibers without over-wetting. However, it requires manual scrubbing, and results vary on older stains—immediate use is critical. It’s not a substitute for extraction, but a pre-treatment powerhouse that boosts machine cleaning.

Against the Amazon Basics solution, Carbona delivers more aggressive stain penetration thanks to its foam technology and brush applicator, while Amazon Basics is better for machine-only use. Compared to BISSELL formulas, it’s less specialized for pet odors but more effective on inorganic stains like mud or grease. For fast, chemical-driven spot removal without machinery, this spray is a budget-smart, high-impact tool that belongs under every sink.

The Amazon Basics Carpet Cleaner is the quiet giant of cleaning solutions—a 64 fl oz behemoth of hydrogen peroxide-powered formula that delivers deep stain penetration and odor elimination at a fraction of name-brand costs. EPA Safer Choice-certified, it’s safe for homes with kids and pets, yet tough enough to dismantle coffee spills, juice floods, and muddy footprints when used with any carpet cleaner machine. This isn’t just a refill—it’s a high-performance, eco-conscious workhorse that keeps carpets fresh without harsh chemicals.

In real-world use, the formula lifts soils effectively when mixed at the recommended ratio (2.5–5 oz per gallon), producing excellent results in both upright and portable extractors. It rinses cleanly, reducing residue buildup, and the fresh scent lingers without overwhelming. However, it lacks specialized additives like stain blockers or enzyme-based odor neutralizers found in BISSELL or Hoover solutions, so it’s less effective on chronic pet odors. It’s best for general maintenance cleaning, not extreme messes.

Compared to Carbona, it’s designed for machines, not hand application, making it a bulk solution partner rather than a spot fighter. Against BISSELL’s Pro Max, it offers similar cleaning power at a lower cost, though with fewer protective benefits. For users who run frequent cleanings and want a safe, reliable, large-volume formula, this Amazon Basics option is a no-brainer value leader.