10 Best Upholstery Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Shark StainStriker is a portable upholstery cleaner designed to tackle tough stains and odors on carpets, couches, area rugs, and even car interiors. It uses a dual-activated cleaning formula that combines two solutions, including OXY power, to break down stains effectively without needing any mixing. This makes it particularly good at removing pet stains and odors, which many users find challenging.

The cleaner includes multiple tools—a crevice tool, reversible bristle tools, and a pet tool—helping you reach various surfaces and tight spots easily. At under 9 pounds, it’s lightweight and compact, making it simple to carry around and store. The powerful suction pulls out dirt and liquids deep within upholstery, helping your furniture look refreshed. It runs on batteries rather than plugging into an outlet, so you should consider battery life for longer cleaning sessions. Because it extracts liquid well, surfaces may dry faster than with average spot cleaners.

The included cleaning formulas seem effective but do contain chemicals, so users sensitive to strong scents or preferring eco-friendly options might want to test carefully. Assembly isn’t required, and hand washing the tools is easy. With a strong reputation and high user ratings, this model suits pet owners and anyone needing a versatile spot cleaner for various fabrics. If you want fast setup and solid stain removal without heavy equipment, this Shark cleaner is a reliable choice, though if you prefer cordless or chemical-free cleaning, you might want to compare alternatives.

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a handy tool designed for anyone looking to tackle tough stains on various surfaces like carpets, upholstery, and even car interiors. One of its major strengths is its powerful suction, which effectively removes pet spots and stains, making it particularly suitable for pet owners. The portable design allows for easy maneuverability, and the 48 oz. tank capacity means users can clean larger areas without frequent refills.

In terms of stain removal, the included Spot & Stain formula with Febreze Freshness helps not only tackle stains but also neutralize odors, which is a fantastic feature for maintaining a fresh environment. Additionally, the HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool ensures that the unit stays clean for optimal performance after each use, adding to its ease of maintenance.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The machine is corded, which might limit mobility during use, particularly in large spaces without power outlets nearby. While it does a great job on stains, some users may find it less effective on very old or set-in stains. With a weight of around 9.65 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight, but some may still prefer a more compact option for easy storage. Another aspect to keep in mind is that while it serves multiple purposes, a dedicated full-sized carpet cleaner may provide better results for extensive cleaning tasks.

The Shark Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, known as StainStriker, is designed for those looking to tackle tough stains and odors in a variety of surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. One of its notable strengths is its dual-activated stain eliminator that requires no premixing, making it user-friendly, especially for people who may not be tech-savvy. With a powerful suction capability, it lifts deep-seated dirt and liquids, leaving surfaces looking refreshed. Additionally, it is particularly effective for pet owners, as it can permanently eliminate stubborn pet odors like urine and smoke.

In terms of portability, the cleaner is lightweight at under 9 lbs, making it easy to carry around the house or even in the car. The included attachments, such as the pet tool and reversible bristle tool, enhance its versatility, allowing users to clean various types of upholstery with ease.

The cleaning capacity is somewhat limited with a 0.18-gallon water tank, which may require frequent refilling for larger jobs. Also, while the device is battery-powered, running time could be a concern for extensive cleaning sessions, particularly if you're tackling multiple areas at once. The hand wash care instructions may be less convenient for some users who prefer machine-washable options.