Best Handheld Carpet Cleaner UK

Prompt action is the secret to effectively tackling stubborn marks, whether on clothing, carpets or upholstery.

Fresh stains are undoubtedly easier to eliminate than dried ones, making time a crucial factor.

Ensuring you have the appropriate tools to address mishaps, such as pet accidents swiftly or spilled wine on carpets and upholstery, is vital.

While one could certainly attempt to manage the situation with a carpet stain remover spray and a cloth, a corded or cordless handheld carpet cleaner offers superior results, effortlessly extracting wet spills and powering through stains more effectively than manual efforts.

Moreover, these compact devices are more agile and user-friendly than their full-sized counterparts.

At Smart Housekeeping, our evaluation of handheld carpet cleaning machines focuses on their ability to remove fresh and embedded food, dirt and various other stains, as well as their ease of use in filling, emptying, cleaning and storage.

Additionally, we scrutinise their weight, manoeuvrability, and overall user comfort during operation.

Our Top Picks of 2024

Best Overall: BISSELL Eraser Cordless Carpet Cleaner 2982E

Best for Spot Cleaning: Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner

Best Professional: BISSELL SpotClean Pro 1558E

Best Upholstery Cleaner: BLACK + DECKER BHSB315JF, Handheld Carpet Cleaner

Best for Stairs: Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner

 

1. Best Overall

BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Carpet Cleaner

 

The BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Carpet Cleaner is a handheld powerhouse perfect for quick spot cleaning and small messes.

With its powerful suction, rotating DirtLifter PowerBrush, and OXY formula, this machine efficiently picks up spills, stains, pet messes, embedded dirt and more.

One of the most significant benefits of this carpet cleaner is that it’s cordless with a lithium-ion battery that provides up to 20 minutes of runtime.

This feature makes it easy to use without worrying about cords getting in the way or searching for outlets. You can take it anywhere you need to clean: from your living room carpet to car upholstery.

The machine also comes with two trial-size bottles of BISSELL Pet Stain and Odour cleaning solution and Oxygen Boost to get you started on your spot-cleaning journey immediately!

However, there are some cons worth mentioning as well. The Bissell Pet Stain Eraser may be heavy for some users when used for extended periods. While it does pick up dirt effectively, the suction power could be better.

Another drawback is that dry surface after use takes a long time due to their high water retention capabilities. And finally- during longer cleaning sessions- users might frequently refill the water tank as it doesn’t hold much liquid.

Overall though, if you’re looking for an efficient portable carpet cleaner at an affordable price point, we highly recommend considering the BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Carpet Cleaner!

 

2. Best for Spot Cleaning

Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner

 

 

 

The Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner is a powerful handheld carpet cleaner that packs a punch for suction power.

With twice the suction power of comparable spot cleaners, this machine can easily tackle tough stains and spills.

The dual-action motorized brush does quick work of even the most stubborn stains, leaving your carpets and upholstery looking new.

And despite its powerful cleaning abilities, this machine is surprisingly lightweight and portable, with wheels and a retractable handle for easy maneuverability.

With a large tank capacity, you won’t have to stop and refill frequently during use. This feature is ideal for smaller areas or spot cleaning on carpets or soft surfaces.

You can also use it effectively on car interiors to remove dirt and grime from seats and floor mats.

One of the best things about this machine is that it comes with 236ml of cleaning solution to try out. The solution has a minimal scent so that you won’t be overwhelmed by strong chemical smells after using the machine.

Overall, customers report excellent results in terms of stain removal and odour elimination. However, some have noted minor design flaws, such as an awkward clean water tank design that makes pouring in solution difficult.

Also reported was noise during operation, which could be disruptive for some environments.

Despite these few drawbacks mentioned earlier–as reported by select customers–overall, Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner impresses with its efficient cleaning power!

 

3. Best Professional

BISSELL SpotClean Pro 1558E

 

 

The BISSELL SpotClean Pro is a must-have hand-held carpet cleaners that every household should have in its cleaning arsenal. This portable carpet cleaner has features, making it a great investment for homes with pets or young children.

The 750W motor packs quite the punch and can effectively eliminate spills, stains and pet messes from carpets, upholstery and even cars.

The separate clean and dirty water tanks are beneficial in ensuring maximum cleanliness without any cross-contamination.

The extra large stain & upholstery tool is amazing when removing tough stains from tricky surfaces. And if more is needed, the tough stain tool easily tackles stubborn areas that other cleaners would fail to touch.

While the SpotClean Pro delivers outstanding performance, it does come at a cost – both on your ears and hands. Its loud operation can be annoying for some users during extended use sessions.

Additionally, its short suction lead requires frequent emptying of dirty water containers; this can be tiresome, especially when handling larger cleaning tasks.

However, these drawbacks are balanced out by its ease of use and effectiveness, and the sample size bottle of Wash and Protect Professional included in the package.

Although achieving desired results may require effort, you’ll appreciate how much cleaner your home feels after using this powerful handheld device.

All said and done; whether you’re dealing with everyday spills or stubborn stains on various surfaces around your home or car – BISSELL SpotClean Pro has got you covered!

 

4. Best Upholstery Cleaner

BLACK+DECKER BHSB315JF

 

 

The BLACK + DECKER BHSB315JF Handheld Carpet Cleaner is a highly convenient and efficient solution for all your on-the-go cleaning needs. It’s an excellent option for those who need to tackle smaller messes without the hassle of lugging a heavy machine around.

This handheld carpet cleaner’s cordless and portable design allows you to clean up spills, stains, and debris easily. You can use it on surfaces such as upholstery or carpets requiring deep cleaning.

The three-step cleaning process of vacuuming, spraying/scrubbing, and emptying/cleaning the collection bowl ensures that every surface is spotless.

The powerful suction generated by the rechargeable battery provides quick results for wet or chunky messes, making it ideal for pet owners or families with young children. The wide nozzle and scrub brush are also included to thoroughly clean surfaces.

One unique feature of this handheld carpet cleaner is its built-in formula dispenser which dispenses the required amount of solution (formula sold separately), allowing you to achieve maximum efficiency during your cleaning sessions.

Cleaning up after messy pets or soaking-wet clothes has never been easier than with this easy-to-use BLACK + DECKER BHSB315JF Handheld Carpet Cleaner. Its simple instructions make it straightforward even for first-time users.

Although customer reviews are currently unavailable for this product, we recommend giving it a try if you need a cost-effective yet reliable portable carpet cleaner that delivers professional-quality results at home!

5. Best for Stairs

Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner

 

 

The Vax SpotWash spot cleaner is a portable and compact machine perfect for tackling tough stains on carpets, stairs, upholstery, and hard floors.

With its powerful suction and profound cleaning ability, this handheld carpet cleaner does an impressive job of lifting spills and stains from all surfaces.

The 1.6L capacity of this compact cleaner allows you to tackle a range of cleaning jobs without constantly refilling the water tank.

Additionally, it comes with two different cleaning attachments that cater to various surface types – making it versatile enough to tackle different types of messes.

The free 250ml Spot Washer Cleaning Solution included with the Vax SpotWash allows easy clean-up after use.

And even better yet, the auto hose cleaner makes maintenance as simple as can be since there’s no need to disassemble anything or do any extra work.

One minor drawback is that the cleaning solution runs out quickly during larger jobs. However, considering its portability and compact design – this is just a small price to pay in exchange for having an effective spot cleaner handy whenever you need it most.

Another slight issue with the design is that it can be challenging to see the fill lines on the clean tank when adding water due to their subtle colouring, which may make them hard to read.

Overall, The Vax SpotWash spot cleaner offers incredible power, convenience, and reliability value- especially given its affordable price point!

So if you’re looking for an efficient handheld carpet cleaner that gets the job done right every time, look no further than this impressive little machine!

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hand Held Carpet Cleaner

A portable carpet cleaner can be a great way to keep your carpets clean without having to call in professional cleaners.

However, there are some important considerations when choosing the right hand held carpet cleaner for you. Here are some factors to consider:

Spot Cleaning

A handheld carpet cleaner is designed for spot cleaning. It can help you remove small stains quickly and easily.

Carpet Pet Stain

If you have pets, then pet stains are likely an issue for you. Look for a portable carpet cleaner that has a powerful motor and specialized tools to tackle pet stains. You want something that is going to be able to get deep into the carpet fibers to completely remove any pet odors or stains.

Weight

The weight of your handheld carpet cleaner will impact how easy it is to use. A lighter model is usually more comfortable to hold and maneuver around furniture.

Cord Length

The cord length of your handheld carpet cleaner determines how far away from an outlet you can use it. Make sure the model you choose has a long enough cord so that you do not need an extension cord in order to clean effectively.

Versatility

Some models come with additional attachments or accessories which add versatility; this could include crevice tools or upholstery brushes making them ideal for multiple surfaces such as car seats and furniture, not just carpets.

Heat Settings

A heated cleaning system will help break down stubborn dirt spots more easily, while also helping sanitize the surface being cleaned.

Accessories

As previously mentioned, additional accessories such as crevice tools, scrubbing brushes and upholstery nozzles all enhance its versatility when it comes tackling every corner of your home.

Price

Handheld Carpet Cleaners range in price depending on their features but generally speaking they are affordable appliances compared to their larger counterparts.

When considering what product would suit your needs best we recommend assessing these features against each other before deciding therefore:

– Assessing Portability & Weight vs Tank Capacity

– Checking Cord length Vs Cleaning power

– Comparing Accessories Vs Price

– Consider Heat settings for specific stain types

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Hand held carpet cleaners and portable carpet cleaners are becoming increasingly popular. To help answer some of the most frequently asked questions about them, we have compiled the below list:

Which portable carpet cleaner is best?

There are several portable carpet cleaners on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some popular options include Bissell SpotClean ProHeat, Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe, and Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner.

To determine which one is best for you, consider factors such as price, size, weight, suction power, water tank capacity, and cleaning performance. Ultimately, the best portable carpet cleaner will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Should I use a handheld or upright vacuum for carpets?

When it comes to carpets, upright vacuums are generally more effective since they have a motorized brush roll that helps to lift dirt and debris from the carpet fibers.

Handheld vacuums can be useful for spot cleaning or tackling smaller areas but may not provide as deep of a clean as an upright vacuum.

Ultimately, the choice between handheld and upright depends on your cleaning needs and preferences.

Are there any safety considerations when using a handheld carpet cleaning machine?

Yes, there are some safety considerations when using a handheld carpet cleaning machine. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow them closely.

Use caution when handling hot water or steam and never aim the machine at anyone or any electrical appliances.

Additionally, be sure to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves or goggles, to prevent skin or eye irritation from chemicals used in cleaning solutions.

Can I clean upholstery with a portable steam cleaner/carpet shampooer ?

Yes, you can clean upholstery with a portable steam cleaner or a carpet shampooer. However, it is essential to use the correct attachments and cleaning solution for the specific type of fabric on your upholstery. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and test a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding with cleaning the entire piece of furniture. It is also important not to oversaturate the fabric or leave it too wet, as this can cause damage or mold growth.

How long does it take to dry my carpets after using an handheld steamer/portable deep cleanser ?

The drying time for carpets after using a handheld steamer or portable deep cleanser can vary depending on factors such as humidity, temperature, and the thickness of the carpet. However, on average it takes around 4-6 hours for carpets to dry completely. It is recommended to keep the room well-ventilated by opening windows or using fans to speed up the drying process.

Which type of solution should be used in the tank of my portbale carpet extractor wshould i use for really stubborn stains on carpets and rugs.

For really stubborn stains on carpets and rugs, it is recommended to use a heavy-duty cleaning solution in the tank of your portable carpet extractor. Look for solutions that are specifically formulated for tough stains and make sure to follow the instructions carefully. It is also important to spot test any solution before using it on larger areas of your carpet or rug.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, investing in a handheld carpet cleaner is a great idea for keeping your carpets and upholstery clean and fresh.

As we have mentioned, there are several options available on the market, but these five products stand out as some of the best handheld carpet cleaners in the UK based on our research.

When choosing a product, consider factors such as its suction power, tank capacity, weight and cord length to ensure that it meets your cleaning needs.

Remember to read user reviews before you make any purchase decisions as this can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of different models.

We hope this guide has been helpful in identifying some of the top handheld carpet cleaners in UK.