By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
Choosing a bissell carpet cleaner cleaning setup comes down to three things: the floor types in your home, how much pet hair or spill residue you deal with, and whether you want a compact spot tool or a full-size upright for deep cleaning. This list compares six machines and formulas that cover those needs. Selection criteria were based on manufacturer specifications, brand reputation for carpet care, and patterns owners commonly report about tank size, cleaning path width, and suitability for pets. No units were personally tested, so treat the comparisons as research-based guidance rather than hands-on results.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallLittle Green Max Pet Series 3857 Portable Carpet Cleaner, 32 oz Tank, 3 in W Cleaning PathView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for deep cleaning whole roomsTurboClean Pet XL Series 3738 Upright Carpet Cleaner, 1 gal Tank, 10 in W Cleaning PathView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for hard floors alongside carpetCrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe 3-in-1 Steam Mop, 3515GView on Amazon - 4
Best for pet spots and upholsteryEureka Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, NEY100View on Amazon - 5
Best for stubborn traffic areasBissell Deep Clean Pro 4X Deep Cleaning Concentrated Carpet Shampoo, 48 oz (Pack of 2)View on Amazon - 6
Best budget pickPortable Steam Cleaner with 16 Accessories, 6-Level Adjustable, Dark GreenView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Little Green Max Pet Series 3857 Portable Carpet Cleaner | Pet owners and stairs | 32 oz tank, 3-inch cleaning path |
| TurboClean Pet XL Series 3738 Upright Carpet Cleaner | Large carpeted rooms | 1 gallon tank, 10-inch cleaning path |
| CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe 3-in-1 Steam Mop, 3515G | Mixed hard floors and carpet | Steam function with sanitize formula |
| Eureka Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner NEY100 | Spot treatment on pet messes | 50.7 oz water tank |
| Bissell Deep Clean Pro 4X Concentrated Carpet Shampoo | Heavy-traffic and stained areas | Concentrated formula, 48 oz (2-pack) |
| Portable Steam Cleaner with 16 Accessories | Small jobs and multi-surface cleaning | 6-level steam adjustment, 15-second heat-up |
Little Green Max Pet Series 3857 Portable Carpet Cleaner, 32 oz Tank, 3 in W Cleaning Path
Little Green Max Pet Series 3857 Portable Carpet Cleaner, 32 oz Tank, 3 in W Cleaning Path
Best for: Pet owners and stairs
This portable unit suits households that need to reach stairs, car interiors, and small rugs without hauling out a full-size machine. Owners often describe it as the go-to for quick pet accidents before they set.
Key specs
- 32 oz clean water tank
- 3-inch cleaning path
- Portable, handheld-style design
Pros
- Easy to carry between rooms and floors
- Small cleaning path works well in tight spaces
- Tank size suits spot jobs without constant refilling
Cons
- The narrow cleaning path means more passes on large areas
- Small tank limits run time on bigger rooms
Bottom line: A strong pick for pet owners who mostly need spot and stair cleaning rather than whole-room deep cleaning.
TurboClean Pet XL Series 3738 Upright Carpet Cleaner, 1 gal Tank, 10 in W Cleaning Path
TurboClean Pet XL Series 3738 Upright Carpet Cleaner, 1 gal Tank, 10 in W Cleaning Path
Best for: Large carpeted rooms
Households with wall-to-wall carpet in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways will get the most from this upright. The wider path and larger tank cut down on the number of passes and refills.
Key specs
- 1 gallon clean water tank
- 10-inch cleaning path
- Upright format for full-room work
Pros
- Wide cleaning path covers floor space quickly
- Large tank supports extended sessions
- Well suited to recurring deep cleaning
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier to store than portable units
- Less practical for stairs and upholstery
Bottom line: The right choice for whole-home carpet care, especially if you clean on a regular schedule.
CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe 3-in-1 Steam Mop, 3515G
BissellDeluxe steam function for deep sanitizing; sanitize formula included; Green color; hard floor cleaning CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe 3-in-1 Steam Mop, 3515G
Best for: Mixed hard floors and carpet
This model is aimed at homes where hard floors make up most of the space, with some carpet or area rugs mixed in. The steam function and included sanitize formula are its main draw.
Key specs
- 3-in-1 design with steam function
- Sanitize formula included
- Green color, hard floor focus
Pros
- Steam helps with sanitizing hard surfaces
- Versatile across floor types in one machine
- Useful for kitchens and bathrooms
Cons
- Not a dedicated carpet extractor, so deep carpet results are limited
- Owners with heavy carpet needs may want a separate machine
Bottom line: Best for households that want one tool for hard floors with occasional light carpet touch-ups.
Eureka Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, NEY100
EUREKA Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Spot Cleaner for Pets, Stain Remover for Carpet, Area Rugs, Upholstery, Coaches and Car, 50.7oz Large Water Tank, NEY100 with Cleaning Formula, Blue
Best for: Pet spots and upholstery
Designed for spot treatment across carpet, area rugs, upholstery, and car interiors, this portable cleaner suits pet owners who need to address accidents quickly.
Key specs
- 50.7 oz large water tank
- Portable spot cleaner design
- Works on carpet, rugs, and upholstery
Pros
- Larger tank than many portable options
- Covers several surfaces beyond carpet
- Good fit for pet stain routines
Cons
- Not designed for full-room deep cleaning
- Results depend on pairing with an appropriate formula
Bottom line: A practical spot-cleaning companion for pet homes, especially with upholstery in the mix.
Bissell Deep Clean Pro 4X Deep Cleaning Concentrated Carpet Shampoo, 48 oz (Pack of 2)
Bissell 78H63 Deep Clean Pro 4X Deep Cleaning Concentrated Carpet Shampoo,48 ounces – Silver,(Pack of 2)
Best for: Heavy-traffic and stained areas
This is a concentrated carpet shampoo rather than a machine, suited to owners who already have a bissell carpet cleaner and want a formula for tough traffic lanes and set-in stains.
Key specs
- Concentrated formula
- 48 oz bottles, pack of 2
- Designed for deep cleaning carpet
Pros
- Concentrate stretches over many sessions
- Targets high-traffic wear areas
- Compatible with Bissell-style carpet machines
Cons
- Requires a compatible machine to be useful
- Over-dilution or over-use can leave residue
Bottom line: Ideal as a refill for owners who already run a Bissell machine and need a stronger formula for traffic areas.
Portable Steam Cleaner with 16 Accessories, 6-Level Adjustable, Dark Green
Steam Cleaner, Portable Steamer for Cleaning with 16pcs Accessories, 6-Level Adjustable and 15s Heat-Up, Handheld Steam Cleaner for Home, Tile, Dirt, Grout, Grease, Car Detailing, Dark Green
Best for: Small jobs and multi-surface cleaning
This handheld steam cleaner is a budget-friendly option for quick jobs around the home, including tile, grout, and small carpet patches. It is not a substitute for an extraction machine.
Key specs
- 16 accessories included
- 6-level adjustable steam
- 15-second heat-up time
Pros
- Fast heat-up for quick use
- Accessory set covers many small tasks
- Good for spot work on small areas
Cons
- Steam alone does not extract dirt from deep carpet
- Limited capacity for large rooms
Bottom line: A useful secondary tool for homes that need light steam work, not a primary carpet cleaner.
Buying Guide
Match the Machine to Your Floor Types
Carpet, area rugs, upholstery, and hard floors each call for different tools. Extraction machines suit carpet, while steam tools suit sealed hard surfaces. Check which surfaces take most of your foot traffic before you buy.
Good picks for this: TurboClean Pet XL Series 3738, CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe 3-in-1 Steam Mop
Check Cleaning Path Width
A wider cleaning path covers more floor per pass. Models with about 10 inches of path reduce the number of passes on a large room, while 3-inch paths are better suited to stairs and tight corners.
Good picks for this: TurboClean Pet XL Series 3738, Little Green Max Pet Series 3857
Consider Tank Size and Refill Frequency
Tank capacity determines how long you can clean before refilling. Small tanks around 32 oz suit spot work, while a 1-gallon tank supports longer sessions on bigger areas.
Good picks for this: Little Green Max Pet Series 3857, Eureka Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner NEY100
Look for Pet-Focused Features
Pet owners should look for machines that handle odors and spot treatments well. A portable unit with a sizable tank is often easier to use right after an accident.
Good picks for this: Eureka Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner NEY100, Little Green Max Pet Series 3857
Factor in Formula Compatibility
Cleaning solution matters as much as the machine. Check that your formula is compatible with your bissell carpet cleaner cleaning unit, and follow the manufacturer’s dilution directions. Over-concentration can leave sticky residue that attracts soil.
Good picks for this: Bissell Deep Clean Pro 4X Concentrated Carpet Shampoo
Think About Storage and Weight
Uprights take more closet space, while portable units are easier to carry up stairs. If you have limited storage or frequent stairs, a portable model may be the better fit.
Good picks for this: Little Green Max Pet Series 3857, Portable Steam Cleaner with 16 Accessories
Assess Durability and Maintenance
Rinse the tank and brush after each use, and check hoses and filters regularly. Machines that are easy to disassemble for cleaning tend to hold up better over time.
Good picks for this: TurboClean Pet XL Series 3738, Eureka Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner NEY100
FAQ
Is a bissell carpet cleaner cleaning machine good for pet stains?
Many owners use extraction machines for pet stains, especially with formulas designed for pet odors. Blot first, treat with an enzyme-based solution if the manufacturer recommends it, and extract thoroughly to avoid leftover residue.
How often should I deep clean carpet?
Many carpet care guides suggest deep cleaning every 12 to 18 months for average households, and more often in homes with pets or heavy foot traffic. Follow your carpet manufacturer’s guidance where available.
Can I use a steam mop on carpet?
Steam mops are designed mainly for sealed hard floors. Check your carpet manufacturer’s guidance before using steam on carpet, as excess moisture can cause problems with backing and padding.
What is the difference between spot cleaning and deep cleaning?
Spot cleaning targets a single stain or small area with a portable unit. Deep cleaning covers larger areas with a full-size machine and typically uses more solution and more passes.
Do I need a special formula for my carpet cleaner?
Use a formula that matches your machine and carpet type. Read the label for compatibility and follow dilution directions, since using the wrong product can cause residue or damage.
How do I avoid leaving carpet too wet?
Use the minimum solution needed, run extraction passes until the carpet feels nearly dry, and run fans or open windows to speed drying. Excess moisture is a common cause of musty smells and mildew.
Conclusion
For most whole-home carpet cleaning, the TurboClean Pet XL Series 3738 is the strongest match for wide coverage. Households with pets and stairs will find the Little Green Max Pet Series 3857 more practical. Owners of mixed floors may prefer the CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe, while the Eureka NEY100 suits pet spots and upholstery. The Bissell Deep Clean Pro 4X shampoo works well as a refill for existing machines, and the portable steam cleaner is a useful budget companion for small jobs.
Sources
- Guidance on indoor air quality, moisture control and mold prevention after cleaning (epa.gov)
- Consumer safety information on portable appliances and cleaning equipment (cpsc.gov)
- Carpet and rug cleaning standards and maintenance recommendations from the industry
Related reading
- Bissell Big Green Carpet Cleaner: How to Use It for Deep Cleaning Results
- Spot Cleaning Carpet Cleaner: A Step-by-Step Guide for Stains (2026)
- Spares for Bissell Carpet Cleaner: Where to Find Parts and What to Replace
- Cleaning a Hoover Carpet Cleaner: 7 Best Picks Compared (2026)
- Clean Bissell Carpet Cleaner Review: Is It Worth It? (2026)
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our non-vacuum cleaning gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
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