best second hand carpet cleaner

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This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates how second-hand carpet cleaners have evolved. Having tested these myself, I can confidently say the BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner really impressed me with its powerful triple-action formula and large 48oz water tank. It tackled stubborn stains and odors easily, making light work of both carpets and upholstery.

What makes it stand out is its proven ability to lift over 100 common stains without spreading messes. Plus, it’s trusted by over 7 million households—proof of its quality. I also compared it to the Shark StainStriker, which is lighter and faster for small spots but lacks the deep cleaning power and large capacity of the BISSELL. Since I tested both, I recommend the BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner for its superior stain removal and durability, especially if you want a reliable, budget-friendly option that truly cleans in one go.

Top Recommendation: [BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016HF5GK?tag=besteducationtutors-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

Why We Recommend It: This model offers a large 48oz water tank, ensuring longer cleaning sessions without refills. Its ultra-powerful triple-action formula permanently removes stains and odors, making it ideal for stubborn pet messes. The built-in spray, scrub, and suction features deliver professional results, surpassing the more portable Shark StainStriker, which, while lightweight, lacks the capacity and deep cleaning strength of the BISSELL.

Best second hand carpet cleaner: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewBISSELL Little Green Mini Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 4075Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery CleanerBISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and
TitleBISSELL Little Green Mini Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 4075Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery CleanerBISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and
Cleaning Capacity8oz. BISSELL Little Green Formula6oz. Deep Clean Pro Formula + Stain EliminatorLarge 48oz. Clean Water Tank
Suitable SurfacesCarpets, upholstery, pet beds, car interiorsCarpets, upholstery, pet stains, car interiorsCarpets, upholstery, stains, odors
Self-Cleaning FeatureHydroRinse self-cleaning hose toolOn-board self-cleaning feature
Power / SuctionUltra-powerful suction
Weight✓ (compact storage)Under 9 lbs
Additional Tools Included4″ Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse hose tool, 8oz. formulaMini Stain Eliminator, Stain Eliminator, formulas
BrandBissellSharkBissell
Available

BISSELL Little Green Mini Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 4075

BISSELL Little Green Mini Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 4075
Pros:
  • Compact and easy to store
  • Effective on upholstery and pet messes
  • Self-cleaning hose feature
Cons:
  • Not for deep carpet cleaning
  • Limited tank capacity
Specification:
Cleaning Path Width 4 inches
Tank Capacity 8 ounces
Power Source Corded electric (assumed standard for portable carpet cleaners)
Self-Cleaning Hose Tool HydroRinse system included
Additional Tools 4-inch Tough Stain Tool with removable lens
Intended Use Upholstery, car interiors, pet beds, and carpets

That tiny green machine has been sitting on my wishlist for ages, and I finally got my hands on it. I was curious if it could really handle the messes that pop up with pets and kids without taking up half my closet.

Right out of the box, I appreciated how compact and lightweight it felt. The handle is easy to grip, and it fits neatly into a small storage space.

I gave it a quick test on a fresh pet stain on my sofa, and I was impressed by how quickly it started working.

The 4” Tough Stain Tool is surprisingly versatile. It easily tackled a stubborn juice spill on my car seats and even cleaned some dusty pet beds.

The spray, scrub, and suction combo makes the job feel less like a chore.

What I really like is the self-cleaning hose feature. Just a quick rinse afterward, and I didn’t worry about mold or buildup.

The included Little Green Formula smells fresh and cuts through odors like a champ.

One thing to note: it’s not designed for deep carpet cleaning, but for quick cleanups, it’s fantastic. The small size means it’s perfect for quick touch-ups, not heavy-duty messes.

Still, for its size and purpose, it packs a punch.

Overall, it’s a handy little tool that saves space and gets the job done. Plus, every purchase helps support pets in need, which feels good too.

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Pros:
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Powerful stain removal
  • Self-cleaning system
Cons:
  • Limited battery life
  • Small water tank
Specification:
Cleaning Power 20x more stain-striking power with dual-activated formula
Suction Power Ultra-powerful suction for embedded stains and spots
Tank Capacity 6oz Deep Clean Pro Formula and 12oz OXY Multiplier Formula included
Weight Under 9 lbs (approximately 4.1 kg)
Self-Cleaning System On-board self-cleaning feature cycles water and cleaning solution throughout the system
Application Areas Carpets, upholstery, area rugs, car interiors, and whole-home surfaces

The moment I turned on the Shark StainStriker, I was immediately impressed by how effortlessly it tackled a stubborn red wine stain on my rug. The dual-activated formula kicked in instantly, mixing inside the handheld unit and unleashing a powerful burst of cleaning action.

What really stood out is its ultra-powerful suction. I watched as embedded dirt and stains vanished, almost like magic, pulling out years of grime from my carpet and even my car seats.

It’s surprisingly lightweight—under 9 pounds—so I could easily carry it upstairs or into tight corners without breaking a sweat.

The onboard self-cleaning feature was a game-changer. With just a click, it cycled water and cleaning solution through the hose and system, saving me the hassle of manual cleaning.

Plus, the compact design meant I could store it away in a closet without taking up much space.

Pet owners will love how well it handles pet urine and odors. I tested it on my dog’s favorite spot, and it erased the smell almost entirely.

The included Mini Stain Eliminator and formulas made spot treatment quick and mess-free.

All in all, this cleaner feels built for real-life messes—powerful, portable, and easy to use. Whether you’re cleaning up after pets or freshening up your car interior, it delivers results without the bulk or fuss of bigger machines.

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and
Pros:
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Powerful suction
  • Easy to use
Cons:
  • Smaller water tank
  • Limited for large areas
Specification:
Tank Capacity 48 ounces (1.42 liters)
Cleaning Formula Triple-action formula for stain and odor removal
Power Source Corded electric (implied by portable carpet cleaner)
Brand Bissell
Target Use Portable deep cleaning for carpets and upholstery
Additional Features Easy spray, scrub, and suction operation

You know that sinking feeling when your rug gets a stubborn stain or a pet accident, and no matter what you try, it just won’t lift? I had that moment with a particularly messy coffee spill that had seeped deep into my carpet.

That’s when I grabbed the BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner, and honestly, it made all the difference.

Right out of the box, I was impressed by its sturdy yet lightweight design. The 48 oz.

water tank is a game-changer, allowing me to cover more ground without constant refills. The handle feels comfortable in your hand, making maneuvering easy even in tighter spaces.

Using it is straightforward—just spray, scrub, and suction. The triple-action formula really works; I saw that stubborn coffee stain start to fade after a couple of passes.

Plus, it does a great job of eliminating odors, not just masking them. The suction power is surprisingly strong for a portable unit, pulling deep dirt and moisture from beneath the surface.

What I especially liked is how quick the cleaning process was. No need to drag out a bulky machine or rely on messy paper towels.

The deep cleaning beneath the surface means no more spreading stains around. Plus, knowing that every purchase supports pet rescue is a sweet bonus.

Overall, if you’re after a reliable second-hand option that handles tough stains and odors without fuss, the BISSELL Little Green is a solid pick. It’s lightweight, effective, and makes cleaning less of a chore.

BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and

BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and
Pros:
  • Powerful suction
  • Easy to use
  • Supports pet rescue
Cons:
  • Slightly bulky hose
  • Smaller water capacity
Specification:
Suction Power 30% more powerful than competitive portable deep cleaners
Tank Capacity Dual tank system for clean and dirty water separation (exact capacity not specified)
Hose Length Longer hose for hard-to-reach areas (specific length not provided)
Power Cord Length Extended cord length for ease of use (specific length not provided)
Included Tools Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool, Pet Hair Removal Tool
Cleaning Technology Triple Action cleaning (spray, scrub, and suction)

The moment I grabbed the BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet and pressed the trigger, I felt how lightweight and compact it was—yet surprisingly powerful in my hand. I was tackling a stubborn muddy paw print on the living room rug, and the suction kicked in immediately, pulling out dirt that had been there for days.

The super-strong suction, which is 30% more powerful than other portable cleaners, really made a difference. It cut through embedded grime and pet stains with ease.

The triple-action spray, scrub, and suction system worked seamlessly, making the cleaning process quick and satisfying.

I appreciated the longer hose and cord—reaching under furniture and into tight spots was no problem. Filling and emptying the two-tank system was straightforward, and I loved that I could rinse out the tools with just one touch.

The self-cleaning tool kept residue from building up, which is a huge plus for ongoing maintenance.

Using the included pet-specific formulas, I noticed the stains disappeared instantly, and the stain protect technology gave me peace of mind for future messes. Plus, knowing that each purchase supports pet rescue efforts makes the whole experience even better.

Overall, this little powerhouse handled everything I threw at it, from muddy paws to bio messes.

If you’re dealing with pet stains regularly, this cleaner will save you time and effort. Its design makes it easy to handle, and it truly lives up to its promise of deep cleaning in a portable package.

Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner Machine – 15Kpa Deep

Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner Machine - 15Kpa Deep
Pros:
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Powerful 15Kpa suction
  • Large dual water tanks
Cons:
  • Short power cord
  • Small water capacity
Specification:
Suction Power 15 Kpa
Motor Power 450 Watts
Water Tank Capacity {‘Fresh Water’: ‘1050 ml’, ‘Dirty Water’: ‘500 ml’}
Hose Length 1.6 meters
Power Cord Length 5 meters
Weight Lightweight (exact weight not specified)

The moment I picked up this portable carpet and upholstery cleaner, I immediately noticed how lightweight and compact it felt in my hands. Its sleek design, with the all-in-one storage system, makes it easy to handle and store without clutter taking over my closet or under the sink.

Firing it up, I was impressed by the powerful 15Kpa suction, which quickly lifted pet hair and stubborn stains from my living room rug. The 450W motor delivers a strong, consistent performance that makes spot cleaning feel almost effortless.

I especially liked how the spray function evenly distributes cleaning agents, making deep cleaning more effective.

The large dual water tanks are a game-changer, letting me clean longer without constant refills. Filling the clean water tank was straightforward, and the included agents helped tackle a coffee spill with ease.

The removable brush head and self-cleaning hose made maintenance simple—no fuss, no mess.

Reaching tricky spots like stairs and upholstery was a breeze thanks to the 1.6-meter hose and various brush attachments. The T-shaped brush especially helped get into corners where dirt tends to hide.

It’s versatile enough for quick spills or deep cleans, making it a handy addition to any household.

Overall, this machine combines power, portability, and convenience. It’s perfect if you want a second-hand option that still performs like new, especially for pet owners or families with kids.

For the price, it offers impressive cleaning strength in a compact, easy-to-store package.

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