For quick pet accidents on rugs, upholstery, stairs, and car seats, a portable cleaner can be easier to deploy than a full-size carpet machine. My leading pick is the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet 3860 for its self-cleaning tool and included pet-hair attachment; the Shark StainStriker PX221BRN stands out for its dual-formula system and longer warranty; and the Little Green Pet Deluxe 3353 is a practical choice for buyers who value a 48-ounce tank and several pet-focused tools.
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The tradeoff is between reach and maintenance features on one side and compactness and refill frequency on the other. These are spot cleaners, not substitutes for a full-size machine when an entire carpet needs washing. I ranked them by how well their supplied features suit recurring pet messes, how manageable they are to store and use, and what limitations buyers should expect.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- Best all-around pet setup: The BISSELL Little Green Max Pet 3860 pairs a pet-hair tool with a self-cleaning hose and tool, a useful combination for routine spot cleanup.
- Best for formula-focused spot treatment: The Shark StainStriker PX221BRN uses two cleaning formulas and includes both a stain tool and a crevice tool, but its treatment claims depend on Shark solution.
- Best for fewer tank refills: Both the Little Green Multi-Purpose 1400B and Pet Deluxe 3353 have 48-ounce clean-water tanks; the 3353 adds a Stain Trapper Tool and pet formulas.
- Best for tight storage: The 7-pound Little Green Mini has the smallest listed capacity at 16 ounces, so it suits occasional small accidents better than repeated large spots.
- All five are corded spot cleaners: They trade cordless mobility and whole-room coverage for portable stain treatment, so plan around an outlet and refill breaks.
| BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Model 3860 |  | Best Overall for Pet-Hair Cleanup | Model: 3860 | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Dimensions: 8.3 × 12 × 11.5 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Shark StainStriker Portable Spot and Stain Cleaner, PX221BRN |  | Best for Formula-Led Stain Treatment | Model: PX221BRN; StainStriker HairPro | Weight: Under 9 pounds | Power: Not specified in supplied details | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner, Model 3353 |  | Best for a Larger Clean-Water Tank | Model: 3353 | Clean-water tank: 48 ounces | Weight: 9.7 pounds | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, 1400B |  | Best General-Purpose Value Pick | Model: 1400B | Clean-water tank: 48 ounces | Weight: 9.7 pounds | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner |  | Best Compact Option for Occasional Accidents | Model: 4075 | Weight: 7 pounds | Dimensions: 10 × 13.5 × 12.13 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| portable carpet cleaner for pet | Model | Weight | Power | Included tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BISSELL Little Green Max Pet P | 3860 | 8.2 pounds | Corded electric | Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool; Pet Hair Removal Tool |
| Shark StainStriker Portable Sp | PX221BRN; StainStriker HairPro | Under 9 pounds | Not specified in supplied details | Crevice Tool; 3.5-inch Stain Eliminator |
| BISSELL Little Green Pet Delux | 3353 | 9.7 pounds | Power cord | 3-inch Tough Stain Tool; Stain Trapper Tool; HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool |
| Bissell Little Green Multi-Pur | 1400B | 9.7 pounds | Corded | HydroRinse self-cleaning tool; 3-inch Tough Stain Tool |
| Bissell Little Green Mini Port | 4075 | 7 pounds | Corded electric | HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool; 4-inch Tough Stain Tool |
More Details on Our Top Picks
BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Model 3860
The Little Green Max Pet 3860 earns my top spot by bringing together two details that speak directly to pet cleanup: a Pet Hair Removal Tool and a self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool. That makes it a particularly well-rounded pick for households that move between fur-covered upholstery and fresh stains. Its spray, scrub, and suction approach is intended for carpets and upholstery, while separate clean and dirty water tanks keep used liquid apart from the water being applied.
Compared with the Pet Deluxe 3353, the 3860 emphasizes pet-hair removal and hose/tool maintenance rather than a listed 48-ounce tank and a Stain Trapper Tool. The 3353 may suit someone cleaning a series of spots before refilling; the 3860 makes more sense if fur and post-cleaning tool care are higher priorities. Its longer hose and cord also help with reach, although the product details do not specify their lengths.
The compromises are straightforward: it is corded, and the included formula is only an 8-ounce trial size. At 8.2 pounds, it is not the lightest in this group, though it is lighter than the 9.7-pound 1400B and 3353. I would choose it for frequent, varied pet messes, but not as a way to wash whole rooms or avoid buying more formula.
Pros:- Includes a dedicated pet hair removal tool alongside a self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool.
- Separate clean and dirty water tanks keep fresh and recovered water apart.
- Longer hose and cord are designed to improve reach around furniture and vehicles.
- At 8.2 pounds, it weighs less than the 9.7-pound 1400B and Pet Deluxe 3353.
Cons:- The included cleaning formula is an 8-ounce trial size.
- Corded operation requires access to an outlet during cleaning.
- Its portable format is intended for spots, not whole-room carpet washing.
Best for: Pet owners who regularly clean both fur and stains from upholstery, rugs, or carpets and value an included hair tool plus hose-cleaning help.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need cordless cleaning, a large-area carpet machine, or a substantial supply of formula in the box.
- Model:3860
- Weight:8.2 pounds
- Dimensions:8.3 × 12 × 11.5 inches
- Power:Corded electric
- Tank setup:Separate clean and dirty water tanks
- Included tools:Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool; Pet Hair Removal Tool
- Included formula:8-ounce trial-size cleaning formula
Our verdict“I would choose the 3860 as the most balanced pet-focused option when fur removal and easier hose care matter as much as stain cleanup.”
Shark StainStriker Portable Spot and Stain Cleaner, PX221BRN
The Shark StainStriker PX221BRN takes a different route from the BISSELL picks: its main distinction is a dual-activated OXY system paired with two supplied formulas. It is designed to treat stains, dirt, and odors on carpets, rugs, upholstery, and stairs. For a household that wants separate tools for a defined stain and a narrow space, the included 3.5-inch Stain Eliminator and crevice tool give it a useful range without making it a whole-home cleaner.
Compared with the Little Green Max Pet 3860, Shark puts more emphasis on its formula system and a three-year limited warranty, while BISSELL includes a dedicated pet-hair removal tool and highlights a longer hose and cord. If fur is the recurring headache, the 3860 is the more directly equipped choice. If the priority is focused stain treatment and the included formulas, Shark has the clearer point of difference.
The listed weight is under 9 pounds, and onboard hose and tool self-cleaning can make post-job care more manageable. A removable dirty-water tank also helps with emptying. The caveat is that Shark ties its odor and stain treatment claims to Shark cleaning solution, which narrows formula flexibility. Like the rest of this lineup, it is designed for spot cleaning rather than broad carpet coverage.
Pros:- Dual-activated OXY system is paired with two included cleaning formulas.
- Includes a 3.5-inch Stain Eliminator and a crevice tool for different cleaning areas.
- Onboard self-cleaning helps flush the hose and tools after use.
- Removable dirty-water tank and a three-year limited warranty are listed.
Cons:- The stated odor and stain treatment claims require Shark cleaning solution.
- Spot-cleaning design is not intended for cleaning large carpet areas.
- No clean-water tank capacity is specified in the supplied product details.
Best for: Buyers focused on isolated stains who want a dual-formula cleaning system, two specialized tools, and onboard hose maintenance.
Not ideal for: People who want to use other cleaning solutions for the advertised treatment approach, need pet-hair-specific attachments, or clean large carpet areas.
- Model:PX221BRN; StainStriker HairPro
- Weight:Under 9 pounds
- Power:Not specified in supplied details
- Included tools:Crevice Tool; 3.5-inch Stain Eliminator
- Included formulas:6-ounce Deep Clean Pro Formula; 12-ounce OXY Multiplier Formula
- Maintenance:Onboard hose and tool self-cleaning; removable dirty-water tank
- Warranty:Three-year limited warranty
Our verdict“I would pick the StainStriker for formula-centered spot treatment and tool variety, but choose the 3860 when pet hair removal is the more frequent task.”
BISSELL Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner, Model 3353
With a listed 48-ounce tank, the Little Green Pet Deluxe 3353 is a good match for pet owners who often tackle several small spots in one session and would rather refill less often. It sprays, scrubs, and suctions stains and dirt from carpets, stairs, upholstery, rugs, and car interiors. The included Stain Trapper Tool adds a distinct accessory among these five, alongside a 3-inch Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool.
Compared with the standard Little Green 1400B, the 3353 is more explicitly configured for pet messes: it includes PET Spot and Stain formula and PET OXY Boost, as well as a tool to trap stain residue. Both models have a 48-ounce clean-water tank and weigh 9.7 pounds, so the decision is less about capacity and more about the pet-oriented kit. For fur removal and longer reach, I would look instead at the 3860.
The tradeoffs are its corded power, its 9.7-pound carrying weight, and a role limited to small messes rather than whole-room carpet cleaning. Its formula bottles are trial-size supplies, so frequent cleanup will call for replenishment. This is a sensible middle ground when tank capacity and pet-specific accessories matter more than minimizing weight.
Pros:- 48-ounce tank supports longer spot-cleaning sessions between refills.
- Includes PET Spot and Stain formula and PET OXY Boost.
- Stain Trapper, Tough Stain, and HydroRinse tools address different cleanup tasks.
- Suitable for carpets, stairs, upholstery, rugs, and car interiors.
Cons:- At 9.7 pounds, it is heavier than the 3860 and Little Green Mini.
- Corded operation limits where it can be used without an outlet.
- Designed for small messes, not full-size carpet cleaning.
Best for: Pet owners who regularly clean multiple small spots and prefer a 48-ounce tank plus pet formulas and several tools.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want cordless mobility, a lightweight carry, a dedicated pet-hair attachment, or whole-room carpet cleaning.
- Model:3353
- Clean-water tank:48 ounces
- Weight:9.7 pounds
- Dimensions:11 × 19.25 × 13.38 inches
- Power:Power cord
- Included tools:3-inch Tough Stain Tool; Stain Trapper Tool; HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool
- Included formulas:8-ounce PET Spot and Stain formula; 8-ounce PET OXY Boost
Our verdict“I would choose the 3353 over the 1400B when pet-focused formulas and a Stain Trapper Tool are worth more than a general-purpose kit.”
Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, 1400B
The Little Green 1400B is the straightforward multipurpose choice in this group. Its 48-ounce clean-water tank, 3-inch Tough Stain Tool, and HydroRinse self-cleaning tool cover a familiar mix of jobs: carpets, upholstery, stairs, and car interiors. That versatility makes it a reasonable fit for households that need one portable cleaner for pet accidents and ordinary spills rather than a kit centered on pet hair or a specialized formula system.
Its closest comparison is the Pet Deluxe 3353. They share a 48-ounce tank and 9.7-pound listed weight, but the 3353 adds pet formulas and a Stain Trapper Tool. I would favor the 3353 for more explicitly pet-focused accessories; the 1400B makes more sense when a general-purpose setup is enough. Against the lighter 3860, it gives up the listed pet-hair tool and longer hose and cord, but retains a substantial clean-water capacity.
The 1400B is portable, yet the 9.7-pound weight and corded design matter if it needs to move frequently between floors or vehicles. Its compact format is also a poor fit for washing large areas. The trial-size formula is only a starter supply, so ongoing use means keeping suitable cleaning solution on hand.
Pros:- 48-ounce clean-water tank reduces how often a spot-cleaning session needs a refill.
- Works across carpets, upholstery, stairs, and car interiors.
- Includes a HydroRinse self-cleaning tool and a 3-inch Tough Stain Tool.
- Spray, scrub, and suction design addresses more than surface wiping.
Cons:- Corded operation restricts mobility around the home or car.
- At 9.7 pounds, it is heavier than the 3860 and Mini.
- The portable format is less suited to large-area carpet cleaning.
Best for: Buyers who want a general-purpose portable cleaner for pet spots, upholstery, stairs, and car interiors, with a 48-ounce clean-water tank.
Not ideal for: People who prioritize pet-hair removal, pet-specific included formulas, cordless use, or cleaning large carpet expanses.
- Model:1400B
- Clean-water tank:48 ounces
- Weight:9.7 pounds
- Dimensions:8.25 × 17.25 × 12.5 inches
- Power:Corded
- Included tools:HydroRinse self-cleaning tool; 3-inch Tough Stain Tool
- Warranty:One-year limited warranty
Our verdict“I would choose the 1400B for broad everyday spot-cleaning needs, while the Pet Deluxe 3353 is the stronger match for a pet-specific accessory kit.”
Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner
At 7 pounds, the Little Green Mini is the lightest model here, and its small footprint is its clearest advantage. It comes with a 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool, and is described for carpets, upholstery, car interiors, and pet areas. If storage space is tight or a cleaner needs to be easy to lift from a closet for one fresh accident, the Mini is the simplest model in this lineup to justify.
The cost of that compact design is a 16-ounce capacity. By comparison, the 1400B and Pet Deluxe 3353 list 48-ounce tanks, so they are better suited to several spots before a refill. The 3860 also offers a pet-hair tool and separate clean and dirty tanks. I see the Mini as a deliberately narrower tool: it gives up capacity and pet-specific attachments to keep the weight and listed footprint down.
Its corded electric power means it still needs an outlet, so compactness does not translate to cordless use. The small tank can be frustrating for repeated accidents or larger upholstery sections, and the supplied details do not list its included formula. This is a good choice for occasional, limited-area work—not the best fit for a busy pet household with frequent or widespread messes.
Pros:- At 7 pounds, it is the lightest of the five listed cleaners.
- Compact listed dimensions make it suitable for limited storage space.
- Includes a 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool.
- Designed for carpets, upholstery, car interiors, and pet areas.
Cons:- 16-ounce capacity is far smaller than the 48-ounce tanks on the 1400B and 3353.
- Corded operation still requires access to an outlet.
- No dedicated pet-hair tool or included formula is listed in the supplied details.
Best for: Apartment dwellers or occasional-use buyers who prioritize low weight, simple storage, and quick cleanup of small spots.
Not ideal for: Households with frequent or larger pet accidents, buyers who want fewer refills, or anyone seeking cordless operation.
- Model:4075
- Weight:7 pounds
- Dimensions:10 × 13.5 × 12.13 inches
- Capacity:16 ounces
- Power:Corded electric
- Included tools:HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool; 4-inch Tough Stain Tool
- Color:Tea Green
Our verdict“I would pick the Mini for light, occasional spot cleanup and tight storage, but not for frequent pet messes that make its small capacity a chore.”
How We Picked
I compared these five models as pet-focused portable spot cleaners, rather than treating them as small versions of full-size carpet machines. My ranking gives weight to practical details that change the experience of cleaning recurring accidents: included tools for pet hair or tight areas, water capacity, hose-cleaning provisions, carrying weight, and the range of surfaces described for each model.
I also looked at how much extra work a buyer may face. A self-cleaning hose tool can help flush residue after a mess, while a larger tank can reduce interruptions during several spot treatments. Neither feature makes routine emptying or washing unnecessary. I treated included formulas as a starting supply, not a lasting benefit, and noted when a specific formula is tied to the product’s stain or odor claims.
The ranking reflects fit for common pet cleanup, not a claim that one machine removes every stain. The supplied details do not provide comparable suction measurements or independent cleaning results, so I do not infer performance beyond the listed systems and accessories. These portable models are best matched to isolated stains on fabric surfaces; for broad carpet coverage, a full-size cleaner is the more suitable category.
| portable carpet cleaner for pet | Power |
|---|---|
| BISSELL Little Green Max Pet P | Corded electric |
| Shark StainStriker Portable Sp | Not specified in supplied details |
| BISSELL Little Green Pet Delux | Power cord |
| Bissell Little Green Multi-Pur | Corded |
| Bissell Little Green Mini Port | Corded electric |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Portable Carpet Cleaner For Pets
I would choose a portable pet cleaner by matching its tank, tools, and maintenance features to the messes I actually expect—not by treating every model as interchangeable.Match capacity to the number of spots
Tank size affects how often a cleaning session pauses for a refill, especially when there are several marks to treat. The 1400B and Pet Deluxe 3353 list 48-ounce tanks, while the Little Green Mini lists just 16 ounces. The supplied details do not state a comparable tank capacity for the 3860 or Shark, so I would not rank those by volume. If you usually clean one small accident, the Mini’s smaller size may be a fair trade. For several stains in one session, the 3353 or 1400B has the clearest capacity advantage.
Choose tools for your recurring pet mess
Accessories can matter more than small differences in body size. The 3860 includes a Pet Hair Removal Tool, the most direct fit here for fur-covered areas. The Pet Deluxe 3353 comes with a Stain Trapper Tool and pet formulas; the Shark includes a crevice tool and Stain Eliminator. The 1400B and Mini offer stain tools for general spot work. I would favor a hair tool if fur is routine, a crevice tool for narrow spaces, or the stain-focused accessories if the common problem is an isolated mark.
Think about cleanup after cleaning
A dirty tool or hose can hold residue after treating a pet mess. The 3860, 1400B, 3353, Shark, and Mini all list a self-cleaning tool or hose function in their supplied descriptions. This can help flush the path, but it does not replace emptying the dirty-water tank or caring for the machine according to its instructions. The Shark adds a removable dirty-water tank; the 3860 keeps clean and dirty water in separate tanks. If simple post-job maintenance is high on your list, compare those details with the accessories you need.
Account for cords and carrying weight
All five options are presented as corded cleaners or have corded operation specified, so none should be chosen for cordless freedom. Check that an outlet is accessible where you expect to clean, including near a car if that is part of the plan. Weight ranges from the Mini at 7 pounds to the 9.7-pound 1400B and Pet Deluxe 3353; the 3860 is 8.2 pounds, while Shark is listed as under 9 pounds. Lighter weight helps with stairs and storage, but it does not tell me how well a model cleans.
Treat portable cleaners as spot-cleaning tools
These machines are described for stains and limited areas, including upholstery, stairs, rugs, and vehicle interiors. Their portable form is useful when carrying a full-size machine would be inconvenient, but the 3353 and Shark descriptions explicitly frame their use around small messes or spot cleaning. I would not buy any of these five to wash an entire carpet regularly. If broad floor coverage is the main job, compare full-size carpet cleaners instead.
Check formula preferences and starter supplies
Included formula is a convenience, not a long-term supply. The 3860 includes an 8-ounce trial-size formula; the 3353 lists two 8-ounce pet formulas; Shark supplies two formulas and ties its stated odor and stain treatment claims to Shark solution. The 1400B includes a trial-size formula, while no formula is listed for the Mini in the supplied details. Before choosing, check the product instructions and decide whether the required or preferred formula fits your cleaning routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which portable cleaner is the best fit for pet hair as well as stains?
I would start with the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet 3860 because it includes a Pet Hair Removal Tool along with a self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool. That accessory gives it a clearer advantage for fur than the other models listed here. The Pet Deluxe 3353 is a better alternative when a 48-ounce tank and pet formulas matter more than a dedicated hair attachment.
Which models have the largest listed clean-water capacity?
The Little Green Multi-Purpose 1400B and Little Green Pet Deluxe 3353 each list a 48-ounce clean-water tank. That capacity can mean fewer refill breaks than the Mini’s 16-ounce capacity when treating several spots. Capacity figures were not supplied for the 3860 or Shark, so I would compare their other listed features rather than assume they match either size.
Can I use one of these machines to clean an entire carpet?
I would not choose these models for routine whole-room carpet washing. They are portable spot cleaners described for stains and limited areas, and the Shark and Pet Deluxe listings explicitly point to spot or small-mess use. They make more sense for pet accidents, upholstery, stairs, and car interiors; broad carpet coverage is a better job for a full-size carpet cleaner.
Are any of these portable pet cleaners cordless?
No cordless model is identified in the supplied product details. The 3860, 1400B, Pet Deluxe 3353, and Mini are explicitly corded or described as using corded electric power; the Shark’s power source is not specified here. I would plan to use an outlet and check the product listing for current power details before buying the Shark.
What is the main tradeoff with the Little Green Mini?
The Mini trades tank capacity for a 7-pound body and compact listed dimensions. Its 16-ounce capacity may be convenient for one small accident, but it will require more frequent refilling than the 48-ounce 1400B or Pet Deluxe when several areas need attention. I would choose it for occasional cleanup and limited storage space, not for frequent or larger pet messes.
Conclusion
For the broadest pet-oriented setup, I would choose the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet 3860, especially when fur removal and hose care matter. Pick the Shark StainStriker if its dual-formula system and specialized tools fit your stain routine and you are comfortable using Shark solution for its stated treatment claims. For fewer refill breaks, choose the Pet Deluxe 3353 for its 48-ounce tank and pet-specific kit, or the 1400B for a more general-purpose tool set. If storage and low weight come first and messes are occasional, the Little Green Mini is the compact pick. I would choose a full-size machine instead if your real need is cleaning entire carpeted rooms.
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