Finding the best upholstery cleaner for pet hair can be challenging, especially with so many options claiming to handle stubborn pet dander and fur. The BISSELL Little Green Pet Pro stands out as the overall top choice thanks to its dedicated pet-specific features and portability. For those prioritizing affordability, the Shark StainStriker HairPro offers effective cleaning at a lower price point, while the BISSELL TurboClean PET provides a deep clean for larger areas. However, tradeoffs include size, weight, and special features that might not suit every home. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of these models and what to consider when choosing your ideal pet hair upholstery cleaner.
Get ready for Prime Big Deal Days — try Prime free
Exclusive member deals on October 6–7, plus fast free delivery. Cancel anytime.
Start your free trialAs an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The top models combine strong suction with specialized pet hair tools, making them more effective for removing fur from upholstery.
- Portability and ease of use are critical factors, especially for cleaning furniture in different rooms or on stairs.
- Higher-priced options tend to offer better durability, more versatile tools, and deeper cleaning power, justifying the premium for heavy pet households.
- Budget options can be surprisingly effective but often lack the specialized features or larger tanks found in more expensive models.
- Maintenance and ease of cleaning the machine itself are sometimes overlooked but significantly impact long-term usability.
| BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner 1400B |  | Best Overall for Versatile Pet Messes | Brand: Bissell | Model Number: 1400B | Capacity: 48 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Uwant 18Kpa Carpet Cleaner Machine with Pet Pro Cleaner & Tools |  | Best for Powerful, Versatile Pet Home Cleaning | Suction Power: 18Kpa | Includes: Pet Pro cleaning solution, high-density brush head, silicone brush, velvet brush, self-cleaning brush head | Water Tank: 2-in-1 water and waste tank | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL Little Green Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner |  | Best for Deep Pet Stain and Odor Removal | Tank Capacity: Extra-large | Suitable for: Carpet, upholstery, auto interiors | Cleaning Technology: Triple Action PET PRO OXY with Urine Eliminator and StainProtect | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Stain Cleaner with 4 Tools |  | Best for Lightweight Pet Hair and Small Stains | Weight: Under 9 lbs | Tools Included: Crevice Tool, 3.5″ Stain Eliminator, Hair Extractor | Formulas Included: Deep Clean Pet Formula (6oz), OXY Multiplier Formula (12oz) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Stain Cleaner, 3 Tools, PX253BRN |  | Best for Heavy-Duty Pet Hair and Stains | Tools Included: Crevice Tool, 3.5″ Stain Eliminator, 7″ XL Stain Eliminator | Weight: Under 9 lbs | Cleaning System: Self-cleaning hose and tools | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner |  | Best for Tough Pet Stains and Odor Removal | Power: Based on ASTM F558 average peak air power through hose | Tank Capacity: Not specified | Weight: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL TurboClean PET Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 3948 |  | Best for Larger Areas and Versatile Cleaning | Model: 3948 | Type: Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner | Features: Self-cleanout tool, 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush, 7 ft hose | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner 1400B
This compact model stands out for its portability combined with effective cleaning power on small pet messes. Its large 48 oz water tank and strong suction make it ideal for quick, targeted cleanups on upholstery, stairs, and car interiors. Compared to the BISSELL Little Green Pet Pro, this version offers more versatility for occasional use but lacks the specialized pet stain technology. It’s less suited for heavily soiled carpets or larger areas, requiring multiple passes for stubborn stains. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for quick spot cleaning, but it doesn’t replace a full-sized deep cleaner for larger jobs.
Pros:- Lightweight and portable, easy to carry around
- Large 48 oz water tank supports extended cleaning sessions
- Effective on pet stains and odors
Cons:- May need multiple passes for heavily embedded stains
- Limited to small messes, not suitable for large carpet cleaning
Best for: Pet owners needing quick, effective cleanups of small messes on multiple surfaces.
Not ideal for: Households with frequent large-area pet messes or deep stains on big carpets, where a full-sized cleaner is better.
- Brand:Bissell
- Model Number:1400B
- Capacity:48 oz
- Included Components:Trial-Size Formula, HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool, 3″ Tough Stain Tool
- Warranty:1 Year limited
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for pet owners who need a quick, portable solution for small, everyday messes.”
Uwant 18Kpa Carpet Cleaner Machine with Pet Pro Cleaner & Tools
This model delivers robust 18Kpa suction, making it a great choice for pet owners dealing with stubborn stains and embedded hair. Its inclusion of a pet-specific cleaning solution and multiple versatile brushes means it can tackle carpets, upholstery, and textiles with ease. Compared to the Shark StainStriker HairPro, this cleaner offers more power and a broader range of attachments, but it lacks the lightweight design and onboard tools for on-the-go spot cleaning. Its compact size makes it suitable for storage in small spaces, though it may require additional accessories for maximum efficiency. It’s better suited for users who want a portable yet powerful solution for regular pet messes.
Pros:- Strong 18Kpa suction for tough stains
- Includes pet-specific cleaning solution
- Versatile attachments for multiple surfaces
- Compact for easy storage
Cons:- Lacks detailed info on battery life or cord length
- Requires additional accessories for full functionality
Best for: Pet owners needing a powerful, all-in-one cleaner for various surfaces around the home.
Not ideal for: People seeking a lightweight, handheld device for quick spot cleaning, as this is more of a portable machine with a larger footprint.
- Suction Power:18Kpa
- Includes:Pet Pro cleaning solution, high-density brush head, silicone brush, velvet brush, self-cleaning brush head
- Water Tank:2-in-1 water and waste tank
- Size:Compact
Our verdict“Ideal for pet owners who want a powerful, multi-surface cleaner that can handle deep stains and embedded hair.”
BISSELL Little Green Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner
This model excels at deep cleaning carpets and upholstery, especially with its large tank and specialized formulas like Triple Action PET PRO OXY. It outperforms many handheld options, such as the Shark StainStriker HairPro, in terms of suction power and capacity, making it suitable for larger pet messes. However, it requires specific formulas for optimal results, which could add to ongoing costs. Its size makes it less ideal for quick spot cleaning or tight spaces, but it’s a strong choice for pet owners who need a dedicated, deep-cleaning portable unit. It’s less convenient for quick touch-ups but excels when tackling stubborn stains and odors.
Pros:- Large tank supports extended cleaning
- Powerful suction surpasses many handheld models
- Effective pet stain removal with specialized formulas
- Designed for deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery
Cons:- Requires specific cleaning formulas for best results
- Less effective on heavily soiled carpets without pre-treatment
Best for: Pet owners seeking a portable, deep-cleaning solution for large stains and odors on carpets and upholstery.
Not ideal for: Users who need a lightweight, handheld device for quick, small messes, as it’s more suited to medium-sized cleaning tasks.
- Tank Capacity:Extra-large
- Suitable for:Carpet, upholstery, auto interiors
- Cleaning Technology:Triple Action PET PRO OXY with Urine Eliminator and StainProtect
Our verdict“Best suited for pet owners who want a portable device capable of tackling large, stubborn stains and odors on upholstery and carpets.”
Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Stain Cleaner with 4 Tools
This lightweight cleaner—under 9 lbs—stands out for its ability to pick up embedded pet hair and stains with ease. Its dedicated tools, like the Hair Extractor and Stain Eliminator, make it effective for targeted pet messes, especially on upholstery and small carpets. When compared to the Shark StainStriker HairPro with 3 tools, this version offers a slightly more comprehensive kit, but both struggle with deep, heavily soiled areas where larger, more powerful machines excel. Its portability is unmatched, but some users may find its suction less effective on very deep or large stains. It’s best for quick touch-ups and small-medium messes.
Pros:- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Designed specifically to pick up pet hair
- Includes multiple specialized tools
- Effective for targeted small stains and embedded hair
Cons:- Limited cleaning power on deep or large stains
- Requires Shark-specific cleaning solutions
Best for: Pet owners needing a lightweight, portable device for quick cleanup of pet hair and small stains on upholstery and carpets.
Not ideal for: Those with large or heavily soiled areas requiring intense cleaning power, as it’s better suited for small, frequent touch-ups.
- Weight:Under 9 lbs
- Tools Included:Crevice Tool, 3.5″ Stain Eliminator, Hair Extractor
- Formulas Included:Deep Clean Pet Formula (6oz), OXY Multiplier Formula (12oz)
Our verdict“Perfect for pet owners who want a portable, quick solution for small pet hair and stain touch-ups around the house.”
Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Stain Cleaner, 3 Tools, PX253BRN
This model offers dual-activated OXY cleaning and a powerful suction system, making it highly effective for embedded pet hair, tough stains, and odors. Its inclusion of multiple tools, including a 7″ XL Stain Eliminator, provides versatility for various mess types. Compared with the Shark StainStriker HairPro 4-tools version, this one emphasizes heavy-duty cleaning, but both share similar portability and are ideal for quick, targeted jobs. Its self-cleaning hose and tools add convenience, though they require occasional maintenance. It’s best for pet owners who need a reliable, portable device for stubborn stains and embedded pet hair, but it’s less suitable for very large areas or continuous deep cleaning tasks.
Pros:- Powerful dual-activated OXY system
- Effective at capturing embedded pet hair
- Includes multiple specialized tools
- Self-cleaning hose and tools for maintenance
Cons:- Limited to small cleaning tasks; not for large areas
- Requires Shark cleaning solutions for optimal operation
Best for: Pet owners seeking a portable, heavy-duty cleaner to handle stubborn stains and embedded pet hair with multiple tools at hand.
Not ideal for: Users wanting a lightweight, minimal tool device for small, quick jobs, as this model is geared toward more intense cleaning tasks.
- Tools Included:Crevice Tool, 3.5″ Stain Eliminator, 7″ XL Stain Eliminator
- Weight:Under 9 lbs
- Cleaning System:Self-cleaning hose and tools
- Formulas Included:Deep Clean Pet Formula (6oz), OXY Multiplier Formula (12oz)
Our verdict“Ideal for pet owners who need a portable, heavy-duty device capable of tackling stubborn stains and embedded hair on various surfaces.”
BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner
This model stands out for its powerful suction and scrubbing capabilities, making it highly effective on stubborn pet stains and odors. Unlike the BISSELL TurboClean PET, which excels at larger areas and has a more comprehensive toolset, the Little Green Max Pet is designed for targeted spot cleaning and portability. Its self-cleaning tool simplifies maintenance, and the extended hose and cord help reach tricky spots. However, the lack of detailed specs on tank capacity and weight makes it harder to gauge overall cleaning efficiency for larger jobs. This cleaner is best suited for pet owners who need a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver device for quick stain removal, especially in tight spaces or on upholstery.
Pros:- Powerful suction and scrubbing for tough pet stains
- Self-cleaning tool for low-maintenance use
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Supports pet rescue efforts through BISSELL Pet Foundation
Cons:- Tank capacity and weight are not specified, limiting clarity on cleaning duration
- Limited info on battery life or cord length for extended use
Best for: Pet owners needing a portable, stain-focused cleaner for upholstery and small carpets
Not ideal for: Those seeking a large-capacity machine for extensive cleaning sessions or large-area carpets
- Power:Based on ASTM F558 average peak air power through hose
- Tank Capacity:Not specified
- Weight:Not specified
- Included Tools:Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool, Pet Hair Removal Tool
- Trial Size Included:8 oz. BISSELL PET PRO OXY Spot & Stain with Urine Eliminator and StainProtect Technology
Our verdict“This pick is ideal for pet owners who want a portable, effective stain remover for upholstery and small areas.”
BISSELL TurboClean PET Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 3948
The TurboClean PET makes a strong case for those who need to tackle pet messes over larger surfaces thanks to its upright design and DeepReach PowerBrush. Compared to the Little Green Max Pet, which is more suited for spot cleaning, the TurboClean offers increased capacity and versatility through its extra tools and larger cleaning path. Its 7-foot hose and self-cleanout feature make it adaptable for different surfaces and stubborn stains. The main tradeoff is that it may require more frequent refills during extensive cleaning sessions and has a limited overall capacity compared to bulkier, more professional-grade models. This cleaner is best for pet owners who prefer an upright, all-in-one device to handle both upholstery and carpets efficiently.
Pros:- Effective at removing pet stains and ground-in dirt
- Includes versatile tools like crevice and upholstery attachments
- Compact and easy to maneuver
- DeepReach PowerBrush for thorough cleaning
Cons:- May require frequent refilling for large jobs
- Limited cleaning capacity compared to larger, commercial models
Best for: Pet owners needing a versatile upright cleaner for both upholstery and larger carpeted areas
Not ideal for: Individuals seeking a lightweight, compact device for quick spot cleaning or small spaces
- Model:3948
- Type:Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
- Features:Self-cleanout tool, 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush, 7 ft hose
- Hose Length:7 ft
- Included Tools:Crevice tool, upholstery tool
Our verdict“This model suits pet owners looking for a capable upright cleaner with versatile tools for extensive home use.”
How We Picked
These products were evaluated based on their ability to effectively remove pet hair from upholstery, overall cleaning performance, and user-friendly features. Durability, ease of use, and maintenance requirements also played key roles. Price-to-performance ratio was considered to identify options that offer the best value without sacrificing quality. Additionally, the range of included tools and portability influenced the rankings, ensuring that each pick serves a distinct user need. Our goal was to highlight models that balance power, convenience, and affordability for pet owners seeking reliable upholstery cleaning solutions.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Upholstery Cleaner For Pet Hair
When selecting the best upholstery cleaner for pet hair, it’s important to consider several factors that impact cleaning effectiveness, usability, and overall value. A good cleaner should not only remove fur but also handle pet dander and stains without damaging furniture. Understanding these considerations can help prevent costly mistakes and ensure you pick a model that fits your specific needs.Cleaning Power and Suction
Effective pet hair removal depends heavily on the cleaner’s suction and agitation capabilities. Look for models with strong suction and brushes designed to loosen fur embedded deep in fibers. Machines with adjustable height or agitation settings can improve results on different upholstery types, helping you avoid repeated passes and saving time.
Tools and Attachments
The right tools make a difference. Specialized pet hair removal tools, such as rubber bristle brushes or upholstery nozzles, can trap fur more efficiently than standard nozzles. Consider whether the cleaner includes tools for targeted cleaning on sofas, stairs, or car seats—these expand versatility and ease of use.
Tank Capacity and Runtime
A larger tank reduces the need for frequent refills, especially useful for cleaning multiple pieces or larger furniture. However, bigger tanks can add weight and reduce portability. Balance tank size with your cleaning space and storage options to find the right fit for your home.
Ease of Use and Portability
Lightweight, compact designs with ergonomic handles make cleaning less of a chore, especially if you need to move furniture or clean stairs. Consider models with straightforward controls and easy-to-empty tanks, as these features can significantly improve your cleaning experience.
Maintenance and Durability
Pet hair cleaners require regular filter and brush cleaning. Machines with accessible parts and simple disassembly save time and effort. Investing in a durable model with quality materials can also extend its lifespan, providing better long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these cleaners remove pet hair from all types of upholstery?
While these cleaners are designed to handle pet hair effectively, their performance can vary depending on the fabric type. Most work well on synthetic fibers, but delicate or plush fabrics may require gentler settings or specialized tools. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid damage and achieve the best results.
How often should I clean my upholstery with these machines?
Frequency depends on your pet’s shedding habits and the amount of fur they shed. Regular cleaning every few weeks can prevent fur buildup, while deep cleaning monthly helps maintain a fur-free environment. Consistent maintenance also keeps the machine functioning optimally over time.
Are cordless options effective for pet hair removal?
Cordless models offer convenience and portability, making quick touch-ups easier. However, they often have smaller tanks and less suction power compared to corded units. For heavy pet hair, a corded model typically provides more consistent and thorough cleaning, especially for larger areas.
What additional features are worth paying for?
Features like heated cleaning, adjustable suction, and multiple tools tailored for pet hair can enhance performance. Some models also include odor-neutralizing functions or washable filters, which add convenience. Prioritize these features based on your cleaning frequency and specific needs.
Is it better to buy a portable hand-held or a full-sized upright cleaner?
Hand-held models excel for spot cleaning, stairs, and smaller areas, but may lack the power and capacity needed for larger furniture or frequent use. Upright cleaners generally offer more suction, larger tanks, and versatility for comprehensive cleaning. Choosing depends on your home size, furniture type, and cleaning priorities.
Conclusion
For those seeking the overall best, the BISSELL Little Green Pet Pro offers a balanced combination of power, portability, and pet-specific features. Budget-conscious buyers will appreciate the effectiveness of the Shark StainStriker HairPro, while households with heavier pet shedding might prefer the BISSELL TurboClean PET for its deep cleaning capabilities. Beginners or those with limited storage should consider lightweight, easy-to-use models, whereas pet owners dealing with frequent fur buildup may benefit from investing in premium models with specialized tools. Tailor your choice to your cleaning frequency, furniture types, and budget to ensure a fur-free home.
NFL season / tailgating Picks
team gear
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
