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Messes are inevitable, but what you do next is what matters most. If you deal with a carpet spill quickly, you can prevent it from developing into a full-blown stain.
If you’re trying to deep clean and remove old stains, you rely mostly on carpet vacuum cleaners. However, these devices are not suitable for everyone.
In such cases, a carpet stain remover is your best option. Using a good carpet cleaning formula, you can dissolve and remove the stain by blotting up as much as possible.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Remover
- Best Deep Cleaning: Bissell Pro Oxy Power Shot
- Best for Pet Stains: Nature’s Miracle Carpet Shampoo
- Best Instant: Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover
- Best for Old Stains: Carbona Oxy Powered Carpet Cleaner
- Best With a Machine: Bissell Pro Max Clean + Protect
- Best Dry Carpet: Arm & Hammer Dry Carpet Powder Cleaner
- Best Natural: Puracy Natural Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo
- Best Spot Cleaner: OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover
- Best Germ-Killing: Woolite Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover + Sanitize
How to Choose the Best Carpet Stain Remover
There are cleaners specifically designed for use on pet stains, and there are others that are more appropriate for deep-set stains.
Another factor to consider is whether or not the product you need works in a carpet cleaning machine, if it can be sprayed topically as a spot treatment, or if it is a cleaner that does both.
Almost all of the carpet and area rug cleaners available are formulated as liquids that can either be applied directly to stains or poured into a machine.
Sprays are the easiest way to clean occasional spots because they’re convenient and easy to use. It is better to use liquid cleaning solutions for deeper, more intensive cleaning.
You’ll also want to consider non-toxic and eco-friendly claims, whether odor elimination is a requirement (definitely for pet owners) and whether you prefer a concentrated or foaming solution.
Concentrated solutions were preferred by some experts because they were less messy and more economical.
Further, concentrated formulas require water to be diluted, which can mean more value for your money, even though they cost more upfront.
You may want to check: 10 Ways on How to Clean Carpet Stains
What are the Best Carpet Stain Removal?
Best Overall: Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Remover
Bissell Professional Pet Stain and Odor contain an enzyme formula that cleans pet urine stains and eliminates odors that keep pets returning to soil in the same spot over and over.
The product is not just for pets. It also removed food stains and drinks, like red wine and tomato sauce.
The enzymes right away, but it is even more effective if you place a damp towel over the area and let the enzymes work for up to 12 hours. The product works well for protein and organic stains like potty accidents and milk spills.
Besides carpets, you can also use it on upholstery, mattresses, and in your car.
Best Deep Cleaning: Bissell Pro Oxy Power Shot
The new and improved Bissell Pro Oxy Power Shot trigger targets the formula deep into the carpet, so it removes not only surface soil, but also what has penetrated into the carpet backing.
It is possible for stain residue to wick its way back up to the surface and reappear.
Bissell carpet cleaners consistently perform well according to some testers. And their oxy formulas lighten stains and remove them in just five minutes, even after blotting with a damp cloth.
Best for Pet Stains: Nature’s Miracle Carpet Shampoo
The bio-enzymatic technology in this deep-cleaning shampoo targets odor and pet stains. It can be used both in machines and on a spot.
As the brand name implies, this product is not natural. That’s a downside! And it didn’t remove old stains, either, but we do like how effectively it deodorized carpet and cleaned new stains.
In general, Nature’s Miracle is a great choice if you want to combat unpleasant pet smells and treat fresh stains.
Best Instant: Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover
Folex Instant Carpet Spot worked well for removing an older grease stain from a wool area rug and some mystery stains from a low loop carpet.
You will be impressed by how well it will work.
Your rugs will look cleaner and brighter in just a few seconds, with minimal effort. A simple spritz of the cleaner on the stains, rubbing gently with a fingertip, and blotting with a clean, dry cloth is all you need to do.
The cleaner is easy to blot out and will not leave behind any residue, even without rinsing.
Best for Old Stains: Carbona Oxy Powered Carpet Cleaner
The hard crust that forms on spills like chocolate syrup and spaghetti sauce makes it difficult for plain sprays to penetrate. It’s in this circumstance that Carbona’s applicator top comes in handy.
With a soft sponge and brush, you can break through dried stains and let the formula do its work.
Carbona was recently tested by some tester experts and found it to be very easy to use and very effective at removing red wine and tea stains that set overnight. This product even outperformed some of the other machines.
The foil seal on the top of the bottle should only be slightly punctured. A hole that is too big or removed completely could result in fluid dispensing too quickly or leaking if the bottle is knocked over or tipped over.
Best With a Machine: Bissell Pro Max Clean + Protect
With no dyes, phosphates, or heavy metals, this Bissell Pro Max Clean with biodegradable formula is safe around for kids and pets.
Some tester experts successfully removed a rug stain more than 17 years old that no commercial steamer or cleaner could remove.
Its scent is similar to laundry detergent, and it’s very easy to use – just add it to your carpet cleaner machine and it’s ready.
It’s a bit more expensive than other shampoos, but again, because of the effectiveness and longevity of this cleaner, the cost is well worth it.
Best Dry Carpet: Arm & Hammer Dry Carpet Powder Cleaner
Whether it’s a spot in front of your favorite chair or by the bed, Arm & Hammer’s Dry Carpet Powder can brighten and refresh them without renting a machine or requiring messy solutions.
Powder also means there is no risk of over-wetting and damaging the carpet or fading the colors. It should be sprinkled on, worked in with a soft brush, and allowed to sit for at least 30 minutes.
While they dry, moist granules absorb dust, dirt, and odors. To leave your carpet soft, fresh, and fluffy, vacuum the powder up.
Your carpet will be dust-free and fluffy. It is the best choice for freshening vintage and delicate rugs. It is super easy to use and gentle on the carpet pile.
Best Natural: Puracy Natural Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo
Puracy’s concentrated carpet shampoo may be expensive, but its size and quantity make it a worthwhile purchase. It doesn’t take much cleaner to remove stubborn stains – one ounce per 100 ounces of water will do the trick.
There is a very pleasing scent emanating from the blend of plant-derived essential oils, and it is not overpowering in any way. It can be used with or without a machine.
Some tester experts love it because of the foam-free formula, fast stain removal power, and non-toxic nature of this product.
Since it is both natural and economical, this is the best choice for families, and it can be used either for spot treatment or machine cleaning.
Best Spot Cleaner: OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover
As one of the cheapest products on the market, this spray cleaner has become the new favorite for treating stains. Considering OxiClean is a trusted name in the cleaning world, it’s no surprise that the stain remover performed so well.
The deep-cleaning oxygenated formula removed old stains and brightened dingy carpets, though the strong scent could have been improved.
For best results, follow the instructions to allow the solution to sit for 10 minutes. Just apply again if necessary.
This product, while not all-natural, was really efficient in treating stains and was convenient due to the ease of not needing to use a machine.
Best Germ-Killing: Woolite Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover + Sanitize
Besides removing stains, Woolite Advanced Stain & Odor Remover plus Sanitize contains ingredients that kill 99.9% of bacteria on soft surfaces such as carpets, upholstery, bathroom mats, mattresses, and pet beds.
According to GoodHousekeeping Testers, this Woolite stain remover always shows good results. And they especially like that after a minute or so, the stains are removed, and the fabrics are sanitized.
FAQs
In contrast to other vinegars, white vinegar is clear and won’t result in discoloration.
It’s unfortunate, but some stains are permanent. Leaving a stain untreated for too long makes it more difficult to remove.
In order to remove dental plaque, toothpaste often contains baking soda, which is a mild abrasive. In the same way, abrasions work wonders on removing scuffs and stains from walls and shoes.
