Adding one of the best jute rugs to a room can really help pull the aesthetic together. Conversely, having an ugly stain on a carpet or rug can really make it fall apart. That’s why any homeowner with carpeted floors, rugs or upholstery furniture pieces should always keep the best carpet cleaner solution on hand. These products are designed to deal with stains before they become an attention-stealing issue, and can even restore carpets and rugs to a like-new condition.
Thankfully, when it comes to finding the best carpet cleaner solution, you’re spoiled for choice. There’s a wide range of natural, plant-based cleaners as well as more traditional chemical cleaners to pick from. Most often, carpet stain removers use powerful chemical or natural formulas to break down and lift stains from the fibers of rugs, carpets, furniture and general upholstery.
The best carpet cleaning solutions come in two different forms: spray-on spot cleaners and carpet cleaning machine solutions. But what is the best carpet cleaning solution? To help you answer this question, we’ve outlined each type of carpet cleaner solution below, in addition to providing a range of the top-rated carpet cleaner solutions available online.
What to Consider Before Buying a Carpet Cleaner Solution
Before you commit to buying a general, does-everything cleaner solution, it’s worth being aware that products are often designed to deal with specific types of stain, such as oil or food-based problems. For example, if your home is home to a furry friend who loves leaving marks on your floors, it’s worth searching out one of the best carpet cleaners for pets. But no matter what carpet cleaning situation you’re dealing with, it’s never a bad idea to have a contender for the best carpet cleaner detergent in your arsenal.
In addition to knowing the best carpet cleaning solutions can have specific uses, it’s important to note that there are two main categories of cleaning solution. These are:
- Spray-On/Spot Carpet Cleaner Solutions – These cleaning products are usually supplied in smaller bottles or spray bottles. They are designed for use on smaller stains on your fabrics or carpets. They are most effective not long after the stain has been created. In most cases, they are applied to the carpet, left for some time to loosen the stain and then manually blotted away using a clean or damp cloth.
- Carpet Cleaning Machine Solutions – In general, any carpet cleaner solution which is found in a higher concentration or a larger bottle is meant for use in a carpet cleaning machine. Whether you own one of these machines or need to rent one, it is important to understand that certain cleaning solutions can only be used with certain brands or specific cleaning machines. Additionally, always check whether you need to dilute the cleaning solution before use.
Because the term “carpet cleaner solution” can be used to describe either of the products mentioned above, we’ve included both types in our product selection below. To help you out, we’ve separated our best carpet cleaner liquid list into two sections for greater clarity.
Now that you’re aware of the different types of carpet cleaning solution, ask yourself these questions so you can figure out what carpet cleaning solution is the best for cleaning your carpets and rugs.
Do you have a carpet cleaning machine? If you don’t already own a carpet cleaning machine, you’re going to need to buy or rent one before you can use it with the best carpet cleaner formula. Without a carpet cleaning machine, the only solutions you can use to clean your floors are the spray-on/spot carpet cleaner solutions.
How big is the area you want to clean? Remember that carpet cleaning machines are made for comprehensive deep cleaning and covering larger areas faster. If you’re looking to clean a large area, you may want to opt for a carpet cleaning device and compatible solution. Conversely, if you’re only looking to clean a small area or remove a localized stain, a spray-on/spot carpet cleaning solution should get the job done.
How long has the dirt/stain been in the carpet? While either carpet cleaning solution should improve the state of your carpet, if the stains and dirt have been present for weeks, months or years, you may find using a carpet cleaning machine to be significantly more effective.
Scroll down to check out our top recommendations for the best carpet cleaner solutions available online. You’ll find the best spot carpet cleaner solutions followed by the best carpet machine cleaning solutions.
Spray-On/Spot Carpet Cleaner Solutions
These are our top picks for the best spray-on and spot-cleaner carpet cleaning solutions. We’ve included a range of different options to ensure there’s one for your specific carpet cleaning needs.
Keep scrolling to see the best carpet cleaner solution for steam machines and other carpet cleaning appliances.
BEST OVERALL
1. Resolve Professional Strength Spot and Stain Carpet Cleaner Solution
Resolve Professional Strength Spot and Stain Carpet Cleaner is the number one carpet stain remover on our list for everyday use. That’s because it lifts stains, neutralizes odors, then leaves the carpet feeling soft and smelling fresh. What more could you ask for? An added advantage is that it penetrates deep to keep stains from reappearing. This particular formula was designed for food and grease-based stains, such as tomato sauce, salad dressing or dirty motor oil. In addition, Resolve makes a version for effectively removing pet stains if that’s what you need most.
BEST BUILT-IN BRUSH
2. Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
By including a brush built into the lid, this Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner gives users everything they need to comprehensively clean their carpets right away. The foam cleaner is ideal for use on a range of stains, including dirt, mud, grease and oil. When applied to your floors, the formula’s Stainlift Technology loosens tough, stuck-on stains while a patented odor eliminator neutralizes unpleasant odors. Furthermore, in addition to carpets, this versatile cleaning product can be used on rugs, upholstery and car interiors.
BEST SCENT
3. ANGRY ORANGE Pet Odor Eliminator
If one of your main priorities is a pleasant smell after you’ve successfully cleaned your carpets, you may want to give this ANGRY ORANGE Pet Odor Eliminator a try. This best-selling carpet cleaner solution contains natural cleansers derived from fresh orange peel, and so you’ll get to enjoy a truly fresh scent after cleaning with this popular cleaning product. Cleaning-wise, this ready-to-use liquid only needs a quick shake before it can be sprayed onto carpet, tile, turf, garbage cans or no-leather furniture to deal with all kinds of stinks, including pet pee and poop. Furthermore, this eliminator is also available with an attached UV light to help you see normally invisible sources of unpleasant smells.
BEST VALUE
4. Bissell Professional Power Shot Oxy Carpet Spot
The worst stains smell just as bad as they look. But, Bissell Professional Power Shot Oxy Carpet Spot features patented odor removal technology that works on tough odors, like smoke, mold, mildew, pet messes and kitchen gunk. In addition, it reaches all the way down to the backing of the carpet for a thorough cleaning and comes in a pressurized spray bottle for easier carpet application. If you already trust Bissell appliances, then this spot carpet cleaner solution is the one-two punch you need to remove stains for good.
BEST MULTI-SURFACE
5. Folex Carpet Spot Remover
While some cleaners are great for rugs, others for upholstery and yet others for pet stains, Folex Carpet Spot Remover safely and instantly removes stains from virtually any surface. There’s no rinsing or vacuuming necessary with this spot remover. Simply spray it on your stain, rub it around with your fingers and blot it with a clean, absorbent cloth to see it get to work instantly.
BEST FOR CARS
6. Car Guys Super Cleaner
Car Guys Super Cleaner brings new meaning to the phrase “deep down clean.” That’s because it uses advanced nano-technology to effectively lift away dirt and grime at the molecular level. It works on every surface, except glass and delicate instrument panel screens, to leave a clean finish with no gloss or greasy film.
BEST FOAM
7. Febreze Heavy Traffic Carpet Foam
In addition to removing more dirt from your floors than vacuuming alone, this Febreze Heavy Traffic Carpet Foam protects treated carpet against future stains. To use it, you simply follow the three-step process, which involves spraying it on, scrubbing it and then vacuuming it clear. As it treats your carpet’s fibers, it replaces any unpleasant odors with an appealing, fresh scent and also leaves everything feeling soft. This popular cleaning product is also particularly effective for use in high-traffic areas in your home.
BEST FOR AREA RUGS
8. OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover Spray
If you’re dealing with stains on an area rug, such as food, drink or pet mess, this OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover Spray can definitely help. The spray-on formula uses a fast-acting, oxygenation process to lift stubborn stains from within rugs or carpets. Once it has loosened the stuck-on stain, all you have to do is blot it away using a color-fast cloth and then vacuum the area to complete the job. Additionally, for an even deeper clean, this spray can be paired with the Oxiclean Splot Carpet Stain Remover.
FASTEST ACTING
9. Woolite INSTAclean Permanent Stain Remover
It only takes 30 seconds for the Woolite INSTAclean Permanent Stain Remover to work its magic. Simply blot up the excess liquid on your stain, and spray on this stain remover to watch the mark on your carpet disappear. Once the stain is gone, simply blot the area with a wet rag to ensure you have removed all of the offending substance. Not only does the Woolite Stain Remover get rid of any visible marks, but it also does away with tough odors and leaves a clean scent behind.
Carpet Cleaning Machine Solutions
These are the best carpet cleaner solutions designed for use inside a carpet cleaning machine. Some are made for use inside specific models; however, others offer greater versatility and may allow you to apply them to your carpets directly even if they aren’t being used inside a cleaning device.
BEST OVERALL
1. Nature’s Miracle Carpet Shampoo
This Nature’s Miracle Carpet Shampoo is a versatile cleaning product that can be used alone or inside any water-based carpet cleaning machine or steam cleaner. When applied to your carpets, the formula penetrates deep to loosen stains, odors and allergens and traps them, ready to be picked up by a cloth or cleaning device. Handily, the solution produces a minimal amount of foam, ensuring the process creates as little of its own mess as possible. Furthermore, the shampoo is backed by over 14,000 five-star ratings and comes in a choice of different scents.
BEST ALL-PURPOSE
2. Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate
The Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate is not only the best concentrate on our list, but it’s also one of the best value products on the market. That’s because each bottle can create up to 25 gallons of effective shampoo for use in both extractor carpet cleaners and steam cleaning machines. The industrial-strength detergent is also low foaming, so it doesn’t require as much rinsing as other brands. However, because this concentrate isn’t scented with something more pleasant, it may leave a heavy cleaning smell in its wake.
BEST FOR LARGE AREAS
3. OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner Solution
Since it first appeared on late-night infomercials, people across the country have been depending on OxiClean as their go-to carpet cleaner solution and all-purpose stain remover. That’s why it’s only natural that OxiClean makes one of the best solutions for use in carpet cleaning machines. (They also make a spot cleaning spray that we recommend, too.) The powerful carpet cleaning solution penetrates carpet fibers to get at the root of your stains. Thanks to this, it can remove food, wine, coffee, dirt and more from flooring. Simply follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use in any carpet cleaning machine.
BEST FOR PETS
4. Hoover Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
With more than 23,000 five-star ratings from customers who love it, you can be confident this Hoover Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo does what it advertises. It’s made for homes with furry inhabitants and is particularly powerful when it comes to removing odors, vomit, feces and urine. The formula, which is designed for use in full-size cleaning machines, uses enzymatic action to break down organic messes, making it easier to remove them from deep within carpet fibers. Handily, Hoover’s Paws & Claws range includes a complete selection of top-rated products for cleaning up pet-specific messes.
BEST FOR PORTABLE DEVICES
5. Bissell 2X Pet Stain Portable Machine Formula
You no longer have to worry about stains from pet messes with the BISSELL 2X Pet Stain & Odor Portable Machine Formula. This stand-out product comes backed by over 17,000 five-star ratings and has been specially formulated to work in all BISSELL and Dirt Devil compact deep cleaning machines. Plus, because it provides two times the concentration, you can clean more by using less, so your dollar stretches farther.
Read More: The Best Bissell Appliance Deals
POPULAR PICK
6. Bissell Deep Clean Pro 4X Deep Carpet Shampoo
The Bissell Deep Clean Pro 4X Deep Carpet Shampoo is a tried-and-tested answer to getting carpets clean. This popular product comes backed by more than 26,000 five-star ratings from Amazon users who love its ability to remove stubborn stains, tough, ground-in dirt and persistent odors. The biodegradable detergent has been designed for use in upright carpet cleaners and contains no heavy metals, phosphates or dyes. Furthermore, when used as instructed, the shampoo is safe for use in households with children and pets.
BEST FOR CARPET RESTORATION
7. Sunny & Honey Carpet Cleaner Shampoo Solution
If you’re looking to clean, refresh and breathe new life into older carpets, the Sunny & Honey Carpet Cleaner Shampoo Solution is worth considering. This biodegradable cleaner can be used on a range of surfaces, including carpet, upholstery, rugs and car interiors and removes everything from pet mess and food to coffee and soil. It’s also suitable for use in a range of branded carpet cleaning machines and replaces any odors in your carpets with a refreshing spring mint scent.
ALL-NATURAL PICK
8. Puracy Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine Detergent
This Puracy Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine Detergent uses plant-powered ingredients to quickly remove stains, soil and odors from a range of surfaces, including carpets, upholstery and other water-safe surfaces. The highly concentrated formula saves on waste and can be either be used by hand or in a number of name brand carpet machines. The USA-made detergent is also free from harsh chemicals and includes essential oils to leave a refreshing citrusy scent on your newly cleaned surfaces.
BEST FOR FULL-SIZE MACHINES
9. Hoover Renewal Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
When it comes to deep cleaning and restoring the appearance of your carpets, the Hoover Renewal Carpet Shampoo packs a powerful punch. This double-concentrate formula contains a number of cleaning agents which are effective against a number of commonly encountered stains, such as dirt, mud and grime. It’s also compatible with a range of brand name, full-size cleaning devices and has an appealing linen scent so your home smells fresh after any treatment.
How We Chose the Best Carpet Cleaner Solution
To ensure only the very best carpet cleaner solution made it into our selection, each product featured on our list fulfills a particular set of criteria. Firstly, every solution on the list has hundreds, if not thousands of ratings and reviews from happy customers who have tried and tested the product. Secondly, every solution offers a good value for the money and won’t break the bank, but will still produce outstanding results. Finally, we looked at ingredients lists, brand reputations and specific functions of each solution to ensure we had something for every carpet cleaning need.
Finally, we included the best carpet cleaners tested by SPY.com reviewers and editors. When our own carpets need cleaning, we’ve had great success with Angry Orange, Bissell products, Resolve and Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. The result is the most well-rounded collection of carpet cleaner solutions available to buy online.
So, if you’re tired of seeing that stubborn stain on your carpet and finally want to do something about it, grab one of the best carpet cleaner solutions and get rid of those stains to restore that like-new look to your floors again.
