Written by Roanna Perrine
Modified & Updated: 18 Sep 2024
Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau
Carpets can add warmth and comfort to any room, but they can also attract dirt and stains. Keeping your carpets clean is important to maintain a healthy and clean environment in your home. There are many carpet cleaner solutions available on the market, but it can be overwhelming to find the best one. In this article, we will explore the 9 best carpet cleaner solutions that are highly recommended for effectively removing stains and dirt from your carpets. Whether you're dealing with pet stains, food spills, or just general dirt, these carpet cleaner solutions are sure to help you keep your carpets looking fresh and clean.
Overall Score: 8/10
Combat carpet stains with Carbona Oxy-Powered 2-in-1 Carpet Cleaner. Its oxy-powered formula with active foam technology penetrates tough stains. The dual stain-fighting applicator head makes carpet cleaning a breeze. Use promptly after the stain occurs for easier removal. Safe to use around children. This cleaner is the best for big area rugs and old stains. The scrubber brush on the top is genius. It removes vomit, blood, and poop stains effectively. However, the sponge in the middle tends to break off.
Key Features
- Combat carpet stains
- Oxy-powered formula
- 2-in-1 stain removal
- Carpet stain tips
- The Carbona way
Specifications
- Size: 27.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
Pros
- Effective for big area rugs and old stains
- Removes vomit, blood, and poop stains effectively
- Dual stain-fighting applicator head makes cleaning a breeze
Cons
- The sponge in the middle tends to break off
Carbona 2-in-1 Carpet Cleaner is a powerful and effective solution for tough carpet stains. With its oxy-powered formula, it easily removes old and stubborn stains, making cleaning a breeze. However, users have reported issues with the sponge in the middle breaking off. Overall, it’s a highly recommended carpet cleaner for households with pets or heavy foot traffic.
Overall Score: 9/10
Deep cleaning action for use in any carpet cleaning machine, removes dirt & lifts stains. Works for home- and rental-owned machines, and pre-treats tough stains.
Key Features
- For use in Any Carpet Cleaning Machine
- Deep Cleaning Action Removes Dirt & Lifts Stains
- Vacuum thoroughly to remove loose dirt
- Pre-treat tough stains with Oxi Clean Carpet & Area Rug Remover Spray.
Specifications
- Color: –
- Dimension: 3.69Lx5.00Wx10.32H
- Size: 64 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Powerful deep cleaning
- Pleasant smell
- Effectively removes tough stains
- Works for home and rental machines
Cons
- Heavy perfume smell
- May be overwhelming for sensitive individuals
OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner, 64 oz, is a highly effective, powerful deep-cleaning solution that removes tough stains and lifts dirt from carpets. It pre-treats tough stains and leaves behind a pleasant smell, making it ideal for use in any carpet cleaning machine for both home and rental settings. While some users may find the perfume smell overpowering, its cleaning effectiveness makes it a must-have for pet owners and households with tough stain concerns.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Rug Doctor Pet Carpet Cleaner is a professional-grade cleaning solution designed specifically for pet stains and odors. The 3X action formula cleans, deodorizes, and deters pets from remarking, while the pro-enzymatic formula eliminates organic odors and stains. The concentrated solution removes various stains and odors, including urine, feces, vomit, blood, and saliva, and leaves behind a refreshing Daybreak Scent. It also deodorizes with patented odor neutralizers that discourage remarking, and protects from future accidents with Rug Doctor’s patented SpotBlok technology. This product is designed to prevent accidents, stains, and spills from setting in, providing longer-lasting freshness for your carpets.
Key Features
- 3X ACTION FORMULA: Cleans, deodorizes, and deters pets from remarking
- PRO-ENZYMATIC FORMULA: Eliminates organic odors and stains
- REMOVES STAINS & ODORS: Including urine, feces, vomit, blood, and more
- DEODORIZES: With patented odor neutralizers discourage remarking
- PROTECTS FROM FUTURE ACCIDENTS: With patented Spot Blok technology
Specifications
- Color: Red
- Dimension: 7.00Lx3.84Wx11.30H
- Size: 96 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Effective on pet stains and odors
- Pleasant Daybreak Scent
- Works well in the Rug Doctor machine
- Helps in removing odors and stains
- Easy to use
Cons
- May not have a significant difference from other Rug Doctor products
- Some users may prefer a different scent
The Rug Doctor Pet Carpet Cleaner is a powerful and effective solution for pet stains and odors. With its advanced formula and patented technology, it not only cleans and deodorizes but also helps prevent future accidents. While some users may not notice a significant difference between this and other Rug Doctor products, its overall performance and effectiveness make it a worthwhile investment for pet owners.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Rug Doctor Pet TruDeep Carpet Cleaner is a powerful and versatile cleaning machine designed to tackle tough pet stains and dirt in carpets and upholstery. It features best-in-class suction power, dual cross-action brush technology, and a pet upholstery tool for a thorough and efficient clean. The machine is CRI Platinum rated and offers a super boost spray setting for heavily soiled areas. Despite some customer complaints about tank size and customer support, many users have praised its great cleaning capability, making it a solid choice for pet owners and households with carpeted floors. Overall, the Rug Doctor Pet TruDeep Carpet Cleaner is an effective and reliable cleaning solution for maintaining a fresh and clean living environment.
Key Features
- 30% more suction power than comparable machines
- Dual cross-action brush technology
- Pet upholstery tool included
- CRI Platinum rated
- Super boost spray setting
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 19.00Lx12.50Wx43.75H
Pros
- Superior suction power
- Effective pet upholstery tool
- CRI Platinum rated for high performance
- Super boost spray setting for tough areas
- Improved suction for faster drying
Cons
- Small tanks require frequent emptying and refilling
- Lack of rotating hand brush option for furniture
- Issues with customer support and product quality
- Inadequate power and suction for some users
The Rug Doctor Pet TruDeep Carpet Cleaner offers impressive cleaning power for pet owners and general users. While there are some drawbacks related to tank size and customer support, the machine’s excellent suction, dual brush technology, and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for maintaining clean and fresh carpets and upholstery.
Overall Score: 8/10
Carpet Miracle is a USA-made carpet cleaner shampoo solution designed for use in all carpet cleaning machines. It is a heavy-duty formula that cleans tough stains and neutralizes odors. The product is made with natural, safe ingredients that are biodegradable and non-toxic. It leaves carpets and upholstery looking and smelling like new.
Key Features
- Compatible with all carpet cleaning machines
- Heavy-duty formula for tough stains
- Multi-surface odor neutralizer
- Natural, safe and non-toxic ingredients
- Restores carpets and upholstery to look like new
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 3.50Lx3.50Wx10.00H
- Size: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Effective on tough old stains
- Leaves pleasant scent
- Biodegradable and non-toxic
- Restores carpets to look like new
Cons
- Strong smell may not be appealing to some
- May not seem like a good value for cost
Carpet Miracle is an effective and natural solution for tough carpet stains and odors. It is an ideal choice for those looking to restore the allure of their carpets and upholstery, even if the cost may seem a bit high.
Overall Score: 9/10
The KRUD KUTTER CR012 Carpet Cleaner/Stain Remover is a powerful cleaner that penetrates deep into carpet fibers, effectively removing dirt, grease, odors, and stains. It leaves no sticky residue and is safe for all carpet types, including nylon and other synthetic carpets. Its special polymers also repel dirt and stains, making it easier to clean next time. With great customer ratings, this 1-gallon cleaner is a fantastic value for homes with pets or heavy foot traffic.
Key Features
- Penetrates deep into the carpet fibers
- Works on dirt, grease, odors, and stains
- Leaves no sticky residue
- Safe for all carpet types
- Special polymers repel dirt and stains
Specifications
- Dimension: 9.00Lx6.00Wx6.00H
- Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Effectively removes dirt, grease, and stains
- Leaves no sticky residue on carpets
- Safe for all carpet types, including synthetic
Cons
- May not fully remove stubborn old pee stains
The KRUD KUTTER CR012 Carpet Cleaner/Stain Remover is a highly effective solution for maintaining clean and odor-free carpets, making it a great value for pet owners and busy households. While it may struggle with extremely stubborn stains, its ability to penetrate deep into carpet fibers and repel future dirt and stains makes it an excellent choice for regular carpet maintenance.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Rug Doctor Spot + Pretreat Dual Action Cleaner is a scientifically formulated cleaner designed to remove tough stains and loosen embedded dirt in high traffic areas. It comes in a 24 fl oz. Bottle and has no foul odor or scent. The dual-action formula is great for spot cleaning and works well on soft surfaces. It is easy to use and has received positive reviews from customers for its effectiveness.
Key Features
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Rug Doctor Spot & Pretreat Dual Action Cleaner removes tough stains and loosens embedded dirt in high traffic areas.
Specifications
- Size: 24 fl oz. Bottle
- Dimension: 2.30Lx4.30Wx11.30H
Pros
- Good value
- Easy to use
- Great for spot cleaning
- No foul odor or scent
- Works well on soft surfaces
Cons
- Not as effective as expected
The Rug Doctor Spot + Pretreat Dual Action Cleaner is a reliable and effective solution for removing tough stains and embedded dirt from high traffic areas. While some customers found it less effective than expected, the majority praised its value, ease of use, and overall performance on soft surfaces.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Zep High Traffic Carpet Cleaner is a powerful formula designed to remove deep, set-in stains from high-traffic areas. Its enzyme action eliminates odors, revives matted, old, and soiled patches, and requires no dilution – just spray and blot. This cleaner is perfect for lifting food and dirt stains, making your high-traffic areas look new again.
Key Features
- Lifts food and dirt stains: True
- Enzyme action eliminates odors: True
- Revives matted, old, and soiled patches: True
- Removes deep, set-in stains: True
- No need for dilution – Ready to use – Just spray and blot: True
Specifications
- Color: Red
- Dimension: 1.00Lx1.00Wx1.00H
- Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Neutral scent that doesn't smell strongly of chemicals
- Effectively removes deep, set-in stains
- Can be used in a pump sprayer before carpet cleaning
- Great for high-traffic areas with food and dirt stains
Cons
- Not a fan of the scent, feels like a lot of product is needed
- May not keep the carpet clean for an extended period
The Zep High Traffic Carpet Cleaner is a highly effective solution for removing deep, set-in stains from high-traffic areas. With its ability to eliminate odors and revive soiled patches, it’s a great choice for keeping your carpets looking new. While it may require a bit more product than expected and the scent may not be to everyone’s liking, its overall performance and customer satisfaction make it a top contender in the carpet cleaning market.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate Cleaner is a professional-grade, concentrated formula designed to remove tough dirt and stains from carpets. It is suitable for use with extractor/steam carpet-cleaning machines and comes in a 1-gallon container, which makes 25 gallons of cleaning solution. This economical product can be used in Bissell, Hoover, Rug Doctor, and other professional or commercial machines. The formula is non-foaming, has a pleasant fragrance, and deep cleans carpets without leaving any residue. It is also great for removing pet odors and stains, making it a versatile and effective choice for keeping your carpets fresh and clean.
Key Features
- REMOVES DIRT AND STAINS: Pro formula reaches deep into carpet fibers
- ECONOMICAL: Concentrated formula makes 25 Gallons
- For use in an extractor/steam carpet-cleaning machine
- For use in Bissell, Hoover, Rug Doctor, and other pro/commercial machines
- Formula does not foam and has a pleasant fragrance
Specifications
- Color: Blue
- Dimension: 12.12Lx6.00Wx6.00H
- Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Pros
- Concentrated formula makes 25 gallons of cleaning solution
- Non-foaming formula with a pleasant fragrance
- Great for removing pet odors and stains
Cons
- May require multiple applications for tough stains
- Some users found the fragrance unpleasant
The Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate Cleaner is an effective and economical solution for deep cleaning and removing tough stains from carpets. Its professional-grade formula, pleasant fragrance, and versatility in use make it a top choice for maintaining fresh and clean carpets in both residential and commercial spaces.
Buyer's Guide: Best Carpet Cleaner 2022
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Carpet Cleaner
1. Type of Cleaner
- Steam Cleaner: Uses hot water and steam to deep clean carpets.
- Spot Cleaner: Designed to target specific stains and spills.
- Carpet Shampooer: Uses a cleaning solution to scrub and rinse carpets.
2. Carpet Type
- Low-Pile Carpet: Requires a cleaner with adjustable settings for gentler cleaning.
- High-Pile Carpet: Needs a cleaner with high suction power to remove dirt from deep within the fibers.
3. Size and Weight
- Portability: Consider the size and weight if you need to move the cleaner up and down stairs or between rooms.
4. Cleaning Features
- Attachments: Look for a cleaner with various attachments for different cleaning needs.
- Adjustable Settings: Ideal for adjusting the cleaning intensity based on the carpet type.
5. Water Tank Capacity
- Larger Tanks: For larger carpeted areas, a cleaner with a larger tank reduces the frequency of refills.
Maintenance and Durability
1. Maintenance Requirements
- Ease of Cleaning: Consider how easy it is to clean the machine after use.
- Filter Replacements: Check if the cleaner requires regular filter replacements for optimal performance.
2. Build Quality
- Durability: Look for a carpet cleaner with a sturdy build to ensure longevity.
- Warranty: Consider the length and coverage of the warranty for potential repairs or replacements.
User-Friendly Features
1. Cord Length
- Long Cord: Allows for greater range of motion without constantly switching power outlets.
2. Maneuverability
- Swivel Head: Enhances maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces.
3. Noise Level
- Quiet Operation: Consider a carpet cleaner with reduced noise levels for a more pleasant cleaning experience.
Cleaning Performance and Efficiency
1. Suction Power
- Strong Suction: Essential for effectively removing dirt and moisture from carpets.
2. Drying Time
- Quick Drying: Look for a cleaner that facilitates faster drying to minimize downtime for the carpeted area.
3. Cleaning Solution Compatibility
- Compatible Solutions: Check if the cleaner is compatible with a variety of cleaning solutions for different cleaning needs.
Additional Considerations
1. Budget
- Value for Money: Determine the balance between features and price to find the best fit for your budget.
2. Reviews and Recommendations
- User Feedback: Research and read reviews to gauge the performance and reliability of the carpet cleaner.
3. Brand Reputation
- Reputable Brands: Consider reputable brands known for quality and customer satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions about 9 Best Carpet Cleaner Solutions
It is recommended to clean your carpet with the best carpet cleaner at least every 6 to 12 months, depending on the level of foot traffic and presence of pets in your home.
Yes, the best carpet cleaner of 2022 is designed to be safe and effective on all types of carpets, including wool, synthetic, and delicate antique rugs.
Absolutely! The best carpet cleaner of 2022 is specially formulated to tackle tough pet stains and eliminate odors, leaving your carpet fresh and clean.
The drying time after using the best carpet cleaner can vary depending on factors such as humidity and airflow, but on average, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours for the carpet to fully dry.
Yes, the best carpet cleaner of 2022 is safe for children and pets once the carpet is completely dry. However, it is important to keep them away from the damp carpet during the cleaning process to avoid any potential hazards.
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