Equipped with the best carpet cleaning products, you're ready to take good care of the flooring in your home. You have the tools to keep it looking spick and span. Although, the end goal can take a little work to maintain. After all, Carpets collect dust and hair a lot more easily than wooden flooring, and if you happen to spill something on them... then that's a whole different ball game. However, with our round-up of the best carpet cleaning products, you'll be able to tackle stubborn stains and everyday dirt to keep your carpet looking and smelling fresh.
But what should you consider when choosing the best carpet cleaning products? We've come up with a handy checklist. Firstly, ease of use. Some upholstery cleaners need to be left on for a certain amount of time, while others simply require a few squirts of spray and to be left for a few minutes. If you're not keen on cleaning, then you may want to opt for something that's more straightforward to use and doesn't require too much elbow grease. For homes with furry friends, finding the best carpet cleaner for pets may be best - and will help with allergies and sniffles.
Best carpet cleaning products shortlist:
• Easy-to-use carpet stain remover: Dr. Beckmann Carpet Stain Remover
• Best vacuuming carpet cleaner: Dyson Zorb Powder
• Best for homes with pets: Bissell Wash + Protect Formula Carpet Cleaning Solution
• Best for deep cleaning: Rug Doctor Carpet Detergent with SpotBlok
• Best value: Pro-Kleen Pro+ Carpet Shampoo and Upholstery Cleaning Solution, 4 in 1 Concentrate
Next, there is the purpose of the product. Are you trying to tackle spot stains, give your carpet an overall clean or eliminate odours? While there are some carpet cleaning products that may be able to do all of these things, there are others which have been specifically designed for a target purpose. Do you need a carpet cleaner? Some products will require you to have a carpet cleaner, while others can be used manually by hand. Make sure you double-check.
While it's best to deal with stains as and when they appear, deep cleaning of your carpet can be done once a year (although you may want to do this more frequently if you have pets). On that thought, Yours has a fantastic guide on how to stop your cat from scratching the carpet. Carpet cleaning products can come in many different forms, from shampoos for your vacuum to sprays, foam and even powders. Some work instantly, while other products may need to be left on for a period of time. Here's our round-up of the best carpet cleaning products.
Best carpet cleaning products
Easy-to-use carpet stain remover
This carpet cleaning product is super easy to use and can tackle light to tough stains, including red wine, coffee, fruit juice and grease, on carpets and upholstery. Dr Beckmann has a special oxy-powered formula that also helps to eliminate odours too, so your carpet can smell good and look great.
How to use
Turn the bottle upside down to moisten the sponger applicator head. Work the brush lightly into the stain, then leave for three minutes. Once the time is up, dab off the remaining product with a light-coloured cloth.
Customer Review: "I was sceptical about this product at first as I had used other similar products that did not deliver. However, this one removed the most stubborn stains in my carpets within minutes! Great product, I highly recommend."
Pros
- Easy and quick to use
- Pleasant smell
- Great value — two in a pack
Cons
- The solution can drip out of the bottle quite fast
Best vacuuming carpet cleaner
If you don't fancy scrubbing away at your carpet, then this Zorb powder from Dyson is a winner. All you have to do is sprinkle it on the affected area, wait, hoover, then voilà! Also, you don't need to have a Dyson to use it, which is a bonus.
**How to use
**Sprinkle the powder onto your carpet or rug, leave for 30 minutes, then hoover away to reveal your good-as-new carpet.
Customer Review: "I've been using this stuff for a year, and it's fantastic. My living room carpet is 6 years old now and still looks like new because of this stuff."
Pros
- Suitable for use with all household and industrial vacuum cleaners
- Straightforward to use
- Great for refreshing your carpet
Cons
- Not the best to tackle stubborn stains
Best for small, everyday stains
When it comes to everyday stains, you can always rely on some trusty Vanish for a helping hand. Whether it's coffee, tea, soil or an accident from your pet, this spray can help stains disappear in as little as 30 seconds on carpets and rugs, and it even cleans upholstery items too.
How to use
Spray on the stain, leave for five minutes max, then with a clean cloth, blot the stain.
Customer Review: "Easy to use, simple instructions and works well with a pleasant scent."
Pros
- Affordable
- Quick and easy to use
- Neutralises odours
Cons
- Heavy stains may need a couple of applications
Best for homes with pets
Whether it's mucky paws, bad odours or even small accidents, getting a carpet cleaner for homes with pets is a must, and this carpet shampoo by Bissell can help tackle all your pet problems.
How to use
Add to carpet cleaner as per the machine's user guide.
Customer Review: "This fluid is excellent for cleaning carpets and pets accidents. Pleasant smell and quick drying."
Pros
- Clean, fresh scent
- Cleans carpets from dirt and stains, while its formula protects carpets from future ones
- Can be used in any upright carpet cleaner
Cons
- Better for cleaning and odour eliminating
Best vegan carpet cleaning product
As well as being good to your carpet, EcoZone is also kind to the environment too. Using natural ingredients and no nasty chemicals, this carpet shampoo can be used on either small stains or popped into a carpet cleaner for larger surface areas.
**How to use
**For stains, dilute one to 10. Apply directly to the stain and rub hard with a damp, clean cloth and wipe away any residue. If the stains are deep, you may need to do a couple of applications. If you're using it with a carpet machine, then dilute one to eight.
Customer Review: "The detergent worked well on our carpets with a Vax carpet cleaner. The scent could have been a bit stronger, but we value the fact it is eco and pet friendly."
Pros
- Don't need a carpet cleaner to use
- Cruelty-free/vegan formula
- Safe for home septic tanks
Cons
- Isn't as strongly fragranced as other carpet cleaning solutions
Best for deep cleaning
This concentrated detergent from Rug Doctor will breathe a new lease of life back into dull and worn-out carpets. It gives a decent deep clean, and its SpotBlok® anti-stain formula helps to protect carpets from stains, even after cleaning.
**How to use
**If you're using a Rug Doctor carpet cleaner, pour 150ml of the carpet detergent into the red solution tank. Fill it up to the mesh filter approximately halfway.
Customer Review: "It does what it's supposed to. I use it in my Rug Doctor, and it cleans everything out of the carpet, and I had a carpet that wasn't cleaned for ten years."
Pros
- Refreshes and revitalises
- Can be used with or without a Rug Doctor
- Pet safe
- Can be used on wool
- Good for stains and larger areas
Cons
- Not ideal for spot stains
Best value
This carpet shampoo from Pro-Kleen has been rated five stars by over 7,000 people on Amazon. It has a potent, but not overpowering, scent, and its concentrated formula ensures your carpets and rugs are left rejuvenated and revitalised from stains, looking as good as new.
How to use
If you're using a carpet cleaner, then follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you're cleaning by hand, dilute 30 to 50ml of the cleaning shampoo with one litre of water. Then either brush, spray or sponge onto the stained areas. After, wipe away or vacuum once dry.
Customer Review: "We have a dog, and during the wet weather, it doesn't take long before we feel the need to wash the carpets. This is a nice smell, not overpowering in any way and leaves the house smelling clean and fresh and, of course, makes the carpets look nice and clean too."
Pros
- Lovely scent
- Great value for money (five litres)
- Safe for pets and wool carpets
- Can be used with all carpet cleaners
Cons
- Doesn't lather up much
Best cruelty-free stain remover
As well as using on your carpet to tackle tough stains, Astonish can also be used on clothes and upholstery items too. It's not tested on animals either, which is a bonus.
How to use
Spray on carpet stain, leave for a few minutes, then blot with a damp clean cloth.
Customer Review: "This product smells just beautiful, and not only that, it really works. Without a doubt, I highly recommend this item."
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Ideal for carpets, clothes and more
- Affordable
Cons
- Smells a little strong
VERDICT: What is the best carpet cleaning product?
The best carpet cleaning product for you depends if you're looking to target stains or just give your carpet an overall clean. We think the Dyson Zorb Powder is ideal if you're looking to generally clean your carpet. Why? It's straightforward and simple to use and simply requires a vacuum cleaner and no water.
FAQs
How often should you clean your carpet?
To keep your carpet clean and smelling fresh, deep clean it at least once a year. If you have a busy household or have pets, you may choose to do this a little more often (say twice or three times a year), as you're more likely to have a quicker build-up of dirt. Vacuuming should be done weekly to prevent a build-up of dust and grime.
Need a fur-busting solution for your home? Why not give the Vax Dual Power Pet Carpet Cleaner a try?
How do I clean upholstery?
You should try to clean your upholstery a couple of times per year, once every six months, if you can. If you have children or pets in the home or like to entertain often, you may need to increase the frequency of your cleaning sessions to avoid set-in stains. Similarly, cleaning a mattress should be done every six months to a year.
Cleaning your furniture isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, as different fabrics require different cleaning solutions.
Start out your cleaning by vacuuming your chosen surface to get rid of dust, skin cells, hair and dirt. Follow up with an upholstery cleaner, paying close attention to the instructions to avoid damaging your furnishings. Avoid cleaning metal if you can, such as zips and buttons. Let the item air dry thoroughly before use.
Bryony Firth-Bernard is a product writer for Yours. Her hobbies include hitting the weights in the gym and pole fitness (where she gets countless bruises). On the weekend she loves whipping up new recipes in the kitchen and spending time with her friends and family.
