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 spill something on them... then that's a whole different ball game. However, with our round-up of the best carpet cleaning products, you can 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 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 at a glance:
• 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+ 4-in-1 Carpet Shampoo and Upholstery Cleaning Solution
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 and stain removers.
Best carpet cleaning products
Find the best carpet cleaner solution for your home, below...
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. As for use, we recommend turning the bottle upside down to moisten the sponger applicator head. Then, 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. Voila!
Many find this pick easy to use, quick to work and of great quality. With an average rating of 4.8/5 stars, many users say this pick is great value. One five-star customer calls it "simply the best" - thanks to its easy use and built-in scrubbed that can work deeply and effectively, from pet messes to wine spills! You're set. However, some have found that the solution can drip out of the bottle a little fast - so, be careful!
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
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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. To use, sprinkle the powder onto your carpet or rug, leave for 30 minutes, then hoover away to reveal your good-as-new carpet.
One customer calls this is a "must" in the cleaning cupboard, recommending this pick to anybody who needs a carpet refresh. It's straightforward - and said to be suitable for use with all household and industrial vacuum cleaners. Any cons? Well, opinions are mixed on its effectiveness - and its said not to best for stubborn stains.
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. For the best results, spray on the stain, leave for five minutes max, and then with a clean cloth, blot the stain. As for reviews...
From over 3,000 reviews on Amazon worldwide, this carpet cleaning solution from Vanish has been given an average 4.4/5 star rating. Yes - customers love this pick! It's a big-name brand, which may be reassuring for many to see - but, it's said to be super effective for removing stains and dirt from carpets. Not only is it said to be easy for reviewers to use, but it's convenient to keep around - and smells good, too. Good quality, value and use - what's not to love? However, some reviewers mention that heavy stains may need a couple of applications.
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. You should add this to the carpet cleaner as per the machine's user guide. What are the reviews saying..?
With an average of 4.7 stars, this Bissell pick is a powerhouse. Reviews say it's effective and has a pleasant scent. Not only does it clean carpets well, but it removes dirt and freshens them up to look as good as new —to be used with any upright vacuum cleaner. However, it's said to be best for odour elimination.
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
Along with being good for your carpet, EcoZone is also kind to the environment. 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. This is one of our favourite picks. For stains, dilute one to 10. Apply directly to the stain, 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. What are the reviews saying..?
Many reviews find this pick effective - as you don't need a carpet cleaning appliance to use, which will save a little time, effort and money. One customer likes that it removes strong stains and helps with nasty smells. A few reviews appreciate that it's free from nasties - as well as vegan and cruelty-free - which is a little better for the environment, your home and loved ones. If your pet has made a mess and it's extra smelly, we wouldn't recommend this. A few reviews agree that it's not as strongly fragranced as other carpet cleaning solutions.
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. 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.
Customers like this pick for its functionality and effectiveness. From over 1,400 reviews, it's said to help with smell and is great value for money. Plus, it's super easy to use, dries quickly and improves the appearance of stains. One customer says it was impressive and "overall [a] very good product". Refreshing and revitalising, this can be used with or without a Rug Doctor - and is pet-safe. Whether wool or stains on a larger area, this is a corker. However, a few customers suggest it's not ideal for spot stains...
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. 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.
Reviewers love this product with an average of 4.5/5 stars on Amazon. One customer commented that it's fantastic and much cheaper than many other solutions - and great value for money. Whether old stains or new dirt, this Pro-Kleen formula is said to be effective, easy to use ad great for giving a new lease of life to your flooring. And, it's said to smell lovely, also. As for negatives, there aren't many! However, it's said not to lather up as much as other brands...
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 carpet cleaner spray
This Astonish Stain Remover Target Spray can be used on your carpet to tackle tough stains, as well as on clothes and upholstery items. It's not tested on animals, either, which is a bonus. For the best results, spray on the carpet stain, leave for a few minutes, and then blot with a damp, clean cloth.
The positives of this Astonish Cleaner are endless. Customers are super chuffed with how well it can tackle stains - even on light fabric! - leaving little to no trace after a wash. That's the ticket. Not only efficient, but it's easy to use, good value for money and offers reliable results. And, to add: the brand is friendly to your pets, versatile for good enough for delicate fabrics. Some have switched from other brands and have been super happy with the results. While it works well for normal stains, there is no mention of its effectiveness on more stubborn ones. And, some customers found this pick to smell a little strong.
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. Our list of the best carpet stain removers is just fantastic - and jam-packed with goodies.
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 was a 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. She is now a Fitness Writer for T3.