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We tested 73 rug and upholstery cleaner and found the best option for all households with furry friends .

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens

Whether you ’re a self-aggrandising family unit or a smaller house , appease on top of clean house carpet and upholstery can be a major challenge . Add a dog , African tea , or multiple pets into the mix and you ’ve get a recipe for messy floors .

No matter how well - train your beast are — and how manypet hair cleaning toolsyou have — accident can happen . “ Try totreat stains or messes immediatelyto avoid foresighted - condition staining and price , ” saysKathy Cohoonfrom Two Maids and a Mop . Quite just , this means you ’ll need to bring quickly .

A person uses the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V under a coffee table

The Hoover ONEPWR SmartWash made a significant difference in the discoloration and odor from stains.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

One means to do that is touse a carpet cleaner . These machines are your best line of defense against stained carpet , upholstery , rug , and theseats in your vehicle . We taste 73 carpet and upholstery cleaners to find the best carpet cleaners for pet that plow stubborn stain from our dear four - legged friend .

What We Tested

We judge each carpet clean base on several categories includingsetup , noise stage , comfort of use , portability , note value , andeffectiveness , among other considerations . For more on how we try out carpet cleaners , readour testing processbelow .

Our Top Picks

Best Portable

Bissell Portable Carpet Cleaner

This easy - to - use , lightweight automobile tackles all of the surprisal messes ducky make on both upholstery and carpet .

This is best used for smaller stains rather than a full rug cleansing .

The Bissell Little Green Max is unsubdivided to apply with only two options ( deep clean and rinsing ) , an on / off button , and a tank that fits under a faucet for light woof . We discover it to be perfect forunexpected pet messesand stain clean and jerk . At 8.2 pound , it ’s manageable to carry with one bridge player .

Target Bissell Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner

Credit: Target

The clear tank car — one for solution and one for dirty pee — make it easy to see your cleaning progress and when you may involve an empty or a refill . The cleaner comes with two brushes to tackle all thing favored : one toremove pilus from upholsteryand carpet and one for more intense dissipation .

We observe the rug cleaner to be one of the most effective we essay when tackle stains , especially on crap . It removed the majority of the Daucus carota sativa juice and all of the peanut butter , leaving no detectable variety in the carpet ’s texture . It alsoleft the rug mostly dryafter use .

There are some nice additional features that make the Bissell a top pick . For instance , the deep cleaning brushing has a ego - cleanse modality — simply press a button and it abandon all of the debris and hair that might have incur stuck in the hosepipe and head .

Amazon Shark PX201 StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner

The five - ft hosepipe also allow you to clean in all sorts of rigorous areas , and you do n’t necessitate to valuate out the correct solvent to water ratio because the machine has technology to ruffle it for you . Its handsome drawback is the 32 - troy ounce mental ability ; for larger smirch , you ’ll need to frequently replenish the tankful .

Product item : Weight:8.2 Lebanese pound |Surface Types : Carpet , upholstery |Cord Length:15 feet |Capacity:32 ounce

Best for Upholstery

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner

The effective attachment like the stomach - out scissure tool and double - sided encounter help houseclean all eccentric of fabric .

It did n’t form as well on the dirt smirch .

The best part about the Shark StainStriker is its included accessories ; there ’s a 3.5 - inch reversible bristle tool for elusive stain , a 7 - inch pet dick that collects dirt and debris in its easy - to - empty chamber , and an integrate scissure tool on the snoot .

Home Depot HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V

The crevice tool was our favorite during examination , as its powerful spray trigger and bristles help it get into the turning point of the couch and underneath the cushion . It ’s a unique accouterment that is especially useful forcleaning upholstery , as is the double - sided reversible brush with easygoing nubs fordelicate material .

Carrot juice and peanut butter dirt occur out very well , and the machine evenleft the carpet fresherthan it was before testing . But the dried malicious gossip became muddy and started to spread out out ; while elbow grease would likely get rid of it , we could n’t take away the entire spot during the allotted time .

At 8.5 quid , it ’s soft to carry , and the tank car did n’t call for refilling during our tests . The water tank unclicks with the push of a release and fit out underneath a spigot for straightaway refills . The mark uses a proprietary blend of two carpet cleaners that mix together in the urine tank , leaving a light , pleasant scent .

The Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner sitting on a rug before and after it was cleaned

The Bissell Little Green Max was one of the most effective stain removers we tested, and worked especially well on dirt.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

We think this would be best for those who have pets that hang out on furniture , as it ’s really great for spot - clean couch and cushion .

mathematical product detail : Weight:8.51 pounds |Surface Types : Carpet , upholstery |Cord Length:12 invertebrate foot |Capacity:40.58 oz.

Best for Deep Cleaning

HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Carpet Cleaner

If you ’re await to brush up your entire carpet and get free of any embedded preferred stain , this is the undecomposed choice we tested .

This battery - power option has a more limited ravel meter than other twilled upright models in its class .

With a whopping 80 - ounce water tank , this upright carpeting dry cleaner is a powerhouse fordeep cleaning . There are some gracious features that make it endure out from other vertical , including an LED screen and a spot boost mood that works on tougher , more embedded stains .

A person cleaning up a stain on a rug using the Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner

But perhaps its most unique asset is its automatic cleaning office . It does n’t require a energy of a button to work , as affect the clean forward dispenses the answer , while pulling it backwards dry out the carpet . We found it incredibly easy to use , with a proficient brush roll and a relatively small-scale footmark .

At 15 pounds , it ’s a few pound lighter than some of the other upright models we tried , and only a act heavier than our favoriteportable carpet dry cleaner . During testing , it did well on dry stains than fresh one , which is why we think it will be a great selection fordeep cleaning embedded carpet stains .

The breadth of the brush roll allowed for dear clean over a large area , too . The water army tank was soft to fill from a sink , and the larger mental ability meant we only need to empty the muddy tank once during examination ( we did n’t need to replenish the answer ) .

A person dumping out the dirty water from a canister of the Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner

While the cordless rechargeable option made it well-situated to employ anywhere , we found that it could be inconvenient for longer clean and jerk ; after 20 to 30 minute of uninterrupted use , you ’ll need to recharge it for at least a few hour before resuming .

Using the power boost also dwindle the electric battery quicker , shortening the time you have to houseclean .   Even if you want to recharge the Hoover once or double , we think it ’s a bully option for clean whole room , especially for those with pets that haveworn down a carpetover time .

Product Details : Weight:15 pounds |Surface Types : Carpet |Cord Length : Cordless|Capacity:80 ounces

A person cleaning up a stain on a rug using the Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner

The Bottom Line

For a lightweight , portable option that does an excellent job removing fresh and dehydrated stains , we believe theBissell Little Green Maxis the good carpeting cleaner for ducky . However , if you ’re count toclean your upholsterythoroughly , theShark StainStrikeris another heavy option .

Our Testing Process

We try out 73 carpet cleansing agent over the course of 136 time of day , recording information for performance on 438 stains in the physical process . In a series of six test , we grade each one of the rug cleaner on factors like portability ,   effectiveness , and value .

We followed the manufacturing business ’s guidelines to set up each rug cleanser and fill it with a cleaning result . Next we created six different stains per modeling , including dry out and fresh carrot succus , dry out and saucy mud , and dried and fresh peanut butter .

For all stains , we take one go with the carpeting dry cleaner ( once over with spray and once back with the automobile ) . After log the resolution , we clean for up to five minutes or until the stain was fully murder ( whichever came first ) , and tape how many passes we needed overall .

A person cleaning up a stain on a rug using the Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner

After fill in cleansing , we empty the dirty water armoured combat vehicle and assess how much moisture was exit in the carpet fiber .

What to Know About Carpet Cleaners for Pets Before Shopping

Weight

The weightiness of a carpet cleanser is a major considerateness , especially if you ’re trying to clean up a pickle under furniture , on steps , or in the car . We noted both the listed weight and how grueling the carpet cleaners really felt to aid you make an informed conclusion .

take down that adding water to the armored combat vehicle will increase the overall free weight of the machine . The largest water tank car on our list ( theHoover Onepwr ) hold up to 80 snow leopard , which adds around 5 pounds when full . We paid particular attending to portability and ease of usance during our tests .

Surface Types

All of the carpeting dry cleaners on this listing can harness carpet and upholstery , which are the basal open most people would use them on . When look for a new cleaner , make trusted to observe what type ofsurfaces your pet is usually onand if the Cartesian product you ’re planning to purchase can tackle them .

We also essay these cleaners on carpeted stairs to assess their power to squeeze into tight corner and maneuver slippery areas . With upholstery , the biggest challenge is usuallycleaning between couch cushionsand in other crevices . TheShark StainStrikerstood out for its embedded crevice cleanser .

Cord Length

When shopping for a carpet cleaner for pets , a primal factor is the business leader cord length . As you ’re shopping , consider if you ’re go to expend the machine in spaces that do n’t have an vent closely . We ’ve noted cord length , when available , for all of our pick . Our top two options have 12- and 15 - invertebrate foot cord .

The best upright option is cordless , so although you ’ll have to consider shelling power when cleaning , you’re able to use it in any space without thinking of where an wall socket may be . That ’s the large upper side to a cordless carpet cleaner .

Capacity

As you take your cleaner all over your house , you wo n’t want to keep come back to a drain to floor out the dirty water . We observe the capacity of all the cleaner we tested .

It ’s crucial to remember if you ’re going to practice the cleanser for warm spot cleanups , you may not need that much electrical capacity . However , if you ’re dealing with ongoing declamatory messes , you might need a gravid tank .

TheBissell Little Green Max , our top portable pick , has a 32 - ounce armoured combat vehicle , while theShark StainStrikerhas a capacity of 40.58 ounces , and theHoover ONEPWRholds 80 ounces . During the Shark was the only one that did n’t need to be emptied or refill mid - clean .

A person adding cleaning solution to the Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner

Noise Level

If you ’ve ever had a loud vacuum or any form of appliance , you know the struggle with find the right auto that cleans well but does n’t terrify your animal companion . During examination , we looked for machines that were below 80 decibel , as this is the medium racket spirit level for carpet cleansing machines .

We found all three pick comparable to a functional vacuum , randomness - smart . For the duration of a clean , you should expect some commotion and possible difficulty carrying on a conversation , though nothing too extreme .

Other Carpet Cleaners for Pets We Tested

Tineco Carpet One Cruiser Carpet Cleaner

Thisupright carpet cleaneris fairly mellow - tech and need to be connected to WiFi and an app . And while it has some tech - forward characteristic like infrared dry out mode , it mold well well on dried stain than it did fresh . At its incredibly high damage , it did n’t make the cut .

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Carpet Cleaner with StainStriker

Thiscarpet cleanerworked especially well on peanut butter grease , leaving no lingering smell behind . It also had a courteous raiment of attachment . However , it was difficult to guide around because of its lowering base , and it was observably tacky than other models that we opt .

Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Plus at Bissell

Thiscordless modelis easy and commodious , and it did a prissy job of getting rid of stains . However , because it ’s built more like ahandheld vacuum , it ’s heavy and bulky to use , with a gruelling handle that we found uncomfortable .

Your Questions, Answered

How often should you shampoo your carpets if you have pets?

“ We recommendrefreshing your carpetsevery six month , but it ’s great to impart additional deep cleans if you notice your carpets amass [ soil ] or taking the brunt of soiled mitt and other deal pets bequeath behind , ” saysJay Kellis , chemist at Bissell . Cohoon notes it ’s important to keep on top ofspot cleaning any messes . “ Whileshampooing will facilitate elongate a rug ’s looksover time and give a in effect deep light , the key to keeping carpeting fresh with favorite around isvacuuming oftenand spot treating any pet - related stains . ”

How do you get old pet stains out of carpet?

It ’s possible , with a little pre - treating . Kellis says , “ Whilepretreating is important for any smirch , it ’s especially of import to do when you ’re tackling older , set - in stains . "

“ Pretreatment actually helps freshen a set - in stain , which dry out and loses moisture , becoming hard to transfer . believe of pretreating your rug likepretreating laundry brand , " he supply .

" With older stains , just spray your pretreatment , let it seat for five minutes , and then use a moist towel on the mark . It might take a few rounds of the same footmark to achieve complete stigma remotion . ” you’re able to also pretreat before using a carpet dry cleaner to raise effectivenss .

The Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner sitting on a rug before and after it was cleaned

What is the best carpet cleaner for people with pets?

Pet owners primarily use carpet cleaners for pet accidents and preferent refuse , so it ’s important that it works particularly well on liquid stains and leaves carpets smell overbold . Leftover staining from hard pigment messes is probably less of a concern when it get along to pet waste material .

Other benefits are portability and ease of economic consumption , include the power to swap attachment heads or remove the water tankful . After these consideration , we recommend theBissell Little Green Max .

Who We Are

Alida Nugenthas over six years of commerce experience , specializing in gentle wind purifier , humidifiers , vacuums , cleanup , and production examination . For this update clause , she reviewed the testing upshot from our BHG research team , who evaluated each rug cleaner based on setup , noise level , ease of employment , portability , value , and effectiveness , and researched carpet cleaners to understand and render the data for readers . We also consultedJay Kellis , a apothecary at Bissell , andKathy Cohoonfrom Two Maids and a Mop for additional insight on carpet cleaners .

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the product on this listing , you may have acknowledge ourBHG Recommends sealing wax of approval . Products that earn the cachet have been put through rigorous testing to make certain they ’re worth a spot in your home . We grease one’s palms most of the products we test ourselves , but occasionally we are furnish sample by companies if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same examination criterion we use to quiz the buy merchandise .

A person cleaning up a stain on a rug using the Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner

A person dumping out the dirty water from a canister of the Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner

A person cleaning up a stain on a rug using the Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner

A person cleaning up a stain on a rug using the Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner

A person adding cleaning solution to the Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner

The Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner sitting on a rug covered in stains

The Shark StainStriker left the carpet even fresher than it had been before we started the test.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person using the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner to remove a stain off a rug

A person filling the tank of the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner with cleaning solution

A person removing the tank to the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner

A person holding the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner

A person using the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner to remove a stain off a rug

The Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner sitting on a rug covered in stains

A person using the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner to remove a stain off a rug

A person filling the tank of the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner with cleaning solution

A person removing the tank to the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner

A person holding the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner

A person using the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner to remove a stain off a rug

Before and after photos showing the effects of using the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V

The Hoover Onepwr SmartWash uses a boost mode to work on tough, embedded stains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A person uses the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V on a carpet

A person removes the canister from the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V

A person uses the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V on a rug

A person removes the cover and brush head on the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V

A person pours water into the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V

Before and after photos showing the effects of using the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V

A person uses the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V on a carpet

A person removes the canister from the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V

A person uses the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V on a rug

A person removes the cover and brush head on the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V

A person pours water into the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V

The Bissell Little Green Max Portable Carpet Cleaner sitting on a rug covered in stains

We tested six stains per cleaner, both dried and fresh.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

A person pours out dirty water from the HOOVER ONEPWR SmartWash Automatic Cordless Upright Carpet Cleaner Machine BH50700V

The Hoover Onepwr SmartWash has a water tank with an 80-ounce capacity.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

A person using the Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner to remove stains from a rug

The Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Cleaner includes four attachments to use on stains of varying sizes.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

A person cleaning a stained sofa cushion with the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner FD13000

We created two stains on a chair cushion to test with a DIY solution and each of the carpet cleaners to compare how well they lifted the stains.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens