The Best Carpet Cleaner Solution (Review) In 2022
- 1. Bissell 78H63 Deep Clean Pro 4X
- 2. Folex
- 3. Bissell Professional Oxy
- 4. Hoover Paws & Claws
- 5. OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner
- 6. Hoover CleanPlus Concentrated Solution Formula
- 7. Sunny and Honey Carpet Miracle Concentrated Machine Shampoo
- 8. Hoover Renewal Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
- 9. Bissell Deep Clean + Oxy
- 10. Rug Doctor Deep Cleaner Solution
- 11. Kirby Pet Owners Foaming Carpet Shampoo
- 12. Puracy Professional
- 13. Biokleen Natural Carpet Cleaner
A house never looks truly clean unless the carpets are bright and fresh and there is not a stain in sight! Keeping them in that condition requires a bit of work and the best carpet cleaner solution. Whether you are cleaning by hand with hot water or with an upright electric carpet cleaner, you will need carpet cleaning solutions that quickly and effectively remove the build-up of grime by breaking down the dirt particles. Sometimes a regular vacuum cleaner, whether is it stick vacuum cleaner or a more independent robot vacuum cleaner, just isn't enough!
Some carpet cleaning solutions are best for spot removal of stains caused by pet accidents or spilled red wine. Others are best for general cleaning of large areas. A carpet cleaning solution should be able to neutralize unpleasant smells and many will help to keep your carpets cleaner for longer by repelling dirt. Here, we reveal our pick of the best carpet cleaners top tips for effective carpet cleaning.
1. Bissell 78H63 Deep Clean Pro 4X


Key Features
Enhances the cleaning power of carpet cleaning machines
Professional grade detergents
No dyes, phosphates or heavy metals
Biodegradable and eco-friendly
Can be used on carpets, rugs and upholstery
Removes unpleasant odors
Formulated specifically for use in upright carpet cleaners and powerful enough to tackle heavily soiled areas and stubborn stains, it’s not hard to see why the Bissell 78H63 Deep Clean Pro carpet shampoo is our best choice of the carpet cleaning solutions. The cleaning power is delivered by professional-grade active ingredients but because it does not contain any phosphates, dyes, optical brighteners or heavy metals, it is completely safe to use in areas frequented by children and pets. The detergents in the formula are biodegradable making this the eco-friendly choice.
This carpet cleaner can also be used on rugs and upholstery and is highly effective at removing odors as well as dirt. It enhances the performance of your cleaning machine and leaves your carpet with the on-going protection of Scotchgard stain protection.
Pros
Safe for children and pets
Only one product needed for upholstery and carpets
Leaves Scotchgard stain protection in the carpet
Great at removing odors
Leaves the carpet in great condition
Cons
Has a powerful odor
Takes a while to work out how much to use
2. Folex


Key Features
Safe to apply to any colorfast carpet
Designed to spot clean stains
Effective at removing old stains
Removes odor as well as visible stain
Comes in a spray bottle
Can be used in carpet cleaning machines
For spot cleaning stains on carpets and rugs when you need instant results, the Folex Carpet Spot Remover is an essential product for you to keep on stand-by in your cupboard. Importantly, you can apply it to any color-fast carpets, rugs, or upholstery without worrying that it will strip the color or leave a sticky residue.
This is the best carpet cleaning solution for stains caused by red wine, coffee, and ink. It is also highly effective at removing blood stains and stains caused by those ‘little accidents’ that pets can have from time to time. It is suitable to use by hand and is supplied in a spray bottle for ease of application. For larger jobs when you need to tackle grimy high traffic areas on a carpet, you can use it in a carpet cleaning machine. There is no rinsing or vacuuming needed with this stain remover, you just rub it in with your fingers and blot or use the drawtube on your cleaning device.
Pros
Does not change the color of colorfast carpets
Can be used by hand and in machines
No vacuuming or rinsing needed
Leaves no sticky residue
Removes pet urine and feces stains
Cons
Spot test needed because some carpets can lose color
Cannot remove all older stains
3. Bissell Professional Oxy


Key Features
Specifically formulated to tackle pet accidents
Effectively removes odors caused by pet urine including skunk urine
Designed for use with upright carpet cleaning machines
Awarded a ‘Safer Choice Label’ by the US EPA
Discourages pets from fouling on the carpet
Removes blood and grass stains
For visible stains caused by your pet and just as importantly, pet odors, this Bissell Pet Pro Oxy Urine Eliminator has a deep cleaning formula of active ingredients. This carpet cleaning solution contains no heavy metals or dyes and has been awarded the Safer Choice Label by the US EPA which means that it is safe for homes where children and pets live.
Formulated for use in an upright carpet cleaning machine, this cleaning solution permanently removes stains and odors and thanks to the Stain Protect ingredient, pets are discouraged from using the carpet as a toilet again! Stains caused by urine, feces, and vomit will be eliminated and it will even rid your home of powerful skunk urine odor. It’s also highly effective at removing grass, food, and bloodstains caused by the human members of the family.
Pros
Eliminates pet urine smells
Safe for pets and children
No heavy metals
Lightly scented
Biodegradable ingredients
Cons
Can take a long time to remove some stains
Dilution has to be exact to avoid a soapy residue on the carpet
4. Hoover Paws & Claws


Key Features
Deep enzymatic cleaning of carpets and rugs
Removes odors of animal urine
Suitable for carpet cleaner machines
Can be used on car interiors
Leaves a fresh smell in the home
Stain Guard protection against future stains
For pet owners who need a deep down carpet clean and a fresh, bright odor, the Hoover Paw & Claws solution is what you have been looking for! This is the best carpet cleaning solution for delivering the intense enzymatic cleaning performance needed to tackle animal urine, feces, and vomit stains and for eliminating the lingering odors that they cause. By breaking down the ‘problem’ substances adhering to carpet fibers, it works on both the odor and visible marks.
You apply this carpet cleaning solution using an upright machine and it can be used on all carpets, stairs, and upholstery in the home as well as vehicle interiors after completing a patch test for colorfastness. It leaves you with a fresh smell throughout your home and your carpets will be protected by Stain Guard to help prevent future marks.
Pros
Neutralizes pet urine odors
Works on vomit and feces
Protects cleaned area from stains
Effective at removing visible stains
Suitable for treating large areas
Cons
Solution scent is strong initially
Only suitable for carpet cleaner machines
5. OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner



Key Features
Large 64-fluid-ounce bottle
Can be used in any carpet cleaning machine
Treats every carpet fiber
Efficient cleaning of large areas
Spot cleaning of stains
Removes wine and food stains
The best carpet cleaning solution for large areas of carpet needs to be reasonably priced, efficient, and versatile enough to use in any carpet cleaning machine. That is exactly what you get with the Oxiclean Large Area Carpet Cleaner. Using this cleaning solution, you can deep clean every carpet fiber over your whole home and tackle localized stains caused by wine, coffee, and food by pre-treating the affected area.
It’s provided in a large 64-fluid-ounce bottle and it should be used in accordance with the machine manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution. It refreshes the whole carpet and makes it look like new!
Pros
Suitable in different carpet cleaning machines
Suitable for a carpet stain caused by wine and foods
Will remove pet stains
Significantly changes the appearance of the whole carpet
No slimy residue
Cons
May not be 100% effective on pet urine
May not be able to tackle old stains
6. Hoover CleanPlus Concentrated Solution Formula


Key Features
Highly concentrated solution
Cost-effective cleaning of large areas
Effective at removing dirt and grime
Fresh linen scent on carpets after cleaning
Can be used on car upholstery
Removes red wine stains
A highly concentrated solution with a distinctive fragrance and powerful cleaning performance. The Hoover CleanPlus Concentrated Solution Carpet Cleaner and Deoderizer is supplied in a 64-fluid-ounce bottle but you only need half the volume of most carpet detergents to get the job done making it highly cost-effective.
It can be used on upholstery and carpets in both the home and car and will remove general dirt and grime whilst leaving a fresh linen scent. This detergent can also remove stains caused by red wine, grass, and sodas.
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Pros
Leaves the room smelling fresh
Masks unpleasant odors
Only a small amount is needed
Useful for cleaning car interiors
Can be used on nylon carpets
Cons
May not be suitable for allergy sufferers
Makes a lot of foam
7. Sunny and Honey Carpet Miracle Concentrated Machine Shampoo


Key Features
Suitable for all leading brands of machines
Can be used for car interiors
Cleans upholstery and carpets in the car
Leaves carpets feeling soft
Biodegradable and non-toxic formulation
Removes food and pet stains
Suitable for all leading carpet cleaner machines (including Hoover and Bissell) and for cleaning carpets and upholstery inside the home and in the car, the Carpet Miracle – Concentrated Machine Shampoo is a versatile household detergent. It returns carpets to their original appearance and soft texture.
All water-safe rugs and carpets can be treated with biodegradable and non-toxic formulation. It can remove pet stains and marks caused by food spillages yet is totally safe for homes where there are children or pets.
Pros
Revives soiled carpets
Leaves carpets soft and fluffy
Can be used in all machines
Safe and non-toxic
Can also be used in the car
Cons
Not suitable for hand cleaning
Will not remove all old stain
8. Hoover Renewal Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo


Key Features
Powerful active cleaning power
Tackles stains caused by wine and coffee
Can be used in all upright machines
Designed to be used with a separate stain remover
Safe for pets and children
A powerful product for dirt and grime on carpets. The Hoover Renewal Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo harnesses the power of active ingredients to break down substances adhering to carpet fibers so that they can be safely removed. It can be used combination with stain remover for complete cleaning.
This solution can be used on all carpets in the home as well as on car interiors. It is compatible with all full-size cleaning machines and leaves the home with a fresh linen scent.
Pros
Works on ground-in marks
Fresh linen scent
Can be used in any carpet machine
Can be used for auto cleaning
Revitalizes old carpets
Cons
May not remove stains when used alone
Works better on fresh marks
9. Bissell Deep Clean + Oxy

Key Features
Formulated for stubborn stains
Designed to be used in full-size carpet cleaning devices
Can be used on high-traffic areas
Safe for children and pets
Biodegradable detergents
No dyes or heavy metals
When it comes to heavily ground in dirt and the toughest stains, you need Bissell Deep Clean + Oxy carpet cleaning solution. This is the best carpet cleaning solution for the toughest jobs on both carpets and upholstery. It’s one of the strongest products available for domestic cleaning and is designed for use in full-size carpet cleaner machines.
The biodegradable detergents in this cleaning solution are strong enough to break down red wine and coffee stains as well as stubborn marks left by pets and in areas of heavy traffic. It is perfectly safe to use even if you have children or pets as it contains no phosphates, dyes, or heavy metals.
Pros
Can deliver professional results on some stains
Great for a carpet refresh
Will remove stains that are years old
Can remove dog urine smell
Eco-friendly and biodegradable
Cons
Some customers found the odor unpleasant
Cannot completely remove worn-in grime that is years old
10. Rug Doctor Deep Cleaner Solution


Key Features
Delivers professional cleaning results
Can be used in all leading upright carpet cleaning devices
Oxy-powered cleaning chemicals for stain removal
Deodorizes unpleasant carpet odors
Refreshes large areas of carpet
Safe to use around children and pets
Delivering professional-standard cleaning results and for use in all leading upright carpet cleaning devices, the Rug doctor Oxy Deep Carpet Cleaner is a heavy-duty cleaning product. The 96-fluid-ounce bottle is enough to clean nine average rooms but it can also be used on rugs, upholstery, and car interiors and seats.
This cleaner solution deep cleans the carpet fibers and the oxy-powered cleaning chemicals tackle every stain it comes into contact with even if the stain is old. Professional cleaning solutions are highly effective at refreshing larger areas of soiled carpet and do not leave a residue. At the same time, this is one of the best carpet cleaning solutions for deodorizing and getting rid of unpleasant odors from carpets. It contains SpotBlok technology which remains on the carpet after cleaning and repels dirt to keep the carpet looking cleaner for longer. You can use it safely around children and pets and it will not damage carpets as long as you follow the instructions.
Pros
Highly effective cleaning solution for large areas
Can be used in lots of different cleaning appliances
Does not damage carpets
Gets rid of bad smells
Protects from future dirt
Cons
Scent is strong
Not suitable for cleaning carpets by hand
11. Kirby Pet Owners Foaming Carpet Shampoo


Key Features
Suitable for large areas of carpet
Designed for use with the Kirby cleaning system
Foaming action prevents carpets from getting too wet
Leaves carpets looking bright
Repels dust after cleaning
Removes pet odors
A versatile and heavy-duty carpet cleaning solution that would be one of the best choices if you have large areas to clean, you need to spot clean stains or if you have pets in your home. It has a clever foaming action that means that carpets do not get too wet and can be walked on soon after cleaning. The formulation includes enzymes that deep clean the carpet fibers and leave them looking brighter. The carpet will have a fresh look that lasts long after the clean because there is no sticky residue to attract fresh dust.
As our premium pick of the carpet cleaning solutions, the Kirby Pet Owners Foaming Carpet Shampoo does a lot more than general carpet cleaning. It is highly effective at removing stains. importantly for pet owners, it neutralizes allergens caused by pet dander and removes unpleasant pet odors. It also removes allergens caused by dust and pollen.
Pros
Useful for both spot cleaning of stains and general cleaning
Does not soak the carpet
Deep enzymatic cleaning
Leaves carpets looking bright
Removes pet allergens
Cons
Designed for use with Kirby cleaning system only
Can produce a lot of foam
12. Puracy Professional

Key Features
Suitable for use in electric carpets cleaners
Can be used for hand cleaning
Not tested on animals
Plant-based detergents
Safe for use around children, pets, and people with sensitive skin
A highly concentrated, low-foaming but fast-acting carpet cleaning solution suitable for both cleaning carpets by hand and with all the leading brands of machine. The Puracy Professional Carpet Cleaner is the best carpet cleaning shampoo choice in terms of ethical and eco-friendly credentials. It has not been tested on animals and is safe for use in homes where there are pets, children, and residents with sensitive skin.
This product will deliver a cleaner carpet but does not use chlorine, phosphates, or dyes to achieve the results – it contains no optical brighteners which can make a carpet look cleaner than it actually is! The plant-based cleaners protect the fibers of your carpet leaving it feeling soft and nourished. Thanks to ingredients such as Pink Grapefruit essential oil, this carpet cleaning shampoo also leaves your home smelling great.
Pros
Safe and natural product
Ethically produced
Can be used for hand cleaning and in a machine
Leaves carpets feeling soft
Smells fresh and natural
Cons
Citrus can damage carpet cleaning machine so it needs to be washed thoroughly
Fragrance is very strong
13. Biokleen Natural Carpet Cleaner


Key Features
Suitable for commercial machines as well as domestic machines
Contains industrial chemicals
Safe and biodegradable
Leaves no strong chemical odor
Tough on stains
Removes foul odors
Equally suitable for both commercial and at-home use, Biokleen Natural carpet Cleaner and Rug Shampoo delivers professional cleaning standards but does not use the usual industrial chemicals. The plant-based surfactants do not leave dangerous residues or strong chemical smells.
This product harnesses the natural cleaning power of grapefruit seed and orange essence to rid the carpet of both tough stains and unpleasant odors. It can be effectively rinsed out of the carpet using hot or cold water and will not attack carpet pads and backing.
Pros
Leaves no harsh chemicals in the carpet
Very pleasant grapefruit fragrance
Biodegradable
Easy to rinse out
Does not beak down carpet backing
Cons
Produces a lot of foam
Cannot remove all very strong carpet odors
Features To Consider With Carpet Cleaner Solutions
Size
Size is an important feature when it comes to value for money. In general, the solutions that are suitable for cleaning larger areas will be supplied in larger volumes. However, also take note of the recommended solution factors. A small volume of a more concentrated solution can last just as long as a large volume that you use at a lower concentration.
Ingredients
These products contain powerful cleaning chemicals but they must be safe especially if you have children or pets. Avoid products that contain phosphates or heavy metals.
Measuring Cup
This helps you to accurately measure out the product to get the correct dilution.
Stain Protection
Some carpet cleaners are also carpet protectors. They contain chemicals that adhere to the carpet fibers and prevents dirt from sticking to them. It means that spillages can be mopped up with a cloth and removed before a stain forms. You can get products that will be able to remove a stain, even though it is several months old. Often, these products contain enzymes to break down the stain.
Deodorizing
Dirty carpets don't smell great! If you have pets, you probably already know that when they have 'accidents' on the carpet, it takes more than some soap or a homemade carpet cleaner to get rid of the smell. The best solution is to choose a product designed specifically for households with pets. They are very good at tackling every type of stain that an animal can produce and get rid of pet urine smells.
Scent
Most of us like our homes to smell fresh and clean and this is only possible if the carpet has a pleasant scent. However, everyone has different opinions about what smells good. Therefore, your best option is to read the list of ingredients to find the scent which is often citrus.
Ease of Use
A good solution should be easy to use in a machine or by hand. The instructions should clearly describe how you use the solution to get the best results. Most recommend that you patch test the carpet first to check that it is colorfast. Also, look for a solution that does not leave a sticky residue as this will simply attract fresh dirt. For people who are in a hurry, the best solution is one that foams up quickly and does not make the carpet very wet because this means that you can walk on it sooner.
Safety
A cleaning solution will have some type of chemical in it that acts to break down the stain and remove it from the carpet fibers. However, there is also a need to protect the safety of those that come into contact with the carpet after it has been cleaned. This is most often children and pets. Think about the types of substances that you want to introduce into your home and search for a product that suits your needs. Most state that they do not contain phosphates or heavy metals. Others are completely plant-based to keep them as natural as possible.
Types of Carpet Cleaner Solutions
- Powder Cleaners - Sprinkled over the carpet and then vacuumed up. They are often used to remove unpleasant odors.
- Liquid Cleaners - Provided in a solution for use in an electric carpet cleaner. Great for removing stains.
- Foam Cleaners - Form a foam on contact with the carpet to reduce the amount of water needed so carpets dry quickly.
- Specialized Cleaners - Formulated to remove particular odors such as animal urine.
FAQ
Q: What is a carpet cleaner solution?
A solution for cleaning carpets is a liquid chemical containing surfactants (detergents) that act on dirt and grime in the carpet. They loosen it from the carpet fibers so that they can be washed off. You can use them when washing a carpet by hand or when using a carpet cleaning device. There are also ingredients to neutralize or mask unpleasant odors.
Q: How do you clean a heavily soiled carpet?
Some areas of carpet, such as those in high traffic areas and in entrance hallways, can get very soiled. Spot cleaning is no longer enough for these as they will need a deep clean. Start by giving your carpets a thorough vacuum. Then you may need to pre-treat localized stains with a carpet cleaning solution. Check with the instructions before you do this but in most cases, you will apply some concentrated solution to the stain and leave it for a certain period of time before rinsing it off.
For heavily stained areas it is best to use a carpet cleaning machine and you can hire one of these if you do not own one. Following the instructions, pour the cleaning solution into the machine with the correct volume of water and pass it back and fore across the carpet in a similar action to vacuuming. You may need to rinse with hot water and then allow the carpet to dry.
Q: Can you clean a dirty carpet without a machine?
You don't have to use a machine to clean smaller areas of carpet. In fact, you could try using simple homemade carpet cleaners which can be highly effective on moderately soiled areas but always patch test first. Homemade carpet cleaners include white vinegar and baking soda. Add equal volumes of salt and white vinegar into a bowl and mix it into a paste. Apply your homemade carpet cleaner to the stain, allow it to dry for around 60 minutes, and then vacuum. With the baking soda homemade carpet cleaner, you sprinkle it onto carpets that don't smell great and wait for an hour or so before vacuuming.
Q: Is it better to shampoo or steam clean carpets?
Steaming uses a lot of water and carpets can take ages to dry. However, it has the advantage of using no chemicals which is safer. In general, shampoo is better at removing stains.
Q: Can I use laundry detergent to clean my carpet?
Yes, laundry detergents such as Borax can be useful for spot cleaning stains. You spray the area with iced water and then sprinkle the detergent and press it into the carpet with a spoon. Continue to spray with water and blot with paper until the stain disappears. Always patch test first.
Q: Should I do a test spot first before using a carpet cleaner solution?
Yes! Always carry out a spot test before applying any product to your carpet.
Sources
How to Use Carpet Shampooer - Hunker
How to Clean Carpet Like a Pro - Better Homes & Gardens
Carpet-Cleaning: Tips and Guidelines - HowStuffWorks