Keeping your carpeting clean is a huge challenge for every pet owner. Pet stains seem to appear all by themselves, from dog hair on the sofa to little accidents on the living room carpet.
The odor your furry friends leave behind is hard to remove, but we’re here to lend a hand. We’ll help you discover the best pet carpet cleaners to make your life a whole lot easier.
Say goodbye to the fur and cat hair all over the place! It’s time to find out everything you need to know to choose the right carpet cleaning machine for you.
Our Top Picks
The HouseWire earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.| Best Carpet Cleaners for Pets 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall Bissell ProHeat 2X |
| ||
 | Best Budget Bissell TurboClean |
| ||
 | Best Lighweight Hoover PowerDash |
| ||
 | Best Midrange Hoover SmartWash |
| ||
 | Best Handheld Bissell Pet Stain Eraser |
| ||
 | Best With Steamer McCulloch Heavy-Duty |
| ||
 | Best for Stairs Bissell SpotBot Deluxe |
| ||
 | Best Spray Nature's Miracle(R) |
|
The Best Carpet Cleaners for Pet Stains 2023 – Reviews
1. Best Overall : Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
The toughest stains need a powerful carpet cleaner to cut through them. Introducing the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max for when you need a deep clean.
The Max clean mode uses 12 rows of rotating brushes to deliver results rivaling a professional-grade machine. It’s ideal to remove pet stains that regular carpet cleaning hasn’t managed.
If that sounds a bit much, dial down the power with the multiple cleaning modes. There’s an express option for a quick refresh that dries your carpets in around 30 minutes.
Whatever pet messes you need to tackle, this pet carpet cleaner is sure to handle it with ease.
- It delivers a deep clean without using too much water
- The express clean function is ideal for quick stain removal
- Cleaning the machine is easy as there aren’t any screws to remove
- Some users had issues with water leaking from their pet carpet cleaner
- The dirty water tank needs emptying fairly often
Technical Specs
| Weight | 18 pounds |
| Surface Type | Carpets, area rugs, upholstery |
| Tank Capacity | 1 gallon (128 fl.oz.) |
| Brush Roll Type | Rotating |
| Noise Level | NA |
| Included Accessories | 2-in-1 upholstery tool, 3 trial bottles of cleaning solution, 3” tough stain tool. |
Carpet cleaners for pets don’t have to break the bank. You can still enjoy deep cleaning if you’re on a budget with this affordable model from Bissell.
Four rows of rotating brushes remove pet hair from deep within the carpet fibers and break up the stains left from pet urine. It’s ideal for spot cleaning as well as covering whole rooms.
You can keep clean and dirty water separate with the two-tank system on this nifty carpet cleaner.
When you’re done, it’s super simple to clean thanks to the removable nozzle. And it has a retractable handle for easy storage.
- Users with mobility issues found this pet carpet cleaner painless to use
- It picks up any pet hair left behind by your vacuum cleaner
- Deep cleaning thick carpets is more manageable with this portable carpet cleaner
- It’s a small carpet shampooer, so you have to refill it more often
- The retractable handle doesn’t feel as sturdy as some other carpet cleaners
Technical Specs
| Weight | 12 pounds |
| Surface Type | Carpets, area rugs |
| Tank Capacity | 0.5 gallons |
| Brush Roll Type | Rotating |
| Noise Level | NA |
| Included Accessories | NA |
If the thought of lugging a heavy carpet cleaner around fills you with dread, then don’t panic. The Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner is just what you need.
Weighing in at a tiny 4 pounds, it’s light enough to maneuver with ease. But you’re not missing out on any cleaning ability.
The rotating antimicrobial brush bar digs deep into your carpet for a thorough clean. And it uses HeatForce technology to dry your carpets quickly.
But what about pet odors? This carpet cleaner comes with a 64 oz bottle of cleaner and odor remover. So your carpets look and smell rejuvenated.
- Reviewers say this is one of the best carpet cleaners for removing pet hair
- It’s small but is still effective for large area rugs
- Powerful suction removes water and doesn’t leave your carpets wet
- Some users found this carpet cleaner had better results if you filled it with hot water
- It leaks a small amount of dirty water when you switch it off
Technical Specs
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Surface Type | Carpets, area rugs |
| Tank Capacity | 0.5 gallons |
| Brush Roll Type | Rotating |
| Noise Level | NA |
| Included Accessories | Nozzle cleaning tool, odor remover cleaning solution |
The best carpet cleaners for pets offer a mixture of cleaning power and value for money. The Hoover SmartWash does exactly that with its nifty extras.
The automatic cleaning mixes and dispenses solution so you know you’re always using the right amount. No more guessing and worrying about ruining the color of your carpets!
It uses pet PowerBrushes to make light work of tackling tricky pet messes. And there’s a removable wand to target stains that need extra attention.
This carpet cleaner is one to consider if you want a few fancy features to keep your floors looking fresh.
- You can use the carpet cleaner with a “dry only” function
- The shape of the Hoover SmartWash means you can get right up against walls
- One reviewer found it lighter than a Rug Doctor but it cleaned just as well
- Some users found dirty water sprays out when the tank gets too full
- It’s tricky to remove the filter from the water tank
Technical Specs
| Weight | 20.5 pounds |
| Surface Type | Carpets, area rugs, upholstery |
| Tank Capacity | 1 gallon (128 fl.oz) |
| Brush Roll Type | Rotating Pet PowerBrushes |
| Noise Level | NA |
| Included Accessories | Antimicrobial pet tool, trail-sized bottles of solution, 8-foot hose, accessory bad. |
5. Best Rotary Grout Removal Tool : Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush
Keeping on top of pet stains in a busy home is a full-time job in itself. But it just got a whole load easier with this super-convenient Bissell Pet Stain Eraser.
It’s one of the few handheld pet carpet cleaners with a rotating brush bar. So it drives deep into the carpet to lift out tough pet stains and odors.
And seeing as handheld cleaners are all about convenience, the cordless design is a great feature. It’s easy to grab and go whenever you need to tackle pet stains.
Pet hair all over your car interiors? No problem. Take this portable carpet cleaner wherever you need an extra boost of cleaning power.
- The cordless carpet cleaner itself is simple to clean and maintain
- The sleek design looks great and is straightforward to use
- It’s a lightweight and portable carpet cleaner that’s easy to carry around
- This cordless carpet cleaner isn’t as effective on thicker carpets
- It doesn’t suck out much water from the carpet fibers, so they feel damp
Technical Specs
| Weight | 4.4 pounds |
| Surface Type | Carpets, area rugs, upholstery |
| Tank Capacity | 8 fl.oz. |
| Brush Roll Type | DirtLifter rotating brush roll |
| Noise Level | NA |
| Included Accessories | Stationary pet tool |
Keeping your home chemical-free is a challenge when you’ve got pets to clean up after. But not any more thanks to this McCulloch steam cleaner.
Reaching temperatures of more than 200F, you can enjoy the sanitizing and stain-fighting power of steam. Simply add tap water, no harsh chemicals required!
The large tank provides up to 45 minutes of steam cleaning in one go. Either use the powerful jet nozzle cleaning tool for spot treating pet stains or opt for a scrub pad to cover larger areas.
With 18 accessories to choose from, you can clean anywhere in your home. No more worries about muddy paws or little accidents.
- The steam is hot enough to kill dust mites and other nasties your pets bring home
- Ideal for carpet cleaning in high-traffic areas
- You can use it around the whole home, not just for pet messes on the carpet
- Some of the brushes that come with it aren’t the best quality and don’t last long
- The steam isn’t very powerful when using the floor cleaner attachment
Technical Specs
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Surface Type | Carpet, upholstery, wood floors, grout. |
| Tank Capacity | 48 fl.oz |
| Brush Roll Type | NA |
| Noise Level | NA |
| Included Accessories | Mop pads, nylon brushes, brass brushes, scrub pad, squeegee, 9-foot steam hose, measuring cup, funnel. |
When spot cleaning isn’t cutting the mustard, you need something bigger. And this Hoover upright cleaner covers huge areas with its whopping 1gallon tank capacity.
It comes with a full-size bottle of enzymatic cleaner that cuts through the toughest pet stains. For good measure, the rotating Spin Scrub brushes drive deep into the carpet pile, zapping embedded dirt.
And the long 8-foot hose gives you the flexibility to clean more than just floors. Pop on the V nozzle and freshen your upholstery at the same time!
The heated drying function speeds up the drying process, so you and your pets can get back to living in no time.
- No backache! You don’t need to bend down and scrub
- It’s ideal for deep cleaning carpets covered in pet stains
- It doesn’t feel heavy and tiring to push around for longer cleaning sessions
- Some users found the attachments tricky to use
- This upright carpet cleaner is bulky and not ideal for small spaces
Technical Specs
| Weight | 18 pounds |
| Surface Type | Carpets, rugs, and upholstery |
| Tank Capacity | 1 gallon (128 fl.oz) |
| Brush Roll Type | Rotating bristles |
| Noise Level | NA |
| Included Accessories | 8-feet hose, V nozzle for upholstery |
Pets love the snug feeling of stairs, but they’re a tricky area to clean. Bissell is here to save the day with this machine designed specifically for tight spaces.
The pet compact carpet cleaner is small enough to sit on a step, saving you from dragging a big machine around. But don’t let the size fool you, it still packs a punch to deal with pet messes.
The dirt-lifting brushes dispense cleaning solution deep into the carpet fibers. It’s ideal for tackling old urine stains that leave a lingering whiff.
Save yourself from stooping over and opt for the ease of the pre-set cleaning cycles. Now you and your pets can enjoy fresh, fluffy stairs.
- You can set it up to clean and leave it, no scrubbing required
- It’s durable and still works as new after many months of use
- It tackles ground in dirt that’s been sat in the carpet for a long time
- It beeps when it finishes the preset cycles, which upsets some pets
- Users found the dirty water tank tough to clean
Technical Specs
| Weight | 14 pounds |
| Surface Type | Carpets, upholstery, and area rugs |
| Tank Capacity | 32 fl.oz. |
| Brush Roll Type | DeepReach bristles |
| Brush Roll Type | NA |
| Included Accessories | Hose and tough stain tool, trial-size solutions |
Need help with pet stains but don’t want to splash out on a carpet cleaning machine? This pet carpet cleaner solution is ideal for those times you need a quick fix.
The enzymatic formula tackles tough stains and lingering odors caused by pet messes. So your carpets can both look and smell refreshed and revived.
The formula gets to work in as little as 10 minutes for when you need an express clean. And it’s safe for you to use around your pets, so there’s no need to banish them to the backyard.
Save storage space and remove stains at the same time with this handy odor remover spray.
- It’s a cheaper option than buying a carpet cleaning machine
- Pet owners love how it removes the odor of lingering pet urine
- You can target pet stains as soon as they happen and it manages tough old stains, too.
- Some users didn’t like the chemical scent this carpet cleaner left behind
- It doesn’t get rid of pet hair
Technical Specs
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | |
| Surface Type | Carpets, tile, lino | |
| Tank Capacity | N/A | |
| Brush Roll Type | N/A | |
| Noise Level | NA | |
| Included Accessories | N/A |
What to Look for in a Pet Carpet Cleaner
Types
Upright Carpet Cleaner
An upright carpet cleaner has all the components in one unit. So the motor, tanks, and handle are all together.
You have probably also heard upright carpet cleaners called carpet extractors or shampooers.
This type is best for larger areas, like whole rooms. An upright carpet cleaner is powerful enough to remove stubborn stains and pet hair from an area that’s too large to spot-treat.
But the downside is how bulky they are. Upright carpet cleaning machines take up a lot of storage space and they’re not easy to maneuver in small spaces with lots of furniture.
The Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner is an example of an upright model.
Handheld Carpet Cleaner
A handheld pet carpet cleaner is much smaller and more portable than a bulky upright. This type offers a great deal of convenience, especially in tight spaces and awkward areas.
But they are small, so you want to stick to spot cleaning rather than trying to cover a whole room. It would take forever! But at least they’re easy to store.
Because a handheld carpet cleaner is portable, you can use it to clean pet stains from just about anywhere. They’re ideal for tackling your upholstery and mattress as well as floors.
For an example, take a look at this Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner.
Spray Carpet Cleaner
A spray carpet cleaner is a bottle of ready-made cleaning solution that you apply directly onto your carpet. In most cases, you manually scrub at it rather than using an appliance.
Once dry, run your pet hair vacuum cleaner over the area to remove any loose dirt and debris.
You can find sprays in either liquid or foam forms. Liquids are better for larger areas, whereas you can target the foam versions better and use them as a spot cleaner.
Spray carpet cleaners are a more affordable option, but you don’t always get such thorough results as with carpet cleaning machines.
This Resolve Ultra Pet Stain & Odor Remover is an example of a spray carpet cleaner.
Steam Carpet Cleaner
Steam cleaners use the natural power of steam for cleaning carpet rather than chemicals. They disperse hot steam at high pressure so it gets right into the carpet fibers to tackle pet stains and odors.
Plus they have the added benefit of sanitizing and killing bacteria thanks to the high temperatures they run at.
A steam carpet cleaner is a versatile bit of kit, as you can use it for tasks all-around your home. From sprucing-up grouting and tiles to refreshing mattresses and upholstery, steam works just about everywhere!
This McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam System is an example of a steam carpet cleaner.
Cleaning Solutions
Choose a cleaning solution for your specific needs. And think about the smell it leaves behind!
You find some designed for pet smells and urine or others to target deep stains. Either way, all carpet shampooers need a cleaning solution to work effectively.
Each brand uses different ingredients, so make sure you choose one that works with your carpet shampooer. You could void the warranty if it’s not recommended by the manufacturer.
In some cases, your carpet shampooer will come with a bottle of cleaning solution.
This Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro includes two trial bottles.
Weight
The weight of your carpet cleaner affects how easy it is to push around. They’re already heavy appliances, and they weigh even more when you fill them with a cleaning solution.
However much it weighs, filling the tank adds around another 6 to 15 pounds. So it’s important to factor this in when choosing your carpet cleaner.
Tank Capacity
The tank capacity is how much water and cleaning solution your carpet cleaner holds. Some have two tanks to keep the dirty water separate, but not all of them use a dual-tank system.
Look at the size of the tank, as a bigger tank means more weight. But it also means you don’t need to make as many trips to empty the dirty water.
On the flip side, a smaller tank weighs less but you need to refill it more often.
CRI Seal of Approval
Look out for a pet carpet cleaner with the CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) Seal of Approval (SOA). They award this Seal of Approval to certain carpet cleaning equipment and appliances (1).
To have a SOA, each carpet cleaner or carpet cleaning solution has gone through testing in these areas:
- Optical brighteners
- Surface appearance change
- Soil removal efficacy
- pH level
- Resoiling
- Residual moisture
- Colorfastness
The aim of this program is to help people looking at carpet cleaning products make an informed decision about what to use. After all, you want a good carpet cleaner that will last and give you healthy carpets at the same time.
Check out the full list of carpet machines or cleaning solutions the CRI has awarded their Seal of Approval to.
Attachments
Finally, think about what attachments your carpet cleaner needs to get your desired results. Tough brushes are a great tool for pet owners, as they’re crucial to remove pet stains.
And look at small brushes, too. They come in handy for cleaning stairs, baseboards, and other edges.
Some carpet cleaners come with a whole range of attachments that you might not want, so don’t pay more for attachments you won’t ever use. But it’s worth keeping an eye out for anything that makes cleaning awkward patches of upholstery and stairs easier.
Pet Carpet Cleaner Comparison Chart
| Product | Weight | Surface Type | Tank Capacity | Brush Roll Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell ProHeat 2X | 18 pounds | Carpets, area rugs, upholstery | 1 gallon (128 fl.oz.) | Rotating |
| Bissell TurboClean | 12 pounds | Carpets, area rugs | 0.5 gallons | Rotating |
| Hoover PowerDash | 4 pounds | Carpets, area rugs | 0.5 gallons | Rotating |
| Hoover SmartWash | 20.5 pounds | Carpets, area rugs, upholstery | 1 gallon (128 fl.oz) | Rotating Pet PowerBrushes |
| Bissell Pet Stain Eraser | 4.4 pounds | Carpets, area rugs, upholstery | 8 fl.oz. | DirtLifter rotating brush roll |
| McCulloch Heavy-Duty | 10 pounds | Carpet, upholstery, wood floors, grout. | 48 fl.oz | NA |
| Bissell SpotBot Deluxe | 14 pounds | Carpets, upholstery, and area rugs | 32 fl.oz. | DeepReach bristles |
| Nature's Miracle(R) | 2.2 pounds | Carpets, tile, lino | NA | NA |
FAQs
Can Pets Walk on Carpet After Cleaning it?
They can when it’s dry. But it’s best to wait around 24 hours before letting your pets loose on the carpet.
If it’s wet or damp, they risk getting the carpet cleaner on their paws. And while it’s rare for sensitivities to flare up, it’s better to not take the risk.
How Often Should I Clean Carpets with Pets?
Using your cordless pet vacuum cleaner daily is best in homes with pets, as recommended by the CRI. And you should clean spills and pet messes as soon as they happen to stop them from soaking into your carpet.
The best odor removal tip is to deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months. This removes any embedded dirt that causes odors to form in the first place.
For the best results, call a professional carpet cleaner when it’s time for a deep clean.
