7 Best Carpet Cleaners for Pets — 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
Owning a pet can be a great experience, but they can make a mess out of your carpets, and it can be difficult to get them clean again, especially if your pet keeps returning to the same spot. If you are looking for a good carpet cleaner but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading for reviews of the most popular brands and the pros and cons of each. The buyer’s guide has tips on what features to look for so you can make an informed purchase.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray |
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Best Value
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OdoBan Disinfectant Laundry & Air Freshener Concentrate |
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Premium Choice
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Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo |
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OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Dog, Cat & Small Pet Stain & Odor Remover |
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Simple Solution Pet Stain & Odor Remover |
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The 7 Best Carpet Cleaners for Pets
1. Hepper Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray— Best Overall
| Cleaning Agent: | Enzymes |
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray is our pick as the best overall carpet cleaner for pets. It’s also a good choice for couches, litter boxes, beds, and other hard-to-clean surfaces. The spray bottle is easy to use so you can get it where you need it, and it leaves behind a neutral odor that won’t overpower your nose.
The only downside about Hepper Advanced is that it doesn’t keep all dogs from returning to the same spot and soiling the carpet again.
- Works on multiple surfaces
- Neutral smell
- Easy to use
- Some dogs return to the same spot
2. OdoBan Disinfectant Laundry & Air Freshener — Best Value
| Cleaning Agent: | Detergent |
OdoBan Disinfectant Laundry & Air Freshener Concentrate is our pick as the best carpet cleaner for pets for the money. It’s highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way, and it will outlast many other brands. You can use it on multiple surfaces, and it cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects, killing up to 99% of germs and pet viruses, including avian influenza virus, avian infectious bronchitis virus, pseudorabies virus, canine distemper virus, and Newcastle’s disease virus. It also leaves no residue behind.
The main complaint that customers have about OdoBan disinfectant is that it has a strong smell. Several customers are also concerned about the harsh ingredients.
- Disinfects and deodorizes
- Works on multiple surfaces
- Leaves no residue
- Strong fragrance
- Harsh ingredients
3. Nature’s Miracle Carpet Shampoo — Premium Choice
| Cleaning Agent: | Enzymes |
Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo is our premium choice of carpet cleaner for pets. The low-foaming formula is easy to work with and doesn’t make a mess, while the enzymes produce a deep clean that helps remove stains on a molecular level, which will also remove tough odors. The large container is enough for a good-sized room or multiple accidents, and it’s a popular brand that isn’t hard to find.
The downside to Nature’s Miracle according to many customers is that while it smells nice initially, it leaves behind a strange fragrance that lasts quite a while.
- Low-foaming formula
- Deep clean
- Destroys stains
- Lasting fragrance
4. OxiClean Carpet Dog, Cat & Small Pet Stain Remover
| Cleaning Agent: | Hydrogen peroxide |
OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Dog, Cat & Small Pet Stain & Odor Remover provides a deep cleaning that destroys urine, feces, and more with hydrogen peroxide instead of more dangerous chemicals. The spray bottle is easy to use and reduces waste, and this brand is made in the U.S.A.
The downside to OxiClean is that some customers have complained that it has a strong smell, and others say that it doesn’t work as well as some other brands.
- Provides deep cleaning
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Easy to use
- Strong fragrance
5. Simple Solution Pet Stain & Odor Remover
| Cleaning Agent: | Enzymes |
Simple Solution Pet Stain & Odor Remover is an enzyme cleaner that provides a deep cleaning that destroys stains at their molecular level. The three-in-one nozzle has foam, mist, and stream settings, so you can get it where you need it. It’s safe to use on most surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, bedding, and clothes. The 32-ounce bottle is also larger than many other spray bottles, so you will get more use out of it.
The downside to Simple Solution is that many customers have complained that it doesn’t get rid of the urine smell as well as some other brands.
- Three-in-one nozzle
- Large bottle
- Works on multiple surfaces
- Doesn’t remove the urine smell
6. Nature’s Miracle Dog Urine Destroyer
| Cleaning Agent: | Enzymes |
Nature’s Miracle Dog Urine Destroyer gets to work immediately, using enzymes to destroy stains and odors at their base. It’s safe to use around pets, and the easy-to-use spray bottle makes it easy to get it where you need it, and the large bottle will help you clean up more accidents.
The downside to Nature’s Miracle Dog Urine Destroyer is that many customers complain about its strong fragrance, while others complain that it doesn’t work that well on cat urine.
- Starts working immediately
- Easy to use
- Large container
- Strong fragrance
- Doesn’t work well on cat urine
7. Carbona Oxy Powered Steam Carpet Cleaner
| Cleaning Agent: | Detergent |
Carbona Oxy Powered Steam Carpet Cleaner is a fantastic carpet cleaner if you have a steam cleaner. Its active foam technology helps penetrate and break up stains to remove them completely, giving you an incredibly deep clean.
The downside to Carbona is that you need a steam cleaner to put it to use, and washing the carpet can require significant time and energy.
- Deep cleaning
- Works with all steam machines
- Active foam technology
- Need a machine
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Carpet Cleaner for Pets
Pet-Specific Formula
Choose a carpet shampoo specifically formulated for pets that will tackle tough stains and odors caused by urine, feces, vomit, and other pet-related messes. Look for keywords like pet-friendly, odor-neutralizing, or enzyme based on the product label.
Enzymatic Cleaners
Enzymatic cleaners contain natural enzymes that break down organic stains and odors effectively. They’re particularly useful for removing pet messes because they target the source of the smell.
Hypoallergenic and Non-toxic Cleaners
Choose a carpet shampoo that is hypoallergenic and non-toxic to ensure the safety of your pets and your family. Avoid harsh chemicals that could harm pets that frequently come into contact with treated carpets.
Stain Removal
Look for a carpet shampoo with strong stain-removing properties. Consider products that advertise their effectiveness against common pet stains like urine, feces, and vomit. Some shampoos may also have color-safe formulas to prevent fading or discoloration after coming into contact with fabric.
Odor Control
Effective odor control is crucial in a pet-friendly carpet shampoo. Check if the product has deodorizing capabilities that neutralize pet odors rather than just masking them, and avoid brands that use strong fragrances, as these can bother you and your pet.
Testing in a Small Area
Before applying a new carpet shampoo to an entire surface, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it doesn’t cause any color fading or damage to your carpet. Do the same thing with your furniture and any other surfaces on which you intend to use the cleaner.
Price and Value
While cost is a factor, consider the overall value of the product. A slightly more expensive shampoo that effectively removes stains and odors might be a better investment than a cheaper option that requires multiple applications.
Conclusion
When choosing your next carpet cleaner for pets among these reviews, we highly recommend our pick as the best overall. Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray works well to destroy stains, and it leaves behind a neutral odor. The spray bottle is easy to use and works on multiple surfaces, so it is versatile. Another great option is our pick as the best value. OdoBan Disinfectant Laundry & Air Freshener Concentrate is highly concentrated, and a little goes a long way. It also kills germs and pet viruses without leaving behind any residue.
Featured Image Credit: Syda-Productions, Shutterstock
