The Top 10 Best Carpet Cleaner for Pets – 2020 Reviews & Ratings

Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner, Lightweight, FH50700

(Best Lightweight Carpet Cleaner)

BISSELL Turboclean Carpet Cleaner and Shampooer, 2085

(Best Carpet Cleaner and Shampooer)

BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner, 2458

(Best Spot Cleaner Option)

Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner

(Top Choice for Deep Cleaning)

BISSELL, 20037 Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Carpet Cleaner

(Best Choice for Stubborn Stains)

Hoover SmartWash Carpet Cleaner, FH52000

Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Lift-Off Pet Carpet Cleaner, 15651

Bissell Big Green Carpet Cleaner 86T3

Eureka Power Speed Turbo NEU188A 

BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser 2003T Cordless Carpet Cleaner

How to Choose the Best Pet Carpet Cleaner

As you noticed, there are many different cleaners on the market. Choosing the ideal cleaner for your carpeted areas can be challenging, especially if you’re a pet owner with several different carpet types. 

The best way to choose among these best carpet cleaners for pets is to focus on the most important buying factors. Read the guide below to discover what you should pay attention to when buying a carpet cleaner for pets and why. 

Cleaning Performance

Powerful cleaning performance is the most critical factor to pay attention to because it what determines whether or not your cleaner can actually do its job. 

Consider its cleaning strength and features that can help to achieve the best results. Choose a carpet cleaner with a powerful motor and can remove urine stains. 

Most cleaners can remove fresh stains and spills without leaving any odor behind. However, look for enhanced power and a powerful cleaning detergent if you need a machine for dry, embedded stains. 

Attachments

As you noticed, most models usually come with only a few attachments. This is because they’re typically designed to clean only carpets, and you don’t need any special accessories for that. 

However, those that are meant for cleaning the inside of a car, upholstery, and above-floor surfaces include a few handy tools. And while nearly every model comes with a brush, some also come with upholstery tools, crevice tools, and extension hoses. This makes it ideal to use as an upholstery cleaner.

Ensure that the attachments are made with durable materials and can handle a rough power scrub.

Cleaning Solution

Nearly every carpet cleaner for pets is designed to work with a particular cleaning detergent. Some models come with specialized soaps in trial sizes so that you can test them. 

If you don’t receive a sample of the cleaning product, you’ll have to purchase one separately. This is an additional expense that you have to consider when determining your overall budget. 

Also, ensure that cleaning detergent is suitable for the particulate carpeting you have. Some carpets are more delicate than others, which is why it’s important to use an adequate cleaning product. 

Weight & Design

Weight and design play a significant role when it comes to efficiency and ease of use. You might have noticed that most pet carpet cleaners are somewhat bulky. This is because the best ones have large tanks and long handles that take up a lot of space. 

These are all quite lightweight, which is vital for maneuverability. A lightweight model is easy to carry around and push across rugs. It should also have a user-friendly design that allows easy storing regardless of how much storage space you have.

Keep in mind that it should have a lot of features, but they should all be straightforward. 

Features

Many cleaners for pets are packed with different features that are quite useful for pet stain removal. These features usually include height adjustment settings, several clean mode options, and two water tanks. 

Most of these features are best for removing nearly every pet stain. But, carpet cleaners that have many features are usually more expensive as well. For this reason, make sure to consider what are the most useful features for you before you invest in a pro full-size carpet cleaner for pets. 

As we mentioned, all features like height adjustment should be simple to figure out and use regardless of the type of carpet cleaner you have. 

Corded/Cordless

Most carpet cleaners are corded because they require a lot of power to perform. Cordless cleaners do exist, but they’re a bit trickier to find. 

In most cases, small carpet cleaners are cordless and portable. They are equally as suitable but have limited run time, which is why pet owners usually use them for spot cleaning only. 

On the other hand, corded cleaners have limited reach. They come with different cords, some of which are shorter than others. Make sure to consider how long the cable is and whether this matches your needs and preferences. 

Hose Length 

Hose length is another critical factor to consider along with the length of the power cable. It provides added reach and is especially important when it comes to cleaning above-floor surfaces. 

Keep in mind that nearly every carpet cleaner has a rather short hose. This is because a hose is meant to allow above-floor cleaning, more than to provide extended reach for floor cleaning. 

So, although the hose might appear short, it’s probably enough to help you to clean your staircase, upholstery, and other similar areas your pets like to spend time in. In most cases, you’ll come across 6′ to 10′ long extension hoses, so make sure to find what fits you the best. 

Tank Capacity

Larger carpet cleaners have bigger tanks that can hold more water and cleaning solution. Some have dual tank systems that keep dirty and clean water separated for easier and more hygienic cleaning. 

Either way, make sure that the tank size and capacity fit your needs. In other words, you need a large tank if you’re a pet owner looking to clean all the carpets in your house at once. These don’t require frequent emptying and refilling. 

On the other hand, a smaller tank will work if you only need a carpet cleaner for spot-cleaning. There’s no right or wrong in this case since it all depends on your needs. 

Motor Power

Motor power is something you might want to consider if you’re often dealing with heavy-duty stains. The motor is what powers the carpet cleaner, making it possible to deep clean animal urine and other similar messes that pets make. 

Some carpet cleaners have adjustable power, which makes it easy to adapt the motor power to the particular carpet you’re cleaning. But, this is a rather rare feature. 

Keep in mind that you don’t need that much power to remove coffee stains how much you need to clean urine, vomit, and other similar messes. This is especially important for cat and dog owners.

Budget 

It’s always good to determine your budget before getting into trying to find a carpet cleaner for pet messes. There are many models on the market, some of which are quite expensive. You don’t want them in your way if they aren’t within your budget anyway. 

For this reason, think about the price you’d be okay with. However, make sure not to sacrifice essential factors and features for the sake of trying to save money. 

Stain Isolator

A stain isolator is not the most frequent feature you’ll come across, but it’s among the most useful ones that we suggest you look for. 

It isolates urine from the water tank, making sure that there’s no odor build-up. This might not seem as important right now, but over time, you’ll realize how frequent cleaning of urine can make your carpet cleaner smell of ammonia. 

A smelly carpet cleaner can very easily contaminate your carpets and rugs.

Pet Carpet Cleaner Reviews

You should always turn to customer reviews if you’re a pet owner struggling to choose one among these best carpet cleaners. Pet owners who have used a particular carpet cleaner before are the best ones to tell you about its performance and quality. 

Although these reviews are excellent sources of information, you should take them with a grain of salt. Sometimes, your favorite carpet cleaner isn’t the best option for someone else. 

Drying Feature

Having a drying feature makes all the difference. Since most carpet cleaners use water and/or cleaning solutions, what they usually leave behind is a wet surface.

This is where the drying feature comes in handy, using heat to dry the surface in no time. This might not seem as necessary, but it actually allows for walking over the carpet almost immediately after using the carpet cleaner. 

Remember that not all cleaners have this feature. 

Carpet Extractor Types

At this point, you probably noticed that there are several different extractor types. While the job is the same for all of them, how they perform differs. 

Choosing between these types depends on your needs and preferences. Some are best for pet stain removal, while others can deep-clean as well. However, there are also professional carpet cleaners that are more versatile and can clean more than just carpets. 

Check below to discover the most popular carpet extractor types and what they’re the best for. 

Compact Carpet Steam Cleaner

These produce dry vapor steam, removing stains and build-up while also sanitizing the surface. They’re suitable for soft carpeting, as well as hard surfaces, depending on the particular machine you choose. 

A steam cleaner has a boiler, tank, different rotating brushes, and accessories, as well as a detergent compartment. Keep in mind that not all of them use detergent. Those that use nothing but clean water might not be the best for pet stain removal. 

There are many different models on the market that operate in different ways. Some of them are easier to use and more efficient than others. 

Pet Spot Cleaner

Spot cleaners are cleaning products and chemicals designed to remove pet stains of all kinds. They come in all sizes and shapes, ranging from spray products to soap bars for stain removal. 

These are simple to use, especially when you need to act quickly before the stain sets in. However, you should be careful because some of these products contain harsh chemicals that could damage the fibers.

We suggest you read the label at the back of the packaging to discover the ingredients and how to use the product. 

Commercial Carpet Cleaner

Commercial carpet cleaners are more powerful than those made for at-home use. These are professional cleaners, featuring excellent cleaning power, which is what makes them best for big houses with wall-to-wall carpeting. 

However, one thing to keep in mind is that nearly every commercial carpet cleaner is large. Professional grade machines are made to tackle large surfaces in less time but could be inconvenient to use in smaller areas. 

This means that you should only consider a commercial carpet cleaner if you have large rooms with not as many furniture pieces. 

Dealing with Pet Stains on Carpet

Some pet stains can be quite stubborn and difficult to clean, and you probably know which stains these are if you’re a pet owner. 

Luckily, you don’t need much to deal with these issues. In most cases, you can get away with using a carpet cleaner, or even some soap and water. 

Take a few minutes to discover how to remove old and new pet stains. 

Pet Urine Stains

All pets can sometimes have an accident regardless of how well they’re trained. For this reason, it’s good to know how to remove urine from your home carpet. 

If you can, act as soon as pet accidents happen and while everything is still wet. If you let it dry, the odor will set in, and you’ll have more trouble to remove it. 

Put a towel on the spot and try to absorb as much urine as possible. You can use a few layers of paper towels as well, pushing them into the carpet to get all the urine out. 

Make a mixture of two cups of warm water, two cups of vinegar, and four tablespoons of baking soda. Use a spray bottle to spritz the solution on the stained area. Once you do that, you should allow it to sit for five to ten minutes. 

Use a soft cloth to blot the area. If the stain was already dry when you noticed it, you could sprinkle some baking soda onto it before pouring a DIY vinegar cleaning solution (a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar). Let it sit for five minutes before blotting with a cloth. 

Pet Vomit Stains

Vomit can cause quite a mess because it usually contains acid. It can stain your home carpet quickly, which is why it’s important to get rid of it as soon as possible. 

Use a scraper or a dustpan to remove the chunks if there are any. You should blot the area with a clean towel to pick up the moisture. 

Make a mixture of 1/2 cup of vinegar, two cups of warm water, a tablespoon of salt, and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Use a soft cloth or a sponge to dip into the mixture and apply it to the stained area. 

Although you might be tempted, try not to power scrub the area. Be gentle and blot lightly, dipping the sponge or cloth into the solution a few times if you need to. 

In some cases, you’ll maybe have to repeat the process a few times. It depends on whether the vomit stain is fresh or already old and dry. 

Once it’s gone, you should remove the dish soap cleaner from your home carpet. Use a clean cloth to dip it in water and go over the area. Again, be gentle and try to remove all the soapy residue. 

Removing Old Stains

Although most stains can be removed with a cloth or sponge, old ones are the easiest to remove by using a carpet cleaner. You can buy a carpet cleaner from our list, or you can rent one at your local hardware store. 

Using the right carpet cleaner makes all the difference when it comes to getting rid of old stains easily. These machines are simple to use and can tackle the job in no time. 

However, you can try using a stain remover as well as a high-quality pet odor neutralizer. Stay away from a remover that has harsh chemicals and ammonia because the odor may make things worse. 

Also, avoid using a steam cleaner on an old stain regardless of whether it’s your home carpet or furniture. The heat could set the odor and stain instead of removing it. 

If the odor is still there even after you’ve used a stain remover, you might want to consider venting the carpet outside for a bit. 

Prevention

The most important thing you should remember is that your pet will continue to return to the same area if they can smell their odor. For this reason, it’s vital to remove the stain as well as the odor very well. Also, you should make the area unavailable to your furry friend. 

On the other hand, ensure that your pet has an available and clean litter box or another appropriate bathroom area. If the accidents keep happening, you might want to visit a veterinarian to check if there’s a medical cause. 

Healthy pets that have these accidents probably just need some training and encouragement. Dedicate some time to training your pets, and maybe even have a professional help you if you’re not managing as well. 

Try to understand your pet instead of getting angry and upset. Most pets don’t make this mess on purpose, and there’s almost always a good reason why they don’t pee where they’re supposed to. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

How to use Hoover shampooer?

A: Hoover shampooer has two compartments that hold dirty and clean water. Most models come with precise instructions that you should check before using any of them on your carpets. 

Still, they’re all relatively simple to use, and the process doesn’t differ all that much. The first thing you should do is fill the clean water reservoir to the fill line. Add a soap of your choice as instructed. 

Some models have a separate compartment for the shampooer but in most cases, you can just add it to the clean water. 

However, it’s crucial to go for an adequate solution for the particular shampooer you have. The wrong kind of product can damage your Hoover.

Q:

Can I remove dog urine with a carpet cleaner?

A: Using a carpet cleaner is a good way to remove dog or cat urine stains. The best carpet cleaners for pets use cleaning solutions and are good at separating dirty water from the clean one. This way, you can easily remove all kinds of stains in less time. 

However, there’s also the method we explained earlier in the article. Although it’s a bit more “hands-on” method, it’s the most efficient when it comes to removing this kind of stains. 

If your dog or cat has accidents quite frequently, you may want to consider a more portable cleaner like a handheld carpet cleaner. 

Q:

Should I go with Bissell or Hoover carpet cleaner?

A: Both Hoover and Bissell are big names in the industry of carpet cleaning. 

Hoover PowerDash is among the most popular cleaners from the brand. It has a PowerSpin Pet Brush Roll that works great on all kinds of carpets. It’s among the best choices for removing even the most persistent stains from high-pile carpets. 

On the other hand, Bissell TurboClean upright cleaner is equally as suitable for stains that every pet owner deals with. 

You won’t go wrong with either one of these carpet cleaners. 

Q:

What is the best shampoo for pet odor?

A: While there are many shampoos on the market, not all of them are as efficient. So far, one of the best choices is the Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Pet Stain and Odor Carpet Shampoo. 

It’s a low-foaming formula that works with all water-based carpet cleaning machines. It even works with steam cleaners. It penetrates fibers, extracting all odors, stains, and allergens, which is great if someone in your family is prone to allergies.

This carpet cleaner shampoo contains bio-enzymatic odor-locking technology that helps to remove any pet odors permanently.