We love our pets with all our hearts, but we don’t love the stains they leave on our carpets from muddy paws, urine, vomit, and who knows what else. However, you don’t have to choose between hard floors and a life of smelly, dirty carpets—the proper pet carpet cleaner can remove even the toughest of stains and the most pungent of odors. So, if you’re sick and tired of all those pet-related carpet stains or your carpets simply need a bit of a scrub due to all the dirt your pet tracks in, this guide will help you find the best pet carpet cleaners.
We reviewed dozens of pet carpet cleaners to find the best of the best, based on a range of features such as stain-removing ability, odor-removing ability, price, quality of ingredients, and average customer reviews on Amazon.
A natural pet carpet cleaner that really works on tough stains? Sign us up!
We selected TriNova Natural Pet Stain and Odor Remover Eliminator as our top pick. With added enzymes to boost the cleaning power, this product works exceptionally well. With hundreds of predominantly positive customer reviews on Amazon, it’s clear this pet stain and odor removes does what it says on the bottle. The natural formula is a big plus, too!
In This Article
- The 5 Top-Rated Pet Carpet Cleaners for 2018
- Our Top Pick: TriNova Natural Pet Stain and Odor Remover Eliminator
- Our Runner Up Pick: Bubba's Super Steamer Carpet Cleaner
- Budget Pick: Bissell Oxy Stain Destroyer Pet Plus Pretreat
- Best Enzymatic Cleaner: Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator
- Best Pet Stain Remover: Particular Paws OXY Pet Stain Remover
- Who Should Buy Pet Carpet Cleaner?
- Important Features to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Other Pet Carpet Cleaners We Reviewed
The 5 Top-Rated Pet Carpet Cleaners for 2018
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick | TriNova Natural Pet Stain and Odor Remover Eliminator | 4.5 |
| Our Runner Up Pick | Bubba's Super Steamer Carpet Cleaner | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Pick | Bissell Oxy Stain Destroyer Pet Plus Pretreat | 4.7 |
| Best Enzymatic Cleaner | Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator | 4.4 |
| Best Pet Stain Remover | Particular Paws OXY Pet Stain Remover | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: TriNova Natural Pet Stain and Odor Remover Eliminator
When we analyzed all the competition, TriNova Natural Pet Stain and Odor Remover Eliminator stood out from the pack. What we love about this product is that it’s made from 100 percent natural ingredients (or “powered by plants,” as the manufacturer puts it), but is as effective as cleaners containing harsh chemicals. This means you don’t have to worry about the health of your pets or the humans in your house. People with young kids are often especially concerned about using chemical cleaners where their little ones play, but with this product it’s a non-issue.
The added enzymes act to speed up the cleaning process, which means it only takes a minute or two to tackle even the toughest of stains. Not only does this pet carpet cleaner get rid of stains, but it completely neutralizes odors. It does have a light herbal scent, but most users said they didn’t mind it and it was much milder than the smell of other similar products.
At $16 for 32 ounces, it’s not the cheapest pet carpet cleaner on the market, but it’s certainly more affordable than having your carpets professionally cleaned.
TriNova Natural Pet Stain and Odor Remover Eliminator Key Features:
- All-natural formula
- Professional strength
- Dissolves stains and neutralizes odors
Our Runner Up Pick: Bubba’s Super Steamer Carpet Cleaner
You can trust Bubba’s to remove pet stains and unpleasant odors.
If you’re looking for a pet carpet cleaner to use in a carpet shampooer, Bubba’s Super Steamer Carpet Cleaner from Bubba’s Rowdy Friends Pet Supply Company is an excellent choice. Despite costing the princely sum of $21 of 32 ounces, you only need to use 1 ounce per gallon of water, so a little goes a long way. There’s a money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied, so you don’t have anything to lose.
This cleaning product will give you a professional-level carpet clean at home, although you do need to have a carpet shampooer to use it in. With more than 850 reviews, most of them positive, this is clearly an effective product. Users state that the results are excellent—far superior to big name brands. If you’ve struggled with removing stubborn urine odors from your carpets, this might be the product that gets them smelling clean and fresh. What’s more, you can also use it on upholstery, which is good news if those pet stains and odors extend to the couch.
Bubba’s Super Steamer Carpet Cleaner Key Features:
- Commercial grade formula
- Designed for use in carpet cleaners
- Tough on stains and odors
Budget Pick: Bissell Oxy Stain Destroyer Pet Plus Pretreat
Look no further for excellent stain removal at a highly affordable price.
A multi-purpose product, the Bissell Oxy Stain Destroyer Pet Plus Pretreat can be used for spot cleaning of stains of as a pre-treatment before shampooing your carpet. Unlike some multi-purpose products, it excels at both tasks and at the low price of just $6 for a 22 ounce bottle, you can’t really go wrong.
In a hurry to get through your cleaning chores? No problem! This pet carpet cleaner breaks down stains in just 30 seconds, so there’s no waiting around. As well as your average pet stains such as grass and mud, Bissell Oxy Stain Destroyer Pet Plus Pretreat is also effective on extra hard-to-remove stains, such as blood. It can also remove odors from deep in your carpet, which not only makes your home smell better, but deters pets from soiling in the same area again.
When you look at opinions from people who’ve used this product, you’ll see a long list of positive stories. It works where other cleaning products have failed to do so, which is amazing for a product that costs so little.
Bissell Oxy Stain Destroyer Pet Plus Pretreat Key Features:
- Works on stains in 30 seconds
- Safe for pets and kids
- Can be used to pre-treat carpets
Best Enzymatic Cleaner: Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator
The enzymatic formula completely removes pet odors and stains.
When you’re looking to remove tough pet stains and odors, enzymatic cleaners are the gold standard. Our top pick in the enzymatic cleaner category: Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator. The enzymes in this pet carpet cleaner make it capable of incredible things. Not only to they effectively break down stains, but they completely neutralize odors, rather than just covering them up. This is what you want if you’re having issues with a dog or cat peeing indoors, because if they can still smell traces of urine in a spot where they like to pee, it will encourage them to use this spot again.
The gentle chlorine-free formula is not only completely safe to use around pets and children, but it’s kind to your carpet, too. This pet carpet cleaner is entirely color safe and has even been approved as safe to use on all carpets by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI). It’s also safe to use on a range of other surfaces, such as upholstery, tile or linoleum floors, on pet beds, and in crates or carriers.
Costing roughly $20 for a 32 ounce bottle, it’s not a budget option, but it’s well worth the cost, considering its high quality performance.
Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator Key Features:
- Color fast, chlorine-free and gentle on your carpets
- Completely removes even tough stains and odors
- Professional-strength formula
Best Pet Stain Remover: Particular Paws OXY Pet Stain Remover
Even the toughest stains won’t survive an assault from this cleaner.
If you want a product to clean pet stains, but aren’t particularly worried about odors, Particular Paws OXY Pet Stain Remover should be high up on your list. The unique hydrogen peroxide-based formula can tackle even the most stubborn of pet stains, but it won’t damage your carpet, or other fabrics. Though it will remove pet odors to some extent, it’s mostly designed for stain removal, and it certainly does that well.
This pet carpet cleaners needs to sit for 5 to 8 minutes to get to work. Although some competitors can deal with stains more quickly, the added time allows this formula to work deep into the pile and get stains that other cleaners fail to shift. Despite being extremely tough on stains, this carpet cleaner is safe for use around pets and kids, and completely color safe.
The $20 price tag for a 32 ounce bottle isn’t the cheapest option out there, but puts it on par with a number of other cleaners in our top five.
Particular Paws OXY Pet Stain Remover Key Features:
- Works on all pet stains
- Color safe
- Works on carpet and other fabrics
Who Should Buy Pet Carpet Cleaner?
If you have free-roaming house pets, such as dogs, cats, or even rabbits and other small mammals, it’s likely that they’ll make a mess of your carpet at one point or another. Even reliably housetrained pets can track in mud or grass clippings, which can easily cause stains that won’t come out with the use of regular detergents.
Any pet parent should have pet carpet cleaner on hand, but it’s even more important if your pet isn’t yet toilet trained. These cleaning products can help remove unpleasant stains and odors from urine and feces, which will not only deodorize your home, but will discourage them from toileting in the same spot again.
A natural pet carpet cleaner that really works on tough stains? Sign us up!
Important Features to Consider
Pet carpet cleaner should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting pet carpet cleaner:
- Stain removal properties. If you’re looking for a pet carpet cleaner, it should be able to clean! The most important thing about a pet carpet cleaner is that it’s tough on stains. It should be able to tackle stains from grass, mud, urine, feces, and even blood.
- Odor removal properties. Pets are great, but they’re not the most fragrant of creatures at the best of times. And, if you’ve had issues with them peeing or pooping indoors, then you’ll need a pet carpet cleaner that can completely neutralize odors.
- Speed. Some pet carpet cleaners only need about 30 seconds to works, whereas other need to be left for 30 minutes to work their magic. If speed is important to you, look for a fast-acting formula.
- Enzymatic options. Many pet carpet cleaners make use of enzymes to help remove stains and odors. Enzymatic cleaners are excellent at truly removing scents, so we’d definitely recommend them for pets that aren’t toilet trained.
- Scent. You’ll find some pet carpet cleaners have a strong scent. Those with the strongest scents are usually attempting to disguise pet smells, which is ineffective and usually ends up smelling worse. Look for unscented or lightly-scented options, especially if you’re sensitive to strong smells.
- Gentleness. Although pet carpet cleaners should be tough on stains, they should be gentle on your carpet, and safe for use around pets and children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does pet carpet cleaner work?
Pet carpet cleaner contains special ingredients designed to remove stains and odors from carpets. Most pet carpet cleaner comes with a spray nozzle, so all you need to do is spray it on the affected areas, wait, then scrub or wipe. However, some types are designed to be used in carpet shampooers.
What is an enzymatic cleaner and how does it work?
An enzymatic cleaner contains enzymes, which are able to break down tough stains that others can’t. Different enzymes tackle different types of stains. Amylases combat on carbohydrates and starches, proteases take on protein-based stains, amylases are able to break down carbohydrates and starches, and lipolases tackle stains based on fats. Enzymatic cleaning products are also able to completely get rid of odors by removing the source of the odor.
How do you get cat urine out of carpet?
Some cats decide they prefer urinating on the carpet, instead of in their litter box. It can be extremely hard to break the habit when they do, because when they smell their urine in a certain spot, they’ll think of it as their own personal toilet. We’d recommend using an enzymatic cleaner to most effectively remove the smell of cat urine from your carpet. Some people follow this up by sprinkling baking soda on the area, leaving it for 30 minutes to an hour, then vacuuming it up.
What’s the best way to remove pet stains from carpet?
A pet stain remover or stain and odor remover will remove pet stains from your carpet. Any product within our top five picks will do the job well.
Other Pet Carpet Cleaners We Reviewed
A natural pet carpet cleaner that really works on tough stains? Sign us up!
We looked at 20 other pet carpet cleaners. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best pet carpet cleaner list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for removing pet stains and odors. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Enzymatic Cleaners
Doggone Pet Products Pet Urine Stain & Odor Enzymatic Cleaner
Want to permanently eliminate stains and odors from pet urine, vomit, and/or feces? Then this might be the product for you.
Key Features:
- Contains detergents, odor neutralizers, and enzymes
- Requires 12 hours to fully remove odors
- Spray bottle design
Cost: $20
Doggone Pet Products Pet Urine Stain & Odor Enzymatic Concentrate
This concentrated version of the Doggone Pet Products Pet Urine Stain & Odor Enzymatic Cleaner mixes with water and works out about three times cheaper. Ideal for repeat offenders!
Key Features:
- Works on carpets and upholstery
- Removes stains and odors
- Concentrated formula
Cost: $30
Nature’s Miracle Dog Stain and Odor Remover
Thanks to its hard-working enzymes, this effective stain and odor remover does its job in just 10 minutes. Although it’s advertised as working on drool, urine, feces, and vomit, it tackles all organic stains.
Key Features:
- Works on carpet, most fabrics, and hard floors
- Easy to use
- Light citrus scent
Cost: $10
Simple Solution Pet Stain and Odor Remover
With a tough “pro-bacteria” and enzyme formula, this tough pet carpet cleaner can tackle stains and odors on almost all fabrics and any water-safe surfaces.
Key Features:
- Handy 3-in-1 nozzle
- Removes stains and odors
- Made in the USA
Cost: $5
Stuart Pet Supply Co. Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator
If you have stubborn stains or odors that regular pet carpet cleaners haven’t been able to touch, you might be interested in a professional strength product for home use.
Key Features:
- Gentle chlorine-free formula
- Light scent
- Excellent at removing urine smells
Cost: $20
Sunny & Honey Pet Stain & Odor Miracle
With its impressive natural enzyme formula and fresh spring mint scent, this pet carpet cleaner is highly rated by existing users and can shift almost any stains and odors.
Key Features:
- Works on carpets, other fabrics, and hard floors
- 10% of profits donated to animal charities
- Safe around children and pets
Stain Removers
Bissell Pet Stain & Odor Pretreat for Carpet & Upholstery
If you’re planning on shampooing your carpet, use this tough pretreat first to help lift pet-related stains. Also works on upholstery and all water-safe surfaces.
Key Features:
- Works as a pretreat or a spot cleaner
- Fresh scent
- Also helps remove odors
Cost: $10
Bissell Stomp ‘N Go Pet Stain Lifting Pads
A novel approach to stain removal; simply set the pad over the stain, stomp on it, leave it to sit for 30 minutes, and remove.
Key Features:
- Powerful oxy stain removal
- Hands free cleaning
- No scrubbing required
Cost: $25
Carbona 2-in-1 Oxy-Powered Pet Stain Remover
With a scrubbing head included, this oxy-powered pet stain remover provides everything you need to get stubborn marks out of carpets and upholstery.
Key Features:
- Active foam technology
- Deters against resoiling
- Built-in brush and sponge
Cost: $10
Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover, Orange Oxy
Thanks to its oxy formula, this pet carpet cleaner will help you say goodbye to all pet stains. The fast-action formula gets rid of marks in just five minutes.
Key Features:
- Fast acting
- Works on hard surfaces, as well carpets
- Eliminates both stains and odors
Cost: $15
Particular Paws Pet Stain and Odor Remover
Need to get rid of extremely tough stains? This product’s triple-strength formula will do the job, with very little effort on your part.
Key Features:
- Works on new and old stains
- Contains no harsh chemicals
- Fresh scent
Cost: $20
As well as tackling pet stains, this tough carpet cleaner can remove stains from red wine and blood. And the best thing—no scrubbing required.
Key Features:
- Easy to use
- Made in the USA
- Safe for use around kids and pets
Budget Pet Carpet Cleaners
Arm & Hammer Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator, 32 Ounce (Pack of 2)
This oxy-strength carpet cleaner works on stains and odors that pets leave behind. The powerful formula will give you permanent stain removal.
Key Features:
- Oxygen enhanced formula
- Two pack—exceptional value
- Deodorizes and removes stains
Cost: $5
Bissell Woolite Instaclean Pet with Brush Head Cleaner
If you’re short on time, this is an excellent option as it gets to work on pet stains in a mere 30 seconds, leaving you free to get on with other things.
Key Features:
- Built-in brush head
- Fast-acting formula
- Works on even very stubborn stains
Cost: $5
Bissell Woolite Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover + Sanitize
Looking for a multi-purpose product? This pet carpet cleaner not only removes stains and odors, but kills 99.9% of bacteria on soft surfaces.
Key Features:
- Sanitizes carpets and upholstery
- Excellent cleaning performance
- Helps get rid of allergens
Cost: $5
OUT! Advanced Severe Stain & Odor Remover
Designed for use on severe pet stains, this is a good option for attacking those harsh marks that you didn’t think you’d ever get rid of.
Key Features:
- Triple strength formula
- No harsh chemicals
- Completely neutralizes odors
Cost: $6
Resolve Pet Stain Remover Carpet Cleaner, 22 oz (Pack of 3)
This 3 pack of pet carpet cleaner is great for people who frequently have to deal with pet mess and works out extremely good value for money.
Key Features:
- Works in 30 seconds
- Discourages resoiling
- Light, fresh scent
Other Pet Carpet Cleaners
Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh Carpet Odor Eliminator Plus Oxi Clean Dirt Fighters
Sprinkle this down on the carpet, leave it for a while, and then vacuum it up to remove pet odors and dirt. Simple!
Key Features:
- Easy to use
- No scrubbing
- Good for tackling large areas
Cost: $10
BISSELL 2X Pet Stain & Odor Portable Machine Formula
Tough on both stains and odors, this double strength pet carpet cleaner is designed for use in portable carpet shampooers.
Key Features:
- Cleans carpets and upholstery
- Deep cleaning action
- Deters resoiling
Cost: $10
Rug Doctor Platinum Pure for Pets
Although recommended for use in Rug Doctor machines, this cleaning solution can be used in a range of spot cleaners and carpet shampooers.
Key Features:
- Works on dirt and odors
- Can be used on carpets and other fabrics
- Fresh scent
Cost: $20
