Best Carpet Cleaner for Pets: Stains and Odors

The AKC says enzyme-based cleaners are "most effective because they break down odor-causing compounds instead of masking the smell." The ASPCA says most carpet cleaning products can be used in pet households, and that the carpet should dry before pets go back into the area. The carpet cleaners below range from full-size machines to portable spot cleaners.

How To Pick The Best Carpet Cleaner For Pet Stains And Odor

First, look for a formula that contains enzymes or bacteria that actually break down pet waste and the odors they cause. Products with sodium percarbonate or hydrogen peroxide are also effective at eliminating tough stains and smells. Avoid cleaners with lots of perfumes, as they just mask odors temporarily.

Cleaning Fresh Urine

For fresh dog urine on carpet or fabric, the AKC lists these steps: place a thick layer of paper towels over the wet spot (and underneath if possible), cover with newspaper and press down for several minutes, remove the paper and rinse the area with cool water, then blot thoroughly with clean towels or use a wet vacuum. Once most of the moisture is removed, the AKC says to apply a dog-safe stain remover.

Cleaning Dried Urine

For dried urine, the AKC says to rinse the area with water, use a wet-dry vacuum to extract moisture, and repeat until the area is as clean as possible. It says to avoid steam cleaners, "as heat can set the stain and odor permanently," and that if the smell remains, you should use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet stains.

The AKC also says "Lingering scent can draw your dog back to the same area, reinforcing accidents."

Cleaning Products And Pet Safety

The ASPCA Poison Control page says "Most cleaning products are safe to use around dogs and cats as long as they are used per labeled directions." It adds that you should "Obtain veterinary advice when using cleaning products around birds, as they are extremely sensitive to the fumes."

On enzyme-based cleaners, the ASPCA says "Most enzyme-based cleaners tend to cause mild stomach upset so ensure that these products dry prior to letting the pet into any area where they were used." On carpet shampoo, it says "Most carpet cleaning products can be used in pet households. Allow the carpet to dry before allowing pets into the area. This will help to prevent the risk of skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset."

Scent matters for cats. The ASPCA says "Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils" and does not recommend using any essential oils "in areas where your pets have access, unless pets are supervised or the use of the oil is approved by your veterinarian."

Also consider the size of the machine. Hand vacuums may be more preferable for certain surface areas such as couches and car seats, whereas full-sized ones are best for cleaning wide flat areas like carpets.

The home page of The Carpet and Rug Institute has a menu item named "Certified Extractors."

Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner

Convenient Features

Some convenient features of the Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner include:

• Automatic detergent dispenser - Automatically mixes and dispenses the proper amount of detergent for optimal cleaning. No measuring is required.

• Dual Tank Technology - Separate clean and dirty water tanks to keep the cleaning solution and extract dirt/water separate for improved efficiency.

• Automatic cleaning mode - Press the automatic cleaning button, and the machine will automatically dispense the proper amount of detergent and water to clean your carpets.

• Large wheels - Extra large rear wheels make it easy to maneuver the machine and navigate over various floor surfaces.

• Additional tools - Comes with a 2-in-1 antimicrobial pet tool, stair tool, and upholstery tool for cleaning pet hair and stains from various surfaces.

• Lightweight - Weighs only 18.5 pounds for easy carrying up and down stairs.

Bissell Eraser PowerBrush

Affordable and Effective

If you’re on a budget but still want an effective carpet cleaner that can tackle tough pet stains and odors, the Bissell Eraser PowerBrush is a great option for under $100. This lightweight upright carpet cleaner is designed specifically for homes with pets.

Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine

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The listing says five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes work on stains from multiple angles, and that HeatForce technology gives faster drying. It lists separate clean and dirty water tanks, and an Auto Mix feature that sets the ratio of water to cleaning solution.

The kit includes an upholstery tool, a pet tool, a crevice tool, an 8 ft hose, and a sample Hoover cleaning solution. The listing names stairs, furniture, car interiors, and hard-to-reach corners as places to use the attachments, and says to pair the machine with a Hoover carpet shampoo solution, including a Pet formula.

Bissell TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner

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This is a full-size upright. The listing gives it a 10 inch clean path and a 1 gallon clean tank, which it says means fewer trips to the sink. A 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush works with the included PRO MAX Clean and Protect formula with StainProtect Technology and a bonus Pet Stain and Odor + Antibacterial Formula.

For stairs, upholstery, pet beds, and baseboards, the listing names a 3 inch Tough Stain Tool and a Spraying Crevice Tool.

Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus Carpet Cleaner

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The listing describes Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes, which it says give 2X scrubbing action, and a CleanShot Pretreater with OXY. It says the pretreater "permanently removes pet stains and eliminates tough odors like cat urine and even skunk."

The listing names two cleaning modes: MAX Clean Mode, and Express Clean Mode, which it says leaves carpets dry in about 30 minutes. Included are a 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool, a 3 inch tough stain tool, an 8 ft hose, and two formulas, BISSELL PRO MAX Clean + Protect and BISSELL Pet Pro Oxy Urine Eliminator.

Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Machine

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The listing calls this a lightweight and compact design and says it is ideal for apartments, condos, and RVs. It lists an Antimicrobial PowerSpin Pet Brush Roll and HeatForce technology for faster drying times, and says a sample solution is included.

The listing names carpets, upholstery, high-traffic areas, tight spaces, and area rugs as places to use it.

Shark StainStriker Portable Spot & Stain Cleaner

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This is a portable spot cleaner, not a full-size machine. The listing says it weighs under 9lbs and comes with two tools, a 6oz Deep Clean Pro Formula, and a 12oz OXY Multiplier Formula. It names carpets, area rugs, upholstery, and carpeted stairs as places to use it.

The listing says that, used as directed with Shark cleaning solution, odors like smoke and pet urine are "trapped and removed" instead of covered up. It also lists onboard self-cleaning, which flushes water and cleaning solution through the hose and tools.

Bissell Little Green Proheat Portable Carpet Cleaner

The Bissell Little Green Proheat is a compact yet powerful machine perfect for pet owners. This little guy packs a punch when it comes to lifting tough pet stains and odors from your carpets.

More For Dog Parents

Enjoy cleaning in your favorite dog shirt. Read more about dog-proofing a yard, about pet-friendly cleaning products, and about pet carpet cleaners.

FAQ

Which portable carpet cleaners are on this page?

The Shark StainStriker listing describes a portable spot cleaner that weighs under 9lbs and comes with two tools. The Hoover PowerDash Pet listing calls its machine lightweight and compact. The Bissell Little Green Proheat has its own section above.

What are DIY options for carpet cleaning pet stains?

The AKC gives these options:

• Baking soda: For mild to moderate odors, the AKC says baking soda can help absorb smells. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup (or less) evenly across the damp spot, let it sit overnight, and vacuum thoroughly, repeating if needed.

• Vinegar, water, and baking soda: For a stronger solution, the AKC combines 1 cup distilled white vinegar, 1 cup water, and 2 teaspoons baking soda in a spray bottle, shakes gently, applies it to the stain, lets it sit for a few minutes, then blots dry with clean towels. The ASPCA says "Vinegar is acidic and can cause stomach upset and irritation, however, it is not generally an issue if, prior to use, it is diluted, rinsed and allowed to dry." Humane World for Animals gives different advice for urine spots: it says to avoid cleaning chemicals such as ammonia or vinegar, because strong chemical odors may encourage a pet to reinforce the urine scent mark.

• Hydrogen peroxide: The AKC's carpet stain and odor remover adds one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to a spray of equal parts water and vinegar. For pet urine stains, it lets the spray sit for a few minutes before blotting. The AKC says hydrogen peroxide "is not a color-safe bleach" and to do a spot test on a portion of the carpet that is hidden from view.

Why does my house still smell after cleaning dog urine?

The AKC says "Urine may have soaked into padding, upholstery, or wood. Repeated treatments or professional cleaning may be necessary." It also says that if odors linger despite repeated cleaning, or if there are multiple or deep stains, professional cleaning may be the best option.

Will my dog keep peeing in the same spot?

The AKC says "Yes, if odor remains. Thorough cleaning is essential to remove scent markers and discourage repeat behavior." It adds that if a housetrained dog can’t control their bladder, it could be a sign of a medical condition, and if the problem persists, talk to your veterinarian.

Sources

• AKC, How to Get Rid of Dog Pee Stains and Smells
• AKC, 5 DIY Dog-Safe Cleaning Solutions You Can Make Yourself At Home
• ASPCA Poison Control, Poisonous Household Products
• ASPCA, Pet Poisons: Be Mindful of these Household Products and Cleaning Agents
• Humane World for Animals, How to Remove Pet Stains and Odors Naturally
• Product details come from each Amazon listing linked above.