For deep, embedded carpet stains, the best overall choice is the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro EX301 (or EX201). It uses dual-chemical StainStriker technology and high-pressure spray to lift stubborn grime. For smaller spots or portable use, the BISSELL Little Green Pro remains a top heavy-duty performer.
The best overall carpet cleaner for tough, set-in stains is the OxiClean Carpet & Rug Stain Remover. For pet messes, the top option is Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator. For wine, makeup, and food spots, FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover is widely considered the best.
To tackle tough carpet stains, gently blot (don't rub) the spill with a clean cloth. Apply a DIY cleaner—like a mix of 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp clear dish soap, and warm water—let it sit for 5 minutes, and blot it dry. Finish by rinsing with plain water.
For the absolute strongest and fastest results, active-enzyme and dual-action oxy formulas perform best on contact, completely breaking down organic proteins, dirt, and lingering odors. The best options vary depending on whether you prefer a heavy-duty spot spray or a powered extraction machine.
Vacuum regularly
For all cut pile carpets we recommend an upright cleaner with an active beater bar to help loosen and lift soil from the pile. Loop pile carpets are best maintained using a suction cleaner to minimise any snagging and damage to the loop pile.
Sprinkling baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming is a great way to absorb odors and freshen things up. Just let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
The Biggest Carpet Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Finding the right carpet cleaner depends on whether you need to deep clean whole rooms, tackle heavy pet stains, or clean up quick spills. The best overall upright is the Shark CarpetXpert Hair Pro (EX301/EX304). For pet messes, the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus reigns supreme. For budget-friendly needs, the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe is hard to beat.
Coloured drinks have a particularly bad reputation among professional carpet cleaners, but any drink with added dyes in it will present a challenge. Your first step should be to treat the liquid as if it was red wine, but you may require the help of an expert who can clean and treat the stain as soon as possible.
Stubborn stains require quick action, but even set-in marks can be lifted. Start by identifying the stain type, then apply a targeted cleaner (e.g., dish soap for grease, white vinegar for wine), scrub gently with a soft brush, let it soak, and rinse in cold water before washing.
How to Get Old Stains Out of Clothes
Leave the baking soda and vinegar mixture on your carpet for 15 to 30 minutes for light stains and odors, or up to several hours (or overnight) for tough spots and severe smells.
To tackle tough carpet stains, gently blot (don't rub) the spill with a clean cloth. Apply a DIY cleaner—like a mix of 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp clear dish soap, and warm water—let it sit for 5 minutes, and blot it dry. Finish by rinsing with plain water.
For a safer option, most professionals will not use chemicals; they'll just use hot steam to clean. The high-pressure and hot steam removes dirt, dust, grime and stains from carpet fibers. The hot water is then extracted using a vacuum, known as the, hot water extraction method.
You can use Dawn dish soap in a carpet cleaner, but use only a tiny amount (no more than 1/2 a teaspoon to a full teaspoon per gallon of water). Because Dawn is highly concentrated, using too much creates excess foam that can damage your machine’s motor or leave a sticky residue behind that attracts future dirt.
For the absolute strongest and fastest results, active-enzyme and dual-action oxy formulas perform best on contact, completely breaking down organic proteins, dirt, and lingering odors. The best options vary depending on whether you prefer a heavy-duty spot spray or a powered extraction machine.
Yes, it can and it works surprisingly well. Baking soda and vinegar as remover are a solid combo for tackling old carpet stains. They don't just clean the surface. They help break down residue that's stuck deep in the carpet fibers, and they can even help with lingering odors.
Stains ruin the appearance of your carpet; Spray the stain with WD-40, wait for two minutes, apply mild detergent and warm water solution and blot the stain away.
Finding the best carpet cleaner depends on whether you need to deep clean whole rooms or tackle isolated spots and pet messes. Top independent testing places the Shark CarpetXpert series and Bissell's ProHeat line at the forefront for home use, balancing powerful suction, ease of use, and stain removal.
DIY carpet cleaning seems simple enough but to prevent carpet damage and maximize your carpet's lifespan, we advise steering clear of these ten mistakes:
Bissell is widely considered a top-tier, highly reliable brand for carpet cleaners, well-regarded for its excellent value, powerful suction, and specialized pet-stain tools. Across major tech and review sites, their machines consistently earn high marks for removing ground-in dirt and lifting stubborn odors.
When a carpet looks dirtier after shampooing, it is usually because leftover soap is attracting fresh dirt, water is pulling hidden dirt from the backing up to the surface (wicking), or the carpet fibers have sustained permanent wear and tear.
Sprinkle baking soda or a commercial carpet powder onto your carpet to neutralize odors, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and vacuum slowly. For pet hair, lightly mist the carpet with water beforehand so the hair doesn't fly around.
The 20-minute rule in cleaning (often combined with the 10-minute break as the 20/10 Rule) is a productivity method where you set a timer and clean as quickly and intensely as possible for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, you immediately stop cleaning and take a mandatory 10-minute break.