The best carpet cleaners for pet messes, tested & reviewed
Say goodbye to pet odors and unsightly stains on your carpet.
Say goodbye to pet odors and unsightly stains on your carpet.
No matter how well pet parents train their pets to do their business outside, accidents happen, often in inconvenient areas like on carpets and upholstered surfaces. To clean up stinky messes like dog feces and cat urine, your best bet is a combination of a and a .
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In the Cleaning Lab, and stain remover sprays using industry-standard pre-soiled carpet swatches and swatches we soil ourselves by hand. We stain carpets with many of the common stains consumers struggle with at home like spaghetti sauce, chocolate and red wine. We use yellow ammonia to mimic the scent of pet urine when assessing the effectiveness of a product's odor-removal abilities. And when we can, we send pet cleaning products to and colleagues with pets to test them in real homes on real pet messes.
After perusing our picks, read on for more information about how we test carpet cleaners in our Lab, plus learn how to choose the best carpet cleaner for your home. You may also want to peep the results of our or find a .
SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner
This full-size carpet cleaner from Hoover has plenty of loyal fans. Our testers rated it highly, landing it a , and it has over 25,000 reviews on Amazon. One of our testers used the model to clean up old pet stains from their carpets and found it worked very well — better than the models they had tried in the past. Among the features that make this a stand-out option are the onboard wand of oxy stain solution to precisely target stains and the Heatforce technology that helps carpets dry faster so your furry friends don't have to be kept out of the room for long. When you pull back on the handle, this Hoover carpet cleaner switches automatically from washing to drying.
There's a 1-gallon water tank and a 16-ounce cleaning formula tank that take the guesswork out of preparing a cleaning solution. They automatically mix in the proper proportions before they are dispensed onto your carpets. With a 12-foot hose, a two-in-one pet tool and a stair tool, you can tackle messes off the ground and in tight spaces too. And keeping all of the extra attachments together is easy thanks to the included accessory bag that can be stored onboard. The power cord is a little shorter than many other full-size models we've tested in the past, but at 22 feet long, it should still be suitable to reach most spots in many homes.
Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush
have long been strong performers in our Lab tests and favorites of our experts. Bissell's Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush is our pick for the best value and best handheld carpet cleaner for pets. When we tested this model in the Cleaning Lab alongside six other portable carpet cleaners, it earned the best overall score and even outperformed many of the larger models we tested. We found the appliance easy to clean and maintain after we were done testing too. Skip the measuring and mixing of carpet cleaner solution by using any of Bissell's pre-mixed carpet cleaners in the 8-ounce tank onboard. While the tank is on the smaller side, that keeps the model incredibly lightweight, even when the tank is full. Two 8-ounce bottles of Oxy-powered spot and stain remover are included with the appliance. Using a cleaning solution from a different brand in your machine could void your warranty.
Pets are often startled by the loud sounds full-size vacuums and carpet cleaners make, but this handheld model earned some of the best scores for its low noise level. Stubborn pet messes are easily removed with the stationary rubber pet tool made to tackle pet messes better and you can turn off the rotating brush to prevent damaging delicate fabrics. Every purchase of this model supports which helps save homeless pets.
Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula
Pet stains, including dog and cat urine, are problematic not just because the stain looks unsightly. If left untreated, the odor can draw your four-legged friend back to do their business in the same spot over and over again. To prevent that, our Lab pros say this spray solution from Bissell is, unequivocally, the best choice. A liberal spray and blot will help erase the stain, then place a moist cloth over the area and let it sit for a good 12 to 72 hours. As the solution sits where the mess once was, the enzymes will keep working to eliminate the scent, not just mask it.
In our tests, we were impressed by the efficacy and the versatility of this formula. In addition to pet messes, the Bissell spray completely erased food stains too. What's more, it works on other fabrics including upholstery and mattresses — great for any human accidents, like a bed-wetting toddler. It does need more time than most to really work its magic, but our Lab pros say the payoff is certainly worth it.
Portable Carpet Spot Cleaner & Pet Stain Remover
Small but mighty, the Kenmore's SpotLite Portable Spot Cleaner earned a spot in our latest for its large tanks, extra long six-foot hose and two cleaning attachments, all of which make cleaning fresh and set-in carpet stains easier and quicker. We also found you can tackle an entire sofa, back included, in a single cleaning session.
The controls on the portable carpet cleaner are intuitive to use and the large tanks are easy to fill. Clear markings indicate how much solution to add for both small and big jobs. Once running, it did a great job removing all kinds of stains: grape juice, tomato sauce, coffee stains and more. On the downside, it's a bit heavier than similar models we've tested. There's no hose cleaning feature, either, but we were able to work around this by drawing clear water through the hose to rinse it prior to storing. And, unlike some other portable carpet cleaners, you don't have to stick to the brand's solution — any brand of portable cleaner solution can be used without voiding the warranty.
Pet Multi-Surface Stain & Odor Remover
This -winner works much like an enzyme cleaner but harnesses the power of probiotics to get the job done. It works on carpets, pet bedding and other upholstery and is just as safe and gentle as its enzymatic counterparts. Our Lab pros could hardly believe how effective it was, even on hard surfaces. The probiotics eat away at the odor-causing bacteria in pet messes for up to three days after use, eliminating both the stain and the odor.
It's a must-have in homes with dogs and cats and even little kids. One tester used the cleaning spray to clean up human urine from a potty-training accident, noting it got rid of both the stain and the odor almost instantly. It doesn't have much of a scent, which can be a pro or a con depending on your preference.
Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
Sometimes an all-purpose cleaner just is not enough to tackle stubborn pet messes, even with the best carpet cleaning machine. For tough pet messes, reach for this enzyme-containing carpet shampoo from Hoover to give your appliance the boost it needs. We have not tested this solution in our Lab yet, but with over 38,000 reviews on Amazon and our experience with the brand's other carpet cleaners, we feel comfortable recommending it. It has the ingredients necessary to break down stubborn stains and odors, including enzymes that tackle pet stains. According to the manufacturer, the formula also contains ingredients that protect carpets against future stains.
Reviewers rave about the pleasant cotton breeze scent the cleaner leaves behind on cleaned surfaces. Keep in mind that when you use Paws & Claws you'll have to dilute the formula with water before adding it to your carpet cleaner machine.
Do not use this product without a carpet cleaning appliance.
Revolution HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner
We've tested previous iterations of this carpet cleaner with wow-worthy results, but the new Revolution HydroStream Carpet Cleaner from Bissell (true carpet specialists, if you ask us) brings something truly special to the table. It uses steam to treat stains and clean, then harnesses a unique quick-dry mode to dry carpets faster, allowing you to tackle a tough task in what feels like record time
In our tests, we steamed out tough messes, including mustard and wine stains, with ease. The controls are intuitive, the machine is easy to maneuver for a heavier upright and our pros especially liked the two attachments — a two-in-one upholstery tool made specifically with pets in mind and a 6-inch tough stain tool. The large tank allows you to clean expansive areas before refilling and the long 8-foot hose lets you tackle stairs and upholstery.
Commercial Mighty Pro X3 Pet Carpet Cleaner Pack
If you're looking to get a professional-level pet stain removal service at home without hiring a professional carpet cleaner, this full-size appliance from Rug Doctor might just be the one for you. With an almost 4-gallon clean water tank and a 2.6-gallon dirty water tank, you can clean large areas of your home without needing to stop to empty or refill the water tanks. We tested an older version of this model in the Cleaning Lab and were impressed with the results. The brand is well-known in the industry, and this particular model has even earned a for soil removal, water removal and gentleness.
Though this is the most expensive option on our list, the Mighty Pro X3 can be rented from your local hardware store for a fraction of the price as needed. Clocking in at almost 40 pounds, this also isn't the easiest model to push.

How we test carpet cleaners
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, floor and carpet cleaners are one of our most frequently tested categories. We test dozens of , and even throughout the year. By our last count, we have tested 38 carpet cleaning machines and solutions in our Lab.
While we don’t actually call in any pets to dirty our carpets, we do test carpet cleaners for their ability to remove many types of stains, including yellow ammonia meant to mimic pet urine. Full-size carpet cleaning appliances are tested for how well they clean pre-soiled, industry-standard carpet panels. All machines are used according to the manufacturer’s directions and passed over the test carpet an identical number of times.
In addition to taking color measurements to assess how well each full-size machine cleans, we also weigh the test carpets before and after testing to make sure they are not leaving too much moisture behind. Portable and handheld models are evaluated for how well they remove stains like chocolate, coffee and red wine from test carpets. All carpet cleaner machines, regardless of their size, are also evaluated for how easy they are to use, their user manual’s coverage of important information and how easy they are to store. Models that are tested in consideration for our are also sent to a panel of consumer testers who provide us with valuable feedback from their own experience using the products.
Carpet cleaning sprays and shampoos are tested for their effectiveness on both fresh stains and stains that have been allowed to set overnight. We follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the products and take note of how easy they are to use and rinse out of carpets. Product labels are carefully inspected for proper safety and usage instructions. Colleagues with pets also take pet formulas home to try on real-life pet messes.

What to look for when shopping for the best carpet cleaner for pets
First, decide if a carpet cleaning appliance or spray is best suited for your needs. If you have lots of carpets at home, consider a carpet cleaning appliance that you can use to clean your carpets regularly without having to call in a professional service. If you think you'll only need something for a one-time clean-up or don't have the storage space for another appliance at home, consider buying a spray. Then, consider the following things according to the type of product you plan to purchase:
For carpet cleaning sprays/solutions:
✔️ Enzymes in the formula: Take a close look at the ingredients list and look for the enzyme protease. This is the enzyme that can break down protein stains like eggs and milk, plus blood, urine and other bodily fluids. Newer probiotic cleaners, like Lively's Pet Multi-Surface Stain & Odor Remover, work similarly to eat away at stains and their associated odors.
✔️ Safety for carpet fibers: Make sure that the carpet cleaner you use is safe for dyed fibers or the type of fibers your carpets are made from. You can contact the manufacturer of your home's carpet to make sure the dyes in the carpet are colorfast or test the solution in a small, hidden part of the carpet before using it on the rest of your home.
✔️ Safety for use around pets: Lastly and possibly most importantly, make sure that the product you are using is safe to use around your pets. Some like bleach and some essential oils used for fragrance. Most cleaners specifically formulated for pet messes are also safe to use around pets, but pets should not have access to any of your cleaning supplies regardless of how safe a brand says its product is. Let recently cleaned surfaces dry completely before allowing pets to enter a room again after cleaning.
For carpet-cleaning appliances:
✔️ Full-size vs. portable: Full-size upright carpet cleaners are heavy and often require a significant amount of floor space for storage. They are best suited for larger homes with lots of carpets, and many models have hoses and other tools that can be used to clean upholstery too. Handheld and portable carpet cleaners are lighter and smaller but require more back bending to use on carpets. Many portable and handheld models are cordless which is convenient for cars and other outdoor spaces.
✔️ Tank size: If you don't mind carrying or pushing a few extra pounds around the house, opt for a model with large water tanks. With larger tanks, you can clean for longer before you have to empty or refill them. Remember to empty the dirty water tank after each use to prevent odors.
✔️ Extra features: Have upholstered furniture you want to clean at home too? Opt for a carpet cleaner that has a hose and rotating brush that can be used to clean furniture and carpeted stairs at home. Models with built-in heaters can help lift stains from carpets more effectively. If you're overwhelmed with the number of carpet shampoos available online, look for an appliance that comes with its own bottle of shampoo/cleaner.
✔️ Warranty: Most carpet cleaners come with a warranty covering issues one to five years after purchase. Before you use any solutions in your machine, read through your appliance's warranty to make sure you aren't voiding any of the terms by using a different brand of cleaner than the manufacturer recommends.

How often should you clean carpets if you have pets?
Vacuum carpets often — about twice a week — to keep them pet-hair-free. Deeper cleaning with a carpet cleaner machine and shampoo is only necessary once or twice per year if there are no stains. If you do notice a stain on your carpet, tackle it as soon as you can for a better chance of removing it completely. The longer a stain sits, the more difficult it is to remove. Check the manual of all carpet cleaning appliances and solutions to ensure they are safe to use on the type of carpet in your home. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer of your carpet or carpet cleaning product to make sure you won’t be causing more damage than your pet already has.

What is the best DIY carpet cleaner for pet odors?
The best carpet cleaners for pet odors are ones with enzymes in their list of ingredients. Enzymes in cleaning products chemically break down stains, ridding surfaces of the look and scent of a stain. No DIY carpet cleaner will work as well as an enzyme cleaner, but in a pinch, you can quickly get rid of pet odors with an ingredient you already have at home. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda over the smelly part of your carpet and allow it to sit for up to 30 minutes. Vacuum up the loose baking soda and fluff up carpet fibers with your fingers. Make sure to cover the source of the smell completely in baking soda and repeat as necessary.

Why does my carpet still smell like pet urine after shampooing?
If your carpet still smells like pet urine after a deep cleaning, it’s probably because the urine reached below the carpet fibers into the padding beneath. While most carpet cleaners can tackle the messes in the topmost layer of carpets, reaching the padding is a little trickier. Do not attempt to remove the carpet yourself to reach the padding or attempt to wet the carpet again with more water or carpet cleaning solution. Instead, allow the carpet to dry completely and check if you can still smell the urine. The smell may disappear once the carpet is dry. If the smell remains, call a professional carpet cleaning service that has the equipment necessary to clean carpets more deeply than the machines you can purchase for home use.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?
was previously the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab Reviews Analyst. To put together this list of the best carpet cleaners for pets, she used data from past testing conducted by previous Cleaning Lab analysts and data from her own more recent testing of several carpet cleaning products.
To ensure we're providing only the most current list of best carpet cleaners, this article has been updated by , a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about home products, including household cleaners. She worked with Lab pros to replace older models with newer ones that performed exceptionally well in our most recent round of testing.