The Top Carpet Stain Removers We’ve Tried and Loved

You can feel cozy in a bedroom or living room with a carpet, but it's not always the easiest floor to clean. Some spills are especially tough to get out of the fibers. If you want to clean up a mess quickly and keep it from turning into a stain, you need a good carpet stain remover.

We tried 33 different carpet cleaners in a controlled setting to find the ones that get rid of both new and old stains the best. Including some of the hardest stains, like coffee, red wine, and pet messes.In addition, we distributed these products to our colleagues for real-world use and testing in their homes. Our picks did great in our tests, getting high marks for how well they cleaned, how easy they were to use, how clear and full the directions were, and more.

Our Top Picks for Carpet Stain Removers

• Best Overall: OxiClean Carpet Stain Remover – $19 at Amazon
• Best Eco-Friendly: Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover Spray – $17 at Amazon
• Best for Pet Stains: Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover – $20 at Amazon
• Best Enzyme Cleaner: Kids 'N' Pets Instant All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover – $6 at Amazon
• Best for Odors: Nature's Miracle Advanced Cat Stain & Odor Eliminator Foam – $12 ($10 on sale) at Amazon
• Best for Upholstery: Bissell Oxy Stain Pretreat – $15 at Amazon
• Best for Red Wine Stains: Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover – $22 at Amazon
• Best for Set-In Stains: Krud Kutter Cleaner/Degreaser – $18 at Amazon

Best Overall

OxiClean Carpet Stain Remover

Size: 24 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet and area rugs only

This carpet stain remover was the most successful and user-friendly of all the ones we tested. It was as easy as wiping off any leftover residue, spraying, waiting, then blotting, and then watching the stain go away. Even though we lightly scrubbed for increased protection, the brand's instructions alone produced fantastic results.

Red wine, barbecue sauce, wolf urine, and mud were just a few of the stubborn stains that this cleanser was excellent at getting rid of. When it came to dried red wine stains, which are usually hard to remove, it worked incredibly effectively.

Depending on the surface and type of stain, different amounts of time were needed to remove them. It takes roughly 18 minutes to remove fresh stains and 21 minutes to remove set-in stains. The exceptional outcomes demonstrated that patience pays off, even when the wait period was not ideal.

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Best Eco-Friendly

Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover Spray

Size: 32 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpets, furniture, fabrics, and more

Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover is an excellent alternative if you're searching for an environmentally friendly solution. It is prepared using biodegradable materials and enzymes rather than harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, or phosphates. It also doesn't smell, and Biokleen is dedicated to using recyclable packaging and cruelty-free methods.

It took two tries to observe improvements with dirt and barbecue sauce stains, and it didn't completely remove them, but it was successful in getting rid of both fresh and set-in wine and pee stains with just one application. However, considering how inexpensive it was, it did a decent job of getting rid of the stains. Because of its adaptability, you may use it on a variety of surfaces, including clothes, carpets, and even your kitchen garbage can.

Best for Pet Stains

Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover

Size: 32 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet, fabric, and water-safe hard surfaces

A strong stain remover is necessary in high-traffic areas of your house, particularly when handling pet-related spills. We tested a number of products before deciding that Rocco & Roxie Oxy Stain Remover was the best option.

After two applications, it was able to remove the majority of new stains and effectively remove stubborn ones like dirt, pee, and wine. Mud stains and fresh BBQ, however, continued to be a problem.

In addition to doing well in our tests, this product received The Carpet & Rug Institute's Seal of Approval. It also has a nice aroma and is safe for pets. Although it is more expensive, the cost is justified by its effectiveness.

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Best Enzyme Cleaner

Kids 'N' Pets Instant All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover

Size: 27.05 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet, furniture, mattresses, clothing, bedding, and any other water-safe surfaces

Proteins called enzymes aid in the structural breakdown of stains, which facilitates their removal. Kids 'n Pets All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover is a good choice if you're searching for a carpet stain remover that is more environmentally friendly. Although it took a little longer and involved more work than some other products, it successfully removed all of our stains. It took two applications to get rid of most spots completely.

Set-in stains took more than two hours to clear, but fresh spots took roughly twenty-three minutes. It took little over 17 minutes to clean the upholstery. Although some people may find the lengthier wait time to be a disadvantage, the excellent outcomes make it worthwhile.

Best for Odors

Nature's Miracle Advanced Cat Stain & Odor Eliminator Foam

Size: 17.5 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet

While a stain remover may remove the stain, it may not always address the odor. Nature's Miracle Advanced Stain & Odor Eliminator Foam is a fantastic choice if you're dealing with both stains and odors. It effectively eliminated the smells from every stain we had.

The outcomes varied in terms of stain removal. By the time we started scrubbing, it had almost completely removed our wine stain, which was a really good result. Only a slight stain remained after it nearly totally removed the set-in stain from our mud stain. It struggled more with new stains, though.

Given that the wait times for both fresh and set-in stains surpassed thirty minutes, this can be somewhat annoying. Compared to the more controlled spray bottle, the foam application can be a little sloppy, although being unusual.

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Best for Upholstery

Bissell Oxy Stain Pretreat

This preparation spray was the most popular option among the best upholstery cleaners we tested. Its cleaning ability was unmatched by the stains from wine, soda, and marinara sauce, which all vanished in less than two minutes. Although none of the upholstery cleaners we tested were able to completely remove a mustard stain, it was also unable to do so.

The twistable nozzle on this inexpensive spray allows you to customize the spray's strength for the best possible application. Simply apply the solution to the stain, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then use an upholstery cleaning machine or your hand to clean it.

Best for Red Wine Stains

Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover

Size: 4 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet, upholstery, furniture, and clothing

This product required little washing or blotting and had amazing results. Upholstery stains required only six minutes to clear, while fresh and set-in wine stains on carpet vanished in ten minutes.

Despite being made especially for red wine stains, it worked effectively on other kinds of stains as well. Mud and barbecue sauce were easily removed from upholstery, but they were a little harder to get off carpet.

Even though a urine stain was successfully cleaned, the odor remained, possibly necessitating further treatment. Pre-wet the stain with water, use the spray, and then rinse well to get rid of any leftover residue for optimal results.

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Best for Set-In Stains

Krud Kutter Cleaner/Degreaser

Size: 32 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet, washable fabrics, tile, laminate, wood, metal, plastic, concrete, and more

It can be quite difficult to remove a set-in stain, but the Krud Kutter Concentrated Cleaner/Degreaser Stain Remover provides an alternative that doesn't involve hiring a pro or using a carpet cleaner. During our tests, this product performed better on dry stains than it did on fresh ones.

It was the greatest choice for getting rid of tough barbecue stains, which other solutions had trouble with. It worked especially well on red wine, barbecue sauce, and dirt stains. Fresh stains and upholstery marks took less than 10 minutes to clear, whereas set-in stains vanished in about 11 minutes.

However, when compared to other solutions, this cleaner's strong odor was a drawback. Nevertheless, its adaptability—which allows it to tackle more than simply carpet stains—is a big plus. This multipurpose cleaner works wonders on a variety of surfaces, from dried latex paint and scuff marks to tape and glue residue.

Final Verdict

Our top recommendation is the OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover for its impressive ability to remove all stains quickly and effortlessly. Plus, it doesn't leave behind a strong chemical smell, making it a user-friendly choice.

For those seeking an eco-friendly option, the Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover Spray is a great alternative. Made without harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, or ammonia, this multipurpose cleaner is effective on various surfaces, including clothing and garbage cans, making it a versatile addition to your cleaning arsenal.

How to Pick the Best Stain Remover for Carpets

Ingredients

Seek out enzyme-based carpet stain removers. These make it simpler to get rid of stains and smells by breaking them down. Select products that combine oxygenated bleach and enzymes for added cleaning power. Oxygenated bleach simultaneously addresses odors and aids in stain removal.

Enzyme-based cleansers are the best option for pet stains. They eliminate the odor in addition as the stain, preventing your pet from going back to the same location. Use soap, water, or natural cleaners if you prefer to stay away from harsh chemicals. Just keep in mind that natural choices could require more work and time.

Surfaces That Work

Not every kind of carpet can be cleaned by every stain remover. Many are designed for synthetic materials and are not suitable for use on natural fibers such as leather, silk, or wool. Make sure it's safe for the sort of carpet you have by always reading the label.

Try a DIY cleaner first if you're unsure of the material of your carpet. However, natural therapies may take a few tries before they really take effect, so be patient. Strong cleaners can harm fragile fabrics or cause color fading, so avoid using them on vintage or hand-dyed carpets.

Aroma

A lot of cleaning supplies smell strongly like chemicals. Look for stain removers that contain natural substances, like as enzymes, to prevent this. These are great for those who dislike strong scents because they typically have a softer scent.

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