Compare the best carpet stain remover

Whether it’s from a glass of red wine sent flying by a stray elbow or a toddler deciding to redecorate your living room with their bowl of spaghetti, stains are simply a part of everyday life. And when those unexpected spills and accidents occur, it’s handy to have a reliable carpet stain remover in your cupboard ready to go.

But with so many different products available, narrow down the best one for the job.

Top carpet stain removers

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Size	Type	Ideal for	Purchase
Hoover 2X PetPlus Pet Stain & Odor Remover	$13.46	32 oz	Solution	Pet stains and odors	Shop now
Rocco & Roxie Oxy Stain Remover	$25	440 ml	Spray	Everyday stains from your carpets	Shop now
Bissell 2X Pet Stain & Odour Formula	$49	709ml	Solution	Spills, soils and stains	Shop now
Shaw R2X Carpet Stain & Soil Remover	$15	32 oz	Spray	Cleaning stain-resistant carpet and rugs, including wool and oil-based stains	Shop now
Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner	$35	4 lb	Powder	Stains, smells and moisture	Shop now
Hoover 2X PetPlus Pet Stain & Odor Remover	$13.46	32 oz	Solution	Pet stains and odors	Shop now
Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover	$24.55	12 oz	Solution	Red wine stain remover	Shop now

Carpet shampooers and spot cleaners

If you’re looking to give your carpet a deeper clean, there are a couple types of machines you might like to consider:

• Upright carpet shampooers. Designed for deep cleaning and carpet stain removal, carpet shampooers are meant to offer a cost-effective alternative to professional cleaners. Many models feature a motorized brush to lift dirt from the carpet and hose attachments to help you clean hard-to-reach areas. Prices start at around $100 but can be around $600 or $700 (and potentially even more) for top-of-the-line models.
• Spot cleaners. A more compact and lightweight option, spot cleaners are designed to target specific areas of your carpet. They’re handheld to allow you to get into hard-to-reach areas, and use water and cleaning formula to tackle stains. Most models are priced in the $50 to $250 range.

3 tips for removing carpet stains

When buying and using a carpet stain remover, remember the following tips:

• Consider your type of carpet. The type of carpet in your home can affect how easy it is to remove a stain. For example, while level loop carpets don’t have crevices for dirt and spills to seep into, multi-level loop carpets do and can be much harder to clean. It’s worth checking the label to see whether any product you’re considering is recommended for use on the type of carpet in your home.
• Follow the instructions. Read the label closely to find out exactly how you need to use a product to get the best results. If you’re cleaning new carpet, you may also need to check the carpet manufacturer’s specifications for the best cleaning methods.
• Patch test. Although some manufacturers don’t recommend patch testing a product before putting it to full use, most do. Even if patch testing isn’t recommended for your product, it’s still a good idea to ensure that you don’t end up with damaged or discolored carpet.

Bottom line

Carpet stain removers can come to the rescue and save your carpet before it’s permanently stained. Compare your options and make sure you choose the right product for the type of flooring you need to clean.

Frequently asked questions

• What's the best homemade carpet stain solution?

  Many people recommend using vinegar and baking soda as a homemade stain remover in a pinch.

• How do you get old stains out of carpet?

  Some online tutorials suggest sprinkling baking soda onto the stain and letting it sit for several minutes. Then, scrub it with a mixture of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and liquid dish soap. Always test a small area first before trying a new solution or product on a larger area.

• How do you get coffee stains out of a carpet?

  If the stain is relatively new, choose a carpet stain removing product specifically for use on coffee stains. For older stains, you may need a steam cleaner. Or you can try using baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.