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12 Best Carpet Cleaners for Pets That'll Remove Those Pesky Stains

Fluffy's messes have met their match!

By Nora Horvath
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BISSELL

It's impossible to resist giving the Drummond family dogs a cuddle when visiting the ranch, but quite a bit goes into keeping those pups clean behind the scenes. Ree Drummond once bathed Walter three times because people love petting him so much. All those outdoor activities don't help either. "Keeping a ranch dog clean is a lost cause!" Ree concluded. And it doesn't matter if you have an indoor cat or a pack of furry large dogs: Animals can make serious messes on carpets and couches, and sometimes even the best pet hair removers won't do the trick. The good news? You can invest in the best carpet cleaners for pets to tackle them, and we've taken the time to curate our favorites here.

Our Top Picks

  • 1
    Bissell JetScrub Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner

    Best Lightweight

    Bissell JetScrub Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner

    $300 at Walmart
    Read more
  • 2
    Hoover SmartWash Pet Automatic Carpet Cleaner

    Worth the Splurge

    Hoover SmartWash Pet Automatic Carpet Cleaner

    Read more
  • 3
    Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Carpet Cleaner

    For Multiple Pets

    Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Carpet Cleaner

    Read more
  • 4
    Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro + Pro Pet Formula

    Deepest Clean

    Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro + Pro Pet Formula

    Read more
  • 5
    Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner

    Best Value

    Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner

    Read more

On our list, you'l find automatic carpet cleaners that are budget-friendly, easy to use, and incredibly helpful when it comes to getting scary-looking messes out of your rug. Of course, before you purchase one, you might want to know what all the fuss is about. For starters, a carpet cleaner is not the same thing as a vacuum for pet hair. The two machines operate a bit differently and are not interchangeable. While both can be used to clean most carpets and rugs, vacuums only suck up hair, dust, and dirt. Carpet cleaners, on the other hand, actually wash the area using water and a cleaning solution. (Do not make use your carpet cleaner on hardwood floors unless noted thoughā€”it can cause permanent damage.) So, it's time to invest in one of these magical devices so you can get back to the important thingsā€”like petting your furry friends!

1
Best Lightweight

Bissell JetScrub Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner

Bissell JetScrub Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner
1
Best Lightweight

Bissell JetScrub Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner

$300 at Walmart$268 at QVC$429 at Overstock
Credit: Walmart
Pros
  • Collapsible handle for easy storage
  • Lightweight
  • 30-minute express clean mode
Cons
  • No attachments to clean upholstery

Bissell calls this one their "best upright spot and stain cleaner." That's because it tackles the toughest stains and messes using a clean shot pre-treater, powerful suction, and an XL dirt lifter power brush that includes ten rows of bristles and can be removed when you need to clean it. An express clean mode can even have your carpet dry in 30 minutes. You'll also enjoy the easy-to-empty tank and lightweight (less than 13-pounds) design with a collapsible handle that makes it easy to grab-and-go then store when you're done.

2
Worth the Splurge

Hoover SmartWash Pet Automatic Carpet Cleaner

Hoover SmartWash Pet Automatic Carpet Cleaner
2
Worth the Splurge

Hoover SmartWash Pet Automatic Carpet Cleaner

Now 22% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Cleans and dries in one pass
  • Automatically mixes and dispenses cleaning solution
Cons
  • Cord is on the shorter side

Okay, yes, this is on the pricier side, but it's worth it! It requires practically no effort: Just push forward on the machine to deep clean the carpet, and pull backwards over that same area to dry it. It works by auto-mixing and dispensing carpet solution then delivering powerful extraction and HeatForce for faster drying. The dual tank system keeps water and solution separate from the dirty water tank. It also comes with a pre-treat wand and an antimicrobial scrubbing tool so you can prep deep stains before the machine does the rest of the work.

3
For Multiple Pets

Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Carpet Cleaner

Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Carpet Cleaner
3
For Multiple Pets

Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Carpet Cleaner

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Works on wet and dry surfaces
  • 30-minute express clean mode
Cons
  • Lacks attachment storage

If you're anything like the Drummonds, you're bound to appreciate this cleaner. Bissell says it's engineered to be their best and most powerful carpet cleaning system for stains and odors. With 12 (yes, 12) rows of dirt-lifting brushes, it can handle messes made by multiple pets. A CleanShot pre-treater can deliver a concentrated stream of cleaning solution right where you need it then express clean mode can dry carpets in about 30 minutes. Oh, and it has a lightweight design and even includes steam-cleaning and upholstery-cleaning features.

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4
Deepest Clean

Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro + Pro Pet Formula

Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro + Pro Pet Formula
4
Deepest Clean

Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro + Pro Pet Formula

Now 13% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Large capacity tank
  • Cleans all types of surfaces
Cons
  • Small attachment may take longer to clean larger spaces

One of the best overall cleaners, this Bissell is a powerful cleaner for deep pet stains on a range of surfaces from carpet to auto interiors. It works by combining the action of a strong suction tool and enzymatic cleaner to pull out stains, odors, and dirt. The concentrated cleaner formula works to removes pet stains and odors at the source with the power of Oxy and Debreze freshness. It also cleans and protects from future stains with a Scotchgard protector. Plus, the machine is relatively light at just 13 pounds!

5
Best Value

Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner

Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
5
Best Value

Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner

Now 17% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Budget friendly
  • Most compact upright
Cons
  • Smaller capacity than other uprights

This compact carpet cleaner is a great bet for small spacesā€”not to mention small budgets. At less than $100, it offers an effective, efficient clean at an affordable price. You're not losing any power though! According to the manufacturer, it has two times more cleaning power than the leading lightweight carpet cleaner with a PowerSpin antimicrobial brush roll that provides a deep clean and protects against odors. HeatForce also offers faster drying. Along with the included nozzle cleanout tool and compact design, we'd call that a serious win!

6
Portable Pick

Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner 3353

Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner 3353
6
Portable Pick

Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner 3353

Now 46% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Compact for easy storage
  • Relatively large capacity for its size
Cons
  • Small attachment may take longer to clean larger spaces

Steam out stains anywhere with this portable cleaner. Since you can take it on-the-go, keep it near the door to clean up stains when your pets have, ahem, accidents in the car. It works to remove those tough stains with a strong spray and suction design plus an oxy boost formula. There's even a specialized stain trapper tool so you can clean accidents without having to wash out your machine tank. Speaking of which, the large tank capacity means you can get more done between refills.

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7
Best Multisurface

Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro Vacuum Cleaner and Mop

Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro Vacuum Cleaner and Mop
7
Best Multisurface

Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro Vacuum Cleaner and Mop

Now 18% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Great for all floor surfaces
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Filter may attract mildew

The versatility of this machine that vacuums and washes at the same time makes it a no brainer. Not only will it work to pick up both wet and dry messes on your carpets and area rugs, but it can be used on tile, sealed wood floors, laminate, linoleum, vinyl, and more. It has a tangle-free brush roll that minimizes pet hair from getting trapped in the machine while cleaning, a pet hair strainer to separate pet hair and other large debris from liquid to make emptying the tank easier, and has a cleaning formula that will remove tough messes and eliminate odors.

8
For Small Spaces

Hoover ONEPWR Spotless Go Cordless Carpet Cleaner

Hoover ONEPWR Spotless Go Cordless Carpet Cleaner
8
For Small Spaces

Hoover ONEPWR Spotless Go Cordless Carpet Cleaner

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Compact and portable
Cons
  • Not ideal for large areas

Not every home has tons of space, which is one reason why this cordless portable Hoover is such a great find. It's super compact at only 15 inches tall, and it tucks away quickly for easy storage. But that doesn't take away from its cleaning abilities. With no-fade battery power, a multi-purpose pet tool combined with cleaning solution can scrub away and lift those tough messes while dual tanks keep the cleaner and dirty water separate so you can easily fill, empty, and rinse.

9
Best Cordless

BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner

BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner
9
Best Cordless

BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner

Now 22% Off
Credit: Walmart
Pros
  • Great for small, hard-to-reach spots
  • Compact and lightweight
Cons
  • Not ideal for large areas

This tiny handheld carpet cleaner is mighty for its size. It's battery-powered and stores the cleaning formula in the tank, so you can bring it just about anywhere to clean. To use, all you have to do is press a button that sprays the cleaning solution, scrub the area with the bulit-in-brush, and let the machine suck up the remaining residue into the dirty water tank. It also come with a trial-size bottle of Professional Spot & Stain + Oxy formula which is made to instantly and permanently remove tough pet stains and odors from carpet and other upholstery.

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10
6,000+ Reviews

Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner

Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner
10
6,000+ Reviews

Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner

Now 22% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Excellent suction
  • Compact and portable
Cons
  • Not ideal for large areas

With a retractable handle and carpet-friendly wheels, this spot cleaner is a must-have for any puppy owner. It's easy to use with its lightweight and maneuverable design and cleans up messes quickly and thoroughly. That's thanks to a dual tank system that keeps clean and dirty water separate, a handheld dual action pet tool with rubberized bristles that removes embedded stains, and two times the suction power compared to competitors.

11
Great for Families

Black+Decker Spillbuster Carpet Cleaner

Black+Decker Spillbuster Carpet Cleaner
11
Great for Families

Black+Decker Spillbuster Carpet Cleaner

Now 21% Off
Credit: Lowes
Pros
  • Best for everyday messes
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Lower suction than some other models

When you have kids and pets, you're constantly reaching to clean up something gross and unidentifiable. Reach for this cleaner instead: It's made with powerful suction and a wide nozzle to pick up wet or (sorry) chunky messes easily. The powered scrub brush and built-in formula dispenser will help lift even those pesky set-in stains. And when you're done, an easy-to-clean (and dishwasher safe) collection bowl opens for washing and drying. There's even a handy battery indicator.

12
Best Heavy Duty

Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner

Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner
12
Best Heavy Duty

Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Professional grade
  • Large capacity tanks
Cons
  • Heavy
  • Expensive

Most of the carpet cleaners on this list are plenty strong for home use, but owners of extra messy breeds like Newfoundlands or Mastiffs might need to invest in this professional big boy. It's made with eight rows of extra large bristles for a super-deep clean that loosens and lifts embedded dirt. It's also got a nine-foot long reach hose and six-inch tough stain tool so you can easily clean tough-to-reach areas. Two large tanks will keep clean and dirty water separate while you work and an adjustable handle will make sure you're comfortable. Plus, a strong suction decreases drying time.

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