Owning a pet is an exciting time for many homeowners, and for most, their pets are an essential part of their family. For millions of people, their pets help lower stress and anxiety and provide a lifetime of memories.
While animals are known to bring joy and fulfillment into the home, pet ownership comes with its own set of responsibilities. In addition to looking after the health and well-being of your animals, you’re responsible for keeping your home clean — especially your carpets. Dogs and cats, especially, prefer carpet over hardwood and tile — the soft material is warmer in colder months and gentler on their paws.
Whether they’re walking, playing, or sleeping, your pets are spending ample time on your carpet, which leaves your floors vulnerable to dandruff, pet hair, fleas, and ticks. That’s why carpet cleaners for pets are ideal, no matter the size of your house, the number of rooms, or the softness of the carpet.
Regular carpet cleaning is a necessity to maintain your home’s hygiene and your pet’s health. That being said, several products on the market claim to offer the best carpet cleaner machine for pets. Depending on your needs, you may require a portable cleaner or a large, corded machine.
The right product can make all the difference in your home and for your pets, but the market is more competitive than ever. Identifying the best carpet cleaner for pets can feel overwhelming. With so many models and sizes to choose from, how do you know which machine will deliver the results you need? Thankfully, our best carpet cleaners for pets reviews are here to help you make an informed decision.
Top 7 Carpet Cleaners for Pets
| Product Image | Product Name | Dimensions | Cord Length | Tank Capacity | Approx. Weight | Warranty | View Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner | 10 x 14 x 14 Inches | 22 Ft | 2.8 Litres | 13.2 Lbs | Limited 2 Year | View Price |
 | Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner | 15.25 x 10.13 x 43.5 Inches | 20 Ft | 1.8 Litres | 12.5 Lbs | 1 Year | View Price |
 | Bissell Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner | 20.5 x 11 x 42.25 Inches | 25 Ft | 6.4 Litres | 40.6 Lbs | 5 Year | View Price |
 | Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner/Gray | 7239.29 Cubic Inches | 15 Ft | 1.9 - 1.12 Litres | 18.78 Lbs | 2 Year Limited Consumer | View Price |
 | Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner | 18.9 x 13 x 43.5 Inches | 22 Ft | 3.7 Litres | 18.49 Lbs | 5 Year Manufacturer Limited | View Price |
 | Bissell SpotBot Portable Deep Cleaner | 9 x 17 x 13.5 Inches | 15 Ft | 0.9 Clean Tank; 0.86 Dirty Tank | 14 Lbs | 3 Year Limited | View Price |
 | Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Carpet Cleaner | 5.5 x 16.5 x 7 Inches | Cordless | 0.2 Litres | 4.6 Lbs | 2 Year Limited | View Price |
Best Carpet Cleaner for Pets Review of 2024
Features:
- 5 Flex Hose
- Long-Reach Power Cord
- Pet Stain Trapper Tool (3 Inch)
- Power Rating: 5.7 Amps
- Professional Pet Urine Eliminator plus Oxy formula
- 5-Foot-Long Hose and 22-Foot Power Cord
- 3/4 Gallon Large Capacity Tank
Product Review: The Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro is advertised as the brand’s most potent and adaptable spot and stain remover. This compact device uses a combination of warm water, unique cleaning formulas and powerful suction to access those deep pet stains that have soaked beneath the surface, where foams and sprays can’t reach. Consumers are looking for a Bissell carpet cleaner for their pets because they’re designed to deliver professional results from the comfort of your home.
Surfaces: This spot cleaner is designed to adapt to multiple surfaces around the home. Homeowners can take this lightweight machine from room to room, tackling stains on carpets, accent rugs, upholstery, stairs, and even car interiors. The best spot carpet cleaner for pets is often one with the ability to handle hard-to-reach areas that full-size cleaners can’t reach.
Size: Large vacuums are often too bulky and cumbersome for pet owners, particularly for storage. This cleaner’s compact size makes it easier for homeowners to store when there’s no mess to clean. This on-the-go feature delivers the same stain remover results as a full-size model without the hassle of space and storage.
Stain Removal: Stubborn pet stains can be difficult to remove, especially if your pet is ill or you have multiple animals in your home. This cleaner is designed to remove stubborn spills and discolouration with its unique stain trapper tool and powerful odour eliminator.
Standout Feature: The standout feature in this Bissell carpet cleaner for pets is the Professional Pet Urine Eliminator. The clean water-formula tank works to remove strong odours caused by urine and deters pets from marking the same spot. It’s built with a professional-grade stain eliminator, including an Oxy formula and a unique stain trapper tool. Homeowners can tackle any pet odours or stains in their home, from carpets to upholstery and everything in between. That’s why we’ve included this model in our reviews of the best carpet cleaners.
Pros
- Removes pet stains
- Designed to fit stairs
- Cleans multiple surfaces
- Easy to clean
- Traps stains inside the tool
- Portable
Cons
- Minimal suction power
- Not suitable for large stains
Features
- Cleaning Solution Included
- Heatforce Technology
- Antimicrobial Pet Brush Roll
- Odour Protection
- No Batteries Required
- Easy Assembly
- Compact Size
Product Review: We’ve placed this Hoover product among the best carpet cleaner machines for pets for several reasons. While it produces a louder operating sound than its competitors, it offers twice the cleaning power and heatforce power for faster drying action.
Easy to Assemble: The Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact provides a simple and efficient set-up with clear instructions. Inside the box, you’ll find a 20-foot cord, a clean and dirty water tank, a portable nozzle, and the power-spin brush, which is designed specifically for pets. Aside from the clean and dirty water tanks, each piece comes assembled.
Size: Hoover’s compact cleaner allows homeowners to take this machine from one room to the next with ease — even up and down a flight of stairs. Consumers have found it’s able to maneuver around corners and in-between furniture. Additionally, it can easily fit into a storage or broom closet, making its compact size ideal for apartments or smaller homes.
Affordability: Carpet cleaners often range in price, depending on the additional features each model is equipped with. Homeowners are looking for affordable options to offset the additional costs that come with owning a pet. Hoover’s PowerDash Pet Compact is more affordable than most full-size models on the market. That’s why consumers consider it to be one of the best home carpet cleaners for pets — from small tabby cats to German Shepherds and every domestic animal in-between. This cleaner takes on stubborn pet stains without draining your budget.
Standout Feature: The standout feature of this cleaner is its heatforce power. This advanced technology delivers faster drying times with the help of its antimicrobial brush roll. With these compact tools, homeowners can easily remove stubborn pet hair, urine stains, and pet grime. This is an ideal model for any pet owner looking for measurable results without a hefty price tag.
Hoover’s ability to deliver a quality carpet cleaning solution for pets is what drives consumers to choose this model among the more luxurious cleaners on the market.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Deep cleaning abilities
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
- Odour eliminating
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not ideal for stairs or upholstery
- Small clean water tank
- Louder than other models
Features
- 12 Amps
- Certified Frustration-Free
- Extra-Large Brush Roll
- Anti-Tip Design
- PRO MAX Clean Trial Size Included
- 6” Tough Stain Tool
Product Review: There’s a reason why this machine is considered one of the best Bissell carpet cleaners for pets. This compact cleaner delivers professional-grade suction in a lightweight and easily-stored package.
Power: One of the Bissell Big Deep Cleaning Machine’s best features is its ability to clean even the toughest carpets in the home deeply. No matter the size of the stain, Bissell’s rotating DirtLifter PowerBrushes deliver greater dirt-removing power, getting rid of stubborn pet hair, dirt, and allergens in the home.
Functionality: The right carpet cleaner solution for pets is designed to help homeowners tackle those challenging stains in hard-to-reach places, and that’s precisely what this Bissell does. This machine boasts a six-inch touch stain tool, which can be used on stairs and upholstery.
Standout Feature: Unlike many of the current models on the market, this Bissell Deep Cleaning machine cleans when it’s moving forward and backwards. This means double the cleaning power in a fraction of the time. Combined with the company’s DirtLifter PowerBrushes and you’ve got yourself a quality, durable device.
Pros
- Deep-cleaning ability
- 25-foot power cord
- Easy to clean
- Cleans stairs & upholstery
- Premium suction
- Commercial warranty
Cons
- Higher price-point
- Cannot clean on an angle
- May run out of cleaning solution before entire carpet has been cleaned
- It doesn’t come with an attached heater
Features
- Professional-Grade Clean
- 1200 Watts
- 2X Suction Power
- Portable
- Compatible with stairs & upholstery
- Specialized odour-eliminating formula
- Wheels & a Pull-Handle
Product Review: This model neutralizes powerful pet odours and cleans stubborn stains on everything from rugs and carpets to upholstery.
Power: This portable tool delivers twice the suction power of its competitors. Rug Doctor’s Pet PSC quickly eliminates dirt, tough stains and odours from the animals in your home. Combined with the handheld Dual-Action pet tool, you can say goodbye to pet hair and tough, set-in stains.
Portability: Taking care of stubborn stains is easier with a portable carpet cleaner for the pets in your home. This cleaner comes with carpet-friendly wheels and a retractable handle, making it effortless to maneuver the machine across carpets and stairs. Use it on carpets, area rugs, stairs, upholstery, pet beds, and even auto interiors.
The Standout Feature: This cleaner boasts a unique Pure Power Pet Stain & Odor spot cleaning concentrate made from a biobased formula, making it one of the best spot carpet cleaners for pets. This chemical is both safe and practical thanks to its pro-enzymatic action that removes pet stains and odours in the home.
Pros
- 2X suction power from competitors
- Able to clean stairs, upholstery, and car interiors
- Portable spot cleaner
- Specialized odour-eliminating formula
- Compact size/Easy to store
Cons
- Heavier model
- Power scrubber not included
- Difficult to refill the tank
Features
- Automatic Cleaning Technology
- Removable Nozzle
- Flexforce PowerBrushes
- Auto Clean Motion
- SmartWash Technology
- Auto-Dry Capability
- 2-in-1 Antimicrobial Pet Tool
Product Review: The Hoover Smartwash is designed to make carpet cleaning as seamless as vacuuming, thanks to its automatic cleaning technology, antimicrobial pet tool, and auto-dry capabilities.
Size: The Smartwash is a full-size model that delivers one of the best carpet cleaner solutions for pets in your home. Although it requires more storage space, its low-profile foot allows you to reach the dirt under your tables with ease.
Deep Clean: Getting rid of deeply-embedded dirt, pet hair, and allergens is easier with the Hoover Smartwash. The attached Auto Mix accurately mixes and dispenses the perfect amount of solution for peak cleaning. Once the area’s been cleaned, Hoover’s Auto Dry powerfully removes water with HeatForce technology.
Standout Feature: Without question, the standout feature in this model is its automatic cleaning technology. Pushing forward cleans the dirt from your carpet while pulling it back activates its patented HeatForce for faster drying. This unique feature is just one reason we consider it one of the best home carpet cleaner for pets on the market.
Pros
- Dry-only Button
- Triggerless design
- One-step nozzle removal
- HeatForce technology
- Deep-cleaning power
- Works on upholstery
Cons
- Delicate bristles
- Corded
- Replacement parts may be challenging to find
Features
- Includes Pet Oxy Boost Formula
- Three-Inch Tough Stain Tool
- Two Hand-Free Cleaning Modes
- Preset Cleaning Cycles
- Accessed Hard-to-Reach Spaces
Product Review: If you’re looking for a good carpet cleaner for pets with an affordable price tag, the Bissell SpotBot is one of the most dynamic models on the market.
Size: This cleaner’s compact size makes it easier to move around the home than your average full-size cleaner. You can easily store it in your closet or laundry room without sacrificing space. This lightweight model also comes with an extendable hose and three-inch tough stain tool that can clean those difficult, hard-to-reach areas.
Brushes: Unlike many of its competitors, this compact cleaner comes with a unique spiral brushing feature — delivering more than 400 cleaning revolutions to remove those deep carpet stains.
Functionality: When your pets create a mess on your stairs or the furniture, the Bissell SpotBot can easily remove any stains and odours throughout the home. This is a feature many full-size models are unable to offer — and it’s one of the reasons we’ve added it to our list of the best spot carpet cleaner for pets.
Standout Feature: This compact Bissell cleaner is equipped with two hands-free cleaning modes, delivering a deeper clean for those tough, set-in stains. You have the freedom to choose between the quick clean mode (fresh stains) and the deep clean (set-in stains) mode.
Pros
- Package includes Pet Oxy Boost Formula
- Easy to store
- Accessible on stairs and upholstery
- Multiple cleaning modes
- Auto spot-and-stain cleaning
Cons
- Cleaning product included is a sample size
- Smaller tank; may need to empty frequently
Features
- Cordless
- Includes Trial-Size Oxy Cleaning Formulas
- Increased Tank Capacity
- Ability to clean upholstery, stairs, and auto interiors
- Stationary Spot & Stain Brush
- Easily cleaned and maintained
Product Review: Bissell’s grab-and-go devices make it easier for you to clean tough stains and pet hair, especially when it comes to hard-to-reach areas like stairs and upholstery. There are several reasons why we consider this model to be one of the best portable carpet cleaner for pets on the market today.
Stain Removal: This portable, compact cleaner comes handy with a stationary spot-and-stain brush — allowing you to scrub and remove those tough pet spills and stains easily. Its cordless function enables the brush to work on those smaller, intricate areas of your home with ease.
Efficient: Unlike upright or large-scale models, this portable cleaner operates without the need to mix water. It features an advanced ready-to-use formula that’s ready whenever you are.
Standout Feature: Above all, the Pet Stain Eraser’s standout feature is undoubtedly its cordless functionality. You have the freedom to lift and clean pet stains throughout your home without worrying about a long and tangled chord. This standout feature is one of the key reasons why we consider it to be one of the best portable carpet cleaner for pets on the market.
Pros
- Cordless
- Doesn’t require mixing with water
- Able to clean stairs, upholstery, and car interiors
- Easy storage
- Ready-to-use formula
Cons
- Batteries required
- Less suction power than upright models
- May need to charge frequently
Carpet Cleaner For Pets Buying Guide
Choosing the Best Home Carpet Cleaner for Pets
Multipurpose: If you’re a pet owner, you’ve likely experienced stains, dirt, and odours on multiple surfaces throughout your home [1]. The purpose of a good carpet cleaner for pets is to be able to remove those spills, stains, and pet hair wherever they may be — whether it’s on the stairs or underneath your bedside table.
Size: Depending on your home or apartment’s square footage, the size of the carpet cleaner is likely going to be a make-or-break decision — if you’re short on storage, you may opt for a compact model. If you have space, a full-size, upright cleaner may be what you need to take care of your pet’s spills and odours [2].
Power: Without proper suction and ample power, it will be increasingly challenging to remove tough stains from area rugs or upholstery.
Budget: When you’re looking at carpet cleaner for pets and their reviews, price is one of the most crucial considerations homeowners will need to consider. Each model can vary in price, and ultimately it will depend on the types of messes you face inside your home.
Types of Carpet Cleaners for Pets
Portable: Portable heaters allow for a convenient, hassle-free clean, especially when it comes to hard-to-reach areas like stairways or furniture. The best portable carpet cleaner for pets cleans small-scale stains on unique surfaces with easy storage.
Upright: For larger areas in the home, a full-size, vertical model is more suitable. These models have the power and suction to remove stubborn stains and pet hair, particularly on large carpets or area rugs [3].
Cordless: A cordless carpet cleaner offers a level of convenience for animal owners that full-size cleaners simply can’t match. To thoroughly remove pet hair, dandruff, and odours from small or angled surfaces, a cordless device is often the solution [4]. Unsure where to begin? We have a curated list of cordless vacuum reviews to help make your decision easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carpet Cleaners For Pets
What is a Carpet Cleaning Machine for Pets
A carpet cleaning machine for pets is a cleaning device designed to remove pet hair, dandruff, allergens, and unwanted stains in the fabric of your carpet. They often use a mix of cleaning solutions, scrubbing brushes, and powerful vacuum suction — we also have reviews for the best vacuums for carpets.
A good carpet cleaner for pets will add a combination of the solution and water into carpet fibres while the scrubbing brush loosens the dirt or stain. The machine’s suction then lifts away the spill or pet hair [5].
Are Carpet Cleaners Safe for Pets?
Yes, carpet cleaners are safe for pets, as most models are designed specifically to remove unwanted pet hair, fleas and ticks, and clean any accidents inside the home. The carpet cleaner solutions for pets on the market today should be non-toxic, as your pets will likely spend most of their time on the carpets, stairs, and area rugs in your home.
What is the Best Carpet Cleaner When You Own Pets?
The best carpet cleaner when you own pets is any model that includes non-toxic, pet-friendly cleaning solutions — combined with powerful suction, ample tank space, and can clean multiple surfaces. Pets, no matter their size, often leave more hair, allergens, and spills than a standard vacuum can handle.
If you’re unsure where to begin, our carpet cleaner for pets reviews are here to help. We’ve gathered all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Carpet Cleaner vs. Steam Cleaner
The difference between a carpet cleaner versus a steam cleaner is the detergent factor. The former uses a combination of carpet cleaning solutions for pets, mixed with water and powered by powerful vacuum suction. Steam cleaners use hot water, which is vaporized and embedded into your carpet fibres.
What is the Best Carpet Cleaner for Pet Urine?
Should You Try a Homemade Carpet Cleaner for Pets?
Ultimately, you should refrain from trying a homemade carpet cleaner for your pets. Pet hair, fleas and ticks, and urine are difficult to remove from carpets and area rugs and often require a professionally-graded cleaner to handle effectively. You want to ensure you’ve removed any stains or hair as swiftly as possible, and DIY chemicals aren’t strong enough to get the job done. The best carpet cleaner solution for pets are always the ones with tested, non-toxic solutions that rid your carpets and area rugs of any stubborn stains and spills.
References
[1] The Bad Effects of Pet Urine in Our Homes (LinkedIn)
[2] How to Remove Pet Stains and Odours (Humane Society)
[3] Learn About Pet Dander (American Lung Society)
[4] When Pets Are the Problem (Healthy Children)
[5] How to Stop Dog Shedding (Fetch by WebMD)
[6] Pets and Enzyme Cleaners (Chicago Tribune)
