This is our pick of the best carpet cleaning solutions: they will refresh, deodorize, and rid your carpets of stains, whether they're brand new or tough old ones. All the carpet cleaning products on our list have been selected because they make a real difference to how your carpet looks (and smells), helping keep your floor in top condition. Whether you're after a carpet spray, a cleaner you can vacuum over or a carpet shampoo, there's something for everyone on our list.
And if you're looking to give an entire carpeted room a new lease of life, there's no need to spend hours (or even days) scrubbing your carpet. Invest in one of the best carpet cleaning machines to help you out.
The best carpet cleaning solutions
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The Dyson Zorb Powder is a really handy way to clean up stains quickly without the hassle of having to scrub the carpet.
How to use
It doesn't require water to work, so can simply be sprinkled on the affected area, left for 20 minutes and then vacuumed away – making it one of the best carpet cleaning solutions for when you're vacuuming anyway.
What we like It's amazing at soaking up wet stains from carpets and definitely leaves them smelling fresh.
What we don't like
While this powder does a great job at cleaning messes on carpets, it can only be used when vacuuming so it isn't ideal for quick clean ups.
Although initially meant to be used on clothes to remove unwanted stains, this fabric stain remover by Astonish works wonders on cleaning upholstery such as curtains, carpets, fabric sofas and rugs.
How to use
To use, soak up any moisture from the stain and then spray the product immediately, ensuring you cover the entire stain. Leave for 10 minutes and wipe with a damp cloth – it's as simple as that.
What we like about it
We've seen it remove red wine from white carpet without leaving a trace; a cleaning cupboard staple, we think.
What we don't like about it
It's not suitable for use on flameproof or waterproof fabrics.
If you're looking for an eco-friendly carpet cleaner, the Ecozone Carpet Shampoo works a treat, so it's one of the best carpet cleaning solutions for vegans, too.
How to use
Dilute 10 to one and then apply directly to the stain. Rub it in well, leave for a few minutes and then wipe away residue with a cloth.
What we like about it
It’s completely cruelty-free and works wonders on both carpets and upholstery. Despite being less potent than some carpet cleaning products, it can be used for both spot stains and to clean large areas with a cleaning machine. We think it's the best carpet cleaner you can buy if you're eco-friendly.
What we don't like
It may not bother some people, but this carpet cleaner isn't as potent as others.
Spilling red wine on a cream carpet can be devastating. As you can't predict when these mini disasters will occur, it's a good idea to keep a stain remover on hand as the best results will be achieved if a spillage is tackled as quickly as possible. And this is one of the best carpet cleaning solutions for that exact scenario!
How to use
It's simple: spray the product on the stain; leave for a few minutes; wipe with a clean cloth.
What we like
While the HG Extra Strong Stain Spray is particularly potent and should be handled with care, it works wonders on stubborn stains such as coffee, grease, blood or wine, making it our pick of the best carpet cleaning product for removing stains.
What we don't like
Aptly labelled extra strong, this product should be used liberally and with windows open.
Find more ways to get rid of blood stains and remove red wine stains from your carpet with our guides.
Approved by us at Real Homes and also cleaning guru Mrs Hinch, the game-changing 1001 Carpet Fresh works to give your carpets new lease of life (and smell) for days at a time.
How to use
Simply shake the bottle, spray it on your carpets and rugs and wait five minutes until it's dry.
What we like about it
There's no need for water, vacuuming or any sort of hard work for that matter. One of the best carpet cleaning solutions for freshness, and those who have pets and don't like the lingering smell they leave behind.
What we don't like about it
It won't actually remove any stains, however it will neutralise odors whilst leaving a fresh and exotic scent behind.
A quick and easy-to-use detergent, the Dr Beckmann Carpet Stain Remover comes with a handy applicator brush that removes stains within minutes.
How to use
Simply squeeze a little product out the top until you can see it coming through the brush, scrub the stain with it, leave and wipe.
What we like about it
With a pleasant, non-chemical smell, users have found that a little of this product goes a long way. The best carpet cleaner for pet stains and quick clean ups, we think.
What we don't like about it
Some may prefer a spray, especially when targeting larger stains.
Want a professional carpet cleaning result without hiring the cleaners? All you need is a carpet cleaning machine (a Vax, for instance), and the Dirtbusters 3-in-1 concentrate. This stuff is powerful.
How to use
Add 10 ml per a litre of water in your carpet cleaning machine. For stubborn stains, pre-spray with a stain remover first.
What we like
How effect this is against smells: it really transforms musty-smelling carpets into fresh and clean smelling ones, although the smell of the detergent isn't overpowering. This also works out as quite cheap to use, given how concentrate it is. Oh, and it's safe to use on wool. One of the best carpet cleaning solutions for a space that needs a refresh.
What we don't like
The fact that you do have to use this with a carpet cleaning machine.
The Glade Shake ‘n’ Vac may not be the best for stubborn stains, but for small spillages and dirt it works a treat.
How to use
It's pretty self explanatory: you shake some product over your carpet, leave for a while and then vacuum it up.
What we like about it
Available in a range of fragrances, it will leave your carpet smelling fresh and fragrant. Simply sprinkle over the affected area, leave for five minutes and vacuum up.
What we don't like about it
It requires vacuuming to work, meaning it's not ideal for quick clean ups, however it's very beneficial for deep cleaning.
What is the best carpet cleaning product?
We think the best carpet cleaning solution you can buy is the Dyson Zorb Powder due to the fact it requires no water, it just needs to be sprinkled on your carpet and 20 minutes later, vacuumed up.
For those after the best everyday carpet cleaning product, the Astonish Fabric Stain Remover is a great option. It's quick-acting, easy to use and also very affordable and easy to get hold of.
What to consider when buying the best carpet cleaning solutions
WHERE TO BUY THE BEST CARPET CLEANING PRODUCTS
Amazon cleaning products (opens in new tab)
The Range carpet cleaning products (opens in new tab)
Wilko carpet cleaning products (opens in new tab)
John Lewis carpet cleaning accessories (opens in new tab)
Currys PC World carpet cleaning accessories (opens in new tab)
Type
Carpet cleaners come in all different forms. Some may prefer a powder cleaner to sprinkle on their floors before vacuuming, however others may prefer a spray to target stubborn stains. There are also carpet shampoos which work exactly as our shampoos do, and also foam versions to consider that sometimes need to be vacuumed afterwards.
How to use
If you're looking for something for quick clean ups, opt for a spray carpet cleaner. However if you need something to help you along with a deep clean, powder and liquid varieties may suit you more.
Check it first
Always test a product on a small area before properly using, and read the back of the bottle to ensure it's suitable for your particular carpet type. Some carpet cleaners can only be used in conjunction with certain vacuums, for example the Vax Ultra + Pet Carpet Cleaning Solution needs to be used with a Vax machine in order to be effective.
What can I use to clean my carpet?
If your carpet has a pile, you can use either a specialised carpet brush or a general stiff-bristled brush. Either way, experiment on an unseen patch first (under the sofa or bed) to ensure you won't change the look of your carpet's pile. Flat-weave carpets will not respond well to brushes, so avoid with these, following manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
The natural carpet cleaning product that actually works
If you don't fancy buying a commercial carpet cleaning product, there's an all-natural ingredient that will work to refresh and deodorize your carpet, and even kill any insects that may live inside it (think dust mites or fleas, if you're a pet owner).
This ingredient is diatomaceous earth: it's a fine rock powder that works as a dessicant – it's absorbent and can be simply worked into a dry carpet with a brush or by hand (while wearing gloves) and then vacuumed up after about half an hour. This is also a good option for those who like fragrance-free cleaners.
Carpet cleaning product not doing the job?
If your carpet isn't coming up clean enough with a carpet cleaning product alone, it may be worth investing in a handy carpet cleaning machine to help do the job of giving your floors a new lease of life.
The Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner is our best pick as it's compact, so is easy to store, it can be used in both small and large homes and most of all, it has twice the suction power of other machines. If you're looking for something more on the professional side, opt for the Rug Doctor X3.
