The top carpet cleaners for pet stains
If you have a pet in your home, more than likely your carpet is paying the price. From accidents to dirty paws to drool, it sometimes seems like there is no end to the ways pets can cause stains, not to mention the odor that inevitably builds up. Carpet cleaners for pets help you tackle those problems.
Rather than calling a professional every time your carpet is looking grimy, you can pull out your own carpet cleaner and get the job done. Models like the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Clean Pet Pro are not only effective but cost a fraction of the price of a single professional cleaning.
What to know before you buy a carpet cleaner for pets
How often to use a carpet cleaner
There are no hard and fast rules on how often you should use a carpet cleaner. This will vary based on the amount of traffic in your home and whether or not your pet often has accidents on your carpet. Most experts agree that cleaning your carpet regularly can help prolong its life, up to a point. You don’t want to be cleaning it every week, as this can eventually cause premature fading. However, there is nothing wrong with doing it once every month or two, or pulling out your carpet cleaner for spot use any time there is a fresh stain.
What kinds of stains can carpet cleaners remove?
Carpet cleaners can remove stains from mud, dirt, food, pet accidents and bodily fluids. Depending upon the cause of the stain and how long it has been there, it may be completely eliminated after just a single cleaning, or it may require multiple treatments. It should be noted that carpet cleaners work best when stains are fresh, so don’t wait too long after you notice one to pull out your machine and go to work.
If your main goal is to remove pet stains and odors, make sure to use the right kind of carpet cleaning solution. There are purpose-made formulas designed specifically for homes with pets.
What size carpet cleaner to get
When choosing a carpet cleaner, consider both the size of the machine and the size of its tanks. If your main goal is spot cleaning between professional cleanings, you can opt for a compact machine that is easy to store. Conversely, if you want to clean your entire carpet, you’ll need to purchase a full-size upright machine.
When it comes to tank sizes, larger tanks are better for covering more square footage without having to stop midway through the job to empty the dirty reservoir and refill the clean one. The downside to large tanks is that they make machines heavier and more difficult to maneuver.
Carpet cleaner for pets features
Heat
Heaters in carpet cleaners serve two purposes. They make the machine more effective at removing stubborn stains and reduce the drying time after cleaning. On some models, you may be able to turn off the heating function if necessary for delicate rugs.
Suction
Suction is important for both cleaning and reducing drying time. The more powerful the suction, the better a carpet cleaner will be at sucking up dirt and stain residue and the less water will be left in the carpet after you finish.
Brush roll
Brush rolls help to scrub out stubborn stains without requiring a lot of manual effort on your part. Models that lack an automated brush roll may still have bristles but will often require more passes to fully remove stains.
Pretreatment spray
Some models have a pretreatment spray option for saturating stubborn stains with extra cleaning solution. Depending on the machine, this may be incorporated directly into the cleaning head or it may be integrated into a removable wand or another accessory.
Tools
All carpet cleaners have a main cleaning head, but some come with additional tools for certain applications. Some examples include stair- and upholstery-cleaning attachments. These will connect to a hose that varies in length between machines.
Carpet cleaner for pets cost
Carpet cleaners capable of removing pet stains cost $90-$200 for a spot cleaner and $150-$400 for an upright machine.
Carpet cleaner for pets FAQ
Can a carpet cleaner damage carpet?
A. Carpet cleaners will not damage your carpet as long as you use proper cleaning solutions. If using a homemade one or a solution that is not designed for carpets, you could potentially cause the color to fade or otherwise damage the carpet in some manner.
How long does it take for carpet to dry after using a carpet cleaner?
A. The amount of time it takes for carpet to dry after a cleaning varies from machine to machine. If your model has powerful suction and a heated drying mode, your carpets may dry in as little as one hour. For other machines, it can take several hours. Ambient air temperature and humidity will also impact drying time.
Which carpet cleaner for pets should I get?
Best of the best carpet cleaner for pets
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Clean Pet Pro: available at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond and Macy’s
Our take: The ProHeat 2X Revolution Max is powerful enough to rival commercial machines yet no larger than the average home vacuum.
What we like: It has 12 rows of stiff bristles that make it effective at tackling stubborn stains, especially when combined with the pretreatment function. Plus, it comes with two tools, one of which is specifically designed for use on upholstery.
What we dislike: It leaves the carpet wetter than many others.
Best bang for your buck carpet cleaner for pets
Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro: available at Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond
Our take: If you just want something to tackle periodic pet stains rather than cleaning your entire carpet, the SpotClean Pet Pro is the way to go.
What we like: Its compact size makes it easy to store, and it features a long hose that makes it convenient to use on stairs, upholstery and vehicle interiors.
What we dislike: At 13 pounds, some may find it a bit heavy and cumbersome to carry from place to place.
Honorable mention carpet cleaner for pets
Bissell Big Green Professional: available at Amazon and Kohl’s
Our take: A commercial-grade machine, the Big Green is best for those who plan on cleaning large areas of carpet regularly.
What we like: It has large clean and dirty water tanks so you don’t need to empty it too often. Also, the handle is height adjustable for comfortable operation.
What we dislike: It is both bulky and heavy.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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