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We tested 27 options to find the best spray cleaners for your carpets and rugs.

A bottle of OxiClean Carpet Stain Remover on a light color carpet

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens

When disaster strikes, you want to be prepared.

One of the most stressful household disasters?

Stains, especiallystains on carpet.

OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover

Credit: Home Depot

Pet owners have more specific needs.

The pet might have an accident or come in after playing in the mud, she says.

Based on the results, we named four as the best carpet spray cleaners you might buy.

Person wiping stains from pillowcase with OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

For more information, check outour testing processbelow.

It removes dried red wine stains more effectively than fresh ones.

Each time, we followed the manufacturers instructions and waited 10 minutes after tool to start scrubbing.

Person spraying stains on rug with OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover

We found that the stains had already started to lift from the carpet fibers while we waited.

We also noticed a subtle laundry detergent-esque scent that wasnt at all overpowering.

We did note, however, that banishing the dried wine stain was easier than the newly spilled wine.

Person spraying rug stains with OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover

Its also recommended by Meneses.

The sprayer has a tendency to break or leak with use.

If youre apet owner, you know that stains are inevitableits just a matter of when and where.

Person spraying OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover on a rug with stains

This spray cleaner got rid of the animal urine in its entirety, which is no small feat.

Contrary to the name, however, this cleaner isnt just good forhomes with petsand kids.

Luckily, the cleaner has a very gentle scent that wont overpower your home (or nostrils!

Person wiping stains from pillowcase with OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover

), even after double applications.

This wasnt an issue during our tests, but may be something to keep in mind.

It isnt very effective on other kinds of stains.

Person spraying stains on rug with OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover

Not all spray cleaners work exactly as advertised, but this one is true to its name.

Its a champ at removing redwine stains from carpetand upholstery.

Specifically, we found it very effective with minimal rubbing or blotting.

Person spraying rug stains with OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover

None of the urine smell dissipated, further confirming that this is indeed best for wine and wine alone.

Aside from the incredible results, we also appreciated that this stain remover wasnt foamy or scented.

Their least favorite feature was the spray head, which struggled to distribute the formula during each first spray.

Person spraying OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover on a rug with stains

There was a still faint mark left from the set-in barbecue stain.

You dont always notice stains immediately.

Sometimes, it takes a whilebut once you do, panic arises.

Kids ‘N’ Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover

Credit: Amazon

Enter: this cleaner.

We do recognize however, that barbecue sauce is a challenging stain to remove in general.

Still, if youre hoping for a completely odorless cleaner, youll have to look elsewhere.

Person spraying Kids ‘N’ Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover on stained pillowcase

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

This versatility allows you to be prepared for any stain that arises, without owning multiple products.

We applied a teaspoon of each to carpet and upholstery twice.

We followed the manufacturers recommendation for how long we waited after applying to start agitating the fibers.

Person cleaning stain on rug using a pet carpet cleaner

If there were none, we waited five minutes.

If a stain was still present, we repeated the process and evaluated if there was any change.

We call thisdwell time, which can range from five to 15 minutes.

Person standing on a towel on a stained rug while using Kids ‘N’ Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover

I recommend foam for thinner commercial carpets," she says.

Its performance on the other stains, however, was lacking.

Bissell Professional Power Shot Oxy Power Carpet Spot Remover

We were impressed by this cleaners performance.

Person spraying Kids ‘N’ Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover on stained rug

Your Questions, Answered

What ingredients should you avoid when cleaning carpet?

The number one ingredient Meneses recommends avoiding in carpet cleaners is bleach.

Are spray carpet cleaners safe for pets?

Person hand vacuuming a stained rug next to Kids ‘N’ Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover

Some spray carpet cleaners are safe for petsit all depends on the formula.

Luckily, according to Meneses, manufacturers make this obvious on the packaging.

You always want to check the label.

Person spraying Kids ‘N’ Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover on stained pillowcase

It should say nontoxic or pet safe on it.

A potential pro to pet-safe cleaners?

These formulas usually dont have a strong fragrance to them, she says.

Person cleaning stain on rug using a pet carpet cleaner

No need to crack a window open after.

She consulted withClaudia Meneses, CEO of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, for expert intel on carpet spray cleaners.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Person standing on a towel on a stained rug while using Kids ‘N’ Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover

In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Person spraying Kids ‘N’ Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover on stained rug

Person hand vacuuming a stained rug next to Kids ‘N’ Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover

Amazon The Hate Stains Co. Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover

Credit: Amazon

Person wiping stain fron pillowcase with Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Person pouring staining ingredients from a squeeze bottle into an orange bow to test the Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover

Person wiping the rug to clean stains using towel and Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover

Person wiping the stained rug using Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover

Person spraying Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover on stained rug

Person wiping stain fron pillowcase with Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover

Person pouring staining ingredients from a squeeze bottle into an orange bow to test the Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover

Person wiping the rug to clean stains using towel and Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover

Person wiping the stained rug using Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover

Person spraying Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover on stained rug

Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover

Credit: Amazon

Person wiping stains on rug using Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Person wiping stains on rug using pet stain remover

Person staining rug to test Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover

Person wiping stains on rug using Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover

Person wiping stains on rug using pet stain remover

Person staining rug to test Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover

Person spraying Kids ‘N’ Pets All-Purpose Stain + Odor Remover on a stained rug

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Person staining a pillowcase

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

A person cleaning various stains off of a carpet

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens