6 Best Carpet Stain Removers – 2022 Buying Guide

By Maria Hernandez / February 10, 2022 / 4 Comments

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    There are few things more frustrating than a stain on your carpet that just won’t come out. Sure, nobody else may focus on it, but you know it is there. We have tested and come up with a list of the six best carpet stain removers on the market, all of which work, and we’ve let you know which cleaner is best for which type of stain.

    We have also put together a complete carpet stain removing buying guide. With this guide, you can identify the type of stain you have, and therefore, the type of cleaner to help you remove that stain quickly and effectively.

    Our Top Picks

    1. Best Overall: Folex Carpet Spot Remover
    2. Best Professional: Rocco & Roxie Supply Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator
    3. Fastest Stain Remover: Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Stain Remover
    4. Best for Pets: Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner
    5. Best Multipurpose: Lifter-1 Carpet Stain & Spot Remover
    6. Best Environmentally Friendly: Chem-Dry Carpet Stain Extinguisher

    Carpet Stain Remover Buying Advice

    Best Overall: Folex Carpet Spot Remover

    Floor Critics Rating (4.9):

    • Best For: A variety of stains
    • Active ingredient/method: Water-based surfactant/Liquid sprayer

    The Good:

    • No scrubbing needed
    • Cleans a variety of stain types
    • Minimal to no odor produced
    • Full satisfaction guarantee
    • Good value/price per ounce

    The Bad:

    • Does not mask/remove odors
    • Can damage some fabrics and carpet fibers
    • Some older or set stains may not come out
    Folex Carpet Spot Remover
    Folex Carpet Spot Remover

    Folex Carpet Spot Remover is an affordable and effective stain remover, capable of removing a broad spectrum of stains.

    This heavy-duty cleaner is non-toxic and contains no VOCs, CFCs, or petroleum. It’s a friendly, safe solution and the lack of potent ingredients doesn’t compromise its cleaning capabilities.

    Available in both small and large quantities, you can purchase Folex Carpet Spot Remover in a variety of shapes and sizes. These include convenient, easy-to-store spray bottles and bulk, budget-friendly gallons.

    Capable of erasing anything from vomit to rust, Folex is a go-to multi-purpose stain remover.

    Once you apply the solution, it quickly removes stains. In most cases, you do not need to do the scrubbing. This stain removing saint gets to work right away, and you just need to do some simple blotting to extract stain particles.

    What Reviewers Say

    Folex Carpet Spot Remover users rave about the span of stains they’ve conquered with this odorless solution. They have eliminated serious spots from rust, pen ink, and vomit with the cleaning power of the Folex Carpet Spot Remover.

    A couple of reviewers relate the stain removal results to that of a pencil eraser. Stains are there, and then they’re just gone.

    With all the cleaning potential that this solution packs, there are still some stains it hasn’t overcome, which people generally report being older, “mystery” stains.

    Another less-than-desirable result of this cleaner’s power can be discoloration of certain fabrics or carpet fibers, according to a couple of reviews. As with all cleaners, and especially this one, be sure to do a color test in an inconspicuous area of the room or upholstery before diving into a stain removal session.

    Features & Considerations

    You can use Folex Carpet Spot Remover in carpet cleaning machines, though you need to dilute it. This adds to the diversity of this spot remover and allows for deep cleaning sessions when needed.

    After you finish the stain removal process, there will not be any sticky residues left. That prevents the cleaner from attracting dirt and debris. It leaves a fresh, clean feel behind.

    Less is more as far as saturation goes with Folex Carpet Spot Remover. A little bit of this solution goes a long way.

    Best Professional: Rocco & Roxie Supply Professional Strength Stain And Odor Eliminator

    Floor Critics Rating (4.8):

    • Best For: Eliminating both stains and odors
    • Active ingredient/method: Enzymatic/Liquid sprayer

    The Good:

    • Enzyme activated
    • Eliminates stains and odors
    • Safe for children
    • Satisfaction guarantee

    The Bad:

    • Doesn’t always work as effectively when diluted per instructions
    • Wide range of reviews; users either love or hate it
    Roxie Supply Professional Strength Stain And Odor Eliminator
    Roxie Supply Stain and Odor Eliminator

    This cleaner works not just on the surface of the stain you can see but rather looks to dig right down and completely eliminate the underlying cause of the stain.

    To this end, it uses natural enzymatic bacteria that are activated when they come into contact with stains and odors. It actually feeds off ammonia and other organic matter, consuming the associated stains until both the unsightly look and the odor are eliminated.

    For this reason, this cleaner is recommended to eliminate the toughest and smelliest of odors, such as those left behind by pet urine and similar messes.

    But while the cleaner is strong on stains, it contains no chlorine or other chemicals that can be harmful to children or pets. The cleaner also doesn’t leave behind any residue, so there is nothing dangerous left behind when the stain is gone.

    This is why the product has the seal of approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).

    This product, used as instructed, is also guaranteed not to compromise the color of your carpet when applied.

    Finally, this cleaner comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, so if it doesn’t live up to your expectation, you can apply for a full refund.

    This product is not just for carpets and upholstery; it can also be used on concrete, tile, hardwood floors, and other surfaces.

    What Reviewers Say

    Customers seem to be genuinely happy with the product, with 71 percent of customers awarding the cleaner five stars and 82 percent scoring it four stars or above.

    Unhappy clients consistently sighted the powerful scent of the cleaner as a problem and said that tough stains sometimes needed to be treated multiple times.

    Features & Considerations

    Rocco & Roxie is an enzymatic cleaner, meaning it works on removing whatever caused the stain, odor, and all, rather than just removing any discoloration.

    It is appropriate to use on a variety of surfaces, hard surfaces as well as carpets, and it is recommended for the toughest stains, such as dog and cat urine.

    The cleaner is safe, as it does not leave behind any invisible residue, You can feel safe and confident buying this product, because if you aren’t happy with it, you can go ahead and claim a full refund.

    Fastest Stain Remover: Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Stain Remover

    Floor Critics Rating (4.8):

    • Best For: The toughest stains
    • Active ingredient/method: Chemical liquid spray

    The Good:

    • Top strength
    • Removes even the toughest stains
    • Won’t discolor surfaces
    • Versatile and dilutable up to 20:1

    The Bad:

    • Chemical cleaner with a strong smell
    • The bottle in which the cleaner is shipped is poor quality
    Chemical Guys SPI_191_16 Lightning Fast Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover
    Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Carpet Stain Remover

    This spray cleaner from the Chemical Guys was actually developed for cars to remove tough stains like oil and grease but has also captured a lot of the market as a household carpet and upholstery cleaner.

    But this cleaner is not just for carpet and upholstery; it can be used on almost any surface, including rubber, vinyl, leather, and much more.

    The formula is highly concentrated for the best possible stain removal. You can dilute the cleaner up to 20:1 and still expect to see impressive results. Tests show that the cleaner is effective on coffee, mud, dirt, juice, wine, grease, oil, and pet stains.

    The product can simply be sprayed on and wiped off for spot cleaning or it can be brushed in and vacuumed out if you are dealing with a tougher stain or a larger area.

    The patented chemical cleaner promises not to destroy any colors.

    What Reviewers Say

    Customers are generally happy with this product, with 90 percent of users scoring the cleaner 4 stars or higher.

    Less-than-impressed customers mainly complained about the quality of the spray bottle in which the product came, which meant a worry about possible leakage.

    They also noted that the product caused a lot of suds, so removing the cleaner represented a challenge. But the customers liked this feature as it meant they knew when they had fully removed the cleaner.

    But the majority of customers commented that this cleaner attacked stains they thought would never come out.

    Features & Considerations

    The clue is in the name: Chemical Brothers. This is a tough cleaner that uses chemicals to get out even the toughest stains.

    While it is highly effective, it won’t appeal to everyone when there are so many natural cleaners on the market, which allow you to remove stains without the use of harsh chemicals.

    But if you have a particularly tough stain, such as oil or grease, and nothing seems to be working, this cleaner may well be the one to do the job.

    It is a versatile cleaner that can be used on pretty much all surfaces, which makes it a great product to have stowed away at the back of the cupboard for emergencies.

    Best for Pets: Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner

    Floor Critics Rating (4.5):

    • Best For: Ground-in dirt, pet stains
    • Active ingredient/method: Surfactant/Powder

    The Good:

    • Pulls up pet hair
    • Attacks ground in and old stains
    • Easy to apply
    • Leaves carpet dry

    The Bad:

    • Works better with a pre-mist product, which is sold separately
    • May take several goes to vacuum up the powder fully
    Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner
    Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner

    This absorbent deep cleaning power from Capture is one of the most effective ways to pull up and remove ground-in stains from carpets.

    The product is easy to use; simply sprinkle on your carpet and brush it in, especially around touch stains. Wait 30 minutes and vacuum up the powder, stains, and odor with it.

    If you want to intensify your cleaning, you can use it in combination with a pre-mist product that is sold separately.

    It can leave your carpets as clean without the need to add shampoo and water, which means there is no need to wait for your carpets to dry.

    This powder option is safe for all types of carpets, including wool and silk. It is also certified as safe, so it doesn’t leave behind anything dangerous for kids or animals on the floor, and it also won’t cause any damage to your vacuum cleaner.

    Those who have pets that shed a lot will appreciate this cleaner as it can also help remove pet hair that has been ground into the carpet.

    What Reviewers Say

    Customers are generally happy with the product, with 84 percent of customers scoring this cleaner four stars or higher.

    Those who were less than pleased with the product often sighted needing to vacuum several times to pick up all the powder they had sprinkled on the carpet.

    However, the majority of customers rave about how good this product is, especially when it comes to picking up pet hair and eliminating unsightly and smelly urine stains.

    Features & Considerations

    This powder probably won’t be your go-to product for removing fresh stains and spills but rather for removing those problems that have dug themselves into the lower levels of the carpet.

    This can be pet hair that has latched firmly onto carpet fibers or old urine stains that have penetrated right down to the lowest layers.

    Best Multipurpose: Lifter-1 Carpet Stain & Spot Remover

    Floor Critics Rating (4.8):

    • Best For: Old stains
    • Active ingredient/method: Surfactant/Foam

    The Good:

    • Quick results
    • Effective on a variety of stains
    • Good with old, unknown spots
    • Pet stains easily eliminated

    The Bad:

    • Contains strong chemicals
    • Produces fumes, should be used with ventilation
    Lifter-1 Carpet Stain & Spot Remover
    Lifter-1 Carpet Stain & Spot Remover

    This foaming spot cleaner from Lifter-1 is a great choice if you are looking for fast results on tough stains.

    The manufacturer claims the cleaner lifts stains instantly without any need for scrubbing. Simply spray the foaming spray onto the area, wait one minute, and blot with a cloth or paper towel for a few minutes until the stain is gone.

    If you do have a tougher stain, there is a scrubber brush on top of the bottle that can be used to work the cleaning agent into the carpet.

    This cleaner works equally well on both oil- and water-based stains, which means it can pull up everything from oil and grease, to pet urine and blood, to coffee and cola.

    What Reviewers Say

    Customers are universally happy with this product, with more than 90 percent scoring the cleaner four stars or higher.

    The majority of complaints were around the smell of the product or the need to repeat the cleaning process two or three times to get out really tough stains.

    The majority of users report the product being both effective and fast working, letting them pull up stains in a matter of minutes.

    Features & Considerations

    This cleaner from Lifter-1 is for spot cleaning tough stains rather than revitalizing your entire carpet, but what it does, it does well.

    Simply spray the foaming cleaner onto stains and leave for 60 seconds, and then you can easily pull up the stain with a cloth or paper towel.

    It is versatile and works on a wide variety of surfaces, all without compromising the color of your carpet or upholstery.

    Best Environmentally Friendly: Chem-Dry Carpet Stain Extinguisher

    Floor Critics Rating (4.7):

    • Best For: Water-based stains/food stains
    • Active ingredient/method: Carbonized solvent/Foam

    The Good:

    • Non-toxic
    • Quick, 60 second stain removal
    • No sticky residue left behind

    The Bad:

    • Price
    • Trouble with can/pressurization
    • Some fumes produced
    Chem-Dry Carpet Stain Extinguisher
    Chem-Dry Carpet Stain Extinguisher

    Chem-Dry Carpet Stain Eliminator is an aggressive stain fighter capable of handling some of the nastiest stains.

    The pressurized application of this foamy, carbonized cleaning solution provides heavy-duty stain blasting action, removing stains in record time.

    This solution is mostly for carpet spot removal in mind. However, you can also apply it to most upholstery and other fabrics. As always, you should do a color-safe check before executing the full stain removal process.

    The bubbly foam sends the cleaning solution deep into carpet fibers, creating a microscopic scrubbing effect and releasing stubborn particles from their hiding spots.

    Chem-Dry Carpet Stain Extinguisher brings a professional-grade cleaner often used by expert stain removers to the residential market, allowing amateur grime fighters to utilize the tools normally accessible to only the pros.

    What Reviewers Say

    Many users refer to this powerful spot extinguisher as their stain eraser. Many consumers report rapid and thorough cleaning capabilities of nearly every stain it meets.

    Chem-Dry Carpet Stain Extinguisher has a pretty strong base of fans and followers, with some reporting to use the product formula for over a decade.

    There is a pretty considerable amount of reports from consumers regarding the failings of the cleaner’s can and nozzle. Several users claim to repetitively have issues with nozzles breaking, pressure defects, and other aspects of the container’s durability.

    Features & Considerations

    Though the name can associate the product with dry cleaning functions, Chem-Dry Carpet Stain Extinguisher is not for use on items deemed “dry clean only.”

    With a price per ounce that is one of the highest on the market and with faulty cans and nozzle issues that render sometimes half of a can of solution useless, the value of this foamy cleaner can be a bit tough to measure.

    Due to some of the stronger chemicals used in this product’s formula, users should have proper ventilation and use gloves during the application process.

    Side by Side Comparison

    ProductOur RatingBest ForActive
    Ingredients / Method
    Folex Carpet Spot Remover
    Folex Carpet Spot Remover
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best Overall

    Overall: 4.9
    A variety of stainsWater-based surfactant
    Liquid sprayer
    Roxie Supply Professional Strength Stain And Odor Eliminator
    Roxie Supply Professional
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best Professional

    Overall: 4.8
    Eliminating both stains and odorsEnzymatic
    Liquid sprayer
    Chemical Guys SPI_191_16 Lightning Fast Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover
    Chemical Guys Stain Remover
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Fastest Stain Remover

    Overall: 4.8
    The toughest stainsChemical liquid spray
    Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner
    Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best for Pets

    Overall: 4.5
    Ground-in dirt, pet stainsSurfactant
    Powder
    Lifter-1 Carpet Stain & Spot Remover
    Lifter-1 Carpet Stain & Spot Remover
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best Multipurpose

    Overall: 4.8
    Old stainsSurfactant
    Foam
    Chem-Dry Carpet Stain Extinguisher
    Chem-Dry Carpet Stain Extinguisher
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best Environmentally Friendly

    Overall: 4.7
    Water-based stains/food stainsCarbonized solvent
    Foam

    Back to Top

    The Complete Carpet Stain Remover Buyer’s Guide

    Spray The Stain Away

    There are a few variables of equal importance when it comes to zoning in on the right cleaning solution for the job. When targeting a stubborn spot, it’s time to make it personal. It may require some recon.

    Once you know the stain, you can beat the stain. You can do this by utilizing proper procedures and products to wipe it (well, actually, it’s all about the blot, but we’ll get to that) from existence.

    There are a variety of mass-produced products on the market. They offer tons of different ways to go about erasing stains and smears.

    Some are potent and quite chemically-based. Others have tapped into natural and non-toxic options to help users breathe a little easier … literally.

    Another option allows for tapping into mad scientist skills by orchestrating some chemical concoctions that can be created right in your own kitchen … err, experimental lab. By combining ingredients that are usually already household staples, you can customize a ruthless stain zapping blend to target the specific stain at hand.

    What Types Of Stains Typically Need Cleaning?

    A stain isn’t just a stain. Stains come in a literal rainbow of colors and chemical makeups. The method and solution used to clean a red wine “whoopsie” may be different than the cleaner used to combat a digestive disaster deposited by the dog.

    In the realm of carpet stain removal, there are three main categories of stains. They are wildly different in their molecular makeup.

    Water-based stains tend to be food- and beverage-based. These stains can usually be combated by water-soluble cleaners. Oxidized and carbonized cleaners tend to help break down these stains and release them from flooring fibers.

    Organic-based stains are where things take a turn for the slightly disgusting. Blood, urine, vomit, and other human or animal fluids fall into this category.

    One of the best ways to combat a stain of organic origin is by introducing a fleet of bacteria (these are the good guys) to the equation. These cleaners are often referred to as enzymatic or enzyme-based.

    They actually consume the microscopic proteins that make up the stain. That creates a chemical reaction in the process that eliminates all of the evidence.

    Spots and splatters that are oil-based can be tedious to treat. Synthetic carpet fibers tend to contain petroleum. In this scenario, the grease grabs onto its long lost cousin for dear life once re-introduced.

    Some water-soluble blends can occasionally split them up. Otherwise, homemade or DIY blends, usually consisting partially of grease-fighting dish soap, can really bust up the party.

    Are Non-Toxic Blends Important?

    While standard chemical reactions tend to pack a powerful punch when it comes to removing carpet stains, some of the non-toxic, nature-based products on the market are proven to be legitimate players in the game, too.

    Stain-blasting users don’t have to sacrifice cleaning power when it comes to most spot elimination situations. Most enzymatic cleaners are predominately non-toxic and leave behind a light, clean scent.

    There are some decent chemical-based solutions on the market that are also safe to use on floors in areas where pets and children tread (hence the stain situation).

    Create Your Own Cleaning Solution – Homemade And DIY Cleaners

    Some of the most effective carpet stain removers can be made from ingredients that are probably already under the kitchen sink.

    By mixing your own creations (well, specific, recipe-based blends; don’t get too creative!), you can customize cleaning power to match the stain at hand. There are some pretty quick and effective methods to mitigate splats and spots.

    As noted before, when it comes to mixing, don’t mess around. Though all of the household products seem friendly enough alone, there are some caustic mixes that can be made.

    Beer tends to be a go-to buddy when attempting to eradicate a food-based stain. The carbonation and fermentation of a bubbly brew provide a couple of key reactions that can also be found in commercially marketed cleaning products.

    Make sure to go through a thorough rinse regimen after stain removal is complete, unless you like that yeasty, brewery smell. We don’t judge.

    Vinegar is a power player in the homemade cleaner game. There are a variety of recipes out there on the world wide web that are formulated to target a wide range of stainy situations. Some strategically combine borax, cornstarch, or even laundry detergent to get to the source of the problem.

    A certain flooring product reviewer who is no stranger to carpet stains is a big fan of the two parts hydrogen peroxide/one part blue dish soap/two parts water blend that has never failed to effortlessly erase a stain that they have encountered.

    Occasionally, a bit of baking soda can be added for certain situations that call for a bit of abrasion. This concoction has been known to discolor certain fabrics, so be sure to do a color-safe test before letting it loose.

    Salt is a powerful stain fighter in lots of liquid applications. Ketchup stains are no match for the super absorbency of salt.

    The key is to catch the splat right away, remove what can be removed, and then sprinkle salt over the entire stain. Leave the salt to do its moisture sucking work and when mostly dry, vacuum the whole mess up.

    Red wine sloshes can be some of the worst to combat. When faced with this grapey challenge, pop the cork on a bottle of this burgundy blend’s white wine counterpart and blot onto the stain. Sprinkle a little salt, give it another blot or five, and all of the wine should be removed.

    Shaving cream is a solid contender when it comes to fighting nasty grease and oil stains. The foamy fix tends to dramatically assist in reducing or eliminating one of these challenging stains.

    Back to Top

    How We Ranked The Best Carpet Stain Removers

    Due to the nearly endless list of stains and spots that can pop up on our precious, plush surfaces, there is an equally long list of cleaners and solutions designed to remove them. When diving into this wonderful world of stain eradicators, certain variables rose to the top of the list.

    Some removal solutions seem to be able to effectively conquer a broad spectrum of stains, while others are best used on the types of stains for which they are designed to remove.

    While compiling the list of the best carpet stain removers, we find ourselves in a rare situation in which there could be multiple first-place picks as most of these powerful stain eliminators could all be useful in different applications. It really wouldn’t hurt to have each of them on hand for specific stain removal jobs.

    Active Ingredients/Method

    Can pressurization, power spraying nozzles, and carbonation definitely add some serious assistance in physically disrupting stains at their core.

    Key chemicals, whether synthetic or plant-based, can really zone in and personalize the attack on certain stains.

    Surfactants, or surface-active agents, create tension among stain molecules, enveloping them in a watery embrace while also ripping them apart. It sounds brutal, but when in the trenches of deep down dirt and disgusting debris, the stains have really left us with no choice.

    Enzyme-based cleaners have the “long game” approach. With these cleaners, it can take hours or days to fully achieve the removal of a stain. Bacteria move in on the stain molecules and consume stains from the building blocks of their existence.

    This process sets a couple of natural chemical reactions in motion that assist the bacteria in their duties. Patience is key sometimes, especially with tough stains.

    But given time, and when applied appropriately, these bacteria buddies will eat the stain and, at the same time, the organic-based materials that cause odors.

    Oxidized cleaners, without getting too scientific, basically create a chemical reaction with stain molecules that renders them colorless. This is why some stains treated with this type of cleaner may be invisible in broad daylight but reappear when a UV light is shined on them. These cleaners are most successful on water-based stains, though some seem to be able to conquer grease- or fat-based stains at times.

    Types Of Stains

    Certain stains really require a targeted attack. One of the toughest carpet stain situations to conquer is kitty piddle. Oh, how we love our felonious felines, full of spunk, spice, and sadly, sometimes an occasional spray.

    For ages, cat urine has had the power to induce gagging, watery eyes, and even divides among households. Finally, there seems to be a way for cat fanciers to remove this caustic cat deposit from the carpet completely.

    Enzyme-based cleaners live for this very situation and, when the stain is treated correctly, it can completely erase any evidence of this horrific violation.

    It’s difficult to rank a product solely on its ability to assist in a specific type of stain removal, but if a cleaner has the power to pound out a tough odor-eliminating task like cat urine, it moves up the list and can be expected to be able to handle other nasty messes, too.

    Old stains are another difficult undertaking, and a product’s ability to really dig in and drum up stains that have taken up long-term residency in cushy carpets moves its way up within the rankings.

    Consumer Reviews

    User feedback is one of the best ways to get a grasp on the stain blasting power of the various cleaners on the market. While there will always be both satisfied and dissatisfied consumers no matter what the product, there are some specific details that were sought out to zone in on the products that seem to be the best overall buys within the market.

    Ease of use, effectiveness on different stains, and a product’s lasting power were main variables singled out when scanning through the ocean of product reviews and reports.

    Price

    Price is always a big factor when ranking a product. Within the carpet stain remover category, it seems best to compare a product’s price per ounce, as these solutions come in various bottle sizes and quantities.

    Some products seem to be worth a few extra pennies per ounce due to multi-purpose cleaning capabilities and time-tested quality.

    A couple of cleaners on the list are designed to be diluted and can offer a customized approach when it comes to cleaning power. These concentrated cleaners can stretch the product much further, though it’s difficult to assess the cost per ounce for these cleaners, as an ounce may last much longer than with standard cleaner.

    Back to Top

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What Kind Of Tools Or Tactics Work Best When Removing Stains From Carpet?

    Harnessing a floor splatter can be a tedious task. It’s all about the blot when it comes to proper stain removal tactics.

    Getting rid of any solids is the first rule of proper stain erasing. Once you’ve reduced the situation to what can’t be picked up by hand, it’s time for a soft, cotton cloth, paper towel, or the surprisingly effective disposable diaper. Then it’s time to get your blot on until the majority of the liquid has come up.

    Always start from the outward direction of the stain, working in toward the epicenter of the stain. Moisture can spread below the surface, so while you can’t see it, chances are that the stain radius is a bit broader than it appears.

    After as much moisture as possible has been blotted, it’s time to call in the muscle. Apply cleaner according to directions, and if desired, lightly scrub with a stiff-bristled brush. It’s important to note that scrubbing can actually make stains worse, so be sure to reserve this technique for serious situations.


    What Is The Difference Between Carpet Stain Removal Solutions?

    Most products within the carpet stain removal industry involve one of a few stain-fighting methods. Enzyme, oxidized, and surfactant solutions tend to be most common. Each has their strengths, though some are capable of reaching past their forte to clean a variety of stains and surfaces.

    As previously outlined, enzyme cleaners are going to be best for combating bodily fluids and organic matter. Oxidized cleaners and surfactant solutions will do well with food and other water-based stains, and they can sometimes be effective on oils and fat-based spots.

    Foam is a fine delivery system when it comes to spreading the stain removing magic. Moisture is always an enemy to the super absorbent nature of a carpet. Even if the moisture is derived from a cleaner, less is always best. A foamy cloud of stain fighter is an effective way to apply a serious spot-busting solution while keeping moisture levels manageable.

    Powder-based cleaners are a unique and useful way to combat stains, both new and old. These slightly dampened powdery granules absorb stains, along with any moisture and odor associated with them. Before use, it’s important to blot as much liquid from the stain as possible to avoid a pasty, powdery mess.


    What Is Important To Consider When Faced With A Carpet Stain?

    As previously noted, avoid introducing any more liquid to the stain than is necessary. This will undoubtedly help spread stain molecules far and wide and make it difficult to fully nab all of the remnants.

    Time is of the essence with stain removal. The less time that passes, the easier it will be to completely eliminate the spot.

    It’s important to know your stain before treating it, as some cleaning methods and solutions can actually set a stain, making it far more difficult to remove.

    And, as rewarding and productive as it may seem, scrubbing a stain is one of the quickest ways to really grind it into the fibers of the floor. Nix the scrubber unless almost all moisture has been removed, and stick with blotting.


    Are Certain Blends Of Cleaner Better For Certain Types Of Stains?

    Yes. Most pet stains, specifically cat urine, require an enzyme-based cleaner to fully remove all odor-producing remnants of the stain. Uric acid, the source of the pungent smell associated with kitty sprinkles, can actually be permanently set when traditional cleaning solutions are applied.

    Oil- and fat-based stains are also a bit difficult to combat and can stake permanent claim if not properly dealt with. Grease-fighting, DIY dish soap cleaning solutions can work wonders on these grimy spots, and other cleaners have also been known to make quite a dent in removing these drips.


    What is the best carpet stain remover?

    The Folex Carpet Stain Remover is our favorite product for getting rid of carpet stains. This solution is meant for various types of stains including oil, ink, cosmetics, dirt, pets, red wine, coffee, grease, and much more. We love that it’s a diverse product that can tackle every accident on your carpets.
     
    The Folex cleaner is odor-free, so your entire house won’t have an unpleasant chemical smell while you clean. Our team loved that it’s petroleum-free, water-based, and that it’s safe around pets and kids.


    What is the best carpet stain remover for old stains?

    Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner is one of the top-rated products that will remove even the most stubborn stains. If you need to get stains out that have been in your carpets for a long time, no matter if synthetic or natural, you should opt for this cleaner. It’s simple to use; just cover the stain with it, brush it, and wait for half an hour before vacuuming up the powder.
     
    The cleaner can be used on dry and wet carpets. The powder is useful for households with pets and kids that frequently struggle with pet stains and unpleasant odors.


    What is the best car carpet stain remover?

    The Lifter-1 Carpet Stain & Spot Remover is the perfect choice for your car carpets. This cleaner is effective in treating various stains, including oil, food, ink, salt, wine, blood, pet stains, etc. You can use it on water- and oil-based stains.
     
    The reason we recommend this product for car carpets is because it acts fast and it’s easy to use. We love how great it is with old, unknown stains and spots, so you’ll be able to tackle those stains even when you don’t remember how they happened.


    How to remove stains from carpet?

    The safest way to treat carpet stains is with a carpet stain remover. These products come in many forms and sizes, so you can pick one that is suitable for the stain you’ll be treating. 

    The first thing you need to do is tackle the stain right away and blot it with a clean paper towel or cloth. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to apply the solution, and wait for the stain remover to do its magic. When the time is up, you usually have to remove the solution, clean the spot with water, and repeat the process if the stain persists.

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    Final Thoughts

    Keeping your carpets looking and smelling good isn’t rocket science, but it is a science. The best way to get up a stain depends on the type of stain. Are you looking at an oil or a water-based stain? Chemicals or organic agents? Knowing what you are dealing with is the first challenge, then it is a simple matter of identifying the best possible cleaning agent.

    Once you know what you are dealing with, there are thousands of different cleaning products on the market they can do the job, but how many can actually deliver is another question.

    Check out our list of the six best carpet stain cleaners on the market and you are sure to find one that is right for your stain.

    Have you ever had to get tough stains out of carpet? Share your experience with the community in the comments sections.

    About Maria Hernandez

    Senior Floor Critic, 25 years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning

    Maria Hernandez has 25 years of experience in residential and commercial janitorial and cleaning services. From hardwood to carpet to marble floors, Maria has developed a deep expertise in cleaning and maintaining many different flooring types. Visit Website.

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    4 thoughts on “6 Best Carpet Stain Removers – 2022 Buying Guide”

    1. MLC January 10, 2020
      I just wanted to write and give a comment on how wonderful Folex professional carpet spot remover is. After spilling black coffee all over my ivory and grey rug, I grabbed the wrong product that I have in my closet. I will not say the name, but it was one that has to be sprinkled on the areas and scrubbed in with a brush, dried and vacuumed. All that being said, I did it and it did NO GOOD. I should have known better but thinking that this was the large area I decided to try it first. BIG MISTAKE. It took me less than 10 minutes to use the Folex product and everything is good now…. coffee stain is gone!!! I’ve kept this product in my cabinet for years because I do have cats and sometimes there are accidents that needed to be attended to and this always seems to work. I don’t know if I’ve ever tried it on coffee or not but it SAFELY WORKED on a rug that has two colors, and did not do any damage.

      THANK YOU FOLEX!!!!!

      1. I love that they sent detailed instructions, which I think even if the product doesn’t work, the preparatory process that they suggest you follow helps tremendously, regardless.

    2. Bought one canister of ChemDry Carpet stain remover. It worked like magic and got rid of the pet stains immediately. No lingering odor or stain. When we accumulated more stains, we bought 2 more canisters of ChemDry spot remover, once again, it worked immediately, stain was gone. But within 2-3 weeks, the areas where the spray was used, brown spots began to appear. We let the stains go for about 6 weeks and noticed that the new stains left by the residue of the first usage of Chem Dry got darker. (The carpet is a light sand color). The ChemDry spray seemed to leave the area prone to attracting and accumulating dirt. We had to keep using it over the same spots every week or so. We bought more cans thinking maybe the recent ones were out dated or a “bad batch.” Will not buy it any more. The company must have changed the formula. The places where the first can was used, stayed clean and new stains didn’t appear. We finally had to have the entire carpet cleaned again only 8 months after the last full steam clean.

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