The best carpet stain removers for 2025, according to cleaning experts

Size: 36 oz. | Formula: Spray | Surfaces: Carpet and fabric | Scent: Unscented

Topping our list is this handy carpet stain remover from Folex, which was recommended by several experts for its ability to tackle a wide range of substances.

"It’s simple, it’s fast, and it works like a charm on everyday spills," explains Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and owner of MaidPro franchises in Temecula and Murrieta, Calif., who says the formula "crushes" stains, from coffee and makeup to ink and rust. "No strong fumes, no rinsing and no stress."

"It quickly removes stubborn spots and stains from carpet and upholstery, without the need for rinsing or vacuuming," adds The Home Depot's senior cleaning merchant Kristen Little, who helps decide which products the store will stock. Just check that your carpet is colorfast before using this spray, she says — and if you're unsure, test it in a small, out-of-sight spot first.

The solution works on regular grime, pet accidents and even marks left from rust, wine, oil, grease and ink. Reviewers go so far as to call its cleaning powers "magic."

"Removed the grease my son tracked onto the carpet from his work shoes (he’s a cook, so grease, food particles … gross)," shared one five-star fan. "Also used it to clean a vintage couch I just purchased that was in very rough shape. Will always keep this on hand from now on."

Size: 1 gal. | Formula: Liquid concentrate | Surfaces: Carpet and upholstery | Scent: Fresh Spring

This quick-drying cleaner is a triple threat: It cleans, deodorizes and lifts messes — including dirt and food — from carpet in just one go. You can use it in a carpet cleaning machine or alone with a mop and bucket (just make sure to dilute it). "It's great for deep-cleaning carpets and keeping them looking fresh longer," says Little. According to Ecolab, the formula also serves as a protectant to help prevent re-soiling. 

We did the math, and Ecolab has the lowest price per ounce of any carpet stain remover on this list. And that's not taking into account that you need only 4 ounces of solution per gallon of water, making it even more cost-effective. 

The brand also makes a budget-friendly (and expert-approved) cleaner for hardwood floors.

Size: 25 oz. | Formula: Spray | Surfaces: Carpet, fabric, hardwood and more | Scent: Cucumber and mint

Anyone with a dog or cat knows that pet stains are a whole other beast. But they're manageable with the help of this Puracy cleaner, says Duarte.

"The five-enzyme blend gobbles up stains and odors from pet accidents like urine, feces and vomit," she explains. "In my household, it's not just for pets — it's also effective on stains from humans like blood, urine and sweat because they share similar organic components."

Another reason Duarte likes this "awesome" carpet stain remover: "Unlike many enzyme-based cleaners that require rinsing (which can be tricky on carpets or mattresses), this one’s a no-rinse solution. Not everyone has a carpet cleaner stashed away for those sudden stain emergencies, so having this handy is a lifesaver." Even the scent is a winner, she adds. "It's so mellow and relaxing — like enjoying a cucumber facial at a spa while sipping a mojito." 

Prefer unscented cleaning products? Chris Murphy, operations training manager at MaidPro, likes Woolite Pet Stain & Odor Remover. "It uses an enzyme-based cleaning formula, which is both highly effective and safe for use on carpets and rugs, including those made from wool and nylon," he says. 

Size: 16 oz. | Formula: Spray | Surfaces: Carpet, fabric and more | Scent: Unscented

If the food you prep for breakfast, lunch or dinner has a tendency to migrate onto the floor, consider keeping this spray by your dining table.

"It’s designed for food stains on clothing but works fast on carpet and upholstery stains too," says Duarte. "I’m talking any mess a messy little (or big) eater might spill — berries, milk, sauces or ice pops."

The unscented spray is a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon, with more than 53,900 five-star ratings from reviewers who say it's worth every penny and lives up to its promises.

For best results, Duarte advises misting the stain with water first, then spraying Miss Mouth's over the wet area and letting it sit for a few minutes. "Dab gently — don't scrub — with a microfiber cloth and repeat if needed. It’s gentle enough for most carpets but always spot-test first," she cautions.

Size: 128 oz. | Formula: Liquid concentrate | Surfaces: Carpet | Scent: Unscented

When it comes to tougher cleaning jobs, Claudia Meneses, founder of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, uses this soap- and odor-free spray as a pre-treatment. "It prepares any carpeted surface for cleaning while providing environmental safeness," she says. You can dilute the concentrate and apply it using a cloth or spray bottle.

"It loosens carpet fibers, which helps isolate the stains, so by the time we clean the carpet, the process is fast and easy. It's a great choice for pet-related accidents, oil stains, food spills, sticky grease marks and dirt."

It's certified by the WoolSafe Organisation, which means you can use it on wool without worrying about the color fading or other damage.

For a less costly pick, Meneses also likes Procyon's Spot & Stain Remover: "The spray leaves carpets and upholstery softer and brighter, and it removes grease, oil and dirt."

Size: 33.8 oz. | Type: Liquid concentrate | Surfaces: Carpet, fabric, wood and more | Scent: Unscented

Don't have the space to store a bunch of cleaning bottles? Dr. Cynthia Barrett, founder and CEO of Wellness Couture, says she uses Branch Basics throughout the house "for basically everything!" (It's also one of our top picks in our guide to the best hardwood floor cleaners.)

In addition to being Made Safe-certified (a designation for products made with ingredients that won't harm humans and the ecosystem), this cleaner is free from fragrances and dyes. "It's safe for my sensitive skin, but still tough on dirt and grime," says Barrett.

Because it's a concentrate, it costs more upfront, but according to the brand, a single bottle, once diluted, can make three bottles each of hand soap, all-purpose/floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner and streak-free cleaner — with enough left over for 64 loads of laundry! Just follow the directions on the back for diluting it to your desired formula.

Size: 3 lbs. | Type: Powder | Surfaces: Carpet, fabric and more | Scent: Signature Oxi scent

For a multi-tasking powder, Duarte looks to this top-rated stain-buster from OxiClean, which has earned more than 12,900 five-star reviews.

"Sometimes, you need readily available muscle, and this is a magical blend of sodium percarbonate (I call it powdered peroxide) and washing soda (which increases pH to enhance cleaning power and break down soils)," she explains.

Duarte especially likes that you can customize the formula's strength based on how much you dilute the powder. She recommends mixing it with warm water, then, after applying it to the stain, blotting with a microfiber cloth, which will help absorb the moisture.

"It’s ideal for big jobs and great for budget-conscious cleaning," she says. "But be sure to follow the mixing recipe on the container and blot well, or it can leave a slight residue."

Size: 48 oz. | Type: Liquid concentrate | Surfaces: Carpet and upholstery | Scent: Unscented

Last but not least is this carpet cleaner from Bissell, which can be used on its own or with an upright machine for a deeper clean. Either way, Rozalyn Early, director of housekeeping at Conrad New York Downtown, considers Bissell Pro Max "a key component of any good cleaning routine."

"This powerful solution not only removes deep-set stains but also provides a protective barrier to help prevent future soiling — essential for our high-traffic areas," she explains.

Early recommends following this two-step process when using a carpet cleaning machine: "First, do a deep-cleaning pass to break down embedded dirt, followed by an extraction pass to lift away residue and moisture. This method ensures a refreshed, spotless finish that enhances both appearance and longevity."

She's not alone in her admiration, as more than 32,000 Amazon customers have given this cleaner a five-star rating: "I paired this with my Bissell cleaner, and holy deep clean — my carpets looked like they got baptized. Pulled up old stains and left everything smelling fresh. Bonus: doesn’t leave a crunchy residue like cheaper formulas," wrote one impressed reviewer.