Our Top Carpet Stain Remover Picks After Extensive Testing

Top Pick

Among all the carpet stain removers we tested, this one not only delivered the best results but also required the least effort for stain removal. Simply clean the residue left behind by the stain, spray it on, wait, and blot—and the stain is gone. We slightly deviated from the instructions by adding light scrubbing, but overall, the brand’s guidelines were accurate and proved effective.

This stain remover excelled at tackling every stain we tested, from red wine and barbecue sauce to wolf urine and mud. Of all the stains, it proved most effective on dried red wine, one of the toughest stains to remove.

The time it took to eliminate a stain depended on both the surface and the type of stain—fresh stains took about 18 minutes to vanish, while older stains took around 21 minutes. Our only downside with this product was the wait time, but the impressive results confirmed that patience does indeed pay off.

Size: 24 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet and area rugs only

Top Eco-Friendly Choice

For those who prioritize eco-friendly cleaning, Biokleen offers a green solution. The Bac-Out Stain + Odor remover is free from harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and ammonia. Instead, it relies on enzymes and biodegradable ingredients, and it leaves no scent. Additionally, Biokleen does not engage in animal testing, and its packaging is recyclable.

When it comes to stain removal, the results were inconsistent. We successfully removed fresh and set-in wine and urine stains with a single application, but it took two tries to see any effect on mud and barbecue sauce stains. Unfortunately, these stains remained after multiple attempts.

Despite this, we appreciated that it significantly reduced stains, especially considering its affordable price. Moreover, the versatility of this stain remover allows it to clean a variety of surfaces, including clothing and kitchen trash cans.

Size: 32 ounces | Suitable Surfaces: Carpets, furniture, fabrics, and more

Ideal for Pet Stains

For high-traffic areas in the home, it's essential to have a stain remover capable of handling all sorts of messes—especially those caused by pets. Through testing, we found the Rocco & Roxie Oxy Stain Remover to be one of the best options for tackling these challenges.

We successfully removed wine, urine, and dirt stains, including set-in marks, and most of the fresh stains with just two applications. However, the fresh barbecue and mud stains on our rug proved difficult to completely eliminate.

Not only did this product perform well during our tests, but it also earned the coveted Seal of Approval from The Carpet and Rug Institute. Additionally, it’s pet-safe, has a pleasant scent, and even though it’s on the pricier side, the value is well worth its performance.

Size: 32 ounces |

Top Enzyme Choice

Enzymes, natural proteins that break down stains, are the key ingredient in effective carpet stain removers. If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, consider the Kids ‘n Pets All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover. While it successfully tackled all of our stains, it required extra time and effort compared to other products. For most stains, it took two applications to completely remove them.

Overall, it took 23 minutes to remove fresh stains and over two hours for set-in stains. Upholstery was the quickest to clean, taking just over 17 minutes. While the long wait times might discourage some users, we still recommend the product for its excellent results.

Size: 27.05 ounces | Suitable Surfaces: Carpet, furniture, mattresses, clothing, bedding, and any other water-safe surfaces

Top Choice for Odor Removal

Not all stain removers are equipped to tackle both the stain and the odor it leaves behind. If odor is a recurring issue with stains in your home, Nature's Miracle Advanced Stain & Odor Eliminator Foam is the ideal choice. It effectively removed odors from all of our stains.

When it comes to fighting stains, results varied. It worked so well on our wine stain that it was almost gone before we even started scrubbing. With the mud stain, we nearly got the set-in stain out completely, leaving just a faint mark. However, it struggled with fresh stains.

This can be frustrating, especially since it took more than 30 minutes to remove both fresh and set-in stains. The product comes in foam form rather than a spray, which we liked, but keep in mind that it can be messier to apply due to the lack of control compared to a spray bottle.

Size: 17.5 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet

Best for Upholstery

When we tested the best upholstery cleaners, this pretreatment proved to be the best spray choice. Wine, soda, and marinara sauce were no match for its effectiveness—these stains disappeared in two minutes or less. Mustard stains, however, remained partially visible, a result we saw with all upholstery cleaners we tried.

This budget-friendly spray features a nozzle that lets you adjust the spray strength. Simply apply the solution to the stain, let it sit for several minutes, and then either scrub it out by hand or use an upholstery cleaner.

The fragrance of this solution is subtle, and it's crafted with biodegradable detergents, free from heavy metals, phosphates, and unnecessary dyes. It even carries the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice label, ensuring it's safe for both people and pets, while being better for the environment.

Best for tackling red wine stains

Red wine stains are notoriously hard to eliminate, making it worthwhile to invest in a specialized product like The Hate Stains Co. Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover.

The results were impressive, especially considering minimal blotting or scrubbing was required. Fresh and set-in wine stains vanished from carpet in just 10 minutes, while upholstery was done in just six.

Though specifically formulated for red wine stains, this remover performed well on other stains too. It easily cleared barbecue sauce and mud stains from upholstery, although it faced some difficulty with carpet stains.

While the product successfully eliminated the urine stain, the odor persisted. To fully remove stains, it's recommended to moisten the area with water, apply the spray, and rinse thoroughly to eliminate any residue.

Size: 4 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet, upholstery, furniture, and clothing

Best for Stubborn Stains

Dealing with a tough set-in stain may seem daunting, but with the right carpet stain remover, you don’t need a carpet cleaner or professional services. Krud Kutter Cleaner/Degreaser excelled on dried stains, outperforming fresh ones.

This product handled our red wine, barbecue sauce, and mud stains impressively well. In fact, it performed the best on barbecue stains among all the carpet stain removers we tried, which is quite remarkable given how difficult it was to remove barbecue stains with other cleaners.

It took just about 11 minutes to eliminate set-in stains and less than 10 minutes to tackle fresh stains, as well as the ones we applied to our upholstery. The one downside was the strong smell, which was notably more potent than other stain removers we tested.

This versatile cleaner is an all-in-one solution. Beyond carpet stains, it can also handle tape and glue marks, scuff marks, and even dried latex paint on various other surfaces.

Size: 32 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpet, washable fabrics, tile, laminate, wood, metal, plastic, concrete, and more

Final Verdict

Our top recommendation is the OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover for its impressive performance in quickly and effectively removing stains without leaving a harsh chemical smell. For those seeking an eco-friendly option, we also suggest the Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover Spray. It’s formulated without harmful chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and ammonia, making it a great multipurpose cleaner for everything from carpets to clothing and trash bins.

Our Testing Process

In our lab, we tested 39 carpet stain removers, judging them on their ease of use, cleaning effectiveness, fragrance, and overall value. The first round of tests involved assessing each remover's ability to tackle fresh stains. We stained our rug with red wine, barbecue sauce, mud, and wolf urine. After waiting a minute, we blotted the excess stain with a dry towel.

Next, we carefully reviewed the instructions provided with each carpet stain remover and recorded the time it took for each product to completely eliminate the stains. If any stains remained after the initial cleaning, we applied the cleaner again and documented the results.

For our set-in stain assessment, we applied the same stains to the carpet and let them sit overnight. We followed the same process used in our fresh stain test to evaluate the effectiveness of the products. To test these cleaners on upholstery, we applied the same stain substances to a pillow cover, waited a minute, and then followed the manufacturer’s instructions for stain removal, all while timing how long each process took.

During our testing, we also paid attention to whether the cleaner caused any discoloration of the materials, if the cleaner emitted any scent, if the label included any toxicity warnings, and whether the product came with additional tools, such as a brush applicator. All of this information contributed to our selection of the best carpet stain removers.

How to Shop for Carpet Stain Removers Like a Pro

Ingredients

Both Berry and Rapinchuk highly recommended carpet stain removers that include enzymes. According to Rapinchuk, "Enzymes break down the stain and lift it from the carpet." Berry also endorsed products with oxygenated bleach, such as OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover, our top choice for Best Overall. She explains, "The oxygen dissolves the bonds between the stain and the carpet fibers, making it easier to remove."

Rapinchuk shared that oxygenated bleach is effective on pet stains, but a stain remover that combines both enzymes and oxygenated bleach is even better. She considers this combination the "gold standard" for dealing with pet stains. Enzymes are especially efficient in eliminating odors from pet stains, which, according to Rapinchuk, discourages pets from returning to the spot and making another mess.

Berry pointed out that avoiding harsh chemicals in carpet cleaning products is nearly impossible. She advises, "You should assume every commercial carpet-cleaning product may contain ingredients you must use with caution, and sparingly." If this concern bothers you, she suggests starting with soap and water or experimenting with other homemade carpet stain removers. There are also natural alternatives available.

Compatible Surfaces

It’s a common misconception that all carpet stain removers are suitable for every type of carpet. In reality, many carpet stain removers you find at the grocery store are formulated for synthetic fibers, not natural materials.

This was confirmed when we reviewed the care instructions for some of our top choices. For instance, the OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover should not be used on leather, wool, or silk carpets. Additionally, Berry advised that carpets made of silk or wool should avoid stain removers altogether and instead be cleaned professionally if a mess occurs.

If you're unsure about the material of your carpet and aren’t ready to risk using a commercial stain remover, consider trying a homemade cleaning solution first. However, Berry noted that natural remedies might require several applications before the stain is fully removed, which can extend the cleaning process.

Rapinchuk also cautioned against using carpet stain removers on vintage or hand-dyed rugs. She explained, "Hand-dyed and vintage rugs are not colorfast or color set, and the yarn is most likely dyed in a different way than we use today." While stain removers may still work, they can be too harsh for older fibers and dyes.

Scent

One of the major drawbacks of almost any cleaning product is the chemical odor it often emits. When we asked experts about how to avoid this issue, they pointed out that products with artificial fragrances tend to have a stronger scent. To avoid overpowering odors from carpet stain removers, it's best to choose products that use more natural ingredients, such as enzymes.

More Carpet Stain Removers to Consider

Natures Miracle Stain and Odor Remover at Amazon: This cleaner does an excellent job on pre-treated stains, quickly eliminating wine, dirt, and urine odors. However, after applying the product, you’ll need to wait 15 minutes before blotting the stain (more time may be necessary for tougher stains), and the baby powder-like fragrance might not be for everyone.

Spot Shot Professional Stain Remover at Amazon: This stain remover performs well with fresh stains—wine disappears almost instantly—making it ideal for quick treatment. Unfortunately, it didn't work as effectively on older stains or stubborn ones like barbecue and dirt.

Questions You Might Ask

What’s the Best Method for Removing Stains From Carpeting?

The best method depends on the stain. For fresh stains, the first step is to remove as much of the mess as possible—blot liquids and scrape solids. One common mistake, according to Berry, is scrubbing fresh liquid stains, which actually spreads the stain and makes it harder to clean up.

Once you've gently blotted the area, Berry suggests sprinkling some baking soda to absorb any remaining moisture. She points out that baking soda is a safe option because it won’t react negatively with other cleaning agents. After allowing the baking soda to soak up the liquid, scrape it off and then apply your carpet stain remover, following its instructions to the letter.

For stubborn, set-in stains, simply apply your carpet stain remover and let it sit for the suggested amount of time, as advised by Rapinchuk. Once the time is up, she recommends rinsing with cold water, continuing to blot, and repeating this process until the stain disappears.

Rapinchuk also highlights a common mistake: failing to rinse the stain thoroughly. She warns that any residue left behind can attract dirt as the carpet dries.

Berry suggests rinsing immediately for fresh stains and reminds us that multiple treatments are often necessary for set-in stains. She emphasizes that a specialized carpet stain remover targeting a particular stain type is generally more effective than a general-purpose product.

Is It Safe to Use Carpet Stain Remover on a Rug?

Not necessarily. Carpets and rugs are different and may need distinct care. Carpet stain removers are typically formulated for synthetic fibers, not natural materials. If your rug is confirmed to be made entirely from synthetic fibers, using a carpet stain remover might be safer.

For peace of mind, check the instructions on the product label or included manual. Our tests revealed that some carpet stain removers specifically excluded rugs from the surfaces that could be treated with the product.

What Does a Colorfast Test Mean?

This step is likely to appear in the instructions for your product. It's a crucial one, as it helps determine whether the carpet stain remover might cause irreversible damage to the color of your rug. “Some products include ingredients that can bleach or lighten a carpet, so it’s essential to perform a spot test with any new product,” advises Berry.

Rapinchuk explained exactly what a colorfast test involves: “A colorfast test is performed by dampening a clean, white cloth and gently rubbing it over the carpet fibers. If any color appears on the cloth, the rug is not colorfast and cannot be cleaned using regular methods. In that case, you should consult a professional.”

For a patch test, Berry recommends applying a small amount of stain remover to a discreet area, such as behind a door or in a closet. After waiting several hours, if the color remains unchanged, it’s safe to use the stain remover on your carpet.

Trust Our Experience

This article was written by Rachel Center, a home product reviewer for Mytour. We researched and tested 39 of the most popular carpet stain removers in our lab, assessing their scent, effectiveness, value, and ease of use. We also consulted two experts: Katie Berry, owner of Housewife How-Tos, and Becky Rapinchuk, owner of Clean Mama.