You might be surprised to learn that the average carpet contains about 200,000 bacteria per square inch – that’s 4,000 times more than a toilet seat! When it comes to cleaning your carpets, using the right shampoo can make all the difference. But with so many options available, how do you weigh your options? From natural and non-toxic formulas to concentrated cleaners, there are many factors to evaluate. Let’s take a closer look at the top carpet shampoos on the market, and explore what sets them apart from the rest.
Contents
- Carpet Miracle Carpet Cleaner Solution
- Bissell Deep Clean Pro 4X Carpet Shampoo
- OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner, 64 oz
- Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate Cleaner
- Natures Miracle Carpet Shampoo
- Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo Concentrate-64, Orange, 64 Fl Oz
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Carpet Shampoos
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Carpet Miracle Carpet Cleaner Solution
If you’re looking for a carpet shampoo that can tackle tough stains and leave a pleasant scent, the Carpet Miracle Carpet Cleaner Solution is an excellent choice, thanks to its heavy-duty formula and multi-surface odor neutralizer.
You’ll appreciate that it’s compatible with all carpet cleaning machines, including popular brands like Bissell and Hoover.
This concentrated formula is natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable, making it a great option for households with pets or allergies.
You’ll also love that it leaves a pleasant Spring Mint Scent and doesn’t leave any residue behind.
With a 4.4-star rating from over 13,000 customers, you can trust that this product delivers on its promises.
Give your carpets and upholstery the TLC they deserve with the Carpet Miracle Carpet Cleaner Solution.
Best For: Pet owners, households with allergies, and those seeking a natural and non-toxic carpet cleaner that is compatible with popular carpet cleaning machines.
Pros:
- Effective at removing tough stains and odors
- Natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable formula
- Leaves a pleasant Spring Mint Scent and doesn’t leave any residue behind
Cons:
- Some reviewers mention issues with the product’s performance on certain types of stains or carpets
- Higher price point compared to other carpet cleaners
- Some users may not find it effective on all types of stains or carpets
Bissell Deep Clean Pro 4X Carpet Shampoo
With its concentrated formula and 4X more active ingredients than most other formulas, the Bissell Deep Clean Pro 4X Carpet Shampoo is the best choice for homeowners who want a professional-grade clean that removes tough stains and odors while being safe for their kids and pets.
You’ll appreciate that it’s biodegradable and free of heavy metals, phosphates, and dyes, making it a safer choice for your family.
This formula is designed for use with upright carpet cleaners and is effective on carpet, area rugs, and upholstery.
You’ll be impressed by its ability to remove tough stains and odors, and its Scotchgard stain protection will help keep your carpets looking new for longer.
Best For: Homeowners who want a professional-grade clean that removes tough stains and odors while being safe for their kids and pets.
Pros:
- Removes tough stains and odors, including grape jelly and pet accidents
- Safe for kids and pets when used as directed, and environmentally responsible
- Provides long-lasting and cost-effective cleaning with its concentrated formula
Cons:
- None mentioned in the product description and customer reviews
- None mentioned in the product description and customer reviews
- None mentioned in the product description and customer reviews
OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner, 64 oz
For households with kids or pets, the OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner, 64 oz, is the best choice, as it effectively removes spills and accidents from carpet, leaving a fresh and clean scent.
You’ll love how it uses the power of oxygen to deep clean your carpet, lifting away dirt and stains with ease.
This product is perfect for entertaining, as it leaves your carpet looking like new and smelling fresh.
With over 10 positive reviews, users rave about its effectiveness and pleasant scent.
You can also use it for cleaning upholstery, furniture, and even car carpets.
While it outperforms other cleaning products, it may not remove extreme stains like red food dye.
Overall, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and effective carpet cleaner.
Best For: Households with kids or pets who need a reliable and effective carpet cleaner.
Pros:
- Effectively removes spills and accidents from carpet, leaving a fresh and clean scent
- Uses the power of oxygen to deep clean carpet, lifting away dirt and stains with ease
- Can be used for cleaning upholstery, furniture, and even car carpets
Cons:
- May not remove extreme stains like red food dye
- No other cons mentioned in the product description and reviews
- No other cons mentioned in the product description and reviews
Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate Cleaner
You’ll get the most out of the Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate Cleaner if you’re looking for a cost-effective, professional-grade cleaning solution that can tackle tough dirt and stains.
This concentrated formula makes 25 gallons, making it an economical choice for frequent cleaning.
You’ll appreciate the fresh, clean scent it leaves behind, and it works seamlessly with extractor or steam carpet-cleaning machines.
Most users rave about its effectiveness, affordability, and minimal foaming.
Some, however, report it doesn’t remove dirt and stains well or has an unpleasant scent.
Be sure to dilute the solution according to your machine’s recommendations for ideal results.
Best For: Those who need a cost-effective, professional-grade carpet cleaning solution for frequent cleaning.
Pros:
- Effective and affordable carpet cleaning solution
- Leaves a fresh, clean scent after use
- Works well with extractor or steam carpet-cleaning machines
Cons:
- May not remove dirt and stains well
- Requires multiple passes to clean carpet
- Some users report an unpleasant scent
Natures Miracle Carpet Shampoo
If you’re a pet owner struggling to remove stubborn stains and odors from your carpet, Nature’s Miracle Carpet Shampoo is the best choice, thanks to its bio-enzymatic odor-locking technology that penetrates deep into carpet fibers to eliminate even the toughest messes.
This low-foaming formula is designed for use with any water-based carpet cleaning machine or steam cleaner, and it’s color-bright formula with rug conditioners and brighteners will leave your carpet looking like new.
With over 21,000 customer reviews and a 4.5-star rating, you can trust that this product will get the job done.
Simply vacuum the area thoroughly before use, follow machine instructions, and you’ll be on your way to a stain- and odor-free carpet.
Best For: Pet owners who struggle to remove stubborn stains and odors from their carpets.
Pros:
- Effectively removes pet stains and odors from carpets
- Bio-enzymatic odor-locking technology penetrates deep into carpet fibers
- Color-bright formula with rug conditioners and brighteners leaves carpet looking new
Cons:
- Some customers mention a sticky residue or smell after use
- May require multiple applications for tough stains and odors
- Can cause eye irritation and is harmful if swallowed
Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo Concentrate-64, Orange, 64 Fl Oz
Those with allergies or sensitivities will appreciate Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo Concentrate-64, which is free of harsh chemicals and has an EWG rating of A, making it a safe choice for their homes.
You’ll love that it’s gentle on your carpets and the environment, while still being effective at removing stains and odors.
This concentrate can be used at full strength or diluted, and it works well with Hoover cleaners.
The citrus scent is pleasant but fades quickly, leaving your carpets smelling fresh and clean.
With over 399 customer reviews and a 4.3-star rating, you can trust that this product will get the job done.
Just remember to follow the simple directions: vacuum, wet your carpet, apply the solution, let it sit, and then rinse and dry.
Best For: Those with allergies or sensitivities who want a gentle and effective carpet shampoo that is free of harsh chemicals.
Pros:
- Effective at removing stains and odors, leaving carpets looking and feeling great
- Gentle on carpets and the environment, with no harsh chemicals and an EWG rating of A
- Can be used at full strength or diluted, and works well with Hoover cleaners
Cons:
- Some users experienced leaking product on arrival
- Foaming issues were reported by some users
- Requires following specific directions for use to achieve best results
Factors to Consider When Choosing Carpet Shampoos
When you’re in the market for a carpet shampoo, you’ll want to ponder several key factors to guarantee you choose the right one for your needs.
You’ll need to think about the type of carpet you have, the types of stains you’re dealing with, and any allergies or sensitivities you or your family members may have.
Carpet Type Considerations
You’ll need to keep in consideration the type of carpet you have when selecting a carpet shampoo, as different fibers and constructions require tailored cleaning approaches.
Delicate or antique carpets require a mild, gentle cleaning product to prevent damage or discoloration. On the other hand, heavily soiled or high-traffic carpets may benefit from a more heavy-duty cleaner.
Berber or looped carpets need specialized cleaning products that won’t damage the loops, while cut pile carpets can be cleaned with a standard carpet shampoo.
If you have wool or silk carpets, you’ll need a cleaning product specifically formulated for these delicate fibers, as regular cleaners can cause shrinkage or discoloration.
Additionally, consider carpets with stain-resistant treatments, like Scotchgard, which require cleaners designed to work with these treatments without compromising their stain resistance.
High-pile or plush carpets need a cleaning product that can penetrate deep into the fibers to remove embedded dirt and debris, while low-pile carpets benefit from a lighter, more gentle cleaner.
Stain Removal Ability
As you shop for a carpet shampoo, consider the types of stains you need to remove, since different formulas are designed to tackle specific types of stains, from protein-based stains like pet accidents and blood to tough stains like red wine, ink, or grease.
When choosing a carpet shampoo, look for products that specifically claim to remove the types of stains you’re dealing with. For instance, if you have pets, you may want a shampoo that contains enzymes to break down protein-based stains. If you’ve spilled red wine or ink on your carpet, look for a product that’s specifically designed to tackle these types of tough stains.
The concentration of the shampoo also matters, as more concentrated formulas tend to provide better results. Additionally, the pH level of the shampoo can impact its effectiveness, with some products being more effective at removing acidic or alkaline-based stains.
Safety and Allergens
Choosing a carpet shampoo that’s safe for your family and the environment involves considering several key factors, including certifications, ingredients, and allergen-friendliness.
When shopping for a carpet shampoo, look for certifications like Safer Choice or Leaping Bunny, which guarantee the product meets certain safety standards and is free from harsh chemicals that can trigger allergies or irritate skin.
Opt for carpet shampoos that are labeled as non-toxic, biodegradable, and free of phosphates, dyes, and heavy metals to minimize the risk of exposing people and pets to harmful substances.
If you or a family member suffers from allergies or sensitivities, consider a carpet shampoo with an EWG rating of A, indicating that it meets the highest standards for safety and environmental responsibility.
Always read the product label and instructions carefully to confirm you’re using the carpet shampoo correctly and safely, and take necessary precautions to avoid skin and eye irritation.
Odor Removal Power
When selecting a carpet shampoo, consider the type of odors you need to remove, as different products excel at eliminating specific smells, from pet accidents to smoke odors. You’ll want a product that can tackle the unique odor challenges in your home.
Some carpet shampoos, like Carpet Miracle, are effective against a range of odors, including pet accidents, food and drink spills, and smoke odors. Others, like OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner, are better suited for tackling tough stains and dirt.
The duration of the odor removal is also essential. Do you need a product that provides long-lasting freshness, like the Spring Mint Scent of Carpet Miracle, or are you okay with reapplying the product more frequently?
The method of odor removal is also important. Some products use enzymes to break down odor-causing molecules, while others use fragrances to mask the smell.
Finally, consider the strength of the odor removal. If you need to remove strong odors, a product like Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate might be your best bet.
Environmental Impact
You’ll also want to weigh the environmental impact of your carpet shampoo, as the harsh chemicals in many conventional products can harm aquatic life and pollute waterways.
Opting for eco-friendly carpet shampoos with natural and biodegradable ingredients can notably reduce the environmental footprint of your carpet cleaning.
Look for products certified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice program, which verifies the products meet stringent human health and environmental safety standards.
Be cautious of products claiming to be ‘non-toxic’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ without third-party certifications or transparent ingredient disclosure, as these claims can be misleading.
By choosing carpet shampoos with minimal packaging, concentrated formulas, and refill options, you can reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of your cleaning routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Carpet Shampoo on Hardwood or Tile Floors?
You shouldn’t use carpet shampoo on hardwood or tile floors, as it can leave a residue or damage the finish. Instead, you’ll want to opt for a gentle, floor-specific cleaner to keep your floors looking their best.
How Often Should I Shampoo My Carpet to Maintain Cleanliness?
As you envision your carpet as a pristine white canvas, you wonder how often to shampoo it. Typically, you should shampoo your carpet every 6-12 months, depending on foot traffic and personal preference for cleanliness.
Are Carpet Shampoos Safe for Use Around Pets and Children?
When you’re cleaning with pets and kids around, you’re right to wonder if it’s safe. Rest assured, most carpet shampoos are non-toxic and pet-friendly, but always check the label for certifications like EPA Safer Choice or pet-safe claims.
Can I Make My Own Carpet Shampoo at Home Instead of Buying One?
“Ha! You think you’re a DIY master, don’t you? Newsflash: making your own carpet shampoo at home can be a messy, ineffective disaster. But hey, if you’re up for the challenge, mix 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup warm water, and 1 tablespoon mild dish soap. Good luck!”
Do Carpet Shampoos Work on Removing Old, Set-In Stains?
You’re wondering if carpet shampoos can tackle old, set-in stains. The truth is, they can, but it depends on the type and age of the stain, as well as the shampoo’s strength and your cleaning technique.
Conclusion
You’ve got the best carpet shampoos lined up, but remember, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ – regular cleaning can prevent tough stains from forming in the first place!
With these top picks, you’re equipped to tackle any mess that comes your way.
From natural and non-toxic to heavy-duty and biodegradable, you’ve got options to suit your carpet type and cleaning needs.
Now, get cleaning and keep your carpets looking their best!
