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The 18 Safest Carpet Cleaners for Pets

Choosing the right carpet cleaner is important – especially if you have a pet. As pets spend much of their time curled up on the carpet, you must be sure that the carpet cleaners you’re using are non-toxic and pet-safe. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of carpet cleaners that are safe for pets. Many of these are also designed to clean pet messes effectively, making them a win-win! 

This guide explores 18 of the safest carpet cleaners for pets. Be sure to read this before you buy more carpet cleaning supplies, as doing so will keep your pet safe and provide you with peace of mind.

Vacuuming Methods

When you vacuum, you typically don’t need to use any carpet cleaning solutions. Vacuuming is done to lift surface-level dust, hair, fur, and any other debris littering your carpet. When you have pets, vacuuming is also helpful to pick up any tick or flea eggs hiding in the carpet’s fabric. 

However, sometimes you may want to sprinkle your carpet with odor eliminating or cleaning powders to make sure you’re giving it a more thorough cleaning. 

If you use heavily chemical cleaning powders, any residue left on the carpets can cause a lot of harm to pets and even children breathing in the chemicals. Instead, use the following non-toxic cleaning compounds. 

1. Clean+Green Pet-Safe Carpet Cleaner

True to its name, the Clean+Green Carpet Cleaner combines water, cane sugar, and a collection of plant extracts to create a non-toxic natural cleaner. 

As well as a range of household stains, the cleaner also lifts odors and is hypo-allergenic, ensuring that it’s perfectly safe to use across your house. This cleaner uses nitrogen, a sustainable gas, as a propellant -which helps the solution penetrate deep into your carpet and eliminate deep-set stains. 

Here’s how to use it: 

  1. Spray the cleaner directly onto the stain you want to tackle. 
  2. As it comes into contact with the carpet, it will transform into powder and pick up all dirt and odor-causing particles. 
  3. Vacuum the area that you have spot treated, and you will lift off all the remnants of the stain. 

2. Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh Carpet Odor Eliminator 

The Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh Carpet Odor Eliminator is a powder that you sprinkle over a carpet and allow to sit so it can lift dirt and odors. 

It promises to help vacuums remove 25% more of dirt than they normally would, and it’s completely pet-friendly. 

The powder also has a light floral scent that masks any odors that linger from your pet’s messes. It also gets positive reviews from a host of customers, which indicates it works on a wide variety of pet-related messes.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Sprinkle one sachet across your carpet and allow the powder to sit for ten minutes. 
  2. Vacuum the area where you sprinkled it thoroughly. 
  3. Go over the same area twice to be sure. 

3. Resolve Pet Carpet Cleaner Powder

The Resolve Pet Carpet Cleaner Powder is a favorite amongst pet owners as it’s easy to use and fast-acting. 

It has been specially formulated to give carpets a deep and thorough cleaning. It also removes odors and stains caused by pets, as well as soil, mud, and grass stains. It’s super gentle and can be used even on delicate and antique rugs. 

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Shake the bottle and then sprinkle the powder evenly across a few feet of your carpet. Don’t spread it across the whole carpet at one go as it’ll dry out. 
  2. Brush the powder through the carpet until you see the carpet begin to become cleaner. The stains may disappear, or it may begin to change color. 
  3. Allow 20 minutes for the carpet to dry
  4. Vacuum up all the powder. 

Spot Cleaners 

Spot cleaners are used on very specific stains. They are super practical as you don’t have to move your furniture or worry about protecting the floors underneath your carpet. And they are particularly helpful in addressing stains caused by pet messes. 

4. TriNova Natural Pet Stain and Odor Remover Eliminator

The TriNova Natural Pet Stain and Odor Remover Eliminator can be used on carpets, upholstery, and curtains. 

It has an organic, all-natural, and enzyme-based formula. The enzymes in the formula make it perfect for treating all organically caused stains, including stains caused by urine, vomit, and blood

The enzymes also ensure that odors caused by the stain are lifted. This will prevent your pet from seeing it as a ‘marked’ spot and urinating on it again and again. 

This cleaner also has an herbal scent, which will leave your carpet smelling fresher and newer. 

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Spray the solution over a stain and let it sit. 
  2. It will immediately go to work on breaking down the stain and lifting odors. 

Note: This cleaner can also be used to freshen up litter boxes. 

5. Bissell Oxy Stain Destroyer Pet Plus 

Bissell is (available on Amazon) is one of the most popular pet-safe cleaning brands on the market. All its cleaners are specially designed to treat heavy-duty messes while remaining safe and non-toxic. 

For spot cleaning, you can stock up on Bissell Oxy Stain Destroyer Pet Plus. It is designed to treat a range of stains caused by dirt, mud, blood, grass, and pet messes. It also effectively lifts odors and has an oxygen-based formula that can lift stains in 30 seconds! 

Here’s how to use it: 

  1. Blot up as much of the stain as you can with a paper towel or clean cloth. 
  2. Spray on the Stain Destroyer, ensuring that you cover at least twice the area of the stain with the solution. This large spray area ensures that you target any spread of the stain in the bottom layers of the carpet.
  3. The stain removal spray will begin to work after 30 seconds but allow it an hour or two to set. 
  4. Blot the stain with a paper towel.
  5. Repeat the process if the stain hasn’t been lifted. 

6. Bissell Stomp ‘N Go Pet Stain Lifting Pads

These Bissell Stomp ‘N Go Pet Stain Lifting Pads are an innovative way to lift stains. They are made with non-toxic materials and leave carpets smelling fresh and clean. 

They work well on both fresh and set-in stains, including stains caused by pet messes, wine, drinks, mud, and grass. The primary advantage of these pads is that they are completely hands-free. 

Here’s how to use them:

  1. Place one pre-moistened pad over the stain and then step on it, applying as much weight to it as possible. 
  2. Leave the pad on the stain for a few hours (if it’s a deep-set stain, then leave it for 24 hours). 
  3. Gently peel off the pad, allow your carpet to dry, and your stain will be gone! 
  4. If the stain isn’t gone, use another spray-on spot cleaner and then blot your carpet dry. 

7. Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator

The Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator is enzyme-based with a strong but safe formula. 

Because of the enzymes that it contains, it works best on organic-based stains like urine, vomit, and blood. However, it also cleans other household spills. Once you spray it, bacteria will begin breaking down the stain, completely removing it from the fabric. 

It’s been awarded a seal of approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute because it’s entirely chlorine-free and very rarely leaves a residue behind in your carpet. And if you purchase it on Amazon and aren’t completely satisfied with it, the company will refund your money. 

It is relatively expensive for the quantity you get, but most customers agree that it is worth the spend. 

Here’s how to use it: 

  1. Before liberally using the stain remover, the company recommends that you test a small amount on your carpet first. Spray a small area of your carpet with the stain and allow it to sit.
  2. Use a cloth to blot it off after 10 minutes. If the color of your carpet has changed, then you should try another spot cleaner. 
  3. Once you’ve tested it for colorfastness, spray the cleaner over the stain and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, blot at it gently with a clean cloth or paper towel and allow your carpet to dry. 
  4. For deeper set stains, allow the cleaner to sit for at least an hour. Place a paper towel over it and then place books over the towel; this will allow the stain to penetrate the carpet. Then, vacuum over the area to draw out the dirt and the odor. 

8. Particular Paws OXY Pet Stain Remover

Particular Paws is a company that designs holistic pet care products, including cleaning products aimed at tackling pet messes. Their products are completely safe for pets. 

The OXY Pet Stain Remover is a hydrogen peroxide solution that is non-toxic and eco-friendly. It removes stubborn stains and leaves little residue, ensuring that it doesn’t attract further stains. 

You can also use it on upholstery, clothing, and tiles, making it an extremely versatile product. 

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Blot the stain with a dry towel or cloth. 
  2. Spray the stain with the cleaner and allow it to sit for 5-8 minutes.
  3. Using a dry brush or towel, gently scrub the stain cleaner into the carpet.
  4. Allow the carpet to dry.
  5. Vacuum the area to lift the remaining dirt and odor. 

9. Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover Dog Odor Control Formula

Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover is a great spot cleaner if you have a strict household budget; it’s half the price of other spot cleaners but is completely pet safe. It’s enzyme-based so that it will work well on organic stains. It also has a fast-acting formula that will get to work as soon as you spray it.  

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Gently blot the stain or spill and then spray the cleaner generously over it and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. 
  2. Allow the solution to air dry. As it dries, it will take the odor of the stain with it. 
  3. If the stain is particularly stubborn, spray the solution on and then gently scrub it with a brush. 
  4. Wet a towel thoroughly with cold water and then lay it over the stain, allowing it to sit on the area for at least two hours. 
  5. Remove the towel and allow the carpet to air dry. 

10. Carbona 2-in-1 Oxy-Powered Pet Stain Remover

The Carbona 2-in-1 Oxy-Powered Pet Stain Remover is another great pocket-friendly product. 

It has an eco-friendly, pet-safe solution that deeply penetrates carpets. The cleaner comes in a bottle topped with a scrubber head, making it easy to squeeze directly onto the carpet and gently scrub. It also has a light fragrance that will deter your pet from re-soiling the carpet. 

Here’s how to use it: 

  1. Squeeze a bit of solution onto the stain and brush at it with the attached brush. 
  2. Rub at the stain gently for a minute or two and watch as the stains vanish! 
  3. Allow the solution to sit for 20 minutes.
  4. Vacuum it off. 

11. Spot Chomp Odor and Stain Remover

Spot Chomp’s Odor and Stain Remover is designed to lift organic stains and the odors which accompany them. This cleaning solution will remove stains and also protect your carpets, preventing them from staining in the future. You can use Spot Chomp’s stain remover on carpets, floors, furniture, bedding, and even in your laundry! 

The bottle has two types of applicators. There’s a spray applicator that you can use on surface-level stains that can be caused by vomit and solid waste. There’s also a spout which should be used to pour the solution over stains caused by urine and liquid spills. 

Here’s how to use it: 

  1. Blot the stained area with a clean paper cloth or towel. 
  2. Pour or spray the stain remover over the stain and the area around it. 
  3. Allow the solution to sit for ten minutes. 
  4. Blot the area with a damp clean cloth. 
  5. Allow your carpet to air dry or use a fan to dry it. 
  6. Vacuum the area. 
  7. Repeat the process if the stain is still visible. 

Carpet Shampoos 

While spot cleaning is a quick and easy solution to small stains, carpets require a more thorough cleaning at least once a year. One way you can thoroughly sanitize and clean a carpet is to shampoo it using a special carpet shampooing machine. 

To shampoo your carpet, you have to mix a specified amount of water with a carpet cleaning solution and then run the machine over your carpet. Once you shampoo the carpet, you give the carpet a chance to dry. Finally, you dry vacuum the carpet to pick up any residue. 

However, even the best carpet shampoos will leave a little residue that may be inhaled by your pets or transfer onto their fur. For that reason, make sure you’re only using the safest carpet shampoos to protect your pets. 

12. Puracy Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo

Puracy is a brand known for its all-natural, non-toxic products. This Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo is gluten-free and vegan with no nasty chemicals and components that can cause your pet discomfort. 

You can use it with a variety of carpet cleaning machines, or you can work it into the carpet using a brush. It also has a fresh citrus scent that neutralizes any unpleasant odors. As well as cleaning your carpets, this solution will also leave them feeling noticeably softer – all the better for cuddling up with your pet on! 

Here’s how to use it: 

  1. Dilute the shampoo solution with hot water as directed.
  2. Pour the mixed solution into the cleaner. 
  3. Shampoo the carpet with the machine. 
  4. Rinse out the solution from your water tank and fill it with clean, hot tap water. 
  5. Run the carpet cleaner over the carpet again to remove the shampoo. 
  6. Allow your carpet to dry. 

If you don’t have a carpet cleaner, then use these steps:

  1. Mix the recommended amount of warm water with the solution in a bucket. 
  2. Soak a clean mop with the mixture and then rub it over your carpet. 
  3. Use a dry cloth to mop up the solution and allow your carpet to dry. 

13. Bissell 2X Pet Stain & Odor Portable Machine Formula

The Bissell 2X Pet Stain & Odor Portable Machine Formula contains entirely biodegradable ingredients. It has no added dyes or heavy metals, making it extremely safe to use on your carpets. It’s gentle on the carpet fibers, and any residue that it leaves behind is non-toxic for pets. 

The formula also contains Scotchgard, which repels water, mud, and other pollutants and prevents any future stains from sinking deep into the carpet. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given its seal of approval to this product, so you can confidently use it through your whole house!

Here’s how to use it:

  1. After spot treating your carpet, mix the solution with water as directed and put it into your machine. 
  2. Run it over your carpet
  3. Allow your carpet to dry. 

14. Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Pet Stain and Odor Carpet Shampoo

Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Pet Stain and Odor Carpet Shampoo is a popular option because it’s affordable, fast-acting, and toxin-free. It can be used both for both carpet cleaning machines and handheld scrubs. 

There are several variants of this product:

  • Urine Destroyer. This cleaner is specifically formulated to tackle urine-based stains. It targets sticky residue and works on the lingering smell of urine as well as completely sanitizing your carpet. 
  • Stain and Odor Remover – Grapefruit. This product is an enzyme and bacteria-based formula designed to target organic stains and odors and replace nasty smells with the scent of grapefruit. 
  • Stain and Odor Remover – Citrus. This cleaner also works to remove stains and odors but is citrus scented. 

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Mix the formula with water as directed in the manufacturer’s instructions and then place it in a carpet cleaning machine. 
  2. Run it over the carpet. 
  3. Allow the carpet to dry. It has a low-foaming formula to make it dry faster than other carpet cleaning solutions. 

If you are using it without a carpet cleaning machine, follow these instructions:

  1. Pour the water and cleaner solution over the carpet as directed. 
  2. Scrub gently using a brush. 
  3. Use a dry cloth to lift the solution.
  4. Dilute the carpet with clean water. Blot the water with another clean cloth. 
  5. Allow the carpet to dry. 

15. Hoover Expert Pet Carpet Cleaner Solution Formula

Hoover Expert Pet Carpet Cleaner Solution Formula is a professional-grade product. It is used by professional carpet cleaners and in commercial scenarios. However, you can also use it at home with any carpet shampooer or a carpet cleaning machine made for water-based formulas. 

There are several variants of this cleaner, including Clean Pet, PetPlus, ProPlus, Expert Clean, and Expert Pet. 

While each uses a similar formula, the Expert Pet is the strongest and most targeted. Its formula is enzyme-based, which means it works well on organic stains and dirt. This product also comes in two different scents: fresh linen and cotton breeze. 

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Vacuum your carpet and spot treat it. 
  2. Add three ounces of the solution into a gallon of warm water in the carpet cleaner’s tank. 
  3. Use the cleaner to clean the carpet.
  4. Allow the carpet to dry completely before using it.

16. Stuart Pet Supply Professional Strength Carpet Cleaner Solution

The Stuart Pet Supply Professional Strength Carpet Cleaner Solution can be used both for both spot treatment and more thorough cleaning using a machine. 

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It has a low-foaming solution which, when it comes into your carpet, dries into a powder. This powder soaks up the ammonia crystals that many pet messes are composed of as well as other organic matter. It works well in any major carpet cleaning machine and, when diluted, can be used as a spot treatment.  

It’s completely safe and non-toxic. The company also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, offering customers a replacement if they are not happy with their product. 

Here’s how to use it for spot treatment:

  1. Dilute it with water as per the manufacturer’s directions.
  2. Spray it onto the stain. 
  3. Allow it to sit for ten minutes.
  4. Blot it off with a clean towel soaked in warm water. 

Here’s how to use it for a carpet cleaning machine;

  1. Mix it with warm water as instructed by the cleaner’s manual. 
  2. Use the carpet cleaner as directed.
  3. Allow your carpet plenty of time to dry. 

17. Bubbas Super Strength Concentrate Pet Odor Eliminator Carpet Shampoo Solution

Bubbas Super Strength Concentrate Pet Odor Eliminator Carpet Shampoo Solution can be used in a regular carpet cleaning machine and a carpet steam cleaning machine. It removes animal odors, sanitizes your carpet, and is made with all-natural materials that make it entirely safe for use on carpets. 

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It’s used in professional settings and by professional cleaners but is super gentle on your carpet’s fibers. 

Here’s how to use it: 

  1. Mix one ounce of it into a gallon of warm water in your carpet cleaning machine. 
  2. Run it over your carpet.
  3. Allow it to air dry and enjoy a cleaner, fresher carpet! 

18. Absolutely Clean Carpet Shampoo & Stain Remover 

Absolutely Clean Carpet Shampoo & Stain Remover is a veterinarian-approved cleaning solution made with plant-based chemicals and is non-toxic. As the cleaner is made with all-natural materials, it’s also biodegradable – making it an environmentally friendly choice!

The formula is also enzyme-based and can tackle a variety of pet messes, including vomit, urine, drool, and mud and grass tracks. It also deodorizes the stain, leaving your carpets smelling fresher. 

This cleaner can be used on wall-to-wall carpets, area rugs, and more delicate mats. It can also be used on upholstery and to clean leather. 

How to use it: 

  1. You should dilute the solution with water, using the recommended ratios displayed in the instructions. 
  2. Pour this solution into your carpet cleaning machine and run the machine over the carpet. 
  3. Allow the carpet to dry and then dry vacuum it to pick up any remaining residue. 

Final Thoughts

So, don’t feel like you have to have carpet free floors in a home where there are pets. 

Use these pet-safe formulas to give them the clean carpets they deserve, and your carpets and pets can exist in harmony. 

As well as being safe and non-toxic, many of these cleaners have clever technologies that repel dirt and organic stains. They also have special odors that prevent pets from soiling the same areas again and again. 

Many of these solutions can be used on other fabric-based home essentials, including upholstered couches, beds, rugs, and even clothes. They are super versatile and give you great value for your money! Most of these are available on Amazon, but you can also check your local supermarket shelves.

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on February 14, 2020.

If you’re still unsure about which carpet cleaner is the best, consult with your local veterinarian and pet stores. Many will give you advice on which brand to use, or what ingredients and labels to look for in brands you’re considering.