Carpets allow our houses to be more comfortable and can add a lot to a room in terms of decor, but they're also minefields for trapping dirt, dust, bacteria and the dreaded pet-related stains – which is why finding the best carpet cleaner for pets is an important consideration for all pet owners. After all, you might have the best vacuum cleaner in the world, but wait until you see the difference a carpet cleaner makes. Cleaning your carpets feels like a big job. To help you find your perfect carpet cleaning companion for a pet-friendly house, we've researched the very best available for all budgets.
Perhaps, you're wondering: is a carpet cleaner safe for pets? In short, yes, using a carpet cleaner is completely safe. As long as the cleaning products you use with it are confirmed as safe for pets. Always check the packaging to make sure or double-check with your vet. This way, everyone will be happy. You can get back to cleaning your carpet with your new handheld vacuum – which is recommended for us to do at least once a year. Some of our picks dispense cleaning solutions on the job, so guarantee spotless results.
Best carpet cleaner for pets at a glance:
• Best overall: BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro – View on Amazon
• Best lightweight: VAX Compact Power CWCPV011 Upright Carpet Cleaner – View on Amazon
• Best value: Rug Doctor Spot Portable Cylinder Carpet Cleaner – View on Amazon
If, however, you have a large family, multiple pets, are smokers, or generally have high traffic coming through, every three to six months would be more suitable. Cleaning your carpets with an upright vacuum cleaner regularly ensures any allergens, dust, bacteria and pet hair are removed. This makes them more habitable for those with allergies and asthma. It also helps to keep foul smells at bay, extend the life of your carpets and generally keep them in tip-top condition.
Pet owners, of all people, will know how accident-prone our furry friends are. And a standard carpet spray or 'shake and vac' solution may not cut it when it comes to tricky toilet accidents. If your pet is a common culprit of any unsightly stain on your carpet, robot vacuum cleaners are a great investment as their automatic brushes mix with amazing suction. With our top picks, you'll have faith in knowing your carpets have had a proper clean from top to bottom.
Best carpet cleaner for Pets in 2024:
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall
The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro is one of the top-rated carpet cleaners, specifically designed for homes with pets. it comes with two rotating brush rolls with 12 rows of dirt-lifting power brushes which confidently lift away dirt and grime. The CleanShot Pre-treater lets you tackle tough spots as you go and the three-metre cleaning hose gives you plenty of freedom and flexibility. In Express Clean Mode, the machine dispenses just the right amount of solution so you can have dry carpets in as little as half an hour - perfect if you're expecting a last-minute visit from guests.
Pros
- Easy to use upright design
- Carpets dry fast with Express Clean
Cons
- Heavier than others
| Dimensions | 38 x 32 x 110 cm |
| Weight | 8.62kg |
| Power | 800W |
| Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity | 3.7L |
| Tools | Tough Stain Tool, 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool, 3-in-1 Stair Tool, Upholstery hose nozzle cleaning tool |
Best value
The Rug Doctor Spot Portable Cylinder Carpet Cleaner is ideal for cleaning accidental spills and stains that happen at home, although it isn't designed to clean your whole house unless you're VERY patient. If you have a rug, carpeted stairs or small sections of carpet to clean, it would work well. It can also be used on mattresses, sofas, car seats and in caravans.
Pros
- Affordable option
- Lightweight and convenient
- The pull handle makes it easy to move around
Cons
- Noisier than other cleaners
- Hose feature may extend cleaning time
| Dimensions | 40 x W 41 x 28 cm |
| Weight | 7.4kg |
| Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity | 1.9 / 1.12 L |
| Power | 1100W |
| Tools | Upholstery tool |
Best mid-range
www.argos.co.uk
The Vax Dual Power Advance Upright Carpet Cleaner has dual rotating brush bars to lift tough, deep-down dirt from your carpets and the Twin Tank technology separates clean water from dirty water to make emptying it a breeze. The pre-treatment wand and solution help to tackle stubborn stains in high-traffic areas.
Pros
- Comes with one year warranty
- Extra long stretch hose to clean hard-to-reach areas
- Lightweight, easy to carry
Cons
- Can take up to an hour for carpets to dry
- It's a large item to store away
| Dimensions | 48.9 x 40.4 x 38 cm |
| Weight | 6.4kg |
| Power | 800W |
| Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity | 2.7 / 1.5 L |
| Tools | 1 x Vax Dual Power Pet AdvanceWash Tool, Pre-treatment wand, Accessory Bag, 1 x 250ml Ultra+ Pet solution, 1 x 250ml Pre-treatment solution |
Best lightweight
The super-light VAX Compact Power CWCPV011 Upright Carpet Cleaner weighs just 5.7kg, so it's ideal for those who don't want to lug a heavy machine up and down the stairs. The Aquaspin brush bar tackles everyday mess and grime and the narrow head helps you get into every nook and cranny. Twin Tank technology makes it easy to empty and due to its compact size, it's ideal for smaller homes. It's a basic carpet cleaner - it doesn't come with any attachments - but it gets the job done and comes with a carpet cleaning solution.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to store away
Cons
- Doesn't come with any additional attachments
| Dimensions | 106 x 25 x 33 cm |
| Weight | 5.7kg |
| Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity | 1.8 / 1.5 L |
| Power | 840W |
| Tools | N/A |
Best for power
www.hughes.co.uk
The Vax ECB1SPV1 Platinum Power Max Carpet Cleaner claims to remove up to 93% of bacteria, fungi and allergens, leaving your carpets fresh and dry within an hour. The hand wash tool and stretch hose let you easily clean any stubborn spots in your home, including stairs and upholstery. It has a large tank so there's no need to constantly stop and empty it out, and it has seven SpinScrub and rotating brush bars to rid your carpets of embedded dirt.
Pros
- Stretch hose for tackling hard-to-reach areas
- The brush bar lifts away deep-down dirt
- Comes with a Quick Clean Mode
Cons
- Heavier than other cleaners
- May take up a lot of storage
| Dimensions | 110 x 34 x 41 cm |
| Weight | 9.6kg |
| Clean / Dirty Capacity | 3.5 / 2.9 L |
| Power | 1200W |
| Tools | 2 x 250ml Platinum solution, 1 x 250ml Pre-treatment solution, Pre-treatment hose, Upholstery tool, Spin scrub brush, Hard floor tool |
Best for car cleaning
ao.com
Henry is a brand that's trusted in the cleaning world. This Henry Wash HVW 370-2 Cylinder Carpet Cleaner doesn't disappoint, tackling small and big jobs well. It quickly cleans carpets and hard floors, and freshens up furniture and the car. It can also handle emergency spillages, and can even help you with unblocking the sink. It has a huge clean tank and an even larger dirty tank, so it's ideal for big jobs, although it is heavy to transport.
Pros
- A trustworthy and reliable brand
- Suitable for hard floor, upholstery and carpet
- Handy and convenient for an emergency clean
Cons
- Heavier than other picks
| Dimensions | 37 x 36 x 51 cm |
| Weight | 15.3kg |
| Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity | 5 / 9 L |
| Power | 1060W |
| Tools | Dual Scrub Floor Tool, Fishtail Tool, Upholstery Tool, NuChem 4 Carpet Washing Solution |
Verdict: What is the best carpet cleaner for pets?
Our top pick is the BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro as it has been specifically designed for homes with pets. It comes with two rotating brush rolls with 12 rows of dirt-lifting power brushes which confidently lift away pet-related muck and grime.
With a pre-treater, tough spots are history and a three-meter hose gives you some freedom. In Express Clean Mode, the machine will provide clean and dry carpets in as little as half an hour. Result.
FAQs
Features to look out for when buying a carpet cleaner
We know how overwhelming shopping for appliances can be, so we've put together a little guide on all the useful features any great carpet cleaner would have.
Lightweight: We cannot stress the importance of having a lightweight carpet cleaner. This will get the job done quicker, and make cleaning stairs a breeze without doing a number on your back. Extremely lightweight cleaners are around 5kg, with heavy models exceeding the 10kg mark.
Tank capacity: Constantly changing the dirty water from your carpet cleaner is a hassle, especially if you're dealing with a large space. However, a larger tank will also mean more weight, so be sure to consider this when making your choice.
Hose: A hose will allow you to get to stairs and other narrow areas much more accessible. Whereas, a cordless vacuum cleaner makes a wire-free clean feel superior.
Quick Dry Mode: Also called 'Express Mode' this feature will help quicken the cleaning and drying process.
Multi-surface: Kill two birds with one stone, dual carpet, and hard floor cleaner.
Extra tools: Additional tools such as an upholstery tool will allow you to clean your furniture easier. Some models will also include stair tools or hard surface tools.
What are the best carpet cleaning products to use that are safe for pets?
Check with your vet so you know what specific allergies your pet may have that could contribute to your product choice. Natural cleaners are often the safer choice compared to more commercial options.
Does carpet cleaner remove pet odour?
You can use a pet odour neutralizer for stubborn or lingering smells but in most cases just using your carpet cleaner will be enough.
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Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for What's the Best, an all-rounder when it comes to the home and our wellness. When she’s not at her desk, she’s practising yoga, collecting vinyl records and tending to her houseplants.
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