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The 6 Best Carpet Shampoos of 2024

Bring your soft surfaces to life

Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

If you live in a home with carpets or area rugs, you’ve likely wondered the best way to clean them. Our suggestion: carpet cleaning solution, otherwise known as carpet shampoo. Not to be confused with spot cleaners (for targeted cleaning and stain treatment) or carpet cleaners (the vacuum-like machines with wet scrub capabilities), carpet cleaning solution is akin to hair shampoo in that it’s meant to provide an all-over wash, be thoroughly rinsed, and leave an entire carpet feeling fresher and cleaner.

We have a few favorites to recommend, based on thorough research and expert advice—but, before we do, we want to emphasize that the process you use when cleaning your carpet is almost as important as the product you pick. Brandon Pleshek, third-generation janitor, member of The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board, and the expert behind the Clean That Up! Instagram and TikTok accounts, has important words of wisdom on the subject. “Carpet is resilient,” he says. But, "you never want to leave residue, or let cleaner sit in the carpet. You want to make sure to always flush it out of the fibers and rinse the carpet area really well.” We recommend using a carpet cleaning machine with your carpet shampoo. If you're feeling really ambitious (and extremely patient!), and your carpet shampoo has the flexibility to be used by itself, a bucket and towels will work, too.

Most, but not all, of the carpet shampoos on the market are meant to be used with a carpet cleaner machine. You'll often see them called "carpet cleaning solution" interchangeably, and the the hair shampoo metaphor rings true even when machines are involved. Pleshek likens leftover shampoo in your carpet to suds that dry in your own hair. It can be sticky and messy, and leave carpets looking worse than when you started. Your biggest priority should be ensuring that you're rinsing your carpet thoroughly no matter what the application method is (and then lifting as much water as possible to help the drying process).

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Nature's Miracle Carpet Shampoo

Nature's Miracle Carpet Shampoo

Amazon

What We Like
  • Enzymatic formula

  • Works with any carpet cleaner machine

  • Available in multiple scents

What We Don't Like
  • Not a disinfectant

  • Pre-treatments sold separately

When a product has "miracle" in the name like Nature's Miracle Carpet Shampoo does, you’re allowed to have high expectations. In the case of this solution, it lives up to its moniker. This carpet shampoo has an enzymatic formula, which speeds up biological processes to break down stains, working on some of the toughest (and grossest) messes that pets or people can leave behind. It treats odors too, and also provides the overall refresh that many of us are after when we reach for a carpet cleaner. We also like that it's suitable for use in any brand of carpet cleaner, and for use by itself, and it's available in multiple scents and container sizes. 

Plus, for targeted treatment of stains, it’s still a great option, and the brand has a line of coordinated formulas you can use for pre-treatment and spot treatments, too (they’re sold separately). Keep in mind that if you’re looking for a disinfectant or sanitizing solution, this shampoo doesn’t offer that. When it comes to your general stain treatment and carpet cleaning needs, though, it’s an excellent choice.

Type: Liquid | Application Method: Use by itself or with a machine cleaner

Best for Old Stains

Bissell Deep Clean Pro Carpet Shampoo

Bissell Deep Clean Pro Carpet Shampoo

Amazon

What We Like
  • Works with any carpet cleaner machine

  • Multiple formula options

  • Biodegradable formula

What We Don't Like
  • Pre-treatments sold separately

The Bissell Pro Max Clean + Protect Deep Carpet Cleaning Formula is suitable for any brand of upright carpet cleaner, despite coming from a well-known vacuum and carpet cleaner manufacturer. We’ve found it to be a worthy choice for old stains and worn carpets, and for limiting the effects of future stains, thanks to the stain protection. For specific needs in your household, it's available in a variety of other formulas, including plant-based ones and options targeted for pet stains.

We also love that it's U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified (a voluntary designation that means its safer for people and for the planet). Like with our favorite overall carpet cleaning solution, there are coordinating pre-treatment options available, but sold separately. However, all in all, for tackling old stains and keeping new ones at bay, this shampoo is a great and reliable option.

Type: Liquid | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner

Best for High-Traffic Areas

OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner

OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Tried-and-true cleaning power

  • Suitable for large spaces

  • Leaves behind a fresh scent

What We Don't Like
  • Pre-treatment recommended on tough stains

  • Extra caution recommended for oxygen-based cleaners

OxiClean frequently appears among the top rankings in different cleaning categories, and this carpet cleaning solution fits right in with its high-performing peers of laundry stain removers. The oxygen-based cleaner creates a chemical reaction that works to dissolve stains and built-up grime, making it effective at both easing tough stains and tackling worn, high-traffic areas—exactly what you want from a carpet shampoo. Plus, it leaves behind a fresh scent.

One thing to note with oxygen-based cleaners, Pleshek cautions, is you need to be mindful of how much and how you're using them, since they can be powerful. You'll want to make sure you're following all of the safety precautions listed on the label, which can include avoiding contact with your skin and eyes, and never mixing the cleaner with another. Use the product in a well-ventilated area and wear protective eyewear and gloves for an extra level of protection, too.

Like with our other picks, we’d love it even more if this carpet shampoo could promise more effective pre-treating capabilities, but OxiClean does offer spot treatments and spray cleansers so you can find a complementary product in the same line.

Type: Liquid | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner

Best Eco-Friendly

Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo Concentrate

Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo Concentrate

Amazon

What We Like
  • Plant-based ingredients

  • Suitable for all washable surfaces

What We Don't Like
  • No unscented version available

  • Not a disinfectant

A little bit of this Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo Concentrate goes a long way. The 64-ounce jug can create more than 30 gallons of shampoo. It promises to be safe for all washable fibers. In other words, it’s gentle enough for some of the more delicate rugs and textiles you may want to spruce up, while still being strong enough for regular carpet cleaning, too.

We appreciate the list of environmentally friendly, plant-based ingredients, and the fact that it’s biodegradable. Though, if you’re in need of a disinfectant or sanitizing solution for your flooring, this formula doesn’t include the tougher chemicals and soaps for the job (which is to be expected with its ingredient list). It also doesn't come in an unscented version, so if you or anyone in your household is sensitive to citrus-y fragrances, you may need to steer clear. However, for your regular, eco-friendly cleaning needs, we think it’s a winner.

Type: Liquid | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner

Best for Pet Stains

Carpet Miracle Cleaner & Deodorizer Cleaner & Deodorizer

Carpet Miracle Cleaner & Deodorizer Cleaner & Deodorizer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Biodegradable, enzymatic formula

  • Can be used on car upholstery and furniture

What We Don't Like
  • Not a disinfectant

As much as we love our pets, we don’t always love what they leave behind. When you need to do some targeted cleaning on a pet-related stain, we recommend Carpet Miracle Carpet Cleaner & Deodorizer as the best carpet shampoo for pet stains. Like our best overall pick, it has an enzymatic formula that breaks down and removes stains, while serving as a deodorizer too. And, like all of our picks, you'll use it in a machine for full-carpet cleaning; you don't need to pre-treat or apply it directly to spots (a spot cleaner is offered separately by the brand, though).

We also appreciate this solution's eco-friendliness and that it’s Leaping Bunny certified. Though, as to be expected by a plant-based formula, it's not a disinfectant. Like many of the products on this list, you can use it with any brand of carpet cleaner or with a steam cleaner. It’s also suitable for car and furniture upholstery, too—as long as you can comfortably reach those areas with your machine.

Type: Liquid | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner

We Also Like

ZEP All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo

ZEP All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo

Amazon

What We Like
  • Concentrated formula goes a long way

  • Effective cleaning

  • Compatible with top brands of carpet-cleaning machines

What We Don't Like
  • Requires time to dry

  • Needs to be vacuumed

This Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate Cleaner stretches a 128-ounce bottles into 25 gallons of carpet shampoo (almost as much as what you'll get from Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo Concentrate). If you anticipate lots of cleaning in your future, or you simply like to be prepared, it's a great choice to keep on hand. Most importantly, beyond the budget-friendly price point, it’s effective, too. You (and guests) likely won’t be able to tell that you went with a less expensive choice when you take a look at the results it garners.

Note that this cleaner's process does require time to dry, and you’ll need to vacuum up afterward, too. As long as you factor these steps into your cleaning routine, you’ll likely be pleased with this choice. It’s a versatile, all-around cleanser that'll be a staple in your cleaning closet. The label promises to be safe for Bissell, Hoover, and Rug Doctor carpet-cleaning machines (which are among the most popular and often most effective carpet-cleaning machines, in our experience), so keep that in mind as you're shopping, too.

Type: Liquid | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner

Final Verdict

The best carpet cleaning solution is Nature’s Miracle Pet Stain and Odor Carpet Shampoo. Its effective, enzymatic cleaning leaves carpets refreshed and treats all kinds of odors, too. We also like BISSELL Pro Max Clean + Protect Deep Carpet Cleaning Formula, which does well on spots old and new, and offers added stain protection.

How to Shop for Carpet Shampoo

Formula and Ingredients

When you’re shopping for carpet cleaning solution, the most common type you’ll see is concentrated liquid versions that require dilution for application. All of the carpet shampoos we recommend come in liquid form since that's what we think is the most effective—though powder and foam versions are available as well. Powder versions can be formulated to remove odors and refresh carpets, while foam cleansers can dry over carpets. With any carpet shampoo you choose, be sure to read directions in full before you start, especially to ensure you're taking the right safety measures as you clean; those measures include opening a window for ventilation, wearing protective eyewear and clothes, and never mixing cleaners with each other.

While you've probably noticed that our favorite carpet cleaning solutions tend to have a lot in common in how they're used, the one area where they'll all vary is the formula itself. Our favorites tend to be either plant-based, enzymatic formulas (like Nature's Miracle Carpet Shampoo and Carpet Miracle Carpet Cleaner & Deodorizer) or those with stronger cleaning agents (like BISSELL Pro Max Clean + Protect Deep Carpet Cleaning Formula and OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner). To determine what's right for your household, take into account what you're cleaning, how often you want to clean, and whether or not you want to prioritize biodegradable or eco-friendly formulas.

Application Method

Here’s another way that carpet shampoo remains similar to hair shampoo: The process always requires applying and removing the product. In most cases, application comes in the form of spraying or using a machine cleaner to distribute the diluted shampoo over your carpet. Then, you'll continue with a machine to rinse away the solution and extract the sudsy water. Whether you purchase a machine for home use or opt to rent one for a temporary weekend project, you’ll go through similar steps. Of course, be sure to also read labels to determine the appropriate measurements and ratio, too—some of these products, like Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo Concentrate and Zep All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo Concentrate Cleaner are very concentrated, and a little solution goes a long way.

Brandon Pleshek, member of The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board, prefers a slight variation on this method. Instead of putting your solution directly into the tank, he recommends mixing the water and shampoo in a separate container and applying it to the carpet before you come through with your machine. This has two benefits, Pleshek says. The first is giving soap the time to work and loosen up dirt and soil, then "all you have to do is add warm water to the tank and you’re completely flushing and rinsing the spot [when you come through with your machine]." Ultimately, the choice is yours, but keep in mind that whichever method you choose, the most important part is to thoroughly rinse and extract the shampoo.

FAQ
  • How often should you shampoo your carpet?

    Thankfully, you don't need to shampoo your carpet as often as you wash your hair. The rule of thumb tends to hover between every six to 12 months, but be advised that every home is different. Large, active households with lots of kids and pets will likely find carpets ready for shampooing more regularly than homes with fewer people and pets. Climate and lifestyle factors can also influence carpet wear and tear, too. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning also can stretch time in between shampoos.

    Ultimately, Pleshek says the goal should be to clean the carpet and rinse away any dirt and debris before it creates long-term damage to the fibers. So, if your carpets are showing signs of general wear and tear, or matting—or if upon close look, the individual fibers look dull and damaged instead of shiny and intact—then you’ll know they’re in need of attention.

  • How do you shampoo carpet without a machine?

    There can be a fine line between manually spot-cleaning and shampooing your carpet without a machine. Ultimately, manual shampooing will recreate the full process of applying the (often diluted) product and then extracting it. While machines often use suction to extract water, if you’re doing it on your own, you can mimic the process by misting water or your diluted solution directly onto carpets, then laying down absorbent towels and standing on them to soak up water, according to Pleshek.

    Ultimately, the larger space you’re tackling, the more labor-intensive this can be (and the more towels you’ll need), so we recommend some careful planning and lots of patience if you pursue this method. Consider trying it out with an area rug or small section of your floor before committing to an entire room.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Dena Ogden is a lifestyle and commerce writer who’s been writing professionally since 2016, and has been with The Spruce since August 2022. For this piece, she did thorough research on carpet shampoos currently available at major retailers, and evaluated options based on formula, reviews, cleaning methods, and prior brand performance in testing. She has used a variety of carpet cleaning solutions and carpet cleaning machines from brands like Bissell and Hoover, and she has yet to get used to the sight of the dirty water that they pull from her floors.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. "The role of enzymes in detergent products." American Cleaning Institute.