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 for any and all of your carpet shampooing efforts. “Carpet is resilient,” he notes. 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.” The hair shampoo metaphor rings true for this part of the process, as he 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. Rest assured that if you take his advice, stay mindful of the manufacturer instructions, and opt for a quality carpet shampoo, you’ll likely be pleased with the results. Our top spot goes to the Nature’s Miracle Pet Stain and Odor Carpet Shampoo for its effective, enzymatic cleaning, versatility, and overall performance.  Here, the best carpet shampoos. Plus, for targeted treatment of pet-related 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. Price at time of publish: $17 The ZEP cleaner’s process does require time to dry, and you’ll need to vacuum up afterwards, 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, and is made for Bissell, Hoover, and Rug Doctor carpet-cleaning machines, according to the product label. (These brands are the most popular and often effective carpet-cleaning machines, in our experience, so we like that the ZEP cleaner is compatible with them.) Just double-check that your carpet cleaner is one of the compatible models before adding it in. Price at time of publish: $13 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 any of the tougher chemicals and soaps for the job. It also doesn’t come in an unscented version, so if you or anyone in your household is sensitive to fragrances, you may want to steer clear. However, for your regular, eco-friendly cleaning needs, we think it’s a winner. The citrus scent is also a classic amongst cleaners. Price at time of publish: $24 We like that the brand also offers a UV flashlight so you can find the source of smells, but note that it’s pricier for the set than just the odor eliminator on its own. And to reiterate, this solution isn’t a cleanser, but an odor eliminator. It’ll have rooms smelling fresh without the extra steps of cleaning or scrubbing. To use it, mix it with water and use a clean spray bottle to disperse the odor eliminator. Price at time of publish: $24 We also appreciate this shampoo’s eco-friendliness, and how it’s Leaping Bunny certified. Plus, 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 suitable for car and furniture upholstery, too—as long as you can comfortably reach them with your machine. Just note: it’s not a disinfectant. Price at time of publish: $50 One thing to note with oxygen-based cleaners, Pleshek cautions, is 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 often include using the product in a well-ventilated area, wearing protective eyewear and gloves to avoid contact with your skin and eyes, and never mixing the cleaner with another. While we’d love it even more if this carpet shampoo could promise effective pre-treating capabilities, and was easier to handle, we can accept that other formulas are more suited in this area. OxiClean does offer spot treatments and spray cleansers so you can find a complementary product in the same line, though. They’re sold separately.   Price at time of publish: $15 Both options offer a biodegradable formula that’s U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified, and promises to be pet and kid-safe when used properly. Plus, the formula is also safe for upholstery. Pre-treatment options are 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. Price at time of publish: $22 Also, for tough carpet stains, pre-treatment is recommended. Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. does offer a line of options, all of which are sold separately. Worth noting, though, is one stain remover which earned our “Best Overall” spot in a recent test of carpet stain removers: the Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Stain Remover. Price at time of publish: $20 A range of Puracy brand cleaners have been featured in other roundups on The Spruce, often cited for the plant-based ingredients and concentrated formulas. Their carpet shampoo continues the trend, offering a four-times-concentrated solution (That’s where the bucket comes in; you’ll need lots of room to dilute). Whether you’re using a carpet cleaner machine or elbow grease, we think it’s worthy of your consideration. Price at time of publish: $20 All of the featured products on our list come in liquid form, though powder and foam carpet shampoos 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 purchase you make, be sure to read directions in full before you start.

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 both distribute the diluted solution over your carpet, and to then rinse it away. Whether you purchase a machine for home use, or opt to rent one for a temporary weekend project, you’ll go through similar steps. 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, prefers a slight variation on this method. For what he calls his best pro-tip, 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, he says. The first is giving soap the time to work and loosen up dirt and soil, and 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.

Scent

While your favorite scent comes down to personal preference, you’ll find a variety to choose from when you’re shopping for carpet shampoos. Shoppers often point out that, even when a specific scent isn’t listed on a product’s label, carpet shampoo often leaves a clean or fresh aroma behind. Some products, like the Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator, are also designed with smell, almost as much as effectiveness, in mind. It’s normal for a scent to dissipate within a few hours.

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 also spoke with Brandon Pleshek, a third generation janitor, member of The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board, and the expert behind the Clean That Up Instagram and TikTok accounts,  Ultimately, Pleshek says the goal should be to shampoo 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 in tact—then you’ll know they’re in need of attention. 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. So, if you’re looking for a DIY method that will give your carpets a refresh and give you the satisfaction of a job well done, you’ll want to consider shampooing. If you’re looking for something a professional can do for you, you have your choice of the two, and will want to consult with cleaners in your area.