Dogs can be messy creatures, and any owner will tell you that everything that comes off them sticks to carpets like a magnetic force. To help you out, we’ve come up with the best dog carpet cleaners on that market.
So, what makes a carpet cleaner effective and safe for dogs? Let’s take a look.
10 Best Dog Carpet Cleaners
1. Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
Nature’s Miracle‘s unscented deep cleaning carpet shampoo uses a low-foam, professional-strength formula. It has a short list of natural, recognizable, pet-safe ingredients that penetrate deep into carpet fibers to cleanse them, break down odors and stains, remove pet allergens, and brighten colors.
It’s composed of natural antibacterial enzymes and is free from harsh and toxic chemicals. It can be used alone or with a steamer, and it can also be used in the washing machine to clean your pet’s laundry. The brand makes all of its products in the USA. This one, in particular, comes in a 64-ounce bottle and reviews call it a good value for money.
2. Nature’s Miracle Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Multisurface Spray
This lemon-scented spray by Nature’s Miracle can be used to combat tough stains and odors caused by pets on carpets, rugs, and other soft furnishings, as well as hard surfaces and floors.
Unlike some other carpet cleaners, it doesn’t just mask smells. The enzymatic formula actually breaks them down and removes them completely. This makes it super easy to use, as the spray does all of the work for you and stops when there’s nothing else to clean, so you simply need to wipe it away afterward. No scrubbing or vacuuming.
Not only that, but the enzymatic formula should discourage pets from leaving future toilet messes on the carpet. It comes in a 24-ounce spray bottle and reviews highly recommend the product.
3. Jackson Galaxy Steam Carpet Cleaner Tablets
These carpet cleaner tablets by Jackson’s Galaxy are designed to be used with a carpet steamer. They come in packs of 20 tablets and are safe to use in the home, the car, and around children and pets. The formula is non-toxic and successfully treats pet stains, odors, and dirt, using the same technology as dry cleaning.
The tablets also come in an eco-friendly pouch, are made in the USA, and are super easy to use. Simply drop a tablet into the steam cleaner with some warm water for a deep cleaning solution. Buyers seem to like the product as there are hardly any negative reviews.
4. Biokleen Natural Carpet Cleaner
Biokleen‘s orange-scented natural carpet cleaner uses a plant-based bio-active formula that is totally pet-safe, non-toxic, cruelty-free, and biodegradable. It is, however, tough on dirt, stains, and smells, and is safe to use on all washable fibers.
It even meets EPA safer product standards and can be used by itself or in a carpet cleaner machine. It’s also made in the USA and reviews are highly complementary, with several buyers saying that it smells lovely.
5. Rug Doctor Pet Deep Carpet Cleaner, Non-Toxic Concentrated Solution
Rug Doctor’s carpet cleaner for pets uses a strong pro-enzymatic formula that deep cleans carpets, neutralizes harsh smells, removes stains, and prevents remarking from pets who have gone potty on the floor. It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and it comes in 48 and 96 fluid ounce bottles.
It can also be used on rugs, car interiors, and all soft furnishings including pet beds, and it can be used by itself or in a machine. The cleaner is an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
6. Pawstruck Professional Strength Stain & Odor Remover
This spray by Pawstruck is a plant-based stain and odor remover. It’s natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable, plus it’s made in the USA. The professional strength spray can be used on any soft furnishings, as well as hardwood, tiles, and more.
The enzymatic formula actually removes odors, rather than just masking them, as well as physically dissolving stains. Simply shake the bottle, spray, scrub, and then wipe away. The natural citrus scent also leaves carpets smelling lovely.
The brand is a small business that genuinely loves dogs, and this cleaner is an Amazon’s Choice product. It comes in 32 oz bottles and reviews are generally great, but a few buyers say that they don’t like the nozzle that comes with the bottle.
7. Puracy Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine Detergent
This carpet cleaning machine detergent by Puracy was voted the best carpet shampoo by the popular online magazine Bustle. Simply add to water, put it in your machine – and go! It can also be used for cleaning by hand and targeting specific areas for stains and smells.
The formula is 99.96% natural and contains less than 10 ingredients such as pink grapefruit essential oil and plant-based cleansers like Lauramine oxide. It’s completely free of harsh and toxic chemicals like bleach and chlorine and is safe to use around pets and children.
It can also be used on all water-washable surfaces and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The product is made in the USA, is cruelty-free, and gets to work super quickly. It comes in a 25 fl oz bottle and reviews are very positive, although a few buyers say it’s too foamy for their liking.
8. Naturally It’s Clean Carpet Stains & Odors Cleaner
This stain and odor carpet cleaning spray by Naturally It’s Clean is lemon-scented and free from all harsh chemicals. The natural, eco-friendly formula is powdered by pure enzymes that are PH-neutral, cruelty-free, biodegradable, and made in the USA.
Simply shake, spray, soak, and wipe, with no need to worry about color removal or harsh chemical smells. It also eliminates odors and stains. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and it’s available to buy in packs of two 24 oz bottles. Reviews say it’s great value for money.
9. Sunny & Honey Carpet Miracle Cleaner & Deodorizer
Sunny & Honey‘s miracle carpet cleaner and deodorizer is available to buy in 32 fl oz bottles and can be used by itself or in any water-based cleaning machine. The natural formula is pet safe, non-toxic, biodegradable, and scented with essential oils. It brightens, cleans, and softens carpet fibers, removes odors, and makes carpets look, feel, and smell as good as new.
The product even comes with happiness or your moneyback guarantee. It is also leaping bunny certified, made in the USA, and highly concentrated, making it great value for money. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews are good, but some buyers do say it’s not ideal for stain removal.
10. Capture Carpet & Rug Dry Cleaner
This dry cleaner by Capture is free from bleach and harsh chemicals. It’s effective at removing stains and absorbing odors and spillages from pets, as well as deep cleaning carpets, rugs, and other soft furnishings. Simply wet the surface, sprinkle the powder over it, activate by brushing it on the floor, and vacuum it up after 30 minutes.
It’s made in the USA and comes in 4 lb and 8 lb tubs. It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews are generally positive, but a few buyers don’t appreciate the messiness of the process.
DIY Dog Carpet Cleaner
Before we get to the best commercial cleaners – if you’d rather make your own one at home, follow this simple recipe.
Mix together:
- One cup of white vinegar
- One cup of water
- Two scoops of baking soda
- Add some lemon or lavender oil for a pleasant smell (optional)
To clean: Once you’ve made the mixture, grab a clean sponge and use it to scrub the mixture into the carpet. Then, leave it to soak until the carpet is dry, and vacuum up the remaining powder.
It may sound too simple and convenient, but vinegar is one of nature’s strongest disinfectants and stain removers. The only drawback is the strong smell, but this is where the baking soda comes in. Baking soda is also a strong stain remover, exfoliator, and deodorizer, meaning that it will neutralize the smell of the vinegar – as well as any bad smells coming from the carpet.
What Makes a Carpet Cleaner Hazardous For Dogs?
Cleaning products are one of the most common causes of allergies and poisoning in pets. To prevent reactions and poisonings to sensitive and curious dogs, you should avoid the following ingredients in carpet cleaners.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a brilliant cleanser, which is why it’s a common ingredient in many household cleaners. However, it is a very corrosive chemical that can burn the nose, throat, and respiratory tract when inhaled, as well as the mouth, throat, and stomach when ingested. It can also cause irritation to the skin and eyes on contact.
Chlorine
Chlorine is one of the best industrial disinfectants. It’s most commonly known for being used in swimming pools, but it’s also used in a lot of household cleaners.
However, external contact with chlorine can burn a dog’s skin and eyes, and inhalation or ingestion can burn the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Bleach
Bleach is sort of like the king of disinfectants. It’s also a strong deodorizer and can be found in pretty much every household, either on its own or inside other cleaning products. For this reason, it’s also one of the leading causes of pet poisoning worldwide. Like ammonia and chlorine, bleach can cause burns on the inside and the outside of the body.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used regularly in cleaning products for its preservative and anti-bacterial properties. However, it can cause both internal and external burns. There’s also a proven link between prolonged formaldehyde exposure and cancer in both humans and dogs.
Phthalates
Phthalates are found in many household cleaners for their antibacterial properties and effects on texture and consistency. It’s also what gives most commercial floor-cleaning products their strong smell. However, over time, exposure to phthalates can cause irreversible damage to the liver and kidneys in dogs.
What To Look For In Dog Carpet Cleaner
Now you know what to avoid, let’s take a look at what good carpet cleaning ingredients to look out for.
Natural enzymes
Enzymes are natural proteins found in every living thing that act as biological catalysts; meaning they accelerate chemical reactions. They can either build things up or break them down. In cleaning, antibacterial enzymes are used to penetrate fibers and break down dirt and remove stains and smells.
Natural scents
When buying scented products, you also want to look for cleaners that use natural scents from plants, fruits, and essential oils instead of perfumes that can irritate allergies.
Other things
Other things you might want to take into consideration when buying a carpet cleaner are convenience, ethical and eco-friendly ingredients, products approved by official bodies, trusted brands, good customer ratings, products made in the USA, and value for money.
Allergies & Poisoning In Dogs
Signs of allergies to cleaning products in dogs may include skin irritation, rashes, hair loss, facial swelling, sneezing, runny eyes, and a runny nose. Your vet may suggest doing an allergy test to confirm the cause of the reaction. If it is chemical cleaning products, you should try to cut them out of your cleaning routine by investing in some natural products to stop the reactions from recurring. In the meantime, ask your vet about antihistamines to relieve symptoms.
Some symptoms of poisoning in dogs can vary depending on what they have been exposed to, but some universal signs include rashes and burns (skin exposure), red or closed eyes (eye contact), stomach upsets, drooling, fast breathing, shaking, and in extreme cases, drunk walking, seizures, and fainting or coma.
Call your vet for advice if your dog is displaying signs of poisoning, or the Pet Poison Helpline if it’s out of hours. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, they may tell you to wait and see or take your dog to the emergency hospital.
Vets can treat and prescribe patients with external injuries with topical treatments, or they may perform surgery in severe cases. Dogs who have inhaled a toxin may be treated with medication, or in severe cases, oxygen therapy. Depending on what was ingested and how long ago it was swallowed, ingested poisons may require induced vomiting or antidotal treatment.
Antidotal treatments only work in the initial hours of poisoning, so you must act quickly. In the meantime, you should try to keep your dog (and yourself) calm. Encourage pets who have inhaled or ingested toxins to sip water and gently sponge any burns with cool, clean water.
The main chemicals to avoid in carpet cleaners if you have a dog are ammonia, bleach, chlorine, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They are all common causes of allergies and poisoning in pets.
Look for products that use natural enzymatic formulas and natural scents from plants, fruits, and essential oils.
To make your own carpet cleaner that is safe for dogs, mix together a cup of white vinegar, a cup of water, a couple of scoops of baking soda. Then, use a clean sponge to scrub the mixture into the carpet. Leave it to dry, and vacuum up the remaining powder afterward. If you want to make it smell good, you can also add some drops of lemon juice or lavender oil to the mixture.
Those are our top ten best dog carpet cleaners. Will you be trying out one of our recommendations or have any top tips of your own? Let us know!