The 9 Best Carpet Shampoos of 2023

Best Overall

Nature's Miracle Carpet Shampoo

4.9

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When a product is called “Nature’s Miracle,” you’re allowed to have high expectations. In the case of this carpet shampoo, it lives up to its moniker. We previously selected Nature’s Miracle as the best carpet shampoo for pet stains, but given its versatility and effectiveness, we felt it deserved an upgrade to "Best Overall." Not only does the enzymatic formula work on some of the toughest (and grossest) messes pets 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. It’s also suitable for use in any brand of carpet cleaner, and it's available in multiple scents and container sizes. 

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

_{Type: Liquid | Amount: 64 ounces | Scent: Varies | Application Method: Use by itself or with a machine cleaner}

Best Budget

ZEP All-Purpose Carpet Shampoo

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This carpet shampoo concentrate stretches 128-ounce bottles into a whopping 25 gallons of carpet shampoo. If you anticipate lots of cleaning in your future, or you simply like to be prepared, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable 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.

The ZEP 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, 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

_{Type: Liquid | Amount: 128 ounces | Scent: Not listed | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner}

Best Eco-Friendly

Biokleen Carpet & Rug Shampoo Concentrate

4.8

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Like our budget choice, a little bit of this carpet shampoo concentrate goes a long way. In the case of Biokleen, the 64-ounce jug can create more than 30 gallons of shampoo. It promises to be safe for all washable fibers; so in other words, it’s gentle enough for some of the more delicate rugs and textiles you may want to spruce up. It still is 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 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

_{Type: Liquid | Amount: 64 ounces | Scent: Citrus | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner}

Best Smelling

Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator

5

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Sometimes it’s smells, not stains, that need our attention. When you’re looking to combat unpleasant odors, consider a product that’s formulated for just that purpose, and don’t let the "Pet Odor Eliminator" name of this product deceive you. Regardless of whether you’re tackling a pet-related smell or something else completely, it’s up for the task. You can use it directly on carpets (or even other smelly surfaces, like trash cans) to counter lingering smells immediately after you’ve cleaned a mess, or when a room’s in need of a simple refresh. The orange scent is essential oil-based. While we wish there was other scent choices, the citrus scent is common and often welcomed in most homes.

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

_{Type: Liquid | Amount: 8 ounces | Scent: Orange | Application Method: Mix with water and use with spray bottle}

Best for Pet Stains

Carpet Miracle Cleaner & Deodorizer Cleaner & Deodorizer

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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, you need something that’s up for the task, which is why we’ve named Carpet Miracle as the best carpet shampoo for pet stains.

We also appreciate this shampoo's eco-friendliness and that 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

_{Type: Liquid | Amount: 1 gallon | Scent: Spring mint | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner}

Best for High-Traffic Areas

OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner

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OxiClean frequently appears among the top rankings in different cleaning categories, and this carpet shampoo fits right in with its high-performing peers. 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 and is budget-friendly, too. We’ve previously named this pick the best carpet shampoo for carpet-cleaning machines, but we also feel like it deserves recognition for the large, high-traffic areas it can handle.

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

_{Type: Liquid | Amount: 64 ounces | Scent: Not listed | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner}

Best for Old Stains

Bissell Deep Clean Pro Carpet Shampoo

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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 Scotchguard stain protection. It's also available as a plant-based formula in case you want to skip the Scotchguard and opt for a citrus scent.

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

_{Type: Liquid | Amount: 48 ounces | Scent: Citrus | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner}

Best Encapsulation Method

Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Professional Strength Carpet Cleaner

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In most cases, you’ll want to be wary of any carpet shampoo that doesn’t require rinsing. However, encapsulation shampoos, which are a newer option in home carpet shampoos, create a different type of chemical reaction. Instead of rinsing and extracting with water, you’ll vacuum the product (and the crystalized remnants left behind) once it dries. If you want to give this method a try, we recommend the Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Oxy Carpet Shampoo. Just keep in mind that the process is different from other shampoos named in this list, and that you’ll want to factor drying time and vacuuming into your plan. 

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

_{Type: Liquid | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Not listed | Application Method: Apply with machine and vacuum once dry}