The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Carpets and Upholstery Clean with Pets
Whether you’re a bustling family or a cozy couple, maintaining clean carpets and upholstery can feel like an uphill battle. Add a dog, cat, or multiple pets into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for messy floors and stained furniture. From muddy paw prints to unexpected accidents, pet ownership can complicate the cleaning process. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your home looking its best, even with furry friends around.
The Challenge of Pet Messes
No matter how well-trained your pets are, accidents can happen. “Try to treat stains or messes immediately to avoid long-term staining and damage,” advises Kathy Cohoon from Two Maids and a Mop. This means you’ll need to act quickly when a mess occurs. The key to effective cleaning lies in having the right equipment and knowing how to use it.
The Importance of Immediate Action
When a spill or accident occurs, the first step is to address it as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove. This is especially true for organic stains, such as those caused by pet urine or vomit. By treating these stains immediately, you can prevent them from setting in and causing permanent damage to your carpets and upholstery.
Choosing the Right Carpet Cleaner
One of the best ways to tackle pet stains is by using a carpet cleaner. These machines are designed to deep clean carpets, upholstery, and even vehicle interiors. After testing 95 different carpet and upholstery cleaners, we’ve identified some of the best options for pet owners.
What We Tested
We evaluated carpet cleaners based on several criteria, including:
- Efficacy on Different Floor Types: How well does the cleaner perform on various surfaces?
- Design and Portability: Is it easy to use and transport?
- Capacity: How much dirty water can it hold before needing to be emptied?
- Noise Level: Is it too loud for pets?
- Cord Length or Battery Life: How far can you reach without needing to unplug?
Top Carpet Cleaners for Pet Owners
1. Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution 35799
Why You Should Get It: This cleaner excelled in our tests, removing 95% of fresh stains while upright, and achieving 100% stain removal with the hand wand. Although setting it up took some time, once operational, it was easy to use. The dual-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate, making it convenient to fill and empty.
- Weight: 17 pounds
- Surface Types: Carpet and upholstery
- Cord Length: 22 feet
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Decibel Level: 89.3 decibels
2. Bissell Spot Clean Pet Pro
Best for Spot Cleaning: This compact cleaner is perfect for quick clean-ups around the house or in the car. It effectively tackles pet messes, though it may require multiple passes for tougher stains. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver.
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Surface Types: Carpet, upholstery
- Cord Length: 20 feet
- Capacity: 96 ounces
- Decibel Level: 88 decibels
3. Bissell Big Pet Pro
Worth the Investment: While on the pricier side, this machine is a powerhouse for pet owners. It comes with a hand vac for pre-cleaning and effectively removes tough stains after a few passes. The included attachments make it versatile for various cleaning tasks.
- Weight: 41 pounds (empty)
- Surface Types: Carpet, upholstery
- Cord Length: 25 feet
- Capacity: 48 ounces
- Decibel Level: 91 decibels
4. Bissell Little Green Portable Cleaner
Best for Portability: This lightweight cleaner is ideal for tackling small messes in tight spaces. It effectively cleans various stains, although it may require several passes for tougher marks. Its compact design makes it easy to store and transport.
- Weight: 9.65 pounds
- Surface Types: Upholstery, carpet
- Cord Length: 15 feet
- Capacity: 48 ounces
- Decibel Level: 70 decibels
5. Rug Doctor Pet Portable Cleaner
Best for Spot Cleaning: This machine is designed for effective spot cleaning, removing stains quickly and efficiently. Its retractable handle makes it easy to maneuver, and it requires minimal setup time.
- Weight: 18.34 pounds
- Surface Types: Carpet, upholstery
- Cord Length: 28 feet
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Decibel Level: 90 decibels
Key Considerations When Shopping for a Carpet Cleaner
Weight and Portability
When choosing a carpet cleaner, consider its weight, especially if you need to clean under furniture or on stairs. A lighter model may be easier to handle, particularly for quick clean-ups.
Surface Types
Ensure the cleaner you choose is suitable for the surfaces in your home. Most models can handle both carpets and upholstery, but it’s essential to verify this based on your specific needs.
Cord Length and Capacity
A longer cord can make it easier to clean larger areas without needing to unplug frequently. Additionally, consider the capacity of the dirty water tank; a larger tank means less frequent emptying during cleaning sessions.
Noise Level
If you have skittish pets, look for models with lower decibel levels. A quieter machine can help keep your pets calm during cleaning.
The Bottom Line
For pet owners, the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution 35799 stands out as the best carpet cleaner, thanks to its effectiveness and ease of use. However, depending on your specific needs, other models like the Bissell Spot Clean Pet Pro or Rug Doctor Pet Portable Cleaner may also be excellent choices.
Your Questions Answered
How often should you shampoo your carpets if you have pets?
Experts recommend shampooing carpets every six months, but this can vary based on how much mess your pets create. Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning are also crucial for maintaining your carpets.
How do you get old pet stains out of carpet?
Pretreating is essential for older stains. Apply a pretreatment solution, let it sit for a few minutes, and then clean with your carpet cleaner. This helps to loosen the stain for easier removal.
What is the best carpet cleaner for people with pets?
The best carpet cleaner for pet owners should effectively tackle liquid stains and leave carpets smelling fresh. Portability, ease of use, and the ability to swap attachments are also important features to consider.
In conclusion, keeping your carpets and upholstery clean with pets in the house is achievable with the right tools and techniques. By investing in a quality carpet cleaner and acting quickly when messes occur, you can maintain a clean and welcoming home for both you and your furry companions.