5 Best Carpet Stain Removers [Efficient and Bio-Friendly]

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best carpet stain removerEver wondered why carpet stains are inescapable no matter how careful you are?

Fortunately, there are plenty of options that you can choose from when cleaning carpet stains and spills.

These carpet stain removers are very handy and an excellent option to get rid of these stubborn stains.

Tips for Using Carpet Stain Removers

tips for using carpet stain removersUsing a stain remover for the first time can be confusing.

When using a water-based stain remover, avoid over-wetting the area. Water should not penetrate the back of the rug as this may damage the carpet. Also, the color may bleed to the floor.  Test a small patch of your carpet with a stain remover and observe how the carpet behaves. Check if the cleaner causes the dye transfers onto a paper towel.

Choose a carpet stain remover that gives you more mileage on usage. A formula that needs a little quantity mixed with a significant portion of water is an excellent solution.

Take into account the effects of cleaning on the environment. A stain remover that is non-toxic and bio-degradable is safe and best for the environment.

You also need to open your windows when using a stain removers as some of them emit fumes.

This is essential if you have someone with a respiratory problem in your home. Furthermore, understand that the type of carpet can affect your cleaning process.

The pH level of your carpet stain remover plays a role in the cleaning of the carpet.

Acid-based shampoos have a one to five rating on the pH scale. However, alkaline formulations have a rating of 6-10 or higher.

Check the structural build of your carpet and choose a stain remover that matches the pH scale reading.

It’s also critical to know the type of carpet material. Carpets made from natural fibers like silk or wool need a gentle formula to ensure durability.
However, with synthetic materials like olefin, acrylic, and polyester, you can use harsh stain removers. 

Understand that some stains need special treatment. Methods like steam cleaning, blotting, or wetting may not work for specific stains. Remember that the faster you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove.

You could use a dry or wet vacuum to extract any spills. Later, you can use a carpet stain remover as directed.

Clean absorbent towels also work if you don’t own a vacuum. Just blot and avoid rubbing the surface as this not only spreads the stain, it could also damage the carpet fibers.

The 5 Best Carpet Stain Removers

Now, let’s take a look at our Top 5 Carpet Stain Removers.

Folex Carpet Stain Remover

Folex carpet cleaner comes in a plain white and purple bottle.

This carpet cleaner is odor free, non-flammable, and non-toxic, making it safe to use when you have pets and small children around.

The formula of the Folex carpet cleaner is strong enough to get rid of stubborn stains and spots from your carpet.

Being a water-based formula, you’re guaranteed that the stain remover won’t leave any residue on the carpet. Whether you’re looking to remove grease, wine, or ink, the Folex carpet cleaner has got you covered.

What’s more, this works well on pet stains even though it doesn’t have enzymes. Despite its looks, Folex carpet cleaner is an excellent carpet stain remover. Although the product was designed for carpets, the label states that it can be used on various rug types, clothing, and even upholstery.

While this is a great product, it has its disadvantages. If the carpet was bleached by a spot or stain like wine, the cleaner could remove the stain, but it won’t restore the color back. It’s recommended to handle stains as soon as they occur. The manual lacks information on what other materials the user can use this remover on.

Pros and Cons of Folex Carpet Stain Remover Solution

Pros

  • Neutral odor
  • Cleans dirt and stains from different surfaces
  • An almost instant effect
  • Doesn’t have harmful chemicals
  • No need to vacuum the area once the solution dries

Cons

  • May cause skin irritation and gloves are recommended
  • Unable to revert the carpet to its original color in case of poured dyes or wine
  • Not good for areas prone to water damage

Bubbas Cleaner Shampoo Solution

Bubba’s cleaner shampoo solution has some paw prints on the bottle, a clear indication that it would work perfectly if you’re trying to get rid of pet odors or stains. You’ll need to use a good carpet shampooer or a high quality steam cleaner (check out our top list here) and mix it with water before adding it to a cleaning machine.

Unlike other formulas, this carpet cleaner deodorizes the carpet and restores all the fibers. Whether you’re dealing with pet dandruff or tough stains, this shampoo solutions is just what you need.

The shampoo solution is designed to work with any major carpet cleaner, meaning you can use with any carpet cleaner you’ll find in the department stores. Although this product is expensive compared to other solutions on the list, it’s concentrated, and you’ll only use a little. However, some users have found that you need to use a little more solution on bigger messes

Pros and Cons of Bubbas Cleaner Shampoo Solution

Pros

  • Long-lasting fragrance after cleaning
  • Ability to eliminate soil particles from carpets
  • Safe for human use and commercially graded
  • Acts fast on stains

Cons

  • May not generate enough foam during use

Bissell Professional Carpet Stain Remover

Bissell professional carpet spot and stain remover has an oxygen ingredient that works to lighten stains on your rugs and carpets.

Unlike other removers that require you to clean the stain immediately, Bissell stain remover works on both set-in and new stains. Moreover, the technology can remove tough odors left like pet odors, smoke, mildew, and mold. The place is left smelling fresh and clean.

This oxygen cleaner works on coffee, motor oil, blood, pet, and wine stains.

The targeted sprayer on this carpet cleaner means that you can direct it to the source of stain instead of spraying it everywhere.

The formula has been approved by the EPA, showing that it only uses safe ingredients.

Pros and Cons of Bissell Professional Carpet Remover

Pros

  • Little quantity works on a large area
  • Able to neutralize odors
  • Effective against old stains
  • Deodorizer scent

Cons

  • May leave an oily residue after use

Gonzo Natural Magic Stain Remover

Gonzo natural magic stain remover treats a variety of stains.

This non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally safe remover works well for carpets, upholstery, and clothing. It’s known to get rid of pet stains, grease, coffee, milk, perspiration, urine and more.

Available in a gallon size, the Gonzo natural magic stain remover also works for commercial application. You can use it for old and new stains. The easy to use bottle applicator lets you squeeze the solution directly on carpets.

Pros and Cons of Gonzo Natural Magic Stain Remover

Pros

  • Environmentally safe
  • Handles odors well
  • Able to handle almost any stain
  • Pre-treatment for clothing

Cons

  • Tough for delicate material

Spot Shot Professional Instant Carpet Stain Remover

The Spot Shot professional instant carpet stain remover promises to get rid of stubborn stains from messes caused by pets and oil. While most products claim to work on an old stain, this particular one lives up to the claims. What’s more, the formula works on wine, crayons, coffee, pet stains and more. It’s also safe for the environment.

Pros and Cons of Spot Shot Professional Instant Remover

Pros

  • No odor
  • Works well on general stains
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • There is need to hold the can at the right angle to dispense the liquid

Final Words On Removing Carpet Stains

Although it’s often not possible to prevent stains and spills, it’s critical to prepare in case accidents happen. The right carpet stain remover makes it so much easier to treat any messy area.

Having the correct information is essential to choosing a great carpet stain remover.

Be sure to determine the type of carpet you have and analyze the features of the different brands available.  Follow the usage instructions of the manufacturers and go for environmentally friendly products.

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AUTHOR

Nora has more than 5 years experience in the floor covering industry, acquiring vast knowledge about installation and material selection. She now enjoys working as a writer and an interior decorator. Her work has been featured in The Spruce, Homes & Gardens, Southern Living and Real Homes. See full biography here.

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