Best carpet cleaners for homes with pets 2025

Pet-friendly carpet cleaners that will leave your home looking and smelling fresh.

best carpet cleaners

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

Our pick of the best carpet cleaners for households with pets includes powerful models designed to tackle stubborn pet stains, eliminate odours and remove embedded hair. Carpets are soft to walk on and make our homes cosier; however, pets and carpets are not always compatible. When furry friends walk or play on the carpet, the fabric will trap dirt, dust and bacteria.

Deep cleaning the carpets may seem like a daunting task, especially if you have an entirely carpeted home, but you will be surprised how quickly you can get the job done with the right carpet cleaner. Whether you have entirely carpeted floors or just a few segments, they'll help eliminate pet odour and stains.

Best carpet cleaners for pet homes at a glance:

Best overall carpet cleaner: BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro – Buy now on Amazon UK
Best all-round carpet cleaner: Vax ECR2V1P Dual Power Pet Advance Carpet Cleaner – Buy now on Very
Best compact carpet cleaner: VAX Compact Power CWCPV011 Upright Carpet Cleaner – Buy now on Argos

Pet owners will know that accidents are bound to happen, and sometimes, a standard carpet spray or 'shake and vac' solution sometimes doesn't cut it when it comes to wee or mud stains. If you have a pet that is guilty of messing up your carpets, carpet cleaners are a great investment as their powerful scrubbing brushes mix with amazing suction.

The cleaner's brushes agitate, scrub and loosen the dirt and/or stains and then the powerful vacuum suction lifts it away - making easy work of tasks that usually require a lot of effort. Even if you only use your carpet cleaner once a month, they're especially good at removing animal hair and ingrained dirt on a wider scale, which means you'll have faith knowing your carpets have had a proper clean from top to bottom.

Best carpet cleaners for homes with pets

Best overall carpet cleaner

BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet ProBISSELL

The BISSELL Pro Heat 2X Revolution Pet Pro is the best overall carpet cleaner for pet households due to its powerful deep-cleaning performance, pet-specific features and user-friendly design. Equipped with two rotating brush rolls and 12 rows of dirt-lifting power brushes, it effectively removes embedded dirt, pet hair and stubborn stains. The CleanShot Pre-Treater targets tough pet messes, while Heatwave technology helps maintain water temperature for consistent cleaning power.

For added convenience, the Express Clean Mode ensures carpets dry in under 30 minutes, making it easy to refresh your home without long drying times. A three-metre hose and a range of specialised tools allow for effortless cleaning of carpets, upholstery, stairs and hard-to-reach areas. Designed with easy maintenance in mind, the removable brush roll cover and separate clean and dirty water tanks simplify the cleaning process and storage.

With its combination of power, efficiency and pet-friendly features, the BISSELL Pro Heat 2X Revolution Pet Pro is a top choice for keeping pet-friendly homes spotless and fresh.

Customer reviews praise this Bissell for lifting stubborn embedded dirt and bringing carpets up like new. Just be prepared for it to be a bit loud—the same as any other wet vacuum or spot cleaner—and this quality appliance will be your new best friend.

Pros

  • Powerful cleaning with two rotating brush rolls and dirt-lifting power brushes
  • Effectively removes pet hair, dirt and stubborn stains
  • CleanShot Pre-Treater targets tough pet messes
  • Heatwave technology maintains consistent water temperature
  • Express Clean Mode dries carpets in under 30 minutes
  • Versatile with a three-metre hose and specialised tools for different surfaces

Cons

  • Can be a bit loud, like most wet vacuums or spot cleaners
Weight8.62 kg
Clean Tank Capacity3.7 L
Dimensions38 x 32 x 110 cm
Power800 W
ToolsTough Stain Tool<br>2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool<br>3-in-1 Stair Tool<br>Upholstery hose<br>Nozzle cleaning tool

Best all-round carpet cleaner

Vax ECR2V1P Dual Power Pet Advance Carpet CleanerVax
Price: $99 (was £169)

www.very.co.uk

The Vax ECR2V1P Dual Power Pet Advance Carpet Cleaner is designed with Twin Tank Technology that separates clean water from dirty water and is convenient to fill and empty. It uses dual rotating brush bars to lift tough, deep-down dirt from your carpets and a pre-treatment wand and solution to tackle stubborn stains.

Our tester was highly impressed with the Vax Dual Power Pet Advance, particularly for its ease of use, powerful cleaning and pet-friendly design. Despite having a busy household with pets, they found it lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, even up and down stairs. Compared to bulky rental machines, this carpet cleaner was much more convenient. The setup was simple—just add water and cleaning solution, spray while pushing forward, and vacuum up dirty water on the return stroke. They were especially satisfied with how visibly effective it was, pulling out embedded dirt and refreshing old rugs. While fur buildup on the rotating brush needed occasional cleaning, this was easy to do. The only minor drawbacks were storage space and carpet drying time (around an hour), but these didn’t significantly impact usability. Overall, they found it great value for money, with useful accessories and strong performance, and would highly recommend it to other pet owners.

Pros

  • Powerful cleaning – lifts embedded dirt and pet hair effectively
  • Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre – comparable to a standard vacuum
  • Simple to use – quick setup and intuitive operation
  • Visible results – instantly refreshes carpets and rugs
  • Includes useful accessories – comes with a pre-treatment wand, cleaning solutions and an extra tool bag
  • Strong performance at an affordable price

Cons

  • Carpet drying time – takes around an hour to fully dry
  • Plastic feel during assembly – though it felt sturdier once put together
Weight6.4kg
Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity2.7 / 1.5 L
Dimensions48.9 x 40.4 x 38 cm
Power800 W
ToolsWash Tool<br>Pre-treatment wand<br>Accessory Bag<br>1 x 250ml Ultra+ Pet solution<br>1 x 250ml Pre-treatment solution

Best compact carpet cleaner

VAX Compact Power CWCPV011 Upright Carpet CleanerVax
Price: $89 (was £99)

www.argos.co.uk

The VAX Compact Power CWCPV011 Upright Carpet Cleaner is lightweight and compact, ideal for smaller homes. Weighing just 5.7kg, it’s easy to store and move around. The Aquaspin brush bar effectively tackles everyday stains and deep-set dirt, while the narrow head helps reach tight spaces. With a 2.7L water tank, you won’t need frequent refills, and the easy-to-remove tank keeps dirty water separate for hassle-free emptying. Heat blast technology speeds up drying and even comes with a cleaning solution so you can start using it immediately. While it doesn’t include extra attachments, it’s a great choice for smaller homes needing an efficient and convenient carpet cleaner.

Customer reviews praise this compact VAX carpet cleaner, with one commenting: "Easy to use and lighter weight than most carpet cleaners." Other reviews indicate it's less noisy than a full-size carpet cleaner and does the job effectively. The only thing to note is that because it is a compact model, the water tank will need refilling more frequently when cleaning a larger carpet area.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact – easy to store and move (only 5.7kg)
  • Aquaspin brush bar – effectively tackles stains and deep-set dirt
  • Narrow head – ideal for reaching tight spaces
  • 2.7L water tank – reduces the need for frequent refills
  • Easy-to-remove tank – keeps dirty water separate for hassle-free emptying
  • Heat blast technology – speeds up drying time
  • Quieter than larger models

Cons

  • No additional attachments – limited versatility
  • Smaller water tank – requires more frequent refills for larger areas
Weight5.7 kg
Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity1.8 / 1.5 L
Dimensions106 x 25 x 33 cm
Power840 W
ToolsUnspecified.

Best carpet cleaner for hard surfaces

BISSELL CrossWave Cordless 3-in-1 multi-surface cleanerBISSELL

Perfect for routine cleaning and tackling everyday messes in busy homes, the BISSELL CrossWave Cordless 3-in-1 multi-surface cleaner vacuums, washes, and dries hard floors and area rugs simultaneously. Its easy-empty tank strainer effectively separates and traps hair and dry debris from dirty water, while the two-tank system ensures you're always cleaning with fresh water and solution.

Our tester praised its versatility, saying: "The great thing about the 3-in-1 CrossWave is that you can choose between hard floor or carpet/rug at the click of a button on the handle. It's easier to use on hard floors as you can keep track of where you've cleaned and where you haven't. I'd probably use this way more for my kitchen and bathroom areas and less so on my carpet, but it's great to know it can do both." They also noted its impressive ability to pick up pet hair missed by a regular vacuum, making it a valuable addition to any pet-friendly home.

Pros

  • Vacuums, washes and dries in one go
  • Works on both hard floors and area rugs
  • Two-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate
  • Easy-empty tank strainer traps hair and debris
  • Picks up pet hair effectively
  • Simple controls for switching between surfaces

Cons

  • More effective on hard floors than carpets
Weight4.9 kg
Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity828 / 620 ml
DimensionsD35 x H118 x W33 cm
Power1560 W
ToolStorage Tray Charging Station<br>Dual Action Multi-Surface Brush roll<br>Multi-Surface Formula

Best multi-purpose carpet cleaner

The CarpetXpert is the best multi-purpose carpet cleaner because it combines powerful deep cleaning and spot stain removal in one machine. Thanks to its crevice tool and tough stain hand tool you can target stubborn stains (the kind of little presents pets leave behind).

Revive carpets with 8x deeper cleaning than a regular vacuum, high-pressure spray, high-speed brushroll and strong suction. The CarpetXpert effectively lifts dirt and grime from carpets and rugs while ensuring fast drying. The built-in stain and spot remover with handheld attachments makes it ideal for tackling messes on carpets, stairs, upholstery, car interiors, and more. Plus, the specially formulated CarpetXpert Deep Clean Pro solution enhances its cleaning power, restoring and refreshing a variety of surfaces. It will bring your carpets up like new.

Customer reviews praise its powerful deep-cleaning, even on tough stains. A particular review praises its versatility: "It works on different carpet types and can also be used on upholstery, making it a great multi-purpose cleaning tool." The only catch is that the dirty water tank capacity is on the smaller side, so it means regular emptying if you're cleaning a large carpeted area.

Pros

  • 8x deeper cleaning than a regular vacuum for a thorough refresh
  • High-pressure spray, brush roll and strong suction for effective dirt and grime removal
  • Spot clean with handheld attachments for targeted cleaning
  • Versatile use – works on carpets, rugs, stairs, upholstery, and car interiors
  • Specially formulated cleaning solution for deep stain removal and carpet revival

Cons

  • Smaller dirty water tank requires frequent emptying during large cleaning sessions
  • Heavier design compared to some compact models
Weight8.1kg
Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity2.3L
DimensionsH111.1 x W30.5 x D34.8cm
Power960W
ToolsTough Stain Tool, Crevice Tool, &amp; 1.4L Full-Size CarpetXpert cleaning solution

Best carpet cleaner for larger homes

Vax ECB1SPV1 Platinum Power Max Carpet CleanerVax
Price: $255 (was £269)

ao.com

The Vax ECB1SPV1 Platinum Power Max Carpet Cleaner claims to remove up to 93 per cent of fungi, allergens and bacteria and will dry within an hour. It is designed with a large tank, which is perfect for larger homes or frequent use. The hand wash tool and added stretch hose allow you to get into every nook and cranny, and the seven SpinScrub brushes and rotating brush bars work to get rid of any dirt lodged in your carpet.

Customer reviews support the fact that this is an ideal carpet cleaner for large homes, with one commenting: "Did a great job of cleaning the whole house carpets." However, do bear in mind that the large water tanks make it heavy when full.

Pros

  • Powerful deep cleaning with seven SpinScrub brushes and rotating brush bars
  • Removes up to 93% of fungi, allergens and bacteria
  • Large water tank ideal for big homes or frequent use
  • Dries carpets within an hour
  • Hand wash tool and stretch hose for detailed cleaning

Cons

  • Heavy when the water tank is full
  • Bulkier design may require more storage space
Weight9.6 kg
Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity3.5 / 2.9 L
Dimensions110 x 34 x 41 cm
Power1200 W
Tools2 x 250ml Platinum solution<br>1 x 250ml Pre-treatment solution<br>Pre-treatment hose<br>Upholstery tool<br>Spin scrub brush<br>Hard floor tool

Best carpet cleaner for spot cleaning

Rug Doctor 93407 Pet Portable Spot Carpet CleanerRug Doctor

The Rug Doctor 93407 Pet Portable Spot Carpet Cleaner is the best carpet spot cleaner for pet owners. It is ideal for tackling the messes that come with having pets, offering powerful cleaning capabilities to handle everything from accidents to stubborn stains. This Rug Doctor unit delivers twice the suction power of other spot cleaners, ensuring deep, effective cleaning that removes pet accidents, set-in stains and lingering odours with ease. Its dual-action brush with rubberised bristles helps lift pet hair and extract dirt from carpets, upholstery and other soft surfaces, making it particularly efficient at dealing with pet messes.

Designed to be lightweight and manoeuvrable, it features easy-roll, carpet-friendly wheels and a retractable handle, making it simple to move around your home, office or even your vehicle. Its versatility makes it perfect for cleaning small areas, spot stains and a variety of surfaces, including carpets, upholstery and vehicle interiors. This spot cleaner is an excellent choice for pet households due to its focused power and convenience in keeping your home clean and fresh.

Customer reviews indicate that it is a powerful compact carpet cleaner for lifting small stains. If you are looking to clean a whole carpet, you will need a full-size carpet cleaner. Also, while it has a powerful motor and suction that can make short work of stains, it is rather noisy. It is best not to use it early on a Sunday morning and wake up the neighbours!

Pros

  • Delivers twice the suction power of other spot cleaners for deep, effective cleaning
  • Dual-action brush with rubberised bristles lifts pet hair and dirt from carpets and upholstery
  • Lightweight and manoeuvrable with easy-roll, carpet-friendly wheels and a retractable handle
  • Ideal for pet households, tackling accidents, set-in stains and odours

Cons

  • Not suitable for cleaning entire carpets; intended for spot cleaning
  • Noisy operation due to the powerful motor and suction
Weight7.45kg
Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity1.9 / 1.9L
Dimensions‎31.75 x 45 x 43.8cm
Power1100W
Tools1x Pet Portable Spot Cleaner Machine, 1x 236ml Trial-Size Solution, 1x User Guide

Most reliable carpet cleaner for homes with pets

Henry Wash HVW 370-2 Cylinder Carpet CleanerHenry
Price: $249

ao.com

The Henry Wash HVW 370-2 Cylinder Carpet Cleaner upholds Numatic’s trusted reputation, offering a powerful solution for refreshing carpets, hard floors and even upholstery. With a large clean and dirty water tank, it’s ideal for big homes or frequent use, though at 12.1kg, it’s on the heavier side. Its rotating brush digs deep to lift stubborn dirt and pet messes, while a range of accessories makes tackling spills and stains effortless. Plus, it even helps unblock sinks! Proudly made in Great Britain, this reliable cleaner ensures your home stays spotless.

The Henry carpet cleaner has received glowing reviews online, with customers praising its effectiveness and ease of use. However, as a customer review comments, the Henry design would benefit from having an integrated pole to make storage and moving it around a bit easier.

Pros

  • Powerful cleaning for carpets, hard floors and upholstery
  • Large clean and dirty water tanks, ideal for big homes or frequent use
  • Rotating brush lifts stubborn dirt and pet messes
  • Comes with a range of accessories for different cleaning tasks
  • Can even help unblock sinks
  • Made in Great Britain

Cons

  • Heavy at 12.1kg, making it harder to move around
  • Lacks an integrated pole for easier storage and transport
Weight15.3 kg
Clean / Dirty Tank Capacity5 / 9 L
Dimensions37 x 36 x 51 cm
Power1600 W
ToolsDual Scrub Floor Tool<br>Fishtail Tool<br>Upholstery Tool<br>NuChem 4 Carpet Washing Solution

How we chose the best carpet cleaners for homes with pets

All of these carpet cleaners have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered the effectiveness and value for money in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching carpet cleaners to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

And, with pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by us and our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.

Best carpet cleaners FAQs

How often should you clean your carpets?

It is advised that you deep clean your carpet at least once a year. However, different environmental factors will change this. For example, every three to six months would be more suitable if you have a large household, several pets, or smoke indoors. Cleaning your carpets regularly will ensure that any bacteria, dust, pet hair or allergens are eradicated, making it more comfortable for those with asthma or allergies. It also ensures that your home smells fresh and your carpets will stay in good condition for longer.

How to stop pets from messing on carpets:

To stop your beloved furry friend from messing on your carpet, it depends on whether you have a dog or a cat. For dogs, it’s important to establish a routine when it comes to toilet training early on and let them outside for regular relief. To stop cats from spraying on your carpets and furniture, you’ll want to make sure they’ve got easy access to a designated toilet area and that their litter box is regularly cleaned to entice them to use it. Whatever type of pet you have, consistency, positive reinforcement and appropriate deterrents are key for effectively preventing them from messing on your carpets.

What is the difference between a spot cleaner and a carpet cleaner?

The main difference between a spot cleaner and a carpet cleaner lies in their size and purpose. A spot cleaner is a smaller, portable device designed for cleaning specific stains or spills on carpets or upholstery, offering targeted cleaning. In contrast, a carpet cleaner is larger and more powerful, designed to clean entire carpeted areas or high-traffic areas, using water, cleaning solutions and brushes for a more thorough deep clean.

How do you keep a carpet clean in a pet household?

To keep your carpets clean in a pet household, regular vacuuming is essential, especially if you have a shedding dog. Look for a vacuum designed for pet hair to help lift stubborn dirt and hair. Don’t forget to wash pet beds and vacuum other soft furnishings to remove pet hair and dander. To prevent dirt from outside, towel off your dog’s paws when they come in, and train them to stand on a doormat. For cats with outdoor access, use a mat by the cat flap to catch mud and water. If you find dried mud on the carpet, loosen it with a vacuum, and for wet mud, use a spot washer. Address accidents immediately with the right cleaning formula and tools for pet messes.

Ellen Kinsey is a previous contributor for Take a Break. She has now left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.

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