The 4 Best Carpet Shampoos for Your Well-Loved Floors

Best Overall

Nature's Miracle Carpet Shampoo

$17 $15 at Amazon $15 at Chewy $15 at PetSmart

When a product has "miracle" in the name like this pick does, you’re allowed to have high expectations. In the case of this solution, it lives up to its moniker.

This carpet shampoo has an enzymatic formula, which speeds up biological processes to break down stains, working on some of the toughest (and grossest) messes that pets or people can leave behind. While we haven't tested this shampoo ourselves, we're huge fans of the brand's laundry odor remover that breaks down pet odors and biological stains with its bio-enzymatic formula.

Like its laundry counterpart, this carpet shampoo treats odors too, and also provides the overall refresh that many of us are after when we reach for a carpet shampoo. It's available in multiple scents and container sizes, and we also like that it's suitable for use in any brand of carpet cleaner, and for use by itself.

Plus, for targeted treatment of 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.

_{Type: Liquid | Application Method: Use by itself or with a machine cleaner}

Best for Set-in Stains

Bissell Deep Clean Pro Carpet Shampoo

$23 $22 at Amazon $23 at Wayfair $23 at Target

Don't worry if you don't have a carpet cleaning machine from Bissell—the brand's carpet shampoo can be used in any brand of upright carpet cleaner. We haven't tested this specific formula, but have had great experiences with other Bissell carpet products (including its carpet stain remover), so we're comfortable recommending it.

We especially love that it's U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified (a voluntary designation that means its safer for people and for the planet), and that there are a variety of options that allow you to address specific needs in your household.

Like with our best overall carpet shampoo, there are coordinating pre-treatment options available, but sold separately. However, all in all, for tackling old stains and keeping new ones at bay, this shampoo is a great, reliable option.

_{Type: Liquid | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner}

Best Oxygen-Based

OxiClean Large Area Carpet Cleaner

$15 at Amazon $12 at Walmart $16 at Home Depot

OxiClean frequently appears at the top of our list in different cleaning categories that we test, so while we haven't tried this carpet shampoo yet, we have very high hopes based on the brand's other high-performing products (case in point: its laundry stain remover).

This oxygen-based formula creates a chemical reaction that works to dissolve stains and built-up grime, making it effective at both easing tough spots and tackling worn, high-traffic areas—exactly what you want from a carpet shampoo. Plus, it leaves behind a fresh scent.

One thing to note with oxygen-based cleaners, Pleshek cautions, is you need to be mindful of how you're using them, since they can be powerful. Make sure you're following all of the safety precautions listed on the label, which can include avoiding contact with your skin and eyes. Also, never mix bleach with another cleaner, because a toxic gas can form. Use the product in a well-ventilated area and wear protective eyewear and gloves for an extra level of protection, too.

Like with our other picks, we’d love it even more if this carpet shampoo could promise more effective pre-treating capabilities, but OxiClean does offer spot treatments and spray cleansers separately so you can find a complementary product in the same line.

_{Type: Liquid | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner}

Best for Pet Households

Sunny & Honey Carpet Miracle

$60 $50 at Amazon

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, we recommend Sunny & Honey's Carpet Miracle. It has an enzymatic formula that breaks down and removes stains, while serving as a deodorizer too (although, note that it's not a disinfectant).

Like all of our picks, you'll use it in a machine for full-carpet cleaning; you don't need to pre-treat or apply it directly to spots (a spot cleaner is offered separately by the brand, though).

We appreciate this solution's eco-friendliness and its Leaping Bunny certification, too. It’s also suitable for car and furniture upholstery—as long as you can comfortably reach those areas with your machine.

_{Type: Liquid | Application Method: Use with a machine cleaner}