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Over time, the carpeting in your car collects dirt and dust and will likely suffer from unsightly stains. Having a car carpet cleaner on hand and using it regularly ensures your car’s interior stays clean and in good condition for years to come. The best car carpet cleaners come in shampoos, steam cleaners, vacuums, and sprays to remove unsightly dirt, deodorize foul smells, and sometimes sanitize.
Read on for the best car carpet cleaner, and understand how removing unsightly debris from upholstery can be as easy as a spritz of carpet cleaner or the suction from a handheld vacuum.
- BEST OVERALL: CarGuys Super Cleaner – Effective All Purpose Cleaner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Stain Remover
- UPGRADE PICK: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose Heavy Duty
- BEST FOR CARPETS AND MATS: Turtle Wax T-244R1 Power Out! Carpet and Mats Cleaner
- BEST FOR UPHOLSTERY: Chemical Guys CWS_103 Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo
- BEST FOR ODOR REMOVAL: Febreze Heavy Traffic Carpet Foam
- BEST FOR DIRT AND DEBRIS: BLACK+DECKER dusbuster Handheld Vacuum (HHVI320JR02)
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Car Carpet Cleaner
When shopping for the best car carpet cleaner, there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind. These include the type, ingredients, scent, and stain and odor removal properties, among others.
Type
The market offers many types of car carpet cleaners, such as sprays, shampoos, deodorizers, vacuums, and steam cleaners. In addition, many portable carpet cleaners can be stored conveniently in the trunk of a car.
- Spray car carpet cleaners typically come packaged in a bottle with an aerosol or spritz nozzle for easy storage and targeting of specific spots. Spray carpet cleaners can clean the entire carpet surface or spot treat stains.
- Carpet shampoos typically have concentrated cleaning solutions that car owners must mix with water and apply with a carpet-cleaning machine. However, some carpet shampoos come in spray bottles for spraying directly on carpeting and scrubbing clean with a soft-bristle brush.
- Carpet deodorizers eliminate odors and can effectively clean away dirt and grime while leaving behind a fresh fragrance.
- Vacuums with a handheld design or those meant to clean wet and dry surfaces typically work best for cleaning car carpets, especially when paired with long and narrow attachments that fit into the nooks and crannies between seats and the floor. Vacuuming usually serves as the first step in cleaning car carpets before applying a liquid carpet cleaner.
- Steam cleaners use the power of heat and water to pick up what vacuums leave behind, like ground-in mud or sticky foods. Steam cleaners can clean hard-to-reach surfaces and adequately get into carpet fibers for a deep clean that also sanitizes.
Ingredients
Car carpet cleaners might contain harsh chemical ingredients such as ammonia, acid, acetone, formaldehyde, pesticides, or disinfectant that can be dangerous to inhale. When using cleaners with these chemical ingredients, do so safely outside, within a well-ventilated space, or while wearing a mask.
Other car carpet cleaners have formulations without harsh chemicals for safer alternatives. These safer car carpet cleaners usually contain a water base plus less-harsh ingredients, such as surfactants and natural enzymes.
Scent
Car carpet cleaner formulas often include fresh scents that linger after use. The fragrance left behind might be a fresh floral or pleasant citrus scent, or it might even restore that classic new-car smell. Every car carpet cleaner smells different, and some products tout scent-free formulas. If fragrance is important, be sure to carefully read over the label to ensure the car carpet cleaner has a preferred scent (or no scent at all).
Stain and Odor Removal
Car carpets see heavy foot traffic and can quickly become covered in stains from dirty shoes, food, pets, and more. Most car carpet cleaners remove stains effectively and eliminate the odors that often result from stains.
Car carpet cleaners that lift stains and odors can come in a variety of styles such as foams, sprays, shampoos, or steamers. A tough stain might require applying the preferred cleaning method a few times, or the cleaner might need extra time to allow the cleaner to soak into the stain (usually for up to 10 minutes) before the user scrubs it with a bristle brush or microfiber cloth. Some cleaners might need to be rinsed with water, while others have rinse-free formulas.
Antibacterial Properties
While car carpet cleaners are highly effective at cleaning away dirt and stains, not all car carpet cleaners have antibacterial properties. However, cleaners that eliminate bad smells work to kill odor-causing microbes for a fresh clean.
Steam cleaners kill bacteria most effectively. Using the power of steam’s high temperatures can quickly and thoroughly eliminate pesky germs, leaving behind a clean, dirt-free surface.
Drying Time
When using car carpet cleaners, the drying time depends on the cleaner and how deeply it saturates the surface. Carpets soaked with a cleaner or steam can take a few hours to dry completely. However, many car carpet cleaners have quick-drying formulas so that surfaces feel soft and clean shortly after application.
Versatility
The best car carpet cleaner can freshen more than just car carpeting. Many of these vehicle cleaners also work on other upholstery or fabric surfaces, such as car seats, mats, seat belts, and the dash. These car carpet cleaners also might suit cleaning of other outdoor or indoor surfaces. Be sure to properly read the user manual to ensure safe usage as directed by the manufacturer.
Our Top Picks
The best car carpet cleaner uses powerful ingredients and convenient application methods that effectively clean the soft interior surfaces of a vehicle. The best car carpet cleaners listed below offer various options for those with a vehicle in need of a deep clean.
Best Overall
CarGuys Super Cleaner – Effective All Purpose Cleaner
This 18-ounce spray bottle of multisurface car cleaner by Car Guys effectively cleans carpet, upholstery, plastic, rubber, and leather without harsh ingredients like ammonia. It can help to lightly dust surfaces, plus remove tough stains on carpet and car seats when applied directly to the surface. Avoid using it on glass, though.
This cleaner has a water-based, no-rinse formula that is super easy to use. Depending on the amount of cleaner applied, most soft surfaces dry in a few hours. The bottle features a professional-grade spray nozzle with an ergonomic trigger for comfort and to avoid spills if it tips over.
Product Specs
- Type: Spray
- Cleaning Capability: Stains and light dust
- Scented: Yes
- Antibacterial: No
Pros
- Suitable for carpet, upholstery, plastic, rubber, and leather
- Water-based, no-rinse formula
- Dries in a few hours
- Professional-grade spray nozzle
- Suitable for spot-cleaning
Cons
- Should not be used on glass
- Multiple cleaning sessions may be required
Get the CarGuys All-Purpose cleaner on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Bang For The Buck
Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Stain Remover
Woolite’s carpet and upholstery stain remover packs value in a car carpet cleaner that comes with a fabric-safe brush conveniently attached to the lid. The cleaner applies to surfaces as a foam that effectively targets stains without fully saturating the surface, so carpets dry quickly.
This deep-cleaning foam cleans carpet and car seats, lifts stains, and eliminates odor while leaving a fresh scent behind. The formula contains ingredients that are safe when used as directed yet tough on pet odors like urine. Each can of cleaner in this affordable four-pack comes filled with 12 ounces and features powerful cleaning agents like surfactants and peroxide to clean deeply.
Product Specs
- Type: Carpet shampoo
- Cleaning Capability: Stains and odors
- Scented: Yes
- Antibacterial: No
Pros
- Ample quantity provided
- Comes with a fabric-safe brush
- Quick-drying
- Suitable for pet odors
Cons
- Hard scrubbing may be required
Get the Woolite Carpet and Upholstery cleaner at Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
Upgrade Pick
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose Heavy Duty
Dupray’s Neat Steam Cleaner is a powerful and multipurpose tool that uses hot steam to lift tough dirt and grime from car carpets while sanitizing and eliminating bacteria. When using a steam cleaner, carpets must air-dry for a couple of hours. The cleaner comes with 17 accessories that include two tube extensions, one cloth, three microfiber pads, five nylon brushes, one brass brush, two different triangular tools, one lance, one window tool, and a rectangular floor tool.
This machine heats up to 275 degrees in as little as 7 minutes. It can hold up to 54 ounces of water and has an integrated funnel for convenient filling. The steamer’s cord measures 16 feet, and the tube reaches 6 feet 6 inches for tight spots. A retractable handle lessens storage space but provides easy carrying.
Product Specs
- Type: Steam cleaner
- Cleaning Capability: Dirt, debris, and sanitizing
- Scented: No
- Antibacterial: Yes
Pros
- 17 accessories; gets into hard-to-reach areas
- Heats to 275 degrees in 7 minutes
- Holds 54 ounces of water
- 16-foot power cord
- Retractable handle
Cons
- Takes some time to dry
- Pricey
Get the Dupray Steam Cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Walmart.
Best for Carpets and Mats
Turtle Wax T-244R1 Power Out! Carpet and Mats Cleaner
The Power Out! Carpet and Mats Cleaner by Turtle Wax is a stain-removing foam that sprays directly on car carpeting for best results. This 18-ounce can of cleaner comes with an attached MicroScrub brush to quickly scrub away dirt. This cleaner’s formula contains Oxy brighteners that refresh the carpet with a professional finish. It also has Turtle Wax’s patented Odor-X ingredient that eliminates tough odors caused by smoke, pets, mildew, and food.
After this carpet and mat cleaner goes on the surface, a soil-repelling silicone shield protects carpets from future stains. For best results, vacuum carpets and mats before applying this cleaner.
Product Specs
- Type: Carpet shampoo
- Cleaning Capability: Stains, dirt, and odors
- Scented: No
- Antibacterial: No
Pros
- 18 ounces of cleaner
- MicroScrub brush
- Oxy brighteners
- Eliminates smoke, pets, mildew, and food odors
- Soil-repelling silicone shield
Cons
- May require vacuuming before and after use
- May take some time to dry
Get the Turtle Wax cleaner on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best for Upholstery
Chemical Guys CWS_103 Carpet u0026 Upholstery Shampoo
For a hyper-concentrated car carpet and upholstery cleaner, consider The Chemical Guys’ upholstery shampoo. This quality pick tackles grime on carpets, seats, and floor mats. The professional-grade formula contains no detergents and has a low-moisture content for a quick-drying feel after each use. The cleanser has a high-suds consistency that is infused with oxygen to effectively lift and separate dirt particles.
This Chemical Guys carpet shampoo also removes odors with patented enzymes that target odor-causing microbes, and it leaves behind a pleasant citrus scent. Dilute the concentrated cleaner with water in a separate spray bottle and mist surfaces with a light coat before scrubbing with a brush or microfiber cloth.
Product Specs
- Type: Carpet shampoo
- Cleaning Capability: Dirt, stains, and odors
- Scented: Yes
- Antibacterial: No
Pros
- Hyper-concentrated, professional-grade formula
- Suitable for carpets, seats, and floor mats
- Quick-drying
- Fresh citrus scent
Cons
- Requires dilution before use
- No spray bottle included
Get the Chemical Guys shampoo on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best For Odor Removal
Febreze Heavy Traffic Carpet Foam
The powers of Febreze and Gain work together in this heavy-traffic foam carpet cleaner to root out odors trapped in carpet fibers and leave behind a pleasant scent. It uses anionic and nonionic surfactants strong enough to tackle odors caused by pets, tobacco, food, and more.
This foam also helps remove dirt and protects car carpets from future stains with a formula that dries quickly and does not leave a sticky residue behind. To use, spray the entire car carpet or affected area, scrub with a cloth or soft brush, and vacuum. This carpet cleaner comes in a four-pack of 22-ounce cans.
Product Specs
- Type: Carpet shampoo
- Cleaning Capability: Dirt, stains, and odors
- Scented: Yes
- Antibacterial: No
Pros
- Ample quantity provided
- Protects materials from stains
- Removes odors caused by pets, tobacco, and food
- Anionic- and nonionic surfactant-based formula
- Gain fresh scent
Cons
- Requires ample cleaning for best results
Get the Febreze Heavy Duty carpet foam on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best for Dirt and Debris
BLACK+DECKER dusbuster Handheld Vacuum (HHVI320JR02)
Black & Decker’s dustbuster handheld vacuum features a lightweight profile and long, slim handle that can target dirt and dust in tough-to-reach cracks and crannies in cars. The cyclonic action keeps dust from blocking the filter, so the vacuum delivers a continuously powerful suction. The transparent vacuum body easily shows when the bagless filter needs to be emptied or washed.
This cordless vacuum comes with a charger, a wall mount, an extendable tool, and a flip-up brush. It weighs 2.4 pounds, measures 12.5 by 7.9 by 5.3 inches, and holds approximately 20.6 ounces of dirt. It can run for about 30 minutes between charges.
Product Specs
- Type: Vacuum
- Cleaning Capability: Dirt and dust
- Scented: No
- Antibacterial: No
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Gets into hard-to-reach areas
- Cyclonic functionality
- Multiple accessories included
- 30-minute operation time
Cons
- No charging indication light
- Some users report manufacturing defects
Get the BLACK+DECKER Handheld Vacuum on Amazon and at Walmart.
Our Verdict
For a reliable, deep-cleaning car carpet cleaner, we recommend the CarGuys Super Cleaner. This 18-ounce option is suitable for any car interior and some household surfaces, leaves behind no residue with its water-based formula, and dries quickly. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly option, the Woolite Carpet and Upholstery shampoo has a built-in, fabric-safe scrubbing brush that removes embedded odors, dirt, and stains.
How We Chose the Best Car Carpet Cleaners
We researched the most sought-after car carpet cleaners in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, cleaning potential, compatibility with multiple surfaces, and other special features included by top brands.
While searching for the best car carpet cleaning options available for deep- and spot-cleaning, we included sprays, shampoos, steam cleaners, and vacuums to satisfy a range of preferences and cleaning jobs. Each cleaner is specially-formulated for certain stains, debris, and odors caused by coffee spills, pets, food, smoke, and mildew, with some having antibacterial properties.
Select cleaners are made specifically for carpets, mats, and seats, including leather surfaces. For added convenience, some of these car carpet cleaners protect against future stains, come with deodorizers, and leave behind fresh scents.
FAQs
For further info about buying and using car carpet cleaners, read on for answers to some common questions about these products.
Q: Is steam cleaning good for cars?
Steam cleaning is suitable for cleaning cars when applied safely and appropriately. Steam effectively cleans dirt and grime from car carpets and upholstery, and it also sanitizes these surfaces with high temperatures that kill bacteria.
Q: How much car carpet cleaning product should I apply?
Apply enough car carpet cleaning product to soak the carpet or specific stain. Car carpet shampoos typically require about 6 ounces of shampoo per 1 gallon of water. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s user guide for exact instructions.
Q: Can I bleach a stain to remove it from my vehicle’s interior?
Bleach is a harsh chemical cleaner that is not safe for use on car carpets. Bleach can damage or discolor carpet, upholstery, and other soft surfaces in your vehicle.
Q: How do I get stains out of my car carpet?
The best way to remove stains from car carpet is by soaking the stain with car carpet stain remover for up to 10 minutes and then blotting or scrubbing with a towel or cloth. Repeat this process until the stain has lifted as much as possible.