Best Carpet Cleaners for Pet Owners: Stains, Hair and Odour

You love your dog. You do not love what your dog does to your carpets. Muddy paw prints across the hallway. Mystery wet patches by the back door. That lingering smell in the spare room that no amount of Febreze can shift. The PDSA PAW Report 2025 found that 27% of UK households own a dog and 24% own a cat. That is 12 million homes where pet stains are a weekly reality. A standard carpet cleaner handles the mess. A pet-specific carpet cleaner eliminates the stain AND the odour permanently.

#1

Best Overall

Vax Platinum SmartWash

4.5/10 Our Score £329

Tank Size4.5L clean / 4.2L dirty

CoverageUp to 80 m²

Weight11 kg (empty)

Hose Length2.4 m

Stain Removal95%

Value for Money82%

Ease of Use88%

What We Like

• SpinScrub technology with counter-rotating brush bars scrubs carpet fibres from every angle simultaneously
• Automatic cleaning mode adjusts water and solution delivery based on push/pull speed, preventing overwetting
• Dual tank system keeps clean and dirty water completely separate for hygienic operation
• XL 4.5-litre clean water tank covers up to 80 square metres before needing a refill

Watch Out For

• At 11 kg empty and 16 kg filled, it is heavy to carry upstairs or between rooms
• Drying time is 2 to 3 hours even in well-ventilated rooms, longer on thick pile carpets
• Replacement brushroll costs £35 and needs changing every 12 to 18 months with regular use

Emma Whitfield's Verdict

The Vax Platinum SmartWash is the best carpet cleaner for most UK homes. The automatic cleaning mode prevents overwetting, the SpinScrub brushes remove deep stains, and the 6-year warranty backs it all up. It is heavy, but that weight translates to stability and cleaning power.

Check Price on Amazon

Free delivery and 30-day returns with Amazon

#2

Best Spot Cleaner

Bissell SpotClean ProHeat

4.6/10 Our Score £149

Tank Size740 ml clean

CoverageSpot treatment

Weight4.8 kg

Hose Length1.5 m

Stain Removal85%

Value for Money95%

Ease of Use95%

What We Like

• Compact and portable at 4.8 kg, easy to carry to stairs, car seats and furniture
• Heatwave Technology keeps water warm for better stain breakdown on protein and oil stains
• OXY-powered formula breaks down stains at molecular level without harsh bleaching agents
• Long 1.5-metre hose reaches car interiors and upholstery without moving the unit

Watch Out For

• Not designed for full-room cleaning, intended for spot treatment of individual stains only
• Small 740 ml tank needs frequent refilling when tackling multiple stains
• Drying time on spot-treated areas is 30 to 60 minutes depending on fabric thickness

Emma Whitfield's Verdict

The Bissell SpotClean ProHeat is the best spot cleaner in the UK. At £149, it handles red wine, coffee, pet accidents and mud stains with surgical precision. Every UK household with carpet or fabric furniture should own one. It is the single most useful cleaning tool we have ever tested.

Check Price on Amazon

Free delivery and 30-day returns with Amazon

What Makes a Carpet Cleaner "Pet-Specific"?

"The most common mistake pet owners make is using bleach-based products on pet stains. Bleach reacts with the ammonia in urine to create toxic chloramine gas. Always use enzymatic cleaners, never bleach."
— Dr. Sarah Ellis, head of cat advocacy at International Cat Care

Frequently Asked Questions