As much as we maintain our carpets, stains are inevitable. After all, with all the spills and muddy shoes that find their way to our carpets, they’re bound to get dirty! Luckily, the best carpet cleaner for old stains can help.
This cleaning solution makes carpet maintenance more manageable, simplifying the process. It lets you spot clean tough stains, keeping your carpet spick and span for the long term.
I’ve tested over 20+ carpet cleaners to showcase the four best that remove old stains. See which can remove your stain issues best!
What’s the Best Carpet Cleaner for Old Stains?
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: KIDS ‘N’ PETS Best Carpet Cleaner for Old Stains Instant All-Purpose Odor and Stain Remover
With its affordable price tag and potent cleaning properties, I choose KIDS ‘N’ PETS as the best carpet cleaner for old stains. It’s an instant all-purpose odor and stain remover, allowing you to spot-clean even the toughest stains.
Although designed for children and pets, you don’t need to those to appreciate this quality carpet cleaner. It guarantees fast pet urine odor removal, allowing your carpet to look fresher — and smell better! And I can second this considering it removed my pet’s old urine stain in a few minutes.
Another excellent benefit of this carpet cleaner is that application is a breeze. Thanks to its simple bottle design, cleaning tough, old stains is as simple as a single spray. But I recommend shaking the bottle and letting it sit for at least 10 minutes to guarantee the best results.
Its formula works by saturating the old stains and penetrating the carpet into its fibers. But beware, you might go through one bottle fast as each application requires two sprays.
Plus, more prominent stains can take up to two hours to dissolve, meaning it’s not the best pick for those in a hurry! Regardless, KIDS ‘N’ PETS is the best carpet cleaner for those on a budget who want a quality solution.
Summary
Enjoy the benefits of a top-quality carpet cleaner and keep those pesky old stains away without breaking the bank with KIDS ‘N’ PETS Instant All-Purpose Odor and Stain Remover. This powerful cleaning solution can eliminate even the most intense stains without issues. And all it takes is two sprays and air-drying!
With KIDS ‘N’ PETS, you never need to worry about stepping on sticky and stained carpets again. As long as you can wait for it to dissolve the stains, this is the perfect, budget-friendly pick for YOU!
| Pros | Cons |
| This carpet cleaner has a gentle scent. | It took two applications to cover old stains. |
| It’s easy to apply on old stains. | This carpet cleaner takes a long time to remove stains. |
| Its formula is potent, removing even the most pungent pet urine odor. | |
| It’s affordable. | |
| It has a practical bottle design, not too bulky or slippery. |
RUNNERS-UP
Rocco & Roxie Carpet Cleaner Spray and Oxy Stain Remover
If you’re looking for a powerful carpet cleaner that guarantees quick results, go for Rocco & Roxie. The Rocco & Roxie Carpet Cleaner Spray and Oxy Stain Remover is an efficient cleaning solution, ensuring easy application and fast results!
Despite its gentle formula, Rocco & Roxie’s carpet cleaner is powerful enough to dissolve tough, old stains. Its oxygenated formula lets it remove once-difficult stains in one wipe, including dirt, urine, and wine. When I tested this on my carpet, it was straightforward and only took 12 minutes to remove all the old stains.
But a downside of this carpet cleaner is that it requires two applications for tougher and sticky stains! And worse, this much application didn’t remove all of them, leaving a faint color behind. However, note that removing those types of old stains needs vacuuming and wiping to be completely removed.
So, when you combine vacuuming, wiping, and this carpet cleaner, you’ll be able to deal even with the toughest stains without issues.
Another impressive feature of this carpet cleaner from Rocco & Roxie that stood out is its gentle scent. I’ve never smelled a carpet cleaning solution this good! And even if you’re not keen on using scented products, this carpet cleaner should be fine as it has a mild fragrance.
Whether searching for a carpet cleaner that’s easy to apply or a robust solution, Rocco & Roxie is your best bet. It can help revive your favorite carpet in no time! As long as you don’t mind paying a little extra for a quality carpet cleaner, Rocco & Roxie is the best for YOU.
| Pros | Cons |
| It can remove old stains in a few minutes. | This carpet cleaner is expensive. |
| It has a pleasant scent and isn’t too overwhelming. | It takes two applications to remove tougher stains. |
| This carpet cleaner is effective. | |
| It has an ergonomic design. | |
| This cleaning solution guarantees easy application. |
Biokleen Bac-Out Carpet Cleaner Spray and Pet Urine Odor Eliminator
Save the environment and your carpet with Biokleen’s Bac-Out Carpet Cleaner Spray and Pet Urine Odor Eliminator. It uses a unique plant-based formula that’s unscented and biodegradable, saving the surroundings one spray at a time.
Despite the Bac-Out’s gentler solution, it could lift fresh and set-in stains in 10 minutes. But beware, it doesn’t work well in old stains, especially sticky ones from mud or barbecue. You must apply it several times to remove these tougher stains altogether. Still, it’s impressive, considering its formula is mild and plant-based.
Another impressive feature of this carpet cleaner is its spray nozzle design. It’s durable and makes it manageable to target the stain accurately, unlike other flimsier bottles that leak. But note that various nozzles sometimes ship when you’ve placed your 2nd or 3rd odors.
I suggest holding onto your first Bac-Out bottle and its sprayer for the best bottle quality.
But what impressed me the most about this carpet cleaner is its low price tag, which is surprising considering it’s an eco-friendly solution.
If you want an affordable carpet cleaner that’s safe for the environment but potent on stains, choose Biokleen’s Bac-Out!
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a durable bottle sprayer. | It needs several applications to remove tougher stains. |
| This carpet cleaner is efficient on fresh and set-in stains, besides old stains. | This carpet cleaner can ship with another nozzle. |
| Its formula can remove old stains in a few minutes. | |
| It’s environmentally friendly. | |
| This carpet cleaning solution is affordable. |
The Spruce Plant-Derived and Enzyme-Based Carpet Cleaner with Pet Stain and Odor Remover
Spruce’s pet stain and odor remover formula is my last pick for the best carpet cleaner for old stains. Its carpet cleaning solution is enzyme-based, derived from plants, guaranteeing eco-friendly use! And despite its milder formula, it works well in removing old stains and odor.
Its enzymatic solution was excellent at breaking up old stains and odors, leaving a gentle scent. And considering it’s enzyme-based, it isn’t surprising to see it work wonders on pet accidents. So, if you’ve been having issues with your furry pet’s business drying up on your carpets, Spruce has you covered.
Moreover, this cleaning solution breaks down the pet stain and odor from its very source. As a result, your pet won’t do its business on the same spot on your carpet.
But I’ve noticed that the carpet cleaner worked best when excess liquid blotted up from the affected areas before the actual application. After you should be able to remove tough, old stains and all unpleasant odors left behind. Hence, it’s the perfect pick for those looking for a quick carpet clean-up.
Another issue with Spruce’s carpet cleaner is that it takes several applications to remove tougher stains like red wine spills and dried-up mud. And it’s utterly useless for fresh or sticky stains, leaving a faint color behind.
Choose Spruce’s carpet cleaner if you’re looking for a fast solution for old stains, and it is eco-friendly. But remember, it doesn’t work well with fresh or set-in stains.
| Pros | Cons |
| This carpet cleaner can remove pet urine stains and odors in a few minutes. | It’s not the best at removing tough and sticky stains. |
| It has a pleasant scent. | It took several applications to remove old wine stains. |
| This plant-derived carpet cleaning solution is eco-friendly. | It was expensive. |
| Its enzymatic formula is cruelty-free. | |
| It guarantees easy application. |
How to Find the Best Carpet Cleaner for Old Stains?
With the number of carpet cleaners available in the market, finding one that works best for your rug can be challenging. Here are a few features to search for to make your shopping experience for a carpet cleaning solution more manageable:
✔️ Type of Carpet Cleaner
Some carpet cleaners have specific designs for certain stains. For instance, other formulas work best for pet stains and odors, while others work best for old stains. Thus, you need to see what type of stains you’re dealing with to find the best carpet cleaner.
Another thing to consider when choosing a carpet cleaner for old stains is whether you need a solution compatible with a carpet cleaning machine or one you can use for spot treatment. Although most carpet cleaners have a liquid consistency, you can pour it into the device or apply it directly on the affected areas using a wet rag.
Generally, if you want an easy and convenient carpet cleaner, a spray type is your best bet. Meanwhile, a liquid carpet cleaner is better for in-depth and heavy-duty cleaning.
Your other options include foaming aerosol sprays, which are ideal for more prominent stains. But there are better options for removing accurate stains on your carpets as aerosol sprays tend to spread. Finally, you can buy carpet cleaners in powder form, often added to machines.
Overall, it’s up to you to see which type of carpet cleaner would work best for your situation.
✔️ Waiting (On-set) Period of the Carpet Cleaner
Most carpet cleaners instruct users to saturate the old stains and let the solution sit for a specified time. Once done, users need to blot the carpet cleaning solution. And since different carpet cleaners have varying strengths, you need to see the suggested waiting period for each one. After all, it directly affects its convenience!
After all, if you want a fast carpet clean-up, a formula that needs 30 minutes to work won’t fit your needs. And vice versa, so carefully consider how long you will wait for the carpet cleaner to remove your old stains.
✔️ Compatible Surfaces
Not all carpet cleaners work well with all carpets — some are more compatible with one rug than the other. But generally, mass-made carpet cleaners work best for synthetic materials rather than natural ones. Luckily, you don’t need to second-guess as most carpet cleaner manufacturers have indicated what carpets their products work best for — and don’t.
For instance, one formula can work well with leather, silk, and wool. Meanwhile, it can’t blend well with silk, velvet, and Haitian cotton carpets. If you’re unsure what material your rug’s made of and don’t want to risk ruining it with a synthetic cleaner, try a carpet cleaning solution you can make at home first.
But note that homemade carpet cleaners often require several applications to work well. So, only do this if you’re willing to take the time to remove the stains altogether.
✔️ Carpet Cleaner Fragrance
Among the most significant downside carpet cleaners have is the overwhelming smell they may have. If you’re not a fan of the chemical scent carpet cleaners have, choose one that doesn’t use an artificial fragrance. It can boost the formula’s aromatic intensity, making it overwhelming.
Aside from that, you can avoid a strong-smelling carpet cleaner by choosing one that uses natural ingredients. After all, they tend to have a milder and more manageable smell.
✔️ Chemical Content
Finally, when choosing a carpet cleaner, you must select a non-toxic formula. And this applies even if you need complete odor elimination, as it protects your carpet’s fibers and surroundings. Plus, eco-friendly carpet cleaners tend to be less messy to deal with and are more economical.
But if you’re using a concentrated carpet cleaner formula, you must dilute it with water first. Not only will this make it less harmful for your carpet, but it can also save you more money over time.
✔️ Carpet Cleaner Formula
Ideally, the best carpet cleaners contain oxygenated formulas as they have oxygen bleach. This chemical causes a reaction at the root of the stain, lifting it off. Meanwhile, enzymatic carpet cleaner formulas work best in breaking down the color alongside its nasty odor. And this works best for pet accidents, wine spills, and sticky barbecue sauce!
How to Remove Old Stains from Carpet?
Nothing makes a carpet look worse than having old and unsightly stains. To make your removal easier, here are foolproof ways to remove old stains from your carpet:
✅ Using the Best Carpet Cleaner for Old Stains
When using a carpet cleaner to remove old stains, ensure you apply enough cleaner. After all, old stains require direct contact with the solution. Hence, spray ample amounts of the carpet cleaner on the affected areas to gently dissolve a stain into the tufts to its backing using your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
But avoid over-saturating the old stains as it’s more efficient to make several applications than applying them at once.
Once applied, give the carpet cleaner time to work. Usually, you need to wait at least five minutes to allow the solution to lift the stain.
After your carpet has absorbed the cleaner, rinse and blot the old stains. You can fill a spray bottle with clean water, spray the affected areas, and scrub it with a dry cloth. And it’s best to do this until all traces of the solution and stains are gone.
If you see residue, wick it away with a folded paper towel and put it on top of the old stains you’ve removed. Once placed, weigh it down with a heavy item and leave it to absorb the residue overnight.
After 24 hours, toss the folded paper towel, fluff the pile using your fingers, and let your carpet air dry.
✅ Make a Homemade Vinegar-Based Carpet Cleaner
A proven all-natural way to remove old carpet stains is by using white vinegar. It’s an efficient stain remover, and here’s how you can use it to wipe off those nasty stains from your rug:
- Rub the old stains on your carpet with a combination of salt and white vinegar in a 2:1 ratio.
- Allow the homemade carpet cleaning solution to dry, then vacuum the residue.
You can add borax to the mix if you’re dealing with large and darker old stains. Meanwhile, you can create a paste with cornstarch and vinegar to remove ground-in dirt and other tougher old stains.
✅ Use Ammonia as a Carpet Cleaner
Ammonia works wonders in removing old stains from carpets. But beware, it leaves a foul odor. Hence, ensure ample ventilation when using ammonia to remove stains from your carpets. And remember never to mix ammonia with other cleaning solutions like bleach, as its fumes can be toxic.
Only consider using ammonia when dealing with old stains with a strong odor. It can neutralize nasty smells in a few minutes!
✅ Go Natural and Use a Baking Soda Carpet Cleaner
If you’re dealing with old wet stains from urine or vomit, baking soda is your best bet! It can soak up the fluids well, deodorizing your carpet simultaneously. And here’s how you can remove old stains using baking soda:
- Blot the old stains with a light cloth and soak up the old wet stains.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the old stains and it into the carpet fibers using a paper towel.
- Allow the baking soda to sit on top of the old colors and let it absorb them.
- After one hour, vacuum the residue.
If there’s still a light color, you can follow up with the best carpet cleaner for old stains to remove the stains altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is cleaning old stains from a carpet possible?
A: Using a carpet cleaner, you can spot-clean old stains from your rug. This cleaning solution can wipe off even the toughest stains — from dirt to pet urine. But a deep steam clean or shampoo should do if you’re dealing with many older stains. Either way, they should be able to keep your carpets spotless!
Q: What is the best carpet cleaner for old stains combination that I can make at home?
A: You can replicate the best carpet cleaners for old stains found in the market by mixing baking soda and vinegar. Once added, mix both parts well and apply them to the old stains on your carpets. These have strong dissolving properties, removing old stains in no time.
Q: Besides a carpet cleaner, what can I use to remove old stains?
A: Steam cleaning is the only efficient way to remove old stains besides using a carpet cleaner. It’s a simple yet efficient technique professional carpet cleaners use. Technicians use hot water excreted at high pressure, penetrating the carpet’s fibers and breaking down old stains stored within the rug.
Q: Does using a professional carpet cleaner help remove stains?
A: A professional carpet cleaner is a technician with the proper equipment and products to deal with all stains. But hiring one can be pricy, so it’s better to get the right pre-made carpet cleaner solution. It’s cheaper and available in specific formulas for cleaning car carpets, built-in rugs, etc.
Q: What old stains can’t I remove from a carpet?
A: With the right carpet cleaner, you should be able to remove most old stains, but others can be harder to wipe off. These include red wine, pet urine, blood, ink, coffee spills, cooking oil, vomit, and other colored beverages.
Final Words
The best carpet cleaner for old stains helps keep your rug as good as new — no matter how tough they are. And whether you want an instant solution or a long-term fix, there’s a carpet cleaner for you. Each carpet cleaner mentioned guarantees squeaky clean results, keeping your rug stain-free!
