7 Best Car Carpet Cleaner Reviews

Finding the best car carpet cleaner can feel like navigating a minefield of promises and mediocre results. But don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. This review dives into seven top contenders, helping you choose the perfect cleaner for your needs and budget.

Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean & Drill Brush

This isn’t your grandma’s carpet cleaner. Chemical Guys’ foaming citrus cleaner is a professional-grade formula designed to tackle even the toughest stains and odors. The included drill brush makes quick work of embedded dirt, leaving your carpets smelling fresh and looking new. It’s a favorite among detailers for a reason.

• Powerful foaming action
• Citrus scent
• Includes drill brush attachment
• Works on carpets, upholstery, and fabrics
• Biodegradable formula

Pros:
– Excellent cleaning power
– Pleasant citrus scent
– Versatile use

Cons:
– Can be pricey
– Requires a drill for optimal use

User Impressions: Customers rave about its effectiveness on stubborn stains and its refreshing scent. Many appreciate the included brush, making the cleaning process much easier.

Armor All Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Spray

Armor All is a household name in car care, and their carpet and upholstery cleaner lives up to the brand’s reputation. This spray cleaner offers a 3-in-1 action: cleaning, stain lifting, and odor elimination. It’s a convenient and effective option for quick cleanups or maintaining a clean car interior.

• 3-in-1 action (cleans, lifts stains, eliminates odors)
• New car scent
• Fast-acting formula
• Works on various stains (mud, salt, grease, food, coffee)

Pros:
– Easy to use
– Affordable
– Pleasant scent

Cons:
– May not be as effective on deeply embedded stains
– Scent may be overpowering for some

User Impressions: Most users find this cleaner effective for everyday messes and light stains. The convenience of the spray bottle is a major plus.

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

The Bissell Little Green is a powerhouse in a small package. This portable machine is perfect for tackling stains in your car, but it’s also versatile enough to clean other areas of your home. Its powerful suction and large tank capacity make it a great value for its price.

• Powerful suction
• Portable and versatile
• Large tank capacity (48 oz)
• Removes stains and odors

Pros:
– Powerful cleaning
– Versatile use
– Good value for the price

Cons:
– Can be bulky for smaller cars
– Requires separate cleaning solution

User Impressions: Users love its portability and cleaning power, praising its effectiveness on pet stains and other tough messes.

BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

The Bissell Little Green Max Pet takes the original’s cleaning power up a notch, boasting 30% more suction than competitors. Designed specifically for pet owners, this machine excels at removing pet stains and odors. The included tools and cleaning solution make it a comprehensive solution for pet messes.

• Superior suction (30% more powerful)
• Self-cleaning tool
• Designed for pet stains and odors
• Includes specialized pet hair removal tool

Pros:
– Powerful suction
– Excellent for pet messes
– Includes helpful tools

Cons:
– More expensive than the standard Little Green
– Can still be bulky for very small cars

User Impressions: Pet owners particularly appreciate its ability to tackle tough pet stains and odors. The self-cleaning feature is also a major plus.

Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Chemical Guys delivers again with this foaming carpet and upholstery cleaner. Its professional-grade formula is detergent-free, leaving your fabrics feeling soft and clean. The intense foaming action lifts dirt and stains, leaving behind a fresh citrus scent.

• Professional-grade formula
• Detergent-free
• Odor eliminator
• Intense foaming action

Pros:
– Excellent cleaning power
– Leaves fabrics feeling soft
– Pleasant scent

Cons:
– Pricey
– May require multiple applications for stubborn stains

User Impressions: Users appreciate the quality of the product and its ability to clean without leaving residue. The scent is a popular feature.

Car Carpet Cleaner (16oz) Professional Interior Car Cleaner Kit

This 16oz car carpet cleaner kit offers a professional approach at a reasonable price point. It includes a detailing brush for scrubbing and is formulated to be safe for all car interiors, making it a versatile and reliable choice.

• Includes detailing brush
• Safe for all interior fabrics
• Non-foaming
• Dye and perfume-free

Pros:
– Affordable
– Safe for various fabrics
– Includes useful brush

Cons:
– May require more elbow grease for stubborn stains
– Lack of strong scent may be a drawback for some

User Impressions: Users generally find it effective for routine cleaning and appreciate its gentle formula. The brush is a welcome addition.

CAR GUYS Super Cleaner

CAR GUYS Super Cleaner boasts a multi-surface formula, tackling a wide range of materials in your car’s interior. This versatile cleaner promises to simplify your cleaning routine, replacing multiple products with a single solution.

• Multi-surface cleaner
• Works on upholstery, fabric, leather, vinyl, etc.
• Nano-technology formula
• Made in the USA

Pros:
– Versatile
– Effective on various surfaces
– Made in the USA

Cons:
– Not suitable for all surfaces (glass, delicate instrument panels)
– May not be as powerful as specialized cleaners for specific stains

User Impressions: Users appreciate its versatility, but some find it less effective than specialized cleaners for particularly stubborn stains.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What’s the best car carpet cleaner for pet stains?

A: For pet stains, the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet is a top choice due to its powerful suction and specialized pet stain removal formula.

Q: Are all car carpet cleaners safe for all fabrics?

A: No. Always check the product label to ensure it’s compatible with your car’s upholstery. Some cleaners are better suited for certain materials than others.

Q: How often should I clean my car carpets?

A: Ideally, you should vacuum your car carpets weekly and perform a deeper cleaning with a cleaner every few months or as needed.

Q: What’s the difference between a spray cleaner and a machine cleaner?

A: Spray cleaners are convenient for quick cleanups and light stains, while machine cleaners like the Bissell Little Green offer more powerful suction for deeply embedded dirt and stains.

Q: Can I use household carpet cleaners in my car?

A: It’s generally not recommended. Household cleaners may damage your car’s upholstery or leave behind residue. Use cleaners specifically designed for automotive interiors.

Q: What should I do after cleaning my car carpets?

A: After cleaning, allow the carpets to air dry completely. Use a fan or open the windows to speed up the process and prevent mildew.

We hope this guide helps you find the best car carpet cleaner to keep your vehicle looking and smelling its best! Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.