Best carpet and upholstery cleaner for cars

Keeping your car’s interior looking its best can be a challenge. Spills happen, pets shed, and life just generally leaves its mark. This guide dives into seven popular carpet and upholstery cleaners, offering detailed reviews based on features, performance, and user feedback to help you choose the best one for your needs and budget. We’ll cover everything from powerful handheld cleaners to convenient sprays, so you can find the perfect solution to keep your car’s interior fresh and clean.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	BEST FOR	AMAZON LINK
	BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and…	Professional mechanics and auto technicians servicing diverse vehicle makes and models	View on Amazon
	Armor All Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Spray , Car…	DIY car enthusiasts maintaining and upgrading their personal vehicles at home	View on Amazon
	BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable…	Fleet managers overseeing maintenance of commercial vehicles and delivery trucks nationwide	View on Amazon
	Car Carpet Cleaner (16oz) Professional Interior Car Cleaner…	Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep owners requiring OEM-quality replacement parts and genuine accessories	View on Amazon
	Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean & Drill Brush…	Professional mechanics and auto technicians servicing diverse vehicle makes and models	View on Amazon
	Hoover CleanSlate Plus Portable Carpet + Upholstery Spot…	DIY car enthusiasts maintaining and upgrading their personal vehicles at home	View on Amazon
	BISSELL® Little Green® Max Pet Portable Carpet and…	Fleet managers overseeing maintenance of commercial vehicles and delivery trucks nationwide	View on Amazon

1. BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

The Bissell Little Green is a popular choice for its versatility and powerful suction. It’s great for tackling tough stains and odors in your car, and the relatively small size makes it easy to store. It’s not just for cars either – it’s useful around the house too.

• Removes tough pet stains and odors
• Portable and versatile design
• Large tank capacity (48 oz)
• Uses Bissell cleaning solutions (sold separately)

Pros:
– Powerful suction
– Relatively compact
– Good for various surfaces

Cons:
– Can be a bit pricey
– Requires purchasing cleaning solution separately

User Feedback Summary: Users consistently praise its cleaning power and ease of use, but some note that the tank could be larger.

2. Armor All Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Spray, Car Interior Cleaner

Armor All’s spray cleaner offers a convenient and quick solution for lighter messes. It’s ideal for quick touch-ups and maintaining overall cleanliness.

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

Pros:
– Easy to use
– Affordable
– Pleasant scent

Cons:
– Not as effective for deep cleaning or set-in stains
– May not be suitable for all fabrics

User Feedback Summary: Users like its convenience and pleasant smell, but some find it less effective on stubborn stains.

3. BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

The Bissell Little Green HydroSteam takes things up a notch with its steam cleaning technology. This provides a deeper clean than the standard Little Green, making it ideal for heavily soiled car interiors.

• Up to 50% better cleaning with HydroSteam technology
• Three cleaning modes (SteamWash, Steam, Wash)
• Fast drying
• Multi-surface versatility
• Includes powerful stain remover

Pros:
– Superior cleaning power
– Versatile cleaning modes
– Fast drying time

Cons:
– More expensive than the standard Little Green
– Can be a bit bulky

User Feedback Summary: Users rave about the cleaning power and the fast drying time. However, some find it a bit more cumbersome to use than the standard Little Green.

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

This kit provides a more professional approach to cleaning, offering a concentrated cleaner and a detailing brush for thorough cleaning.

• Professional-grade cleaner
• Includes upholstery brush
• Safe for all interior fabrics
• Non-foaming, dye & perfume-free

Pros:
– Effective on tough stains
– No harsh chemicals
– Good value for the kit

Cons:
– Requires more effort than spray cleaners
– May not be as convenient for quick cleanups

User Feedback Summary: Users appreciate the effective cleaning and the inclusion of the brush, but some find the application process a bit more labor-intensive.

5. Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean & Drill Brush

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6. Hoover CleanSlate Plus Portable Carpet + Upholstery Spot Cleaner

The Hoover CleanSlate Plus is a more robust machine than the Bissell Little Green, offering a larger capacity and different cleaning tools. It’s suited for larger cleaning jobs and more significant messes.

• Portable machine for spot cleaning
• Includes tools for various messes
• Easy clean-up system
• Dual tank technology (40 oz capacity)
• Use with Hoover cleaning solutions

Pros:
– Good cleaning power
– Larger capacity
– Multiple tools included

Cons:
– Bulky to store
– Requires purchasing cleaning solutions

User Feedback Summary: Users like its cleaning power and the dual tank system but find the bulkiness a downside for smaller cars.

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

The Bissell Little Green Max Pet is specifically designed for pet owners, boasting superior suction and a self-cleaning tool.

• Superior suction (30% more powerful)
• Instant and permanent pet stain removal (with appropriate solution)
• Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool
• Easy to use
• Includes specialized pet hair removal tool

Pros:
– Powerful suction
– Effective on pet stains
– Self-cleaning feature

Cons:
– More expensive than the standard Little Green
– Requires specific Bissell pet stain remover

User Feedback Summary: Pet owners love its cleaning power and the self-cleaning tool, particularly its effectiveness on pet hair and stains.

Practical Buying Advice:

The best cleaner for you depends on your needs. If you only need a quick touch-up for minor spills, a spray cleaner like Armor All might suffice. For more serious stains and deep cleaning, a portable machine like the Bissell Little Green or Hoover CleanSlate Plus is recommended. Consider your budget, the frequency of cleaning, and the types of stains you typically encounter when making your decision.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use these cleaners on leather? A: Always check the product instructions. Some cleaners are safe for leather, while others are not. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.

Q: How often should I clean my car’s interior? A: Ideally, you should vacuum your car regularly and spot clean spills immediately. A thorough deep cleaning should be done every few months, or as needed.

Q: What type of cleaning solution should I use? A: The best cleaning solution depends on your cleaner and the type of stains you have. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Q: Do I need a special brush for cleaning? A: A detailing brush can help to agitate dirt and stains, but it’s not always necessary. Many cleaners come with brushes or recommend compatible ones.

Q: What’s the difference between a spot cleaner and a full-sized carpet cleaner? A: Spot cleaners are portable and ideal for small areas or specific stains. Full-sized carpet cleaners are more powerful but less convenient for car use.

Q: Can I use these cleaners on different types of upholstery fabrics? A: Always check the product label to see if it’s compatible with your car’s upholstery material. Test in an inconspicuous area first.