What's the best retail spot carpet cleaner?

December 22, 2017 11:09 AM

I don't have pets but have cream carpeting and kids.
posted by qsysopr to Home & Garden (15 answers total)

I've always liked the Little Green Machine. The extra money for the water-warmer hasn't been helpful because I'm just not patient enough for it to warm up.
posted by jillithd at 11:36 AM on December 22, 2017

Seconding Little Green Machine. It works surprisingly well. Mine doesn’t have the water warmer; I just use the hottest water from the tap.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 11:49 AM on December 22, 2017

We are pretty happy with the Bissel SpotBot and its accompanying pet detergent. We rarely use the "hands free" mode as it only takes a minute to clean a spot and the majority of the time is heating the water and cleaning the machine afterward. Supposedly there is "Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection" but the hose is basically a microbial theme park of browns, oranges, and greys after 6 months, if that bothers you. Make sure you empty and rinse the dirty water tank after every use, and leave it open so it dries. Otherwise you'll get hellacious mold on it. But it does the job.
posted by wnissen at 11:59 AM on December 22, 2017

Response by poster: I should have wrote "aerosol spot cleaner" but now I'm rethinking that. Are the powered spot cleaners the way to go?
posted by qsysopr at 12:14 PM on December 22, 2017

Best answer: Folex. Works on all stains.
posted by Enid Lareg at 12:27 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]

Best answer: We've always used the aerosol version of Spot Shot. And I do have pets, the sort that make a beeline for the carpeting when they feel the urge to vomit or have uncontrollable diarrhea.
posted by DrGail at 12:33 PM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]

Another vote for the Bissell little green machine. This is the newer version of the one I have. I have a sick cat who pukes copious amounts regularly and 1400sq ft of carpet. It's saved my sanity.
posted by cgg at 12:45 PM on December 22, 2017

Wirecutter says: Bissell SpotClean Pro
posted by Iris Gambol at 2:22 PM on December 22, 2017

Best answer: Spot shot
posted by Sassyfras at 3:08 PM on December 22, 2017

Best answer: Folex. Works on upholstery as well.
posted by gryphonlover at 4:43 PM on December 22, 2017

Best answer: Spot Shot. I literally just sat down and read this post after spot-treating the remains of the second pile of barf I’ve had to clean up today. My carpet would be a crime scene without it.
posted by Autumnheart at 5:02 PM on December 22, 2017

Best answer: Oh, as far as the cleansers go, Resolve can go jump in a lake. I think the Scrubbing Bubbles one was okay, but fundamentally you need to get the soil out of the carpet, and that means dissolving it in something (soap and water) and using a wet vac to remove it.
posted by wnissen at 5:31 PM on December 22, 2017

Best answer: Folex. Non-toxic, no fragrance, doesn't attract more dirt. Magic.
posted by monopas at 11:18 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Spot Shot is the choice of many carpet professionals. Spray and blot with white paper towels = done.
posted by Cranberry at 12:01 AM on December 23, 2017 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: I found some Folex at a big box store and like it. It's effective and non-aerosol to boot.
posted by qsysopr at 4:21 PM on January 10, 2018