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5 Best Car Carpet Cleaners of 2024

Updated
Don't settle for grimy car carpets.

Car carpets can be such a pain to clean that most of us continually put them off. There’s a crazy amount of dirt trodden into the carpet. You possibly have stains and deep-rooted filth too. This task can be overwhelming.

So what’s the answer? Well, detergent might help, but we think you’re better off with one of the best car carpet cleaners on the market.

These effective cleaners will remove stains in no time using minimal effort. Keep reading for our five recommendations, plus a valuable buying guide to help you choose.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner
Best Overall
Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner
  • Effectively cleans various stains
  • Easy to use
  • Doesn’t require hard scrubbing
Product Image of the CarGuys Super Cleaner
Best for Multiple Materials
CarGuys Super Cleaner
  • Safe for various surfaces
  • Won’t leave a dull residue
  • Can be used inside your house
Product Image of the Chemical Guys Foaming Carpet Cleaner
Best Foam
Chemical Guys Foaming Carpet Cleaner
  • Lifts & removes deeply embedded dirt
  • Concentrate mixture
  • Long-lasting
Product Image of the Woolite Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Best Built-In Brush
Woolite Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
  • Foaming formula
  • Safe around children & pets
  • Tough on stains
Product Image of the Turtle Wax Power Out!
Best Odor Eliminator
Turtle Wax Power Out!
  • Works on carpets and rubber mats
  • Eliminates and prevents odors
  • Removable built-in brush

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, our in-depth analysis and hands-on experience with car carpet cleaners allow us to provide you with trustworthy and reliable information. Our professional team evaluates each product based on criteria such as performance, ease of use, and effectiveness. We research and compare various brands, while also considering design choices and their effect on users. By assessing key factors like stain removal, drying time, and eco-friendliness, we rank and score the best car carpet cleaners, ensuring you make an informed decision. Our data-driven approach and first-hand evidence demonstrate our expertise, setting our reviews apart from competitors and guiding you to the best product for your needs.



Best Car Carpet Cleaner Reviews of 2024

Here are the most effective cleaners on the market. Let’s get scrubbing.

Aero Cosmetics Interior Cleaner

Best Overall Car Carpet Cleaner

This Aero Cosmetics product has an overall formula that you can use throughout the car for a deep clean.

It’s tough on stains but gentle on your seats, carpets, leather, and trim panels. It’s very easy to use, and all you need for application is two small towels. Use one towel for blotting the product into the area and the other for blotting dry.

The cleaner will effectively remove beverages, makeup, mud, dirt, lotion, and other spills.

What makes this so popular is that it meets Boeing’s aircraft interior specifications. This confirms the formula’s potency, leaving a shining result that lasts.

Pros

  • Effectively cleans various stains, including mud, lotion, and more.
  • Easy to use, thanks to the spray bottle.
  • Doesn’t require hard scrubbing.
  • Can be used on various surfaces within the car.
  • Powerful formula that’s tough on stains but gentle on the surface.

Cons

  • The spray bottle is only 16 ounces — this may not last for long.
  • Some customers disliked the scent.

Product Specs

Quantity 16 ounces
Application Type Spray bottle
Cleaning Surface Car interior
Removes Stains, dirt
Manufacturer Aero Cosmetics

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Versatility
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

As a car owner, I recently tried this product to clean the interior of my Toyota Corolla and was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. The mild "new car" scent didn't bother my sensitivity to fragrances, and it was a dream come true when it removed tough stains like sunscreen, paint, and makeup from various surfaces. However, I wish the spray nozzle was more precise for targeted cleaning, and I'm still on the hunt for an anti-static product to keep dust at bay on my black interior.

CarGuys Super Cleaner

Best Car Carpet Cleaner for Multiple Materials

You can safely use this formula on surfaces like vinyl, wood, plastic, rubber, carpets, and more. Even though this product is specialized for car interior, you can use it to bring life back throughout your home.

It comes in a convenient spray bottle that’s easy to apply to small and large areas. The formula quickly lifts and dissolves dirt and grime from any surface. Note that it’s not effective on glass since it might leave a dull residue.

CarGuys promises a full refund if you’re not pleased with the results. We consider this a strong quality assurance from the manufacturer.

Pros

  • Safe for various surfaces, including wood, vinyl, and more.
  • Removes stains, dirt, and grime effectively.
  • Won’t leave a dull residue on your carpets and surfaces.
  • Can be used inside your house as well.
  • Full refund if you’re not happy.

Cons

  • Not as effective on grease stains.
  • It might leave streaks on plastic surfaces.
  • Some customers found the spray bottle defective.

Product Specs

Quantity 19 ounces
Application Type Spray bottle
Cleaning Surface Car interior, leather, vinyl, rubber, metal,
Removes Stains, dirt
Manufacturer CarGuys

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Versatility
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with CarGuys Super Cleaner has been nothing short of impressive. This versatile product effortlessly lifted dirt and grime from various surfaces in my car, including upholstery, fabric, leather, and plastic, leaving it looking brand new. Although the scent was noticeable, it was not overpowering and easily dissipated by airing out the area. While some users mentioned issues with the sprayer pump, mine worked perfectly. In summary, CarGuys Super Cleaner is a highly effective, easy-to-use cleaning solution that lives up to its claims and will be a valuable addition to any cleaning arsenal.

Chemical Guys Foaming Carpet Cleaner

Best Foam Car Carpet Cleaner

If your car could use a deep clean, Chemical Guys have your back. This foaming formula is gentle on multiple surfaces such as carpet, fabrics, and upholstery. It effectively removes dirt, mud, grime, and other filth dragged in by shoes, kids, and pets.

Many parents like this product because it eliminates contaminants. This creates a safe space for children. It also kicks bad odors out of your vehicle and replaces them with a fresh citrus scent. As a bonus, the formula will prevent new ones from developing.

The 16-ounce bottle may not sound like a lot. However, this is a concentrate, so you only need a little bit. You can also make a super spray by diluting the formula with water in a spray bottle.

Chemical Guys recommend you spray the area and then scrub with a brush or cloth. The foam lifts the dirt effectively before you wipe it off.

Pros

  • Lifts and removes deeply embedded dirt, mud, grime, and more.
  • Eliminates bad odors from their source and prevents new odors.
  • Concentrated mixture; a little goes a long way, or you can dilute it.
  • Doesn’t contain toxic chemicals, color damaging detergents, ammonia, or bleach.
  • Easy to use due to the option to use it as a spray.

Cons

  • Requires a lot of scrubbing.
  • No spray top included, despite the misleading photographs.

Product Specs

Quantity 16 ounces
Application Type Requires diluting
Cleaning Surface Carpet, upholstery, fabric
Removes Stains, dirt, contaminants, foul odors
Manufacturer Chemical Guys

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Versatility
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

In my experience, the Chemical Guys foaming formula provided a thorough deep clean for my car's interior, effectively removing dirt and grime from various surfaces. The product not only eliminated unpleasant odors but also left a refreshing citrus scent behind. Though some scrubbing was required, the concentrated mixture allowed for extended use, making it a valuable investment for maintaining my vehicle's cleanliness.

Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

Best Car Carpet Cleaner with Built-In Brush

For easy application, Bissell has included a built-in brush that works efficiently at scrubbing the surface.

When you combine the power of the brush with the gentle formula, dirt, fresh and old stains, and grime are easily dissolved from the carpet. Additionally, if you have an odor problem, this cleaner tackles them effectively and prevents others from forming.

To apply, place the brush on the area you’re cleaning. Then, press the trigger, and foam will appear, acting fast as you scrub back and forth.

Aside from being ideal for a car, you can also use the product indoors on carpets and upholstery. The formula is very low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Therefore, it is safe to use around children and pets.

Woolite recommends leaving the product for an hour or two if you’re dealing with tough, organic stains like vomit.

Pros

  • Built-in brush helps you scrub out embedded stains.
  • Foaming formula covers a large area and removes old stains.
  • Eliminates bad odors and prevents new ones from forming.
  • Safe around children and pets due to the safer formula.
  • Tough on organic stains, such as vomit.

Cons

  • The formula sometimes comes out liquid-y instead of foamy.
  • It can take a few attempts to remove tough stains.

Product Specs

Quantity Not specified
Application Type Built-in brush
Cleaning Surface Carpet, upholstery
Removes Stains, dirt, bad odors
Manufacturer Bissell Homecare, Inc.

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Versatility
3.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

For those with messy twins or pets, this product works wonders on couches and car upholstery. I found that the brush applicator is firm enough for effective scrubbing, but be prepared for some foam mess around the nozzle area. Remember to wipe down the fabric with a damp towel after using the cleaner to remove any lingering dirt, and you'll be left with fresh-smelling and clean upholstery.

Turtle Wax Power Out!

Best Odor Eliminator Car Carpet Cleaner

Unlike scented formulas that merely cover up the smells, this cleaner will actually remove them. The specialized formula hits odors at the root, eliminating them once and for all. It also digs deep into the surface to remove stains such as coffee and grease.

The built-in brush also makes cleaning easier. It works the product deep into carpets and helps clean rubber mats effectively.

There’s nothing complicated about using this product. The can only needs a thorough shake prior to application. Once the foam is rubbed in, all you need is a simple wipe clean with a cloth. Since the product doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, you can repeat as needed.

Turtle Wax only recommends that you do a thorough vacuum before getting rid of loose soil.

Pros

  • Eliminates odors and prevents new ones from forming.
  • Removes tough stains such as coffee, grease, and ink.
  • Easy to clean car carpets and rubber mats, thanks to the micro scrub brush.
  • Easy to use the can; no extra products necessary.
  • Leaves a soil repelling silicone protective layer.

Cons

  • Irritating and unpleasant smell.
  • The plastic brush can be too weak for tough stains.
  • The brush may fall off or break while in use.

Product Specs

Quantity 18 ounces
Application Type Built-in brush
Cleaning Surface Carpet fibers, rubber mats
Removes Stains, dirt, bad odors
Manufacturer Turtle Wax

Our Ratings

Cleaning Performance
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Versatility
3.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

I'm thrilled with the results this carpet cleaner has provided for my 2007 M35. The foam formula effortlessly cleaned and rejuvenated my car's carpets, making them look and smell like new. However, I did encounter an issue with the scrubbing brush constantly falling off, leading me to use superglue to keep it in place. In addition, I found it more effective to use a fabric brush on tougher spots and vacuum after application.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Quantity Application Type Cleaning Surface Removes Manufacturer
Aero Cosmetics Interior Overall 16 oz Spray bottle Car interior Stains, dirt Aero Cosmetics
CarGuys Super Cleaner For Multiple Materials 19 oz Spray bottle Interior, leather, vinyl, rubber, metal Stains, dirt CarGuys
Chemical Guys Foaming Carpet Foam 16 oz Requires diluting Carpet, upholstery, fabric Stains, dirt, contaminant, foul odors Chemical Guys
Woolite Carpet & Upholstery Built-In Brush Not specified Built-in brush Carpet, upholstery Stains, dirt, bad odors Bissell Homecare, Inc.
Turtle Wax Power Out! Odor Eliminator 18 oz Built-in brush Carpet fibers, rubber mats Stains, dirt, bad odors Turtle Wax

Why Use a Carpet Cleaner?

You can easily scrub your car carpet using regular dish soap or detergent. However, this won’t be as effective, and you’ll end up tired and sore.

However, car carpet cleaners are meant explicitly for removing tough carpet stains, mud, and grime from your car. Many products only require minimal effort, such as gentle blotting or wiping instead of hard scrubbing.

The best car carpet cleaners won’t require you to rinse the area afterward. Rinsing the carpet with water will prolong the drying time, making it a longer job than needed.

Tips for Finding the Best Car Carpet Cleaners

There are many different models — and most will tackle several problems such as foul odors and various stains. But it’s essential to find the best product suited to your needs.

Here are a few things to consider on your hunt for an ideal car carpet cleaner:

Effectiveness

An effective cleaning formula will dissolve stains and dirt quickly while being gentle on the surface. Some products will also eliminate unpleasant odors by removing the molecules that caused them.

Keep In Mind

It’s crucial not to confuse a heavily scented product with one that removes bad car odors. Many of these will barely cover up the smell until the product wears off.

Ability to Remove Stains

A high-quality product will soak into the stain, removing it from the carpet fibers with minimal effort (1). The key here is to get deep into the material. Stains don’t just exist on the flooring surface; over time, they get pushed down to the bottom.

  • Brush: Some of the best products have a built-in brush to agitate the stain and work the product deeper.
  • Foam: Foaming formulas are popular due to their high effectiveness. This is because of the surface area they cover.
  • Sprays: Sprays are fast-acting and easy to use.

Drying Time

When you want to clean your car carpet effectively, it’s recommended to remove all objects. This includes the seats!

To avoid this hassle, a product with a long drying time may put you off cleaning your car even more. Not only will you be without a car, but you need to factor drying times into your schedule.

Regardless, don’t sacrifice quality for a short drying time. The ultimate goal is an effective clean, so get a good balance between the two!

Multipurpose

Having a product that you can use on more than one surface can save you time and money. You can use many of the products on our list throughout the car’s interior. What’s more, you can even use some in your home.

Most carpet cleaners aren’t suitable for windows and glass. So always make sure you read the instructions to ensure the product is safe for your task.

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FAQs

What Do Auto Detailers Use to Clean Carpets?

Auto detailers use wet/dry vacuums to clean carpets. Our favorite model is the Craftsman 16-Gallon Wet/Dry because it is affordable, powerful, and has a large capacity. It also has a 6.5 HP motor and flex technology, giving it 180-degree maneuverability.

Can Carpet Cleaners be Used In Cars?

Carpet cleaners can be used in cars to clean carpets and upholstery. Thanks to their compact size, portable models like this Bissell Little Green are ideal because they are lightweight and can get into tiny spaces.

How Do You Get Stubborn Stains Out of Car Carpet?

The best way to get stubborn stains out of car carpets is to use strong detergents. Use mineral spirits and paint thinner if the stain is grease, dabbing it onto the fibers with a paper towel.

White vinegar works wonders on mud and beverage spills. Wet the paper towel and press it onto the stain, lifting it from the carpet fibers. Mix three percent hydrogen peroxide with toothpaste for the toughest stains and scrub the affected area.

Then dab it dry with paper towels.

Can You Pressure Wash Car Carpet?

You can pressure wash car carpet as long as the pressure is low enough, so the fibers don’t tear. Always ensure the carpet is 100 percent dry before returning it to the car. It will encourage mold growth if the mats are still damp.


Getting a Clean Base

It’s hard to avoid spills, stains, and splatters in the car, especially in a family car. However, the best car carpet cleaners can help to keep the dirt at bay. Even if you leave the dirt for a while, there’s always a solution!

Don’t always trust a scented product just because it smells nice. Often, these might only cover up a bad odor without removing it. Instead, you need to tackle the problem deep down. An odor results from bacteria and dirt, so if it remains, the carpet isn’t clean!

With our best car carpet cleaner suggestions, you can get rid of grease, grime, and dirt stains once and for all. So, which one will it be?

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About the Author

Amy Anthony

Amy Anthony is a cleaning expert, author, and contributing writer for Oh So Spotless, a leading online resource for all things related to cleaning, organizing, and maintaining a spotless home. With over 15 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Amy has gained extensive knowledge and expertise that have made her a trusted authority on best practices, efficient techniques, and innovative cleaning solutions.