Your car carpet is one of the dirtiest parts of its interior. When you factor in muddy feet, kids, coffee, and your favorite furry friend, dirt and debris can accumulate pretty fast.
While a regular car vacuum routine is a good start to maintain the beauty and durability of your car carpet, it won’t cut it alone. If you add in cleaning it with one of the best car carpet cleaners out there every once in a while … now we’re talking!
As we’ll be discussing in detail throughout this article, there are several benefits that come with using a car carpet cleaner – and it’s not all just about its appearance. We’ll explain why this is the case below and help you choose between different types of carpet cleaner, right after we’ve introduced you to 5 of our favorite products on the market today.
Quick Links to Our Top Recommendations for the Best Car Carpet Cleaner
- CarGuys Super Cleaner
- A multipurpose cleaner that will work wonders on your carpet and the rest of the car, too.
- Chemical Guys CWS_103_16 Fabric Clean Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo
- The best option for eliminating stubborn stains and funky ingrained odors.
- Meguiar’s G9719 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
- This fast-acting foam cleaner is the ideal choice for busy people who don’t have time to leave their car airing out after cleaning.
- Chemical Guys SPI_191_16 Lightning Fast Carpet and Upholstery Stain Extractor
- This concentrated formula provides great value and excels in removing old stains.
- Turtle Wax T-244R1 Power Out Carpet and Mats Cleaner
- This one comes with a removable brush for tough stains, has excellent odor-fighting properties, and leaves behind a silicone shield that helps prevent future stains.
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
In-Depth Review of the Best Car Carpet Cleaners
In this section, we review five of the best car carpet cleaners that auto detailers and casual car owners alike trust to do a good job. They aren’t all the same – on the contrary, they have different features to cater to different needs.
CarGuys Super Cleaner
CarGuys manufactured an all-purpose cleaner that comes in an 18-ounce spray can. This product cleans almost everything, from rubber, leather, cloth upholstery, faux, fabric, finished wood trim, as well as all metal types.
It’s not only easy to use, but very effective and efficient as well. One major benefit is that it will not discolor any materials you choose to use it on (unlike other competing products on the market today), and it’s also designed with advanced nano-technology that enables it to lift dirt at a molecular level.
Talk about a fast-cleaning experience! You won’t spend more time than needed scrubbing and re-scrubbing a tough stain, and you can use it to clean both the interior of your car and its exterior.
It comes ready to use right from the can, and we specifically appreciate the faint aroma it leaves, which isn’t overpowering at all. Your vehicle will have a fresh, clean scent after use – one that won’t give you a headache 5 minutes after you hop in for a drive.
This product also comes with a towel.
Manufacturer Specs and Features
- 18-ounce bottle.
- Ready to use spray.
- Advanced nanotechnology for high-quality cleaning.
- Multi-surface cleaner.
- Clean finish with no gloss.
What We Like
- Safe to use on multiple surfaces (even leather seats!).
- Works on both interior and exterior surfaces.
- Versatile and easy to use.
- Comes with a microfiber cloth.
- The nano-tech makes cleaning super easy.
- Does not discolor the materials it is used on.
What We Didn’t Like
- Diluted product is used up quickly.
- You can’t clean glass with it.
Summary
CarGuys tried to cover almost all the bases by creating a multi-purpose cleaner, and they did a pretty good job of it if you ask me.
This will not only do a great job on your carpet, but the rest of the vehicle as well, since it’s a multi-surface product. It’s an ideal option for you if you get frustrated by having to buy all sorts of cleaning products for different parts of your vehicle.
All you need are two spray bottles: CarGuys super cleaner, and another one for your windows. It does get used up quickly, though, so that’s worth keeping in mind if you know you’ll go through these products quickly.
For information, click here:
Chemical Guys Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo/Odor Eliminator
Chemical Guys meant serious business when creating this solution, and you can rely on it to give your carpets that brand-new look you thought you’d never get back.
It comes in a 16-ounce bottle, and the solution is meant to give your carpets a deep clean to combat those stubborn stains. The best part? It does a good job of eliminating odors as well. How cool is that?
You can use it to clean car carpets, seat covers, car seats, floor mats, and even door panels.
It is designed with biotechnology that makes cleaning super fast, and super easy. On top of that, it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals, in case you’re worried about coming in contact with any harmful substances and want to do your fair share for the environment.
It comes highly concentrated as well, so you will need to dilute it – but that’s better news for you and me, since it means a bottle will last us longer.
You need to get the dilution part right, or else you risk having too much foaming to deal with. When you get it right, you can rely on this product to decontaminate your carpets and restore their glory days.
Manufacturer Specs and Features
- 16 ounces.
- Highly concentrated formula.
- Deep cleaning biotechnology.
- Indoor and outdoor fabric cleaning.
- No toxic solvents or detergents included.
What We Like
- Long lasting: dilute 1 part solution to 20 parts water.
- Powerful cleaning solution.
- Safe for use on multiple surfaces.
- Biodegradable.
- No toxic chemicals.
- Restores the carpet.
- No hard scrubbing required.
What We Didn’t Like
- Might get too foamy.
- Not the most effective on tough stains.
- Not suitable for glass.
Summary
Given that the Chemical Guys cleaner is specifically formulated to do a good job at eliminating odor, it’s likely to be ideal for people who have pets.
Pet stains can leave a very nasty stench in your car (you’ll know this from first-hand experience if you’ve ever had a furry friend ride in there with you), and this is the perfect way to eliminate it.
It is highly concentrated, so – when used correctly, a single bottle will serve you for a fairly long time. Another plus point is the product is biodegradable, so you’re being good to the environment while being good to your vehicle, too.
For more information and to buy the product if you like what you see, click here.
Meguiar’s G9719 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Great for stain removal, this Meguiar’s foam cleaner has exceptional deep cleaning powers.
It’s a great general cleaner that you can use on both carpets and upholstery. It is aerosol-based and is designed to break and lift stains. It also creates a thick foam, and works unquestionably fast.
This is a ready-to-use product that doesn’t need diluting. All you have to do is a little bit of spraying on the surface, and give it a minute or two to penetrate and work on dirt. When that’s all done, pat it dry with a microfiber towel.
It features a dual-mode trigger that allows general cleaning with the wide spray and spot cleaning with the narrow stream, depending on the area you’re working in or spot you’re dealing with at the time. Additionally, it does a good job of getting rid of the unwanted odors that come with spills and stains.
The 19-ounce can that it comes in is small enough to keep in the car for those emergency spills, and is sufficient enough to clean all the upholstery in your car if need be.
Manufacturer Specs and Features
- 19-ounce pressurized can.
- Dual-purpose spray action.
- Diluted and ready to use.
- Fast-acting foam solution.
- Carpet and upholstery cleaner.
What We Liked
- A great stain remover – fast action and cleans stains in no time.
- Leaves no residue.
- Professional deep cleaning strength.
- Non-toxic chemicals.
- Safe for use in enclosed spaces.
- Dries up instantly.
- Narrow and wide spray modes.
What We Don’t Like
- Some users don’t like the strong scent.
- The spray nozzle might leak when using.
Summary
With its fast cleaning and fast drying capabilities, Meguiar’s foam cleaner is ideal for busy people that don’t have time to leave their car airing out for long after cleaning.
Also, if you have kids and/or pets riding in the car with you and expect stains anytime, you can rely on this to take care of them for you without taking up too much time.
Take a closer look at it here:
Chemical Guys SPI Lightning Fast Carpet and Upholstery Stain Extractor
This Chemical Guys cleaner is suitable for sensitive surfaces and delicate carpets. It is safe to use on different materials and does not discolor fabrics, in case that’s something you’ve had a previous bad experience with.
It also has a hyper-cleaning formula that allows it to penetrate deep into the fabric, extracting even the oldest of stains.
It is formulated with antibacterial enzymes that do a good job of removing stains from pets, juice spills, coffee, and mud. If you’re looking for something that does a good job at cleaning and deodorizing, then this is a great option.
It has a rapid reaction to stains and you can use it on multiple surfaces. You can even clean your seat belts, hood lining, and tires with it.
This liquid carpet cleaner can be sprayed directly onto tough stains or diluted 20 parts water to one part cleaner. When diluted correctly, you can use it to clean some of the more sensitive parts of your car, such as your seats.
Manufacturer Specs and Features
- 16-ounce bottle.
- Super-concentrated; can be 20:1 with water.
- Multipurpose.
- Easy application.
- Aids in resisting future stains.
- Cleans and deodorizes.
- Available in multiple sizes.
What We Like
- Can be used concentrated or diluted.
- Lasts a long time if diluted.
- Safe for use on multiple materials when diluted.
- Dries quickly after cleaning.
- Protects the carpet from future stains.
- Strong enough for stubborn stains.
- Leaves a fresh scent after cleaning.
What We Don’t Like
- Might be disappointing if you try removing some of the toughest stains.
- 20:1 dilution is too weak for certain applications.
Summary
This multi-purpose cleaner is ideal for people who take their time while cleaning their car.
The spray is great for removing old stains, so even if you haven’t cleaned your carpets in a while, it should work great. When dealing with very stubborn stains, though, you might be better off with something else that has a stronger formula. Dilute it 20:1 for many other uses.
If you want to know more, check it out here.
Turtle Wax T-244R1 Power Out Carpet Cleaner
Turtle Wax has an awesome reputation when it comes to car products. They offer a wide array of cleaners, including this heavy-duty car carpet cleaning product.
It’s formulated to break through and remove stains left behind by grease, coffee, and pets, to name a few. It also comes with a unique detachable brush that allows you to scrub stains while you clean.
The one thing that makes it stand out is its exceptionally powerful odor-elimination properties. It’s formulated with Odor X, a special compound that battles some of the strongest odors (such as cigarette smoke) and stains you could think of. Additionally, it leaves behind a silicone shield that works to prevent future carpet stains.
You should make sure you vacuum your entire carpet surface before using the cleaner. Ensure you shake the can well before use, and then spray it evenly. After scrubbing, wipe with a clean microfiber towel, and call it a day!
If you’re dealing with a particularly tough stain, spray the cleaner on the spot, then give it a few minutes to dissolve the stain before scrubbing off. This will more than likely leave your carpets looking brand new.
Manufacturer Specs and Features
- 18-ounce can.
- Strong odor remover, thanks to being formulated with Odor-X.
- Removable brush cap for tough stains.
- Advanced cleaning formula.
- Soil-repelling silicone shield.
What We Like
- The Odor-X formula is great for bad odors (pet odors, cigarette smoke, etc).
- Micro scrub brush attachment is great for rubber mat crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
- Leaves a silicone shield that protects the carpets from future stains.
- Strong advanced formula to remove tough stains.
What We Don’t Like
- The brush cap might come off during use.
Summary
This is an excellent product for people who have kids and pets. If you constantly have to deal with the likes of milk spills and such that leave terrible odors, this is a better pick than the other car carpet cleaners we’ve listed. It’s quick and easy to use and will leave your carpets looking and smelling fresh.
If you would like more information about this product, click here.
Some Important Factors to Consider Before Buying a Car Carpet Cleaner
Ease of Use
The first thing you may want to consider when purchasing a product like this is how easy it’s going to be to use. Ease of use is mainly determined by the format (ready to use or concentrated), whether or not it has a built-in scrubber, and whether you can leave it to dry or have to rinse the product off.
A ready-to-use cleaner is great if you’ll be applying this stuff regularly. It’ll help make the job quick and easy. Concentrated cleaners, on the other hand, need to be diluted with water carefully – an incorrect ratio could discolor your carpet, give you a chemical burn, or damage the carpet fibers.
Is rinsing required or is it leave-to-dry? An ideal car carpet cleaner is one you can leave to air dry. Products that require rinsing will take up a little more of your time and be less convenient.
The chemicals in car carpet cleaners are meant to take care of the dirt and grime in your car’s interior, but you will need to apply some elbow grease to loosen that dirt as well.
Some products on the market today will come with a textured top, a cloth, or a scrub sponge. You can purchase these items separately, but it’s handy and convenient if you want to keep everything in one place.
Most car carpet cleaners are also safe to use in a carpet cleaning machine or steam cleaner. However, don’t take this as a given. Make sure any product you buy has clear instructions on how to use it before purchasing.
Specialties
Some carpet cleaners do more than others, like getting rid of chewing gum and tar. Some will also perform certain tasks better than others, such as eliminating odors more effectively.
How Effective Is It?
The effectiveness of a car carpet cleaner really matters. You don’t want to spend all afternoon scrubbing without any positive result to show for it, do you?
Try to purchase a cleaner with a returns policy. That’s going to have your back covered for the most part if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Test it before using — on an old or hidden piece of your vehicle’s carpet that you don’t really care too much about if possible — and see whether or not it leaves a residue and just how effective it actually is.
Does It Leave a Scent?
Stains on your car’s carpets will definitely have some kind of odor, especially pet stains. With this in mind, look for something that not only gets rid of the stain itself, but the stench it leaves as well.
The cleaner you use is also bound to have a scent of its own, unless you opt for an unscented one, of course. At the end of the day, this comes down to personal preference, so you need to find something that leaves a scent you like.
Is It Eco-Friendly?
Some car carpet cleaners are formulated using natural products, while others are made solely from harsh chemical cleaning agents that give them that extra “push” to excel at their job.
If you’re trying to do your bit for the environment, you need to be aware that most environmentally friendly products are milder and weaker than those containing chemicals. If you do choose to use an all-natural product, then a highly concentrated cleaner might give you the best of both worlds.
How Much Does It Cost?
Price shouldn’t be a determining factor when looking for a car carpet cleaner, but it’s a factor important for many, nonetheless.
Low-quality cleaners that come too cheap may be too harsh and cause damage, or they might not be as effective as you had hoped. Who wants to spend all afternoon scrubbing on a stain that still never comes off?
What Are the Benefits of Using Car Carpet Cleaners?
There are several reasons why cleaning car carpets with a high-quality cleaner is the way to go.
1. Resale Value
For starters, you’ll be doing what you need to do to retain the value of your car’s carpets, and hence the resale value of your car.
If you plan to sell your car in the future, then you need to put in the effort to maintain every aspect of it, including the interior. Any prospective car buyer appreciates something that’s been well-maintained, and it will sell a lot faster and at a higher price than something that looks neglected.
2. Remove Stains Before They Become Permanent
Certain materials are harder to clean than others. Some retain stains and marks easily, while you’ll get off the hook without much trouble when dealing with others.
Coffee or motor oil stains, for instance, can be quite hard to get rid of. You definitely know what it’s like to deal with all of this if you have kids as well.
If some stains are not removed quickly enough, they will leave a sticky or greasy residue on the carpet. Vacuuming does not lift such stains, and they could become permanent.
3. Has Antibacterial Properties
Every time you get in your car, your shoes bring in all the dirt and bacteria you’ve collected everywhere you’ve been walking. You’ll likely leave a lot of it on that carpet by the end of the day, every day. This only gets worse if you’re on the road day in, day out.
If you combine that with food crumbs, drink spills and pet stains, it becomes a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, all of which can trigger allergies, cause colds, and lead to coughs and other illnesses.
Regular maintenance with a good and reliable car carpet cleaner will almost guarantee the extermination of all that harmful bacteria.
4. Will Help Prevent Weather Damage
Condensation tends to build up during cold, winter seasons. On the other hand, during hot summer seasons, you will be dragging dust or sand to your carpets all day long. This can cause them to erode, and you may end up needing to replace them sooner than you’d like.
Isn’t It Just Easier to Go to a Cleaning Service?
It might seem more convenient to just take your car for someone else to clean and get those carpets all fresh for you again, but that’s not always the best idea.
For starters, it will be a lot more expensive than buying a bottle of carpet cleaner and dealing with this yourself. Also, wherever you take it might not meet your expectations, or, even worse, might use a carpet shampoo or cleaners that are too strong for your car carpet’s needs.
Even if you can afford to have auto detailers take their steam cleaners and liquid extractors to your car, you might not even have the time to take your car there – certainly not every time you spill coffee or the kids drop their snack!
So, generally speaking, you will still have to tackle some of those stains on your own, and can’t always rely on hiring someone to work on your car’s carpets for you.
How to Clean Your Car Carpets With a Carpet Cleaner
What’s the point of having something so powerful if you don’t use it as it was meant to be used? You’ll end up wasting your time, wasting the cleaner (and the money you paid for it), and – worst of all – possibly damaging the carpet.
If the manufacturer doesn’t state anything special you need to adhere to, follow this general method:
- Remove all trash and debris from the floor to simplify the process.
- Remove the floor mats.
- Vacuum the carpet as thoroughly as possible, from corner to corner.
- Dilute (if necessary) and apply your car carpet cleaner as directed.
- Allow the cleaner a few minutes to penetrate the fabric and do its job.
- Start brushing your carpet methodically in a circular motion, to work it further in.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the carpet and remove all the residue (unless it’s a leave-to-dry cleaner).
- Open all the doors to facilitate faster drying.
- Ensure it’s completely dry before replacing the floor mats and closing your car up. Do this to prevent mold or mildew.
Conclusion
You see, it really is possible to keep your car carpets clean without taking it to a professional every other week and breaking the bank while at it!
Even though dirt and debris accumulate very fast, with the right carpet cleaner, your car’s carpet will remain in tip-top shape.
The key points to remember are:
- Check whether the cleaner is suitable for your carpet material.
- Check for the concentration and whether any dilution is required.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the T.
If you have any other questions about car carpet cleaners, or you have a specific question about any of the product recommendations we made in the list above, feel free to ask in the comment section! We’ll answer every question asked and welcome any feedback you might have.
