Get our independent lab tests, expert reviews and honest advice.
How to buy a great carpet spot stain remover
These compact cleaners walk the line between bottled sprays and bulky carpet shampooers. They can make quick work of smaller spills and stains.
Last updated: 15 Dec 2025
Dropped food. Dirty boots. Dog drool. These are the enemies of carpet and upholstery. Difficult to scrub with a spray stain remover but too small to justify a full-blown carpet cleaner.
Are we doomed to live in a grubby, splotchy world until enough stains accumulate to call in the professionals? Spot removers would like a word.
They’re compact cleaners designed for removing small to medium-sized stains. Things like tracked in mud or a glass of red wine that goes flying during a particularly feisty episode of the latest competitive cooking show.
But are they really worth buying or is it best to rent, or even buy, a more expensive, powerful carpet cleaner?
- What are spot stain removers?
- How much do spot stain removers cost?
- Are spot stain removers hard to use?
- Buying a stain remover vs renting or buying a carpet cleaner
- What to look for in a spot stain remover
- How to recycle a broken spot stain remover
What are spot stain removers?
At their core, spot stain removers are basically an all in one steam cleaner and shampooer for carpets, upholstery (including car interiors), hard floors and so on. The cleaning nozzle lifts small to medium stains by moistening and steaming the area, with the option to add a cleaning solution if water alone doesn’t work.
They all come with a hose and cleaning nozzle or brush head, so you can really scrub the stain and surrounding area. Most include a few extra fittings to target different areas – like hard floor, pet hair and crevice cleaning attachments.
Cleaning performance is best when the stain is still wet or ‘fresh’, so to speak. But most of the models in our test do a decent job of cleaning old, dry and ingrained stains (though they may require a second or third pass with the hose).
Just don’t try to clean your whole home. While you could scrub the carpet from head to toe, spot stain removers aren’t designed to clean areas much bigger than a couch cushion. You’re just setting yourself up for a long, exhausting, backbreaking task that would be much more efficient with a carpet shampooer.
Can you clean clothes and linens with a stain remover?
No. Clothes, linens and towels are too delicate for spot stain removers and will almost certainly get damaged by the cleaning nozzle. You’re better off using a laundry powder or spray stain remover.
Do you need detergent?
Cleaning solutions and detergents are optional, you can just stick to steam and water. But they do make a difference and ultimately lead to a better clean, with less sign of the offending stain.
Most manufacturers suggest using their branded detergents which can be expensive, of course. This ongoing cost can quickly add up and is worth keeping in mind if you’re thinking of buying a spot stain remover.
There are cheaper, third-party options available. However, we used the recommended detergents during our test and can’t comment on the effectiveness of these generic alternatives.
Don’t try to save money by using dishwashing liquid or floor cleaners. These can foam up and clog the insides which will break the motor and other mechanisms.
How much do spot stain removers cost?
The models in our test cost around $100 to $500, with most in the $200 – 300 range. Cleaning additives can get quite expensive per litre of water. These start at about 40 cents but can cost as much as $5.75 per litre.
Are spot stain removers hard to use?
Though not overly complicated, there are a few physical considerations to keep in mind. For example, there’s a big difference between the weight of the unit when its empty and full. Some can be up to two kilograms heavier with full water tanks, for example, and we note this in our test results.
You’ll need to put in a little elbow grease to lift dry or ingrained stains, but higher-scoring stain removers require a lot less scrubbing, so to speak. Poor performing units can take longer to clean and may even leak from the water vessels
Remember to check the weight and dimensions, particularly if you have limited storage space at home. Though small and portable, some spot stain removers can be quite bulky.
Also check the:
- Cable length: look for longer power cables. Short ones can be a pain if you have large rooms or need to take the unit outside to clean your car.
- Hose length: it can be difficult to access stains in tight or concealed areas if the hose is too short. Longer hoses tend to be easier to use.
Buying a stain remover vs renting or buying a carpet cleaner
In this case, the best tool really comes down to the job. Spot removers are the best option for keeping on top of spills, dirt, pet stains and so on when they happen, whereas carpet shampooers are much more practical when it’s time to clean the whole room.
The top performing carpet shampooers clean much more effectively than the best stain removers in our test. If dirty carpets are a recurring issue in your home (toddlers and teenagers, we’re looking at you), consider a shampooer rather than a spot remover. Otherwise, rentals are fine for the occasional clean.
However, shampooers tend to be bigger, bulkier and harder to move around. Spot stain removers are much easier to use when it’s time to clean smaller, elevated areas like upholstery, pillows or mattresses.
What to look for in a spot stain remover
Other things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for the ideal spot stain remover include:
- Extra brush heads/fittings: whether they’re included in the box or sold as optional extras, a range of brush heads can make specific cleaning jobs much easier.
- Power supply: avoid battery powered models as they don’t perform very well in our experience. Mains powered spot cleaners are much better.
- Tank volume: smaller water tanks need to be emptied and refilled more often, which can be frustrating, but they take up less space. Bigger tanks are convenient, but are heavier when full and require more room.
- Pet grooming attachments: some cleaners include, or sell, gentle fittings for pet grooming so you can clean the spots from your dog.
How to recycle a broken spot stain remover
Recycling Near You is the best database for finding drop-off points that accept home appliances. Select the item (or type of item) from the dropdown list, enter your postcode and the website will list recycling locations in your area. It’s always best to call and ask if they’ll accept your items before heading down.
The Good Guys also accept small appliances and vacuums as part of its free e-waste recycling program. Spot removers aren’t specifically mentioned, but they do walk the line between appliances and vacuums. So, contact your local store and ask if they can take yours for recycling.
Otherwise, local council collections or drop-off events are your best bet. Check the website or download the local council app for a list of accepted items and drop-off/collection dates. This is the Inner West Council list (where CHOICE is located), for example.
