Owning a dog is great, but we all know that it comes with a lot of responsibility. Dogs are messy, have accidents, and tend to vomit if they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t have, eaten too quickly or too much, are overexcited, or are sick. Some dog breeds are more prone to vomiting than others, and, thankfully, it’s not always something to be concerned about.
Regardless of the reason, all dog owners need a good carpet cleaner to remove the lingering vomit smells and spots that can be difficult to remove. Instead of scrubbing for hours or wasting both time and money while trying out numerous useless tips off social media, check out the list of carpet cleaners below that we’ve reviewed for your convenience.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
No added chemical fragrance
Works on a wide variety of stains and odors
Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
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Best Value
Nature’s Miracle Carpet Shampoo
Inexpensive
Can be used as a spot spray or in your carpet cleaning machine
Repels your dog from re-soiling on the area
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Premium Choice
Smelleze Vomit & Smell Absorbents
Works on a variety of surfaces
Suitable for a variety of pets
Eco-smart, non-toxic, and contains only natural ingredients
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Nature’s Miracle Dog Stain & Odor Eliminator
The antibacterial solution kills 99.9% of dog viruses
Safe to use on puppy toys and bedding
Trusted in veterinary clinics and grooming salons
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Bissell Spot Clean Pet Stain & Odor Remover
Kind on the environment
No bleach
Due to its high concentration, less detergent is required
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The 11 Best Carpet Cleaners for Dog Vomit
- Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray – Best Overall
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Size: 32-oz spray bottle
Life Stage: Adult
Stain/ Odor Removal: Both
For tough biological-based stains like vomit, you need a cleaner whose formula can not only lift the stain but remove odors as well. Hepper’s Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray takes the best overall spot in our guide because it effectively removes stains and odors.
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Size: 32-oz spray bottle
Life Stage: Adult
Stain/ Odor Removal: Both
Not only is this formula efficient on dog vomit, but it works wonders with urine, drool, feces, and even musty smells that might linger in your home. The formula features a natural scent so there’s no potentially harmful chemical fragrances filling your home with harsh odors.
It works by penetrating deep into the soiled area to remove even the most stubborn of smells and dissolving stains. Unlike other sprays on the market, it doesn’t mask unpleasant odors, it removes them entirely. It can even eliminate odors that have been lingering in your home for some time.
This formula is safe to use on carpets, flooring, furniture, and fabrics. The manufacturer does recommend doing a colorfastness test beforehand to ensure it will be safe to use on the stained areas.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Pros
Chemical and toxin-free
It can be used on various surfaces
Safe to use on bedding and in your dog’s kennel
Easy to use
It has a clean, minty scent
Cons
It doesn’t deter all dogs from using the same spot again
For an excellent carpet cleaner for excellent value, give Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo a try. This 64-oz bottle is incredibly affordable and works well at eliminating both vomit stains and odors caused by your dog.
Chemical and toxin-free
It can be used on various surfaces
Safe to use on bedding and in your dog’s kennel
Easy to use
It has a clean, minty scent
- Chemical and toxin-free
- It can be used on various surfaces
- Safe to use on bedding and in your dog’s kennel
- Easy to use
- It has a clean, minty scent
It doesn’t deter all dogs from using the same spot again
- It doesn’t deter all dogs from using the same spot again
Size: 64-oz bottle
Life Stage: All stages
Stain/ Odor Removal: Both
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This product is convenient because you can choose to use it in your carpet cleaning machine or as a spot spray, depending on your needs. It boasts a fresh smell that you’ll enjoy, but it’ll repel your dog from re-soiling the area.
This carpet cleaner does what it promises, and even with its low price, it’s a trustworthy product. Depending on how long the vomit stain has been in your carpet will determine whether you’ll have to repeat the process or not. If the stain or smell doesn’t come out after your first attempt, try again. You may be dealing with a tough stain that requires a bit more effort.
Pros
Inexpensive
Can be used as a spot spray or in your carpet cleaning machine
Repels your dog from re-soiling on the area
Fresh smell
Delivers on its promises
Cons
You may need to clean the area more than once
This carpet cleaner is different from the other products on our list because it’s made of absorbent granules and not liquid, allowing you to use it on surfaces that damage when dampened. It works on many surfaces, including carpets, dog beds, sofas, and floors. It cleans up vomit from dogs, along with many other types of pets.
Inexpensive
Can be used as a spot spray or in your carpet cleaning machine
Repels your dog from re-soiling on the area
Fresh smell
Delivers on its promises
- Inexpensive
- Can be used as a spot spray or in your carpet cleaning machine
- Repels your dog from re-soiling on the area
- Fresh smell
- Delivers on its promises
You may need to clean the area more than once
- You may need to clean the area more than once
Size: 2-pound bottle
Life Stage: Adult
Stain/ Odor Removal: Odor remover
Smelleze Natural Vomit & Smell Absorbent Granules is eco-smart, non-toxic, safe to use around pets and children, contains only natural ingredients, and is the perfect product for people who are sensitive to smells because it’s odorless while neutralizing bad smells.
To use this product, all you need to do is act quickly and sprinkle the absorbent granules over the pile of vomit. This product will absorb the vomit and turn it into a solid form, making it easy to sweep or vacuum up. If the smell lingers, wash the area and repeat the process.
The only downside to this product is that it cleans up new stains and smells and doesn’t remove old ones.
Pros
Works on a variety of surfaces
Suitable for a variety of pets
Eco-smart, non-toxic, and contains only natural ingredients
Odorless
Easy to use
Cons
It doesn’t clean old stains
Puppies can be sensitive to cleaning products, but Nature’s Miracle Advanced Dog Stain & Odor will keep them safe while eliminating their mess. This powerful product will keep your puppy safe because it kills 99.9% of dog viruses with its antibacterial solution.
Works on a variety of surfaces
Suitable for a variety of pets
Eco-smart, non-toxic, and contains only natural ingredients
Odorless
Easy to use
- Works on a variety of surfaces
- Suitable for a variety of pets
- Eco-smart, non-toxic, and contains only natural ingredients
- Odorless
- Easy to use
It doesn’t clean old stains
- It doesn’t clean old stains
Size: 32-oz spray bottle
Life Stage: Puppy and Adult
Stain/ Odor Removal: Both
Although it’s powerful, it’s safe to use on carpets, dog toys, bedding, and crates. However, you should keep your puppy away from the area until the product dries. This carpet cleaner is so trusted and effective that it’s often used in veterinary clinics and pet grooming salons.
Make sure to read the instructions before you use this cleaner because it’s not safe to use on all surfaces, such as untreated wood or leather. Although the instruction suggests that you leave the product on the affected area for 15 minutes, it often works faster than that.
The fragrance isn’t overbearing or nauseating but fresh and enjoyable.
Pros
The antibacterial solution kills 99.9% of dog viruses
Safe to use on puppy toys and bedding
Trusted in veterinary clinics and grooming salons
Fast-acting
Fresh, enjoyable fragrance
Cons
It doesn’t work on all surfaces
You must keep your puppy away from the treated area
Bissell Spot Clean Pet Stain & Odor 2X Concentrated Machine Formula is kind to the environment, using only biodegradable detergents without any hint of bleach. The bottle is made from recycled plastic, aiming to lower its impact on the planet.
The antibacterial solution kills 99.9% of dog viruses
Safe to use on puppy toys and bedding
Trusted in veterinary clinics and grooming salons
Fast-acting
Fresh, enjoyable fragrance
- The antibacterial solution kills 99.9% of dog viruses
- Safe to use on puppy toys and bedding
- Trusted in veterinary clinics and grooming salons
- Fast-acting
- Fresh, enjoyable fragrance
It doesn’t work on all surfaces
You must keep your puppy away from the treated area
- It doesn’t work on all surfaces
- You must keep your puppy away from the treated area
This carpet cleaner is designed for most portable cleaners and requires less detergent because it’s so concentrated. It can also be used directly on the stained area on your carpet. It works best on new stains but don’t be scared to give it a go on old ones because it’s tough on stains.
This product is worth trying and will change the way you view and tackle stains.
Pros
Kind on the environment
No bleach
Due to its high concentration, less detergent is required
It can be used in most portable cleaners or directly on the stain
Cons
It’s not as effective on old stains
There is so much to appreciate about the TriNova Pet Stain & Odor Remover from Chewy. It has all the features needed in a good carpet cleaner. It’s safe, easy to use, effective, smells clean and minty, removes tough stains and strong smells, and it’s environmentally conscious, using only natural and organic ingredients.
Kind on the environment
No bleach
Due to its high concentration, less detergent is required
It can be used in most portable cleaners or directly on the stain
- Kind on the environment
- No bleach
- Due to its high concentration, less detergent is required
- It can be used in most portable cleaners or directly on the stain
It’s not as effective on old stains
- It’s not as effective on old stains
This carpet cleaner is not only effective on carpets but also on any other surface that doesn’t get damaged by water. It’s so safe to use around your dogs that you can use it to wash their blankets and even wipe down their kennel for a more pleasant smell. A slight problem is that it’s not a smell that deters all dogs, and you may find your dog vomiting or marking in the same spot at a later stage.
The powerful ingredients used in this remover eliminate odors and smells quickly without much effort. For the best results, all you need to do is spray the product on the spoiled area, scrub, and blot it to dry.
Pros
Chemical and toxin-free
It can be used on various surfaces
Safe to use on bedding and in your dog’s kennel
Easy to use
It has a clean, minty scent
Cons
It doesn’t deter all dogs from using the same spot again
This highly affordable carpet cleaner works on a wide range of messes, from dog vomit to blood. ECOS for Pets! Stain & Odor Remover is safe for both pets and children, allowing them to play on the previously stained area as soon as it’s been cleaned. It’s made in the USA, making it easy to find for your dog messes.
Chemical and toxin-free
It can be used on various surfaces
Safe to use on bedding and in your dog’s kennel
Easy to use
It has a clean, minty scent
It doesn’t deter all dogs from using the same spot again
Size: 22-oz spray bottle
Life Stage: All stages
Stain/ Odor Removal: Both
We love environmentally friendly companies and products, and ECOS stands out as a leader in green cleaning, using only plant-based ingredients that are non-toxic to animals, people, and the planet. ECOS aims to reduce waste, uses sustainable products in its cleaning solution, and focus on recycling.
You can use this cleaner on a variety of surfaces, from carpets, tiles, hardwood floors, fabrics, clothing, and upholstery.
Pros
Tackles hard stains
Safe for people and pets
Made in the USA
ECOS is a leader in green cleaning
Can be used on a variety of surfaces
Cons
The bottle is smaller than most other products
Not only does KIDS’ N’ PETS Instant All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover remove odors when wet, but it permanently eliminates them. This carpet cleaner is safe to use on surfaces around puppies and kids and is kind to the environment, being cruelty-free and biodegradable.
Tackles hard stains
Safe for people and pets
Made in the USA
ECOS is a leader in green cleaning
Can be used on a variety of surfaces
- Tackles hard stains
- Safe for people and pets
- Made in the USA
- ECOS is a leader in green cleaning
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces
The bottle is smaller than most other products
- The bottle is smaller than most other products
Size: 27-oz spray bottle
Life Stage: All stages
Stain/ Odor Removal: Both
This is a cleaning solution that prevents re-soiling as it deters your dog with its smell. Its enzymes destroy stains and odors and leave your home smelling ultra-clean without being overwhelming.
You can add this carpet cleaner to your carpet cleaning machine, but you’ll need to dilute it first. It can be used on other difficult stains too, such as red wine or blood.
We’re not the only fans of this carpet cleaner and many others customers agree with us, and it’s even won the Women’s Choice Award along with others.
Pros
Permanently eliminates stains
Safe to use around people, pets, and puppies
Cruelty-free and biodegradable
Prevents re-soiling
Works on vomit and other tough stains
It can be used alone or in a carpet cleaning machine
Cons
You may need to use it a few times on the same stain to get the best results
The OUT! Oxy Fast Activated Pet Stain & Odor Remover is excellent at removing stains and keeping the area clean. It has a fairly strong smell that is a hit or miss for some people, though. Since you may not like the smell, it would be good to buy just one bottle the first time you use it.
Permanently eliminates stains
Safe to use around people, pets, and puppies
Cruelty-free and biodegradable
Prevents re-soiling
Works on vomit and other tough stains
It can be used alone or in a carpet cleaning machine
- Permanently eliminates stains
- Safe to use around people, pets, and puppies
- Cruelty-free and biodegradable
- Prevents re-soiling
- Works on vomit and other tough stains
- It can be used alone or in a carpet cleaning machine
You may need to use it a few times on the same stain to get the best results
- You may need to use it a few times on the same stain to get the best results
Size: 32-oz spray bottle
Life Stage: All stages
Stain/ Odor Removal: Both
Another trick you’ll learn with this is that you need to apply a damp rag to the stained area a few minutes after using the stain remover. That will give the best result. The price of this remover is a lot lower than many others, making it one of the most affordable options on this list.
Pros
Very affordable
Removes stains completely
Eliminates odors
Great to buy in bulk
Cons
It has a strong smell that some people may not like
One amazing thing about the Simple Solution Stain & Odor Remover is that it has a multi-faceted nozzle. It has three settings, including foam, mist, and steam. The best thing with this is that you get to choose an appropriate spray setting for varying situations. This makes this remover a lot more diverse than the others.
Very affordable
Removes stains completely
Eliminates odors
Great to buy in bulk
- Very affordable
- Removes stains completely
- Eliminates odors
- Great to buy in bulk
It has a strong smell that some people may not like
- It has a strong smell that some people may not like
Unfortunately, the bottle tends to leak if it isn’t handled carefully and kept in an upright position. So, remember that when moving the spray bottle around or when storing it with other cleaning tools.
Pros
Steam, foam, and mist spray settings
Amazing at cleaning vomit stains on carpets
It has a pleasant smell
Cons
The bottle tends to leak when not being handled carefully
Although Zero Odor Pet Stain Remover Spray is last on our list, it certainly isn’t the least important. We love that it is non-allergenic, non-irritating, and non-toxic, keeping your dog or puppy happy and safe from harsh chemicals.
Steam, foam, and mist spray settings
Amazing at cleaning vomit stains on carpets
It has a pleasant smell
- Steam, foam, and mist spray settings
- Amazing at cleaning vomit stains on carpets
- It has a pleasant smell
The bottle tends to leak when not being handled carefully
- The bottle tends to leak when not being handled carefully
Size: 16-oz spray bottle
Life Stage: All stages
Stain/ Odor Removal: Both
Another benefit, especially for people that are sensitive to fragrances, is that it’s odorless—a relatively uncommon occurrence throughout this product list. A slight disadvantage is that it’s a bit more expensive for its size and in comparison to other similar products.
Zero Odor Pet Stain Remover Spray was voted product of the year in 2012 and hasn’t disappointed customers since. If you’re happy to pay the price, this carpet cleaner is worth getting your hands on for a quick and easy clean-up.
Pros
Non-allergenic, non-irritating, and non-toxic
Suitable for both adult dogs and puppies
Odorless
It won product of the year in 2012
Cons
Small in size
A bit more expensive than other similar carpet cleaners
Buyer’s Guide: Finding The Best Carpet Cleaner for Dog Vomit
Dogs are there to be enjoyed and loved. They make incredible companions and can easily become the light of your life. As with any animal, they can be a bit of a handful and require much attention, patience, and care.
Non-allergenic, non-irritating, and non-toxic
Suitable for both adult dogs and puppies
Odorless
It won product of the year in 2012
- Non-allergenic, non-irritating, and non-toxic
- Suitable for both adult dogs and puppies
- Odorless
- It won product of the year in 2012
Small in size
A bit more expensive than other similar carpet cleaners
- Small in size
- A bit more expensive than other similar carpet cleaners
Before adopting a puppy or dog into your home, it’s important to be aware that they do have accidents, and until they’re completely potty trained, you will find urine, poop, and vomit around your house—and you’ll need an excellent carpet cleaner to eliminate bad smells and stains.
Buying the first carpet cleaner you see at the supermarket may leave you disappointed with little improvement to your stained carpet. You may even see a discoloration where you used the product. It’s important to know what to look out for before purchasing your cleaner to save you time, money, and disappointment. Here are several points to look out for when buying a good carpet cleaner for dog vomit.
Stain Remover
There are many features listed on carpet cleaners that can often do more harm than good. Too many features often distract you from what is truly necessary for success. A carpet cleaner for dog vomit must be able to remove stains. Many products claim to remove stains but often don’t or are only strong enough to remove very little. These are the types of cleaning products to avoid.
The right carpet cleaner needs to be tough on stains and have the ingredients to do so. Enzymatic cleaners are the way to go because they have the power to remove those tough stains.
Odor Remover
Just as your carpet cleaner must remove stains, it must also remove odors. It’s no good if your cleaner removes the big spot on your new carpet, but you’re left with a potent smell that turns your stomach whenever you walk past!
Many good carpet cleaners have odor-eliminating ingredients that leave behind a fresh, clean, and inviting aroma. Common scents left by these products are lavender, vanilla, wild apple, spice, mint, passion fruit, fresh linen, jasmine, amber, and lime.
If you’re sensitive to smells or just prefer not to have one filling up your house, you can find odorless carpet cleaners that remove the bad smell from your dog’s vomit and don’t replace it with a fresh, new smell. As long as the bad odor has been eliminated, it’s up to you whether to purchase a scented cleaner or not, and which scent smells the best to you.
Easy to Use
No matter the type of carpet cleaner you use, it needs to be easy to use. Carpet shampoos should require a few basic steps without extensive mixing, measuring, and diluting. Spray products should only require a simple squirt and wipe without multiple steps to complete the process. If you have a good carpet cleaner, you won’t need to clean the same spot over and over to try to get the smell or stain out. However, trying once, twice, or even three times is reasonable.
Non-Toxic
Having a non-toxic carpet cleaner is as important to us as one that removes stains. Not only are toxic carpet cleaners dangerous to you, your family, and your dog, they’re also harmful to the environment. Just as it’s our responsibility to care for our dogs, it’s equally our responsibility to look after the planet they live on. Not to mention that carpet cleaners containing harmful chemicals can also damage your carpet.
Make sure to read the label on your carpet cleaner bottle and look carefully at the ingredients. The safest cleaners are made up of natural ingredients, and they’ll likely say that the product is pet-friendly and non-toxic. Many environmentally conscious pet carpet cleaners use recycled plastics for their bottles and biodegradable detergents.
Read the Label
It’s important to read the ingredients in your carpet cleaner to know whether it’s toxic, environmentally safe, and has a nice scent. However, it’s also necessary to read the instructions before buying the product. The instructions will give you an indication of whether the product is easy to use or not compatible with the type of material your carpet is made from. Certain carpet cleaners may be harmful to wool, so look out for that.
If you have various surfaces throughout your house, it’ll benefit you to get a stain and odor remover that is compatible with all those surfaces. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use it in your carpet cleaner machine because they’re designed specifically for carpets, but you’ll be able to point and spray. Depending on the product, you may either leave the spot once you’re done or have to vacuum or wipe the residue up.
Types of Carpet Cleaners
There are loads of different carpet cleaners available, with some being versatile while others not so much. Look at these different types of carpet cleaners to pick the right one for your home.
- See Also: 3 Homemade Enzyme Cleaner Recipes for Dog Urine (DIY)
Carpet Cleaning Machines
Carpet cleaning machines are useful for cleaning up big messes or doing a deep clean on the full carpet. However, they’re not ideal for a quick clean-up because they require much more effort. Firstly, you’ll need to pull out the machine from its hiding spot; then, you’ll need to plug it into a power source near to the carpet you want to be cleaned. Finally, you’ll have to add the carpet shampoo and whatever else it requires.
Working a carpet cleaning machine takes both time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it once you’ve completed your task. You’ll be able to smell and see that the carpet looks as good as new.
Thankfully, many carpet cleaning shampoos allow you to use the product in the machine or alone for a quick clean-up.
Multi-Surface Cleaners
If you’re a dog lover and have a house with multiple surfaces that aren’t all carpeted, a multi-surface cleaner would most likely suit you best. It can be quite frustrating sifting through various surface cleaners while your dog’s vomit seeps into the fabric. Instead, a multi-surface cleaner will remove both stains and odors on a variety of surfaces, such as carpets, tiles, hardwood floors, fabrics, upholsteries, and leather. Don’t skip the instructions because they’ll tell you whether the product is suitable for the fabric or surface you have.
Spot Cleaners
These cleaners are a little less diverse in usage. You typically won’t be able to use it in your washing machine or carpet machine and may be limited on the materials you can spray it on. However, they’re easy and quick to use. All you’re required to do with a spot cleaner is clean up the vomit best you can and then spray the product onto that area.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, we highly recommend the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray because it ticks all the boxes that a good quality carpet cleaner for dog vomit needs. Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo comes in with the best overall value for money as it has an affordable price for such a large quantity. Smelleze Natural Vomit & Smell Absorbent Granules is our premium choice as it’s eco-smart and absorbs all vomit out of carpets, turning it into a solid form for ease of cleaning.
It’s always helpful to test out different carpet cleaners as that will lead you to find your favorite one. Good luck!
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
