Have stubborn pet stains made you consider disposing of your old upholstered furniture? Hold that thought. Tough as they may be, pet stains aren’t impossible to eliminate, especially when a powerful upholstery cleaner is at hand.
Whether it’s a cleaning formula or an upholstery cleaning machine, of importance is to get that irky stain out of sight.
Tag along as we help you choose the best upholstery cleaner for pet urine, poop, and paw prints so that you can revitalize your upholstery.
Also Read:
- Best Flooring for Basements that Flood
- How to Remove Burn Mark from Laminate Flooring
- WEIMAN 3 in 1 Deep Leather Cleaner
- Chemical Guys HOL315 Foaming Citrus Fabric Cleaner
- Resolve Ultra Pet Stain & Odor Remover Spray
- Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner
- Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner
- Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
9 Best upholstery cleaner for pet urine At a Glance
Best upholstery cleaner for pet urine Reviews 2023
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BISSELL Little Green Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner– Best Overall
One thing about pet messes is they have a distinctive smell you can never miss. For this reason, BISSELL Little Green’s compactness and trial-size formula that comes with it qualifies the upholstery cleaner for this list. 
Whether you intend to quickly clean up your pet’s mess from the couch, carpet, or car seats, BISSELL Little Green is always at your service, owing to its compact size. That way, you can clean up pet accidents as soon as they occur, even when traveling with your pet.
On the other hand, its trial-size formula oozes Febreze freshness that saturates your home or car as you clean, eliminating odor. This cleaner also comes with a three-inch tough stain tool that strongly sucks and scrubs off the toughest of stains with ease. It features a 3-Amp power rating and 48 oz tank capacity, which should be sufficient for quick cleanups.
Pros
- Compact design
- It offers potent suction that removes tough stains
- It can be used for upholstery, carpets, car seats, and mats
- It comes with an additional trial-size formula
- Easy to clean after use due to its HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool
- It has a one-year limited warranty
- By purchasing a BISSELL product, you’re indirectly saving homeless pets through the BISSELL pet foundation
Cons
- The compact design obliges you to empty the tank regularly to remove dirty water that would otherwise cause the machine to stink.
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2. FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover– Durability
As the name implies, FOLEX instantly removes almost all kinds of stains. Be it pet messes, cosmetics, coffee spills, blood, or wine stains, FOLEX eliminates them all. Even the oldest stains have nothing on this instant spot remover.
It offers fast and easy cleanup because all you need to do is spray it onto the stained surface and let it do the job without having to rinse it off. It comes in a 32-ounce spray bottle, enough to last a while if you intend to clean up occasional pet messes. You can even carry it around in a travel-size spray bottle for convenience.
FOLEX instant Spot remover is odorless and non-flammable, therefore safe for your household members, including pets. The cleaner is relatively affordable, so you can buy it in bulk if you need it to clean multiple or large surfaces.
Pros
- Safe for use on colorfast upholstery
- Eliminates almost all stains instantly
- Versatile as it can be used to clean multiple surfaces
- Easily portable
- Odorless and safe for chemical-sensitive individuals
Cons
- Can fade non-colorfast upholstery
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3. WEIMAN 3 in 1 Deep Leather Cleaner– Leather Magic
If you want to add vigor to your leather upholstery, the Weiman leather conditioning cream is for you. The best way to keep pet odors and stains at bay is to clean them as they occur. Unfortunately, leather materials may not do well with regular cleaning as it could discolor them, and that’s where the Weiman conditioning cream comes into play.
In addition to ridding your upholstery of pet stains, the cream moisturizes and restores shine to leather materials after cleaning. All you need to do is apply the cream onto stained surfaces using a micro-fibre pad and allow it to dry, then blot it using a soft cloth.
If you’re dealing with heavy pet messes or stains, you may have to use the WEIMAN leather conditioner spray first for the best results. The WEIMAN leather conditioning cream is a must-have if you have leather upholstery with kids or pets in the picture.
The cream is also safe for leather accessories, including shoes, handbags, clothes, and purses. Be sure to test it on a small section to see how it reacts with your leather materials before applying it on a larger surface.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Ideal for use on leather accessories
- Moisturizes, protects, and maintains the integrity of leather surfaces
- Easily portable and ideal for leather car seats
- Relatively affordable
Cons
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- Not for use on unfinished leather
- In cases of excessive staining, you have to purchase the Weiman leather conditioning spray separately to get the desired results.
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4. Chemical Guys HOL315 Foaming Citrus Fabric Cleaner– Versatile
This Fabric Clean Shampoo is designed to tackle both light and heavy stains. It’s suitable for almost any upholstery material, including leather and fabric. The shampoo works by lifting off deep lodged stains to the surface and disintegrating them, making them easy to remove.
It comes with a drill brush, which you can attach to your drill and easily scrub off stains. The brush bristles are soft yet firm and can penetrate upholstery to eliminate stubborn stains. The shampoo protects your leather upholstery from cracking and discoloration, maintaining its supple appearance.
Fabric Clean shampoo is highly cost-efficient as you can dilute it in a ratio of 20:1 when dealing with light stains. Heavy stains, however, will need a more concentrated solution, preferably in the ratio 8:1. It also features citrus oils that give your home or car a refreshing lemon fragrance.
Pros
- Produces sufficient foam to float dirt particles to the surface
- Features a No-Stiff technology that maintains your upholstery’s integrity
- Features oxygen-infused formula to counter deep-set stains
- Includes a drill brush, which you can operate using your hand or a drill
- Safe for use on colored upholstery
Cons
- The drill brush can be too large to penetrate hard-to-reach areas
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5. Resolve Ultra Pet Stain & Odor Remover Spray-Deep Penetration
Resolve Ultra Pet Stain & Odor Remover stands out because it not only eliminates pet stains but also prevents their re-occurrence. Pets tend to mark their territory by urinating on the same spot repeatedly, which could take a toll on your upholstery.
Its unique Odor Stop Technology enables the spray to penetrate stained surfaces, leaving behind a mild, fresh scent. You could use it to eliminate stains from urine, poop, paw prints, and other everyday stains, including food spills in your home, office, or car interior.
Cleaning pet accidents doesn’t always have to be tedious. With the Resolve Pet Stain Remover, all you need to do is soak the stained surface with the spray and let it set in for about five minutes, then bloat dry with a damp cloth. Ensure you do so soon enough before the stain sets in for the best results.
Pros
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- Easy to use as it involves three simple steps
- Eliminates pet stains permanently and prevents re-soiling
- It features Oxi Odor Stop Technology
- Elicits a light, clean scent that is safe for kids and pets
- It can be used on multiple surfaces other than upholstery
Cons
- Unsafe for use on non-colorfast upholstery
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7. Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe (B09XFGWM2B) Portable Carpet Cleaner
The Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe boasts a compact design yet potent operation. It has a three-inch tough stain tool that elicits strong enough suction to eliminate tough stains on the spot. This unit comes as a complete package, including Oxy boost and Pet Spot & Stain formulas, which are valuable additions.
With these formulas, you can say goodbye to pet stains and odor using the machine. Its compact design gives you the luxury to carry it around and rid your car interior of pet messes soon enough. You could also use it to clean your carpet, floor, and area rugs.
Compact as it is, it features a 48-ounce tank capacity, enough to clean over a large area without having to refill. The machine features a HydroRinse self-cleaning tool, so cleaning it after use shouldn’t be a hassle.
Pros
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- Compact and easily portable
- Easy to use and clean afterward
- Features a stain trapper tool to keep fur and dirt particles out of the machine
- Includes PET Oxy boost and PET Spot & Stain formulas
- It can be used to clean various surfaces, including stairs
Cons
- Deep cleaning using the machine can be tedious due to its compact size
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8. Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner
BISSELL upholstery cleaners are popular for their superior potency, and the BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro isn’t an exception. If anything, it is the most potent product from the manufacturer, featuring a power rating of 5.7 Amps. This guarantees powerful suction that can easily eliminate tough and heavy stains that have already set in.
Alongside the machine come two OXY urine eliminator formulas that permanently eliminate pet stain odor. It has a 96-ounce tank capacity, giving you adequate time to clean heavily stained areas before refilling the unit. These features enable you to clean upholstery, stairs, carpets, floors, and car interiors like a pro.
You don’t need to worry about struggling to clean the device because it includes a HydroRinse self-cleaning tool. It also has a three-inch stain trapper to keep out dirt particles.
Pros
- Compact and easily portable
- Very powerful suction
- Large tank capacity (96 ounces)
- It features a long hose (22 feet) for navigating hard-to-reach areas
- Includes two trial-size pet formulas as a bonus
- It has a two-year limited warranty
Cons
- Cleaning over a large room with this compact machine can be tiresome
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9. Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
The convenience of the Hoover Spotless Portable upholstery cleaner makes it right for the job. It is ideal for deep cleaning stain spots on most upholstered surfaces, carpets, and area rugs. With its 5-feet long hose, you can also easily clean stains on hidden areas.
The machine is compact and lightweight enough to carry around and store easily after use. It also comes with a trial-size formula to eliminate spots and tough stains. The unit is self-cleaning and flushes itself after use to eliminate the dirt that would otherwise accumulate and give you a hard time cleaning it.
Unlike most upholstery cleaners, this unit features two different tanks to separate dirty water from clean water. Unfortunately, the unit is opaque, preventing you from seeing the tank as it fills up with dirty water. It, however, produces a unique whirring sound to signal you whenever the dirty water tank is full.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Has adequate suction power
- Dual tank technology
- 36-ounce tank capacity
- It has a long enough hose for convenience (5 feet long)
- It comes with sample cleaning formulas
- It has a two-year limited warranty
Cons
- It may not be convenient for cleaning larger rooms
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Best upholstery cleaner for pet urine Buyer’s Guide 2022
What to look for in an upholstery cleaner
Cleaning upholstery will always be an uphill battle until you get yourself a reliable cleaner. It’s even harder to remove stains once they set in and accumulate on your upholstered furniture. Upholstery cleaners go a long way in extending your furniture’s durability by making it easier to clean regularly.
Even so, without the right cleaner, you won’t be able to achieve the level of cleanliness you desire. You might even end up damaging your upholstery in the process. This explains the importance of knowing what to look for in an upholstery cleaner before you settle on one.
Some of the important aspects to look out for include the following:
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Purpose
Just because a machine is labeled an upholstery cleaner doesn’t mean it will do the job for you. Upholstery cleaners excel at performing different purposes, making it necessary to choose one depending on how you intend to use it.
Some are designed for spot-cleaning, while others are ideal for cleaning over large stained areas. Consider going for the former if you plan on using your upholstery cleaner to clean specific spots. Otherwise, the latter should be your preferred choice if you intend to clean an entire room or floor.
Similarly, some upholstery cleaners do well with fresh spills, and these should be your go-to if you want to clean stains as they occur. However, if you’ve finally decided to deal with the old stains on your couch, consider opting for a cleaner that can do the job and deeply penetrate upholstery to lift off stains for easy cleaning. The same applies to dry and wet stains. You could also go for a multipurpose cleaner which is even better.
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Size
This factor mainly applies to upholstery cleaning machines which come in various sizes. Some feature a compact and lightweight design and are ideal if you plan to use your upholstery cleaner while on the go. They’re more portable, and you can easily carry them from one room to another to clean spots and stains.
You don’t want to carry a bulky upholstery cleaner up and down the stairs to clean unexpected pet accidents. The only downside is that most compact upholstery cleaners are designed for spot-cleaning, and using them to clean an entire room can be exhausting.
If you intend to use your cleaning machine to clean an entire room, it’s advisable to go for a steam cleaner. Also, for cleaning machines, consider the size or length of the hose. It comes in handy when cleaning hard-to-reach areas. In such cases, the longer the hose, the better.
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Suction power
Suction power is everything when it comes to cleaning machines. Upholstery cleaning machines usually remove stains by sucking them out after spraying the cleaning formula onto the stained surface. A powerful cleaning machine is more likely to deep clean the toughest of stains with ease. Therefore, the stronger the suction power, the higher the chances of eliminating stubborn set-in stains.
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Fabric compatibility
Let’s face it-upholstery fabric is expensive. Spending a few extra bucks to get a cleaning solution compatible with the fabric in question won’t hurt. You don’t want to purchase a cheap upholstery cleaner that will eventually fade the fabric.
Fortunately, upholsteries often indicate the right cleaning formula to use for the best results. Be sure to confirm the ideal cleaning agent for your specific fabric before purchasing one. Here are the cleaning codes to look out for on your upholstery:
- W (wet) – use only water-based cleaning formulas
- S (solvent) – use only solvent-based cleaning formulas
- WS (wet and solvent) – Both water-based and solvent-based products are safe to use
- X (No cleaning) – Vacuum or leave the cleaning to a professional
Additionally, ensure you check your fabric for colorfastness by using the cleaning formula on a small spot beforehand.
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Safety
The safety of your kids or pets is an essential factor to consider when selecting an upholstery cleaning formula. Pet stains, for instance, elicit strong odors that could make you want to go for a cleaning solution whose fragrance is strong enough to override the smell of pet messes.
Such cleaning formulas could have detrimental effects on chemical-sensitive household members. For this reason, getting an upholstery cleaner that leaves a mild fresh scent while eliminating odor is advisable.
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Accessories
An upholstery cleaner that comes with relevant accessories guarantees convenience. These could range from a trial-size cleaning formula to specialized tools such as a self-cleaning hose to make your work easier.
BISSELL products, for instance, feature a HydroRinse self-cleaning tool and a stain trapper. These not only enhance their convenience but also prolongs the machines’ longevity by preventing pet fur and other debris from getting lodged inside the machine.
You could also look out for cleaning brushes or microfibre towels, especially when selecting cleaning solutions. Some upholstery cleaners even come with potent formulas that feature Oxy boost technology, hydrogen peroxide, and enzymes that effectively eliminate odor, and these are ideal.
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Tank Capacity
A larger tank capacity means fewer refills in between cleanups. Consider going for upholstery cleaners with sufficient tank capacity for convenience. If you intend to clean up heavy or widespread stains, go for a cleaner with a large tank capacity to make your work easier.
How do you deep clean a couch
The procedure you use to deep clean your couch depends on various factors, mainly the type of fabric involved and the cleaning solution you’re using. Note the cleaning code on the fabric to ensure you’re using the correct cleaning formula. More importantly, ensure the room is well-ventilated for safety purposes, especially if you’re using a solvent-based cleaning solution.
You can then assemble the necessary equipment to ease and fasten the process. These include:
- Protective gear
- A vacuum cleaner
- Cleaning solution
- Cleaning brush or cloth
- Upholstery cleaner
Once these are in place, you can begin cleaning by following the steps below.
Step 1. Wear protective gear
These include gloves to protect your skin from irritants, especially when using solvent-based formulas. Be sure to safeguard your eyes and lungs as well, if possible.
Step 2. Vacuum the couch
Go in with your vacuum cleaner at least twice to lift off loose dust and dirt particles on the couch before you apply the cleaning solution. Ensure you vacuum the entire couch; if it’s too dusty, you could vacuum it for up to twenty minutes until you get satisfactory results.
Step 3. Introduce the cleaning solution
How you carry out this step depends on the cleaning formula you’re using. First, do a soy test by applying the formula to a small section of the couch to check how it reacts with the fabric. Subsequently, spray the formula onto the couch using either an upholstery cleaner or a spray bottle. Ensure you soak the stained areas with the cleaning solution for ultimate penetration.
Apply a small amount of cleaning formula at a time as you gently scrub off the stains using a brush or piece of cloth. Spraying an excess amount at a go could leave residues stuck on the couch. It’s advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use your specific cleaning formula, especially for solvent-based solutions, to get the best results.
Step 4. Dry the couch
An upholstery cleaner could come in handy for this step, especially if you use a water-based solution. It can powerfully suck out the stain and the wetness for the best results. Alternatively, you could use a ceiling fan to speed up the drying process. Finally, allow the couch to air dry for some time, depending on the fabric’s thickness.
How do you get old pet stains out of upholstery?
Getting rid of old pet stains, particularly urine, can be a nightmare. Pet urine is acidic and tends to oxidize and discolor fabric, especially without timely stain treatment. Fortunately, there are several ways to eliminate such stains, including natural methods.
However, before you begin manipulating your upholstery to remove old pet stains, check the cleaning code to avoid damaging your upholstery in the long run. That said, here are some hacks to help you permanently eliminate old pet stains.
Deep clean your upholstery
Deep cleaning should do the trick with most pet stains, provided you use a powerful upholstery cleaner. Some cleaning formulas comprise ingredients that can break down stains instantly. Oxy boost formulas, for instance, contain oxygen that can penetrate and disintegrate the toughest of stains and restore vitality to your upholstery.
Consider using a vacuum cleaner and a powerful upholstery cleaning machine in addition to a quality cleaning formula to boost the outcome. Follow the above steps to deep clean your couch for ultimate results.
Use natural remedies
Natural products could also come in handy in the absence of cleaning formulas. If anything, they are safer to use around pets compared to cleaning agents with strong scents. If you opt for natural remedies, follow these steps to remove old pet stains:
- Spray cold water onto the stained surface and gently blot the stain using a cloth or paper towel.
- Pour some baking soda onto the wet surface and allow it to set in and absorb odor and stain particles for some time.
- Vacuum the surface to suck up the baking soda.
- If the stain persists, spray diluted vinegar in the ratio 3:1 onto the surface, allow it to sit for at least thirty minutes, and then blot it with a soft cloth. Be sure to confirm whether the fabric is compatible with vinegar by spot testing.
- Add more baking soda onto the surface and let it set in for a few hours
- Repeat vacuuming the surface to remove the baking soda and excess moisture and allow it to air dry.
Call a Professional
When all else fails, it’s best to leave the job to a professional to avoid ruining your upholstery. Some upholstery can be delicate and may not do well with too much manipulation. Therefore, if the stain persists despite using powerful cleaning formulas or natural remedies, consider calling a professional to help remove it.
A video describing some of the top units among the best cleaner for Cat and Dog Urine
Best Upholstery Cleaner for Pet Urine- Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do you clean upholstered furniture?
The first step to cleaning upholstered furniture is selecting an ideal upholstery cleaner. Ensure the upholstery cleaner you choose is tough on stains but gentle on your upholstery. Once you have your upholstery cleaner on standby, you can clean your upholstery cleaner using three simple steps:
- Vacuum
- Apply the cleaning formula
- Dry the upholstery. You could use a powerful upholstery cleaning m, machine or a ceiling fan.
Also, always try to eliminate stains as soon as they occur to keep your upholstery free from old stubborn stains.
Q2. What is the best solution for cleaning upholstery?
The best solution for cleaning your upholstery mainly depends on your needs and the type of fabric. In terms of cleaning formulas, we believe you can’t go wrong with any of the cleaning agents mentioned above. Be sure to check whether the formula is compatible with your upholstery beforehand.
Otherwise, white vinegar qualifies as the best natural upholstery cleaning solution. You can dilute white vinegar, preferably in a ratio of 3:1, and mix it with either dish soap or rubbing alcohol. You could make it more concentrated when dealing with stubborn stains. Once you do so, place the mixture in a spray bottle and use it as you would a cleaning agent.
Q4. Are there any types of fabric that shouldn’t be cleaned with an upholstery cleaner?
Yes, not all upholsteries do well with upholstery cleaners. Some are delicate, and using an upholstery cleaner on them will do more harm than good. Upholsteries usually come with a cleaning code that indicates the type of formula that is safe to use.
For instance, if you see the code ‘X’ on your upholstery, desist from cleaning it using an upholstery cleaner. Rather, vacuum it or call a professional to clean it for the best results. Therefore, always look out for this code before cleaning your upholstery.
Q5. How often should you clean upholstery?
It would be best to clean your upholstery at least once every week and whenever stains occur. Eliminating stains early enough is easier than waiting until they set in or penetrate the fabric. If you live in a household that includes kids or pets, you may have to clean your upholstery more frequently to prevent discoloration from regular staining. This way, you will eliminate odor and prevent territorial marking by pets repeatedly urinating on the same spot.
Q6. Can you use an upholstery cleaner on other surfaces or fabrics?
Yes, you can. Most upholstery cleaners are versatile and can be used on various surfaces, including carpets, area rugs, hardwood floors, and bathrooms. All you need to do is confirm whether the upholstery cleaner is applicable on the surfaces you intend to use it on before purchasing it.
Conclusion
Ultimately, upholstery is undoubtedly an investment, and pet messes are the last thing you want on your upholstered furniture. They can be tough to eliminate, especially if you let them set in for a while, and that is where upholstery cleaners come in handy. They are efficient and easy to use, enabling you to eliminate pet messes as they occur to prevent stubborn stains.
That said, consider getting yourself the best upholstery cleaner for pet urine to help maintain the appearance of your upholstered furniture, even with your furry friends around.