9 Best Upholstery Cleaners for Stains, Pets, and More, Tested by Cleaning Experts
From pet stains to red wine spills, these are the best upholstery cleaners our experts tested for tackling tough messes.
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From everyday dust and dirt to coffee spills, pet messes, and lingering odors, your couch, dining chairs, and car seats put up with a lot. Over the years, we’ve tested dozens of upholstery cleaners, including 11 products in our most recent round of evaluations, to find the ones that make it easiest to tackle those everyday messes, whether you’re spot-cleaning a fresh spill or refreshing an entire sofa.
Our top picks:
✔️ Best overall: Bissell Little Green Machine
A compact, easy-to-use cleaner that quickly tackles stains on carpets and upholstery
✔️ Best for outdoor furniture: Sunbrella Stain Remover
A powerful stain remover that handles tough messes on outdoor fabrics
✔️ Best for quick cleanups: Woolite Instaclean Permanent Stain and Odor Remover
A fast-acting, color-safe formula that removes tough stains without extra rinsing
✔️ Best cordless: Shark StainForce Cordless Spot Cleaner
A lightweight, portable cleaner that makes quick work of fresh spills and stains
✔️ Best for delicate fabrics: Capture Carpet & Rug Dry Cleaner
A gentle, low-moisture cleaner that freshens upholstery and rugs without soaking them
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we evaluate upholstery cleaners for how effectively they remove stains and odors, how easy they are to use, whether they’re safe for different surfaces, and how clear the instructions are. Based on our Lab testing, expert evaluations, and consumer tester feedback, the Bissell Little Green Cleaner is our top pick due to its thorough cleaning and how easy it is to use.
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Pros
- Works quickly to remove stains
- Easy to carry and store
- Compact nozzle can reach tight crevices
Cons
- Somewhat loud
WHY IT STANDS OUT
Easy to store and tote from room to room, the Bissell Little Green can tackle everything from single stains to cleaning an entire sofa. We first tested this portable carpet cleaner years ago and have continued to recommend it because it consistently delivers impressive results.
It’s simple to use: Fill the tank with water and cleaning formula, spray the solution onto the fabric, gently scrub with the soft brush, and vacuum the dirty water back into the tank. In our tests, it quickly lifted stains without damaging fabrics or carpet and cleaned more thoroughly than a cloth-and-spray method. We found the tanks easy to fill and the wand comfortable to hold, while the long hose and compact nozzle made it easy to reach tight spots like armrests and car seats.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
It is somewhat loud, but its slim design stores and maneuvers well. And if you need something even more compact, the brand also makes a mini version of the appliance that won a Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award in 2026.
| Type | Electric appliance |
| Size | 9.56 lbs |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W and WS |
Pros
- Easily removes oily stains
- Vacuums or brushes away once dry
- Can be used on patio cushions, outdoor sofas, and other upholstered surfaces
Cons
- May need more than one application
WHY IT STANDS OUT
Designed for outdoor fabrics, Sunbrella Stain Remover tackles stains on patio cushions, outdoor sofas, and other upholstered surfaces. The unique spray goes on wet, then dries into a white powder that can be vacuumed or brushed away.
In our tests, it removed tough grease stains and common household messes like coffee and chocolate, and we were especially impressed by how well it lifted an old barbecue stain.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
Tougher stains required more than one application, but the formula performed well overall.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 5 oz |
| Best for fabrics coded | Not listed |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
Pros
- Contains Oxy ingredients to lighten stains
- Works quickly
- EPA Safer Choice certified
Cons
- Not for silk, velvet, vinyl, or leather upholstery
WHY IT STANDS OUT
Woolite Instaclean uses an Oxy formula of hydrogen peroxide to help lift colored stains like tomato sauce, coffee, and fruit juice without altering upholstery color. The EPA Safer Choice-certified formula is designed with ingredients that are safer for people and the environment. To use, spray the stain, let it sit for one minute, then blot.
In our tests, Woolite’s carpet and upholstery stain removers worked quickly without requiring extra rinsing or extensive blotting.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
While the formula is color-safe, we recommend testing it on a hidden area first. It should not be used on silk, velvet, vinyl, or leather upholstery.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 22 oz |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W and WS |
Pros
- Contains enzymes to tackle bacteria and odors
- Works on carpets, upholstery, mattresses, and more
- Removes pet, food, and other stains
Cons
- For best results, it needs time to work
WHY IT STANDS OUT
Bissell’s pet stain remover uses enzymes to break down stains and the odors left behind by pet messes. Unlike cleaners that only mask smells, the formula targets odor-causing bacteria that can draw pets back to the same spot. After treating the stain, cover the area with a damp cloth and let it sit for 12 to 72 hours to give the enzymes time to work.
In our tests, this spray removed pet stains effectively and also worked well on food spills. It can be used on carpets, mattresses, and pet bedding.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
While visible stains may disappear quickly, allowing extra time for the enzymes to work is key for fully tackling odors.
RELATED: The Best Enzyme Cleaners
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 22 oz |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W and WS |
Pros
- Safe for delicate fabrics
- Doesn't cause water spots
- Brightens fabrics and removes dirt
Cons
- May not remove old, set-in stains
WHY IT STANDS OUT
Capture’s dry-powder formula is a good option for upholstery and rugs that can’t tolerate moisture. Instead of soaking fabrics like liquid cleaners, it uses absorbent granules to lift dirt and freshen materials, making it suitable for low-moisture cleaning needs and delicate fabrics like silk brocade to help prevent water spots.
In our tests, Capture was easy to use and effectively refreshed upholstery. Sprinkle the granules over the fabric, work them in with the included brush, and let them sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
While it works well for light cleaning and fresh stains, heavily soiled pieces or set-in stains may require professional cleaning.
| Type | Granules |
| Size | 16 oz |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W, S, WS, and X |
Pros
- Gently cleans without drying the leather
- Protector makes future stains easier to remove
- Kit includes an applicator and buffing pad
Cons
- A two-step process
WHY IT STANDS OUT
Leather furniture and accessories need regular care to help prevent drying, cracking, fading, and stains. Furniture Clinic’s two-step kit cleans, conditions, and protects leather, helping extend the life of sofas, car interiors, bags, shoes, and jackets.
In our tests, the GH Seal-holder lifted embedded dirt from the leather grain and even removed blue jean dye transfer from a leather car seat. The protector left leather test swatches soft and conditioned, while treated swatches were easier to clean after staining compared with untreated ones.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
The process requires a few extra steps, but the results make it worthwhile for leather that needs more than a quick refresh.
| Type | Cream |
| Size | 17 oz |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | No |
| Best for fabrics coded | N/A |
Pros
- Works on contact
- Rinses away easily
- Works on red stains other than red wine
Cons
- Requires washing or rinsing after use
WHY IT STANDS OUT
Wine Away earned top marks in our Cleaning Lab tests for removing red wine stains from upholstery and carpet. We also found it effective on other stubborn stains, including berries and ink. In our tests, it completely removed fresh wine stains and noticeably lightened set-in stains, with stains beginning to fade quickly after application.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
While tougher stains may need a second treatment, we were impressed by how well the formula performed overall. The low-sudsing formula rinses cleanly from fabrics without leaving behind residue that can attract dirt. It can also be used on carpeting and clothing, and a travel-size bottle is available for treating stains on the go.
RELATED: The Best Carpet Stain Removers
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 12 oz |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W and WS |
Pros
- Wide roller for greater coverage
- Easy to hold and use
- Stickier than a typical lint roller
Cons
- Requires refills
WHY IT STANDS OUT
A standard lint roller works well for clothing, but larger upholstered surfaces covered in pet hair need a tool with more coverage. According to the brand, Scotch-Brite’s Pet Hair Roller has 50% stickier sheets than traditional lint rollers and a wider, crosswise design that works more like a paint roller, helping pick up more hair with fewer passes.
In our tests, this roller quickly removed fur and lint from upholstery with just a few swipes. We liked that the horizontal design was comfortable to hold and made it easier to clean cushions, chair backs, and carpeted stairs without as much wrist twisting as smaller rollers require.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
The wider design makes it faster to cover large surfaces, but you’ll need to replace the adhesive sheets regularly, so ongoing refills are part of the cost and maintenance.
RELATED: The Best Vacuums for Pet Hair
| Type | Sticky sheets |
| Size | 60 sheets |
| Can be used on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W, WS, S, and X |
Pros
- Caddy holds everything
- Lightweight and portable
- Compact sizing makes it easy to store
Cons
- Does not hold a lot of dirty liquid
- Spray bottle is separate from the vacuum wand
WHY IT STANDS OUT
This lightweight portable cleaner makes it easy to tackle fresh spills on upholstery and carpet before they have a chance to set. The vacuum and cleaning solution come together in a convenient caddy that’s easy to carry from room to room with no need for an outlet, while the Oxy-powered formula helps lift stains when sprayed directly onto fabrics.
In our Lab tests, Shark StainForce effectively removed tough messes like wine and chocolate syrup without leaving carpets overly saturated.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
Its compact size makes it easy to store, but the dirty water tank is small, and the spray bottle is separate from the vacuum wand, so you’ll need to keep both pieces handy while cleaning.
| Type | Electric appliance |
| Size | 6.2 lbs |
| Can be used on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W and WS |
How we test upholstery cleaners
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing upholstery cleaning sprays, creams, and powders, as well as upholstery cleaning appliances, for years. And most of them are also designed to safely clean stains from carpeting. In fact, we first tested our best overall pick, Bissell, more than 20 years ago—well before it became a social media sensation. Most recently, we tested 11 products and appliances for cleaning upholstery.
When our Home Care & Cleaning Lab experts test upholstery cleaners, we evaluate how well the products remove food, dirt, and oily stains we apply to a variety of typical upholstery fabrics.
We also check for any fabric damage the cleaners may cause, and how easy they are to use and rinse away. We then assess how clear the directions are and check for any safety or cautionary warnings that must be on the product's label.
For upholstery cleaning machines, we evaluate them as we do any appliance by following the owner's manual and testing all the attachments and included cleaning formulas to assess performance, ease of use, runtime, capacity, and how easy they are to maintain and store.
Products are also sent to consumers and staffers to test on the well-loved couches and cushions in their own homes. We then gather feedback on how well they removed stains, eradicated pet messes, restored the look of fabrics, and more.
What to consider when shopping for an upholstery cleaner
✔️ Decide between a machine and a spray: Portable upholstery cleaning machines are best for deep cleaning and larger jobs because they wash and extract stains in one step. Sprays and powders are better for smaller messes or quick spot treatments.
✔️ Match the cleaner to the stain: Some upholstery cleaners are formulated for specific types of stains. Enzyme cleaners are ideal for pet accidents and odors, oxygen-based formulas work well on many food and drink stains, and specialty products can target tough messes like grease or red wine.
✔️ Think about drying time: Some cleaners work in just a minute or two, while others need more dwell time to remove stains effectively. Upholstery cleaning machines also leave fabrics damp, so you will need to stay off furniture for a while after cleaning it.
✔️ Look for helpful extras: Features like long hoses, compact tools, and easy storage can make upholstery cleaning machines more convenient to use. If you prefer a particular formula, you can also find cleaners made with plant-based ingredients or those certified by the EPA Safer Choice program.
How do I safely clean a fabric couch?
To safely clean a fabric couch, first check the care tag to find out which cleaning methods are recommended. Upholstery fabrics vary widely, and using the wrong type of cleaner can cause discoloration, water marks, or damage.
Look for one of these cleaning codes:
- W: Water-based cleaning solutions are safe to use.
- S: Use only solvent-based cleaning solutions.
- WS: Either water- or solvent-based cleaning solutions can be used.
- X: Do not use cleaning solutions. Vacuuming or professional cleaning is recommended.
Once you know which type of cleaner is safe, vacuum the couch to remove loose dirt and debris, then test the product on a hidden area before treating the stain. Avoid over-wetting the fabric, which can lead to water marks or longer drying times.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As its former executive director, Carolyn Forté oversaw all testing done in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Over the years, she has tested and reviewed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, upholstery cleaners, mops, and other major (and small) home appliances. She also spent 16 years as the director of the GH Institute's Textiles Lab, so she's very comfortable handling all kinds of fibers and fabrics and evaluating and assessing their care.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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