Messy kids, muddy paws: the best spot cleaners to handle stains better than Mrs Hinch

Spot Cleaner

by Piper Huxley |
Published on

There's no end to the amount of mess that materialises in the home, and if you're dreading the thought of scrubbing out that particular stain from the sofa or carpet, the best spot cleaner could save you the headache. For unsightly spills and stains, these cordless vacuum cleaners with a twist could prove to be a godsend. Deep cleaning the spot with a water solution and detergent, even that one stain that's become a permanent feature of the sofa won't stand a chance. It's a yes from us.

If you have the joy of owning a pet, you will know the struggle of muddy pawprints. A spot cleaner can clean carpets in pet homes like nobody’s business. Whether a light refresh or a deep clean, these gadgets are specifically made to clean fabrics (hurray), from car seats to sofas to carpets. They're perfect for any busy household looking to catch a break when it comes to household chores and cleaning.

Closer's pick of the best spot cleaners, at a glance:

Budget spot cleaner

Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner

Best spot cleaner for versatility

VAX SpotWash Max Pet-Design

Best spot cleaner for pet mess

BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro

Best cordless spot cleaner

Vax SpotWash Home Cordless CLSW-MPKP

When you're on the hunt for a spot cleaner, we have a few suggestions on what to keep in mind when a messy accident comes out of nowhere. Think suction power - something mighty enough to tackle stubborn stains - and portability - which comes in handy if you need to clean messes upstairs and in the car. Plus, tank size and handy attachments will make your life much easier, allowing you not to have to refill frequently and deal with a variety of spills and stains. Whether cord length or battery life, make sure this new piece of kit suits your space and lifestyle. And don't forget to set a budget, too.

If your Stacey Solomon-inspired boucle sofa is your pride and joy, with one of these bad boys, you can wave goodbye to inevitable food stains, pet messes, and sticky finger marks. We’ve rounded up the best spot cleaners on the market for sofas, curtains, carpets, and more. Tackle stains on your home's soft furnishings better than Mrs Hinch with our top picks.

SHOP: The best spot cleaner

Tried and tested

Budget spot cleaner

Vax SpotWash Spot CleanerVax / Amazon

For a budget-friendly pick, we recommend the Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner for lifting spills and stains. Vax combines strong suction with deep cleaning for a sparkling finish on carpet, upholstery, stairs and even hard floors. Plus, it's lightweight and portable, yet compact for car boots and around the house. What's more, the long hose comes in handy for reaching tricky places. Let's not forget the multiple attachments designed for hard floors, carpets, car interiors and more. Not only is the tank easy to empty (effortless), but it also comes with solutions to get you started.

Our tester thought that this versatile device was "great at removing stains and spills from upholstery" and brilliantly cleaned carpets and hard floors. She also found the cleaner helpful in "bringing dust-coated sofas" back to life after some messy house renovations. It was also good at removing stains from an armchair and cleaning very dirty carpets. Our reviewer praised the cleaner for being lightweight, "easy to store," and "easy to set up and use," adding that she was "very impressed" with the cleaning power of this product.

Pros

  • Best-selling spot cleaner with over 7,400 reviews
  • Multipurpose attachment gives some versatility
  • Useful and long hose to reach difficult spots

Cons

  • Reviews have mentioned it can be tricky to clean the dirty water container because of its shape
Dimensions35.8 x 24.1 x 38.3 cm
Weight3.9kg
Includes250ml Spot Washer Solution, Hard Floor Scrub Attachment, Multi-purpose Attachment

Best spot cleaner for versatility

Vax Spotwash Max Pet-Design Spot CleanerVax / Amazon

Handling everything from spills to stubborn pet messes, the VAX SpotWash Max Pet-Design boasts 30% more powerful suction. Plus, with the super-large, super-readable and refillable tank, you are granted very little hassle with refilling. Pair that with the advanced tool kit (from crevice tool to messy clean-up tool for pet messes), and you're set for a wide variety of cleaning jobs. Maintain a hygienic environment by killing harmful bacteria with the pre-stain pre-treatment and anti-bacterial solution too. Perfectly designed for muddy paws and pet-related accidents, we think.

This Vax Pet Mess Cleaner has received over 3,000 customer reviews on Amazon UK - and has been granted a well-deserved 4.6/5 average star rating. Fabulous, but what did they think? Well, reviewers agree that the functionality, cleaning power and ease of use are its strengths. One customer says they have had several Vax machines over the years, and this "beats them all hands down." As a puppy owner, this reviewer appreciates this cleaning machine's ease of use and quick fill and empty. Not only that but this lightweight pick is said to be robust, quiet and does a good job. However, some think the trigger is sticky and a bit noisy, and it can get a little warm.

Pros

  • Eliminate doggy odour with Vax's solutions and long, versatile hose
  • 30% more suction power when you use it with the SpinScrub hand tool
  • Clearly labelled and detachable clean water tank with readable fill lines

Cons

  • Some think the trigger is sticky, a little noisy, and it can get a little warm
Dimensions8 x 38 x 40.6 cm
Weight5.5 kg
Includes1x VAX SpotWash Max Pet-Design, 1x SpinScrub Hand Tool, 1x Wide Path Tool, Wide Path Tool Attachments - 1x Multipurpose, 1x Hard Floor, 1x Messy Clean Up Tool, 1x Messy Clean Up Tool Attachment, 1x Crevice Tool, 1x 500ml SpotWash Antibacterial Solution, 1x 250ml Pet Stain & Odour Remover

Best spot cleaner for pet mess

BISSELL SpotClean Pro | 750W Portable Carpet CleanerBISSELL / Amazon

Using water, formula and powerful suction to clean and protect soft surfaces, this professional BISSELL SpotClean Pet Pro is a versatile pick. Spray, scrub and lift stains from carpets, rugs, upholstery, stairs, car interiors and more. Thanks to the large water tank, this BISSELL SpotClean separates clean and dirty water for the best clean and easiest refill (fewer trips, too). Plus, with the included upholstery tool, tough stain tool and a sample cleaning formula, you're more than equipped to tackle pet messes. It's lightweight, portable and comes with a long-reach hose, too.

Customers love the BISSELL SpotClean and have awarded it a commendable 4.6/5 star rating from plenty of Amazon reviews. Many reviewers agree that effectiveness and ease of use are its strong points. One customer commented that it's not complicated to use and removes stains very easily. Perfectly fitting into a cupboard, it's very satisfying to store away as well as use. Some shoppers also say that it is great value for money - and great for pet-related messes. However, some customers say that the machine is noisy and a little heavier than expected. Plus, some reviews have different opinions on its compactness.

Pros

  • Offers powerful suction and versatile tools to remove fresh stains
  • Both dirty and clean tanks' capacities minimise trips to refill - so efficient
  • Every purchase supports BISSELL Pet Foundation, to help homeless pets

Cons

  • It's said to be a little heavier than expected
Dimensions14.2 x 9.8 x 14 cm; 2.8L
Weight6 kg
Includes7cm Tough Stain Tool, Stain Trapper Tool and a Sample of Wash and Protect Pet Formula

Best cordless spot cleaner

VAX SpotWash Home Cordless CLSW-MPKP Carpet Cleaner - Grey & BlueVax / Currys

Convenient and fabulous, this Vax SpotWash offers 25% more suction power - perfect for homes with pets and kids. What's more, there are no cords to tangle or restrict movement, plus you have 25 minutes of run time to quickly clean up spills and stains as soon as possible. Thanks to the powerful extraction, you can be confident in the knowledge that pesky spills are removed from carpets, upholstery and more. It's slim, lightweight and perfect for smaller spaces - what's not to love? Let's not forget the sheer amount of interchangeable tools and anti-bac cleaning solutions. You're all set to tackle stains, reduce the growth of nasties and clear up any unsightly messes. Winner.

Pros

  • Easily clean up spills and stains anywhere without being restricted by a power cord
  • Provides extra suction power to tackle tough stains, making it perfect for pet homes
  • Anti-bacterial cleaning in mind, including a solution that kills over 99% of bacteria

Cons

  • Boost mode is said to drain the battery faster
Dimensions33 x 36 x 27 cm
Weight4.4 kg
IncludesExtra Wide 2-in-1 wash tool, Multi-purpose attachment, Hard floor scrub attachment, Messy clean up tool, Crevice tool, 250 ml Spot Washer antibacterial solution

Best spot cleaner for portability

18V ONE+™ Cordless Brushless Swift Clean Stain Remover Starter Kit (1 x 2.0Ah)Ryobi

Brushless motor technology and a flexible hose - meet your new best friend. Allowing quick drying of upholstery, thanks to the multiple attachments, you can tackle any surface, any angle. Simply add the solution to the spot, agitate with a brush and vacuum with the spot cleaner. Easy. Needing to cast a wide net? The wide cleaning tool can cover larger areas quickly - for efficiency. We've all been there with gigantic red wine stains. Without the need for frequent refills (hello, 600ml tank) and offering decent battery power, it's a super convenient starter kit. Stains better watch out.

Customers like this pick due to Ryobi's trustworthiness - offering good value and promptly delivered tools for everyday use. Another loves their tool and is very pleased with this versatile kit. However, one customer says it is heavy duty and the battery life could be a little longer for tough stains.

Pros

  • Powerful suction and quick drying times due to the brushless motor
  • Cordless and convenient - with an easy three-step cleaning process
  • Versatile attachments and a flexible hose for cleaning any surface

Cons

  • Limited battery life compared to other models
Dimensions120 cm Hose; 600ml Tank
Weight4.2kg (4.6kg with battery)
Includes2in1 wash tool with brush head and rubber head, crevice tool, 250ml bottle of cleaning solution, battery and charger

Best lightweight spot cleaner

BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Carpet CleanerBISSELL

Portable and easy to use, the BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser 2982E Cordless Carpet Cleaner is another favourite of ours. Equipped with a battery, you're offered up to 20 minutes of run time, perfect for quick clean-ups, and powerful suction for tackling pet mess, embedded dirt and spills. Thanks to the BISSELL Pet Stain and Odour Cleaner and Oxygen Boost Solution, you're equipped to deal with any pesky stain that gets in your way. Perfect for emergency clean-ups before guests arrive, this fantastically versatile home cleaning tool promises swift action and multi-surface cleaning.

Customers like the stain removal, ease of use and value for money when it comes to the BISSELL spot cleaner. From over 16,000 reviews, Amazon customers have granted this pick a respectable 4/5 stars. One customer commented that it's "fantastic", complete with brilliant suction and is very convenient for small accidents. They add that they're surprised by how long the battery lasts, too. Many agree that it has clear operating instructions and it works fantastically on stains - and lots of shoppers appreciate the cordless aspect. However, some customers disagree on the suction power, though.

Pros

  • Rotating PowerBrush deep cleans tough stains with little effort
  • Cordless cleaner allows for easy movement and quick clean-ups
  • Two-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate for hygiene

Cons

  • Some customers disagree on the suction power
Dimensions‎46.29 x 25.1 x 18.1 cm
Weight2kg
Includes236ml pet stain odour solution, 236ml oxygen boost solution and charger

Best spot cleaner for heavy-duty stains

Shark StainStriker Pet Stain & Spot CleanerShark / Amazon

Looking for powerful stain removal? The Shark StainStriker Pet Stain & Spot Cleaner removes pet stains and odours from carpets, rugs, stairs, upholstery, car interiors and more. This Shark spot cleaner combines two formulas, offering heaps of stain-fighting power without any pre-treatment. We love the high-pressure spray that penetrates deep into fabric and extracts nasties in no time. You can tackle multiple stains - from food spills to pet messes - with very little trouble, thanks to the lightweight design, compact storage and long power cord for tight spots and various surfaces.

From over 150 customer reviews, this Shark pick has a fabulous 4.4/5 star rating, with customers praising its cleaning ability, value for money and ease of use. What more could you ask for? One customer mentioned that although the cleaning solutions are a little pricey, it does a good job. Another says it works well on sofas, especially on dog drool - removing stains and odours in little time. Lots of reviewers love their results and appreciate how easy this pick is to use. Some customers reported that the build quality could be a little better and the cord restricts use.

Pros

  • Ideal for homes with pets, effectively tackles tough stains and odours
  • Compact, portable, and easy to carry and manoeuvre for cleaning anywhere
  • High-pressure spray and suction ensures deep cleaning and quick drying

Cons

  • Corded design means it requires access to a power outlet - little mobility
Dimensions28 x 29.8 x 28.7 cm
Weight3.82 kg
IncludesPet Stain Trapping Tool, plus a Hose-Cleaning Tool, Shark CarpetXpert & StainStriker cleaning solutions

Best spot cleaner for ease of use

Vacmaster EasyClean Rapid Carpet Spot CleanerVacmaster / Amazon

Recognised for its spectacular deep cleaning performance, this Vacmaster EasyClean Carpet Spot Cleaner is another fantastic choice. Last but certainly not least, this spot cleaner features an 800W motor that removes those pesky spills and stains from all manner of surfaces. Simply spray, brush and vacuum for that sought-after spotless finish. Thanks to the various tools available, you can tackle deep cleaning and larger spills with ease. Odours, be gone - this pick uses its large capacity tanks to flush dirt away. With the cleaning solution included, this versatile pick will help you clean hard-to-reach areas thoroughly, thanks to the extra-long hose. And, it's not much hassle to use, either.

Customers appreciate the value, power and weight of the Vacmaster EasyClean machine. One customer calls it "brilliant" and says that it cleans well. Not only that but it's said to be lightweight and easy to carry around, as well as store. Another says it "holds enough water to [clean] a full-size rug", which is a good indicator of how much cleaning you can get out of a full tank. Quickly put together and dismantled after, it's a hassle-free home cleaning kit. Plus, the two sizes of cleaning head tools come in handy, too - for versatile cleaning - from pets to spills. However, some customers have mixed opinions on mobility due to its corded design. Overall, it's a very good spot cleaner for all homes.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to store design makes it convenient for quick clean-ups
  • Versatility with interchangeable tools for both small tough stains and larger spills
  • 2.5L clean water tank lets you clean for longer without needing frequent refills

Cons

  • Corded design means it requires access to a power outlet - little mobility
Dimensions1.8 m Hose Length
Weight4.6 kg
IncludesTough-Stain Tool, Wide-Path Tool, 236ml cleaning solution

Spot cleaner FAQs

Are spot cleaners worth it?

We think spot cleaners should be added to everyone's house cleaning checklist. Spot cleaners will certainly save you time. Picture this: you're on your hands and knees, hopelessly scrubbing the floor with carpet cleaner. Sounds rubbish, right? Spot cleaners combine cleaning solution and the magic of a vacuum to help lift stains from your carpet, just in time for guests to come over for tea.

Though carpet cleaners are a little more powerful than spot cleaners, they're bulky and not great for small spot coverage. They won't be much use in the back seat of the car, that's for sure. A spot cleaner is small, portable, accurate, and much easier to take up and down the stairs. That being said, steam cleaners are lightweight and sanitise well - but they aren't very good at cleaning fabrics.

What detergent do you use in a spot cleaner?

This will vary depending on which spot cleaner you try. Often, cleaners are stacked with water, enzymes, pH adjusters, and solvents to break down unsightly stains caused by food, dog mess, and more. Make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before you buy - some cleaners are super specific.

Can you use a spot cleaner on a mattress?

Yes, some spot cleaners may refresh your mattress. Unfortunately, carpet cleaners can be too heavy and harsh - and will likely cause damage to your mattresses' fabric. For the best stain removal in the bedroom, instead, use the soft brush and tool attachments with a mild detergent - often found in spot cleaners. At last, you can tackle that spilt coffee that has seeped down to your mattress.

Can you clean a whole carpet with a spot cleaner?

No, a spot cleaner is designed for smaller areas - with their precision nozzles and a little elbow grease. We wouldn't recommend a spot cleaner for large surfaces - rather individual areas for a precise clean.

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Gardens and Wellness Product Writer for Closer, specialising in interior design and wellness. When she’s not writing about homeware trends or mindfulness, she’s at yoga or tending to her houseplants.

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