Then, we tasked each with removing orange juice, ketchup, wet potting soil, and coffee stains and noted how noisy or quiet the appliance was while operating. We evaluated effectiveness, portability, and attachments. To find the best out there, we tested dozens of carpet cleaners at The Lab and at home.

Those are the times when a carpet cleaner shines! That's true, but sometimes a spray isn't enough, especially if there is an entire room waiting to be deep cleaned. Marilee Nelson, certified building biologist, environmental consultant, and co-founder of Branch Basics, notes that the simplest method for removing stains is 'to spray the affected area with your cleaner of choice, and let it sit before scrubbing the area,' making sure to test the spray cleaner on a tiny, hidden area first. It's the best way to remove embedded dirt, stains, and smells from any wall-to-wall carpeting and large area rugs. Then, you'll want to pull out a trusty carpet cleaner. What to do? Act quickly, for one, and don't let the mess soak in. So, you accidentally spilled a plate of saucy spaghetti all over your beige dining room carpet.

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