We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Cleaning Products The 9 Best Upholstery Cleaning Sprays of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Say farewell to stubborn stains and odors. By Rachel Simon Rachel Simon Rachel has written for Dotdash Meredith's Ecommerce team since 2020, covering home goods, tech, fashion, beauty, and more. She's interviewed dozens of experts and is always on top of the latest trends and product releases. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on February 07, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Keeping your furniture clean can require a lot of work, especially when stubborn stains and odors appear on your upholstery. Luckily, there are a number of efficient, fast-acting upholstery cleaning sprays on the market that can transform the look and feel of your couches, chairs, and other furniture. Many upholstery cleaning solutions “are designed to be effective yet gentle on different fabrics,” says Alicia Sokolowski, co-founder of the eco-friendly cleaning company AspenClean. To find the best upholstery cleaning sprays, we tested options in our Lab and in real-world conditions, evaluating them on factors like effectiveness, ease of use, scent, and more. We also spoke to Sokolowski for her expert advice on how to properly clean upholstery. Our Top Picks Best Overall Upholstery Cleaning Spray: Bissell Advanced Oxy Stain Pretreat at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best Aerosol Upholstery Cleaning Spray: OxiClean Total Interior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner at Walmart $6 Jump to Review Best Eco-Friendly Upholstery Cleaning Spray: Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover at Amazon $25 Jump to Review Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray for Pet Stains: SALE Nature's Miracle Cat Stain and Odor Remover Spray at Amazon $13 $11 Jump to Review Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray for Set-In Stains: Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover at Amazon $6 Jump to Review Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray for Odors: Zero Odor Pet Stain Remover & Odor Eliminator at Amazon $17 Jump to Review Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray for Red Wine Stains: Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray with Brush: Carbona Oxy Powered Carpet Cleaner at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray for Leather: Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best Overall Upholstery Cleaning Spray Bissell Advanced Oxy Stain Pretreat PHOTO: Walmart $14 at Amazon $7 at Walmart View on Bissell.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Scent 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out It works well on most stains, leaving no trace or residue behind. What Could Be Improved It takes a while to work on deeper stains. Of all the upholstery cleaning sprays we tried, this formula from Bissell was our absolute favorite. The spray works as a pretreat for deep cleaning or as a spot and stain remover and is suitable for rugs and carpets in addition to upholstery. It’s also made with biodegradable ingredients and is safe to use around kids and pets. Applying the cleaner is super easy, as is switching modes from mist to spray. When we tested it, we found it effective at erasing stains and spills while leaving no lingering scent afterward. The formula comes in a large bottle for a low price, making it a long-lasting and accessible household cleaning solution you want in your tool kit. The main drawback we noticed is that you might need to leave the spray sitting for a while to treat deep stains and odors, as it can take some time to sink in. Still, this is a small downside for an overall excellent product that makes a huge difference in your furniture's look, smell, and feel. Type: Pretreat | Volume: 22 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Rugs, upholstery, carpet Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Aerosol Upholstery Cleaning Spray OxiClean Total Interior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner PHOTO: Walmart $6 at Walmart $9 at Lowe's View on Autozone.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Scent 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out You can control the intensity of the solution. What Could Be Improved The brush is too rough for some fabrics. If you want a convenient upholstery spray that only requires a push of a button, this option from OxiClean is a great pick. The bottle has an attached brush that you can use to scrub stains, and the spray comes out in a white foam that, once mixed with water, only sits for 30 seconds to work its magic. During testing, this spray cleaned nearly every stain effectively and efficiently, requiring minimal scrubbing and saving us plenty of effort. It’s also suitable for various materials since you can control the intensity by mixing it with water. It has a neutral, clean scent that shouldn’t bother anyone with a sensitive nose, and a low-price with a substantially-sized can. On the downside, the brush is a bit too rough for use on some fabrics, and when we sprayed the foam on some spilled wine, it left a blueish chemical reaction in its wake. That said, this is a solid product overall that stands out for its easy-to-use aerosol form. Type: Aerosol | Volume: 19 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Rugs, upholstery, carpet Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Eco-Friendly Upholstery Cleaning Spray Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Walmart Our Ratings Ease of Use 3/5 Odor Elimination 5/5 Scent 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 What Stands Out It’s equally effective on new and old stains. What Could Be Improved Tough stains may need multiple passes. For those who prefer eco-friendly cleaning supplies, opt for this upholstery cleaning spray from Biokleen. The enzyme- and plant-based formula contains no artificial ingredients and comes in a biodegradable bottle. The formula is safe for people with allergies or sensitivities, thanks to its natural, unscented formula that includes natural citrus extracts. That’s not all worth noting about this fantastic spray—it’s also easy to use with no dilution and comes in an ultra-large bottle that lasts through dozens of uses. When we tested it, we were thrilled to discover that the formula is equally effective on new and old stains, which stands out from many other options we tried. Even if you find a set-in stain that resists most cleaning solutions, this spray does the trick. Overall, this product is highly effective, inexpensive, and worthwhile for shoppers who prefer natural products or have chemical sensitivities. Type: Enzyme-based | Volume: 32 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Rugs, upholstery, carpet Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray for Pet Stains Nature's Miracle Cat Stain and Odor Remover Spray PHOTO: Chewy $11 at Amazon $14 at Walmart $11 at Chewy Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Odor Elimination 5/5 Scent 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 What Stands Out It works particularly well in removing harsh odors. What Could Be Improved It requires more product per mess. Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover is a seriously effective product that cleans pet stains and odors. The enzyme-based formula tackles urine and vomit, odors, and messes—plus it's safe to use around pets and kids. To use this product, spray it on the affected area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before dabbing it up with paper and then spray again to remove odors. You can use it all around your home: rugs, hardwood, upholstery, and more. During testing, we found that the spray works incredibly well on smelly cat urine and large stains. The light citrus scent isn’t too strong (although it may not be ideal for anyone sensitive to smells), and the price is very reasonable considering the formula’s effectiveness and large size. One downside is that you may need to replace it more often if you clean up pet stains often—it requires multiple sprays of product for each mess. Still, we recommend it for pet owners who want clean, odor-free homes. Type: Enzyme-based | Volume: 32 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Rugs, upholstery, carpet, hard floors Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Jodi Espinosa Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray for Set-In Stains Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover PHOTO: Amazon $6 at Amazon $12 at Walmart Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.8/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Scent 3.5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out It delivers a strong, consistent spray every time. What Could Be Improved The chemical scent may be too strong for some users. If you have tough, set-in stains around your home, this upholstery spray from Resolve may be your new favorite cleaning companion. During testing, the deep-penetrating formula removed even the toughest stains and odors. Plus, it's safe for polyester, nylon, and cotton fabrics (among others). It’s worth noting that you can’t switch between mist and stream modes—it only has an on/off setting. But plenty of spray comes out with each push, transforming into soap-like foam once you start scrubbing. This fast-acting formula leaves no residue and won’t cause fading or discoloration when used on the approved materials. It’s best with upholstery, but it also works effectively on carpets and mattresses. The spray has a chemical odor during use, which may bother some people with scent sensitivities. The scent disappears once the spray is dried, so if you can handle a few minutes of fragrance, there's nothing to worry about. Type: Water-based | Volume: 22 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Furniture, rugs, upholstery, carpet, mattresses Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray for Odors Zero Odor Pet Stain Remover & Odor Eliminator PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $17 at Walmart $17 at Chewy Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Odor Elimination 5/5 Scent 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 What Stands Out It leaves no scent during or after use. What Could Be Improved The price is a bit high considering the small bottle size. A spray that gets stains out is one thing, but one that removes stains and odors with equal speed and effectiveness? The Zero Odor Pet Stain Remover does just that, and when we tried out the formula, we found that it eradicated urine stains from our upholstery and left no smell behind. The spray comes out as a mist and immediately removes urine and other stains in just one application. Spray it on the area, rub it gently with a sponge, then blot it dry—you’ll be amazed by the fast, thorough results. This spray also has no scent and is made from biodegradable ingredients. During testing, we noticed a few small drawbacks to this product. You may want to spot-test this formula on darker fabrics to ensure it doesn’t leave a mark. It also comes in a small bottle with a higher-than-expected price tag considering the size. All in all, it’s a worthy purchase that delivers on its odor-erasing promise. Type: Enzyme-based | Volume: 16 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Furniture, rugs, upholstery, carpet, mattresses Real Simple / Giaco Furino Real Simple / Giaco Furino Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray for Red Wine Stains Emergency Stain Rescue Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon View on Hatestains.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 4/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Scent 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out It requires minimal blotting and rubbing. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t remove odors. As much fun as drinking red wine can be, cleaning up red wine stains from your upholstery afterward is far less enjoyable. Thankfully, with this spray from Chateau Spill, you won’t have to deal with any permanent mess after a red wine spill, as it cleans up the evidence instantly. During testing, this water-based formula was fast-acting and required minimal blotting and rubbing to get out wine stains. You can use it for spot treatment on new or old stains or as a pre-treatment on clothing before putting it in the laundry. It works well on other types of stains and is safe to use on carpets and linens, too. The small, inexpensive containers come in a set of three, making them great for throwing in your bag for a night out. Just note that the spray is not the best at removing odors. Type: Water-based | Volume: 4 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpets, rugs, upholstery, linens Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray with Brush Carbona Oxy Powered Carpet Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $16 at Amazon $5 at Walmart $9 at Ace Hardware What Stands Out It removes new stains and odors immediately. What Could Be Improved You need to clean the brush after each use. For an upholstery cleaning spray that lifts stains and scrubs away the evidence, consider the Carbona 2-in-1 Oxy-Powered Carpet Cleaner. The cleaner comes with a handy and sizable sponge attachment to tackle stains and odors and bristles to lift deeper, set-in stains from your carpets and fabric. This formula is meant for fresh stains, and when we tried it out, we loved how the soap-like foam removed messes immediately. It requires only a bit of scrubbing and blotting and has no noticeable smell. Additionally, the package includes a pack of two, so you won’t run out of the solution anytime soon. One downside of this spray is that you have to clean residue off the brush after each use. Also, tough stains may require multiple applications to disappear completely. That said, we still recommend this pick for its fast-acting, effective formula, and helpful, multi-purpose brush. Type: Enzyme-based | Volume: 27.5 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Carpets, rugs, upholstery Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Upholstery Cleaning Spray for Leather Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit PHOTO: Amazon $38 at Amazon View on Furnitureclinic.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 4/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Scent 5/5 Value 4.5/5 What Stands Out It leaves leather softer than ever. What Could Be Improved The instructions could be clearer. Cleaning leather upholstery is challenging, but this care kit from Furniture Clinic more than does the trick. When we tried it out, we were amazed by how completely and quickly it removes dirt, stains, and grime from leather without leaving any residue. In fact, your leather upholstery will be feeling softer and looking good as new. This leather cleaning kit comes with two bottles of cleaner, a leather protection cream, two sponges, and a cleaning cloth. To use the cleaner, shake the bottle then apply some spray onto the cloth or sponge before rubbing it into the leather in a circular motion. It works immediately, leaving behind a temporary citrus scent that quickly fades. You can use it on shoes, too, as it won’t cause discoloration or cracking. We wish this care kit came with better instructions, as it’s hard to figure out which order to use the products in and which sponge is best for different uses. Still, this is a great kit to help anyone with stained leather upholstery. Type: Conditioner | Volume: 17 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Upholstery, shoes Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Final Verdict While we tested many great cleaners, Bissell’s OXY Stain Pretreat Spray was our ultimate favorite, as it works quickly and effectively on most stains and can be used as a spot cleaner. For an eco-friendly option, consider the Biokleen Bac-Out Stain & Odor Eliminator, which has natural ingredients with no harsh chemical smell. Our Testing Process To find the best upholstery cleaning sprays, we tested various types of sprays and products both in our Lab and in real-world conditions. We compiled the products on this final list from four tests, each test followed a distinct methodology. Upholstery cleaning solutions (non-leather): We created stains of red wine, soda, marinara sauce, and mustard on a rug and couch cushion, with two samples of each stain on both materials. Then we allowed the stains to set for 20 minutes. Next, we tested how the upholstery cleaning solution performed on the rug and couch cushion, liberally spraying it and allowing the cleaner to sit for 5 minutes. We set a timer and began using a damp washcloth to scrub at the stain (using caution to avoid abrasion on the upholstered fabric). We recorded how long we scrubbed each stain. After, we cleaned the identical stain with a DIY cleaning mixture to compare how well it worked. A majority of the products on our list followed this procedure. Leather cleaning solutions: We repeated the above process on a leather pillow, creating stains with chocolate syrup, foundation, mineral sunscreen, and chemical sunscreen. If a cleaning kit included a leather conditioner, we used that after cleaning the stains. Carpet spray cleaners: We created stains of red wine, barbecue sauce, mud, and wolf urine on a carpet and upholstery fabric. Then we followed the directions for use on each carpet spray cleaner while using our phone stopwatch to measure how long it took us to treat the stain from start to finish. We also noted whether the solution lightened, completely removed, or had no effect on the stain. Cat pee odor and stain removers: Two products on our list, Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover and Zero Odor Pet Stain Remover & Odor Eliminator, were evaluated in real-world conditions for our cat pee odor and pet stain remover tests. We tested the products on any pet stains, odor, and stains that occurred, following the manufacturer's directions and cleaning instructions. After we cleaned the stain, we set a timer for 30 minutes and noted whether the odor and stains remained unchanged, improved, worsened, or eliminated. If there was still a visible stain, we repeated this process a second time. Real Simple / Dera Burreson How to Shop for Upholstery Cleaning Sprays Like a Pro Cleaner Type “The choice of upholstery cleaner type often depends on the type of fabric you're dealing with and the specific stains or issues you're trying to address,” says Sokolowski. There are multiple different types of upholstery cleaning sprays, including: Water-based upholstery cleaning sprays: “These cleaners use water as a solution base, and they often contain surfactants that break down dirt and stains,” says Sokolowski. “You can usually use them for many upholstery fabrics.”Enzyme-based upholstery cleaning sprays: These sprays “use biological enzymes that break down organic stains,” Sokolowski explains, adding that they’re “popular among pet owners as they effectively eliminate pet-related stains and odors.”Foam upholstery cleaning sprays: These cleaners create foam that “works into the fabric, trapping dirt and stains, and is then typically vacuumed away,” says Sokolowski. “For spot treatments, they are usually great.”Natural/eco-friendly upholstery cleaners: These upholstery cleaners are “made from natural, plant-based, or environmentally friendly ingredients,” says Sokolowski. Plus, their formulas are “safe for both fabrics and the environment” and typically don’t include harsh chemicals. Ingredients “When shopping for upholstery cleaning sprays, you need to understand the ingredients and make sure the cleaner is suitable for your needs and upholstery (but also for your health and the environment),” says Sokolowski. First, look for active ingredients such as “surfactants (surface-active agents that help remove dirt), enzymes (for organic stain removal), solvents, or other cleaning agents specific to the cleaner's purpose,” she says. If you or someone in your home is sensitive to strong smells, look for “hypoallergenic cleaners and those free from harsh chemicals,” she adds, or those without fragrances or additives for odor elimination. For those who prioritize sustainability, look for eco-friendly and biodegradable ingredients. Compatible Surfaces “Different fabrics and materials react differently to cleaning agents,” says Sokolowski. “Make sure the ingredients are compatible with the type of fabric you plan to clean.” Read the label and instructions carefully, and spot-test the fabric you intend to use it on “to ensure the cleaner does not cause any adverse effects like discoloration or damage.” More Upholstery Cleaning Sprays to Consider Zep Advanced Oxy Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner: This cleaning spray works well on various stains and has an inexpensive price tag, among other perks. Its citrus scent lingers and strengthens over time, though. Chemical Honey Lightning Fast Stain Extractor: Like its name promises, this cleaning solution works quickly and effectively on rugs and upholstery. However, the chemical smell is intense and leaves more foamy residue than needed. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Questions You Might Ask Is upholstery cleaning spray as effective as using an upholstery cleaning machine? Upholstery cleaning sprays can be very effective, but an upholstery cleaning machine can provide "a deeper, more thorough cleaning as they can penetrate the fabric,” explains Sokolowski. Machines are particularly effective on tougher stains and can sanitize upholstery while cleaning it. Still, “not all upholstery materials can withstand moisture or the cleaning solutions used in these machines,” according to Sokolowski. She recommends checking the manufacturer's guidelines and testing a cleaning machine before using it on furniture. What do professionals use to clean upholstery? Many professionals rely on specialized equipment to clean upholstery effectively, according to Sokolowski. This equipment can include steam cleaners or extraction machines, which “effectively remove dirt, stains, and contaminants from the fabric,” she explains. “Bonus point: they often sanitize and deodorize as well.” How often should you deep-clean upholstery? For most furniture and fabrics, an annual deep clean should be sufficient. That said, you can use many of the cleaning sprays on this list to spot-clean your upholstery when stains and spills occur, which will help you avoid permanent damage and keep your upholstery looking, feeling, and smelling fresh. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Travel & Leisure, The New York Times, and many other publications. To find the best upholstery cleaning sprays, we tested many options in our Lab and evaluated them on effectiveness, scent, ease of use, and more. For expert insight, we spoke to Alicia Sokolowski, co-founder of the eco-friendly cleaning company AspenClean. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.