How to Use a Spot Cleaner: a Step-by-Step Carpet Guide

Spills happen fast, but the stains they leave behind can last for years if not treated properly. Modern spot cleaners offer deep cleaning with powerful suction and a compact design, making them suitable for carpets upholstery and other surfaces throughout your home.

Learning how to use a spot cleaner, especially an upholstery spot cleaner for targeted stain removal, is one of the easiest ways to protect your carpets without calling in professional cleaners. With the right portable carpet spot cleaner and the right cleaning solution, you can remove food, drink, pet, and mud stains before they set in.

Why Use a Spot Cleaner for Carpet Spills

A spot cleaner lets you target spills as soon as they happen, rather than soaking your whole carpet with water or chemicals.

Generous clean/dirty tanks with detergent spray; powerful suction for tough stains and moisture; accessories (brushes, nozzles incl. vertical, floor heads) with on-board storage; compact, lightweight, and fits tight spaces; easy fill/empty tanks; check cord length/outlet access for multi-room reach; regular maintenance (clean nozzles, check wear) preserves performance.

Portable carpet spot cleaners combine cleaning solution, brush action, and suction power to lift stains quickly while helping fibres dry faster. They’re also easier to store and grab in emergencies than full-size floorcare appliances.

How to Use a Spot Cleaner Step-by-Step

Follow these steps whenever a spill happens:

1. Blot, don’t rub - use a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Before spot cleaning, remove surface dirt and surface dirt with a vacuum to ensure better results.
2. Pre-treat if needed - apply a stain-specific spray (enzyme-based for pet mess, oxygen-based for wine or coffee).
3. Fill your spot cleaner - add water and your chosen cleaning solution, such as detergent or soapy water, to the clean water tank.
4. Clean the stain - operate the machine by running the nozzle or brush over the spill, releasing solution and using suction to lift dirt and liquid.
5. Rinse and extract - use plain water to remove any remaining solution, then suction to dry. After cleaning, emptying the dirty water tank is important for hygiene and maintaining the machine.
6. Fluff and dry - brush the pile gently and let the area air dry. Proper drying is important to remove excess moisture and prevent mould before walking on it.

Tip: For larger messes, consider steam cleaners or steam mops as a complement to your spot cleaner.

Best Cleaning Solutions for Different Stains

Not all stains are created equal, so the cleaning solution you choose matters. Detergent and soapy water are commonly used for efficient removal of grime and stains.

• Food spills – enzyme-based cleaners break down grease, sauces, and protein-based mess.
• Drink stains – oxygen-based formulas help lift coffee, tea, and wine.
• Pet accidents – pet-safe and enzyme-based cleaners neutralise odours and stains.
• Mud or dirt – eco-friendly carpet shampoos loosen soil without leaving residue.

Some solutions are suitable for cleaning mattresses and car upholstery, helping to efficiently remove embedded grime and stains.

Always check your carpet fibre type before applying solutions:

• Wool – use wool-safe formulas and avoid harsh chemicals.
• Synthetic – generally more forgiving but can trap residue if not rinsed.
• Blended fibres – stick with neutral, gentle cleaners.

Quick Reference: Stains & Solutions

Caring for Your Carpet After a Spill

Cleaning the stain is only part of the job. After using your spot cleaner:

• Brush the pile to restore texture.
• Avoid over-wetting as too much water can damage underlay and cause mould.
• Deodorise using a light mist of pet-safe spray or bicarb soda if needed.
• Allow proper drying by opening windows or using fans.
• Make sure all moisture is removed to prevent mould growth.
• Empty the dirty water tank after use to maintain hygiene and keep your spot cleaner effective.
• Check for wear on brushes and nozzles after cleaning, and replace any worn parts to ensure optimal performance.
  

Bi-Rite’s Top Spot Cleaner Picks

Looking to add a portable carpet spot cleaner to your home cleaning kit? Here are Bi-Rite’s customer favourites:

	Model	Best For	Key Features
	Bissell SpotClean Portable Deep Cleaner 3861F	Everyday spills and small messes	Lightweight, compact, and well-built; strong suction; generous clean/dirty tanks; multiple brushes with a stowable vertical nozzle; fits tight spaces; available in several colours.
	Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner PX200	Quick spot jobs and upholstery cleaning	Efficient, lightweight, and compact; separate clean/dirty tanks; vacuum heads & brushes with on-board storage; easy to carry; available in multiple colours; performance-tested; sized for most homes.
	Bissell SpotClean Turbo Portable Deep Cleaner 3911F	Larger households needing extra suction	Powerful suction with large clean/dirty tanks; efficient on big jobs; lightweight and easy to carry; accessories (vertical nozzle, brushes) with on-board storage; available in several colours; quality build; sized for home use.
	Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Spot & Stain Cleaner PX250ANZ	Homes with pets, hair pick-up, and odour control	Generous clean/dirty tanks; vacuum heads, brushes & vertical nozzle with on-board storage; lightweight, compact, and easy to carry; efficient, high-quality, and pet-hair tested; available in multiple colours; sized to fit most spaces.
	Bissell SpotClean ProHeat SmartMix 3924F	Set-in stains with built-in heating for tough cleaning	Powerful, efficient, high-quality; separate clean/dirty tanks; brushes and vertical nozzle with on-board storage; lightweight, compact, easy to carry; space-saving; tough-stain tested; available in various colours.
	Bissell SpotClean Max 3582F	Bigger tanks and longer runtime for heavy use	Large-capacity clean/dirty tanks; powerful, efficient suction; brushes & floor heads with on-board storage; lightweight, compact, easy to carry; high-quality build; heavy-duty tested; available in multiple colours; sized for larger areas.
	Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam 3689F	Steam-enhanced cleaning for stubborn stains	Steam cleaning with powerful suction; efficient operation; good-capacity clean/dirty tanks; brushes & vertical nozzle with on-board storage; lightweight, compact, easy to carry; deep-clean tested; quality build; available in multiple colours; sized for most homes.

Available in multiple colours and sizes, these units offer powerful, efficient cleaning in lightweight, compact, easy-carry designs. Most include brushes, vertical nozzles, and floor heads with on-board storage. 

FAQs: Carpet Spill & Stain Removal in Aussie Homes

Can I use plain water in my spot cleaner?

Yes, plain water works for fresh spills, but solutions are more effective for oily or set-in stains.

How long does it take for the cleaned spot to dry?

Usually 2–6 hours depending on carpet thickness, solution used, and airflow.

Will a spot cleaner work on rugs?

Yes, most portable models are safe for rugs, but always test a small hidden area first.

Can I remove old, set-in stains?

Results vary. A pre-treatment spray and multiple passes with your spot cleaner may help, but some deep stains might require professional cleaning.