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A reliable upholstery cleaner is the ideal tool to have in this scenario.

An assortment of upholstery cleaners we recommend, including the Bissell Little Green Original Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, side-by-side on a wood floor

The Spruce

Enter theHoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner.

However, there are a few key features that set it apart.

We also see this as a plus for when youre cleaning something smelly or unpleasant.

Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner displayed on a wood floor

PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Even after these small hiccups, we can still easily recommend it.

Where our experience has varied has been with its actual performance on stains.

For the latter, it left enough residue that a paper towel lifted additional yellow smudges.

Closeup of the cleaning head for the Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner

The rubber bristles of the Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner allow for thorough yet easy scrubbing.PHOTO: The Spruce

The value is there, though, especially if you’re free to find this machine on sale.

However, its also great on stairs and other tight spaces.

Overall, we didnt have too many complaints with theDirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner.

Person putting Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner accessories into a bag

In our experience, its Advanced Tough StainPretreat Formula fits right in with its other effective products.

So, if you prefer to shop with sustainability in mind, this is a particularly good option.

In comparison, liquid cleaners are also less expensive than machines.

Hand using the Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner to clean stain on a carpet swatch

It can lift tough stains like sunscreen, foundation, and syrup in a matter of minutes.

This cleaner also has a pleasant, citrusy scent that dissipates fairly quickly, leaving that classic leather smell.

We think this set will be plenty big enough for most couches or furniture pieces.

Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner displayed on a wood table

Were confident that its up to the task of the majority of household stains.

After it sets for five minutes (or less!

), the final step is blotting, so youll want an extra towel or washcloth on hand.

Closeup of the cleaning head for the Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner

Its not overbearing, but if youre after a clean laundry scent youll likely be disappointed.

It does a great job with a variety of stains, and comes with multiple, interchangeable cleaning heads.

We evaluate machines, spray cleaners, foaming solutions, and more.

Person putting Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner accessories into a bag

What to Look for in an Upholstery Cleaner

Machine vs.

Solution

With upholstery cleaning, the first question is always: machine or solution?

Anywhere from one to three extra accessories is standard.

Hand using the Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner to clean stain on a carpet swatch

These codes include W, S, W-S, and X.

We also have anupholstery cleaningguide for a more in-depth breakdown.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Hoover CleanSlate XL Deep Clean Spot Cleaner displayed on a wood table

Dena Ogdenis an associate editor who specializes in appliances, cleaning, and organization topics.

She’s used, tested, and written about carpet cleaners and upholstery cleaners from multiple brands.

Bissell Little Green Cleaner displayed on carpet next to a plant and a pouf

PHOTO: The Spruce / Tamara Staples

Person unpacking Bissell Little Green Cleaner box on a rug in front of a couch

Unpacking and setting up the Bissell Little Green Cleaner is the first step in our testing process.PHOTO: The Spruce

People attaching water tank to Bissell Little Green Cleaner

Person cleaning a brown carpet stain with the Bissell Little Green Cleaner

A close-up of a hand cleaning a red spill on a carpet with the Bissell 1400B Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

Person unpacking Bissell Little Green Cleaner box on a rug in front of a couch

People attaching water tank to Bissell Little Green Cleaner

Person cleaning a brown carpet stain with the Bissell Little Green Cleaner

A close-up of a hand cleaning a red spill on a carpet with the Bissell 1400B Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner displayed on a wood floor

PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Hand cleaning stained carpet swatch with the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner

The wand of the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner lifts water, solution, and stains from surfaces.PHOTO: The Spruce

Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner displayed on a wood table next to a stained carpet swatch

Hand cleaning stained carpet swatch with the Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner

Dirt Devil Portable Spot Cleaner displayed on a wood table next to a stained carpet swatch

Bissell Advanced Oxy Stain Pretreat displayed on a wood floor

PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Hand spraying a bottle of Bissell Advanced Oxy Stain Pretreat

The spray nozzle of the Bissell Advanced Oxy Stain Pretreat allows for direct application to stains.PHOTO: The Spruce

Bissell Advanced Oxy Stain Pretreat displayed on a wood table next to a stained carpet square

Bissell Advanced Oxy Stain Pretreat displayed on a wood table next to a carpet swatch

Hand spraying a bottle of Bissell Advanced Oxy Stain Pretreat

Bissell Advanced Oxy Stain Pretreat displayed on a wood table next to a stained carpet square

Bissell Advanced Oxy Stain Pretreat displayed on a wood table next to a carpet swatch

Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit displayed on a wood floor

PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Hand squeezing Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit onto a foam scrubber

The Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit includes foam scrubbers, so you don’t need to search for extra supplies.PHOTO: The Spruce

Hand rubbing Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit into leather

Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit used on sections of brown leather

Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit and piece of leather displayed on a wood table

Hand squeezing Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit onto a foam scrubber

Hand rubbing Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit into leather

Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit used on sections of brown leather

Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit and piece of leather displayed on a wood table

Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover displayed on a wood floor

PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Hand spraying a stained carpet swatch with Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover

Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover foams as it cleans, which we found really satisfying to see.PHOTO: The Spruce

Hand rubbing a stained carpet swatch with a wash cloth

Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover displayed next to a carpet swatch

Hand spraying a stained carpet swatch with Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover

Hand rubbing a stained carpet swatch with a wash cloth

Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery Stain Remover displayed next to a carpet swatch

Illustration of stains and odors upholstery cleaners can lift

The Spruce

Person using the Furniture Clinic Large Leather Care Kit to clean section of leather

Our hands-on testing process gives us a clear sense of how each product performs, and allows us to compare them to one another.The Spruce

Hand spraying liquid onto a stained cushion

When possible, we’ll compare DIY methods to store-bought solutions, too.The Spruce

OxiClean Total Interior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

During testing, we use products on common household surfaces like pillows, carpet scraps, and rugs.The Spruce

Hand cleaning carpeted stairs with the Bissell 3624 Spot Clean Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner

Getting hard-to-reach areas is a big plus for a cleaning machine, and something we consider when we’re testing.The Spruce