Stains can turn even the most amazing carpet into a piece of trash – there’s no denying that. And if you’ve got dogs, cats, or other pets running in and out of the house, best believe those stains are gonna be really bad (and smell even worse). We have two retrievers, and so I know a thing or two about how problematic it can be to get rid of all those spots on the carpet and everywhere else.
There’s a remedy for this, though, and it’s called carpet cleaners and deodorizers. These products are quite effective against even the nastiest stains. A buddy of mine specializes in household supplies and helped me pick the Best Dry Carpet Cleaner Powder at a local store. So, now I’m excited to share that list with you all!
Best Carpet Cleaning Powder (Updated July, 2023)
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Best Carpet Cleaning Powder Review
1. Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner Powder

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This is one of those can’t-go-wrong-with products that appeal to the regular folks. First of all, it has an above-average coverage (800 square feet is actually a lot) and is very “user-friendly”. Secondly, it comes with a re-sealable lid that allows you to store it away easily. Another standout feature: this powder suitable not only for carpets and rugs, but also for all kinds of furniture (couches, chairs, and more).
It is safe for wool, silk, and Code S fabric. The bad news is – if you’re not careful (and patient), you might ruin your vacuum cleaner. That’s because the powder particles are pretty big and can “eat away” the cleaner from the inside. To avoid this, it’s recommended to use a wet/dry shop vacuum cleaner. Other than that, Capture did a decent job with this cleaner powder and it can be a good investment if you have to constantly deal with carpet stains.

Looking for a universal powder that’s easy to store away and has a wide coverage? If the answer is yes, this product may very well be what the doc ordered. It’s compatible with a long list of furniture and carpets/rugs. Sadly, some vacuum cleaners won’t be able to handle it properly, but that’s the only significant con.
2. Arm & Hammer Dry Carpet Cleaner
Along with stains that smell and ruin your stuff, allergens can also be a big problem. Most allergens in the US are usually “transported” by pets. On the bright side, powder cleaners like the one by Arm & Hammer are very successful against absorbing them along with stains and odors. This particular product is also quite affordable and is available at most local stores.
It’s equally great at getting rid of bad smells and adding a nice, fresh smell. However, while this cleaner powder is compatible with a long list of fibers (including man-made), it’s not the best choice for microfiber. Instead of removing stains and bringing your furniture back to life, it will most likely add an even worse smell without getting rid of the old one.

Affordability is this product’s #1 selling point. It’s also effective against dozens of allergens and is quick to take an effect. It’s not compatible with microfiber, unfortunately. On the other hand, the cleaning particles are quite effective against pet mess/odors and are very easy to get rid of with a vacuum cleaner.
3. HOST Dry Carpet Cleaner Shaker
This is one of those “old-school” dry carpet cleaners that do a good job of eliminating stains and odor. HOST has been in the market for many decades and managed to perfect the original formula. Coffee spills, dog/cat mess, dirt, and any other stains can be easily removed with this product. It comes in an easy-grip container and is safe for all types of carpets and rugs.
Plus, it is Green Seal certified, which means the powder is 100% safe to use. I you’re dealing with dust mites and mold, the HOST powder might be a good purchase as well. The only con is the overly-wide mouth top. It makes it easier to spill everything out before you even realize what you’ve done. Keep that in mind!

Effective against mold/mites, safe to use around kids and pets, and Green Seal certified – that’s this dry carpet cleaner in a nutshell for you. It comes in an easy-grip container with a wide mouth top. Make sure not to spill all the powder out! Other than that, HOST did a decent job with this product.
Conclusion
There’s nothing worse than an expensive carpet, chair, or couch that is ruined by a stain. And if you have kids and dogs/cats/other pets, it will be pretty much impossible to avoid this. The good news is – there are more than enough cleaner powder products on the market that can save the day and remove even the most ingrained stains. For example, the HOST cleaner is certified, effective against mold, dust mites, and is very easy to use.
With Arm & Hammer, you’ll get a strong solution against allergens for an affordable price. And what does Capture has to offer? First of all, its powder covers a lot of “ground” – up to 800 square feet. Secondly, it is very easy to store. As you can see, they are all worthy products and come with their own sets of pros. If you’re still not sure which one to trust, I’ll be happy to lend a hand!
I ordered the carpet cleaning powder by Capture. Do I absolutely have to use it in combo with the Pre-Mist by the same brand for difficult stains?
The good news is – the Capture Carpet Dry Cleaner Powder does incredibly well against allergens, dirt, odors, and average-difficulty spills and spots. That means it all comes down to the stains on your carpet. I’d recommend using the cleaner powder first and to see how it performs. And if you don’t like how it’s dealing with the stubborn stains, then consider getting the Pre-Mist as well.