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Our dogs, cats, and other pets are part of the family, but they can make a mess on our floors or furniture. When they become a little older and are incapable of controlling themselves, cleaning up after then can get even more difficult. Fortunately, the right cleaning products can remove odors, stains, and other messes so you can focus on loving your furry friend. Below are some of the top pet stain and odor removers on the market with options that are natural or organic to ensure the safety of any children and pets running around. Plus, we included some top tips for finding the best cleaner for individual user preferences and surface types.
- BEST OVERALL: Bissell Pet Pro Oxy Urine Eliminator Formula
- RUNNER-UP: Resolve Ultra Pet Stain & Odor Remover
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Woolite Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover + Sanitize
- BEST FOR CARPETS: Rocco & Roxie Pro Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator
- BEST NATURAL: Sunny & Honey Pet Stain & Odor Miracle
- BEST ENZYMATIC CLEANER: Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain and Odor Remover
- BEST ODOR ELIMINATOR: Nature’s Miracle 3-in-1 Odor Destroyer
- BEST DEEP CLEANING: Bubba’s Stain and Odor Terminator
- MOST VERSATILE: Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator Concentrate
Before You Buy a Pet Stain Remover
Pet stain removers are viable options for removing stuck-on pet urine and residue, but some options may be better than others depending on an individual user’s preferences. For example, some pet stain removers on the market are made with harsh chemicals that may not be suitable with pets and children running around.
When selecting the ideal pet stain remover, be sure to always consider the ingredients used in the formula and steer clear of lingering, harsh chemicals. Plus, ensure that the affected surface is compatible with the type of stain remover you are using.
How We Chose the Best Pet Stain Removers
We researched the most sought-after pet stain removers for pet owners in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their effectiveness, ease of use, quantity, ingredients, and other special features included by top brands.
After extensive product research, we included options in our list of top picks that were effective at cleaning pet stains, eliminating lingering or trapped odors, and sanitizing the surface. To ensure our list suited as many user preferences as possible, we included options with natural ingredients like enzymes and pro-bacteria to break down odors and stains quickly. Most of these top picks also came with 22-ounce to 1-gallon quantities for one-off messes or large cleaning tasks.
Plus, some of these upholstery, fabric, toy, floor, car interior, and carpet stain removers can be used on hard surfaces, soft surfaces, or in carpet cleaning machines, and are listed by the EPA Safer Choice Program.
Our Top Picks
This list includes some of the best pet stain removers in their categories to remove odors and stains from home surfaces.
Best Overall
Bissell Pet Pro Oxy Urine Eliminator Formula
Pros
- Made with biodegradable detergents; ideal for homes with children
- Can be used in carpet steamers for advanced stain and pet odor removal; contains Oxy cleaning detergents
- Contains Scotchgard to protect upholstery and fabrics; discourages pets from returning to the area again
Cons
- Must be used with a carpet cleaner machine; may not be ideal for use as a spot cleaner
Bissell’s Urine Eliminator + Oxy carpet cleaner is designed to be used in carpet steamers to remove pet stains and odors. This product is powerful enough to remove skunk odors from any dirty carpets, so it can handle dog and cat urine. It removes the odor so well that your pet will be discouraged from marking the same area again.
This cleaner is professional strength and uses oxygen to get rid of stains and odors. Additionally, the cleaner contains Scotchgard to help carpets resist future stains. The Environmental Protection Agency gave this product a Safer Choice Label, a designation indicating it’s better for use around children and pets than other similar solvent-based cleaners.
Product Specs
- Compatible surfaces: Carpets, rugs, and other upholstery
- Quantity: 48 ounces
- Ingredients: Biodegradable detergents
- EPA certification: Yes
Get the Bissell pet stain remover at Amazon, Lowe’s, Wayfair, Best Buy, or Target.
Runner-Up
Resolve Ultra Pet Stain & Odor Remover
Pros
- Penetrates and breaks down urine, feces, and vomit stains; can be used as a carpet, upholstery, and area rug cleaner
- Oxi integrated into the formula for added cleaning power
- Discourages all pets from re-marking a spot
- Also works on wine, food, and drink stains
Cons
- Not recognized by the EPA Safer Choice program
The Resolve Ultra Pet stain and odor remover is a solvent-based formula that penetrates urine, feces, and vomit stains from even white rugs and carpets. The cleaner breaks down the stain and lifts them to the surface for easy removal. This product also has Resolve’s Odor Stop Technology combined with Oxi, so it uses the cleaning power of oxygen to knock out the odors from pet messes.
The powerful formula will also discourage pets from re-marking a spot. The cleaner is lightly scented to freshen your space without being overpowering. It also works on everyday household stains from red wine, grape juice, and greasy foods.
Product Specs
- Compatible surfaces: Carpets, upholstery, and area rugs
- Quantity: 32 ounces
- Ingredients: Oxi and solvent-based formula
- EPA certification: No
Get the Resolve pet stain remover at Amazon.
Best Bang For the Buck
Woolite Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover + Sanitize
Pros
- Kills 99.9 percent of bacteria on soft surfaces like couches, upholstery, and fabrics
- Penetrates deeply into fibers to eliminate odor, remove stains, and sanitize
- Certified by the EPA Safer Choice program
Cons
- Cannot be used on polypropylene/olefin or wool fibers
The Woolite Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover is a good option to consider if you are worried about the bacteria that may be left behind after a pet stain is cleaned up. This cleaner kills 99.9 percent of bacteria on soft surfaces to give you peace of mind that pets, children, and the other members of your household will not get sick from lingering bacteria.
This powerful cleaner penetrates deep into carpet fibers to get rid of pet odors at their source. It can also be used on some types of upholstery. Woolite’s Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover comes in a 22-ounce size, so you’ll have enough cleaner to tackle multiple pet stains.
Product Specs
- Compatible surfaces: Carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics
- Quantity: 22 ounces
- Ingredients: Water, surfactants, pH stabilizers, and more
- EPA certification: Yes
Get the Woolite pet stain remover at Amazon (2-pack) or The Home Depot.
Best for Carpets
Rocco & Roxie Pro Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator
Pros
- Activates when it comes in contact with any odor or stain and removes both completely
- No harmful chemicals like chlorine, and it’s certified to be color-safe
- No scrubbing required for cleaning; simply leave on upholstery for 30 to 60 minutes and blot
Cons
- Some cat urine smells may still linger after use; may require multiple applications
- Not recognized by the EPA Safer Choice program
Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator cleans with the power of enzymes. The cleaner’s natural enzymatic bacteria activate when they come in contact with odors and stains, eating and digesting organic matter and ammonia crystals. Rocco & Roxie’s formula removes stains and odors entirely.
It doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, so it is safe to use around children and pets, and it can be used on a range of surfaces including carpets, hard floors, upholstered furniture, dog beds, clothing, and litter boxes. It’s chlorine-free and color-safe, and best of all, you won’t need to scrub the stain to remove it. Just spray on the cleaner, leave for 30 to 60 minutes, and blot dry. The enzymes do the work.
Product Specs
- Compatible surfaces: Carpet, rugs, hard floors, dog beds, and other upholstery
- Quantity: 32 ounces
- Ingredients: Natural enzymatic bacteria
- EPA certification: No
Get the Rocco & Roxie pet stain remover at Amazon.
Best Natural
Sunny & Honey Pet Stain & Odor Miracle
Pros
- Enzymatic cleaner; uses organic ingredients to break down harmful and odorous bacteria
- Leaves behind a minty-fresh aroma for a clean household; deters pets from marking the same place again
- Safe to use for vomit, urine, feces, drool, or even blood
- Can be used indoors or outdoors for added versatility
Cons
- Not certified by the EPA Safer Choice program; may not be ideal for some users
- Minty scent may be too strong for some users’ preferences
The Sunny & Honey Pet Stain and Odor Miracle cleaner is an enzymatic cleaner that uses organic materials to break down the harmful bacteria that cause odors. It has a minty-fresh aroma that will leave your house smelling clean and natural. It’s safe to use around children or pets, and it removes stains from vomit, urine, feces, drool, or even blood.
It can clean most surfaces in the home, including carpet, hardwood, tile, upholstered furniture, leather, mattresses, pet beds, car seats, and litter boxes. It can even get rid of odors on decks, patios, artificial grass, and other outdoor areas around the home.
Product Specs
- Compatible surfaces: Carpets, hard floors, furniture, mattresses, upholstery, and more
- Quantity: 32 ounces
- Ingredients:Water, nonionic surfactant, enzymes, fragrance, and opacifier
- EPA certification: No
Get the Sunny & Honey pet stain remover at Amazon.
Best Enzymatic Cleaner
Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain & Odor Remover
Pros
- Natural enzymatic formula removes stains and odors by dissolving harmful bacteria
- Deters pets from marking the same spots again around the house
- Extremely versatile formula can be used on many surfaces throughout the home
- Leaves behind a clean and refreshing scent after use
Cons
- Not certified by the EPA Safer Choice program; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences
- Fragrance left behind may be very faint; may require multiple applications to leave behind a fragrance
Simple Solution’s Extreme Stain & Odor Remover harnesses the power of enzymes to get rid of stains and odors caused by feces, vomit, urine, and other pet messes. It contains beneficial bacteria that eat the bad bacteria that cause smells and stains.
This formula will eliminate odors, not mask them, which is important if you don’t want your pet to repeatedly mark the same spot. It can be used on carpet, bedding, upholstery, and other water-safe surfaces, and it’s safe around children and pets. It also leaves a clean, refreshing scent once the pet odor is destroyed.
Product Specs
- Compatible surfaces: Carpet, upholstery, bedding, toys, clothes, and other water-safe surfaces
- Quantity: 32 ounces
- Ingredients: Pro-bacteria and enzyme formula
- EPA certification: No
Get the Simple Solution pet stain remover at Amazon.
Best Odor Eliminator
Nature’s Miracle 3 in 1 Odor Destroyer
Pros
- Made for both hard and soft surfaces with its bio-enzymatic odor control formula
- Dissolves organic material such as urine, vomit, or feces for complete odor control
- Ample versatility; can be used as a surface or airborne cleaner
- Comes in 3 scents to satisfy multiple users’ preferences
Cons
- Not certified by the EPA Safer Choice program; may not be ideal for some users
- Cannot be used on wood floors
In addition to removing odors from hard and soft surfaces in your home, Nature’s Miracle 3-in-1 Odor Destroyer also gets rid of airborne odors. The bio-enzymatic formula breaks down, digests, and removes odors caused by organic material such as urine, vomit, or feces.
This Nature’s Miracle product can be safely used on carpets, many hard floors (but not wood floors), upholstered furniture, clothing, dog beds, kennels, litter boxes, and more. If you want to remove airborne odors, simply spray the air in the room where there’s a smell. It comes in three scents and one unscented formula.
Product Specs
- Compatible surfaces: Litter boxes, pet beds, cages, sofas, carpets, cars, and more
- Quantity: 24 ounces
- Ingredients: Water and a proprietary bio-enzymatic odor control formula
- EPA certification: No
Get the Nature’s Miracle pet stain remover at Amazon.
Best Deep Cleaning
Bubba’s Stain and Odor Terminator
Pros
- Commercial carpet cleaner; made with pro-bacteria and active enzymes for eliminating stains and odors
- Can be used on hard and soft surfaces including hardwood floors and upholstery
- Can be used for regular and pet messes in many areas inside and outside the home
Cons
- May not remove cat urine smells effectively on its own
- Not certified by the EPA Safer Choice program; may not be ideal for some households
Bubba’s Stain and Odor Terminator has pro-bacteria that will attack and destroy stains and odors all the way down to the carpet pad. Billions of enzymes in dormant bacteria wake up as soon as they hit cat or dog urine, and they digest and destroy the smell. It can be used on a variety of hard and soft surfaces, including hardwood floors and most upholstery. This cleaner can attack non-pet messes, too. It can remove laundry stains, get rid of odors in shoes, eliminate odors on outdoor furniture, get grass stains out of clothes, and clean your vehicle’s carpeting or upholstery.
Product Specs
- Compatible surfaces: Mattresses, sofas, rugs, carpets, clothing, car interiors, and more
- Quantity: 1 gallon
- Ingredients: Pro-bacteria and active enzymes
- EPA certification: No
Get the Bubba’s pet stain remover at Amazon.
Most Versatile
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator Concentrate
Pros
- Commercial-grade cleaner for cleaning cat and dog messes; leaves behind a fresh orange scent
- Nontoxic formula is ideal for homes with children and pets
- 8 ounces of concentrate can make over 1 gallon of carpet cleaner solution
- Can be used on a variety of hard and soft surfaces including tile and wood flooring
Cons
- May not remove cat urine odors as effectively as some comparable products
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator is a commercial-grade cleaner that was originally sold as an agricultural product for use in eliminating livestock odors. For that reason, it has no trouble blasting the smells of cat and dog messes.
Unlike many other commercial-grade products, it uses a nontoxic formula made from the oil in orange peels, so it’s safe for use around pets and children and will leave your home smelling like citrus. The 8-ounce bottle of concentrate makes up to a gallon of carpet cleaning solution. Angry Orange can be used on numerous surfaces including carpets, tile floors, kennels, dog beds, and litter boxes.
Product Specs
- Compatible surfaces: Carpets, tile floors, kennels, dog beds, and litter boxes
- Quantity: 8 ounces
- Ingredients: Orange peel
- EPA certification: No
Get the Angry Orange odor eliminator at Amazon.
Or, DIY Your Own Pet Stain Remover
Buying a pet stain remover is a viable option for dealing with dog and cat urine, vomit, feces, and even blood. However, there are also things around the house that can be used to get rid of unfortunate pet stains and lingering odors. Here is a DIY recipe for getting rid of strong pet odors on upholstery as well as hard surfaces:
- Gather 2 cups white vinegar, 2 cups lukewarm water, and 4 tablespoons baking soda. Mix the water and vinegar in a glass or plastic spray bottle.
- Blot the marked area with a cloth and remove all solid materials. Spray liberally with the water and vinegar mix.
- Add a thin layer of baking soda and let sit for 1 hour. Vacuum up the excess cleaner and baking soda. Reapply as necessary.
This mixture’s vinegar base is ideal for breaking down and removing stains and residue while the baking soda effectively removes pesky lingering odors.
Jump to Our Top Picks
Our Verdict
When assembling this list of top picks, we ensured that the products we included were both tough on pesky stains and odors and safe to use in homes with children and pets. However, while looking for the safest options on the market, we also came across some products that were not ideal for our preferences. For example, the Arm & Hammer Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator uses hydrogen peroxide as its main ingredient, which is a known chemical compound and eye irritant. This makes it a potential risk for those who have children and pets running around.
What to Consider When Choosing a Pet Stain Remover
There are a few key considerations when choosing a pet stain remover. Here’s what to look for.
Stain-Removing Properties
One of the most important factors is how effective the product is at removing stains from various surfaces. Look on the label to see what the formula’s active ingredients are, how you apply it to the stain, and whether you will need to scrub, dab, or blot the stain for it to work as intended.
Odor-Removing Properties
Look for formulas that will eliminate tough odors, not just mask them with a scent. If your dog or cat has been marking the same area of your home over and over again, it’s likely a lingering odor is attracting them. Look for a product with an ingredient that gets rid of ammonia odors and deters pets from re-marking a spot.
Speed of Stain Removal
Some products need to sit on the stain for minutes to be effective, while others need to sit for an hour or more to break down the stain and odor-causing bacteria. Also consider the level of effort required of you: Will you need to scrub the spot? Will it take multiple applications to remove the stain?
Scent
Some people prefer using scented cleaners because they leave a pleasant smell behind. Others prefer unscented cleaners because they find the scents overpowering and irritating to household members with asthma or other breathing issues. Pick a formula that works for everyone in your household.
Type of Surfaces
Look for a formula that’s targeted for the types of surfaces you need to clean, whether it’s carpet, hardwood floors, tile, or upholstery. If your dog or cat is marking the same spot on your carpet, find a product specially formulated for use on carpets. If your pet has accidents in different areas, look for a versatile stain and odor remover that can safely be used on a variety of surfaces.
Enzymatic vs. Solvent-Based
There are generally two types of stain removers widely available: enzymatic stain removers and solvent-based stain removers.
- Enzymatic stain removers break apart and digest the molecules from a stain. The enzymes feed on the organic matter in the stain until it is gone, so enzymatic cleaners also eliminate odors. Enzymatic products are highly effective and nontoxic, so they’re safe to use around pets and children.
- Solvent-based stain removers dissolve the chemicals in the stains left from your pets. Solvent-based cleaners can be abrasive to the surfaces in your home, and some of the chemicals used in them can be dangerous to your pet. Read the label before using.
Tips for Buying and Using a Pet Stain Remover
Decide what type of application method you want in a cleaner. For most spot-cleaning, a ready-to-spray formula in a bottle may be your best choice. If you’re cleaning a larger area or multiple pet messes, you may want to look for a larger container of concentrated cleaner you can mix and use as needed. For a deep clean over a large area, a cleaner designed to be used with a steam-cleaning machine may be the best option.
Make sure the formula you choose won’t damage the surface you’re cleaning. Most are chlorine-free to prevent unwanted bleaching, but double-check this before you choose a product.
Some products are specifically formulated to tackle cat or dog urine, while others are made to use on a range of pet stains. Choose a product that fits your needs.
Here are general tips to remove pet stains and odors from surfaces in your home:
- Blot up as much of the stain or liquid as you can to prevent it from soaking into your carpet or furniture.
- Clean up accidents as quickly as possible. If the liquid penetrates the carpet padding, it will be more difficult to get rid of the odor.
- Choose cleaners with pet-safe ingredients, and avoid formulations with ammonia. Ammonia may entice dogs to mark the spot again because it smells like urine.
FAQs
If you still have questions about choosing the best pet stain remover, here’s more information to help you make a decision.
Q.How does a pet stain remover work?
Enzymatic pet stain removers use enzymes and good bacteria to break down and digest the organic material in the stain. Solvent-based cleaners use chemicals to break down stains.
Q.How do you use a pet stain remover?
With most stain removers, spray the stained area, let the product set for a few minutes, and blot it dry.
Q.How do you remove old pet stains?
Many pet stain removers can remove old, set-in stains as well as fresh ones. Another solution is to mix 1 quart water with ½ cup white vinegar, apply the solution to the stain, let it soak for at least 15 minutes, and then blot up the excess liquid. When it dries completely, sprinkle baking soda over the stained area, and vacuum it up.
Q.Why do carpet stains come back?
Carpet stains may reappear due to wicking or residue. Wicking occurs when too much water or liquid was used when removing the stain. The liquid seeps into the carpet padding, and when the moisture evaporates, the dirt that was mixed with the liquid rises back onto the carpet fibers.
Stain residue is another reason carpet stains return. Many carpet cleaners or shampoos leave behind molecules that attract dirt and other debris. These remnants can make your carpet look dirty soon after it is cleaned.
Q.Does vinegar remove pet stains from carpets?
Yes, vinegar can be an effective pet stain remover. When mixed with equal parts water, vinegar can not only get rid of stains but also can eliminate odor. However, an enzymatic cleaner may be more effective at removing odors.
