The 5 Best Enzyme Cleaners for Getting Rid of Dog Pee and Carpet Stains

Written by Marisa Wilson
Updated: May 22, 2023
© Yuliya Evstratenko/Shutterstock.com

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Enzyme cleaners are an excellent choice for cleaning up dog urine. They are specifically designed to break down the proteins and bacteria that cause stains and smells. The enzymes in the cleaner work to break down these substances, which makes it much easier to remove them. In addition, enzyme cleaners often contain ingredients that help to neutralize odors.

If your dog has an accident indoors, it’s essential to clean the mess up quickly to prevent stains and smells from lingering. Which ones are the best enzyme cleaners on the market? This article will discuss the best enzyme cleaners for cleaning dog urine stains and smells.

  1. Nature's Miracle Cat & Dog Urine Destroyer Foam Aerosol Sprays
    • Designed to break down dog urine completely as soon as it happens
    • Contains no hazardous ingredients that could harm your pet or home
    • Foam formula allows you to clearly see whether you've covered the urine spot
    • Deodorizes the spot so well that your dog won't go to the bathroom there again
    Check Amazon
  2. KIDS 'N' PETS Instant All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover
    • Designed to remove multiple types of stains and odors made by pets and children
    • All-purpose cleaner saves you from purchasing multiple products
    • Can be used on multiple surface types, ding mattresses, in litter boxes, etc.
    • Removes blood, grass, even skunk odor!
    Check Amazon
  3. TriNova Pet Stain & Odor Remover
    • Safe to use around pets
    • Made only with natural ingredients
    • Gentle on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics
    • Works on a wide range of stains, including urine and vomit
    • Mint-scented
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Angry Orange Odor Eliminator and Enzyme Carpet Cleaner for Pets Citrus Scented Dog Deodorizing Spray and Urine Stain Remover for Home Use
    • Made with safe, natural ingredients
    • Eradicates odors on contact
    • Utilizes enzymes instead of harsh chemicals
    • Works for up to 80 hours
    • Can be used on a variety of surfaces, including carpets, hardwood floors, tile, litter boxes, pillows, kennels, and more
    Check Amazon
  5. Hoover Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
    • Designed to keep carpets cleaner longer by protecting them against future stains
    • Not just for dog messes, it works on wine stains and muddy footprints
    • Formulated to clean large areas with a carpet-cleaning machine
    • Fresh cotton breeze fragrance
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Enzyme Cleaners for Cleaning Dog Urine

#1 Best Overall: Nature’s Miracle Cat & Dog Urine Destroyer

You know anything with “destroyer” in the name like Nature’s Miracle Cat & Dog Urine Destroyer will do an epic job at tackling the worst accidents! This product is designed to break down dog urine as soon as it happens, without leaving any behind. It also doesn’t have any hazardous ingredients that could harm your pet or home. The best thing about this particular formula is it is foam rather than a liquid spray. This can help you see what area of the stain you have covered to ensure you don’t miss any spots that can stain. Another good reason to use this foam cleaner is that it removes the scent well so that the dog never goes back to the bathroom in that area again! It helps both short and long term. When your dog makes the next mess, be ready with this cleaner!

The majority of reviews for this product were positive like this one: “There is absolutely no smell anymore! This was a three-week-old cat pee smell in a recliner of all things. I had scrubbed it and doused it with vinegar, laundry soap, baking soda paste, absolutely nothing helped. I read the reviews and was hopeful. I doused it HEAVILY in this foam and followed directions to blotch it after 15 min. Let it air dry and voila! I was worried as it was a pretty old pee stain but this was 100% worth the money!”

Most of the negative reviews had to do with the product’s strong odor: ” If you have a sensitivity to strong smells, I would avoid this product. I wanted to try it since it was a more natural product and safe for pets but the scent is so overpowering, it gives me headaches. It’s not a bad smell, but it is so strong…even weeks after spraying it!”

Pros and Cons of Nature’s Miracle Cat & Dog Urine Destroyer

ProsCons
This product breaks down dog urine without leaving any behind.Some reviewers found the product’s odor to be overwhelming.
It’s free from hazardous ingredients.
It’s a foam, which makes covering stains completely easier.
It eliminates the urine odor as well.
Best Overall
Nature's Miracle Cat & Dog Urine Destroyer Foam Aerosol Sprays
  • Designed to break down dog urine completely as soon as it happens
  • Contains no hazardous ingredients that could harm your pet or home
  • Foam formula allows you to clearly see whether you've covered the urine spot
  • Deodorizes the spot so well that your dog won't go to the bathroom there again
Check Amazon

2. Best for Parents: KIDS ‘N’ PETS 

If you have kids and dogs, KIDS ‘N’ PETS is the product you’ve been searching for. Finding a versatile product that works for humans and pets can be challenging. Streamline your whole cleaning routine with this fantastic solution. Since it can be used on many things for many reasons, you won’t need to waste your money on purchasing multiple products. It makes the smell of the dog disappear almost upon contact and removes a ton of different stains. It can take care of blood, grass, and even skunk! Aside from many stains, you can use them on several objects and locations. For example, mattresses, inside cars, and even litter boxes! No matter the situation, this all-purpose cleaner saves the day.

One reviewer enthused, “There are a million pet stain products available and, I think, I’ve tried them all. This is the only one to work for me. The best use is on carpets, upholstery and fabric. No rinsing required. It doesn’t leave a glass-clean look on my wood floor or trim but it cleans it. I just have to wipe again with a damp, clean cloth. I have three dogs and this product has saved me from replacing most of my carpet.”

The majority of negative reviews boiled down to this product not working as well as others on the market, “Really wanted it to work because it is quite a bit cheaper than the original brand. It does not and it’s too late for me to return it. I’m going back to the other.”

Pros and Cons of KIDS ‘N’ PETS

ProsCons
This all-purpose cleaner is ideal for people who have kids and pets because it removes a wide variety of stains and odors, including blood, grass, skunk, and, of course, dog urine.Some reviewers reported that it doesn’t work as well as some similar products.
You can use it on many different types of objects, including mattresses and litter boxes.
Best for Parents
KIDS 'N' PETS Instant All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover
  • Designed to remove multiple types of stains and odors made by pets and children
  • All-purpose cleaner saves you from purchasing multiple products
  • Can be used on multiple surface types, ding mattresses, in litter boxes, etc.
  • Removes blood, grass, even skunk odor!
Check Amazon

3. Best for a Gentle Clean: TriNova Pet Stain & Odor Remover

Dog stains are an inevitable part of life if you have a furry friend, and TriNova Pet Stain & Odor Remover is designed to make things a little easier. It’s safe for use around pets, made with only natural ingredients, and it’s gentle on carpets and other surfaces like rugs or upholstery. And it works on a wide range of stains, such as urine and vomit, so you can get your home looking clean and fresh again. Best of all, it’s mint-scented, and it can be used to freshen up dog beds or pillows by lightly misting it. If you’re concerned about harsh chemicals, this is the best one to naturally clean dog urine.

This is one of the shorter rave reviews, “Unbelievable product. Removed years of pee stains! (Stains that would reappear after shampooing). It is wonderful to actually find a product that actually works!!!”

A few reviewers, however, were disappointed with its performance: “I wanted to remove the doggy smell our beagle leaves on the couch. Used twice and the smell persists. I plan to try it again, but I am disappointed.”

Pros and Cons of TriNova Pet Stain & Odor Remover

ProsCons
This mint-scented stain remover is safe for use around pets.Some reviewers said that it wasn’t very effective.
It’s made only with natural ingredients.
It’s gentle on textiles like carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
It works to remove a wide variety of stains, including urine and vomit.
Best Gentle Clean
TriNova Pet Stain & Odor Remover
  • Safe to use around pets
  • Made only with natural ingredients
  • Gentle on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics
  • Works on a wide range of stains, including urine and vomit
  • Mint-scented
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best for Multi-Surfaces: Angry Orange Enzyme Cleaner

Angry Orange Enzyme Cleaner can quickly and effectively tackle even the most stubborn pet stains and odors. The harsh chemicals used in cleaning pet urine and feces can often leave colors that are impossible to remove and cause health problems for animals and humans. Today, there are many commercial cleaners on the market which claim to be able to eliminate these smells. However, they still contain ingredients that can potentially harm your pets and the material itself. Unlike other pet cleaners that mask foul odors, this formula eradicates them with enzymes that activate upon contact. And it keeps working for up to 80 hours, so your home will stay fresh and clean all day long. This safe and versatile cleaner can be used on various surfaces, including carpet, hardwood floors, tile, litter boxes, pillows, kennels, etc. Plus, it’s made with natural ingredients and is safe for both dogs and cats. 

This reviewer exclaimed, “….this stain remover IS THE BOMB!!! New pee, old pee (pre treated chemically) with ‘one of’ pictured, old hair ball puke cleaned and old fast eating, puke. AWESOME!! This review specifically for the stain remover (you get the odor eliminator ‘built in’. UV light user for over 20 years….can’t fond a stain by UV 15 minutes late. Best stuff ever. Please don’t change your formula before I die!!!”

The majority of negative reviews had to do with the sprayer, not the product itself: “While I love this product, the nozzles on these bottles are the death of me. They regularly get jammed up or take finagling to get working. The smell is kind of aggressive, but clearly better than cat pee.”

Pros and Cons of Angry Orange Enzyme Cleaner

ProsCons
This product removes stains and odors quickly and effectively with enzymes that activate on contact.Most negative reviews had to do with the sprayer not working correctly if at all.
It keeps working up to 80 hours.
This spray is made with natural ingredients that are safe for use around dogs and cats and can be used on a myriad of surfaces, including carpet, hardwood floors, tiles, pillows, and more.
Best for Multi-Surfaces
Angry Orange Odor Eliminator and Enzyme Carpet Cleaner for Pets Citrus Scented Dog Deodorizing Spray and Urine Stain Remover for Home Use
  • Made with safe, natural ingredients
  • Eradicates odors on contact
  • Utilizes enzymes instead of harsh chemicals
  • Works for up to 80 hours
  • Can be used on a variety of surfaces, including carpets, hardwood floors, tile, litter boxes, pillows, kennels, and more
Check Amazon

5. Best for Large Areas: Hoover Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo

Hoover Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo is designed to help keep your carpets cleaner for longer by protecting them against future stains. And it’s not just for dog messes — it can also help with things like wine spills and muddy footprints. After cleaning, the product continues to work, ensuring the best results are achieved. Stain sprays are good for when you catch the accidents as they happen and for spot treatments, but sometimes you need to deep clean all your carpet where your pet likes to sleep or play. It’s far more efficient to clean large areas with a carpet cleaning machine. This formula works excellent in cleaning machines like the Rug Doctor shampooers. The cotton breeze scent will make your cleaning more noticeable and rewarding.

One reviewer gushed, “I have been using this ever since I got a sample with the shampooer that I bought. If you have pets, THIS is the shampoo you need. We have a few cats and a tripod black lab. With this shampoo we don’t have a sweaty puppy smell, and if the cat leaves a hairball, it’s no longer a major problem. This cleans really well and leave a clean, fresh sent behind. I have use other shampoos and am aware of how fortunate I am that I found THIS shampoo.”

Negative reviews mainly said that this product worked okay, but was nothing exceptional, “Purchased to use in our Hoover hard floor cleaning machine. The smell I really don’t care for. The cleaning of the floors when using this cleaner compared to a regular floor cleaner product was nothing special. The amount paid for this cleaning solution and it’s cleaning strength are not worth buying again. The regular floor cleaning solution that is half the cost if not less worked just as good if not better. Also, when using on wood/laminate floors it leaves a residue behind that’s sticky when wet.”

Pros and Cons of Hoover Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo

ProsCons
This carpet shampoo works on dog messes, wine spills, muddy footprints, and more.It works, but not exceptionally well.
It continues to work after cleaning.
It’s designed to clean large areas of carpet, not just “spot cleaning.”
Best for Large Areas
Hoover Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo
  • Designed to keep carpets cleaner longer by protecting them against future stains
  • Not just for dog messes, it works on wine stains and muddy footprints
  • Formulated to clean large areas with a carpet-cleaning machine
  • Fresh cotton breeze fragrance
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look for

When looking for a cleaner to remove urine stains, it’s essential to make sure it has enzymes. Enzymes help break down and altogether remove the urine. You will also want to check if it’s safe for your pet or kids. Not everything made to clean pet messes up is safe for pets and children. Check the scents on the description to ensure it’s one you’ll like.

Another thing to consider is how you want to use the product. If you’re going to use a shampooer, make sure it’s compatible with the machine you’ll be using. Some solutions are made only for spots and not machines unless otherwise noted. Alternatively, if you need to clean up stains on your carpet or furniture. You can look at reviews or find articles that research for you, such as this one.  

The Different Types of Enzyme Cleaners: Pros and Cons

There are a few types of enzyme cleaners. Each type has a different purpose. The kinds of enzyme cleaners are:

  • Spot cleaner: Used to deep treat small spots
  • Foam Cleaner: Works like spot cleaners but is made with foam 
  • Shampooer solution: Made for cleaning machines for large areas like carpets
  • Wipes: For on-the-go messes 
  • Natural: Doesn’t use chemicals and is gentler 

Enzyme cleaners have several pros and a fair share of cons. You should factor them both in when making your purchase.

About the Author

Creepy-crawly creatures enthrall Marisa. Aside from raising caterpillars, she has a collection of spiders as pets. The brown recluse is her favorite spider of all time. They're just misunderstood. You don't have to worry about squishing the creatures as her catching, and relocating abilities can safely move stray centipedes or snakes to a new location that's not your living room.

The 5 Best Enzyme Cleaners for Getting Rid of Dog Pee and Carpet Stains FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Why do dogs pee in the same spot?

When they pee in the same area, the urine is never entirely removed, and they can still smell it. If this happens to you, you might need to switch cleaners.

Can some cleaners lighten my carpet?

Yes, some can lighten or discolor the carpet, so it’s essential to do a patch test on your carpet where it’s unnoticeable.

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