Best Enzyme Cleaner for Dog Urine

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We love our dogs – their accidents, not so much. But whether you have a puppy or an older dog, you’re going to have to clean up after him.

That’s just a part of being a pet owner.

The good news is, enzyme cleaners are safe for pets and they can break down urine odor, as well as stains (whether dog, cat or human). The question is, how do you know which one to buy?

That’s where we can help!

In this post, I will share with you some of my favorite products, as well as talk about how to find an enzyme cleaner that’s specially designed to deal with dog urine.

Best Enzyme Cleaner for Dog Urine

1. Amaziing Solutions Pet Odor Eliminator and Stain Remover

Amaziing Solutions Pet Odor Eliminator and Stain Remover Carpet Cleaner for Dog Urine and Cat Pee, Professional Strength Enzymatic Solution, Natural Enzymes for Carpet and Hardwood Floors (32oz)

This enzyme cleaner removes stains and odor left behind from pet urine, effectively treating messes from dogs, as well as cats.

It’s safe for use on multiple surfaces, like carpets, hardwood floors, furniture, and car interiors. And best of all, there’s no need for scrubbing, as it instantly dissolves stains on first contact.

Certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), the product uses a bio-enzymatic formula that contains eco-friendly, non-toxic ingredients, so it’s perfectly safe to use around pets.

Yet, in spite of how effectively it cleans, there’s no harsh chemicals or overly perfumed scent left behind. Instead, the treated area is left with a subtle citrusy smell.

And to ensure that you’re 100% satisfied, the company offers a lifetime satisfaction guarantee. No questions asked!

PROS

  • Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) approved
  • Non-toxic ingredients
  • Lifetime satisfaction guarantee
  • Made in the USA

CONS

  • Some pet owners didn’t like the smell

2. BUBBAS Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner

BUBBAS Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner - Pet Odor Eliminator | Enzymatic Stain Remover | Remove Dog Cat Urine Smell from Carpet, Rug or Hardwood Floor and Other Surfaces (32oz)

This is a highly potent enzyme cleaner made for carpets, rugs, hardwood floors and even clothes.

It uses a dormant bacteria that becomes active once it hits the urine stain, and you can also safely spray it on furniture and pet bedding to prevent your dog from remarking his latest spots.

The product is backed by Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) certification, and aside from removing pee accidents, it’s effective at cleaning other tough stains as well, such as from red wine or grass.

Plus, it’s safe for your dog!

Although the scent isn’t excessively harsh, it has a bit of a chemical smell that fades away gradually. In case you find that it doesn’t work for you, you can return your order for a refund.

PROS

  • Commercial strength
  • Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) approved
  • Pet-safe
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Made in the USA

CONS

  • Smell is a bit chemical

3. Life Miracle Enzyme Cleaner & Pet Odor Eliminator Concentrate

Life Miracle Enzyme Cleaner & Pet Odor Eliminator Concentrate | Deep Cleaning Enzymatic Spot Remover for Dog Cat Urine, Rug, Carpet, Upholstery, Couch & Car Stains & Smells | Concentrate Makes 128 oz

This is a super-concentrated enzyme cleaner that’s mixed with water and applied directly to carpets and other surfaces for deep cleaning stains and removing odors.

It uses a unique multi-enzyme formula to break down the actual organic matter causing the odor, rather than simply mask it. It’s also incredibly versatile, being effective on upholstery, mattresses and dog beds.

The product is all-natural and environmentally friendly, so you don’t need to worry about exposing your pets or family to harsh or toxic chemicals.

Just keep in mind that while the smell is a little strong at first, it will quickly dissipate once you add water to the concentrated solution.

PROS

  • Super concentrated
  • Economic option
  • All-natural cleaner
  • Made in the USA

CONS

  • Smell is strong until you dilute it

4. Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator

Nature's Miracle Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator, 32oz

This is an enzyme cleaner you can trust for your most drastic and severe pet messes.

Its powerful enzymatic formula is guaranteed to work for as long as your dog’s urine is settled into the material in question, whether it be carpet, tile, hardwood or linoleum.

Additionally, using it ensures that your fur baby is safe and will no longer relieve himself in that same spot.

As for the scent of the cleaner, while some may find it offensive, others think it’s actually very clean and powdery. It will definitely linger a bit, but that simply tells you that the product is working as intended!

With only a few minutes of your time, it will efficiently remove those nasty stains and leave your home smelling as fresh and clean as a recently washed load of laundry.

PROS

  • Powerful formula
  • Works on tough surfaces
  • Safe for pets
  • Made in the USA

CONS

  • The reviews are mixed about the smell

5. Nature’s Miracle Urine Destroyer for Dogs

Nature's Miracle Dog Urine Destroyer for Dogs, Urine Enzymatic Formula, Pour, 32 oz (P-96999)

If you’re looking for an enzyme cleaner that specifically targets those pesky bathroom accidents that happen in the house, this may be what you need!

While other cleaners target a wide variety of pet messes, this one can rid your flooring, furniture and even clothes of any yellow stains or troubling, stinky residues that come with your dog’s urine.

The usage is simple and reminiscent of how you’d use laundry detergent – just pour your desired amount of the cleaner into the lid (which functions as a measuring cup) and let the enzymatic formula do the rest.

We especially love how the product dries up quickly and brings out a flowery, sweet scent to replace foul odors. However, some pet owners complain that the new formula has a very strong floral fragrance.

PROS

  • Specifically targets pet urine
  • Includes a measuring cup
  • Can be used as a pre-treatment
  • Safe for pets
  • Made in the USA

CONS

  • New formula has an industrial scent

6. Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator

BEST PICK

Rocco & Roxie Supply Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator, Enzyme-Powered Pet Odor and Stain Remover for Dogs and Cat Urine, Spot Carpet Cleaner for Small Animal, 32 oz.

This bio-enzymatic cleaner is a favorite amongst pet owners. It can stop your dog’s marking behavior by effectively handling ammonia residues while getting rid of even the harshest stains.

It’s also one of the few products that have the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval. This means you can use it on your carpet without having to worry that it will get ruined or become stiff.

Additionally, you can spray it on just about anything, including furniture, clothing, kennels, carriers or litter boxes and it won’t leave behind any hazardous substances (like chloride).

The smell can be described as a mild sweet scent. Though the aroma is noticeable, it’s pleasant and not overpowering like some household cleaners.

As an added bonus, you have a 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy in case you aren’t pleased with the results and want to ask for a refund.

PROS

  • Can be used almost everywhere
  • Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) approved
  • No harsh ingredients
  • 100% satisfaction guaranteed
  • Made in the USA

CONS

  • Old stains may require multiple applications

8. Simple Solution Pet Stain and Odor Remover

Simple Solution Pet Stain and Odor Remover | Enzymatic Cleaner with 2X Pro-Bacteria Cleaning Power | 32 Ounces

This is a refreshing, enzymatic cleaner that brings everything to the table and guarantees both spotless surfaces and no-repeat offenses from your precious pup.

It uses a pro-bacteria formula that can attack both strong smells and long-lasting blemishes plaguing pretty much any fabric, including carpet, bedding, upholstery and clothing.

But what really sets the product apart is its 3-in-1 nozzle sprayer!

You can use a foam to destroy stains, a mist to spread across large areas, or a spray to sneak into any nooks and crannies that would typically go untouched.

Furthermore, you can order it in either an original or fragrant version, and neither have notably strong or overwhelming scents.

PROS

  • 3-in-1 nozzle sprayer
  • Has a light scent
  • Safe to use around pets
  • Made in the USA

CONS

  • Not the best one for existing stains

9. Sunny and Honey Pet Stain & Odor Miracle

Rocco & Roxie Supply Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator, Enzyme-Powered Pet Odor and Stain Remover for Dogs and Cat Urine, Spot Carpet Cleaner for Small Animal, 32 oz.

This enzyme cleaner works well on both new and old urine stains, and without damaging the affected area.

You can apply it to your carpet, hardwood, furniture and even use it inside your car. The bio-enzymatic formula is biodegradable and doesn’t include harmful chemicals, so it’s safe for homes with pets.

In addition, the product is naturally scented with essential oils and it has a strong minty scent that wears off after a while. If you like, you can get it in a light lavender fragrance, too.

I should also mention that 10% of the profits from each purchase will be donated to animal rescues and shelters, which we absolutely love!

That said, if you’re not satisfied, you have 60 days to ask for a full refund.

PROS

  • No harmful chemicals
  • Different fragrances
  • Full refund within 60 days
  • Made in the USA

CONS

  • Strong peppermint smell

10. XIONLAB Enzyme Cleaner Urine Odor Remover

Stain Remover & Pet Odor Eliminator Spray – Urine Odor Remover for Carpet, Furniture & Upholstery – Effective Pet Urine Enzyme Cleaner Attacks the Source – Pet Carpet Cleaner Spray – Kid & Pet Safe

This is a commercial bio-enzymatic cleaner that removes pet odors from floors, carpets and fabrics.

It contains enzymes that attack stains and odors on contact, changing their molecular structure and removing all trace of urine your dog may pick up.

You can also use it to clean mattresses, garbage cans and even pet shops or vet offices. Additionally, it will work on many other stains, including feces, vomit, food and more.

The product is even recyclable and made from all-natural ingredients, which means that you don’t have to worry about your pet’s safety or the environment.

And while other cleaners may smell overly synthetic, this one has a pleasant minty scent that people seem to like.

PROS

  • Commercial cleaner
  • Great all-purpose cleaner
  • Natural and pet-safe
  • No harsh chemical smell

CONS

  • Not everyone had great success with it

Best Enzyme Cleaner Alternative

My Pet Peed Pet Urine Remover

My Pet Peed - Pet Stain & Odor Remover (Two Pack - 32oz Spray Bottles) Guaranteed to Work OR Your (Without The Hassle of Having to Return Anything)

In some cases, oxidizers may work better for stain removal. This is a non-enzymatic, oxidized-based cleaner that was originally created by an ex-carpet cleaner.

It eliminates all pet stains and odors, without needing to scrub or rinse, and it even works on tough spots that have been rubbed into carpets.

The product doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, bleaches or added fragrances, and it’s also free of salt, which only serves to dry out the bacteria rather than eliminating it.

So unlike an air freshener that’s meant to mask bad odors, it will remove the bacteria that causes the smell.

PROS

  • Oxidizers may work better for stains
  • No scrubbing or rinsing needed
  • Free of salt and harsh chemicals

CONS

  • A bit pricier than most enzyme cleaners

Why Do You Need an Enzyme Cleaner?

If your dog accidentally makes a mess inside, simply cleaning it with soap and water is unfortunately not enough.

Even though you may think you’ve removed all of the urine’s residue, keep in mind that your dog has a far superior sense of smell, up to forty times greater than the average human!

In case your dog smells the scent of its last mistake, he may be more likely to go in the same area if he finds himself in a stressful situation.

The best thing to do is to remove any trace of it by using either enzymes or oxidizers.

However, you must always double-check to see if the product is safe to use in a house with dogs (the bottle should be labeled as non-toxic for pets) and if it can be used on stuff like furniture and carpets.

You never know where the next potty accident will take place, so verify there are no harsh ingredients like bleach or ammonia (which can, ironically, worsen your dog’s marking problem).

What Should I Look for in an Enzyme Cleaner?

There are four key things to look for in an enzyme cleaner. These include concentration, perfume, dry out time and the type of bottle the product comes in.

Concentration: Most enzyme cleaners are labeled normal strength and they work perfectly fine for day to day use or on light stains.

However, if you’re dealing with a stain that’s particularly stubborn or hard to remove, you need a higher concentration.

Enzyme cleaners with a high concentration are often given the label of ‘industrial’ or ‘commercial strength’.

Perfume: If you want the added luxury of having a particular scent infused into your enzyme cleaner, you can certainly find many options. The majority of enzyme cleaners, however, don’t have any added scent.

Particularly if you’re sensitive to perfumes, going with a non-scented option is probably for the best.

Dry Out Time: This is something that’s very important to consider when choosing an enzyme cleaner. Most products take anywhere from 12-24 hours to properly dry.

It’s important to allow for this period of drying out time to ensure the enzyme cleaner has ample time to do what it’s supposed to do.

Products that boast a fast dry out time are also available, however, they’re probably not as effective.

Type of Bottle: Generally speaking, when it comes to enzyme cleaners, you have two options regarding the type of bottle – spray bottles or pour bottles.

Spray bottles, of course, are more precise, and it’s much easier to control exactly how much you’re putting in an area, as well as being sure it goes where it needs to go.

Pour bottles, however, are larger and tend to give you more value for your money. In reality, the best thing to do is buy a pour bottle and transfer it over to a spray bottle to use in smaller doses.

How to Get Dog Urine Out of Carpet?

Use the following steps if your pet has experienced an accident on your carpet:

  1. Absorb the pet urine as quickly as possible
  2. If the incident has just happened, simply use dry paper towels to sop it up
  3. Test the cleaner in a hidden area
  4. Apply the cleaner and wait for 10-15 minutes or until the product reaches the padding of the carpet
  5. Blot the excess product using a cloth or a towel and let the area dry
  6. For an older, dried-on stain, you’ll need to first use water to wet the area
  7. Wait until the liquid reaches the padding and let it sit for 30 minutes
  8. Soak up the excess water with a high-absorbent towel or a dry cloth
  9. Apply the cleaner, cover it with a towel or a cloth and leave it overnight
  10. Check again the next day and reapply if needed

If you have vinegar and baking soda handy, try this next method:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are enzyme cleaners safe?

Unlike many other household cleaners, enzyme cleaners don’t use all of the harsh, artificial chemicals.

Instead, they work in a more natural way by using enzymes and beneficial bacteria to help break down even the most stubborn stains and odors.

They’re also much safer for households with pets and small children and can be used on almost any surface as they’re quite gentle.

How do enzyme cleaners work?

The kind of enzyme cleaner you buy will help target and break down different kinds of stains. If you’re unsure as to what kind to purchase, go for a bio-enzymatic cleaner.

In a nutshell:

  • Lipase is best for dissolving fats, so it works great on grease stains.
  • Analyze breaks down starch and you can use it for kitchen stains, like stubborn sauces.
  • Protease works on anything protein-based, like urine. This is the ideal choice for pet owners.

Is white vinegar an enzymatic cleaner?

No. However, white vinegar is highly alkaline and a great natural deodorizer, so it may help with neutralizing odors and stains.

Is baking soda an enzymatic cleaner?

No. Although it may absorb odor, sodium bicarbonate simply doesn’t have the capability to break down substances like uric acid.

Is borax an enzyme cleaner?

No. Borax is an enzyme stabilizer that’s often used to extend the shelf life of enzyme-containing products.

Is OxiClean an enzyme cleaner?

No. Oxyclean is an oxidizer, it uses hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching agent) to remove colored stains such as coffee, wine, juice, etc.

Is Lysol an enzymatic cleaner?

No. Lysol is a powerful disinfectant, with ethanol as the main active ingredient.

Bottom Line

All things considered, Rocco and Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator is a wonderful option for removing pet stains and odors, along with being an overall useful cleaning tool!

In fact, it’s probably the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine out there right now.

It’s also one of the safest products you can use on your carpet, although you may have to apply it more than once to get rid of older stains.

Whatever you choose, be sure to look at the label and the ingredients list to make sure it’s safe for your pup and everyone else in the house.

And finally, take the time to go through the instructions as this will help make sure you do everything correctly.

About the author

Li-ran Bukovza

Li-ran believes that dogs can teach us more than we could ever teach them. He is fascinated by the dog-human bond and loves researching and writing about new dog trends. With the help of Richie, his trusty sidekick, he has been able to learn even more about dogs and their needs.