Imagine that you’re planning on having some close friends over for dinner tonight. Directly after work, you drive to the grocery store to get the ingredients to make a delicious meal. You open the door to your home, grocery bags in hand, greet your dog, and that is when the smell hits you—dog urine.
If this scenario sounds familiar, we feel your frustration! It is not easy to house-train a dog or puppy, especially when you need to leave the house for a few hours. You have done your best to walk them before you head out, or even have a litter pan or tray that smaller dogs can use when nature calls and they cannot get outside. Cleaning up dog urine is never fun, so we have compiled a list of the top 11 best enzyme cleaners for dog urine. Enzyme cleaners have bacteria that release enzymes that help break down molecules found in bio-waste, like urine, feces, or vomit. This article reviews the pros and cons of highly-rated enzyme cleaners that can help get the stink and stain out of your home!
A Quick Look at Our Winners in 2024
The 11 Best Enzyme Cleaners for Dog Urine Smells & Stains
1. Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray – Best Overall
Ingredients:
Contains Live and Beneficial Bio-Enzymes to Fight Odors and Stains
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
Yes
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
Yes
Cleaning up dog urine stains with a product that truly eliminates odors can be a difficult balancing act, but our Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray makes cleaning up easy. This product binds, lifts, and completely removes both odors and stains. It can be used on just about any surface that needs urine odors or stains removed, including furniture, floors, and carpets. Make sure to spot test before use in a large area since there is the potential for discoloration, as with any product of this type.
This product can also be used for other stains and odors, like vomit and feces. It comes in a 32-ounce bottle, and since the product is highly effective, that bottle should last you a long time. It has a neutral scent, so the product itself won’t overwhelm your home with odors, and it won’t simply cover up unpleasant pet odors.
The best part about this product is that it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and you will be provided a refund if you aren’t satisfied with the product. It’s also made in the USA with eco-kind components, which means that it’s made to minimize its environmental impact and be safer for your home.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Pros
Binds to and removes odors and stains
Can be used on multiple types of surfaces
The large bottle should last a long time
Made with eco-kind components and has a neutral scent
100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
Might discolor some surfaces
2. Shout Pets Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover – Budget Buy
Ingredients:
Water, C12-15, Pareth-9, sodium xylene sulfonate, fragrance
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
No
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
No
The Shout brand is well-known for its cleaning products, so if you do not want to spend too much on an enzymatic spray, our recommendation for a good value spray is Shout Pets Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover. You can use this standard all-around pet mess cleaner on furniture, hard floors, and carpets. It also has a fragrance, but some people find it too strong. However, other people find the odor pleasant. While this spray says it is designed for carpeting and upholstery, it is advised to do a spot test before applying the formula to the area. This spray does not have a guarantee for carpet protection.
Pros
Budget-friendly
Used on multiple surfaces
All-around pet mess cleaner
Cons
Strong odor
Must test on carpet first
3. Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain & Odor Eliminator
Ingredients:
Water, surfactants, isopropyl alcohol, enzymatic blend, fresh fragrance
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
No
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
Yes
Another great premium spray is the Nature’s Miracle Advanced Dog Enzymatic Severe Mess Stain & Odor Eliminator. This spray is multipurpose, so it can be used on various surfaces, even clothes. However, this product should not be on leather, silk, specialty wool, or suede. The blend of ingredients discourages your pet from soiling the area again. Nature’s Miracle products have a good reputation for having light and pleasant scents. However, some people with sensitive sinuses have stated that the smell was a bit too strong to be used in enclosed areas.
Pros
Fast-drying formula
Can be used on clothes
Money-back guarantee
Cons
Strong odor
Cannot be used on untreated hardwood
4. Bubba’s Super Strength Pet Odor Eliminator Carpet Shampoo
Ingredients:
Water, Advanced Biological Blend. Non-ionic Surfactant, Fragrance, Polystyrene
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
Yes
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
Yes
Bubba’s Super Strength Pet Odor Eliminator Carpet Shampoo is known for its industrial strength, and while you might not be cleaning up the bio-messes of a kennel of dogs, you might feel that way when cleaning up after your puppy. Since you will probably be cleaning up messes at least once a day (good thing your pup is adorable!), you want to make sure your surfaces will not get damaged. Bubba’s has a CRI approval and a money-back guarantee on this product. This product also has a longer shelf-life than most other cleaners on the market. While this formula says it deters pets from urinating or defecating in the same spot, some pet owners find that their pooch still returns to the same area.
Pros
Long shelf life
CRI approved, money-back guarantee
Pleasant smell
Cons
Does not always deter pets from areas
5. Angry Orange Enzyme Cleaner & Pet Stain Remover Spray
Ingredients:
Water, orange peel oil, concentrated all-natural enzymes
Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
No
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
Yes
Angry Orange Enzyme Cleaner & Pet Stain Remover Spray gets an honorable mention for recommended cleaners because of its signature orange smell. Citrus has always been regarded as an effective natural deterrent for house pets, hence how Angry Orange got its name. This product’s enzymatic formula omits bacteria for up to 80 hours, continually fighting smells and stains. One application can help start to break down the most unpleasant of messes. One con to this product is that there is no clear list of ingredients. Many people find this product very effective on odors and stains; however, people with allergies and other sensitivities are hesitant to use this product around the house. Avoid using it if you are not fond of citrus scents.
Pros
Emits enzymatic bacteria for up to 80 hours.
Pleasant orange scent
Effective on odors
Cons
The scent may be too strong for some people
6. Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain and Odor Eliminator
Ingredients:
Water, advanced biological blend, non-ionic surfactant, fragrance
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
Yes
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
Yes
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain and Odor Eliminator is another great enzyme cleaner for dog urine for a few reasons. First, it comes with CRI’s approval that it is carpet safe; your carpet will not get ruined when using this cleaner. Since most dogs will do their business on the rug, people often use these urine cleaners on carpets. Second, the particular blend of ingredients helps deter your dog from returning to the same spot to urinate again. Third, you can spray this cleaner on other items in your home: furniture, tiles, or clothing. Plus, the scent of the spray has been described as pleasant and not overwhelming. The benefits of this spray do make it a bit more expensive than some other ones on the market. Some older stains might need several applications.
Pros
CRI approved
Money-back guarantee
Pleasant scent
Can be used on multiple surfaces
Cons
Higher in price
Old stains need a few cleanings
7. Life Miracle Enzyme Cleaner & Pet Odor Eliminator Concentrate – Best Concentrate
Ingredients:
Concentrated all-natural enzymes, water
Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
No
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
Yes
People are becoming more aware of their waste from disposable bottles and containers from pet cleaning products. While some bottles are recyclable, people want to avoid buying too many plastic bottles altogether. Life Miracle Enzyme Cleaner & Pet Odor Eliminator Concentrate is a great way to reduce waste and get rid of stains and smells from your pet’s waste. When diluted with water, this 8-ounce bottle of concentrate can make about a gallon of cleaner. This saves plastic waste and money. The exact ingredients are not listed, which might concern some people who have allergies. However, the product states that they use all-natural enzymes and scents, so it should not cause too many sinus issues. In addition, there have been some mixed reviews on the overall effectiveness of the concentrate. People have added less water to the concentrate with better results.
Pros
Saves waste
Made with all-natural enzymes
Gentle scent
Cons
Questionable effectiveness
8. Simple Solution Pet Stain & Odor Remover with Pro-Bacteria and Enzyme Formula
Ingredients:
Water, natural non-pathogenic bacteria, denatured ethanol, natural enzymes, detergent, and fragrance.
Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
Yes
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
No
Simple Solution Pet Stain & Odor Remover with Pro-Bacteria and Enzyme Formula is a top choice for a multipurpose cleaner because, unfortunately, your dog or puppy can urinate just about anywhere in your home. You want to have a cleaner that can work on different surfaces. This formula is effective on carpets, bedding, fabric toys, and other water-safe objects and areas. With a CRI approval rating, you can feel confident using this almost anywhere in your home. Simple Solution is safe to use around your pets and children. Although this formula has a gentle floral scent, some purchasers of the product say the smell is a bit too strong. People with sinus sensitivities might not like using this product in rooms with little air circulation. Some enzymatic cleaners can be used on cat urine as well as dog urine, but this product is only effective with canine messes.
Pros
Budget-friendly
Can be used on many surfaces
9. Sunny and Honey Pet Stain & Odor Miracle
Ingredients:
Water, enzymes, nonionic surfactant, fragrance, opacifier
Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
No
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
Yes
There has been an increase in all-natural cleaning products on the market for your home, including pet cleaning products. Some cleaning products that target large stains and strong odors often contain a blend of harsh chemicals, causing allergies or damaging fabrics. All-natural products can be a great alternative, and we recommend Sunny and Honey Pet Stain & Odor Miracle. This cleaner can be used on a variety of surfaces and is safe for pets, children, and people with allergies. Using all-natural products is also an eco-friendly choice. Buyers have a choice of three different scents: spring mint, autumn spice, or light lavender. One con to this product is that it is more expensive than standard cleaners. If you have many pets that have accidents in the house, you might end up buying a few bottles of this product.
Pros
Certified cruelty-free
Can be used on many surfaces
Comes in three different scents
10. Naturally It’s Clean Natural Floor Cleaner
Ingredients:
Water, plant-based enzyme blend, plant-based surfactant, biodegradable anti-spotting agent, natural stabilizer, orange essential oil fragrance
Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
No
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
No
Many enzyme products for dogs focus on carpets as being the main target area. How about floors in general? If you have a dog that is not yet house-trained and a beautiful wood floor that you do not want to be ruined, our recommendation is Naturally It’s Clean Floor Enzyme Floor Cleaner. This plant-based, non-caustic cleaner is safe for pets, children, and different floor surfaces. It is safe and effective to use on hardwood floors as well as tile, bamboo, marble, stone, linoleum, and even cork surfaces. Spray some of the concentrate on the soiled area and then mop over it with the diluted formula. One 24-ounce bottle makes 24 gallons of diluted formula. However, an issue some people had with Naturally It’s Clean Floor Enzyme Floor Cleaner was that they had to add more of the concentrate to get rid of odors effectively.
Pros
Plant-based
Can be safely used on various surfaces
Does not need to be washed off
Cons
Needs more than recommended to clean effectively
11. BioTurf BioS+ Artificial Turf Pet Odor Eliminator Concentrate – Best for Artificial Grass
Ingredients:
Bio-enzymes
Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Approved:
No
100% Satisfaction Guarantee:
Yes
There are only a handful of enzyme cleaners that are designed for artificial turf and other outdoor spaces, and we recommend BioTurf BioS+ Artificial Turf Pet Odor Eliminator Concentrate. If your dog urinates on artificial turf, it can be a nightmare to clean with just water. BioTurf is eco-friendly and made with natural enzymes that will not harm any surrounding plant life. This formula can also be used on stones, concrete, tiles, and walls. Some consumers have had success using it indoors as well. One complaint that people had with the product was the smell. BioTurf is scented, but people feel the scent is a bit chemical-y, even when used outdoors.
Pros
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Does not damage real plants and trees
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Enzyme Cleaners for Dog Urine
Now that you have looked over our review of recommended enzyme cleaners, there are a few other things to consider before deciding on the specific cleaner.
Scents and fragrances. The scent of the cleaner seems to be the biggest issue for consumers of these products. While the manufacturers aim to make the cleaner’s scent mild and pleasant, there are still going to be people who find the smell overpowering or for whom the product causes irritation. If you have sensitive sinuses, it is recommended to go to the pet store and smell the cleaner before purchasing it.
Age of stain or odor. As much as we wish these cleaners were a magical solution to weeks-old stains and odors, they are not. One application might not be enough for stains and smells from your dog’s mess that is old. These cleaners are the most effective when used as early as possible. If the stain and smell are several days old, expect to clean the area twice to get rid of it.
Location of scents and fragrances. Many enzyme cleaners for dog urine state that they are multiple-purpose. But it is often a better idea to have an enzyme cleaner that targets a specific type of material. For example, some of the enzyme cleaners have the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) seal of approval to be used on carpets. If you want something specific for your carpet, look for those labels.
Always spot test. Enzyme cleaners will have a list of places to use this product and places to avoid it. Even though it says it is fabric-safe, do a spot test just to verify. Better safe than sorry! Go for all-natural cleaners when you can, as those are not made with strong commercial chemicals.
Image By: Maridav, Shutterstock
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Final Thoughts
When you decide you want to adopt a dog or puppy, it’s a good idea to add an enzyme cleaner to the list of pet accessories for purchase. We think that the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray is the best. This is because it has a neutral scent, requires no mixing, and works effectively on more than just dog urine stains and odors.
Second place goes to the Shout Pets Enzymatic Stain & Odor Remover. And the third place goes to Nature’s Miracle.
The best way to get rid of stains and smells is to apply the spray or cleaner as soon as you notice it. You don’t want to have to run out to the store and buy one when you notice an accident on the floor or in other places in your home. Do not let dog urine ruin your day or your dinner party!
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Featured Image Credit: Syda Productions, Shutterstock
