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11 Best Carpet Cleaner for Dog Urine in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Pet accidents happen to every pet owner, but the worst part is when they leave stains behind. And if you’re a dog owner, there’s nothing more worrisome than having your pet peeing all over your carpet.
Dog urine can cause permanent damage to your carpet if not cleaned up as soon as possible. The longer urine sits on the carpet, the more difficult it will be to clean.
However, it’s a relief for dog owners as we have researched and found some incredible products that will help you handle such messes. Let’s take a look!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Rating
Image
Product
Details
Best Overall
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator Spray
Smart formula is great for old stains that have had time to sit
When it comes to getting pet stains and odors out of softer textiles like carpets, upholstery, fabric and clothes, enzyme cleaners are a go-to for many pet parents and frustrated landlords alike. For a long time, a couple big brands dominated the space seemingly uncontested, until lately. Hepper has come up with their Advanced, Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator formula, and in the world of pet cleaners, it’s causing some disruption.
This bio-enzyme formula contains live, bacterial spores, and these seem to really make the difference. This is a powerful enzyme cleaner that is awesome for getting old, neglected, or simply long-undiscovered pet stains and odors out.
Now, the only drawback is that because this formula is so strong – which makes it good at what it does, you do need to do a spot test first. This is just to ensure that it won’t leave discoloration in fabrics that already have a weakened color base, and 9.9 times out of 10 it works without any issue whatsoever. Other than that, this is a great product which we enthusiastically recommend for removing pet stains and odors.
At House Grail, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs that look great in every home!
Pros
Smart formula is great for old stains that have had time to sit
Impressively effective at eliminating odors
Does well with the vast majority of stains
Bio-enzyme formula is a solution based on a natural reaction
Has a fresh, nice smell to it
Cons
Need to do a spot test to ensure it won’t cause discoloration
2. OUT! Oxy Fast Activated Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator – Best Value
When it comes to tackling dog urine, the OUT! Oxy Fast Activated Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator is quite effective. This carpet cleaner relies on scientific breakthroughs to neutralize even the smelliest of pet odors using the power of natural microbes.
A spritz of this formula can remove the stain and odor in minutes. That way, you avoid wasting time scrubbing areas over and over again.
Also, it uses the power of hydrogen peroxide to produce a deep-clean action. It makes it ideal for pet stains and water-based messes. If you have other pets, this cleaner comes in handy as it is pet-friendly. You can use it in a carpet cleaning machine or manually for smaller patches of dog urine stains.
Pros
Safe to use around children and pets
doubles as a laundry pre-treatment
Can be used on many fabrics
Works on other household spills
Cons
It comes in a flimsy bottle
3. Shop Care Super Enzyme Pet Urine and Odor Remover – Premium Choice
If not properly tackled, dog urine stains can reappear after some time. But a strong enzymatic cleaning solution can prevent reoccurrence as the enzymes break down stain-causing compounds and releases them from the carpet fibers. This way, you can remove them easily with vacuuming.
The Shop Care Super Enzyme Pet Urine and Odor Remover cleaner includes two natural enzymes that provide deep cleaning properties. They can penetrate and break down odor at its source after it has dried.
The cleaner treats highly soiled areas for pet accidents, wine, juice spills, vomit, grease, food stains, and other tough messes intensely.
The formula is also non-toxic, biodegradable, and allergen-free. It does not contain hazardous chemicals. Some users of this cleaner have noted that they need to apply it several times to reduce the smell of dog urine.
Pros
Comes in varying bottle sizes
Safe on textiles
Doesn’t leave a strong chemical smell behind
It’s a multi-purpose carpet cleaner
Cons
May not eliminate the urine odor completely
4. Rocco and Roxie Supply Company Professional Strength Pet Stain and Odor Remover
This product is a professional-grade cleaner, and for a good reason. It contains enzymes with biological compounds that dissolve proteins left behind by pet waste, thus eliminating small and deep dog urine stains. Some people have noted that this cleaner does have a strong smell, so people with sensitive sinuses should be aware of this before purchasing it.
Pros
No harsh chemicals
Can be used on other surfaces
No need for a carpet cleaning machine
Affordable
Cons
Contains fragrance that may trigger allergies
It takes time to work
5. Nature’s Miracle Sunny Lemon Advanced Dog Stain and Odor Remover Spray
Most urine cleaners and deodorizers reduce the odor of pet urine. But this one uses enzymes to break down the urine and remove the dog urine smell at its source.
It’s free of dyes, ammonia, phosphates, and chlorine, thus perfect for homes with pets and children. It features accordion cleaning technology that tackles messes deep in carpet fibers. So, it’s an excellent product for both recent and old stains.
This enzyme-based cleaner is non-toxic and has a fresh lemon scent. It’s excellent at removing the smells too. The product works on a wide range of surfaces and materials.
Pros
Doesn’t discolor carpets with dark fabrics
Leaves a fresh and light scent after cleaning
Discourages your dog from peeing in the same spot
Cons
It has a potent smell
The enzymes take time to work
6. Emmy’s Best Enzyme-Based Pet Products Odor and Stain Eraser
If you’re looking for an enzymatic cleaner, Emmy’s Best Carpet Cleaner is an excellent option! It eliminates the dog pee and all kinds of pet stains below the surface and leaves behind the scent of oranges. Enzyme-based solutions are biodegradable and safe to use on carpets and area rugs.
The spray bottle goes on easily and lightly. So, it’ll not soak your carpets or cushion materials. Simply spray the area where your dog has made the soiled spot. Then, scrub the solution with a brush or rag. This product is safe for use around children and pets because it uses natural ingredients.
Pros
Removes bacteria that cause odor and stains
No harmful chemicals and fillers
It cleans dog urine instantly and leaves a pleasant scent
TRINOVA Pet Stain and Odor Remover is formulated in the USA by chemists specializing in developing Professional-Strength cleaning solutions. It’s designed specifically to combat pet messes.
This fast-acting solution works within a few minutes. It lifts stains and leaves an invisible barrier that protects treated areas for 24 hours.
The cleaner comes with BioKore enzyme technology, which removes 99% of lingering smells, even if they’re not fresh. Also, it penetrates the fibers of the carpet to tackle tough odors fast.
Apart from using it on the carpet, it also works on furniture, upholstery, and hard floors as it doesn’t leave any chemical residues behind.
Simple Solution Extreme Stain and Odor Remover is among the most powerful odor eliminators on the market. The fast-acting solution uses powerful pro-enzymatic action to eliminate both stains and odors permanently, so there is no need to buy two separate products.
It works well on most upholstery, carpets, and many other surfaces. Apart from removing urine stains, it also removes other types of stain messes and prevents re-soiling. It is important to remember that some people need to apply this formula more than once to get rid of the smell.
Pros
Comes in several sizes
Contains bio-enzymes that eat stains and odors both light and heavy
Manufactured using 100% natural ingredients
Cons
You may need more than one round of cleaning
Dogs will still pee on the same spot
9. KIDS ‘N’ PETS All-Purpose Instant Stain and Odor Remover
The all-purpose instant stain and odor remover come with a powerful bacteria enzyme formula that removes the toughest stains on most surfaces. It’s made from a non-toxic and biodegradable formula that doubles up as an odor remover.
The bacterial enzyme removes toxins left in the urine, which usually lead a dog to relieve in the same spot again.
This cleaner removes new and old messes from carpets, rugs, and upholstery. The patented formula attacks stains at the molecular level. It changes the chemical composition of a stain to eliminate the mess.
Plus, it works instantly, even when dry! Nature’s Miracle Advanced Sunny Lemon Dog Stain and Odor Remover attach to a water faucet with a spray nozzle for quick cleaning right where you need it. The product is environmentally safe, and it will not affect your dog’s skin. The formula does not contain dyes or fragrances.
Pros
Non-toxic and safe to use around small kids and pets
Removes any lingering dog urine odors
Comes in an easy to use spray bottle
Cons
You may need to clean more than once for better results
May cause discoloration
10. Skout’s Honor professional-strength Stain and Odor Remover
This professional-strength solution is specially formulated with effective, naturally derived ingredients that remove stains down to their very core.
With its non-toxic, eco-friendly formula, it’s the perfect way to keep your home looking and smelling fresh without worrying about the health of your loved ones. Also, it’s ideal if you’re only looking for the best carpet cleaners for dog urine that money can buy.
This advanced formula also destroys old stains and fights re-soiling. It contains active enzymes that break down pet stains fast. The enzymes remove bad odors also. This product is ideal for areas where your dog or any other pet spends a lot of time, such as carpeted rooms or upholstered pet furniture. You can use it on both fresh and dried stains.
Pros
Doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
Works on surfaces including paint, carpet, and clothing
Targets deep and set-in stains
Leaves behind a fresh scent
Cons
May cause skin burning and irritation if mishandled
More expensive than general carpet stains removers
Shout for Pets Oxygen-Powered Urine and Odor Remover is a fast-acting, effective cleaner for pet stains and odors, including urine. This fast-working solution works on carpets, furniture, and upholstery, as well as other washable fabrics.
The cleaner contains oxygen, which breaks down pet waste fast and effectively. It also prevents the continued development of new odor-causing compounds.
The carpet cleaner also features a cut-through polymer stain trapping system. It makes it potent at removing stubborn pet urine stains from carpets and other materials.
It’s non-toxic and chlorine-free, making it safe to use around children and pets. Plus, its fresh citrus scent, which discourages the pet from resoiling the area.
Pros
Works on many surfaces, including nylon
Removes stain and odor completely and prevents resoiling
It’s easy to use
Cons
Somewhat costly
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Carpet Cleaner for Dog Urine
Cleaning up after your dog has urinated is a part of pet ownership. But, you don’t have to live with that foul smell as long as you know how to clean it.
This buying guide will give you the information on how to choose the best carpet cleaner for dog urine.
Cost
The cost of the carpet cleaner is a vital consideration. You need to figure out how much you are willing to spend on the product and go for something within your budget.
Compare the cost of different carpet cleaners within your budget range. Then, settle on the one that offers more value in terms of price and performance.
Safety
Ensure that the products you intend to buy will be safe on your carpets and for your furry friends. Avoid cleaners with harmful chemicals and toxic elements that could harm your dog.
Many pet owners are also concerned about their health and safety. The best dog urine carpet cleaner should not contain toxic ingredients or give off toxic fumes or residues. Also, it should be easy to use.
Still on safety, choose a carpet cleaner that does not discolor your carpets. Test the product on an inconspicuous area first before using it on the stain.
Otherwise, you may end up with an even bigger problem on your hands. Some carpet cleaners advertise that they won’t discolor carpets. But you should still test them out first—just in case.
Image Credit: Syda Productions, Shutterstock
Bottle Size
The size of the bottle you buy will depend on three things: the number of pets you have, how often you need to clean up after them, and how big your home is.
Besides, the size of the bottle will determine how often you’ll need to buy it. If you have a large home or many pets, you may need something larger than average. If your pup is still being house-trained and makes a lot of messes, you need to buy more than one bottle at a time.
It’s common for homeowners with many pets to buy two bottles at once. This way, they’ll avoid running out of cleaners before they can get back to the store.
Spray Nozzle
Before buying a high-quality carpet cleaner, you must figure out whether it has a spray nozzle or not. If the dog is urinating in the living room, a carpet cleaner with a spray nozzle will be an ideal choice. The nozzle will help in cleaning the urine spots easily.
Also, look at the spray nozzle specs. The ideal unit will have an excellent trigger on the handle and a spray nozzle that you can control. This way, you can focus on stains. If the spray nozzle is not adjustable, it may be challenging to get the area soaked with the cleaner to loosen the stain.
Stain Removal
Anyone who owns a dog knows how tough it can be to remove pet stains from the carpet. If you’re in the market for a dog urine carpet cleaner, one of your top priorities should be stain removal.
If your dog has never peed on the carpet before, you may have missed the opportunity to test your current carpet cleaner’s abilities.
But if you have dealt with pet stains in the past, take note of how well your cleaner handled them. Did it get rid of all traces of the stain? Did it leave behind any lingering odors?
Usually, products that use enzymes are effective at removing pet stains and neutralizing urine smells. These cleaners work by breaking down organic materials like saliva, sweat, and urine into water and gas.
The gas evaporates while the water is absorbed into the air or evaporated by bacteria present in the cleaner’s formula.
Odor Removal
Pet urine doesn’t only stain. It also leaves behind an odor that can attract pets to continue soiling the same area. Look for a carpet cleaner that will deodorize as it cleans and leaves your entire home smelling fresh and free of stains and pet odors.
Carpet cleaners for dog urine can come in scent and non-scented versions. It may be best to get a scented carpet cleaner. There are plenty of different scents available. So, choose a scent that you like.
However, note that some dogs are sensitive to some scents and may not like them as much as others do. For this, you may want to go for a non-scented version. But, if your dog doesn’t seem to mind, then it is okay to use a scented carpet cleaner.
An ideal cleaner should be allergen-free. There are lots of carpet cleaners out there designed to clean up stains and dirt but cannot remove allergens. If you have asthma or allergies, make sure that your pet’s urine won’t trigger those conditions ever again.
Image Credit: VGstockstudio, Shutterstock
Conclusion
To get rid of dog urine on your carpet, you need to invest in a decent carpet cleaner for dog urine. It’ll not only save your carpet from any stains and odor but also extend its life.
After analyzing and comparing different products, we found the best carpet cleaner to be the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator Spray. It’s a multi-purpose cleaner that removes even the deep dog urine stains and odor. The other best product in this category is the OUT! Oxy Stain and Odor Remover. It’s the cheapest carpet cleaner, and so, it gives you value for your money.
All in all, the products listed above do an excellent job of removing dog urine and odor from the carpet as well as other surfaces. The ultimate choice will depend on your preference and budget but ensure that you look at the buying guide before settling for any specific cleaner.
Featured Image Credit: Bonsales, Shutterstock
Contents
Writer
Pete Ortiz
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
