When The Rembrandts sang, “So no one told you life was gonna be this way,” they certainly weren’t referring to being pet parents and struggling to remove those stubborn dog odors and stains in your home, but they could have! Fret not, pet parents of all dog breeds, for the best enzyme cleaners are here to work their magic!
Unlike traditional cleaners that mask odors, enzyme cleaners are biological superstars. They contain live bacteria that break down organic matter — the very stuff causing those doggy smells. Think of them as microscopic ninjas, dissolving the source of the problem and leaving your carpets, furniture, and floors fresh and clean. Sounds promising, eh? Let’s get cleaning!
Are Enzyme Cleaners Worth It?
While enzyme cleaners might have a slightly higher upfront cost than standard cleaners, the benefits far outweigh the price tag. Here are some of them:
Permanent Odor Removal
Regular cleaners might mask a stain’s scent, but enzymes eliminate it at the source. Those lingering doggy smells won’t stand a chance against these biocatalysts!
Complete Stain Removal
Enzyme cleaners break down the proteins and other organic materials in stains, leaving your carpets and upholstery looking like new. No more faded or discolored areas — just clean, stain-free surfaces.
Safe for Pets and Families
Unlike harsh chemicals, enzyme cleaners are typically safe for pets and children when used as directed. This is very important for creating a safe and healthy environment for everyone in your home.
Long-Term Prevention
By eliminating the source of odors and stains, enzyme cleaners discourage repeat marking. It’s especially helpful for house-training puppies or pets with anxiety-related accidents.
How Do Enzyme Cleaners Work?
Enzyme cleaners contain specific enzymes designed to break down different types of organic materials. For pet stains, these enzymes target proteins, starches, and other components found in urine, feces, and vomit. Once they reach the stain, they work hard to convert the complex organic molecules into smaller, simpler pieces.
These smaller pieces become a delicious feast for good bacteria, naturally present in your carpets and upholstery. The good bacteria gobble up the enzyme-digested organic matter, eliminating the source of the stain and odor. With the organic material gone, the stain disappears, and any lingering odors are neutralized. You’re left with a clean, fresh surface, free from the evidence of your pet’s little accident.
The Best Enzyme Cleaners to Buy in 2024
Dealing with accidents is part and parcel of having pets around the house, but lingering odors and unsightly stains can quickly turn a cuddle session into a crinkle-your-nose situation. With a good enzyme cleaner at your disposal, however, you can look forward to a cleaner, odor-free home.
BEST OVERALL
ROCCO & ROXIE Stain & Odor Eliminator
PHOTO CREDIT: ROCCO & ROXIE
Why We Love
Safe for pets and children
Multi-surface cleaner
Certified gentle and safe for carpets
Eliminates various organic stains
Gentle formula
Neutralizes odors
But…
It is more expensive than other enzyme cleaners on our list
The Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator tackles messes wherever they happen — carpets, floors, furniture, clothing, litter boxes, kennels — you name it! This versatile cleaner is your one-stop shop for a stain-free, odor-free home. You can use it around your pets and kids without a second thought, so you won’t have to worry about their safety while using the house.
Moreover, with the Carpet and Rug Institute‘s Seal of Approval, it’s certified safe and gentle for carpets. No harsh chemicals, no chlorine bleach, and no residue — just powerful cleaning that leaves your carpets, furniture, and upholstery looking and smelling fresh. Besides working very well on carpets, the cleaner’s oxygenated enzyme-based formula is great for concrete and tiles, hardwood and laminates, and bedding. Just spray the affected area and wait for a minimum of sixty minutes (concrete may need more absorption time; check the label), and forget that an accident ever happened!
BEST ENZYME URINE CLEANER
Kinzua Environmental Urine B-Gone
PHOTO CREDIT: Kinzua
Why We Love
Highest enzyme count
Safe for pets and children
Multi-surface cleaner
Bio-degradable and non-toxic
Convenient for laundry
Eliminated odors at the source
But…
The child-proof cap may be difficult to remove
If you have a puppy who isn’t house-trained yet or a senior dog struggling with incontinence, then you must be wondering how to get rid of the urine smell. Here’s your answer: consider using the Kinzua Environmental Urine B-Gone — the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine. Its powerful formula boasts the highest enzyme count available, containing over 200 billion of these tiny cleaning champions that effectively tackle stains and odors from urine and feces.
This enzyme cleaner doesn’t just clean and deodorize the surface where messes happen but goes deep down into the surface layers and works its magic. The bio-based formula is also safe for your family and pets. This dog urine cleaner is biodegradable, non-toxic, and gentle when used as directed. You can safely use it on carpets, upholstery, laundry, drains, and more. Just add a cup to your laundry load or apply directly to soiled areas before washing.
BEST ODOR REMOVER
NATURE’S MIRACLE Stain & Odor Remover
PHOTO CREDIT: NATURE’S MIRACLE
Why We Love
Fast-acting enzymes
Long-lasting cleaning
Can be used on a variety of surfaces
Safe for pets and home
Can be used daily
Available in two scents – light citrus and melon burst
But…
The nozzle may leak
Life with furry friends can be messy, but it shouldn’t force you to give up a fresh-smelling home — Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remove can help you keep your space clean and odor-free. Its enzymatic formula works on a variety of unpleasant surprises — dog urine, feces, vomit, drool, and other organic stains. When used as directed, this trusted brand is safe to use around your furry family and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that can damage your carpets or furniture.
Unlike other cleaners that mask odors, this cleaner utilizes a bacteria-based formula to produce enzymes that keep working as long as there’s a mess to eliminate — ensuring there is no lingering smell. Instead, it leaves behind a fresh, light citrus scent that keeps your home smelling clean and inviting. If you’re not a fan of citrus fragrance, the cleaner also comes in a melon burst scent, giving you the option to choose what works best for your household.
BEST STAIN REMOVER
Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odor Remover
PHOTO CREDIT: Simple Solution
Why We Love
Professional-strength formula
Multi-functional sprayer
Pro-bacteria & enzyme cleaning
Certified safe for rugs and carpets
Discourages repeat marking
Safe for pets and children
But…
May not work on all surfaces
If you’re looking for a powerful ally in the fight against pet messes, then Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odor Remover might be the one for you. You’ll have no trouble getting rid of those pesky pet stains; it leaves both your carpets and furniture gleaming clean. It’s three times more powerful than their regular formula, so you know it means business! The pro-bacteria and enzyme formula breaks down and eliminates both new and old stains, leaving no trace of stinky pet urine, feces, or vomit behind. It also prevents repeat markings, meaning your pet won’t get lured by the scents and repeat their accidents at the same spot.
We love that this versatile cleaner has a multi-functional sprayer with three settings: Foam, which is ideal for upholstery and fabric surfaces; the mist setting is perfect for spot-cleaning carpets and area rugs; and stream, which targets those hard-to-reach areas or large spills. Plus, it has the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval. You can safely use it around your kids and pets, following the instructions, making it a worry-free cleaning solution.
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY
Biokleen Bac-Out Carpet Stain + Odor Remover
PHOTO CREDIT: Biokleen
Why We Love
Plant-based formula
Effective odor removal
Preferred by professional carpet cleaners
Pleasant scent
Green-Seal certified
Made using biodegradable ingredients
But…
Doesn’t come in a spray bottle
Harsh chemical cleaners may get the job done, but they are neither good for you nor the environment. The Biokleen Bac-Out Carpet Stain + Odor Remover is a powerful, plant-based formula that naturally tackles not just pet accidents but a variety of other household mishaps. Featuring a blend of live enzyme cultures, this cleaner effectively breaks down and absorbs organic materials, eliminating stains and odors at the source.
Because it is made with plant-based ingredients, Biokleen enzyme cleaner is absolutely safe to use around your family and pets. Carpets, area rugs, upholstery, garbage cans, laundry — all can benefit from the cleaner’s bioactive formula, which gets rid of the toughest odors and stains. Plus, it is also free from chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes, making it comprehensively eco-friendly.
BEST SCENTED CLEANER
ANGRY ORANGE Stain Remover Enzyme Cleaner
PHOTO CREDIT: ANGRY ORANGE
Why We Love
Multi-surface use
Delivers up to 80 hours of freshness
Dual action targets stains and odors
Crisp Citrus scent
Safe for pets and children
No added bleach, sulfates, or parabens
But…
The scent may be overpowering for some
The ANGRY ORANGE Stain Remover & Enzyme Cleaner makes quick work of tough messes, giving you peace of mind and a cleaner home. Its dual-action formula fights tough stains and smells, including pet pee, poop, and puke. The enzyme-powered cleaner instantly removes odors and keeps your home smelling fresh for up to 80 hours.
Made with citrus enzymes and cold-pressed orange oils, it is safe for use around pets and children (when used as directed). The light citrus aroma offers a fresh change from the usual strong chemical odors. You can also use it on any conceivable surface where pet messes are likely to happen — carpets, hardwood floors, fabric, artificial turf, and more.
BEST FAST-ACTING
Sunny & Honey Pet Stain & Odor Miracle
PHOTO CREDIT: PLACEHOLDER
Why We Love
Natural cleaning power
Leaping Bunny-certified
Non-toxic and biodegradable
Multi-surface cleaning
Fast-acting formula
Available in three fragrances
But…
Stubborn stains and odors may require repeat application
Much like its name, the Sunny & Honey Pet Stain & Odor Miracle really does work its magic on all kinds of pet messes, including doggy drool, pee, feces, and vomit. With its powerful, concentrated formula, you can easily eliminate organic stains and odors. Your carpets, upholstery, and nose will thank you! Need something that cleans both inside and out? This product handles carpets, wood floors, furniture fabrics, car interiors — even synthetic turf and deck planks!
The cleaner has the stamp of approval from Leaping Bunny and is made from quality ingredients. Its bio-enzymatic formula is non-toxic and biodegradable, which is harmless to both your loved ones and nature. That’s not all; this deodorizer utilizes essential oils to eliminate lingering odors and comes in three scents — fall spice, light lavender, and spring mint — making you confident that you will always have a nice-smelling home.
BEST FOR TOUGH STAINS
BUBBA’S ROWDY FRIENDS Stain and Odor Terminator
PHOTO CREDIT: BUBBA’S ROWDY
Why We Love
Offers deep cleaning
Permanent odor removal
Safe for use around pets and children
Easy application
Professional-strength formula
Suitable to use on a variety of water-safe surfaces
But…
Slightly more expensive than other brands
This powerful enzymatic cleaner from Bubba’s Rowdy Friends is specifically formulated to tackle tough stains and stubborn odors caused by your furry friends. Sometimes, you need something with a lot more strength than temporary fixes, and this cleaner gets the job done — whether it’s set-in urine, feces, vomit, or drool.
This bio-enzymatic cleaner gets right down into the carpet fibers and padding, tackling stains and odors at their source to leave your carpets fresh. Crafted in the USA, this top-notch formula is perfect for households with pets and kids. Cleaning up is a breeze with this easy-to-use formula. You can quickly tidy up all kinds of water-safe surfaces without any hassle. Simply remove excess mess, apply the solution, let it work, and vacuum. Repeat for stubborn stains. No more hassle, just a fresh and clean home.
How We Chose the Best Enzyme Cleaners
At DogTime, our experts curated this list of the best enzyme cleaners by assessing factors such as efficacy in eliminating pet stains and odors, certification from reputed bodies, safety for pets and children, fragrances, and overall cost. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
What cleaner is an enzyme cleaner?
All the cleaners listed here are enzyme cleaners. If a cleaner is enzymatic, it will say so on the label. These cleaners use natural enzymes to break down and eliminate pet mess stains and odors rather than masking them with chemicals.
Is Clorox an enzymatic cleaner?
No, Clorox is not an enzymatic cleaner. It is a brand known for its bleach-based products, which work by oxidizing and breaking down stains. It may not be safe for pets or some fabrics.
Is vinegar an enzyme cleaner?
Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent but not an enzyme cleaner. While it can break down some stains and neutralize odors, it doesn’t use enzymes to target pet messes.
Does enzyme cleaner remove urine?
Yes, enzyme cleaners are effective pet urine removers! Enzymes break down the organic matter in urine, such as proteins and uric acid, eliminating both stains and odors at the source.
Is borax an enzyme cleaner?
Borax isn’t an enzyme cleaner. It is a mineral compound used in household cleaners or laundry boosters. While it can be effective for cleaning and deodorizing, it does not contain enzymes like enzymatic cleaners.
Are enzyme cleaners safe?
Enzyme cleaners are generally safe for pets and children when used as directed. However, it’s always a good idea to read the instructions on the label, test a small area first, and avoid direct contact with pets and kids.
