Best Pet Odor Eliminator

House training a dog is the most frustrating task for a pet owner. The worst part is the urine smell that you can never seem to get rid of.

The best pet odor eliminator and similar products are designed to not only remove stains but keep your home smelling fresh and clean, even when you're potty training your new puppy.

Unlike typical cleaning products, odor-eliminating solutions are specifically formulated to remove tough smells like urine left by pets.

For these products to work, they have to fight the specific bacteria found in animals' urine, which is the sole cause of the smell.

Quick Glance of 5 Best Pet Odor and Stain Eliminators

Best Pet Stain and Odor Eliminators
Live Pee Free Pet Stain and Odor RemoverLive Pee Free
  • Best Overall Pet Stain Remover
  • Works on any surface inside and outside the house
  • They have 3 different kits depending on the severity
  • 3rd Party Tested and Regarded as safe ingredients
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Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor - Enzyme Pet Odor Eliminator for Home - Carpet Stain Remover for Cats and Dog Pee - Enzymatic Cat Urine Destroyer - Carpet Cleaner Spray (Gallon)Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator
  • Best Value Pet Stain Remover
  • Works just as well for Cat Urine
  • Works for human pit stains on shirts too!
  • Removes pet stains instantly
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Genesis 950 Gallon - Professional Strength Concentrate - Pet Stain and Odor Remover, Spot clean or Use in a Carpet Cleaning Machine on all Carpet Stains, Powerful Green Household CleanerGenesis Pet Stain and Odor Remover
  • Runner Up
  • Works for both cats and dogs
  • Removes old pet stains
  • Cleans and removes BIG dog pet stains
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Pet Stain & Odor Remover, Enzyme Cleaner, Pet Odor Eliminator, Best Carpet Stain Remover, Odor Neutralizer, Cat Urine Smell Cleaner - Sunny and Honey, 1 GallonSunny & Honey Pet Stain & Odor Remover
  • Best Deep Clean Pet Stain Remover
  • Works for cleaning up leftover hairballs
  • Perfect for new apartment renters with pets
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Bissell 2X Pet Stain & Odor Full Size Machine Formula, 60 Ounces, 99K5A, 60-Ounce, No Color, Fl OzBissell 2X Pet Stain & Odor
  • Best Budget Pet Stain Remover
  • Works for both cats and dogs
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Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator for Home - 8oz Dog and Cat Pee Smell Remover for Carpet, Grass, Tile and Furniture - Citrus Concentrate, Makes 128oz of LiquidANGRY ORANGE Pet Odor Eliminator for Home
  • Best Territory Marking Deterrent
  • Works for both cats and dogs
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 Best Pet Odor Eliminators

However, you need to be careful when making a purchase of any household cleaning products for a home that has pets.

Because of the chemicals they contain, you must first confirm and ensure that they will be safe for your dog.

Below are five of our favorite tested best pet odor eliminator products that work for dogs' urine smell (and cats, too).

Using Pet Odor Eliminator and Chemical Products

No matter how much you'd like to get rid of the dog's urine smell and those pee stains on your carpet or hardwood floors, the first priority should be your pet's safety.

Dogs walk on that surface and may lick it, or lick their paws.

A study conducted in 2013 found that pet owners are often unaware of the dangerous chemicals in the home (Mahdi et al. 2013).

Unfortunately, there's no way to use dog urine smell eliminator products that would have no chemicals in them (self-made DIY cleaners are sadly not as effective).

Thus, any type of cleaner, including these best pet odor eliminator products, will leave residue behind that you cannot see, but as long as they're safe for pets, you won't have to worry.

That said, pet odor eliminators are not the only ones to pick and choose carefully.

Other items can be just as dangerous, if not more so.

Here are a few you need to keep away from dogs or make sure you buy pet-friendly options:

  • Carpet fresheners and shampoo
  • Febreze
  • Drain and oven cleaners
  • Cleaning tablets
  • Fabric softener sheets
  • Bleach
  • Grout
  • Swiffer wet jet
  • Essential oils

While it all depends on the product, it's best to confirm.

Look at the label to ensure it's safe for your dog. The majority of them are; only a few will be harmful.

Do the same when picking the best pet odor eliminator products, even the ones claimed safe for pets.

Dangers of Chemical Household Products for Dogs and Cats

dog odor eliminator

Today, states are being more careful about what they allow manufacturers to include in their household products.

This is what allowed us to pick the safe best pet odor eliminator options that should not harm your dog.

However, many brands still use dangerous ingredients in their solutions.

The numbers of ingredients are numerous, but a few common ones include dichloro­­phenoxyacetic acid and glyphosate.

Not only are they dangerous to dogs, but they're also even harmful to humans, too. For example, a study in 2014 found a correlation to cancer (Schinasi et al. 2014).

The Washington Post has published an article about the dangers of various pesticides and other related chemical products that owners often use at home and forget that their dogs may come in contact with this.

Always look for products that are safe for your dog, and better yet, purchase products made with as many natural ingredients as possible.

Veterinarians are also very aware of this problem, and encourage owners to be safe:

Keeping cupboards secured, bathrooms closed, bathroom garbage stowed away, medications locked up, and any chemical spills cleaned up quickly and thoroughly are just some basics that all pet owners should keep in mind.” – Dr. Medora Pashmakova, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine

Choosing the Best Pet Odor Eliminator Products

For most pet owners, it takes trial and error before they find something that works.

In this case, we've already done the leg work and picked out five (out of dozens of others) that are pet-safe and will remove urine stains and eliminator the odor effectively.

That said, there are a few other benefits to using the best pet odor eliminator rather than a cheap solution.

We'll take the first rated option – Rocco & Roxie – as an example to explain what else a pet owner can expect from a good quality odor eliminator dog.

Works on any surface. This means you can spray the eliminator on carpets, hardwood floors, linoleum, furniture, ceramic flooring, or any other surface.

Stops dogs from peeing. This is great for pet owners who are still housetraining their puppies. The dog is unlikely to pee in the spot that has been treated.

It does not discolor. You can safely use the product on the majority of fabrics without risking discoloration. Harsh chemicals are what cause these issues, and those would be dangerous to dogs as well (thereby marking a product not pet-friendly).

Works on fresh and old stains. The best pet odor eliminator product will work on urine stains and poop stains of any age, dried or fresh.

How to Use a Dog Urine Odor/Stain Eliminator?

Every product will have the instructions on the bottle label, so make sure to follow those.

However, the process is almost identical for all of them.

Here are the six simple steps for the most effective way to get rid of dog urine stains and smell:

Step 1: Remove concentrated pet urine first with a paper towel or a highly absorbent cotton towel.

Step 2: Pour 4-6 oz of warm water on the stain. Extractor absorbs this water from the carpeting (repeat 3 times). This dilutes the urine and helps the “good” bacteria in the best pet odor eliminator product to quickly eat away at the “bad” bacteria.

Step 3: Now, apply the pet urine stain eliminator product to the area. You should use enough to wet the whole area.

Step 4: Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes, and possibly longer.

Step 5: After, using a towel(s) absorb as much of the bacteria product as possible and allow to air dry.

Step 6: Once the area is a dry, vacuum and inspect it. It should all be gone, both the stain and the smell. If not, then go through steps 2-5 again.

Personal helpful tip: at step 5, I simply cover the entire stain area with a dry towel and place some weight on it. It ensures maximum contact and all the liquid goes up into the towel without me having to hold it. Try it.

How to know that the dog urine stain is definitely gone?

Because it's the bacteria for the dog's urine that causes the bad smell, obviously you won't be able to see it.

Thus, after you've treated the area, get a UV blacklight (pet urine detector) and light the area. A well-treated area with the best pet odor eliminator should pass the UV detector test.

The below list provides the five most popular options for the best pet odor eliminator that will do the job well in removing urine stains as well as urine smell from your carpet, sofas, and other furniture and surfaces.

Make sure to read other pet owners' reviews to find the best fit specifically for your Fido and your household, since not all of them are identical.

pet odor eliminator

The Best Pet Odor Eliminator

Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator for Dogs and Cats

This first rated best pet odor eliminator also eliminates stains from urine, feces, vomit, or any other mess caused by your pooch.

It is enzyme activated to ensure a deep clean and we found it to be most effective as well as affordable.

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The natural enzymatic bacteria are activated on contact with odors and stains, and it feeds on the matter until it is completely eliminated.

This product from Rocco & Roxie is gentle and safe, as it contains no chlorine or hazardous propellants, and it doesn’t leave behind any residue.

You can use this product on carpets, furniture, clothing, kennels, carriers, and more! It is 100% satisfaction guaranteed, claiming it is Amazon’s best-seller for a reason.

If you are unhappy with your purchase, the company will refund your money in full.

Anyone with a pet knows it is nearly impossible to find a product that will fully remove urine odor, especially in furniture and carpet.

Customers back this product, claiming it is the only odor eliminator that truly works (and many say they have tried everything available).

Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator can even get red wine stains out of the carpet!

Reviewers say it does not ruin the carpet or make it stiff, but you still may want to spot test a small section to make sure!

If stains are old or set in, some customers say this product does not work as well (but most would argue it is still worth a try, as many have been able to remove these without a problem).

The scent is too strong for a few reviewers, and some say the stain somehow came back after time.

PROS:

  • Eliminates odors and stains
  • Formulated with natural enzymatic bacteria that are activated on contact with odors and stains
  • Contains no chlorine or hazardous propellants
CONS:

  • The scent is very strong

 

Genesis 950 Professional Strength Pet Stain and Odor Remover and Spot Cleaner

This enzymatic formula from Genesis 950 permanently eliminates pet odor, stains, and sticky residue from carpets, furniture, clothing, and more. The brand earned its reputation among pet owners for extremely quick and long-term stains and odors removal.

The self-proclaimed urine destroyer also works to discourage re-soiling due to its dual-action, odor-control system that destroys odors on contact.

To use, simply wipe away any excess urine and soak the surface thoroughly with Genesis 950. Wait five minutes, and wipe away.

Other pet owners also attest to the fact that this is the best pet odor eliminator they've tried and it works on old, set-in stains and fresh spots alike.

It only takes a single application, unlike some other stain removers.

Moreover, reading through other pet stain remover reviews and speaking to dog owners, those who had rented or purchased expensive steam cleaners wish they would have saved their money by purchasing Genesis 950 from the beginning.

After discovering it, it has cleaned what the others had left behind.

Just as the above Rocco & Roxie pet odor remover, this one has hardly any drawbacks and is extremely effective. The only downside is it also has a strong scent.

PROS:

  • Guaranteed to permanently eliminate stains and odors
  • Works to discourage re-soiling due to its dual-action, odor-control system
  • Customers attest to the fact that it works on set-in stains
CONS:

  • The scent is very strong

Sunny & Honey Pet Stain and Odor Miracle

This dog urine smell eliminator product eliminates both new and old stains and odors with its natural and proprietary enzyme formula.

We found it to work on most stains like urine, feces, and vomit.

Pet Stain & Odor Remover, Enzyme Cleaner, Pet Odor...
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This odor eliminator from Sunny & Honey prevents pets from returning to the same spot more than once. It can also work on pet bedding, litter boxes, crates, cages, and in cars.

This best pet odor eliminator is made in the USA & 10% of the profits from this product are donated to animal rescues and shelters.

This product is said to be great on stains and odors, according to customers who had tried multiple other products prior to purchasing this.

The clean scent is chemical-free, and Sunny & Honey Pet Stain and Odor Miracle is safe for use around children and other animals.

The odor of this product is not as strong as many of the other options available. Unlike some products that seem to make the smell of pet stains worse, many customers attest to the fact that this actually helps to neutralize the odor.

Of course, some people do not like the scent of this spray, describing it as a cheap perfume that only masks the odor.

Others claim that this product does not work to make stains disappear and that it is a complete waste of time.

However, these people are few and far between, so it is definitely worth a try if you have set-in stains and are looking for a promising solution!

PROS:

  • Eliminates both new and old stains and odors
  • Natural enzyme formula removes stains from urine, vomit, and feces
  • Prevents your pet from returning to mark the same spot twice
  • Made in the USA and 10% of proceeds benefit animal shelters and rescue organizations
CONS:

  • We did not enjoy the scent of this spray

BISSELL 2X Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator

This pet stain eliminator is made to be used in full-size deep cleaning machines (Bissell, Hoover, Dirt Devil, Rug Doctor), whether rented or purchased.

It is extra concentrated to provide the ultimate cleaning experience while removing soils and stains.

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This formula from Bissell contains biodegradable detergents and is free of phosphates, dyes, optical brighteners, or heavy metals.

The Scotchgard formula helps to protect the carpet from future stains. The odor control helps to prevent your pet from going back and soiling the same area more than once.

If you have access to a full-size deep cleaning machine, Bissell 2X Pet Stain & Odor Full Size Machine Formula is definitely worth a try, according to many satisfied customers.

This best pet odor eliminator smells good and works best on fresh stains (as most cleaners do).

Reviewers say that this is the best cleaner for upright machines without a doubt, and can be used on flooring or furniture.

You may have to use this on the same stain a couple of times before it comes up completely.

Some unhappy customers say not to expect miracles from the product, claiming it did nothing in the way of helping lift their carpet stains.

Other unsatisfied reviewers mentioned the odor of this solution was too strong or unpleasant.

PROS:

  • Made to be used in full-size deep cleaning machines
  • 2X concentrated
  • Contains biodegradable detergents and is free of phosphates, dyes, optical brighteners, or heavy metals
CONS:

  • Depending on the material, sometimes you'll need to use this dog odor eliminator on the same stain multiple times to get results

Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator

This commercial-grade animal odor eliminator by Angry Orange was originally designed to be used in industrial applications, so it is guaranteed to get rid of the toughest pet odors in your home without any issue.

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This best pet odor eliminator is safe and non-toxic, as it is derived from the oil found in orange peels. It can be used indoors or out, anywhere pet waste odor is a problem.

The majority of pet owners tend to use this product around cat litter boxes, kennels, pet waste removal containers, bushes, and more.

Angry Orange offers a 100% money-back guarantee, so there is no reason to not try this best pet odor eliminator!

Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator does such a great job at removing odors that pets never go in the same spot twice!

Dogs who frequently mark their territory discontinue doing so in the same spot thanks to this product.

Customers point out that this is a concentrated solution and to be sure to follow the directions on diluting, as you will not need more than is in the directions.

Most reviewers love the smell, stating that it is not too overpowering, but nice, clean, and great for a fresh-smelling house.

Although most people enjoy the smell of this product, a select few say it is too strong and unpleasant.

Some also claim the product does not work at all, saying you can smell oranges for a day or two and that, once that scent dissipates, the urine is back again.

PROS:

  • Commercial grade
  • Derived from the oil found in orange peels – safe and non-toxic
  • Can be used indoors and outside
  • Angry Orange offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied
CONS:

  • The odor of this product is unpleasant and too strong

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pet odor eliminator stains and smell

Dom Naish is a Phoenix-based writer, vegan, cupcake addict and dog lover. Years in the animal rescue trenches have taught him every aspect of dog ownership from behavioral problems, personality and breed specific trait differences of all dogs.