The 5 Best Enzyme Cleaners for Dogs
Training your dog is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a new pet owner. Teaching your pup to do his business outside instead of on the living room carpet can certainly be challenging, but as the smell reminds you, it’s really critical. Perhaps the most effective treatment for when Rover doesn’t quite make it out the door in time is an enzyme spray. These are cleaners that use “good” bacteria to digest waste products, odors, and stains by producing bio-enzymatic compounds that break down the molecules into smaller pieces. The bacteria then eat these smaller pieces, which in turn are converted into water and carbon dioxide. It’s not a new technology, but it’s catching on with dog owners because it eliminates odors instead of masking them like other cleaners. But which ones are the most effective? Are all good bacteria created equal? Well, we did the cleaning for you (you can thank us later) and determined that these are the 5 best enzyme cleaners for dogs.
Rocco & Roxie Stain and Odor Eliminator
Odor Yours Now
Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator has it all: powerful enzymes to eliminate all organic-based odors, stain fighters that are free of harmful chemicals, and a propellant with no hazardous ingredients that still gets deep into carpets and other surfaces. Rocco & Roxie’s bio-enzymatic formula is proven safe and effective for both dogs and the surfaces they soil – in fact, their stain and odor eliminator has been Certified Gentle and Safe by the Carpet and Rug Institute (yeah, we didn’t know there was one, either). Works on carpet, tile, linoleum, hardwood, artificial grass, and more. As Rocco & Roxie puts it, if it’s gross, it’s gone!
Pros:
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Color-safe and chlorine-free
- No-residue formula
Cons:
- Sticky texture before it dries
- Powerful: can leave “clean spots”
Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover
Do You Believe In Miracles?
For over 30 years, Nature’s Miracle has been providing safe and natural products that dog owners have come to trust. One of their flagship products, Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover, has only solidified this reputation. Using a trusted enzymatic formula that breaks down odors and organic stains on contact, Nature’s Miracle can be used safely on any surface, though it’s not recommended on unsealed hardwood or fabrics like leather, silk or suede. Our only advice on this product would be to allow the soiled area to dry completely after you spray it in order for the cleaner’s scent to subside.
Pros:
- Effective on an organic-based odor
- Affordably priced
- Available in 24 and 32-ounce bottles
Cons:
- Does not “spray,” only stream
- Strong scent
Sunny & Honey Pet Stain and Odor Miracle
Sunny & Honey For Not A Lot Of Money
Just to be clear, no dog enzyme cleaner is supposed to have a residual odor: once the enzymes work their magic and are broken down into carbon dioxide and water, you shouldn’t be able to smell the dog mess or the cleaner. However, most dog enzyme cleaners add a certain amount of natural fragrance to their formula to help mask pet odors while the enzymes do their job. Sunny & Honey’s formulation uses just a drop of natural mint fragrance, the oils of which have been shown to dry faster and leave no residual smell. We think it’s the best-smelling dog enzyme cleaner you can find – and it’s equally as effective on stains and odors as other comparably-priced cleaners. Do note, however, that smell is a subjective quality – you may prefer one smell to another.
Pros:
- All products made in the USA
- 10% of profit goes to animal charities
- Also available in one-gallon size
Cons:
- Sometimes requires multiple applications
Bubbas Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner
For Big Dogs With Big ... Well, Yeah
Let’s face it: some things are different when you own a Bullmastiff instead of a Chihuahua. For just such occasions, there’s Bubbas Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner. Using a formula scientifically proven to be more potent than most retail-grade enzyme cleaners, Bubbas dormant bacteria become active only when they make contact with pet odors and stains, ensuring maximum strength. Though certified safe for all carpets, it’s also powerful enough to pour on a stain until it soaks all the way down to the carpet pad. Leave it like that for 24 hours and even the deepest odors are eliminated. With the gallon container, you’ll have enough enzyme cleaner to treat garbage cans, litter boxes and any other surface that may be subject to smelly, organic waste.
Pros:
- Safe enough to use as a laundry pre-treatment
- Available in 32-ounce squirt bottle
- Family owned and operated company
Cons:
- Chemical smell
- No directions printed on label
Simple Solutions Hardwood Pet Stain & Odor Remover
Make Your Life Simple
One of the most difficult parts of cleaning dog odors is knowing if you’ve used too much or too little of your enzyme cleaner on the stain. Simple Solutions’ patented spray bottle nozzle gives dog owners the right tool to get the job done. The nozzle rotates to three different positions: Mist, for surface stains; Foam, for more embedded stains, and Stream, which is best for odor control. Simple Solutions’ dual-action formula was created to eliminate odors on hardwood surfaces while preventing the recurrence – or “marking” – of stains in the same area. This one works great on hard surfaces like Pergo, hardwood, linoleum, tile, concrete and brick, and, importantly, it is safe to use around kids.
Pros:
- Gallon refills available
- Made in the USA
- Best for black urine stains on hardwood
Cons:
- Not for use on carpet and other fabrics
- Only use on sealed wood
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t know how comfortable I am spraying bacteria into my carpet. Are these enzyme cleaners really safe?
Yes, they’re safe. It’s important to remember that the enzymes used in these cleaners are non-living organisms. They cannot reproduce or develop and grow like bacterial microorganisms. Most enzymes are non-toxic, non-gaseous, non-pathogenic and non-flammable: they simply dissolve or digest the fatty acids that bond dirt and odors together. These cleaners are safe for everyday use in the home.
It says on the label to leave the spray on my carpet or furniture for 12 to 24 hours. Is that normal?
Yes, it is. Once you spray an affected area, it’s critical you give it about a day to dry completely. The enzymes in the cleaner are performing millions of chemical reactions to consume odor-causing agents – molecules that may have sunk deep into your carpet pad. So, soak the area and let it dry on its own. With most of the cleaners, the enzymes do all the work, so scrubbing is not required – but patience may be. However, this is not the same with dog enzyme cleaners that fight stains. Read the directions carefully, but typically stains can be wiped away within ten minutes of application.
My dog pees all over the kitchen tile. Can I use a mop and enzyme cleaner to get rid of it?
Yes, but here’s an important tip. When mopping a large area with an enzyme cleaner, try to add the cleaner as directly to the stain as possible. If you add the cleaner to a bucket of water and then use a mop, the enzymes will start cleaning the mop, diluting the effectiveness of the cleaner. Remember, these enzymes start eating the first thing they come in contact with, which is why most dog enzyme cleaners come with instructions to spray the affected area directly.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.