The Best Pet Odor Eliminators
We all love our pets. After all, they bring us immeasurable joy, but they also bring a lot of messes. Whether you're raising a cat, dog, or other creature, chances are you're going to have to deal with some pet odor issues. These odors can spread, leaving your home smelling like a dirty kennel. Luckily, there is a simple solution. To eliminate foul odors and lingering smells, we've compiled a list of the best pet odor eliminators on the market today.
What to Look For
For house training, you’re going to want a good odor eliminator that actively destroys odor-causing stains instead of just covering them up. Dogs will go on spots where they’ve already gone, so if you clean up their messes immediately and thoroughly, you have a better chance of successfully house-training them. Arm & Hammer, Rocco & Roxie, ad Nature’s Miracle sell some of the most effective odor removers on the market. To simply make your space smell better, Febreeze’s small pet odor air freshener works wonders. For the best of both worlds, Angry Orange sells a highly effective cleaner that also smells nice. Do yourself a favor, and stock up on some good pet odor eliminators. Even with the best-trained pets, you’ll probably need them at some point.
Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator
For the most powerful, effective stain and odor-removing formula, look to Rocco & Roxie’s Stain & Odor Eliminator. This incredibly fast-acting odor eliminator is enzyme-activated, meaning that it contains natural enzymatic bacteria that activate on contact with odors and stains, feeding on crystals and organic matter until they’re eliminated. Talk about an amazing way to get rid of the messes our beloved pets sometimes make.
Pros:
- We found that you can use this to pre-treat clothes before washing them in a machine or by hand.
- This cleaner works well for dog and cat messes. The natural enzymes eat away at odor-causing stains.
- You can use this on most surfaces, from hardwood and tile to carpet and upholstery.
Cons:
- We wish this came with multiple bottles in one set.
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator
Wonderfully fresh-smelling, Angry Orange’s Pet Odor Eliminator gets rid of the toughest pet odors, leaving behind the scent of fresh-squeezed oranges in its wake. Unlike many other pet odor eliminators, this product is safely and naturally derived from the oil found in orange peels. It can be used in litter boxes, in your pup’s kennel, or anywhere else where icky scents and stains tend to linger.
Pros:
- No animal testing was done with this product. And since it’s made with natural ingredients, it’s safe to use around the house.
- Because this is a concentrated formula, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Four tablespoons yield a whole gallon of Angry Orange cleaning solution.
Cons:
- We think that it’s a bit on the pricey side.
Arm & Hammer Odor Eliminator Pet Fresh Carpet Odor Eliminator
Eliminates dirt and smells
This odor eliminator from Arm & Hammer is simply an excellent deal. This odor-killing product is offered in a bundle of three at an excellent price, so you can use it generously without worrying about your budget. It’s great to use on all pet accidents, dirt, and debris, and it leaves behind a pleasant fragrance that isn’t overwhelming. If you want to get rid of odors at the source, this product is a solid pick.
Pros:
- With an excellent amount of product at your disposal, this odor eliminator works well for large spaces.
- If you’re buying a new house or apartment with stained floors, this will help freshen up those rooms.
Cons:
- The packaging for this product could stand to be improved, in our opinion.
Nature’s Miracle Odor Destroyer
Nature’s Miracle’s Odor Destroyer boasts an advanced triple-action formula that eliminates multiple kinds of odors, from tough airborne smells to odors embedded in hard surfaces. This mighty effective spray doesn’t just mask odors as some other pet odor eliminators do; it actually breaks them down so that they’re gone for good. And crucially, the fresh, clean scent is easy to love.
Pros:
- The advanced triple-action formula breaks down all types of odor at a chemical level. It doesn’t just mask over smells and works well on non-pet smells, too.
- The Odor Destroyer works wonders on laundry, working great as a pre-treatment before washing.
Cons:
- While it removes odors, it doesn’t remove stains.
Febreze Small Spaces Pet Air Freshener
Fits anywhere
With Febreze’s Small Spaces air fresheners, removing pesky odors from even the tightest nooks and crannies in your home is a total breeze. This fresh-smelling product is long-lasting, and it’s easy to use since you don’t have to refill it. All you have to do to activate it is press and set it, and then you can look forward to lovely-scented bathrooms, closets, and bedrooms for at least 45 days.
Pros:
- This handy little air freshener can be deployed anywhere without the need for an electrical socket.
- We think the smell is sweet and fragrant without being overly powerful or cloying.
Cons:
- This model doesn’t work as well in large spaces — of course, you could just use more of them for larger rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do pet odor eliminators work?
Most are enzymatic-based cleaners that work by breaking down pet odors using natural enzymes. By doing so, they safely and effectively neutralize the smell so that your pet isn’t tempted to use the same spot again.
What should I consider when trying to choose the right pet odor eliminator?
Pet odor eliminators come in various forms, from sprays to atomizers to plug-ins. Some are non-toxic and contain only plant-based ingredients; these are more eco-friendly than products with harsh chemicals. On that note, be sure that your odor eliminator has the EPA’s “Safer Choice” label to ensure that you’re getting a safe product for your pet. In addition, some odor eliminators have stain-removing properties, so if this is a consideration, look on the label to see what the formula’s active ingredients are.
Can you use a pet odor eliminator on any surface?
Not necessarily. Be sure to check the product’s instructions carefully to see how effective it is at removing odors from various surfaces.
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