What is the Best Enzyme Cleaner for Dog Urine? 7 Options Here!

Does your doggo keep on having accidents at home? They may be still tracing back remnants of urine from past accidents. What you need here is an enzyme cleaner. So what is the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine? Read on as we guide you through this product, how it works, and the best picks in the market. 

CLEANERBRANDEXPERT
RATING
CHECK PRICE
Roxie & Rocco
Enzymatic Cleaner and
Stain Remover
Check Price
BUBBA’S Super
Strength Enzymatic
Cleaner
Check Price
Urine Gone! Stain
Cleaner with Enzyme
Action
Check Price
Flo-Kem Enzyme
Odor Control
Check Price
Simple Solution
Extreme Pet Stain
Remover
Check Price
TriNova Natural Pet
Stain & Odor Remover
Check Price
Nilodor Urine Digester
& Odor Neutralizer
Check Price

“But I have cleaned it already with soap!” Even if you have rinsed your dog’s urine, it will leave proteins and enzymes that your dog can still smell.


What is an enzyme cleaner?

An enzyme cleaner uses activated enzymes to break down the protein from a dog’s urine and poo. The activated enzymes will digest the said proteins to remove the stains and neutralize the smell.

Usually, enzyme cleaners are used in industrial settings. But as the pet industry advances, this magic cleaner is now available in many pet and home supply stores.

The good thing about enzyme cleaners is its natural composition. You can also choose one with the scent that suits your preference.

Aside from cleaning pet stains, enzyme cleaners are also useful for various household applications. Some are formulated to suit as a laundry pre-treatment, septic tank treatment, and so on.


The biology behind enzyme cleaners

So why is there such a buzz about enzyme cleaners in the pet world? As you know, dogs and other domesticated animals are habitual beings. They will pee and poo at the same spot when they associate it with the act of elimination.

This is the reason why dogs tend to eliminate in the same spot in your yard. So how do they remember the exact spot? Do they have an internal GPS or something? Nope, but they got something much powerful: their sense of smell.

Even if the accident spot in your home has been cleaned, your dog can still track it down and create another accident in it. The thing is that the spot seems to be clean, but it still has proteins that your dog’s powerful sniffers can trace down.


So how do enzyme cleaners save the day here? Here’s how it goes:

Each bottle of enzyme cleaner is packed with good and non-pathogenic bacteria. These organisms digest soil, wastes, stains, and other edible particles that get in their way. Take note that these organisms are alive and activated inside the bottle so you should avoid exposing the cleaner to heat and intense light. Also, remember that enzymes have a short lifespan and each bottle must be used based on the indicated expiration date.

The science behind…

Once you apply the enzyme cleaner on the accident spot, it will start to digest the remnants of your dog’s urine. The proteins and other traces of the urine will be converted into water and carbon dioxide.

Moreover, the enzymes will continue reproducing and eating until the edible substances are gone. From there, the enzyme population will start to dwindle until nothing is left.

With this process, you need to give the cleaner some time to do its job. Below, we discussed a quick guide on how to use this cleaner to ensure efficacy.


Are enzyme cleaners safe for my dog?

Since enzymes are biological compounds, it’s safe for your dog. Still, avoid direct ingestion to prevent any possible irritation. Also, the ingestion of the enzyme cleaner will make the cleaning less efficient.

The good thing about enzyme cleaners is it’s also safe for your family and kids. However, if someone at home has a bad case of allergies and sensitivities, you should keep them away from the treated area. 


Types of enzyme cleaners

There are four types of enzyme cleaners that vary in their way of dealing with molecules. Here’s a quick look at each one:

*Lipase enzyme cleaner

This cleaner works by breaking down fats like in grease stains and oil.

*Protease enzyme cleaner

Next, the protease cleaner breaks down any protein-based traces. This is the type suitable for pet stains due to urine and stool. Also, you can use this on blood and wine stains.

*Amylase enzyme cleaner

Moreover, the amylase cleaner digests starches. This includes stains with sugar, eggs, and some types of sauce.

*Cellulase enzyme cleaner

Lastly, the cellulose cleaner works with materials that have cellulose. However, this isn’t commonly found on commercial cleaners.

So what is the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine? Technically, you’d want to look for protease enzyme cleaners. Still, most products nowadays will have a combination of these three organisms for all-around use.


Uses of enzyme cleaners

So where are enzyme cleaners used? Here are some of the common applications of this bio cleaner:

*Cleaning pet poo and pee stains

The leading purpose of enzyme cleaners is removing stains from pet urine and stool. After disposing of the stool and wiping off the urine, you’ll apply an enzyme cleaner.

*Fixing clogged drains

For those who don’t want using abrasive chemicals to fix a clogged drain, enzyme cleaners come handy. However, you should remember that enzyme cleaners are slow-acting and will need some time to take effect for this application.

*Laundry agent

Also, some households use enzyme cleaners to remove stains on their clothes. It can be mixed on the laundry as well to boost the cleaning power of the detergent.

However, before using it on your clothes, check the toxicity level on the label first.

*Surface cleaner

Enzyme cleaners are handy in cleaning spills and surface stains so insects won’t go feasting on it. It keeps countertops squeaky clean without the abrasive smell.


How to use enzyme cleaners for dog urine

If you’re planning to purchase this cleaner, you have to know how to use it properly. This is to guarantee that the enzymes will clean your dog’s urine stains properly. Here are the simple steps you should follow:

Step 1: Dry the urine as much as you can

If your dog peed on its bed and other upholstered areas, use paper towels to absorb as much urine as possible out of the material. Do this quickly to prevent the urine from seeping further to the furniture or surface.

If you’re dealing with loose stool, make sure that you remove the stool first. Wipe everything and make sure that there’s no trace left. It’s best to use water only to prevent killing the enzymes later on.

Step 2. Apply the enzyme cleaner

After that, apply the cleaner to the surface. Apply lavishly if the urine has seeped through a deeper level of the material. After that, wait for at least 15 minutes or until the cleaner has been fully absorbed into the affected area.

However, if you’re dealing with old, dried stains, you should wet it first with water before applying the enzyme cleaner. After that, cover the treated area with an absorbent towel and let the enzymes work overnight.

Step 3. Blot the area

Next, blot the area of any excess product and let it dry.  Don’t rinse the treated surface, unless you’re sure that the enzymes have done its job. For fabric surfaces, blotting the excess cleaner with a towel should be enough.

Step 4. Re-apply as needed

If there are still stains and odors on the area where your dog urinated, you can re-apply the cleaner for one or two more times. 


Safety tips when using enzymatic cleaners

As much as enzymatic cleaners are safe for your family and pet, you should still observe some caution to prevent any untoward situations.

*Keep kids and pets away on the treated area

If you are to use this cleaner, keep your children and doggo away. This is to prevent any contact with the cleaner (though it’s not really harmful) and to allow the cleaner to do its job.

*Keep the cleaner out of kids’ reach

Kids are inquisitive beings and they always want to explore things, especially a spray bottle. So once you’re done using the cleaner, store it in a locked cabinet. However, make sure that the cleaner isn’t exposed to extreme temperatures.

*Don’t spray it on living things

Yes, it’s true that the enzymes in this cleaner aren’t harmful, but we’ll never know how the other ingredients will react to human skin. Also, don’t apply this to your dog. It’s not a shampoo or cleaning agents made for pet coats.

*Don’t use hot water with the cleaner

This is about the safety of the bacteria on the cleaner. Using hot water to wet a dried stain can kill the activated enzymes in the cleaner. So as much as possible, you should use tap water and store your cleaner in a cool place.


Considerations when buying enzyme cleaners

What is the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine? For you to find out, you must consider these aspects:

*Level of concentration

The first thing you have to check is how concentrated the cleaner is. Some enzymatic cleaners have to be diluted in a gallon of water while most are pre-diluted and ready to use.

Take note that this is very important for your household’s safety. Also, using a concentrate without diluting is a great waste of money.

Aside from that, a very high concentration will have a bleaching effect on carpets and upholstery. Also, it will cause skin irritations.

*Types of enzymes used

So what is the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine? When shopping for an enzymatic cleaner, opt for a multi-enzyme formula. It’s a combination of lipase, amylase, and protease.

By choosing a multi-enzyme product, you’re getting an all-round cleaner.

*Odor

Next, always check the odor of the cleaner. Avoid strong odors as it will be detrimental to your pet’s health. Although you’d want a fresh scent to your home, opt for the mildest possible odor.

Besides, the addition of the scent means there’s an unnecessary substance to your cleaner. So to be sure, stick to scent-free types.

*Drying time

When it comes to enzyme cleaners, look for one that doesn’t dry fast. This way, the organisms can keep working to ensure that nothing remains of the stains. Usually, an efficient cleaner will have to dry for at least 12 hours.

Take note that cleaners that dry fast and manufacturers that use the ‘quick-drying’ tagline to sell their products aren’t as effective as slow-drying ones. If you use this, you’d have to re-apply several times.

*Container

Next, you should also check the container of the cleaner. Is it a spray bottle that’s easy to use or a gallon that you have to transfer to another bottle?

Although gallons are large and a bit inconvenient, it usually runs cheaper than spray bottle types on the same brand. It also gives you a large supply handy, which is useful for multi-canine households.

Besides, if you have an all-around enzymatic cleaner, you’d probably need more than just a small spray bottle. Nevertheless, if you only need to use the cleaner once in a while, a 24 or 32-ounce bottle would suffice.

*Value for money

Lastly, always consider if the cleaner is for the money. Avoid very cheap cleaners as it may have less concentration of the enzymes needed to clean the urine stains.

On the other hand, you don’t need to splurge too much on a very expensive bottle. Just the right balance of value and price should do the trick.

What is the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine? Top 7 Picks!

OUR #1 CHOICE

OUR TOP PICK: Roxie & Rocco Enzymatic Cleaner and Stain Remover
what is the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine - enzymatic cleaner

Product Name: Roxie & Rocco Enzymatic Cleaner and Stain Remover

Product Description: If there’s an enzymatic cleaner that every dog owner should have, it’s the Roxie & Rocco Enzymatic Cleaner and Stain Remover. This bears the Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI). Aside from that, this cleaner has activated enzyme that will digest stains and proteins deep-down. It will also help neutralize odors until your pet’s urine stain is totally gone. We really like that it’s made specifically for pets as it’s safe to use on kennels, carriers, clothing, litterbox, and other areas where your dog stays. Aside from stains on your couch or carpet, you can also use this cleaner on tiles and concrete to clean all the traces of your dog’s accident. It’s also laminate and hardwood floor-friendly for your peace of mind. Still, make sure to test in a hidden spot.

Offer price: 49

Currency: USD

Availability: InStock

  • Cleaning Power
  • Formula Quality
  • Scent
  • All-Around Use
  • Value for Money
Overall
4.8

Summary

And for those who are looking for an all-around enzymatic cleaner, Rocco & Roxie is truly for the money. You can even use it for laundry to remove gross stains and odor. Just test for colorfastness first before mixing it with the entire laundry.

If you’re not happy with this cleaner or if it didn’t work as promised, you’ll get your money back. That’s a risk-free guarantee that you can’t find on other enzymatic cleaners. Also, this product has been tried and tested by thousands of households already.

Also, this cleaner is available in 32-ounce and 1-gallon bottles for your convenience.

Pros

✔️100% money-back guarantee

✔️All-around enzymatic cleaner

✔️Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute

Cons

❌The odor is a bit strong (but will wear off over time)


RUNNERS-UP

BUBBA’S Super Strength Enzymatic Cleaner

what is the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine - enzymatic cleaner

Next, if you’re looking for a one-gallon supply of a potent cleaner, don’t hesitate to try the BUBBA’S Super Strength Enzymatic Cleaner. It has natural bio-enzymes that can terminate pet urine stains and odor on almost any surface. Also, this BUBBA cleaner is tough on stains, yet gentle on kids and pets.

This has a dormant bacteria formula that permanently removes the smell and traces of your dog’s elimination. That way, you can prevent further accidents in the house. And if it doesn’t work as advertised, you’ll get your money back 100%, no questions asked.

Carpet & Rug Institute approved!

BUBBA’s Enzymatic Cleaner is so effective that it also has the Carpet & Rug Institute approval certification. It removes odors and stains without damaging your carpet or floor.

Aside from that, you can use this cleaner anywhere in your house. If your doggo happened to pee on the kitchen floor, living room, bathroom, bedroom, and so on, this cleaner is your handy solution. You can also use this cleaner as a pre-treatment for grass stains on clothes.

What we really love about BUBBA’S Enzymatic cleaner is it stays 100% potent even for a long time. It doesn’t lose its efficiency even if it’s left in storage for a long period.

Lastly, BUBBA doesn’t test its products on animals, which is an added brownie point for most pet owners.

PROS
✔️100% money-back guarantee
✔️Carpet & Rug Institute approval
✔️Stays potent for long
CONS
❌The scent is a little overpowering for some
.


Urine Gone! Stain Cleaner with Enzyme Action

what is the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine

If you’re looking for an enzymatic cleaner on a budget, the Urine Gone! Stain Cleaner with Enzyme Action is the best bet. This 24-ounce bottle is so affordable but still has a powerful enzymatic formula to digest stains and odor away.

You can use this on pet urine stains on carpet, hard floors, padding, and other surfaces. It’s also safe to use on couches and beds as well as your dog’s crate.

Also, this removes the odor and traces of urine to prevent your pet from remarking the spot. This quick-acting formula neutralizes odor and works instantly.

Affordable yet efficient!

Even if it’s cheap, the Urine Gone! works amazing and can compete on other products on this roundup. Aside from removing nasty pet stains, it also works great as a laundry pre-treatment to get rid of stubborn marks.

If you have a multi-dog household, you can get the four-pack version of Urine Gone! That way, you have a large supply and you don’t have to deal with refilling from a gallon.

Just a note though: make sure that you use this cleaner on a well-ventilated area. It has a rather strong smell that can give you headaches if you don’t aerate it well.

PROS
✔️Very affordable
✔️All-around cleaner
✔️Safe for hardwood floors
CONS
.
❌Overpowering scent
.


Flo-Kem Enzyme Odor Control

what is the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine

If you want an enzymatic cleaner with a fresh scent of piña colada, then you should consider the Flo-Kem Enzyme Odor Control. It has a special enzyme formula that digests stains and eliminates odor from pet urine and stool. You can also use this to deodorize stinky garbage cans inside and outside your home.

This is an all-around formulation that works in all malodors in your home. And although it’s safe to use, you should still wear protective gear on your face to prevent eye irritation. Also, keep this away from your kids and pets.

200 billion+ bacteria…

Overall, this 1-gallon Flo-Kem cleaner gas more than 200 billion bacteria count, guaranteed to remove stains permanently. Also, it has a one-year shelf-life so you’ll have a solution for urine stains all year long.

Take note that it’s already diluted so you only have to transfer some into a spray bottle and you’re good to go. This will make every surface clean and a scan with UV light will show you how effective this is.

Aside from using this on your dogs’ urine stains, the Flo-Kem cleaner is also ideal in cleaning your bathroom, sink, drains, and surfaces where ants tend to crawl.

Lastly, for its price, there’s nothing we can complain about. This is an affordable enzymatic cleaner that works just as promised.

PROS
✔️All-around enzymatic cleaner
✔️All-around cleaner
✔️Very affordable
CONS
.
❌Very strong scent, make sure that you use this in a well-ventilated area


Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain Remover

Another cleaner that many dog owners swear by is the Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain Remover. It has a powerful enzyme formula that removes deep-seated stains and any stubborn remnants of your dog’s elimination.

Aside from that, this is made specifically for pet stains so rest assured that it’s gentle for your doggo. It removes stains, odors, and other nasty traces to prevent remarking of your pooch. You can use this on pet bedding, clothing, carpet, upholstery, and other surfaces where your pooch ‘dropped the bomb’.

Another thing that we like about this Simple Solution cleaner is its patented 3-in-1 nozzle spray. You can adjust it to spray foam, mist, and steam, depending on the consistency that you need.

Very potent cleaner…

Overall, Simple Solution claims this cleaner to be three times more potent than most enzymatic cleaners in the market. Based on the experience of many pet owners, this might give Rocco & Roxie a run for its money.

We also like that this formula has a mild smell and doesn’t have any added perfumes. It works like magic and a must-have for every canine owner.

Anyway, if you’re using this on thick carpets, you really have to apply lavishly to soak it in. Nevertheless, it’s fast-acting and will show results in just 10 minutes.

PROS
✔️Patented 3-in-1 nozzle spray
✔️Mild smell
✔️Made for pet stains
CONS
.
❌You have to apply lavishly to see the best results


TriNova Natural Pet Stain & Odor Remover

For those who want an all-natural solution for urine stains, we recommend the TriNova Natural Pet Stain & Odor Remover. It has a 100% natural formulation with enzymes that will digest the stain and neutralize odor.

And since it’s natural, rest assured that it’s safe to use around pets and kids. Just make sure that it’s fully dried before letting your kids or pets access the treated area. You can use this on cages, beddings, mattresses, clothes, litter boxes, and other areas where your doggo left an accident.

This cleaner is available in 1-gallon and 32-ounce containers. Whatever your choice, this formula is very affordable, even for multi-dog households.

Money-back guarantee!

What we like the most here is that if the formula didn’t work or if you’re not happy with the result, you’ll get your money back. For a low price, this is a rare guarantee.

Just take note that this has a perfumey scent so if you’re a little sensitive with odors, it’s important to consider this part. But for those who enjoy an herbal scent, this enzymatic cleaner will be a great choice. Also, this works like a charm and totally for the money.

PROS
✔️100% natural formulation
✔️Money-back guarantee, no questions asked
✔️Safe to use around kids and pets
CONS
.
❌Strong herbal scent (quite tolerable in our opinion)


Nilodor Urine Digester & Odor Neutralizer

Last but not the least, we recommend the Nilodo Original Urine Digester. This comes in 1-gallon containers that can be purchased in up to 5-pack amounts. It has a bio-enzymatic formula that eats stains and neutralizes the odor of pet urine, garbage, and other malodors in your home.

This cleaner works round-the-clock in eliminating stains. Aside from using it on hard surfaces and carpets, you can also use this as a cleaner for commodes.

Also, we like that the Nilodor Urine Digester is approved by Carpet & Rug Institute, the same organization that certified Rocco & Roxie as well as BUBBA.

Not for laundry…

However, we don’t think you can use this as a pre-treatment for your laundry. Nevertheless, it’s useful as treatments for septic tanks, grease traps, plumbing, and sinks. This will break down solid masses and remove the awful odor. If you are to use this to deodorize a urinal or toilet bowl, use up to 4 ounces for every application.

For pet stains, use enough amount to soak the surface. Let it sit for a few hours to ensure that the enzymes have digested the stains properly.

PROS
✔️Can be used as a septic tank treatment as well
✔️Works round-the-clock
✔️Carpet & Rug Institute approved
CONS
.
❌The overwhelming smell when wet (fades away as it dries)


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is vinegar considered an enzyme cleaner?

A: Vinegar is known as liquid gold among kitchen items. It’s a great cleaner for dog urine and poop since it can break down enzymes and remove traces from the surface. Vinegar is also safe to use and can be purchased in any grocery store.

Q: Can I use bleach instead of enzyme cleaners for dog urine?

A: Remember that bleach is very dangerous for animals. So as much as possible, avoid using this agent in cleaning accidents in the house. It’s best to invest in a trusty bottle of enzyme cleaner, which is safer for your pet and more effective in removing traces of your dog’s elimination.

Q: Does baking soda kill dog urine smell?

A: Like vinegar, baking soda is a natural agent in neutralizing odor. You can use it on fabrics and carpets where your dog accidentally peed. However, you have to keep your pooch away while you’re treating the area to prevent the ingestion of the substance.

Q: How do you get rid of dog urine smell on hardwood floors?

A: If the smell of your dog’s pee sticks to your hardwood floor, an enzyme cleaner will be ideal. It will help neutralize the smell and break down enzymes left that cause the odor. Some use hydrogen peroxide, though we can’t vouch on the safety of this substance, to you, your pet, and your floor.

Q: How do I get dried dog urine out of a mattress?

A: If the fluid went through the foam, you can use an enzyme cleaner to deep-clean the area. You can also use alternatives like vinegar and baking soda. Repeat the applications until you’re satisfied with the cleaning level of your chosen agent.


Final words

So what is the best enzyme cleaner for dog urine? Above, we reviewed seven of the best options in the market. Each one is guaranteed to eliminate odor, stains, and dirt from any surface. If your dog always leaves accidents, you should have one handy all the time.

Aside from that, an enzymatic cleaner has a lot of uses in the household. So instead of using soap and water for cleaning, you can consider these products for better results.

Moreover, the Rocco & Roxie is a long-time favorite of pet owners, thanks to its reliable formula. So if you’re looking for one, consider this and the other options we have here for you. Do you have something to add to our roundup? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section!