5 Best Enzyme Cleaners for Pet Stains, Tested by Cleaning Experts
Set-in stains and odors don't stand a chance.
Expert consulted: Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
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Pet stains and odors can linger long after the mess is cleaned, especially on carpets and upholstery. That's why enzyme cleaners are a go-to solution—they break down the proteins that cause stains and smells instead of simply covering them up. In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, we test carpet and upholstery cleaners on a variety of stains, and we also ask consumer testers and pet-owning staffers to use them on real pet accidents at home.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Bissell Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula
- Best value: Biokleen Bac-Out Enzyme Cleaner and Stain & Odor Remover
- Best for set-in stains: Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover
Our top pick, Bissell Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula, stood out for its versatility, odor-fighting power, and easy-to-use spray format. These are the best enzyme cleaners our experts recommend for carpets, upholstery, pet beds, and more.
Pros
- Works on carpets, upholstery, and mattresses
- Removes food stains well, too
Cons
- Odor removal can take up to 72 hours
One of the biggest problems with pet stains, including dog and cat urine, is that the stain doesn't just look unsightly—it leaves a lingering smell.
The odor, if left untreated, can draw your four-legged friend back to the same spot again and again. This Bissell formula is, hands-down, our Lab pros' favorite for preventing this problem. Simply use it to remove the stain, then place a moist cloth over the area and let it sit for 12 to 72 hours. The enzymes will keep working to eliminate the scent.
In tests, our Lab pros were impressed by the versatility of this formula. In addition to pet messes, Bissell did a great job removing food stains. It works on other fabrics like upholstery and mattresses, as well as on any surface that can safely be cleaned with water (limited exceptions include silk upholstery and non-washable wall coverings). In fact, our experts recommend it for use wherever pet stains happen. It does need time to work its magic, but the payoff is worth it.
RELATED: Best Carpet Cleaners for Pet Messes
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 22 oz. |
| Scent | Unscented |
Pros
- Biodegradable formula
- Pleasing scent
Cons
- Large jug of liquid is not as convenient as a spray
It's hard to go wrong with Biokleen's liquid carpet stain and odor remover. If you have the storage space and don't mind the hassle of lugging out a big jug, the 128-ounce product offers unbeatable value. For convenience, you may want to invest in a spray bottle for easier application.
We like that Biokleen is fully biodegradable and made right here in the U.S. from plant-based ingredients. Per the brand, it doesn't contain any artificial fragrances, dyes, phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, or brighteners. Still, the live enzyme cultures work on a wide range of messes, including pet accidents, wine spills, urine-soaked cloth diapers, heavily soiled laundry, and even garbage cans and drain disposals.
| Type | Liquid |
| Size | 128 oz. |
| Scent | Lime essense |
Pros
- Pleasing citrus scent
- Works on a wide range of surfaces
Cons
- Tackling set-in stains is a long process
Nature's Miracle is one of the best products we've found for removing pet stains and odors. Like our top overall pick, it effectively tackles both the spot and any lingering odor. You can even use it to work out old set-in stains. You'll just need a little more product and patience, since this process requires covering the soiled area with a damp cloth for 12 hours before giving it any further attention.
The convenient spray can be used on carpets, mattresses, upholstery, and even hardwood floors. Users love the light citrus scent, noting that it helps mask odors as the product works to truly eradicate them. Pets and children should stay away from the area while it dries.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 24 oz. |
| Scent | Citrus |
Pros
- Carries the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval
- Works on hard and soft surfaces
Cons
- Almost double the price of other enzyme sprays
This oxygenated enzyme-based formula works hard to eliminate organic stains, including urine, vomit, and feces, as well as their associated odors. Still, it's gentle enough to use in homes with kids and pets. It even has the coveted Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval, which means the organization deemed the cleaner non-damaging to carpets.
When we tested it in the Cleaning Lab, it did a very good job zapping our test stains, completely erasing spaghetti sauce, chocolate syrup, and coffee, and almost totally removing mustard, too. Shoppers back this up, noting how effective the spray is, even for set-in stains, and one of our consumer testers said, “It completely removed a very bad dog accident stain from an oriental rug.”
Instead of waiting overnight, you’ll begin to see results in thirty minutes to one hour. The tradeoff, though, is that Rocco & Roxie’s formula is almost double the price of other sprays.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 32 oz. |
| Scent | Not listed |
Pros
- Three different spray settings
- Works quickly
Cons
- Some users say it has a strong chemical scent
Simple Solution makes a wide range of pet products, but its Extreme Pet Stain and Odor Remover is a standout. We especially like the three-in-one nozzle sprayer, which offers foam, mist, and stream settings to apply exactly what you need to the stain. Use the mist or stream settings for carpets and upholstery, and the foam setting for hard surfaces, such as those in the bathroom or a pet crate.
No matter which setting you use, and what area you're cleaning, the formula works to break down, neutralize, and eliminate the look and smell of tough messes like cat urine or dog feces. According to the brand, it takes about 5 minutes to start working and will continue until the spot is fully dry. Some users say the product's smell is rather chemical and wish it had more of the citrus scent found in many other enzyme cleaners.
RELATED: Best Upholstery Cleaners
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 32 oz. |
| Scent | Not listed |
How we test enzyme cleaners
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, experts evaluate enzyme cleaners by reviewing their ingredients, label instructions, safety warnings, and product claims. Because the effectiveness of enzyme cleaners depends on real-world use, we also enlist consumer testers with pets and young children to try the products at home on common pet stains and share feedback on their performance, ease of use, and overall satisfaction.
What to look for when shopping for the best enzyme cleaners
Of course, if you're shopping for an enzyme cleaner, you want to make sure the formula contains protease enzymes that will help eradicate both the stain and the smell. It's also helpful to pay attention to the following:
✔️ Safety for carpet fibers: If you intend to use the enzyme cleaner on carpets, make sure the formula is safe to use on dyed fibers and the type of fibers your carpets are made from. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer of your home's carpet to ask whether the dyes are colorfast, or test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet before treating the stain.
✔️ Safety for use around pets: Arguably most important for those with dogs and cats, make sure the enzyme cleaner you're using is safe to use around pets. Household cleaners that contain bleach and some essential oils used for fragrance can be harmful to pets. Most cleaners specifically formulated for pet messes are also safe to use around pets. Still, our experts say you should always let recently cleaned surfaces dry completely before allowing pets back in the area—regardless of how safe a brand says its product is.
What cleaners are enzyme cleaners?
If a cleaner contains enzymes, the label will typically indicate this information. If you're not sure, look for the enzyme protease in the ingredients list. This enzyme can break down stubborn, stinky protein stains like egg, milk, blood, urine, and other bodily fluids.
How do you make homemade enzyme cleaner?
If you're trying to tackle stains and odors from pet messes like cat pee or dog urine, the best cleaning products are those that list enzymes as an ingredient. Enzymes in cleaning products are specially formulated to chemically break down stains, eradicating hard and soft surfaces of both the stain itself and any odors associated with it.
Unfortunately, no DIY carpet cleaner can do exactly that, but in a pinch, you can get rid of pet odors with a bit of baking soda. First, clean the stain with your usual carpet cleaner, then let the area dry. Then, liberally sprinkle baking soda over the spot and let it sit for up to 30 minutes. Vacuum up the loose baking soda and fluff the carpet fibers with your fingers. Repeat as necessary.
Is Dawn dish soap or vinegar an enzyme cleaner?
Neither Dawn dish soap nor vinegar contains enzymes, so while they may be powerful household cleaners in their own right, they're not considered enzyme cleaners.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brigitt Earley is a writer, editor, and content creator with over 15 years of experience in the home and cleaning spaces. She put together this list of the best enzyme cleaners using data from past testing conducted by Cleaning Lab analysts, plus thoroughly researched the market to pinpoint other top-selling cleaners with overwhelmingly positive reviews from real users.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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