The Best Spray for Tackling Pet Stains and Odors Is Not an Enzyme Cleaner
This got really smelly. We painted real dog urine and pungent onion juice on fabric to test nine cleaners. Our winner is fast-acting and budget-friendly.
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When I visit a cat or dog owner’s home, the first thing I notice isn’t the pet—it’s the smell. Having lived with both, I instantly recognize the aroma of wet fur and, more stubbornly, that unmistakable tang of pet urine. The latter is notoriously hard to remove, but the good news is it’s not impossible.
For years, enzyme cleaners have been the go-to solution for banishing pet smells and stains from upholstery, carpets, and other surfaces. They break down stains and odors at the molecular level, so lifting them is significantly easier to do than with traditional cleaners, such as vinegar, baking soda, or ammonia-based products. But despite their reputation, enzyme cleaners don’t always come out on top.
