That sour, unmistakable smell of pet urine can linger in your home like an unwelcome guest, right? You scrub and spray, but the odor seems to return, leaving you frustrated and questioning your cleaning routine. It’s a common battle for every pet owner, and the wrong cleaning product can actually make things worse!
Choosing a detergent specifically for pet urine is tricky because not all cleaners tackle the tough uric acid crystals that cause that stubborn smell. Many standard detergents just mask the odor temporarily, leaving the source untouched. This leaves you wasting money on products that simply don’t deliver the deep clean you need to truly reclaim your home.
Fear not! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes an effective pet urine detergent work, highlight the key ingredients to look for, and offer expert tips to ensure you choose the best solution for fresh, clean fabrics. Keep reading to discover how to finally eliminate those stubborn pet stains and odors for good.
Top Detergent For Pet Urine Recommendations
- Concentrated Powder Detergent: ACTIVE Pet Detergent is a Powerful, High Efficiency Compatible Odor Destroyer & Stain Eliminating Detergent. Every Scoop has a Natural Cleaning Power to Handle any Mess, Stain, or Smell left behind by your pet.
- Suitable for all Pet Laundry: Including Pet Bed, Clothing, Leash, Harness, Blankets, Towels, Furniture Covers & More! ACTIVE is an All-in-One Laundry Detergent Compatible With All Fabric Types, Even Use on your own Clothing and Bedding that smells like your pet!
- Bio Based Enzyme Cleaner: ACTIVE Enzyme Laundry Detergent is Formulated to Target Pesky Stains and Odors, Including Pet Urine, Cat & Dog Pee, Vomit, Slobber, Dirt, Grime, Oils and Protein Stains. ACTIVE Enzymes even get rid of Wet Dog Odor, and others stubborn scents
- Natural & Fragrance Free: ACTIVE Pet Detergent is a Natural Laundry Stain Remover, Free of Harsh Chemicals and Gentle for Pets and Sensitive Skin. ACTIVE Actually Removes Odors rather than using scents to cover them up like some alternatives
- Best Value 64 Loads: Compare ACTIVE Dog Laundry Detergent to liquids that take up more space with less uses. Our Value Pack Comes in a Bulk 2 Lb bag so you can Keep Your Pet Laundry Taken Care Of!
- LAUNDRY BIO-ENZYMATIC FORMULA: Helps break down and destroy tough pet stains and odors, such as urine, feces, vomit, blood, grass and drool.
- GENTLE ON FABRICS: Perfect for use on clothing, pet beds and more—not for use on specialty fabrics, including washable silk, khaki, fluorescents, wool, suede and leathers.
- SAFE FOR PETS AND HOME: Formulated without phosphates, parabens, sulfates and bleach, this product is safe for use around pets and home, when used as directed.
- ODORCAPTURE 360 TECHNOLOGY: An odor neutralizing system from Nature’s Miracle, the brand you trust because it works!
- WORKS IN ALL MACHINES INCLUDING HE: Use in addition to your laundry detergent to help loosen and remove tough pet stains and odors.
- FEBREZE IN WASH PET ODOR ELIMINATOR: You will receive (1) 98 Fl Oz bottle of Febreze Maximum Strength In Wash Pet Odor Eliminator laundry detergent additive. Remove tough pet odors from fabrics and clothing in a single wash. Brought to you by Nehemiah Manufacturing.
- MAXIMUM STRENGTH LAUNDRY ODOR ELIMINATOR: This detergent additive removes even the toughest pet odors instead of just masking them. Ideal for removing odors from cat and dog beds, sofa covers, pet carriers, dog collars, pet urine and more!
- FOR BEST RESULTS: Pretreat hard-to-remove odors by placing the item in hot water, add 1 capful of Febreze In Wash Pet Odor Eliminator and soak. Continue with normal wash. For Light Odors use 1 capful. For Heavy, use 1 1/2 capfuls. For Extreme Odors, use up to 2 capfuls
- SAFE TO USE WITH LAUNDRY PRODUCTS: Febreze In Wash Pet Odor Eliminator is safe to use with laundry detergent pods, liquid laundry detergent, fabric softeners, and bleaches. Compatible with regular and high efficiency washing machines.
- SUBSCRIBE & SAVE: Never run out of Febreze In Wash Pet Odor Eliminator Laundry Additive when you add it to your subscriptions. Save with every purchase
- Eliminates pet odors and stains - LaundraPet enzymatic laundry detergent by Alpha Tech Pet is designed to remove animal pet odors and stains from pet poop and urine, and heavy soils from washable garments, leaving them soft and smelling fresh!
- Triple-action enzymatic power - Offering 3x cleaning efficacy, LaundraPet is a pet laundry detergent fortified with enzymatic technology that boosts cleaning power by 15%. It can be used in cold water, saving energy consumption.
- Veterinarian-approved - This pet enzyme cleaner is an effective pet odor eliminator with the purest cleaning ingredients for home, clinics, or kennels. It is a dermatologist-approved, all-natural, family and pet-safe detergent.
- Perfect for high-efficiency washers - Its low-sudsing formula is ideal for high-efficiency machines, making it the choice of groomers, vets, and pet owners. Plus, an economical pet cleaning solution as you can get up to 96 washes (1oz for HE and 2oz for regular washers).
- Trusted animal care solutions - With over 38 years in business, Alpha Tech Pet delivers eco-friendly, USA-made products scientifically formulated for effective and gentle pet care solutions.
- PETTERGENT - THE PET LAUNDRY DETERGENT: Your furbaby's favorite soft toy, dog blanket, pet bed, collars, clothes, and all other laundry items get dirty & smelly over time and need to be washed. PetTergent is the first and & only pet safe laundry detergent made specifically for pet smells, stains, and soils, & their microbiome so there's no need for additives, boosters, stain sticks, or sprays to use on top of your human detergent. Your furbaby has their own laundry, they need PetTergent.
- SPECIFIC TO PET STAINS: Human laundry detergent is formulated for human needs, like coffee, ketchup, & body odor, not formulated for "that dog smell", stains, soils, or pet odors from pet messes like crusty dog toys, cat urine, feces, blood, vomit, & that stubborn 'dog' smell that you just can't seem to get out. Human stains & odors are different than pet stains & odors, so the laundry detergent to handle these should be different too. PetTergent was formulated specifically as a pet detergent for pet laundry needs; cleaning, deodorizing, eliminating stains for fresh & clean laundry, while being safe for their skin & noses.
- PET ENZYME LAUNDRY DETERGENT: We were tired of turning over laundry labels and finding tons of chemicals, so we did something about it. Human laundry detergents often contain toxic ingredients like bleach, ammonia, & formaldehyde that can be passed to your furbaby by playing or snuggling. Instead, PetTergent, the dog laundry detergent, uses naturally-occurring enzyme blends as a pet stain remover, OdorArmor and SebumDestroyer as pet odor removers, and uses pet-safe & biodegradable surfactants to clean pet laundry.
- PET SAFE LAUNDRY DETERGENT: Pet skin is up to 10x thinner than our own skin, and their noses are up to 100,000x better than ours, meaning their needs are physically, biologically, and chemically different. Just because human laundry detergent works for us, doesn't mean it'll work for our pets. PetTergent is formulated not only to be specific to pet messes, but made with pet safe ingredients and vet-approved, pet-safe scents to not irritate pet skin or noses, and is safe to use on all laundry.
- GREENER PET LAUNDRY: You might've checked your own laundry detergent for how 'green' it is, how about your pets? PetTergent is made with 90%+ bio-based and biodegradable ingredients derived from nature, and all ingredients are approved by the EPA Safer Chemicals Ingredients list, and bottled in recyclable packaging. So we can protect our pets and keep their world beautiful. At Pet Parents, we continuously strive to improve pet products, and PetTergent is no different.
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- ALL-IN-ONE TRIPLE ACTION FORMULA. Removes embedded dirt & stains, eliminates odors, and protects against future stains.
- CLEANS WITH THE FRESH SCENT OF FEBREZE.
- SAFE FOR USE ON CARPET, AREA RUGS AND UPHOLSTERY.
- OXY STAIN DESTROYERS. Remove yucky messes like mud, vomit, and urine stains.
- FOR CAT URINE MESSES: Begins to break down and remove stains immediately on contact.
- GREAT FOR REFILLS: The 128-ounce bottle is easy to pour and great for refilling smaller bottles.
- ENZYMATIC FORMULA: Continues working as long as any bio-based mess is still present.
- TRUSTED BRAND: From the maker of Nature’s Miracle products, the pet stain and odor removing brand you trust… because it works!
- SAFE FOR PETS AND HOME: When used and stored as directed, this formula can be used around your pets and in your home.
- New Formula: Customers love our pet stain & odor remover but wanted a laundry odor remover for stubborn pet stains & stink! So, we created the Snuggle Bug Laundry Wash to freshen pet beds, blankets, plush toys, collars, leashes and more!
- Enzyme Cleaner: Simple ingredients, powered by plants cleans and refreshes washable pet accessories. Our pet odor eliminator laundry wash is formulated to tackle even the toughest cat urine or dog urine odors.
- Say Goodbye to Any Pet Stain, Any Pet Stink. Our non-toxic blend of safe probiotics and naturally occurring enzymes erases pee, poop, vomit, blood, scoot stains and body or gland oils from all soft pet goods.
- Easy to Use: Just 1 ounce (about 3 capfuls) of our ready-to-use formula in your regular or HE (high-efficiency) wash cycle will remove stains and smelly pet odors for good. No mixing, just add to wash and start the cycle!
- Safe & Gentle for Pets & the Earth: Our plant-based formula ingredients include purified water, plant derived cleansers from coconut oil, enzyme blend, sodium citrate from citrus fruit, Grapefruit & Thyme fragrance blend.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Conquering Pet Urine Odor
Pet urine is tough. It smells bad, and it stains. Choosing the right cleaner makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the best detergent for pet urine messes.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look for specific features. These features tell you how well the product works.
- Enzymatic Action: This is the most important feature. Enzymes are tiny helpers. They eat the uric acid crystals in urine. These crystals cause the strong, lingering smell. Look for products listing “bio-enzymatic” or “enzyme formula.”
- Odor Neutralization: Good cleaners do not just cover up the smell. They destroy the odor molecules. Check the label for phrases like “eliminates odors completely” instead of just “freshens.”
- Stain Removal Power: Urine often leaves yellow or brown spots. Ensure the detergent actively lifts these stains from carpets, upholstery, or hard floors.
- Safety Profile: Your pets and family use the area. The cleaner must be safe once dry. Look for non-toxic or pet-safe labels.
Important Materials in Pet Urine Detergents
The ingredients matter a lot. They determine if the cleaner works safely and effectively.
The best detergents rely on enzymes. Different enzymes target different parts of the urine. For example, protease breaks down proteins, and amylase handles carbohydrates. A blend of enzymes works best.
Avoid harsh chemicals. Many traditional cleaners use strong bleach or ammonia. Never use ammonia-based cleaners. Urine already contains ammonia. Using more will attract your pet back to the same spot to “go” again.
Natural options sometimes use essential oils for fragrance, but these oils must be used carefully. Some essential oils can harm cats or dogs if they lick the residue.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the detergent affects how much scrubbing you have to do.
Quality Improves When: The product has a high concentration of active enzymes. A higher concentration means faster breakdown of the urine mess. Also, products designed for specific surfaces (like wool vs. tile) usually work better.
Quality Reduces When: The formula relies too much on perfumes. Perfumes only mask the smell for a short time. If the product sits on the shelf too long, the enzymes can become less active, reducing its cleaning power.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the cleaner changes the result. You need different approaches for different messes.
For Fresh Accidents: Act fast! Blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels first. Then, saturate the area with the enzymatic cleaner. Let it sit for the time listed on the bottle—sometimes up to 15 minutes or more—so the enzymes can work.
For Old, Set-In Stains: These are harder. You might need to soak the area longer or apply the cleaner multiple times. For deep carpet stains, you may need to use an extraction machine after applying the detergent.
User Feedback: Good detergents require minimal scrubbing. Users report success when they allow the product enough dwell time to fully break down the odor source.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pet Urine Detergents
Q: Can I use regular laundry detergent on pet urine spots?
A: No. Regular laundry detergent lacks the necessary enzymes. It cleans fabric but does not destroy the uric acid crystals that cause the lasting urine smell.
Q: How long should the enzymatic cleaner stay wet on the stain?
A: This varies by brand. Always check the label. Generally, you need the area to remain damp for 10 to 30 minutes so the enzymes can fully digest the odor source.
Q: Is it safe to use these cleaners around my cat?
A: Most high-quality enzymatic cleaners are non-toxic once dry. However, keep pets away while the product is wet. Wait until the area is completely dry before allowing them access.
Q: What if the smell comes back after cleaning?
A: The smell returns because the uric acid was not completely removed. You likely did not soak the area deep enough, or the product was not strong enough. Re-treat the area, ensuring the cleaner reaches the padding beneath the carpet.
Q: Do these detergents work on hardwood floors?
A: Yes, many work well on sealed hard floors. However, be careful not to let the liquid pool for too long, as prolonged moisture can damage wood finishes.
Q: Should I use hot or cold water when diluting the cleaner?
A: Always use cool or lukewarm water unless the instructions specifically say otherwise. Very hot water can sometimes deactivate or weaken the enzymes.
Q: Are enzyme cleaners safe for washing pet bedding?
A: Yes, they are excellent for bedding. Add the recommended amount directly to the wash cycle along with your regular detergent to break down deeply soaked odors.
Q: How do I know if a cleaner is truly enzymatic?
A: Look for ingredient lists that include words like “lipase,” “protease,” or “amylase.” If the label only mentions “surfactants” or “fragrance,” it is not a true enzyme cleaner.
Q: Can I mix an enzyme cleaner with bleach or vinegar?
A: Never mix chemicals. Mixing enzyme cleaners with bleach or high concentrations of vinegar can destroy the enzymes, making the product useless and potentially creating harmful fumes.
Q: What is the shelf life of a bottle of enzyme cleaner?
A: Unopened, they last a long time, often a year or two. Once opened, try to use them within six to twelve months for the best performance, as the enzymes slowly degrade over time.