The Best Pet Stain Removers We’ve Ever Tested

Any stain is stressful to deal with, but pet stains induce a whole other level of anxiety. In addition to the stain left from the mess, you also have to contend with getting rid of the odor. Luckily, stain removers that are designed specifically for pets do exactly that. The best pet stain removers can successfully remove the sights and smells of fresh and set-in stains without ruining the surfaces or materials you are applying them to. Moreover, many top options are enzymatic cleaners that are capable of breaking down odor-causing proteins in pet waste.

To help you find the best pet stain removers on the market, we tested 16 different pet stain removers and assessed them on ease of use, odor elimination, scent, and effectiveness. We also interviewed Dr. Whitney Miller, the Chief Veterinarian at Petco, Vera Peterson, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, and Zeynep Mehmetoglu, Director of Marketing and Brand Management at Maid Bright, for additional guidance on choosing the best pet stain removers. 

Regardless of what option you select, be sure to spot-test any pet stain remover on a small inconspicuous section before you use it over a large area. “This is important as some removers can cause color changes on carpets, fabric, or even hard flooring surfaces,” says Dr. Miller.