The 6 best pet stain removers, according to experts
Tackle stinky cleanup jobs with these hardworking formulas that zap stains and odors from carpet, hardwood floors and almost everywhere else.
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Pets: They're good for the heart and soul ... but not always for the preservation of your home. Beyond the occasional accident, cats and dogs excrete oils and dander — not to mention all of the dirt, grass and other nasties they track in from the outdoors. Believe us when we say, we know what it's like to watch a muddy pal jump on the sofa, vomit on a new rug or — gasp! — pee on beautiful hardwood floors.
To the rescue? The best pet stain removers feature grime-busting formulas that come recommended by professional cleaners, natural lifestyle experts and veterinarians. Our experts say these cleaning products will not only get to the root of common pet stains but also restore and refresh floors, upholstery and furniture. While you're on a stain-busting kick, check out these expert-approved carpet stain removers
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In this story
The best pet stain removers for 2026
Form:Spray | Animal:Cats and dogs | Recommended surface:Carpet, tile, wood, leather, fabric and more
Talk about a win-win: This naturally derived spray neutralizes odors and eliminates stains. Plus, it works on nearly every substance you and your furry companion can imagine.
"Skout's Honor uses something called BioKore and molecular deodorizer technology to destroy everything from severe urine stains to pet stains," explains Danny Seo, editor in chief of Naturally, Danny Seo magazine and chief lifestyle contributor to The Drew Barrymore Show . "But it's also great for severe messes that are not made by pets — think spilling a whole glass of red wine! It's ideal for a whole range of stains."
Seo also likes that this spray is safe for most surfaces throughout the house, including, he says, tile, rugs, laminate and even clothing and bedding.
- Safe to use on most surfaces
- Cleans messes while zapping odors
- Versatile — can even tackle red wine stains!
- Mixed reviews on scent
Form:Spray | Animal:Cats and dogs | Recommended surface:Carpet, tile, wood, leather, fabric and more
For a reliable stain remover with an added fragrance boost, Dr. Teresa Manucy, a veterinarian who works with Chewy , looks to this scented option from Emmy's Best Pet Products.
"Its triple-action formula erases stains and neutralizes odors made by pets with active enzymes that eat away bacteria and any pheromones left behind, which can cause re-soiling," Manucy explains.
She adds that the spray is "safe for carpet, tile, wood, leather, fabric, plastic and metal surfaces and leaves a fresh lavender scent."
- Formula contains active enzymes
- Can be used on most floor surfaces
- Leaves behind a pleasant scent
- Pricey
Form:Spray | Animal:Dogs | Recommended surface:Carpet, wood, vinyl, laminate, polished ceramic, fabric and more
When it comes to urine stains, Manucy stresses the importance of products with enzymes, like those in this "destroyer" from Nature's Miracle, which help break down urine rather than just mask it.
"It's formulated with powerful enzymes that attack urine-based messes on contact, leaving behind essential oil-based freshness," she says of the formula. To use it, she recommends soaking the affected area with the solution, letting it sit for 15 minutes, and blotting with a clean cloth.
The brand also makes a version of this product for cat messes , which Manucy says is "tough on strong pet urine and the yellow, sticky residue that comes with it. When used as directed, it's safe to use on carpets, hard floors, furniture, fabrics and more."
- Affordable
- Formula contains enzymes
- Available for cat messes too
- Some Amazon shoppers don't love the scent it leaves behind
Form:Spray | Animal:Dogs and cats | Recommended surface:Hard floors
Those with hardwood floors typically have to be more diligent in choosing products that are tough on stains while remaining gentle on natural materials.
"This hard floor stain and odor remover is formulated to help eliminate stains such as urine, feces or vomit," explains Manucy. "It's designed to be used on sealed hardwood floors, stone floors, linoleum, brick and most other hard surfaces throughout your home."
According to Simple Solution, the enzymatic formula is safe to use on carpeted and fabric surfaces. As Manucy points out, the bottle also "comes equipped with a multifunctional three-in-one nozzle sprayer with foam, mist and stream settings" for getting the application just right.
- Affordable
- Enzymatic formula is tough on stains but gentle on hardwood
- Nozzle has foam, mist and stream settings
- Mixed reviews on tackling darker, older stains
Form:Spray | Animal:N/A | Recommended surface:Carpets and other fibers
With carpets, you need a product that can get beyond the surface, breaking down and lifting substances from fibers for a deeper clean.
"This spray leaves carpets and upholstery softer and brighter and removes grease, oil and dirt," says Claudia Meneses, CEO and founder of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning , a cleaning company that uses products that are safe for both people and pets.
Her team especially likes this spray for removing buildup from greasy, oily and other stains that have been left for a longer period of time. "It works great because its strong formula and ingredients penetrate deep into fibers."
- Brightens and removes built-up dirt
- Strong formula can combat stains that have been left longer
- Pricey
Form:Spray | Animal:Dogs | Recommended surface:Carpet, upholstery, bedding, clothing and more
Manucy likes Simple Solution's "extreme" version for particularly challenging days (say, like when your dog gets sick all over your new duvet).
"This powerful pet stain and odor remover is formulated to help break down, neutralize and permanently eliminate stains such as urine, feces or vomit," she explains, adding that the formula is "designed to be used on carpets, upholstery, bedding, fabric toys, clothing and other water-safe surfaces."
Like with the other Simple Solution formula mentioned in this list, this bottle has a three-in-one nozzle sprayer with foam, mist and stream settings for customizing your spritz. (See here for a version that's designed for both cat and dog messes. )
- Great value
- Versatile formula can be used on most surfaces
- Available for both dogs and cats
- Some Amazon shoppers experienced a leaky nozzle
Factors to consider when choosing a pet stain remover
Purpose/surface:Take note of the description to gauge a cleaning product's capabilities and make sure it's safe for the intended countertop or floor type (for example, some of the best pet stain removers are designed specifically for hardwood; others carpet).
Solution:Try to prioritize natural and gentler cleaning ingredients where possible, particularly when it comes to everyday use and when cleaning indoors. Always make sure to follow cleaning product instructions carefully and take proper precautions to protect yourself and your pet(s)!
Application:Pet stain removers typically come in one of three forms: a bottled liquid, a spray or a powder. Bottled liquids are good for potent formulas and targeted applications (where you only need a dab of product or want to be really careful where you put it, such as in a small area or a machine), whereas sprays are ideal for larger surface areas. Powders can help absorb liquids (such as pet urine), or can be used with water or a cleaning solution to scrub stickier or tougher stains from hard floors.
How we chose these pet stain removers
We researched top-selling pet stain removers, sorting through hundreds of customer reviews, and asked professional cleaners, veterinarians and natural lifestyle experts for recommendations based on their experiences. Among this list are also some formulas we've tested personally as longtime home editors who evaluate products for a living.
Pet stain remover FAQs
Can old pet stains be removed?
As with most stains, it helps to tackle potential pet stains as soon as possible to avoid having them settle in. But there is hope for old pet stains: Look for pet stain removers that are designed for more heavy-duty jobs, and consider incorporating a machine cleaner or steamer for carpets and upholsteries. A little dab of bleach can also go a long way for white, bleach-safe surfaces that show signs of discoloration.
Can you remove pet stains from hardwood floors?
Hardwood floors tend to be more susceptible to stains and resistant to solutions. Make sure that whatever solution you purchase is designed specifically for hardwood floors, such as the Simple Solution Hard Floor Stain & Odor Remover recommended above and that you follow directions carefully to avoid further staining or damage.
What breaks down dog urine in carpet?
Enzymatic cleaners break down fecal matter and urine, so bacteria can't regrow in your carpet, says Manucy. Ideally, you want a product that not only cleans the urine, but neutralizes any lingering odors instead of just covering them. Consider a light sprinkle of deodorizing powder (or simply baking soda) to refresh carpets or a pet-safe room spray (we like this one from Poo-Pourri ) to help clear the air.
Meet our experts
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Dr. Teresa Manucy, veterinarian, telehealth at Chewy
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Claudia Meneses, CEO and founder of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning
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Danny Seo, editor-in-chief of Naturally, Danny Seo magazine and chief lifestyle contributor to The Drew Barrymore Show
Update, March 12, 2026: We checked prices and availability for all products. Our No. 1 pick for the best pet stain remover remains unchanged.
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