We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 8 Best Carpet Cleaner Solutions for Pets of 2026 Safe and effective solutions to fight odors and stains By Anna Mejorada Anna Mejorada Anna Mejorada is an editor for The Spruce Pets and best friends with a Pomeranian named Gidget. She has tested hundreds of products, many with the help of Gidget, whose refined taste and cheerful nature continuously inspire Anna's work. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 09/05/25 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews What to Look For in Carpet Cleaner Solutions for Pets How We Tested FAQ Why Trust The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets To help you erase any evidence of your pet's organic messes—muddy paws, pee, poop, and puke—from carpets and rugs, we purchased 31 popular and bestselling stain and odor removers for testing in our New York Lab and in homes with pets. Before testing, we consulted with Jessica Ek of the American Cleaning Institute, who advised that cleaners used around pets should primarily use ingredients identified on the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Chemical Ingredients List. Each test was conducted twice, once with fresh stains and once with stains that were allowed to set overnight. Our testers took notes about how effectively stains were removed and odors eliminated. After our tests, we declared OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover our overall favorite because it is easy to apply and primarily uses Safer Choice ingredients to lift stains and remove odors. Top Picks Best Overall: OxiClean Carpet Stain Remover at Amazon $12 Jump to Review Best Enzymatic: Kids 'N' Pets Instant All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover at Amazon $7 Jump to Review Best Scented: Angry Orange Ready-to-Use Citrus Pet Odor Eliminator Spray at Amazon $20 Jump to Review Best Carpet Shampoo: Nature's Miracle Carpet Shampoo at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best for Fresh Stains: Woolite INSTAclean Permanent Pet Stain Remover at Bissell.com Jump to Review Best Pre-Treatment: Resolve Ultra Pet Odor and Stain Remover Spray at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best Multipurpose: Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain & Odor Eliminator at Amazon $24 Jump to Review Recommended on Reddit: Biokleen Bac-Out Pet Stain + Odor Remover at Amazon $15 Jump to Review Best Overall OxiClean Carpet Stain Remover Credit: Home Depot $12 at Amazon $7 at Home Depot View on Shop.com What We Like Removed odors and stains in 10 minutes Mild fresh scent Most effective in tests What We Don't Like Set-in stains took two applications OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover was our top-performing carpet cleaner in every category we evaluated, from effectiveness to odor elimination. With an easy-to-adjust spray nozzle to efficiently mist targeted areas, this stain treatment makes it simple to address messes quickly, and its effectiveness is hard to overstate—particularly against fresh stains and accompanying odors from mud, urine, and simulated pet vomit. It was just as effective against set-in stains, though it took two treatments before fully eliminating them. OxiClean has a light, fresh scent that smells clean and a formula that combines sodium percarbonate, sodium carbonate, surfactants, and polymers to remove oils and lift stains. The formula is colorfast, but we recommend testing in a small, discreet part of your rug or carpet to see how the dye reacts. Best of all, the instructions are very easy to follow: Simply spray, blot, and vacuum, and most stains and odors will be eliminated within 10 minutes. Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Enzymatic Cleaner: No | Sizes: 24 ounces | EPA Safer Choice Standard: Yes Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Best Enzymatic Kids 'N' Pets Instant All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover Credit: Amazon $7 $7 at Amazon $14 at Chewy View on Walmart What We Like Uses enzymes to break down stains made from biodegradable matter Cruelty-free, non-toxic Light, fresh scent Very effective on urine odors What We Don't Like Excessive foaming makes it a little messier to wipe up An enzymatic cleaner can effectively break down the complex protein molecules found in bodily fluids into their constituent parts by using the same class of chemicals your body does for breaking down organic components in food. We found that when paired with hands-on agitation, the Kids 'N' Pets spray, which has a light and fresh scent that dissipates, was able to eliminate the stains and smells associated with vomit and urine. And, while enzymatic cleaners are best at breaking down organic messes, we were surprised to find that Kids 'N' Pets All-Purpose was also great at tackling mud stains—though it did require two treatments. Kids 'N' Pets is never tested on animals and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals. In addition to rugs and carpets, it can be used to clean most water-safe surfaces, such as clothing, bedding, and mattresses. The look of the label has been slightly updated since we tested it, but the product formulation is the same. Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Enzymatic Cleaner: Yes | Sizes: 27, 128 ounces | EPA Safer Choice Standard: No Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Best Scented Angry Orange Ready-to-Use Citrus Pet Odor Eliminator Spray Credit: Amazon $20 $18 at Amazon $20 at Chewy View on Walmart What We Like Light citrus scent Paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free Safe to use on most household surfaces Fully removes detectable odors overnight Available as ready-to-use spray and concentrated formula What We Don't Like Required more than one application for set-in stains Instructions call for more scrubbing than with other cleaners Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator Spray is safe to use on a variety of surfaces where you may encounter a stain and odor left behind by your furry friend, including carpet, hardwood floors, tile, upholstery, car interiors, and more. It is made with real oranges, including the peel, and leaves behind a sweet citrus scent that we found appealing. As with most cleaners, fresh stains from urine, vomit, and mud were easier to get out, with set-in stains requiring a second pass. Angry Orange was particularly useful for saturating a stain overnight, with a strong scent that overpowered even wolf urine effectively. Using Angry Orange took a little more elbow grease, since the instructions call for working the cleaner into a lather once it's been sprayed onto a surface, but we did not find it overly foamy. Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Enzymatic Cleaner: No | Sizes: 2, 24, 128 ounces | EPA Safer Choice Standard: No Credit: The Spruce Pets Best Carpet Shampoo Nature's Miracle Carpet Shampoo Credit: Amazon $15 at Amazon View on Chewy View on Petco What We Like Removed set-in stains with one treatment Effective enzymatic cleaning eliminates odors Can be used by itself or with steam carpet cleaner What We Don't Like Smelled bad during initial interaction between chemical and stain 64-ounce bottle is heavy and difficult to pour We found Nature's Miracle Carpet Shampoo to be extremely effective in our testing trial, but the scent of the product while it was foaming up and getting to work smelled worse than the stain. Thankfully, the unpleasant smell was temporary, while its deep cleaning effectiveness fully and permanently eliminated both fresh and set-in stains. The shampoo can be used on its own (like we did for testing) or with a steam carpet cleaner to clean carpets and upholstery. The formula is colorfast, and our test carpet looked as good as new after cleaning, but we always recommend testing in a hidden spot before a full application. Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Enzymatic Cleaner: Yes | Size: 65, 256 ounces | EPA Safer Choice Standard: No Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Best for Fresh Stains Woolite INSTAclean Permanent Pet Stain Remover Credit: Amazon View on Bissell.com View on Walmart View on Lifeandhome.com What We Like Removed fresh stains and odors with one treatment Fresh, mild scent No scrubbing required What We Don't Like Set-in mud stains required more than two treatments Woolite INSTAClean Permanent Pet Stain Remover can eradicate fresh stains and odors in under a minute and comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle to quickly saturate messes on rugs and carpets. During our lab testing, new stains and odors were easy to remove with very little manual agitation, while set-in stains were successfully removed once the product sat for five minutes, per the instructions. An older, impacted stain from mud was the most challenging stain for this product, but we did see noticeable improvement after two treatments. The product has a delectable scent that we felt was more manageable than many of the other cleaners we tested, not too sweet or too powerful. Once the cleaner is dry, the surfaces cleaned are safe for kids and pets, and we did not witness any discoloration. Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Enzymatic Cleaner: No | Size: 32 ounces | EPA Safer Choice Standard: Yes Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Rugs of 2026 Best Pre-Treatment Resolve Ultra Pet Odor and Stain Remover Spray Credit: Amazon $10 $10 at Amazon $15 $10 at Walmart What We Like Straightforward, ready-to-use spray bottle Removes pet stains along with odors Minimal scrubbing required What We Don't Like Produces a lot of suds The ready-to-use 32-ounce spray bottle makes it easy to saturate pet stains on carpets and rugs with Resolve Ultra Pet Odor and Stain Remover, which eliminates stains and any lingering odor to curb a pet's interest in the previously soiled spot. After removing any dirt, debris, or dried-up morsels, we fully coated the stain with the cleaning solution and allowed it to sit for five full minutes. Following treatment, we found that urine and vomit stains came out easily and required minimal scrubbing using a microfiber towel. Stains that have gone unnoticed for several hours, however, may require a second treatment. The product does foam up as it cleans, but the foam can be removed with clean water and a dry microfiber towel. This cleaner also has a strong, but fresh scent that quickly starts to dissipate. Use caution when handling the bottle, as the product will irritate the eyes. Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Enzymatic Cleaner: Yes | Size: 32 ounces | EPA Safer Choice Standard: No Best Multipurpose Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain & Odor Eliminator Credit: Amazon $24 at Amazon View on Chewy View on Walmart What We Like Comes in two pleasant scents Certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute Very effective on lots of surfaces What We Don't Like Some stains require a lot of product to treat Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator is effective on rugs and carpets, but it can also be used on floors, furniture, clothing, pet carriers, or anywhere else your furry friend leaves a mess. It uses enzymes, so it's effective on any bodily fluids (feline or canine). This gentle cleaner also earned a seal of approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute, certifying that it is safe, effective at removing both stains and odors, and preserves the color and quality of your carpeting. While we did not test this carpet cleaner, it's a top seller on Amazon with thousands of four- and five-star ratings, so we think pet parents might want to give it a try. Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Enzymatic Cleaner: Yes | Size: 32 ounces | EPA Safer Choice Standard: No Recommended on Reddit Biokleen Bac-Out Pet Stain + Odor Remover Credit: Amazon $15 at Amazon What We Like Green Seal-certified environmentally friendly Biodegradable and cruelty-free Can be used on carpets, rugs, floors, and furniture Mild lavender-lime scent What We Don't Like May not eliminate all stubborn, set-in pet odors Biokleen Bac-Out Pet Stain + Odor Remover is another highly recommended favorite enzymatic cleaner among Reddit users across different forums, from puppy101 to CleaningTips. Many commenters find that it works just as well as other popular brands like Nature's Miracle and Skout's Honor, but smells much nicer. One user writes, "Our dog has incontinence, and Bio-Kleen’s Bac-Out has been awesome. It has a light lime scent. Nature’s Miracle, Skout’s Honor, etc., have a very strong smell that gives me a headache." What's more, this product can be used on carpets, rugs, floors, and furniture. It relies on a blend of live enzyme cultures, botanicals, and plant-based surfactants to remove urine, feces, vomit, drool, and dirt. The ingredients are biodegradable, and the cruelty-free formula is Green Seal-certified as environmentally safe. While it's very effective at removing fresh stains and neutralizing strong pet odors, some users find that it may not effectively eliminate all stubborn, set-in odors, particularly pet urine and feces. Safe Around Kids & Pets: Yes | Enzymatic Cleaner: Yes | Size: 32 ounces | EPA Safer Choice Standard: No Final Verdict OxiClean Carpet & Area Rug Stain Remover is our top recommendation for removing pet stains and odors from carpets and rugs. Set-in stains may require more than one treatment, but the effectiveness of this cleaning spray is reliable, and the formulation is color-safe. If you are looking for a cleaner with fewer chemicals, our pick for best scent, Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator, is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates and has a natural citrus scent. It effectively removes odors and stains but might require more treatments. What to Look For in Carpet Cleaner Solutions for Pets EPA Safer Choice According to Jessica Ek of the American Cleaning Institute, to ensure the cleaners you use around your pets are safe, you should compare the ingredients to the Safe Chemical Ingredients List created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency evaluates cleaning product ingredients for human and pet health for factors including carcinogenicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity, toxicity to aquatic life, and persistence in the environment. The EPA also provides a searchable database of products that meet its Safer Choice Standard. We've noted in product descriptions when products we've tested meet this standard. Also, look for the Safer Choice logo on the label of your cleaners. Fast Action With vomit, urine, and feces, starting the cleanup process and manually removing as much material as possible before it has a chance to settle into the fibers of the carpet or furniture is ideal. "As quickly as you deal with it, the better," shared Ek, who warns that you may need to turn to a professional cleaner if a mess from your pet goes untreated for over a day. Proper Use of Enzymes According to cleaning and restoration specialist Jessika James, "Enzymes take a long time to work, and that is why most carpet cleaners instruct reapplication after 30 minutes. You have to keep those enzymes wet for them to work, and it can just take a long time." James also stresses the importance of thoroughly rinsing a treatment area with water after cleaning to remove the chemicals. This should help preserve the integrity of furnishings and carpeting and prevent re-marking. Urine Scent Removal When dealing with pets, neutralizing the urine scent associated with stains is the key to preventing a repeat of marking. According to Ek, pets typically have a stronger sense of smell than humans. "You really want something that's going to break down the enzymes, so you're not leaving behind something that you're not aware of." Ek also advises against using anything with ammonia or vinegar that will leave a strong smell. "You don't just want to add another strong smell because that's going to attract the pet, and then they might be encouraged to reinforce their scent mark." Her tips for addressing pet pee: Use a dry cloth or paper towel to blot up as much as you can, douse the area with a bit of cool water, blot up to pick up more urine, and then use a stain remover designed for pet urine stains. Liquid Format "What I would not recommend, like absolutely not recommend, is the use of a powdered deodorizer," said James. This includes the use of baking soda on carpets and rugs because powders have been shown to decrease the lifespan of the carpet. How We Tested 0:29 Testing the Best Carpet Cleaner Solutions for Pets We purchased 31 carpet cleaners for testing in our New York Lab or in a home with pets. Each cleaning solution was paired with a dedicated 24-by-24-inch square of beige carpet that was divided into six quadrants. We tested three different types of stain twice each, once cleaning up a fresh version of the stain, and the second time by allowing a stain to set overnight. Carpet squares with fresh and set-in stains. Credit: The Spruce Pets Our organic matter consisted of: Diluted wolf urine to substitute for pet peeFood broth mixed with vinegar to mimic pet vomitSoil mixed with water to create mud Before applying any cleaning solution, excess solid waste from any of the stains was removed by hand or vacuum. Removing solids from test surface. Credit: The Spruce Pets We then followed the instructions for each cleaning product, setting a timer to record how the product activated upon contact and the duration of the treatment. Blotting carpet cleaner. Credit: The Spruce Pets Our methodology instructs testers to make their own observations in a variety of categories: ease of use, odor elimination, scent, effectiveness, and value. Sniff test for detectable odor. Credit: The Spruce Pets The 6 Best Dog Deodorizers for Healthy Skin and Coats FAQ What type of carpet cleaner is best for pet stains and odor? Enzymatic cleaners are more effective against pet stains because they break down the organic proteins found in urine, feces, and vomit. They're especially useful for tackling pet urine since enzymatic cleaners can break apart uric acid and ensure that the smell is gone for good. Is carpet cleaner safe for pets? Never allow pets to roam an area that is currently being treated with a carpet cleaner. Thoroughly read the label for the cleaner in question, look for the Safer Choice logo on the label, and check the ingredients on the EPA's Safe Chemical Ingredients List. Generally, once the treatment is complete and the area is dry, the space should be safe for pets and humans. Which tools should I use with a carpet cleaner spray? A microfiber cloth or a colorfast sponge will work for most spot cleaning with a carpet cleaner spray. Use a damp cloth or sponge to blot or lightly rub the sprayed area, then use a clean, dry cloth or sponge to wipe and dry. You can also use a soft-bristle brush or carpet brush to gently scrub the carpet in circular motions to lift up dirt. How can I tell if pet urine has been fully cleaned up? We found that pet urine detectors provide a fairly accurate way to locate and reveal many biological stains that we may have missed, such as urine. Even if you've treated pet urine with a spray cleaner, shining a black light on the area will reveal whether it's been fully cleaned up or if you need to bring out the carpet cleaner again. The 11 Best Vacuums for Pet Hair of 2026 Why Trust The Spruce Pets? This roundup was written by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidget. When Gidget was potty training, Nature's Miracle Carpet Shampoo helped Gidget learn where not to pee by eliminating the urine scent (and saving Anna's sanity). We also consulted with Jessica Ek of the American Cleaning Institute and Jessika James, an instructor and cleaning specialist with over 35 years in the restoration industry. The 9 Best Cat Pee, Odor, and Stain Removal Products of 2026 Explore more: What to Buy Pet Cleaning Products Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. How to Remove Cat Urine. CatCentric.