We adore our pets, but let’s face it, persistent pet odors can be a real challenge. If you’re tired of living with lingering smells from your furry friends, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve embarked on a search for the Best Pet Odor Removers available, putting them to the test to find the most effective solutions. Whether you’re dealing with accidents on carpets, kennel odors, or litter box smells, having the right pet odor eliminator can make cleaning up pet messes significantly easier.
Understanding that our animal companions are sensitive to harsh chemicals, our focus was on pet-safe products formulated with more natural ingredients. We rigorously tested each product for effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value. Beyond our own hands-on testing, we consulted with Elizabeth Shields, Operations Manager at Super Cleaning Service, a cleaning industry expert, to gain insights into her top recommendation for tackling pet odors.
Here are our top picks for the best pet odor eliminators that will help you effectively clean and deodorize pet messes, ensuring a fresh and welcoming home.
Best Overall Pet Odor Eliminator
Angry Orange Odor Eliminator
Pros:
- User-friendly spray application
- Effectively neutralizes pet odors
- Versatile for use on various surfaces
- Refreshing citrus scent without lingering artificial smells
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Proudly made in the USA
Cons:
- Not recommended for direct use on pet beds
Angry Orange harnesses the natural deodorizing power of citrus to combat stubborn pet odors. What makes Angry Orange odor eliminator stand out is its versatility. This spray is safe and effective for use on a wide array of surfaces, including fabrics, carpets, furniture, flooring, concrete, and even artificial turf. Instead of just masking pet smells, Angry Orange truly neutralizes them, leaving behind a light, fresh citrus scent that isn’t overpowering or artificial. A quick spray of this best pet odor eliminator is all it takes to eliminate unpleasant odors without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Elizabeth Shields, the cleaning expert, is also a strong advocate for Angry Orange. “It’s been a staple in my cleaning toolkit for nearly three years. I consistently recommend it to our cleaning teams, and the feedback from clients dealing with pet messes is overwhelmingly positive. They immediately notice the difference. The scent is fantastic, and it genuinely leaves spaces feeling clean and refreshed,” she notes. “Angry Orange is a product you can consistently rely on because it delivers results every single time.”
Beyond odor elimination, I also put Angry Orange’s cleaning power to the test using the Angry Orange filth fighter on grime-covered cedar-paneled basement walls, paired with a Chomp wall mop. This cleaner effectively lifted years of accumulated grime, revitalizing the wood and leaving it with a rich shine thanks to the natural citrus oils. Furthermore, I tested the Angry Orange stain remover on a heavily stained carpet that my puppy had unfortunately mistaken for a potty pad. The enzyme cleaner worked impressively, effectively lifting the set-in stains before my eyes. My experience with the Angry Orange product line has been nothing short of impressive.
Best All-in-One Pet Odor Eliminator
Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator
Pros:
- Effectively tackles both odors and stains
- Safe for use on a wide variety of surfaces
- Easy spray application
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Some users report issues with spray head leakage
- Can have a strong lingering scent
Rocco & Roxie stain and odor eliminator has consistently proven itself as a top performer in cleaning up pet messes. Its powerful enzymatic formula effectively breaks down strong odors, such as cat urine, and quickly lifts stains from carpets. Notably, it’s earned the Carpet and Rug Institute’s seal of approval, certifying its safety for all types of carpets.
According to our product tester in her Rocco & Roxie review, “The secret to this pet stain remover’s effectiveness is activated oxygen. Many people successfully use this product to tackle various laundry and carpet stains beyond pet-related messes. It’s proven to be highly effective against red wine, fruit stains, and even chocolate.”
This versatile cleaner can be safely used on pet beds, various types of flooring, kennels, concrete, and hardwood. Whether you’re dealing with fresh accidents or old, set-in stains and odors, Rocco & Roxie is designed to work effectively. Thousands of pet owners are loyal to Rocco & Roxie due to its reliable performance, and we are confident you’ll also experience a noticeable and positive difference in your home’s freshness.
Best Pet Odor Eliminator for Carpet
Good Natured Carpet Refresher
Pros:
- Specifically designed for carpets and upholstery
- Made with eco-friendly natural ingredients
- Convenient shaker bottle for easy application
- Dry powder formula that won’t stain carpets
- Leaves a lasting, subtle, and pleasant scent after vacuuming
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Scent can be strong during application
- Can be more expensive than some alternatives
The Good Natured carpet refresher offers a simple and effective way to refresh carpets and upholstery. The user-friendly shaker container allows for effortless application. Simply sprinkle the powder onto any smelly soft surfaces, allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb odors, and then vacuum it away. The gentle yet potent natural ingredients work to neutralize and eliminate odors at their source, leaving behind a subtle, fresh scent.
I tested the eucalyptus and lemon scent, which is formulated with essential oils and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). With just these three simple ingredients, this carpet refresher is safe for use around your entire family, including pets. Sodium bicarbonate is a natural odor absorber, while pure eucalyptus and lemon essential oils impart a refreshing and clean scent to your home. For environmentally conscious consumers, Good Natured also offers refill packaging without the shaker bottle, in resealable and recyclable bags.
This carpet refresher proved effective in removing odors from my area rugs and dog beds that tend to retain smells. While the scent is noticeable upon initial application, it becomes pleasantly subtle and not overwhelming after vacuuming. If you appreciate a fresh lemon scent, you’ll find this powerful deodorizer to be a great choice.
Best Multi-Surface Pet Odor Eliminator
Thornell Koe Kennel Odor Eliminator
Pros:
- Suitable for a wide variety of surfaces
- Non-toxic formula with essential oils
- Concentrated formula is economical and versatile for different applications
- Safe for indoor and outdoor use
- Subtle and pleasant scent
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Gloves recommended when handling the concentrate
Thornell’s Koe kennel odor eliminator is a professional-grade, non-toxic deodorizer trusted by veterinarians, grooming businesses, and doggie daycares. While you might not run a pet-related business, this concentrated formula is an excellent choice for pet owners dealing with a variety of animals, even including smaller pets like guinea pigs. The cost-effective concentrate is designed to be diluted with water, making it ideal for washing surfaces where strong odors have permeated. It’s effective for cleaning litter boxes, pet bedding, artificial grass, concrete, kennels, and cages. There’s no need to rinse after application, and it’s gentle enough to even use on your pet between baths. Many pet owners find it convenient to use in a spray bottle for deodorizing furniture and rugs.
To evaluate its performance, I used the solution (0.5 tablespoon per gallon of water) to mop my concrete basement floor. It cleaned exceptionally well and left a noticeable fresh scent. The water was heavily soiled and required changing seven times during the mopping process, demonstrating its cleaning power. Despite its effectiveness, the scent remained pleasant and not overpowering, successfully freshening up my puppy-prone basement.
I also added a tablespoon of the concentrate to the laundry when washing dog beds and blankets, with fantastic results. The versatility of this product is a major advantage. I even shared it with a friend working at a local animal shelter. After testing it, she confirmed they would be transitioning to Koe as their primary cleaning product.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Pet Odor Remover
When selecting the best pet odor eliminator for your needs, prioritizing pet-safe products is essential. Harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, phthalates, and synthetic agents can pose health risks to both animals and humans. Opt for products with natural ingredients like essential oils or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), known for their safe and effective odor-absorbing properties. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and citrus oils are also naturally derived deodorizers that can be used safely in your home.
To truly eliminate pet odors, it’s crucial to address the source rather than simply masking the smell. Enzymatic cleaners are particularly effective as they break down pet stains at a molecular level, discouraging repeat marking in the same area. According to Elizabeth Shields, “The most valuable advice for handling pet stains on any surface, whether carpet or upholstery, is to use an enzymatic cleaner. This type of cleaner directly targets the root of the problem, not just the surface. In the cleaning industry, enzymatic cleaners are invaluable!”
While enzyme cleaners are excellent for carpets and stain removal, it’s worth noting that they can sometimes have a stronger scent that may linger slightly longer compared to other types of odor eliminators.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a lifelong pet owner with a menagerie of eight dogs, four cats, and two horses over the years, I have extensive personal experience with managing pet odors and have tested countless products and methods. For this article, I also collaborated with fellow Family Handyman colleagues who are pet owners to gather their insights and experiences with pet odor removal solutions. As a Family Handyman home and garden shopping expert, my role involves thorough research and evaluation of products to provide reliable recommendations. In this instance, I personally tested each of the featured pet odor eliminators, achieving excellent results.
Furthermore, we consulted Elizabeth Shields, Operations Manager at Super Cleaning Service, a reputable cleaning company based in Louisville, Kentucky. Her expertise in the professional cleaning industry provides valuable insights into effective pet mess management and odor control. Shields regularly advises cleaning professionals on the most effective techniques and products for addressing pet-related cleaning challenges.
How We Found the Best Pet Odor Eliminators
At Family Handyman, we are committed to finding the best products to solve everyday household challenges, and pet odors are certainly a common concern. To identify the top pet odor eliminators, I conducted extensive research, reviewing numerous products, seeking personal recommendations from pet owners, and analyzing countless user reviews. My goal was to identify pet-safe deodorizers that are not only effective and non-toxic but also easy to use. Recognizing that pet hair and odors can accumulate on virtually any surface, both indoors and outdoors, I prioritized deodorizers that offer versatile application methods, such as spray applications for daily use or formulas suitable for use with a mop or vacuum for deeper cleaning.
How I Sprayed, Sprinkled, and Mopped My Way to a Fresher-Smelling Home
I often jokingly refer to my small, fluffy dog as a “dust mop” because she’s so close to the ground and tends to collect dirt, dust, leaves, and mud. Without regular monthly baths, she can develop a noticeable doggy odor. While she rarely has accidents indoors, we recently hosted a guest, ChaCha, who made herself comfortable for an extended stay and unfortunately chose the basement as her preferred spot to relieve herself (without my initial knowledge). Several months passed before I noticed dark spots appearing on the white shag rug in the basement – out of sight, out of mind, as they say.
When I finally decided to tackle cleaning the basement, I was determined to find the best pet odor eliminator to address the lingering smells. Being sensitive to chemicals and artificial fragrances commonly found in many cleaning products, I actively seek out pet-safe, eco-friendly products for my cleaning needs. Although the white 3-inch shag rug was likely beyond full restoration, I considered the basement an ideal testing ground for stain removers and deodorizers, given the long-set stains and deeply ingrained odors.
My selections for the best pet odor removers are based on their proven ability to effectively neutralize odors without relying on harsh chemicals. I carefully evaluated the scent of each product both during and after application. I also favored multi-functional products suitable for various surfaces. Once I was confident in the product’s scent and safety, I expanded my testing to the main floor of my house, spraying, sprinkling, and scrubbing the areas most prone to pet odors (primarily wherever my dog tends to nap). I diligently followed the product instructions for each surface type, and the four products highlighted above are my top recommendations based on these rigorous tests.
FAQ
What is the best thing to get rid of pet odor?
The best approach to eliminate pet odor depends on the surfaces being treated and your personal preferences regarding product type. Citrus-based scents are often recommended as they effectively neutralize odors and dissipate without leaving a strong, lingering artificial smell.
Shortly after thoroughly cleaning my basement, a friend visited to see an antique dresser I was refinishing. She immediately commented, “Wow, it smells so fresh and clean down here!” My typically musty basement, including the concrete floors, cedar walls, area rugs, and furniture, had been transformed into a fresh and welcoming space. I realized then how much one small puppy and a period of neglect had turned my basement into an unpleasant, smelly area – until it was properly cleaned. I have since reclaimed my basement and now enjoy spending time there, and the entire main floor of my house smells noticeably fresher, thanks to having these effective odor fighters and stain removers readily available.
My personal favorite remains Angry Orange. Its light citrus scent is appealing, and its versatility for use on multiple surfaces is a significant advantage. Furthermore, using other compatible Angry Orange cleaners ensures a consistent scent profile throughout the house, avoiding clashing fragrances.
