These pet odor eliminators passed the sniff test with flying colors.
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Our Editor Tested the 4 Best Pet Odor Eliminators for Your Home, Yard and Kennel
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Love your pet but hate the persistent odors? Us, too, which is why I searched for the best pet odor eliminators and put them to the test. Whether you’re vacuuming, shampooing pet-stained carpet, scrubbing kennels or scouring cat litter boxes, cleaning up pet messes is easier with the right product for the job.
Since animals are susceptible to chemicals and cancer-causing agents, I paid special attention to pet-safe products with more natural ingredients. These products passed our sniff test (literally) for effectiveness, value and ease of use. Here’s what you need to clean and deodorize pet messes inside and out.
The Best Pet Odor Eliminators
- Best Overall: Angry Orange Odor Eliminator
- Best All-in-One: Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator
- Best for Carpet: Good Natured Carpet Refresher
- Best Multi-Surface: Thornell Koe Kennel Odor Eliminator
Best Overall Pet Odor Eliminator
Angry Orange Odor Eliminator
Angry Orange fights odors with the deodorizing power of citrus. I love the versatility of the Angry Orange odor eliminator because this spray is suitable for use on multiple surfaces, including fabrics, flooring, furniture, concrete and turf. The fresh scent doesn’t overpower, mask or linger and instead neutralizes pet smells. Need a quick air freshener? A little spritz of this best odor eliminator in the air takes care of nasty smells without harsh chemicals.
Initially, I was a bit hesitant to use this product, because I didn’t want my house to smell like a sickeningly sweet smoothie shop for days. Oh, on the contrary—I can happily say that the scent isn’t overwhelming. It’s light and fresh, and works like magic.
I also used the Angry Orange filth fighter on my cedar-paneled basement walls with a Chomp wall mop. This cleaner pulled up years of grime and left the wood enriched and shiny with the natural citrus oil. Next, I tested the Angry Orange stain remover on an old carpet that my puppy thought was her personal pee pad. I watched as the enzyme cleaner lifted the stains. To say I was impressed is an understatement.
Pros
- Easy-to-use spray
- Neutralizes odors
- Can be used on various surfaces
- Fresh scent without a lingering smell
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not recommended for use on pet beds
Best All-in-One Pet Odor Eliminator
Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator
Rocco & Roxie stain and odor eliminator is a proven winner for cleaning up messes that four-legged friends leave behind. The enzymatic action breaks up strong smells, like cat urine, and quickly lifts stains out of carpet. In fact, it’s certified as safe for all carpets by The Carpet and Rug Institute.
“Activated oxygen is the secret to this pet stain remover. Lots of people even use this product on laundry and carpet stains unrelated to pets. Red wine, fruit stains and chocolate are no match for Rocco & Roxie Oxy Stain Remover,” writes our tester in her Rocco & Roxie review.
This product can be sprayed on animal beds, flooring, kennels, concrete and hardwood. Whether it’s a new mess or old, this cleaner works. Thousands of pet owners are devoted to Rocco & Roxie for its effectiveness—and I’m confident you’ll see and smell the difference, too.
Pros
- Fights odors and stains
- Can be used on various surfaces
- Easy-to-use spray
- Indoor and outdoor use
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Spray head leaks for some users
- Strong lingering smell
Best Pet Odor Eliminator for Carpet
Good Natured Carpet Refresher
The Good Natured carpet refresher is an easy way to freshen carpets and upholstery, thanks to a convenient shaker container. Simply sprinkle the powder on stinky soft surfaces, wait at least 10 minutes and vacuum away the stench. The gentle, yet strong, ingredients neutralize and remove smells, leaving a fresh scent behind.
I tried the eucalyptus and lemon scent, which is made from essential oils and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). With three simple ingredients, this carpet refresher is safe for use around the entire family. The sodium bicarbonate absorbs icky smells while the pure eucalyptus and lemon essential oils keep your home smelling fresh. If you’re concerned about single-use plastic, Good Natured is also sold without the shaker bottle in resealable, recyclable packaging.
This carpet refresher removed the smells on my area rugs and stinky dog beds. Be aware that the scent is strong when first applied, but doesn’t overwhelm after vacuuming. If you love a fresh lemon scent, you’ll love this powerful deodorizer.
Pros
- Works on carpet and upholstery
- Eco-friendly natural ingredients
- Easy-to-use shaker
- Dry powder won’t stain
- Lasting subtle, pleasant scent after vacuuming
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Strong scent while using
- Pricey
Best Multi-Surface Pet Odor Eliminator
Thornell Koe Kennel Odor Eliminator
Thornell’s Koe kennel odor eliminator is the non-toxic deodorizer that professionals rely on. You may not have a veterinarian clinic, grooming business or doggie daycare, but this concentrate is solid for animal lovers with all sorts of pets, including guinea pigs. This money-saving concentrate is mixed with water to wash surfaces where strong smells have set in. It can be used for cleaning litter boxes, pet laundry, artificial grass, concrete, kennels and cages. There’s no need to rinse after use, and it’s safe enough to actually use on your pet between baths. Many pet lovers use it in a spray bottle to deodorize furniture and rugs.
To test this product, I mopped my concrete basement floor with the solution (0.5 tablespoon to 1 gallon of water). It cleaned extremely well and left a fresh scent in the wake. I changed the filthy water seven times. The smell was not overwhelming while using the product, but it certainly left the puppy-soiled basement smelling fresh.
Next, I added a tablespoon to the laundry when washing the dog beds and blankets. Amazing! I love the versatility of this product and offered it to a friend who works at a local shelter. After trying it, she reported that they’ll be switching cleaning products to Koe.
Pros
- Can be used on a wide range of surfaces
- Non-toxic formula with essential oils
- Concentrate can be used in pump sprayers, spray bottles or with a bucket and mop
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Subtle, pleasant scent
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Should use gloves while handling concentrate
What to Look for When Buying a Pet Odor Eliminator
First and foremost, I only recommend pet-safe products. Strong concentrations of fragrance, phthalates and other synthetic agents can be hazardous to animal (and human) health. Look for natural ingredients like essential oils or sodium bicarbonate (commonly known as baking soda) as natural and safe odor absorbents. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and citrus oils are also natural deodorizers that can be used safely in your home.
To remove the odor, the source of the smell needs to be cleaned rather than simply masked. Enzymatic cleaners have the ability to break down pet stains and discourage pets from marking the area in the future. While enzyme cleaners are great for carpets and stain removal, in my experience, they tend to have a stronger smell that lingers longer.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a lifelong pet owner (eight dogs, four cats and two horses), I’ve used many products and tried a variety of methods to get rid of strong odors. For this article, I gathered other Family Handyman colleagues with furry friends to learn about their experience with pet odor removal. As a Family Handyman home and garden shopping expert, I research and evaluate products to recommend. In this case, I was able to test these products with stellar results.
How We Found the Best Pet Odor Eliminators
At Family Handyman, we’re constantly searching for the best products to help solve your problems—and pet odors are a problem. I combed through dozens of products, asked for personal recommendations and read user reviews galore to find pet-safe deodorizers that are easy to use, effective and non-toxic. As any pet owner knows, pet hair and odors can collect on any surface inside or outside the house. So, I looked for deodorizers that can be used with a mop or vacuum, or has a spray application for easy everyday use.
How I Sprayed, Sprinkled and Mopped My Way to a Fresher-Smelling Home
I refer to my little, fluffy dog as a dust mop. She’s low to the ground and collects dirt, dust, twigs and mud. As a result, without a monthly bath, she can get pretty stinky. Although she rarely makes messes in the house, I often host guests. Our guest, ChaCha, made herself at home for an extended stay and decided the basement was her favorite place to pee (unbeknownst to me). Several months passed before I noticed the dark spots appearing on the white shag rug. Out of sight, out of mind.
When I got motivated to clean the basement, I was on a mission to find the best pet odor eliminator. I am sensitive to chemicals and artificial fragrances in many popular cleaning products, and look for pet-safe eco-friendly products to do my dirty work. Although the white 3-inch shag rug was never going to look the same, I decided this was a good testing ground for stain removers and deodorizers, since the stains and odors were long set in.
My choices for the best pet odor removers are based on their ability to neutralize odor without harsh chemicals. I evaluated their scent while using them, as well as afterward. I like multi-functional products and, in this case, I noted whether they’re suitable for a variety of surfaces. Once I was certain that I could live with the smell of the product, I used them on the main floor of my house, spraying, sprinkling and scrubbing the most offending zones of the home (i.e., wherever the sleeping dog lies). I used the products as directed for the given surface, and the four above are my final picks.
FAQ
What is the best thing to get rid of pet odor?
When considering the best way to get rid of pet odor, consider the surfaces that need to be treated and the type of product that will work best for you. The best scent to leave behind is citrus-based, which dissipates without leaving a strong lingering smell.
Shortly after the big basement cleanup, my best friend came into the basement to see the antique dresser I was reclaiming. She immediately said, “Wow, it smells great down here.” My musty, old basement, including the concrete floors, cedar walls, area rugs and furniture, was fresh and clean. I hung out downstairs until she had to go home. I didn’t realize how one little puppy and months of neglect had turned my basement into such a gross smelly space—until it was clean. I have since reclaimed it and enjoy being in the basement, not to mention how much fresher the main floor smells, now that I am armed with these quality odor fighters and stain removers.
My personal favorite is Angry Orange. The scent is light and it can be used on multiple surfaces. Plus, using the compatible Angry Orange cleaners have a scent that won’t compete with each other.
