Every pet owner has to deal with accidents sooner or later. Urine, vomit and muddy paw prints leave stains and smells that regular cleaners cannot shift, and if a smell lingers, your pet may return to the same spot. A good pet stain remover breaks down the source of the stain and the odour, so that both disappear.
We have compared five pet stain removers currently available on Amazon UK, including enzyme sprays and solutions for carpet cleaning machines. We explain who each is best for, what we like and what to watch out for.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odour Remover | Enzyme formula | £10-£12 | 4.3/5 |
Dr. Beckmann Pet Stain & Odour Remover | Cheapest, top rated | £6-£8 | 4.8/5 |
Urine Off Dog & Puppy Formula | Dog urine | £12-£14 | 4.0/5 |
BISSELL Wash & Protect Pet Formula (1.5L) | Upright carpet cleaners | £14-£16 | 4.7/5 |
BISSELL Pet Stain & Odour Formula | Compact carpet cleaners | £13-£15 | 4.6/5 |
Individual Product Reviews
Simple Solution Extreme Pet Stain and Odour Remover
Best for: the best-known enzyme cleaner
Simple Solution is one of the best-known pet cleaning brands. Its Extreme formula is a triple-strength enzymatic cleaner that breaks down the proteins in urine and other stains, rather than just masking the smell.
It works on carpets, upholstery and hard floors, and it comes in a range of sizes. Test on a hidden area first.
It costs around £11 for 945ml and averages 4.3 out of 5 across almost 48,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Enzyme formula
- Massive review record
- Range of sizes
Worth knowing:
- Needs time to work
- Test first on delicate fabrics
Specifications:
- Type: enzymatic stain and odour remover
- Size: 945ml
- Use: carpets, upholstery, hard floors
- Brand: Simple Solution
Dr. Beckmann Pet Stain and Odour Remover
Best for: a very cheap, highly rated spray
Dr. Beckmann is a well-known household brand, and its pet stain and odour remover is a low-cost, effective product. It comes with an applicator brush and is designed to work on carpets and fabrics.
It is a good, inexpensive choice for everyday accidents. You spray, brush in and leave to work.
It costs around £7 for two bottles and averages 4.8 out of 5 across almost 250 ratings.
What we like:
- Very cheap
- Applicator brush
- Top average rating
Worth knowing:
- Fewer ratings than the big brands
- Not a specialist enzyme formula
Specifications:
- Type: stain and odour remover
- Size: 2 x 650ml
- Feature: applicator brush
- Brand: Dr. Beckmann
Urine Off Odour and Stain Remover Spray for Dogs and Puppies
Best for: a dog-specific formula
Urine Off is formulated for dogs and puppies, and it is designed to remove urine stains and odours. It works on carpets, upholstery and other surfaces.
The formula targets urine, and it is easy to apply with the spray. It can help to stop your dog going back to the same spot.
It costs around £13 for 500ml and averages 4.0 out of 5 across more than 450 ratings.
What we like:
- Made for dog urine
- Easy spray
- Suitable for many surfaces
Worth knowing:
- Lower average rating
- More expensive per litre
Specifications:
- Type: stain and odour remover spray
- Size: 500ml
- Best for: dogs and puppies
- Brand: Urine Off
BISSELL Wash and Protect Pet Stain and Odour Formula (1.5L)
Best for: for carpet cleaning machines
This BISSELL formula is designed for use in BISSELL upright carpet cleaners, and it is made to lift pet stains and odours from carpets. It is a good option if you already own a carpet cleaner.
It cleans and protects the carpet, so it helps to prevent new stains from setting. It is a good choice for households with pets and large carpeted areas.
It costs around £15 and averages 4.7 out of 5 across almost 9,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Designed for carpet cleaners
- Protects the carpet
- Excellent reviews
Worth knowing:
- Needs a compatible machine
- Not for spot treatments by hand
Specifications:
- Type: carpet cleaner solution
- Size: 1.5L
- Use: BISSELL upright cleaners
- Brand: BISSELL
BISSELL Pet Stain and Odour Formula (Compact Carpet Cleaners)
Best for: the solution for compact carpet cleaners
This BISSELL solution is made for compact carpet cleaners, such as the SpotClean and other portable machines. It is a pet-specific formula that lifts stains and neutralises odours.
A compact machine is ideal for spot cleaning after accidents, and this formula is designed to work with it.
It costs around £14 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across almost 9,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Made for compact cleaners
- Targets pet odours
- Strong reviews
Worth knowing:
- Needs a compatible machine
- Not a hand-applied spray
Specifications:
- Type: carpet cleaner solution
- Use: compact carpet cleaners
- Feature: pet stain and odour formula
- Brand: BISSELL
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pet Stain Remover
What to Look For
Look for an enzymatic cleaner, since enzymes break down the proteins in urine and other organic stains, and help to remove the smell. Check that the product is suitable for the surface you want to clean, and that it is safe for pets once dry.
Avoid products with strong bleach or ammonia, since ammonia smells like urine to a dog and may encourage repeat marking.
Pet Stain Remover Types Explained
Enzymatic sprays are the standard choice for urine and organic stains. Carpet cleaner solutions are for use in machines. Oxygen-based cleaners lift tough stains. Odour neutralisers remove smells without treating the stain.
For most accidents, an enzymatic spray is the best first choice.
How to Use a Stain Remover Effectively
Blot up as much liquid as possible with a paper towel, and do not rub. Apply the cleaner generously, so that it soaks as deeply as the stain, and leave it for the time given in the instructions. Blot again, and let it dry.
Test on a hidden area first, and repeat if the stain remains.
How Much Should You Spend?
A good stain remover costs £6 to £15. Big bottles are better value if you have a puppy or several pets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to remove pet urine from a carpet?
Blot up as much as you can, apply an enzymatic cleaner, leave it to work, blot again and let it dry. Repeat if needed.
Do enzymatic cleaners really work?
Yes. Enzymes break down the organic material in stains, which is what causes the smell. They are usually more effective than ordinary cleaners.
Can stain removers harm my pet?
Most are safe once dry, but keep your pet away while you are cleaning. Read the label, and check with your vet if you have concerns.
Why does my dog keep going back to the same spot?
Dogs are drawn to the smell of urine, even faint traces. A good enzymatic cleaner removes the smell, and can reduce repeat accidents.
Will a stain remover work on old stains?
It can, but old stains are harder. Apply plenty of product, leave it for longer and repeat if necessary.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Simple Solution Extreme is the best all-round choice, with an enzyme formula and a huge review record. Dr. Beckmann is a very cheap, well-rated alternative, and Urine Off is a dog-specific choice.
If you have a carpet cleaner, the BISSELL solutions are designed for it, and they are very well reviewed. Whichever you choose, act quickly, and blot rather than rub.
This roundup is part of our Pet Grooming Tools: The Complete Guide.
