Final Verdict
Overall, we recommend Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover for its versatility on multiple surfaces and effectiveness in treating fresh and set-in stains. It is also safe for pets, according to Dr. Miller, and boasts a nice citrus scent that helps further mask odors from stains.
Our Testing Process
We tested 16 different stain removers and evaluated them on ease of use, odor elimination, scent, and effectiveness. For fresh stains, we first used a towel to soak up the pet urine for up to one minute before applying the product. We noted the smell, immediate effectiveness, and any color bleeding.
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We let the stains sit for 30 minutes, and then checked to see whether the stain and odor were completely gone, or at least lessened. We repeated these steps for the set-in stain test, with the exception of not blotting up the mess with towels before applying the product. We used all this information to come up with the best pet stain removers.
Real Simple / Jodi Espinosa
More Pet Stain Removers to Consider
Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odor Remover: Although it took more than one application, this pet stain remover was able to get rid of the odor and stain that our tester’s cat made on a bedspread.
Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator: This product was extremely effective at removing odors and stain. The smell from the cleaning product, though, lingered for several hours.
Real Simple / Giaco Furino
How to Shop for Pet Stain Removers Like a Pro
Compatible Surfaces
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Before you use any pet stain remover, make sure to double check which surfaces or materials the cleaning product can be used on. This is usually found on the label, but if not, look at the product’s instruction manual or check the product’s website. Even if you find out that a material or surface is compatible, Dr. Miller still suggests spot testing in a small hidden area of the surface or material before tackling a large stain.
Odor Elimination
This includes the pet stain remover’s ability to get rid of pet stain odor, as well as whether the product leaves a strong fragrance behind. Even though most pet stain removers also eliminate odor, it’s important to double check that they do both. The reason for this, according to Dr. Miller, is to prevent the pet from going back and marking that same spot.
In terms of the product’s fragrance, this is merely a personal preference. Some people like the addition of a fragrance to further mask the pet smell, while others hate the smell of any and all cleaning products. Just keep in mind that the fragrances of some pet stain removers do linger even after initial application, even when they’ve dried. If you want a pet stain remover that has a nice fragrance, we recommend the Simple Green Cat Stain & Odor Remover.
Ingredients
You’d think that a stain remover targeted for pet messes would be completely safe for pets, but that’s not always a guarantee. “The ingredients that make disinfectants and cleaners effective usually also make them toxic for pets,” says Peterson. Dr. Miller urges pet owners to read the labels of pet stain removers thoroughly before use.
“Toxic ingredients to avoid in a household cleaner are ammonia (or ammonium hydroxide), bleach or chlorine, phthalates, glycol ethers, and formaldehyde,” she says. Peterson adds that other chemicals that are toxic to pets are perchloroethylene, 2-butoxyethanol, and naphthalene. Our best overall pick, Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover, is safe to be used around pets.
Questions You Might Ask
Will a pet stain remover alter or ruin my carpet or upholstery?
It’s possible. The best way to prevent any surfaces or materials from being damaged by a pet stain remover is to first make sure that they are compatible with the product. You’ll usually find this on the label, in an instruction manual, or online—most pet stain removers are made to be used on carpets and rugs.
However, you should go even further and test the product out on a small, hidden part of the surface or material to double check that it won’t do any damage. The last thing you want is to apply the remover to a large stain on expensive bedding or upholstery and see that the stain remover has discolored the fabric. You can also try using a mild DIY formula of dish soap and warm water to spot clean upholstery.
Could a pet stain remover harm my pets?
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It shouldn’t, but it’s still possible. To prevent this, it’s best to keep your pets far away from the pet stain removers at all times. Dr. Miller says this includes storing the products in a place inaccessible to the pets, as well as keeping them at a distance while you are treating the stain.
“Many household cleaners may be considered pet-safe but can still pose some risk to pets when ingested in large quantities, or while the solution is still in the process of drying,” she says. “This includes typically pet-safe natural cleaners like white vinegar and baking soda. Even if pets just walk over the recently cleaned area, the risk of licking and ingesting the chemicals from their paws is still a concern.” Dr. Miller also tells us that merely breathing in certain chemicals can cause a negative reaction in pets. All in all, keep them at least six feet away from the stain until it has completely dried.
What is the best way to treat a pet stain?
According to Peterson, it’s best to act quickly with fresh stains and to always blot up the mess with pressure first, but never rub in. Blot up the mess as best you can with a clean cloth or paper towel then follow the instructions of the pet stain remover.
For set-in stains, follow the instructions provided by your pet stain remover. If that doesn’t work, she suggests putting undiluted soda water directly on the stain and then blotting the area with a dry white towel. Repeat this process until most of the moisture is absorbed. After that, place a fresh towel on the area and place a heavy object over the towel to soak up the remaining moisture. Let it sit for at least an hour to fully absorb into the paper towel.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Center, a product reviews home writer for Real Simple. We researched pet stain removers and tested 16 of the most popular options with real world testers, evaluating them on ease of use, odor elimination, scent, and effectiveness. We also sought the advice of Dr. Whitney Miller, the Chief Veterinarian at Petco, and Vera Peterson, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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