7 Best Carpet Cleaner For Old Pet Urine

Updated: October 17th, 2022

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No matter how well we train our dogs, accidents happen, and we can be left with the issue of a visible and smelly urine stain on our carpet. This leaves us with the problem of finding the best carpet cleaner for old pet urine in order to eliminate odors and remove set-in stains, so you aren’t left with unsightly old urine stains or smells even years later.

If you are anything like me, you have tried a lot of different things to effectively remove dog urine stains from carpet, and many of them have failed. But after years of trial and error, I think that I have finally figured it out.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about dog pee on carpet, how to remove it, and a list of the most effective carpet cleaning products on the market for removing dog urine.

If You Are In A Rush…

In case you are looking for an all-around reliable product for dealing with stains and odors,  then you can’t go wrong with Rocco & Roxie’s cleaning formula which is effective while being safe for carpets, animals, and humans. If you are interested in an all-natural product that still deals with tough stains, then consider the spot cleaner from TriNova which is entirely plant-based. When it comes to a carpet shampoo, you can’t look past Nature’s Miracle, an effective and biodegradable carpet shampoo.

An Overview of the Best Carpet Cleaner For Old Pet Urine

Seven Best Carpet Cleaners For Dog Urine

1. Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Professional Strength Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator – Best Overall Cleaner

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Probably the most effective cleaner when it comes to dealing with both stains and odors, this product from Rocco & Roxie is designed to both completely eliminate odors and lift stains.

Product Features

• Spot cleaning and pre-treatment
• Natural bacteria enzyme-activated formula
• No chlorine or harsh chemicals

This is a spray best used immediately on stains or as a pre-treatment before shampooing for older stains. It uses an enzyme-activated formula that contains natural bacteria that activates when it comes into contact with stains and odors.

It can also be used to freshen up areas such as pet bedding and litter boxes that might still be holding onto a lingering smell despite cleaning with other products.

As well as working for urine, this cleaner has been tested and proven effective for other tough stains such as feces, vomit, and blood. While this level of power may raise concerns about damaging carpets and how safe it is to be around, this formula is pretty safe. It does not contain chlorine or other harsh chemicals that can damage carpet fibers or prove dangerous to you or your pet.

However, both you and your pet may find yourselves avoiding the area for a few days after cleaning, as the cleaner has a strong and sharp smell that can be a bit unpleasant until it dissipates. This formula is also relatively expensive when compared to some of the other products on this list.

Pros:

• Natural bacteria formula
• Eliminates odors
• Powerful stain remover
• Safe for animals and humans
• Does not damage carpets

Cons:

• Strong smell
• Expensive

Despite the temporary strong after smell, if you are looking to eliminate odors and stains quickly and effectively without resorting to harsh and dangerous chemicals, this formula from Rocco & Roxie is probably the best on the market.

2. TriNova Pet Stain & Odor Remover – Best For All Natural Cleaner

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If you are looking for a natural and environmentally friendly formula for dealing with dog urine stains, then the TriNova is your best choice.

This is a plant-based pet odor neutralizer and stain remover that uses enzymes derived from plants. It manages effective cleaning without any harsh chemicals.

Product Features

• Spot cleaning and pre-treatment
• All-natural formula
• Professional strength

This all-natural formula is completely plant-based and uses natural enzymes extracted from plants to lift stains and neutralize odors. It is completely free from harsh chemicals. Also, it works quickly, and you will see results within a couple of minutes of applying the formula to the area. Lastly, it is also an effective pre-treatment for carpets before shampooing or steam cleaning.

While the product will break down and eliminate odors, it also deposits a light herbal odor for masking in the immediate aftermath of cleaning. This scent is much milder and less offensive than the scent of many similar cleaners.

As well as being completely safe for carpets, animals, and humans, this cleaner is highly affordable, especially considering the hefty price tag that usually accompanies all-natural products.

Pros:

• All-natural formula
• Strong stain remover
• Good odor elimination
• Safe for animals and humans
• Will not damage carpet
• Light scent

Cons:

• Less effective than some other formulas

This is an all-around quality product that you can feel good about using, and the only reason that it is not number one on this list is that it is a little bit less effective than the Rocco & Roxie formula which also uses natural ingredients and avoids harsh chemicals.

3. Resolve Pet Expert Carpet Spot & Stain Remover – Best Budget Cleaner

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If you are looking for something cheap that does the job, this product from Resolve will eliminate odors quickly.

Product Features

• Spot cleaning
• Patented Odor Stop technology
• Lightly scented

Resolve uses a patented Odor Stop technology that works on odors quickly, so you will be able to continue to enjoy your space without being overwhelmed by the smell. It is particularly good at targeting the residual odors that can attract your dog to pee in the same place again.

The formula will also soak into stains to help remove them but is not as effective as some of the other spot cleaners on this list. However, it is a good interim solution for dealing with odor and stains between regular carpet cleanings.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Eliminates odors quickly
• Discourages repeated peeing

Cons:

• Not as strong on stains

This product is best used as an interim cleaner between regular carpet shampooing, but when it comes to something affordable that you can use on the spot, this is an excellent option.

4. Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo – Best Cleaning Shampoo

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This is one of many excellent carpet cleaning products from Nature’s Miracle, all of which deserve a look though I have picked this one as the best of the best for this list.

Product Features

• Carpet shampoo
• Biodegradable
• Bio-enzymatic odor elimination

Rather than a spot cleaner, this is a carpet shampoo designed to be used with water-based carpet cleaning machines. This method of cleaning delivers this powerful product deep into the carpet fibers to tackle both fresh stains and older ones that have proven difficult to lift.

The shampoo formula uses a bio-enzymatic odor locking technology that should be able to eliminate even the strongest and most stubborn odors. This results in a strong formula but one that is safe for carpets and also safe for the environment. This shampoo is biodegradable, so it is safe to discard used cleaning water in the garden.

As with many of these cleaners, the biggest complaint is that in the immediate aftermath of cleaning it can leave behind its own harsh smell that may keep you and your dog out of the house for a few hours.

Pros:

• Biodegradable
• Safe for animals and humans
• Can be used with steam cleaners
• Will not damage your carpet

Cons:

• Harsh smell

While spot cleaning is a good and necessary part of managing dog urine stains, regular shampooing is also a must, and there really is no better shampoo on the market than this great product from a leading brand in pet cleaning.

5. Bissell Pet Power Shot Oxy Carpet & Rug Stain Remover – Best Cleaner For Training

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If you are looking for a tough spot stain remover that will also help prevent future mess, then consider this oxygen-based cleaner from Bissell.

Product Features

• Spot cleaning and pre-treatment
• Scotchgard Protector
• Oxygen-based cleaner

An oxygen-based cleaner, the active oxygen molecules quickly eat away at stains, giving you results that you can see quickly. It combines this with a patented odor eliminator that will dissipate odors quickly though the masking smell that it leaves behind can be a bit strong for a few hours.

The formula also includes Scotchgard Protector, which not only leaves carpets looking good, but will help discourage your dog from peeing in the same place again in future. This makes this a great solution for puppies that are just learning, as it can help train them where not to go. However, the strong after smell may also keep you out of the area for a while.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Removes stains
• Eliminates odors
• Safe for humans and animals
• Discourages future peeing in the same place

Cons:

• Strong smell

This affordable option is a great choice, especially if you are also looking for ways to train your dog where to pee and where most definitely not to pee!

6. Particular Paws Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator – Best Stain Remover

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Particular Paws is a good choice if it is stains that are causing you particular problems, and you are less worried about odors.

Product Features

• Spot cleaning and pre-treatment
• Hydrogen peroxide-based formula
• Heavy-duty stain removal

This spot cleaner can be applied directly to stains without fear of damaging carpet or upholstery. Using a unique hydrogen peroxide-based formula, it is best to leave in place for five to eight minutes to soak into the stain before removing. 

While this is longer than some of the formulas that boast action within 30 seconds, this allows it to really soak into the stain and take everything away with it. It manages to do this while being completely safe for carpets, animals, and humans and without leaving behind the strong smell of cleaning agents.

While this formula is one of the best when it comes to stains, it is less effective with odors than some of the others on this list despite containing bacteria, enzymes, and odor neutralizers. The rather hefty price tag is the other reason that it has not come higher up on the list.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty stain removal
• Safe for animals and humans
• No strong after smell

Cons:

• Expensive
• More effective with stains than odors

If it is stains that are causing you problems, and you have deep stains that need dealing with, this formula provides a safe and effective way to return your carpets to new.

7. Shout Pets Oxy Stain & Odor Remover for Carpeting & Upholstery – Best Oxygen Solution

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Product Specifications

• Spot cleaner and pre-treatment
• Oxygen-powered cleaner

This product from Shout uses an oxygen-powered formula that promises instant cleaning. It also uses proprietary, odor-destroying technology to dissipate bad smells on contact. It is safe for carpets, animals, and humans, as it simply uses oxygen to penetrate fabrics and remove stains rather than relying on harsh chemicals. 

While the marketing sounds great, and the spray is certainly effective, it is not as effective as some of the other products on this list and, again, is probably best used as an affordable immediate solution between regular carpet shampooing.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Will not damage carpets
• Safe for animals and humans

Cons:

• Not as effective on stains and odors as other products on this list

If you like the idea of oxygen-based cleaning, and you are looking for something affordable to use between carpet shampoos, then this product from Shout is a great option.

Buying Guide

The Problem

There are many reasons why you might find your dog peeing on the carpet. It could be that they are still learning and therefore expected accidents happen. If you are still toilet training your dog, check out these helpful potty training tips. But even well-trained dogs will sometimes relieve themselves inside the house.

Your dog might find themselves accidentally peeing inside the house if you leave them inside too long, and they are left with no choice but to relieve themselves. 

However, they might also go ahead and pee on the carpet as a result of over excitement. According to vet Dr Lisa Radosta:

Dogs who exhibit excitement urination do not show submissive body language. Instead, they exhibit joyous behavior such as wiggling, jiggling, and jumping as they happily urinate on the floor. This often leads to the spraying of urine everywhere.

Accidentally peeing like this can also be brought on by fear, as they may let go of their bladder in response. But hopefully they have no need to feel particularly fearful while inside your home!

Dogs may also actively choose to pee inside the house as a way of marking their territory. This will usually happen if another pet is introduced into the home. The older pet will want to clearly mark their territory with their scent. 

While you might think that this is a one-off price to pay when getting a new pet, once they start urinating in this way it can become habitual, and it can be difficult to train them out of this behavior. The bacteria left behind by their urine can also encourage them to come back to the same spot to pee again in future.

Finally, sometimes an inability to control their bladder can be a sign of a medical disorder, such as kidney stones or diabetes. If you can’t see any other explanation for their peeing, it might be time to take them to the vet just to be sure. According to Dr Radosta: 

Medical disorders increase urgency so the dog can’t get outside fast enough. If that is the case, they will go wherever they happen to be standing.

While initial cleaning might mask the smell of dog urine, if you do not fully eliminate the odor and sanitize the area, the smell of dog urine has a way of permeating the home in a way that is difficult to ignore and eliminate. 

While immediate clean up is the best thing that you can do, sometimes we do not notice dog urine right away, as it does not usually smell terribly when it is fresh. It only starts to smell as it breaks down in the presence of oxygen. This means that stains can have already started to set in by the time we get to them. 

Old stains that have not been cleaned properly should also not be ignored, as they can still contain odor-producing bacteria and bacteria that will attract your dog to pee in the same spot again.

For more thoughts on why your dog might be peeing in the house, check out this video from Endless Mt. Labradors.

Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning up dog urine is generally a two-part process. First, you will want a spot cleaner to deal with odors and stains immediately, cleaning up the affected area as quickly as possible. While there are a lot of very effective spot cleaners on the market which may leave you thinking that the area is clean, it is best to follow up with regular carpet shampooing with special shampoo targeted at stains like urine to ensure that all underlying bacteria, odors, and stains are fully eliminated.

In order to be effective against dog urine, your selected cleaning agent needs to be strong but not so strong that it damages your carpet, and it also should not contain any harsh chemicals that could be dangerous for either your dog or you. These days, carpet cleaning formulas generally work in one of two different ways:

Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners contain special enzymes that latch onto the bacteria left behind by urine and other substances and then diminishes that bacteria until it is virtually undetectable. These are generally the best cleaners when it comes to eliminating odors.

Oxygen Cleaners

Oxygen cleaners use an oxidizing compound that releases oxygen when it is exposed to water. This release of oxygen lifts stains and dirt off whatever surface is being cleaned. These cleaners are generally less effective on odors than enzyme cleaners but more effective when it comes to stains.

While there are still cleaners available out there that use more traditional chemicals such as chlorine and bleach, these are not recommended since they can damage your carpet and be harmful to anyone, animal or human, living in your household.

Key Features Of A Good Carpet Cleaning Solution

Once you have decided whether to go with an enzyme or an oxygen cleaning solution, there are a number of other features of a good cleaning product to consider:

Natural/Biodegradable

What are you planning to do with your cleaning water once you have dealt with your urine stain? Pour it down the sink? Dispose of it in the garden? The best cleaning formulas will be natural and biodegradable so as not to cause damage to the environment when disposed of. This is especially important when it comes to carpet shampoos, simply because you are using a lot more water.

Odor And Scent

When it comes to cleaning up dog urine, you want to eliminate the bacteria that causes it to smell rather than just mask the smell with a home-friendly scent. The bacteria in dog urine that causes it to smell takes months to fully break down. This means that if left unattended, it can still be giving off fresh smells weeks after the offending incident. 

The smell of this bacteria can also act as a calling card for your dog, encouraging them to return and pee in the same spot. This is why it is essential to use a cleaner that breaks down odors and does not simply mask them. Moreover, generally speaking, in order to be strong enough to mask the smell of dog urine, cleaning scents need to be pretty strong which can be offensive to the nose in its own right.

Carpet, Animal, And Human Safe

As already suggested, it is important to avoid cleaners that contain nasty chemicals. Obviously some chemicals can do damage to your carpet, stripping color, and causing fibers to harden. More worrying, however, is the health damage that they can do to human and animal members of the household when they come into contact with or inhale the chemical. Any cleaner you choose should be certified as safe for animals and humans.

Safety Precautions

In order to completely minimize risks, it is also a good idea to take some safety precautions when cleaning carpets:

• Wear gloves when cleaning to protect your skin.
• Keep the space well ventilated during and after cleaning to dissipate any smells left by the cleaning agent.
• Avoid using cleaning products near an open flame or electrical outlet.
• Everyone, but especially children and pets, should keep away from the carpet that has been cleaned until it is completely dry.
• Close containers properly after use to ensure no fumes escape.
• Store cleaning products out of the reach of children and pets and away from food products.

FAQs

Can the smell of dog urine be harmful?

Dog (and cat) urine is not just a bit disgusting, it can harm your health. It carries carries bacteria that can cause illness, in particular, toxoplasmosis. This can cause flu like symptoms that can last several weeks. The sharp ammonia smell can also irritate the lungs with continuous exposure.

Does dog pee smell?

Fresh dog urine usually has no smell, but it will start to smell after an hour or two as it breaks down in the presence of oxygen. If left untreated, dog urine can take up to five years to off-gas on its own.

Can dog urine cause black mold?

Dog urine can contribute to mold growth if it is not cleaned up properly Clean up immediately to avoid stains, eliminate smells, and limit the likelihood of mold.

The Verdict

So which carpet cleaner is right for you?

If you are looking for an all-around reliable product for dealing with stains and odors, then you can’t go wrong with Rocco & Roxie’s cleaning formula which is effective while being safe for carpets, animals, and humans. 

If you are interested in an all-natural product that still deals with tough stains, then consider the spot cleaner from TriNova which is entirely plant-based. 

When it comes to carpet shampoo, Nature’s Miracle offers an effective and biodegradable carpet shampoo.