CleanPaws Pro Enzyme Cleaner Review: Does It Actually Eliminate Pet Odors?

Let's be honest: if you're reading this, you've probably got a smell problem. Maybe your senior dog had an accident on the carpet. Maybe your new puppy thinks the living room is a bathroom. Either way, you've tried the regular stuff and it didn't work.

I've been there. Three dogs, two cats, 15 years of pet parenthood. I've tried everything from baking soda hacks to "professional-grade" cleaners that cost more than my grocery bill.

So when I tested CleanPaws Pro Enzyme Stain & Odor Remover, I wasn't hoping for miracles. I just wanted something that actually worked.

Spoiler: this one does. Here's my honest review after 6 weeks of real-world testing.

What Is CleanPaws Pro Enzyme Cleaner?

CleanPaws Pro is a professional-strength enzyme cleaner designed specifically for pet stains. Unlike regular cleaners that mask odors with fragrance, enzyme cleaners use living bacteria to break down the organic compounds causing the smell.

Here's what's in the bottle:

• Bio-enzymatic formula with live bacteria cultures
• No harsh chemicals, dyes, or artificial fragrances
• Safe for carpets, hardwood, tile, upholstery, and fabric
• Works on urine, feces, vomit, and other organic stains

How Enzyme Cleaners Actually Work

Here's the science in plain English: regular cleaners are like putting a Band-Aid on a wound without cleaning it first. They might make things look better temporarily, but the problem is still there.

Enzyme cleaners are different. The bacteria in the formula "eat" the organic matter—the uric acid crystals, the proteins, all the stuff causing the smell. They literally digest it and convert it to water and carbon dioxide.

This is why enzyme cleaners take longer to work than regular cleaners. The bacteria need time to do their job. But when they're done, the odor source is gone—not masked.

How I Tested It

I didn't just spray this on a clean surface and call it a day. Here's what I actually tested:

Test 1: Fresh Accidents

My 11-year-old Lab had two accidents during the testing period (he's getting older, it happens). I applied CleanPaws Pro within an hour of each accident.

Test 2: Week-Old Stain

I intentionally left one test spot for a week before treating it. This simulates finding an accident you didn't know about—a common scenario with sneaky pets.

Test 3: The "Impossible" Spot

We have one corner of carpet that's been a problem area for years. Multiple dogs have marked it, and nothing has fully eliminated the smell. I used this as my worst-case test.

Test 4: Hardwood Floor

Applied to a hardwood floor spot to check for damage or discoloration.

The Results: What Actually Happened

Fresh Accidents: A+

This is where CleanPaws Pro really shines. Both fresh accidents were completely odor-free within 24 hours. No lingering smell, no wet dog odor when it got humid, nothing. I was genuinely impressed.

Week-Old Stain: B+

The older stain required two applications. After the first treatment, the smell was reduced by maybe 70%. The second application (48 hours later) finished the job. Not instant, but effective.

The "Impossible" Spot: B

Let's be real—a spot that's been peed on by multiple dogs over several years isn't going to be fixed by any single product. But after three applications over two weeks, the smell is noticeably reduced. It's not 100% gone, but it's the best result I've gotten from any cleaner.

Hardwood Floor: A

No damage, no discoloration, dried completely clear. Safe for hardwood.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown

What I Liked

• Actually eliminates odors instead of masking them
• Safe for all surfaces I tested (carpet, hardwood, tile, upholstery)
• No weird chemical smell—it's genuinely fragrance-free
• Works on old stains with multiple applications
• Pet-safe once dry

What Could Be Better

• Requires patience—you need to let it fully dry (up to 24 hours)
• Old or severe stains need multiple treatments
• Not cheap, but you get what you pay for
• Won't fix subfloor damage (nothing will)

How to Use Enzyme Cleaner Correctly (Most People Get This Wrong)

Here's the thing: enzyme cleaners only work if you use them right. Most people spray, wait 5 minutes, and wipe up. Then they complain it didn't work.

The enzymes need time and moisture to work. Here's the proper method:

1. Blot up as much of the stain as possible first (never rub!)
2. Saturate the area—you want the cleaner to reach as deep as the original accident
3. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to keep it moist
4. Leave for at least 8-12 hours, or overnight for best results
5. Let dry completely, then vacuum if on carpet

Pro tip: For carpet stains, the accident soaked through to the padding underneath. Your cleaner needs to reach that far too. Don't be stingy with the spray.

Who Should Buy This?

CleanPaws Pro Enzyme Cleaner is worth it if you:

• Have dogs or cats with ongoing accident issues
• Are dealing with old stains that won't go away
• Want something safe for homes with multiple pets
• Are tired of "fresh linen" sprays that just mask the smell
• Have carpeted areas that seem to hold odors

You might not need it if you:

• Only have rare, minor accidents (regular cleaner might be enough)
• Have exclusively hard floors with no porous surfaces
• Need instant results (enzyme cleaners require patience)

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Yes. CleanPaws Pro Enzyme Stain & Odor Remover is one of the few pet products that actually does what it claims.

Is it perfect? No. You need patience, and severe stains need multiple treatments. But if you follow the instructions and give the enzymes time to work, this stuff genuinely eliminates odors instead of just covering them up.

For anyone dealing with pet odor problems, this is the cleaner I recommend. I've added it to my permanent arsenal, and I'll be buying more when this bottle runs out.

Ready to Try It?

CleanPaws Pro Enzyme Stain & Odor Remover is available on Amazon. Given how well it works, the price is reasonable—especially considering how much I've wasted on products that didn't work.

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Plant-based enzyme cleaner for carpets, upholstery, and drapes—safe for use around pets.