Fresh dog pee on the carpet? Enzymes, not perfume.

Perfume hides pee. Enzymes break it down. Here is the cleaner for fresh spots, the one for old ones, and the catch on each.

Our pick

Fresh pee on carpet and couches

Naturally It's Clean Carpet Upholstery Cleaner

The catch: Old stains need a few rounds.
Skip it if: The stain is old and set in, and needs a longer soak.

The catch: Old stains need a few rounds. Skip it if: The stain is old and set in, and needs a longer soak.

What's in it: Plant-based enzymes, per the maker, made for fresh pee instead of a cover-up. Source: Listing

The maker states: Enzyme formulaThe maker states: it uses enzymes, which break down the pee or vomit itself, so the smell goes with it.

Check price at Amazon

Found it late? Still smells?

Old or repeat spot

Biokleen Bac-Out Pet Stain & Odor Remover

The catch: Light lavender-lime scent. Soak old spots and judge them dry.

Skip it if: The stain is old and set in, and needs a longer soak.

What's in it: Green Seal certified (GS-52). Source: Certifier

Certified: Green SealGreen Seal's directory lists this product as certified to its published standard for its category.
The maker states: Enzyme formulaThe maker states: it uses enzymes, which break down the pee or vomit itself, so the smell goes with it.

Check price at Amazon

Still smells

Skout's Honor Dog Urine Destroyer

The catch: A scent the maker calls plant-based. Spot test first, and skip wool, silk and leather.

Skip it if: The pee is fresh. Start with an enzyme cleaner.

What's in it: Four ingredients, all named. Source: Maker

The maker states: Plant-basedThe maker describes the whole formula as plant-based or plant-derived and publishes the ingredient list.

Check price at Amazon

Old stain, not fresh pee? See the best enzyme cleaners for dog urine

Best dog odor eliminator for each mess

The best dog odor eliminator for fresh pee on carpet or a couch is Naturally It's Clean Carpet Upholstery Cleaner, an enzyme cleaner with no dyes or artificial fragrances. It's built for fresh accidents; a weeks-old stain gets the set-in pick below.

Pee on hardwood floors? The hardwood version is in the list below.

More fixes for this mess

Same mess, different home? One of these fits yours.

More options (9)

LEVOIT Small Air Purifier
Best for: Homes with shedding pets and pet odor
Check price at Amazon
Puracy Pet Stain and Odor Remover
Best for: Pee on carpet, rugs and upholstery
Check price at Amazon
Nature's Miracle Advanced Dog Stain & Odor Eliminator, Severe Mess
Best for: Fresh dog accidents
Check price at Amazon
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator
Best for: Quick refreshes before guests arrive
Check price at Amazon
Vacmaster Portable Spot Cleaner & Extractor
Best for: Accident cleanup
Check price at Amazon
Zero Odor Multi-Purpose Odor Eliminator
Best for: Odors that enzymes haven't fixed
Check price at Amazon
Gonzo Natural Magic Charcoal Air Purifier
Best for: Litter box areas
Check price at Amazon
Good Natured Brand Pet Laundry Booster
Best for: Dog beds and blankets that smell
Check price at Amazon
Kinzua Environmental Stain & Odor Remover
Best for: One cleaner for carpet, couch and hard floors
Check price at Amazon

House smells like dog

The spot is clean and the house still smells? Work in this order.

Step 1: Wash what holds it.
Bedding, throws and couch covers first.
Find it, soak it, wash it
Step 2: Soak the old spots.
Let enzymes sit. Don't spray and wipe.
See enzyme cleaner picks
Step 3: Filter the air last.
A purifier clears what's left.
Air purifier picks

Fix it, step by step

How to get it out, what to buy, and what to skip.

Fix it tonight

Which one to buy

Cleaned it and it still smells the next day? Check how long enzyme cleaner takes to work before you spray again.

All Odor & Stain Cleanup guides

How long do enzyme cleaners take to work?

Questions before you buy

Why does my carpet still smell after cleaning?

Regular cleaners often don't reach the pad underneath. Enzyme cleaners need to soak through to the source. Saturate the area, cover with plastic, and let it work for 24 hours for deep odors.

Are enzyme cleaners safe for all surfaces?

Most are safe for carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. Always test on a hidden area first, especially for delicate fabrics or sealed hardwood.

How long do enzyme cleaners take to work?

Fresh spots: often minutes. Old pee: 24 to 48 hours.

Can I use bleach with enzyme cleaners?

No. Bleach kills the beneficial bacteria in enzyme cleaners, making them ineffective. Never mix cleaning products.

Why does my pet keep going back to the same spot?

Pets can smell traces of old accidents that humans can't detect. An enzyme cleaner breaks down the smell they follow back.

Do I need different products for urine vs. vomit?

Most handle pee, poop and vomit. A few are made for urine only, so check the label.

Have a cat? See picks for odor & stain cleanup for cats or every dog category.

Back to our 3 picks

Every mess, every pick, catch included

Pee, fur, mud, litter, breath. Find yours, see who each pick suits and its catch.

See all our picks

Fresh dog pee on the carpet? Enzymes, not perfume.

Naturally It's Clean Carpet Upholstery Cleaner

Found it late? Still smells?