
From red wine to spaghetti, from ketchup to cat pee, carpets and soft furnishings are vulnerable to a whole range of stubborn stains and odors. Destroying the evidence of life’s little accidents can sometimes seem like an impossible task – no matter how much you scrub and spritz, certain stains are just too stubborn for everyday cleaners. Luckily, help is at hand. Thanks to enzymatic cleaners, most rugs, carpets, couch covers and curtains can be saved from the terrible fate of early retirement.
These safe and effective products can power their way through even challenging stains, making them a cleaning cupboard essential for any home with pets, children, or clumsy occupants. They work by harnessing natural bacteria to break down tough dirt and grime, leaving you free to wipe away the debris. With so many enzyme based cleaners on the market, however, finding the best option for your home isn’t always easy. That’s where we come in: we’ve compiled a list of the best enzymatic cleaners on the market right now, so you can make an informed decision. To help you get the most out of your new cleaning product, we’ve also addressed some common questions and concerns surrounding this cleaning product.
The Best Enzymatic Cleaner
1
Rocco & Roxie Strength Enzymatic Cleaner
Starting off our list is this professional strength pet enzyme cleaner by Rocco & Roxie. Their incredibly versatile solution is suitable for use all around your home – from carpets, to floors, to clothing and bedding. The powerful cleaner can work its way through almost any natural stain, including urine, feces, vomit, and food. Thanks to natural enzymatic bacteria in the solution, these stains are quickly broken down for easy removal.
These enzymes do their job, before quickly degrading, leaving behind no residue. These natural cleaning agents are a safe for children and animals, and won’t bleach away the color of your furnishings. Along with stains, this handy enzyme carpet cleaner also tackles odors, by breaking down the smelly compounds found in stains. It’s the perfect way to remove unpleasant pet urine smells from your home – without having to replace any carpets or furniture. This Amazon best seller is at home in any household, tackling a huge variety of stains and odors without the use of harsh chemicals.
Professional strength enzyme cleaner
Suitable for most surfaces: carpet, floors, furniture, and more
Breaks down organic matter to remove stains
Eliminates odor
Safe for pets and humans
Color safe
Amazon best seller
- BrandRocco & Roxie Supply Co
- Modelfsec
- Weight2 pounds
2
Sunny & Honey Stain Odor Miracle Enzymatic Cleaner
The next enzyme-based cleaner to earn a spot on our list is this powerful, natural formula by Sunny & Honey. It makes a great enzymatic carpet cleaner, but it’s just as capable of tackling messes on hardwood, upholstery, couches, leather, and bedding. The solution contains naturally occuring enzymes, which work to break down organic matter, removing the stains and odors it can cause for good.
Sunny & Honey’s cleaning solution is specially designed for households with pets. It can help you clean up all manner of canine and feline messes, such as urine, feses, vomit, and even drool. It’s also safe to use around pets, allowing owners to tackle the odd accident without fearing for their health. Sunny & Honey donate 10% of their profits to animal charities. When you clear up after your pet, you’ll be helping other animals to find an equally safe and healthy home. For that extra freshness hit, the formula comes in a spring mint scented version – both versions are made in the USA.
Enzyme cleaner for cat urine and other animal messes
Multi-surface formula is suitable for hardwood, carpets, and more
Removes stains and odors through natural enzymatic bacteria
Safe to use around pets and children
10% of profits donated to animal charities
Made in the USA
Spring mint scented version available
- BrandSunny & Honey
- ModelEnzyme Cleaner
- Weight2.3 pounds
3
BUBBAS Super Strength Commercial Enzymatic Cleaner
If you’re looking for an extra-tough cleaning solution, look no further than this stain and odor ‘Terminator’ by Bubba’s. Their unique formula is recommended by veterinarians and owners alike, for its ability to remove stains and odors from flooring, rugs, carpets, and upholstery. Unlike some enzymatic cleaners on the market, Bubba’s uses dormant bacteria, which only become active when they come into contact with organic matter. This ensures that they don’t die off in the bottle, keeping the solution potent for month after month.
This multi-purpose formula comes in handy all around your home. It’s the perfect enzyme cleaner for dog urine, but can also be used on other messes, such as food and drink stains. Wherever you choose to apply the cleaner, you can rest assured it’s totally safe for both pets and humans. In fact, it’s gentle enough to use on your own clothing – one hany application it can be put to is deodorizing well-worn shoes. Bubba’s have so much faith in their product that they offer a satisfaction guarantee with every bottle sold.
Veterinarian recommended enzymatic cleaner
Perfect for households with pets
Removes stains and odors from a wide variety of surfaces
Utilises dormant enzymatic bacteria, which become active around organic matter
Remains potent in the bottle
Safe to use around pets and humans
Suitable for food and drink stains, pet messes, and other organic spills
- BrandBubba’s Rowdy Friends Pet Supply Company
- Modelfscde
- Weight2.3 pounds
4
Mister Max Unscented Enzymatic Cleaner
The next enzyme detergent to earn itself a spot on our list is this safe and effective formula by Mister Max. The powerful cleaner can totally remove all stains and odors caused by organic matter, rather than just masking them. It’s the perfect option for all household accidents, capable of breaking down urine, feses, vomit, and even skunk odor.
With the help of live bacteria, the cleaning fluid basically ‘eats’ through the chemicals which cause stains and odors, leaving you with a clean, fresh-smelling surface. This natural cleaning solution is totally safe to use around pets and humans. Because it’s biodegradable, it’s environmentally friendly, too. Because the cleaner is tailored to dissolve stains, it won’t do any damage to your floors and furniture, either.
Enzymatic cleaner suitable for most surfaces
Eliminates stains and odors caused by organic matter
Ideal for pet messes, food stains, and more
Natural bacteria ‘eat’ away stains without damaging surfaces
Environmentally friendly
Safe to use around pets and children
Leaves a clean, odorless surface
- BrandMister Max
- ModelAIP-UN-G
- Weight8 pounds
5
Nature’s Miracle Enzymatic Cleaner
Nature’s Miracle is a well known name in the petcare world – and for good reason. Their stain and odor remover is a great way to totally eliminate odors and stains from a range of surfaces – even if they’re deep-set. The cleaner is suitable for use with carpet, tile, hardwood, and linoleum, as well as furniture and pet bedding. It’s gentle but effective formula quickly tackles urine, feses, vomit, and drool, as well as food and drink stains, leaving behind a refreshing citrus scent.
At the heart of the formula, enzyme-producing bacteria work their way through organic matter when contact is made, effectively ‘eating’ away the problem compounds. Simply apply the solution straight from the bottle, wait 10 minutes, and blot away the residue. This easy to use formula is safe for pets and kids, too.
Enzymatic stain and odor remover
Suitable for use on carpet, tile, hardwood, linoleum, furnishings and pet bedding
Tackles organic matter stains, such as drool, vomit, urine, feces, food, and more
Quick and easy to use
Leaves behind a refreshing citrus scent
Safe to use around pets and kids
- BrandNature’s Miracle
- Model5125
- Weight26 pounds
6
Amaziing Solutions Pet Enzymatic Cleaner
Amazzing Solutions have also earned themselves a spot on our list, with this professional strength enzymatic cleaner. Designed with pets in mind, the gentle yet powerful formula can tackle the stains and odors caused by pet messes with ease. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, but is especially at home on the carpet. Its naturally occurring enzymes work their way deep into carpet pile, digesting the substances responsible for stains and odors completely.
Despite this tough cleaning action, the solution won’t do any damage to your carpets either. All that’s left behind is a subtle, pleasant scent. This natural cleaning method is safe for pets and humans of the household, too, so there’s no need to worry about the effects of harmful chemicals. Because enzymatic cleaners are biodegradable, this cleaning solution is environmentally responsible choice, too. Owners across the board report that the product works as advertised, making nasty urine smells a thing of the past.
Professional strength enzymatic cleaner
Ideal for carpets, floors, soft furnishings, and more
Suitable for pet messes and other organic material stains
Gentle on carpets
Safe to use around pets and kids
Environmentally friendly
Leaves behind a subtle, pleasant scent
- BrandAmaziing Solutions
- Weight3.9 pounds
7
TriNova Natural Enzymatic Cleaner
The next enzyme cleaner to earn a spot on our list is this all natural formula by TriNova. Although all enzyme cleaners depend upon naturally occurring bacteria to function, many also contain synthetic ingredients – that’s where TriNova’s Green Standard differs. If you’re keen to use as many natural ingredients as possible, this could be the perfect cleaner for your home. If you, your pet, or another member of the household has sensitive skin, Green Standard could also be a great option, since it avoids using the synthetic surfactants that can prove irritating. It’s totally safe to use around children, pets, and other members of the household.
Don’t be fooled by this gentleness, though – Green Standard is powerful enough to work its way through a wide variety of stains and odors, leaving your surfaces as good as new. Its natural enzymes break down and neutralize the substances responsible for stains and odors, whether they’re caused by urine, food, or feces. Thanks to a little mint extract, nothing is left behind but a fresh, natural scent. Each bottle of Green Standard is made to a high standard of quality, using organic ingredients, in the USA.
All natural enzymatic cleaner
Ideal for pets or people with sensitive skin
Suitable for use on carpets, floors, upholstery, and more
Dissolves organic matter stains and eliminates odors
Gentle on household surfaces
Leaves behind a fresh mint scent
Made with organic ingredients in the USA
- BrandTriNova
- Weight2.2 pounds
8
Simple Solution Extreme Enzymatic Cleaner
Simple Solution have earned the penultimate spot on our list, thanks to their Extreme stain and odor remover. Designed to tackle the toughest stains, and most persistent odors, this powerful solution is ideal for homes with more than one pet. Thanks to the enzymatic bacteria in each bottle, the formula can effectively eliminate all stains and odors caused by organic matter, such as urine, food and drink, and vomit.
This versatile cleaner is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, such as carpet, bedding, clothing, rugs, hard floors, and upholstery. Each bottle features a unique three way nozzle, which can dispense the solution as a foam, mist, or stream. The foam setting is great for stubborn stains, while the stream spray can more easily reach into nooks and crevices. Finally, the mist setting is ideal for covering large areas. Whichever setting you choose, you can rest assured that the formula is safe to use around your family – both furry and human. Simple Solution’s products are made in the USA.
Extra tough enzymatic cleaning spray
Eliminates stains and odors caused by organic matter (urine, food, etc.)
Suitable for use on carpets, hard floors, upholstery, and fabric
3-in-1 nozzle for various applications
Safe to use around pets and humans
Made in the USA
- BrandSimple Solution
- Model10137N-12PONL
- Weight2.37 pounds
9
Particular Paws Triple Action Enzymatic Cleaner
Last, but not least, comes this triple action enzyme cleaner by Particular Paws. This multi-purpose cleaner can permanently eliminate stains and odors – whether old or new – from the home. It contains a blend of bacteria and enzymes, selected to break down the organic substances that cause odor and staining. It’s perfect for tackling messes such as urine and feces, on surfaces ranging from carpet to hard floors and upholstery. Wherever the spray is used, it won’t do any damage to the home.
Once the job is done, the bacteria simply die – they’re perfectly safe to use around pets and kids. It’s also much better for the environment that cleaning solutions that contain harsh chemicals. Particular Paws have made their solution from all natural ingredients, making it a safe option for any home. Each bottle is made to a high standard of quality in the USA.
Multi-purpose enzymatic cleaner
Suitable for use on carpet, floor, and upholstery
Eliminates stains and odors caused by organic matter
Suitable for use on urine, feces, vomit, dander, mud, and more
Safe to use around pets and kids
Eco-friendly
Made with all natural ingredients
Made in the USA
- BrandParticular Paws
- ModelPet_Stain_Odor_32oz
- Weight2.3 pounds
Best Enzymatic Cleaner Buying Guide & FAQ
These nine cleaners are the best of the bunch, and we’re confident you’ll find the perfect option for your home somewhere on the list. To help you make up your mind, and get the most out of whichever cleaner you choose, we’ve put together this handy buying guide.
Below, we run through how enzyme cleaners work, why you might want to use one, and how to do so safely and effectively.
What to Look for When Buying Enzymatic Cleaners
When it’s time to choose an enzymatic cleaner for your home, it’s a good idea to watch out for the following characteristics:
- Versatility
A good enzyme cleaner can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, so look out for a product which is suitable for upholstery and hard floors as well as carpet. This will save you from purchasing more than one stain and odor remover. High quality enzymatic cleaners are also very versatile when it comes to the type of mess they can tackle, so watch out for a formula that can handle a wide range of substances.
- Power
It’s difficult to tell how powerful an enzymatic cleaner is just by looking at the bottle. Be sure to have a look at the customer reviews before making a decision if at all possible. Otherwise, watch out for solutions that only need to soak into the stain for about 10 minutes. This fast action is a reliable sign that the formula is powerful.
- Safety
All high quality enzymatic cleaners are safe to use around pets and children. If sensitive or allergy-prone skin is a concern, it could be a good idea to choose a cleaner made with all natural ingredients, such as options seven and nine on our list.
- Quality Ingredients
The most effective enzymatic cleaners are made using high quality ingredients. Look out for a short ingredient list - this indicates a lack of filler, and higher concentration of active components. In a good quality cleaner, bacteria and enzymes should appear among the top three ingredients.
Benefits of Enzymatic Cleaners
- Using an enzymatic cleaning product comes with a whole host of benefits:
- Enzymatic cleaners are non-toxic, and environmentally safe
- Most enzyme-based cleaners can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, including carpet, upholstery, clothes, hard floors, and pet bedding
- Enzymatic cleaners can tackle the majority of organic matter stains, such as ketchup, red wine, urine, feces, and vomit
- Enzymatic cleaners eliminate unpleasant odors rather than just masking them
- It’s quick and easy to use an enzymatic cleaner
- Enzyme-based cleaners are ideal for households with pets
- Enzymatic cleaners are gentle enough to remove stains and odors without damaging surfaces
- Enzymatic cleaning products are a good option for people with allergies or sensitive skin
- Cleaning up urine with an enzymatic cleaner discourages pets from peeing in the same spot a second time
Cleaning Tips for Using an Enzymatic Cleaner
Enzymatic cleaners are highly effective against a variety of stains. You can get the most out of them with the following tips:
- Don’t attempt to use an enzymatic cleaner to remove non-biological stains, such as gasoline, engine oil, or certain inks. It won’t work, since the enzymes in your cleaner are not designed to break down these substances.
- Bear in mind that around 90% of stains are organic - choosing a high quality enzyme cleaner rather than a cheap but less effective option is a sound investment.
- When cleaning up a large, splattered mess, consider using a black light to ensure you’ve found every part.
- When clearing up urine with an enzymatic cleaner, be sure to thoroughly douse the area, as it can easily wick deep into the carpet.
- Always allow plenty of time for the newly cleaned area to air dry. This gives the enzymes time to work fully.
Best Enzymatic Cleaner FAQ:
Q: What is an enzymatic cleaner?
A: Enzymatic cleaners are a type of cleaning solution made with enzymes.
Enzymes are a type of long protein chain, naturally produced by many forms of life. They act as natural catalysts, causing chemical reactions to happen much more quickly than they otherwise would.
Enzymes come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, each of which is highly specialized to break down a specific substance. For this reason, most enzymatic cleaners contain a variety of different enzymes, including:
- Proteases break down proteins. They can tackle food, grass, and blood stains.
- Lipases break down fats into fatty acids. They help clean away butter, lipstick, and vegetable oil.
- Pectinases break down pectins, which can be found in fruits such as berries tomatoes, bananas, and oranges.
- Urease breaks down urea, a component of urine, into carbon dioxide and ammonia. Since carbon dioxide is a gas at room temperature, and ammonia is water soluble, the enzyme makes urine far easier to clear away.
In a cleaning solution, enzymes help to rapidly break down organic matter, so it can be removed more easily. This is how they tackle stains. The enzymes also break down odor-causing substances, eliminating bad smells.
Enzymes have a variety of cleaning applications, including:
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwasher tablets, capsules, and powders
- Carpet cleaner
- Stain remover
- Odor neutralizer
Q: How do I use enzymatic cleaners?
A: When using an enzymatic cleaner, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, since different products contain different enzyme concentrations.
Most enzymatic stain and odor removers are used in the following way:
- Blot away as much of the stain as possible
- Soak the area with the enzyme cleaner
- Leave the cleaner to soak in for around 10 minutes, or as instructed
- Blot away the cleaner using a new towel
- Leave the area to air dry
Q: Are enzymatic cleaners safe to use around children and pets?
A: Yes. Enzymatic cleaners are safe to use around dogs, cats, and kids - this is one of the main advantages they have over other types of stain remover.
Because they depend upon bacteria, rather than harsh chemicals, for their cleaning properties, enzymatic cleaners are generally non-toxic, and non-irritating. This makes them perfect for households with pets, children, or both.
Despite the relative safety of enzymatic cleaners, they should still be stored out of the reach and sight of children and pets. The ingestion of enzymatic cleaners can be dangerous.
Q: Can I use an enzymatic cleaner in a carpet cleaner or steamer?
A: Yes. Many enzymatic cleaning solutions are designed for use with carpet cleaners and steamers.
However, bear in mind that the cleaning solutions listed above are designed mainly for hand cleaning. If you want to steam clean your carpet with an enzymatic cleaner, be sure to select a formula designed for the job.
Our Top Pick
For us, the best enzyme cleaner available right now has to be Rocco & Roxie’s professional strength solution. This versatile cleaner is the perfect fit for any household with pets, children, or other spill-prone occupants. It’s suitable for use on almost any surface - from floors and carpets to curtains and bedding. Simply spray, wait, and wipe clean.
The gentle yet powerful enzymes contained in the cleaner can work their way through all manner of organic stains with ease, as well as the odors they can cause. These extreme odor-removal capabilities make the formula perfect for clearing up any pet accidents - that persistent ammonia smell will be gone in no time at all. Inside the solution, natural enzymatic bacteria break down organic matter deep in your carpet, without bleaching away its color or doing any damage. It’s free from chlorine and other harsh chemicals, too, so you can rest assured it’s safe to use around humans and pets.
Sources:
- How to Make Enzyme Cleaner - Hunker
- Eliminating Cat Urine Stains and Smells - HuffPost Life