What’s an Enzymatic Cleaner? How It Works to Remove Dog Urine, Smells, and Stains | Pupford

If you’ve ever had a dog (or any pet, for that matter), you know that accidents happen. Whether it’s a puppy in training or a senior dog with a bladder issue, cleaning up after your furry friend is part of life.

But have you ever wondered why certain stains seem impossible to remove or why your dog keeps sniffing—or even marking—the same spot? Enter the superhero of pet cleaning solutions: an enzyme cleaner.

In this blog, we’ll explore how enzymatic cleaners work, why they’re essential for keeping your home fresh and your dog from detecting past messes, and five pro cleaning tips that use enzymatic cleaners to their fullest potential.

Table of Contents

1. How Do Enzymatic Cleaners Work?
2. Why Are Enzymatic Cleaners Important?
3. 5 Cleaning Tips Using Enzymatic Cleaners
4. Common Myths About Enzymatic Cleaners

How Do Enzyme Cleaners Work?

At their core, enzymatic cleaners are a scientific marvel. Unlike regular cleaning products, which often rely on soap, detergents, or chemicals to lift dirt and stains, enzymatic cleaners use natural enzymes to break down organic materials at the molecular level.

The Science Behind It

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions. In the case of enzymatic cleaners, these enzymes target the proteins, fats, and starches found in organic stains such as urine, feces, vomit, and even blood. Here’s how they work step-by-step:

1. Detection: Enzymes in the cleaner detect specific molecules within the stain.
2. Breaking Down Molecules: The enzymes break down these molecules into smaller, simpler compounds like water and carbon dioxide.
3. Consumption by Bacteria: Many enzymatic cleaners also contain beneficial bacteria that “consume” the remaining organic matter, ensuring nothing is left behind.
4. Evaporation: Once the stain has been neutralized, the remaining solution evaporates, leaving no residue.

Why Are Enzymatic Cleaners Important for Dog Messes?

Eliminates Stains and Odors at the Source

Traditional cleaners might mask odors temporarily or clean the visible stains, but they often leave behind trace molecules. Dogs’ noses are incredibly sensitive—they can detect these leftover molecules, which might prompt them to revisit the same spot. Enzymatic cleaners thoroughly break down these molecules, eliminating the scent entirely.

Learn more about your dog's incredible sense of smell here!

Prevents Repeat Marking

Dogs rely on scent to communicate, so if they smell traces of urine or feces, they might interpret it as an invitation to mark the area again. By removing all residual odors, enzymatic cleaners help discourage this behavior.

Safe for Pets and the Environment

Unlike harsh chemical cleaners that may leave behind harmful residues, enzymatic cleaners are generally safe for pets and eco-friendly. Most are biodegradable and free of toxic substances.

Related Reading: 9 Tips to Get Dog Smell Out of a House

Versatile and Effective

Enzymatic cleaners aren’t just for pet messes—they’re excellent for tackling food spills, wine stains, and even odors in laundry or garbage bins.

💩 Get rid of stubborn stains & smells with Pupford’s Oops Eraser Enzymatic Cleaner, get a bottle today!

5 Cleaning Tips for Using Enzymatic Cleaners

Here are five practical ways to use enzymatic cleaners to keep your home fresh and stain-free:

1. Act quickly on new stains
2. Use on old or set-in stains
3. Clean pet bedding and fabrics
4. Deep clean crates and litter boxes
5. Refresh carpets and upholstery regularly

Let's look at each one below. 👇

1. Act Quickly on New Stains

The faster you act on a fresh stain, the better. When your dog has an accident, follow these steps:

• Blot (don’t rub) the area with a clean towel to soak up as much moisture as possible.
• Apply the enzymatic cleaner generously, ensuring it fully saturates the stain.
• Allow the cleaner to sit for at least 10–15 minutes, giving the enzymes time to break down the stain.
• Blot again with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.

Pro Tip: Always test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet or upholstery first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

2. Use on Old or Set-In Stains

Old stains can be more challenging but not impossible to tackle. Here’s how:

• Saturate the stained area with an enzymatic cleaner.
• Cover the area with plastic wrap or a damp towel to keep it moist—enzymes work best in a damp environment.
• Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
• Rinse or blot thoroughly with clean water.

Pro Tip: For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat this process a couple of times.

3. Clean Pet Bedding and Fabrics

Pet bedding, blankets, and even your own linens can absorb odors and stains over time. To clean them:

• Add enzymatic cleaner directly to the washing machine alongside your regular detergent.
• For tougher stains, pre-treat the area by spraying enzymatic cleaner before washing.

Pro Tip: Avoid using hot water for pre-treatment, as high heat can set stains and deactivate enzymes.

💩 Get rid of stubborn stains & smells with Pupford’s Oops Eraser Enzymatic Cleaner, get a bottle today!

4. Deep Clean Crates and Litter Boxes

Crates, kennels, and litter boxes are hotspots for lingering odors. Use an enzymatic cleaner to keep them fresh:

• Empty the crate or litter box and remove any debris.
• Spray the enzymatic cleaner generously and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
• Scrub with a soft brush or sponge, then rinse with clean water.
• Let it air-dry entirely before adding bedding or litter.

Pro Tip: Make this part of your weekly cleaning routine to prevent odors from building up.

5. Refresh Carpets and Upholstery Regularly

Even if your dog hasn’t had any recent accidents, carpets and upholstery can harbor odors from fur, sweat, and dander. To refresh these areas:

• Lightly spray enzymatic cleaner over high-traffic areas or spots your dog frequently lounges.
• Allow the cleaner to air-dry—there’s no need to rinse unless there’s a visible stain.

Pro Tip: Use a carpet cleaner or upholstery attachment for deeper cleaning sessions, adding enzymatic cleaner to the solution tank.

Common Myths About Enzymatic Cleaners

Myth 1: They Work Instantly

While enzymatic cleaners are effective, they aren’t magic. Enzymes need time to break down the stain fully, so patience is key.

Myth 2: They’re Only for Pet Stains

Enzymatic cleaners are versatile and can tackle a wide range of organic stains, including food spills, coffee, and even sweat marks on clothing.

Myth 3: All Enzymatic Cleaners Are the Same

Not all enzymatic cleaners are created equal. Look for products specifically formulated for pet messes and those with good reviews for effectiveness.

Related Reading: How to Get Pee and Stains Out of Carpet

What’s an Enzyme Cleaner & How Does It Work? Recap

Enzymatic cleaners are a game-changer for animal lovers, offering a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly way to tackle stains and odors. By understanding how they work and following best practices, you can keep your home fresh, clean, and free from the tell-tale signs of pet accidents.

Whether you’re dealing with a fresh puddle or a long-forgotten stain, an enzymatic cleaner is your best bet for eliminating the mess at its source. Plus, your dog—and your guests—will thank you for the odor-free environment.

Can't seem to stop potty accidents? Sign up for the 100% free online video course, 30 Day Perfect Pup! You'll access guided videos covering crate and potty training, leash behavior, and more. Sign up here!

💩 Get rid of stubborn stains & smells with Pupford’s Oops Eraser Enzymatic Cleaner, get a bottle today!