Dog Stain and Odor Removers

There is a time in every dog owner's life that calls for having a good stain and odor remover on hand--think of housetraining a puppy, or living with your geriatric dog's mishaps, not to mention the irregular bouts of vomiting and diarrhea that occur in every dogs' lifetime.

Most products can take care of both stain and odor in one squirt. One of the most popular is Nature's Miracle, but there are several products to choose from.

What removers can (and can't) do

• Some remove only stains, some remove only urine odor, some do both.
• Certain cleaners can be used in laundry loads to clean bedding and rugs.
• Some can be used on carpeting.
• Some can be used on tile and hardwood floors.
• Specific cleaners are effective for dogs only, while some are useful for dogs and cats (cat urine is stronger and more difficult to eradicate).
• Most removers are liquid, but disposable wipes are terrific for recent accidents on hard floors. However, disposable does not necessarily mean flushable.

How to apply

• Many of these products won't be effective unless you follow the directions exactly, which usually involves spraying the spot immediately, then scrubbing with a wet sponge, and letting dry.
• Don't apply multiple products because it's possible they'll work against each other.
• Removers may require more than one treatment.

Safety

Some of these products are toxic to dogs and people when ingested. It's best to keep only nontoxic products around small children, who can get both themselves and the dogs into trouble. Keep handy the number for your local poison control center, or for the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a fee may be charged).

When a remover isn't the best choice

Sometimes you have to just throw up your hands and call in a professional carpet cleaner. Note that they can use a pet deodorizer while deep cleaning, but try your best to get rid of the urine first or water in their equipment may spread the urine into larger areas.

Or you may need to completely replace carpeting and padding. If your visitors tend to wrinkle their noses upon walking into your place, take note--you may have become accustomed to the smell.

Products that complement your remover

• Clean, dry towels are usually used for stain cleanup.
• Some removers require a scrub brush.
• Black lights will show you where urine stains are; the dried, nonsoluble uric salt crystals shine under them. Turn off the room lights to use the black light.