🐾 🧺 Best Cleaners for Eliminating Dog Messes & Odors (Without Harsh Chemicals)

How to Safely Eliminate Dog Odors • Fragrance-Free • Dye-Free • Pet-Safe • Non-Toxic • HE Compatible

As a breeder, one of my priorities is not just raising healthy puppies but also helping my puppy families feel confident and prepared for life with their new best friend.

During a recent litter, I had an unusually messy whelping experience. We’re talking green mucus, birth fluids, blood, and everything in between. I needed to clean my carpet in a way like I had never seen before. I wanted powerful cleaning solutions that were non-toxic, safe for the dogs, and truly removed odors—not just covered them up.

That’s when I turned to ChatGPT for help and wow! What I learned has now become part of the advice I give every new puppy family. Even though you won’t be whelping puppies, the same principles apply for potty accidents, tummy upsets, anal gland surprises, or just that “dog smell” that tends to linger in the home over time.

Here’s what I now recommend for every dog-loving household that wants a fresh, clean, non-toxic environment.

🧼 Why Dog Messes Need More Than Just Regular Cleaners

Whether it’s pee, vomit, drool, or any other dog-related mess, the messes that our beloved fur babies leave for us are packed with proteins, fats, and bacteria. Most regular cleaners just mask the odor or rub the stain in deeper.

To truly eliminate the mess, you need products that:

• Break down organic matter (enzymes)

• Lift and remove stains (oxygen boosters)

• Dissolve fats and oils (surfactants)

• Leave no toxic residue for your pet to lick or sniff

• No strong odors, not even citrus, as odors my irritate your puppy

  
  

🛒 Best Non-Toxic Cleaners on Amazon

For Carpets, Rugs & Upholstery

1. Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain & Odor Eliminator

   • Breaks down pee, vomit, drool, blood, and more

   • Gets to the source of odors, rather than masking them

   • Safe for dogs and kids once dry

2. Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Cleaner

   • Stronger enzyme formula for stubborn or set-in messes

   • Works great on old stains and deep odor

   • Non-toxic and vet-approved

3. Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover

   • Instant results for daily messes like drool, muddy paws, or food spills

   • No rinsing needed—just spray, blot, done

   • Safe on colorfast rugs and furniture

4. Bissell Pet Pro Oxy Formula (for Machines)

   • Perfect if you own a carpet cleaner

   • Combines oxygen and enzyme cleaning power

   • Great for deep-cleaning large areas

     
     

For Dog Towels, Toys, Beds, & Blankets (see Laundry in Depth Below)

1. Baby OxiClean

   • Add to your laundry to lift stains and smells from dog beds, towels, and washable pee pads

   • Doesn’t bleach or damage fabrics

   • Excellent for keeping your home smelling clean

2. Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover

   • Natural enzyme formula made from lime peel and plant extracts

   • Great for pre-treating bedding or crate liners

   • Earth-friendly and gentle

     
     

DIY Option (Budget-Friendly Spot Treatment)

You can make your own spot cleaner using:

• 1 part Dawn Platinum Dish Soap (not non toxic, but when nothing else works this is a powerful degreaser)

• 2 parts hydrogen peroxide

• Optional: A sprinkle of baking soda

Use on light-colored surfaces for vomit, pee, or stains. Scrub gently, rinse or blot, and let dry. Just be cautious on dark fabrics or carpet—it can bleach.

🐶 If You Only Buy Two…

If you're on a budget or just starting out, these two will cover nearly everything:

1. Nature’s Miracle Advanced Enzyme Cleaner – for accidents on carpet or furniture

2. OxiClean Odor Blasters – for keeping bedding and washable items fresh

3. Add Folex later for fast daily touch-ups or use the DIY mix in a pinch!

   
   

Surface/Item

Best Cleaner

Why It Works

Carpet/Upholstery

Nature’s Miracle or Rocco & Roxie

Enzymes break down proteins, remove odor

Carpet (spot treat)

Folex Instant Spot Remover

Quick emulsification, no rinse needed

Carpet (machine)

Bissell Pet Pro Oxy Formula

Deep oxygen clean, enzyme + brightener

Towels/Bedding

OxiClean Odor Blasters (soak)

Oxygen lifts mucus & stains, fabric-safe

Pre-treat towels

Biokleen Bac-Out

Natural enzymes digest birth fluids

DIY Spot Treat

Dawn + Peroxide + Baking Soda

Degreases + oxidizes stubborn stains

Laundry In Depth

🥇 Best Overall

🧴 Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Liquid

• Why: Enzyme-based odor destroyer, plant-based, gentle on skin

• Buy: Amazon, Thrive Market, Natural Grocers

• ✅ HE Safe | ❌ No scent or dyes

💰 Best Budget Option

🧂 Molly’s Suds Unscented Laundry Powder

• Why: Simple formula, baking soda & washing soda-based

• Buy: Amazon, Walmart, Molly’s Suds site

• ✅ HE Safe | ❌ No toxins or irritants

🧪 Best Add-On (Optional but Powerful)

💧 EnviroKlenz Laundry Enhancer (Use with any detergent)

• Why: Neutralizes stubborn chemical and biological odors

• Buy: Amazon, EnviroKlenz.com

• ✅ HE Safe | ❌ No scent or VOCs

🧼 Dog Laundry Routine (Odor Eliminator Method):

1. Pre-Soak (for heavy odor):

   • 1 gallon warm water

   • 1/4 cup baking soda

   • 1/4 cup white vinegar

2. Main Wash:

   • Biokleen or Molly’s Suds

     • Optional Boosters:

     • Add Baby OxiClean

     • EnviroKlenz

     • (if I don't have those boosters on hand then I use 1/2 - 1 cup Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) (Test peroxide on colors first) & 1/2 cup Borax)

3. Dry:

   • Dryer OR sun-dry (UV helps kill odor-causing bacteria)

   
   

✅ Quick Tips:

• 🐾 Wash dog bedding & toys weekly

• 💧 Lint roll and spot clean couch weekly plus as needed

• 🧽 Clean machine with vinegar monthly (don't over use vinegar as it can disintegrate rubber rings in washing machine)

• ☀️ Sun-dry when possible to naturally disinfect

• 🧼 Keep detergents sealed to avoid moisture contamination

Final Thoughts

As a breeder, my goal is to send you home with not just a wonderful puppy, but also the knowledge and tools to create a safe, loving, and clean, non toxic environment for them.

Whether you're dealing with the occasional accident or just want your home to smell fresh despite your furry family member, these cleaners will help you get there without harsh fumes or toxic chemicals. Let me know if you’d like help setting up your puppy supply kit, I’m happy to guide you every step of the way!

🐾 With love and clean paws (and help from ChatGPT),

Davis Farm Boston Terriers

Boston Terrier Puppy Sleeping on Blanket courtesy of Canva