When cleaning dog pee, avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, since urine naturally contains ammonia compounds and similar smells may encourage pets to mark the same spot again. You should also avoid bleach on carpets, upholstery, rugs, and other soft surfaces, as it can discolor materials and may react poorly with other cleaning products. Heat and steam cleaners are not ideal as a first step either, because heat can set stains and odors deeper into fibers before the urine residue has been properly broken down. Scrubbing aggressively can also spread the mess and push urine farther into carpet padding, fabric, or seams.

For dog urine stains and odors, a bio-enzyme cleaner is the better choice because it targets the organic residue that causes lingering smells rather than simply masking them. RUFF STUFF Bio-Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator by Lillian Ruff is designed to target organic, protein-based, and fat-based pet messes, including urine, feces, vomit, saliva, food spills, and odors. Always press up as much liquid as possible first, test the cleaner on a hidden area, follow the product directions, and avoid oversaturating the surface.