We give Arm & Hammer Stain & Odor Eliminator a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Arm & Hammer Stain & Odor Eliminator is a simple yet effective tool that most pet owners should have in their cleaning supply closets, especially if they live with pets that aren’t fully house-trained. It’s very useful in instances such as potty training a puppy, having cats that tend to have urine marks, or living with pets with incontinence. Since it’s specifically designed for pets, it’s also safe to use around them.
This cleaner is simple to use and contains Arm & Hammer’s signature baking soda that neutralizes odors. All you have to do is spray a liberal amount of the formula onto a pet stain and let it soak for 10 minutes. Then, you can use a sponge or cloth to dab out the stain. It works on pet urine, drool, vomit, hairballs, and other stains that your pet may create.
However, we will say that some other products do a better job of cleaning up cat urine. This particular cleaner isn’t an enzymatic cleaner, and it doesn’t have any ingredients that specifically break down the proteins in stubborn cat urine stains. Therefore, some cats may return to the same spot to urinate.
Arm & Hammer Stain & Odor Eliminator – A Quick Look
Specifications
| Weight: | 2.4 pounds |
| Volume: | 32 fluid ounces |
| Dimensions: | 4.8” W x 4.8” H x 2.9” D |
| Applicator Type: | Spray |
| Package Material: | Plastic |
| Cleaner Type: | Deodorizer, stain remover |
| Cleaner Usage: | Bedding, carpet, furniture, upholstery |
Works Best on Carpet
Arm & Hammer Stain & Odor Eliminator is most effective on bedding, carpets, and upholstery, but it shouldn’t be used on wool, leather, or silk. You can also use it on some tiles and hard surfaces, but it’s not recommended to spray it on hardwood floors because it can cause color change. Before you use the formula all over a surface, make sure to test it out on a small area to see what effect it’ll have on the color.
We aren’t too bothered by how this cleaner is restricted to carpet use because it’s not marketed as a multi-surface cleaner. The label clearly states that it’s mainly supposed to be used on carpets.
Deodorizing Power
Some products just mask pet odors with a strong fragrance. Arm & Hammer Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator does have a fresh scent, but it primarily works to neutralize and eliminate odors. The baking powder is one of the main active ingredients that lifts stains and removes odors for good.
We will say that the scent can be strong for people who are sensitive to fragrances. If you get it on your hands, the smell can linger for a while, even if you wash your hands. So, make sure to wear rubber gloves when using it.
Stain Remover
This cleaner works on all kinds of pet stains if you’re mindful of using it properly. Make sure to completely saturate a spot with the formula and let it sit. If you try to wipe it up immediately, it won’t be as effective because it hasn’t had time to break down the stain.
Since this cleaner lifts stains and neutralizes smells, it can also discourage pets from revisiting spots to urinate. It does more than just mask an odor, so pets won’t be able to detect urine smells.
Not Very Effective Against Cat Urine
As powerful as this formula is, it’s not the most potent option against cat urine. It may work if you clean up the stain immediately after an incident occurs. However, it won’t do the best job of breaking down old and dried-up stains.
Cat urine can be particularly stubborn and have a strong smell, so it’s best to find an enzymatic cleaner or a cleaner specifically formulated to combat cat urine stains.
FAQ: Arm & Hammer Stain & Odor Eliminator
Can This Product Be Used to Clean a Litter Box?
You may be able to get rid of some smells if you spray this cleaner over cat litter. However, the intended use is for removing stains from carpet. Since it doesn’t specifically break down cat urine, it won’t be the best product to clean a litter box. Arm & Hammer has a line of pet products with formulas meant to tackle cat urine stains, so you’ll be better off using those products instead of this one.
Can This Product Be Used on Laundry?
No, this cleaner isn’t meant for laundry use. You can certainly use it to spot treat fabrics before throwing them in the wash. However, it doesn’t act as a booster and is primarily meant to clean carpets.
What Causes This Product to Stain Fabrics?
The Oxiclean agent seems to be the culprit for causing colors to fade. It’s very strong and meant to lift pet stains, but it can also remove some fabric dye during the cleaning process.
You’ll also want to be careful with the type of fabric you use to wipe up the stain. Make sure to use gentle and soft cloths and sponges to help protect colors.
What the Users Say
Arm & Hammer Stain & Odor Eliminator has generally positive reviews. Many users have reported that it works best when you clean up the stain right away. If the first round of cleaning doesn’t work, a second round usually gets the job done and completely eliminates the odor.
One common critique that we’ve found has to do with the packaging. The spray nozzle can clog or break easily, and if the cleaner has been shipped in the mail, there have been several instances where the bottle arrived broken or leaking. Therefore, it’s best to either buy the product directly from store shelves or use an online store that has a good return policy.
Conclusion
Overall, Arm & Hammer Stain & Odor Eliminator has an effective formula that removes most pet stains. It’s an excellent treatment for carpets and works best when you clean up the stain right away. It also works to deodorize odors to break the cycle of urine marking in the same spot.
Keep in mind that this cleaner doesn’t work best for cat urine, so it’s best to find another product that specifically addresses this type of stain. However, Arm & Hammer Stain & Odor Eliminator is still a great cleaner to have around because it’s versatile and generally does a great job of keeping your house clean and odor-free.
