Different stain and odor removal products are formulated specifically for certain kinds of pet stains and odors.
Things to consider: Types of stains and odors, essentials of house training, and testing removal products.
Specific Formulas - Stain and odor removal products are vast and varied. For best results make sure you use the right product for the situation. There are stain and odor removal products made specifically for urine stains or protein-based stains. There are specialized pet stain and odor removal products for machine-washing clothes and others for cleaning carpets. Often you will want to use one product that is just for stain removal and another that is just for odor removal. Do not merely rely on an all-in-one solution. It will rarely be as effective as using a stain and odor removal product or pair of products that are designed specifically for the task at hand.
Immediate Cleaning Required - It is vital to the success of your housetraining efforts that you perform stain and odor removal thoroughly each time your dog has an accident in the house. If you don't completely get out all traces of the stain and odor, your dog will return to that same spot again and again to eliminate, not knowing any better. In addition, do not trust your nose to tell you how complete your stain and odor removal was, because your dog's nose is many times more acute. Therefore, using vinegar or ammonia is insufficient -- it may smell better to you, but to the dog odor will remain. For total peace of mind, buy a stain and odor removal product specifically for pet stains and odors, and then follow the instructions on the package to the letter.
Test First - Test any new dog stain and odor removal product out on a small, hidden patch of whatever material you plan to apply it to. Though most dog stain and odor removal products are designed to be gentle on all fabrics, materials, and dyes, you never know if some atypical element in the material you are cleaning could have a reaction to the stain and odor removal product you are using. This way you protect yourself from the possibility of your furniture, carpets, rugs, and clothing from further damage caused by your noble efforts at dog stain and odor removal.
