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There’s nothing more troublesome as a pet owner than having a smell around that you can’t locate. That’s where a pet urine detector comes in. Most often, a pet urine detector will use long-wave ultraviolet light, typically in the form of a black light. This UV light causes many substances to fluoresce, or glow, including the proteins found in many biological stains, such as urine.
“Black light is a relatively accurate method of detecting urine stains, as it is capable of illuminating the areas where the urine is present,” Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, director of primary care at Bond Vet in Brooklyn, New York, told The Spruce Pets.
Our favorite black light for detecting urine stains is the Simple Solution Spot Spotter, which uses bright LEDs to light up UV-sensitive stains. Just aim the light at the suspected targeted area and watch it glow with iridescence.
If you want to find a pet stain, you are going to need a strong enough black light to make it shine. Though a weaker one should be sufficient for more obvious spillage, sometimes a strong device is exactly what you need to find the smelly culprit. Simple Solution offers a durable and easy-to-use pet urine detector that will take the pain out of finding stains.
Using 21 ultraviolet LEDs, this black light will make urine glow and become noticeable. If you are struggling to find where the stain is, try looking in the dark or at night. The black light can also pick up other stains or germs, making it a great way to see what’s going on in your house.
The three included AAA batteries can be installed by removing the cap and the battery housing, revealing the battery compartment within. Just place the power source in, put it all back together and it should be good to go.
Dimensions: 2.75 x 5.88 x 8.25 inches | Power Source: Three AAA batteries | Special Features: 21 ultraviolet LEDs
Black lights are incredibly simple, using UV light to detect the phosphorus in urine. One UV light can do the work of pretty much any other, so finding one that stands above the rest isn’t easy. But to us, the ability to remove stains that you find makes Angry Orange’s design one of the best.
This simple device can be strapped to the top of any spray bottle, illuminating a stain that’s right in your sight. When detected, just spray the citrus odor eliminator at your target and experience that nasty smell vanish right in front of you. The detector can be purchased on its own, but getting the spray bottle with it just makes sense. The best way to use it is to just follow your nose and aim the black light wherever it is needed.
Dimensions: 24 fluid ounces | Power Source: Battery | Special Features: Spotter attaches to spray bottle
What We Like
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Made of aluminum
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Lightweight
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Simple to use
To detect a pet stain, all you need is a UV light, which tracks the exposed phosphorus and allows you to see it with the naked eye. You can find many black lights online, but the Vansky UV Flashlight offers everything you need. Just point the light at any suspected mess, and it should turn a yellowish tint. If you can’t see the mess, it’s best to try and look at it at night to get a better view.
This UV light is made of lightweight aluminum and takes three AAA batteries that are not included. It’s small enough to fit in your hand and is easy to travel with. Fluorescent carpets or reflective surfaces won’t show stains very prominently.
Dimensions: 2.5 x 5.9 inches | Power Source: Battery | Special Features: Pocket-sized
What We Don’t Like
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6 AA batteries required
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Batteries not included
Sometimes, your dog will urinate in the house because of medical or behavioral issues, or your cat won’t use the litter box. You won’t have to spend as much time searching for urine stains in your home with this powerful UV flashlight. When it’s dark, simply turn the small flashlight on and make sure you get a steady blue-colored light. Then, scan your carpet, and when you find glowing yellow or neon green spots, you’ll be ready to clean. The water-resistant flashlight has a long battery life and a 15-year lifespan.
Dimensions: 7.48 x 1.38 x 2.99 inches | Power Source: Battery| Special Features: 100 UV LEDs
What We Like
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Easy to spray
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Removes stains from plush, carpet, upholstery, and more
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Certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute
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Child and pet friendly
Sometimes, all you need is a good bit of elbow grease and a quality cleaner to get you through these messes. Rocco & Roxie has concocted a fantastic stain remover that completely removes the stench of urine.
The magical formula can be sprayed on almost anything scents seep into, including carpets, upholstery, wood floors, concrete, plastic surfaces, and plush. Made without chlorine or chemical propellants, the stain remover’s formula is built to target the bad-smelling ammonia found in urine, vomit, and feces. With its easy-to-use system, all you have to do is spray and wait. The formula is a bit difficult to find in your local pet store, but thankfully, it is widely available online, so get ready to watch those stinky messes magically disappear.
Dimensions: 32 fluid ounces | Power Source: Not applicable | Special Features: For both dog and cat stains
Final Verdict
Our best overall choice is the Simple Solution Spot Spotter, which uses UV light to track animal stains. It’s a simple device that works exactly like a flashlight, just on a different wavelength. Once you’ve found the stain, you’ll need something to clean it with. Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain & Odor Eliminator transforms any liquid mess into a stink- and stain-free area.
What to Look For in Pet Urine Detectors
How Black Lights Detect Urine
A UV light can detect urine by causing the phosphorus and protein left behind to glow. Stains that are also cleaned poorly with enzyme cleaners will also show up. All you need to do is point the light in the direction where you expect the urine, and it should show up. If it doesn’t, try turning off the light and searching in the dark.
Techniques for Hunting Stains
Stains can be tricky to find, especially older ones or those on carpets. Your best bet is to use a UV light and shine it in whatever area you think might be affected. Looking for discolored or torn areas is also helpful, and if all else fails, you can always just follow your nose.
FAQ
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Which type of light is best to detect pet urine?
Black light is the most effective way to find pet urine. Ultraviolet or black light emits wavelengths that cause the proteins and phosphorus in pet urine to glow to expose concealed stains that are undetectable to the naked eye. It typically works best in dark conditions.
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Which type of cleaner will remove pet urine from carpeting?
Enzymatic cleaners are best at breaking down pet urine, along with fecal matter and vomit, on carpets and upholstery. You can also make your own cleaner using equal parts hydrogen peroxide and Dawn dish soap.
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Does cat pee smell the same as dog pee?
No, cat pee has a higher concentration of ammonia and uric acid, which results in a much stronger smell. The generally higher-protein feline diet also produces a caustic odor.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets
This article was written by Steven Asarch, a writer and product expert for The Spruce Pets. A devout cat dad of two, he has expert experience figuring out which products are perfect for them.
To get the best understanding of what makes an ideal litter box enclosure, Steven spoke with Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, director of primary care at Bond Vet in Brooklyn, New York. With expert insights, Steven compared the top-performing UV lights and urine cleaners to keep your home as clean as possible.
Steven has previously analyzed testing data, tried out products at home, and provided recommendations for other categories of pet products, including catnip toys, wand toys, and litter disposal systems, and also wrote an exhaustive list of the essentials you should have before welcoming a new kitten into your home.
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