4 Best Pet Steam Cleaner for Carpet and Upholstery (Tested and Reviewed)
Not every steam cleaner is good for pet messes. We picked the best pet steam cleaners based on real-world cleaning performance, portability, and ease of use.
Here is a quick look at our top picks before we dig into each one:
Best Overall: BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- HYDROSTEAM TECHNOLOGY. The ONLY carpet cleaner with the power of HydroSteam Technology.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The only consumer carpet cleaner with true HydroSteam Technology | Higher price point compared to the ProHeat 2X line |
| SteamWash MAX Clean Mode delivers 2X better cleaning vs competitors in tests | Heavier and bulkier |
| Steam Pretreat Mode penetrates stuck-on and sticky messes before full cleaning | Requires BISSELL cleaning formulas to get the best results |
| Heats water using steam, not just maintaining temperature — genuinely hotter water | Comes at a premium, so value depends on severity of pet messes |
| Quick Dry Mode gets carpets dry in about 30 minutes | |
| 6″ Tough Stain Tool and 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool included | |
| Pet Proven Ultimate certified — the highest BISSELL performance standard | |
| Effectively removes dander allergens from carpet fibers |
Testing Results
This is where things got interesting. The Revolution HydroSteam is the only carpet cleaner on this list that actually generates real steam and integrates it into the cleaning process. In our hands-on testing, the Steam Pretreat Mode made a noticeable difference on old, set-in stains that the ProHeat 2X struggled with. You run the steam mode back and forth for about 20 seconds over a stain, then switch to SteamWash MAX Clean and go over it again. The result was considerably better than using the ProHeat 2X on the same stains.
The hotter water created by the steam function also contributed to better overall cleaning, carpet fibers came out looking fresher and smelling cleaner. Dander and allergen removal in MAX Clean Mode was a standout benefit, which matters a lot for households with allergy sufferers.
If you are a pet owner dealing with stubborn, recurring messes on carpets and upholstery, this is the machine to own. The steam pretreatment step alone makes it worth the upgrade. For us, this is the best pet steam cleaner overall if you have the budget for it — the performance gap over standard carpet cleaners is real and meaningful.
Buy on Amazon: BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet
Best Value: BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
- PROFESSIONAL DEEP CLEANING FOR PET MESSES: Removes the toughest pet stains & odors.
- ATTACKS SPOTS & STAINS: The CleanShot Pretreater with OXY permanently removes pet stains and eliminates tough odors like cat urine and even skunk. StainProtect Technology prevents future stains.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CleanShot pretreater built right into the machine, no separate spray bottle needed | Brushrolls require a screwdriver to remove for deep cleaning |
| Express Clean Mode dries carpets in about 30 minutes | Uses water faster than average, so tank needs more frequent refilling |
| Three cleaning modes: Express, Deep, and MAX Clean for different mess levels | Initial assembly takes around 15 minutes and needs a screwdriver |
| 12 rows of Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes dig deep into carpet fibers | Peanut butter and some oily stains may need multiple passes |
| 8-foot hose for upholstery and spot cleaning | |
| HeatWave Technology maintains water temperature throughout cleaning | |
| Antimicrobial brushes to help keep the machine fresh | |
| Pet Proven certified by BISSELL |
Testing Results
We tested the ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus across a range of everyday pet messes — muddy paw prints, dried pet food, and simulated urine stains. Running in MAX Clean Mode delivered the most satisfying results. The dual brush system worked well on deeply embedded dirt, and the CleanShot pretreater was a genuinely useful feature for attacking older stains before the main cleaning pass. Carpets came out looking noticeably cleaner after just one session.
The 30-minute dry time held up reasonably well in a well-ventilated room, though thicker carpets took a little longer. Stains like tomato sauce needed more than 10 passes and still left some light residue. On the other hand, pet urine and common pet odors responded well, especially when paired with the included PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator formula.
For anyone looking for the best pet steam cleaner that delivers solid results without breaking the bank, this machine punches well above its price point. It is not the most powerful on this list, but for a household with one or two pets and regular carpet messes, it more than gets the job done. Easy to use, easy to maintain, and reasonably priced — this is the one we would hand to a first-time buyer without hesitation.
Buy on Amazon: BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
Best Portable: BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- UP TO 50% BETTER CLEANING WITH HYDROSTEAM TECHNOLOGY. Steam, powerful suction and OXY formula remove set-in stains and tough, stuck-on, oily messes from carpet, upholstery and other surfaces.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| HydroSteam Technology cleans oily and stuck-on stains up to 50% better | Smaller tank means more refills during larger cleaning sessions |
| Genuinely portable at 13 lbs — easy to carry between rooms or to your car | Not designed for full carpet deep-cleaning — it is a spot and portable cleaner |
| Three cleaning modes for different mess types — oily, enzyme-based, or general | Suction less powerful than full-size upright cleaners |
| Works on hard surfaces too — tile, grout, and even sneakers | Dirty tank smaller (51 oz) so you empty it more often |
| Fast drying — upholstery dry in about 25 minutes in Steam Mode | Slightly higher price than the basic Little Green models |
| Pet Proven Ultimate certified | |
| Dual-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate | |
| Great for car seats and auto interiors | |
| Durable build quality — holds up well to regular use |
Testing Results
The Little Green HydroSteam surprised us more than any other machine on this list. At just 13 lbs, it is easy to carry around the house, take out to the car, or lift onto a sofa. The three cleaning modes give you real flexibility — we used SteamWash for oily pet stains on upholstery, Wash mode for fresh pet accidents on carpet, and Steam mode for tile grout in the entryway where muddy paw prints had built up over time.
On pet stains and odors specifically, the HydroSteam Technology made a clear difference. Old urine spots that had been treated before but never fully removed responded well to the SteamWash mode, and the included PET PRO OXY formula helped lift the stain and eliminate the smell for good. Drying was fast too — a sofa cushion we cleaned was comfortably dry within 25 to 30 minutes.
This is the best pet steam cleaner for anyone who wants versatility in a compact package. It is not a replacement for a full upright cleaner on heavily soiled wall-to-wall carpet, but for spot cleaning, furniture, car seats, and quick targeted messes, it is simply excellent. If you live in a smaller space or want something you can actually pick up and carry around, this is the one.
Buy on Amazon: BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
Best Budget: BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose
- AMERICA’S #1 BRAND IN PORTABLE DEEP CLEANING: Trusted by over 7 million households.
- TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF MESS: Scientifically proven to lift and remove 100+ common messes and stains.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely budget-friendly — one of the most affordable pet carpet cleaners available | No steam function — uses spray and suction only, no HydroSteam Technology |
| At under 10 lbs, it is one of the lightest machines on this list | Smaller cleaning head means more time to cover larger areas |
| Strong spray and suction for a machine this size and price | Tank capacity (48 oz) means more frequent refills on larger messes |
| HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool helps keep attachments clean after use | |
| Works on carpet, upholstery, stairs, pet beds, and auto interiors | |
| Dual-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separated | |
| Super easy to set up and use — no learning curve at all | |
| Over 47,000 Amazon reviews with a 4.6-star average | |
| Compact enough to store in a cabinet or under a sink |
Testing Results
The BISSELL Little Green 1400B has been around for years and it has earned its reputation the old-fashioned way — by actually working. For a machine at this price point, the spray-and-suction performance was genuinely impressive. We ran it over fresh muddy paw prints on carpet, a dried pet food spill on a sofa cushion, and a simulated urine stain on an area rug. In all three cases, the Little Green lifted the mess cleanly with two to three slow passes using the 3″ Tough Stain Tool.
Where it showed its limits was on older, set-in stains on thicker carpet. It removed most of the discoloration, but a faint residue was visible on a stain that had been sitting for 48 hours without pretreatment. Pretreating with an OXY formula before using the machine made a clear difference in those cases. Drying was fast — the treated areas were barely damp within 20 to 30 minutes after cleaning, thanks to the machine’s solid suction.
For someone who wants a quick, affordable, and easy-to-grab tool for everyday pet spot cleaning, this is hard to beat. It will not replace a full-size carpet cleaner for deep whole-room cleaning sessions, but as a first line of defense against pet accidents, car messes, and furniture stains, the Little Green 1400B earns its place in any pet owner’s home. If budget is your top concern and you need something that just works without any fuss, this is the one to get.
Buy on Amazon: BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose
How We Tested
Each machine was tested on identical stain samples including pet urine, oily pet food residue, dried mud, and general tracked-in dirt on both carpet and upholstery fabric. We evaluated:
- Stain removal on fresh and set-in messes
- Odor elimination after cleaning
- Carpet dryness immediately after cleaning and after additional dry passes
- Ease of filling, emptying, and assembling each machine
- Tool performance on upholstery and spot-cleaning
- Noise level during operation
- Overall usability and maintenance convenience
We also factored in long-term user feedback across thousands of verified reviews to confirm that our hands-on results reflect real-world ownership experience.
What Makes a Good Pet Steam Cleaner?
Not all cleaners marketed for pets are actually built for the job. Here is what separates the good ones from the rest:
- Suction power and extraction. This is the most important factor. A machine needs to pull dirty water back out of carpet fibers — not just push solution in. Weak extraction leaves carpets wet and smelly.
- Purpose-built pet tools. A 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool that handles both wet and dry pet mess is far more useful than a basic nozzle.
- Odor neutralization, not just stain lifting. Look for machines that work with OXY-based or enzyme formulas that break down urine proteins and eliminate odor at the source.
- Multiple cleaning modes. Steam pretreat, deep clean, and quick dry modes give you real flexibility depending on mess type and how much time you have.
- Tank size relative to coverage. A small tank on a big upright cleaner is frustrating — you spend half your time refilling. Large tanks matter for full-room cleaning sessions.
- Drying speed. The faster a machine extracts moisture, the sooner you can walk on your carpet again. Aim for cleaners that can dry carpets in 30 minutes or less with the right mode.
How to Get the Best Results
Even the best pet steam cleaner will underperform if you skip a few key steps. Here is how to use any machine on this list effectively:
Step 1: Vacuum first.
Always vacuum the area before using a carpet cleaner. Removing loose hair, dander, and debris first lets the machine focus on embedded stains and odors.
Step 2: Pretreat set-in stains.
If the stain has been sitting for more than a few hours, use a pretreater before running the main clean. The CleanShot on the ProHeat 2X or the Steam Pretreat mode on the HydroSteam makes this step very easy.
Step 3: Fill with warm water.
Use warm (not boiling) tap water in the clean tank. Most BISSELL machines use HeatWave Technology to maintain temperature — starting with warm water gives it a head start.
Step 4: Use the right cleaning mode.
For fresh pet accidents, Wash mode or a basic clean pass is usually enough. For old, sticky, or oily stains, use MAX Clean or SteamWash mode. For a quick refresh of upholstery, Steam mode works well and dries fast.
Step 5: Slow down your passes.
Moving the machine too quickly reduces how much solution gets into the carpet and limits extraction. Slow, deliberate passes — especially on high-traffic or heavily stained areas — deliver much better results.
Step 6: Do dry passes at the end.
Release the trigger and do a few final passes without spraying solution. This helps extract more water and cuts drying time significantly.
Step 7: Clean the machine after every use.
Empty and rinse both tanks, remove any hair wrapped around the brush roll, and leave the tanks open to air dry. A clean machine performs better and lasts longer.
FAQs
What is the difference between a steam cleaner and a carpet cleaner?
A traditional steam cleaner uses only steam vapor to clean surfaces without leaving any residue or requiring formula. A carpet cleaner (also called a hot water extractor) sprays a mix of water and cleaning solution into carpet fibers, then uses suction to pull the dirty water back out. Some machines like the BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam combine both — they use steam as part of the cleaning process along with a water and formula mix for deeper results.
Can I use any cleaning formula in these machines?
BISSELL machines are designed to work with BISSELL formulas. Using third-party solutions can void the warranty and may damage internal components. For pet messes, BISSELL’s PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator is one of the most effective options and is included with several machines on this list.
How often should I deep clean carpets in a home with pets?
For homes with one or two pets, deep cleaning every 2 to 3 months is a good baseline. For multiple pets or pets that go outdoors regularly, monthly deep cleaning is reasonable. Spot clean accident areas immediately as they happen to prevent stains from setting in.
Are these machines safe to use around pets?
Yes — once the cleaned area has fully dried, it is completely safe for pets. While cleaning, keep pets out of the room to avoid re-soiling the wet carpet and to prevent any irritation from cleaning solution vapors. Let the area dry fully before allowing pets back in.
Do steam cleaners actually kill pet odors or just mask them?
Real steam — especially combined with an enzyme or OXY-based formula — breaks down the urine proteins that cause pet odors rather than just covering them up. Machines that only apply and extract water-based solution may remove the visible stain but leave behind the odor-causing compounds. This is one of the key reasons the HydroSteam technology stands out for pet households.
Can I use these cleaners on low-pile and high-pile carpet?
Yes. All four machines on this list work on a range of carpet types. The upright models — the ProHeat 2X and HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner — perform best on medium to thick carpet piles. The Little Green 1400B and 3618 are better suited to low-pile carpet and spot-cleaning tasks. For delicate or antique rugs, test a small hidden area first before cleaning the full surface.
How long does carpet take to dry after cleaning?
With proper cleaning technique and an additional dry pass at the end, most carpet cleaners on this list can get carpets dry in 30 minutes to a few hours. Thicker carpets, poor ventilation, and high humidity all extend drying time. Running a fan or opening windows after cleaning speeds things up considerably.
Is the BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam good enough for carpets or just upholstery?
It is capable on both, but it shines most as a spot cleaner and upholstery cleaner rather than a full-carpet deep cleaner. For large carpeted rooms with heavy pet traffic, an upright machine like the ProHeat 2X or HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner will do a more thorough job. The Little Green is perfect for targeted messes, furniture, stairs, and car interiors.
What is the best machine for cat urine specifically?
Cat urine is one of the hardest pet messes to eliminate because of its strong ammonia and uric acid content. The BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner in Steam Pretreat and SteamWash mode combined with the PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator formula is the most effective option on this list for cat urine. The ProHeat 2X Revolution also handles it well when paired with the same formula in MAX Clean Mode.
What is the difference between the BISSELL Little Green 1400B and the Little Green HydroSteam 3618?
Both are compact and portable, but the 3618 is the upgraded version with real HydroSteam Technology that heats water and combines steam with cleaning solution — making it up to 50% more effective on oily and stuck-on stains. The 1400B uses spray and suction only, without a steam function. The 3618 also includes three cleaning modes and a Multi-Surface Tool for tile and grout. If budget is tight, the 1400B handles everyday pet spot cleaning very well. If you want better performance on stubborn stains and more surface versatility, the 3618 is worth the upgrade.
