4 Best Steam Cleaners for Pet Urine (Tested and Reviewed)
Pet urine soaks deep into carpet fibers and padding, and most surface cleaners won’t cut it. We tested four BISSELL models to find the ones that actually pull the stain and kill the odor.
Best Overall: BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet
If you’re dealing with heavy-duty pet urine stains across carpeted areas, this is the most capable machine on the list. The HydroSteam technology is what sets it apart: it combines steam, water, and cleaning formula in a way that penetrates deeper than a standard carpet cleaner, making it significantly better at breaking down set-in messes.
- 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 |
|---|---|
| HydroSteam tech provides 2X better cleaning vs standard carpet cleaners | Higher price point |
| Three cleaning modes: Steam Pretreat, SteamWash Max Clean, Quick Dry | |
| Quick Dry Mode dries carpet in about 30 minutes | |
| Includes 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool and 6″ Tough Stain Tool | |
| One-piece EZ Clean brush roll cover for easy maintenance | |
| Dual Dirt Lifter Power Brushes with 12 rows of bristles |
Testing Results
Pet Urine Stains: The SteamWash Max Clean Mode performed the best here. The combination of heat and OXY formula broke down urine proteins and pulled the stain out of carpet fibers more thoroughly than cold-water cleaning. Fresh stains cleaned up with one to two passes. Older set-in stains needed the Steam Pretreat step first, followed by a full SteamWash pass.
Odor Removal: Odor elimination was strong. The steam component helps sanitize the area rather than just masking the smell. Using BISSELL PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator formula in SteamWash mode gave the best odor results.
Drying Time: Quick Dry Mode left carpets dry in approximately 30 minutes. SteamWash Max Clean Mode left carpets wetter, so expect 1 to 2 hours for full drying in that mode. Running a fan helps speed things along.
Carpet Coverage: The wide cleaning path made it practical for larger rooms. The dual brush rolls scrubbed embedded dirt effectively across high-traffic pet zones.
Spot Cleaning (Hose Tool): The 8-foot hose and attached tools gave good reach for stairs and furniture. The 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool handled both wet and dry messes, which is useful when you’re cleaning up right after an accident.
Real-world Usage
This machine is best thought of as a periodic deep cleaner rather than a machine you grab every time your dog has an accident. It’s powerful enough to restore heavily soiled carpet that other machines can’t touch. The three cleaning modes let you adapt based on the situation: quick steam pretreat for a fresh accident, full SteamWash for that old stain you’ve been ignoring, Quick Dry for when you need the carpet back fast.
The tool set is practical. The 6″ Tough Stain Tool works well on isolated spots on stairs or upholstery edges. It’s not the lightest machine to lug around, but the results justify the effort for anyone with multiple pets or recurring accident areas.
Best Use Case
Multi-pet households with carpeted rooms where urine stains and odors are a regular problem. Also a strong pick if you’ve tried other cleaners and still can’t get the smell out. Not the right tool if you want something small and portable for quick spot jobs.
Verdict
The Revolution HydroSteam Pet is the best option on this list for anyone who needs real deep cleaning performance. The steam technology genuinely changes what’s possible at the consumer level. You’re not just extracting surface dirt. You’re sanitizing, breaking down urine proteins, and deodorizing in a single pass.
The price is higher than the other picks here, but the cleaning results back it up. If you’re serious about eliminating pet urine from carpet, this is the machine that will actually get it done. For more on how to use steam cleaners effectively on carpet, check out our guide on how to use a steam cleaner on carpet.
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Best Value: BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus
The ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus hits a sweet spot for pet owners who want strong cleaning performance without paying for the HydroSteam upgrade. The CleanShot Pretreater is the feature that matters most here: you can target a urine spot directly before running the full machine over it, which makes a real difference on older stains.
- 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 with OXY targets cat urine and tough pet odors directly | Limited coverage area per tank fill |
| FreshStart Odor Protection with antimicrobial brush rolls | |
| Express Clean Mode dries carpets in about 30 minutes | |
| Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes for 2X scrubbing action | |
| StainProtect Technology helps prevent future stains | |
| 8-foot hose plus 2 tool attachments |
Testing Results
Pet Urine Stains: The CleanShot Pretreater is the standout feature. Spraying OXY formula directly onto a urine stain before the main cleaning pass noticeably improved results, especially on stains that had been sitting for a day or more. Cat urine and strong odors responded well when the pretreater was given 2 to 3 minutes to work before extraction.
Odor Removal: The FreshStart Dirt Tank and antimicrobial brush rolls help prevent odors from building up inside the machine itself, which is a common problem with carpet cleaners used on pet messes. Odor elimination from carpet was solid when paired with the included OXY formula.
Drying Time: Express Clean Mode brought carpets to dry in about 30 minutes in testing. MAX Clean Mode left more moisture behind, so expect longer drying times if you use the highest setting. Good ventilation helps significantly.
Carpet Coverage: The dual brush roll system scrubbed well through medium-pile carpet. It struggled slightly with thick or high-pile carpet where deeper penetration is needed.
Spot Cleaning: The 3″ Tough Stain Tool and 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool covered upholstery and stairs adequately. The 8-foot hose gave enough reach for most furniture cleaning jobs.
Real-world Usage
This machine works well for pet owners who clean regularly. Running it once a week over pet-frequented areas keeps odors from building up and prevents stains from setting deeply. The CleanShot pretreater makes it easy to tackle a fresh accident quickly without pulling out a separate spot cleaner.
The FreshStart Dirt Tank is a small detail that matters more than it sounds. Carpet cleaners used on urine and pet messes can develop their own odor over time. The antimicrobial design helps keep the machine itself smelling clean. If you want to keep costs reasonable without giving up cleaning performance for most pet situations, this is the value pick.
Best Use Case
Single or double pet households who want a reliable all-round carpet cleaner that handles urine stains and odors well. A strong choice for anyone who cleans regularly and wants the odor protection features without the premium price of the HydroSteam model.
Verdict
The ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus delivers solid performance for the price. It’s not as powerful as the HydroSteam model, and it doesn’t heat the water to steam temperature. But the CleanShot pretreater and the FreshStart odor protection make it a more thoughtful machine for pet owners than a basic carpet cleaner. For routine maintenance and regular urine spot treatment, it holds up well. Our best carpet stain remover guide covers what formulas pair best with machines like this.
Rating: 4.4 / 5
Best Portable: BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose
The Little Green HydroSteam is the portable version of the HydroSteam technology found in the upright model above. It’s compact enough to grab quickly and carry to any spot in the house. The three cleaning modes are what make it uniquely suited for pet urine: Wash Mode is specifically recommended for enzyme-based stains like urine, while SteamWash handles dried or stuck-on messes.
- 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 |
|---|---|
| 3 cleaning modes including dedicated Wash Mode for pet urine | Smaller coverage area per tank fill than upright models |
| HydroSteam technology cleans up to 50% better than cold-water portables | |
| Pet Proven Ultimate certified for pet mess performance | |
| Multi-surface: carpet, upholstery, tile, grout, auto interiors | |
| Quieter than standard portable cleaners | |
| Includes PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator with StainProtect formula |
Testing Results
Pet Urine Stains (Fresh): Wash Mode performed best on fresh accidents. This mode uses water and enzyme formula without steam heat, which matters because applying heat to fresh urine can actually lock in the odor. The suction pulled moisture and formula out cleanly.
Pet Urine Stains (Dried/Set-In): SteamWash Mode handled dried urine spots well. The heat helps dissolve crystallized urine residue that enzymes alone struggle to reach. One to two passes cleaned most older stains without rubbing the area aggressively.
Odor Removal: The included PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator with StainProtect formula made a clear difference. The StainProtect coating also helps prevent future stains from bonding to the same spot.
Multi-Surface Versatility: The 5″ Tough Stain Tool handled carpet, upholstery, and car seats well. The Multi-Surface Tool added grout and tile cleaning ability. This is the most versatile machine on the list for households where pet accidents happen on multiple surfaces.
Noise Level: Noticeably quieter than most portable carpet cleaners and much quieter than the upright models. A genuine benefit if your pets get anxious around loud appliances.
Real-world Usage
This is the machine you keep in a closet and reach for the moment an accident happens. It heats up fast, it’s easy to carry from room to room, and the three cleaning modes mean you can match the treatment to the mess. Wash Mode for fresh accidents, SteamWash for dried ones, Steam Mode for upholstery refresh and hard surface grout cleaning.
One important note: do not use Steam Mode alone on pet urine. The heat without the OXY formula can activate crystallized odor compounds and make the smell stronger. Always use Wash Mode or SteamWash Mode for urine jobs. The handheld steam cleaner for carpet guide has more detail on mode selection for different stain types.
Best Use Case
Pet owners who need a portable, multi-surface cleaner that handles urine stains and other pet messes across carpet, upholstery, car interiors, and tile. Also a great second machine for households that already have an upright carpet cleaner but need something quick and easy for daily spot jobs.
Verdict
The Little Green HydroSteam is the most versatile pick on this list. It’s compact, quieter than expected, and the HydroSteam technology genuinely upgrades cleaning performance compared to the original Little Green. The three cleaning modes remove guesswork on how to treat different types of pet messes. The main limitation is size: you can’t deep clean an entire room with it, and the tank needs refilling more often than an upright. But for spot cleaning and quick response to accidents, it’s hard to beat.
Rating: 4.2 / 5
Best Budget: BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner (1400B)
The original BISSELL Little Green has been the go-to budget spot cleaner for years and remains the most affordable effective option for pet urine spot treatment. No steam, no multiple modes. Just strong spray and suction with a 48 oz clean tank that keeps you cleaning longer between refills.
- 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 |
|---|---|
| Affordable, widely available | No steam or heating technology |
| 48 oz clean tank covers more area per fill | Single cleaning mode only |
| Lightweight and easy to carry (around 9.7 lbs) | |
| 15-foot cord and 4.5-foot hose for good reach | |
| Works on carpet, upholstery, stairs, car interiors | |
| Comes with 3″ Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose |
Testing Results
Pet Urine Stains (Fresh): Fresh accidents responded well. One to two passes removed the visible stain and most of the odor when paired with a urine-specific formula like BISSELL PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator (sold separately, the included trial formula is basic Spot & Stain with Febreze).
Pet Urine Stains (Dried): This is where the limits show. Without heat or steam, dried urine residue doesn’t break down as easily. Expect 5 to 10 passes on older stains, and results on set-in odor are inconsistent without the right formula.
Carpet Surface Performance: Performed well on low-pile and standard carpet. Short-pile rugs cleaned up easily. Shaggy or high-pile rugs required significantly more passes to pull moisture and formula back out of the fibers.
Odor Removal: Adequate with a strong OXY urine formula. Without it, odor elimination is minimal. The machine itself does not have any built-in odor protection features.
Ease of Use: Simple and straightforward. Plug in, fill the tank, squeeze the trigger. There is no learning curve. The HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose helps keep the hose from building up residue after repeated pet mess cleanup.
Real-world Usage
The Little Green 1400B works best as a first-response tool for fresh pet accidents. If you catch the accident quickly, blot up the excess, and run the Little Green over the spot with a good urine formula, you’ll get solid results. It’s the machine most people should buy if they want a proven, inexpensive spot cleaner that handles standard pet accidents without fuss.
It struggles when stains have been sitting for more than a day, and it won’t give you the deep cleaning results that a heated or steam-equipped machine provides. But at the price point, nothing else comes close for basic spot cleaning on a budget.
Best Use Case
Budget-conscious pet owners who need a reliable spot cleaner for fresh accidents on carpet, upholstery, and car interiors. Also a good pick for anyone who already has a full-size carpet cleaner and wants an inexpensive portable option for quick daily cleanups.
Verdict
The 1400B is the cheapest entry point that actually works. You won’t get steam power or multiple cleaning modes, but for fresh pet urine on standard carpet, it cleans effectively when paired with the right formula. The 48 oz tank is a genuine advantage at this price, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere in the house. Buy the PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator formula separately for best odor results. It’s a practical choice for households that need a budget option that holds up to regular use.
Rating: 4.0 / 5
What Makes the Best Steam Cleaner for Pet Urine?
Urine-Specific Cleaning Technology
Pet urine contains proteins, uric acid crystals, and bacteria that standard cleaning can’t fully break down. A machine paired with an enzyme or OXY-based urine formula does significantly more than hot water and general detergent. Look for machines that include a urine-specific formula or are specifically rated for pet accident cleanup. The BISSELL PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator, for example, is formulated to permanently remove urine stains rather than just masking the odor temporarily.
Steam or Heat Function
Heat changes what’s possible. Steam helps dissolve uric acid crystals that have dried and bonded to carpet fibers, which is why older urine stains that survived repeated standard cleaning can finally be fully removed with a steam-equipped machine. One important caveat: pure steam heat without an enzymatic or OXY formula can actually make dried urine odors worse by activating crystallized compounds. The best approach is a machine that combines both, like the HydroSteam models on this list.
Cleaning Modes
Multiple cleaning modes give you control over how you treat different situations. A fresh accident calls for a cooler, enzyme-forward wash to break down active proteins. A set-in stain needs more heat and extraction power. Machines with only one mode force you to choose between being aggressive enough for old stains or gentle enough for fresh ones. The Little Green HydroSteam and Revolution HydroSteam both solve this by offering dedicated modes for each situation.
Portability and Tank Size
For pet owners, a cleaner that’s inconvenient to use often stays in the closet. Portable machines need to be light enough to carry quickly to any room and have enough tank capacity to handle the job without constant refilling. The 48 oz tank on the Little Green 1400B is a good baseline. The 64 oz tank on the HydroSteam portable improves on that. Upright models like the Revolution HydroSteam have full 1-gallon tanks for larger area cleaning.
Odor Protection
Some machines are built to resist the odors they clean up. The ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus uses antimicrobial brush rolls and a FreshStart Dirt Tank to prevent odor buildup inside the machine itself. This matters because a carpet cleaner that develops its own smell after repeated pet mess cleanup becomes a problem. If you plan to use the machine regularly for pet accidents, this feature is worth factoring into your decision.
How to Use a Steam Cleaner Effectively on Pet Urine
Blot first, then clean. Before the machine goes on, blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean cloth or paper towels. Press down firmly and work from the outside of the stain inward. Blotting removes the bulk of the urine and reduces how much the machine needs to extract.
Choose the right mode for the stain age. For fresh accidents, use Wash Mode or a cold extraction setting to pull the urine out without heat setting the stain. For dried or set-in stains, use SteamWash or the steam pretreat function to loosen the crystallized residue first.
Use a urine-specific formula. Do not rely on general carpet cleaner formula for urine. Enzyme-based or OXY formulas are specifically designed to break down uric acid crystals and eliminate odor at the molecular level rather than masking it. BISSELL PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator is a reliable option and can be used in all the machines on this list.
Give the formula time to work. If your machine has a pretreater or spot spray function, apply it and wait 2 to 3 minutes before running the extraction pass. This dwell time makes a significant difference on older stains.
Make multiple passes. One forward pass and one reverse pass is a baseline. Heavily soiled areas may need 3 to 4 passes to fully extract the cleaning solution and loosened urine residue. More passes also means drier carpet when you’re done.
Dry thoroughly after cleaning. Moisture left in carpet can lead to mold or mildew, and wet carpet smells. Run a fan, open windows, or use the machine’s Quick Dry Mode if available. See our guide on how to dry carpet quickly after cleaning for faster results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does steam cleaning actually remove pet urine odor?
It depends on the machine and approach. Steam alone can make dried urine smell worse by activating crystallized odor compounds with heat. But a machine that combines steam with an OXY or enzyme formula, the way the HydroSteam models do, breaks down the uric acid crystals and neutralizes the odor at the source. The formula does the chemistry; the steam helps it penetrate deeper into carpet fibers.
What is the best steam cleaner for pet urine on carpet?
The BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet is the strongest overall performer for carpet. It uses HydroSteam technology to combine steam and cleaning formula in a way that reaches deeper into carpet fibers than a standard extractor. For spot cleaning, the BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam is the best portable option, with a dedicated Wash Mode for fresh pet accidents. Our best pet steam cleaner guide covers additional options across a wider range of machine types.
Can I use these machines on upholstery?
Yes. All four machines on this list include hose and tool attachments for upholstery cleaning. The portable models are particularly well-suited for furniture since they’re compact enough to maneuver around cushions and backrests. The 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool included with the upright models handles both wet and dry pet messes on sofas and chairs.
How often should I clean my carpet with a steam cleaner if I have pets?
Every 2 to 3 months for general deep cleaning is a reasonable baseline for most pet households. High-traffic areas or rooms with frequent accidents may need monthly attention. For individual accidents, clean them immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled deep clean session. Prompt action prevents urine from soaking into the carpet padding, which is much harder to treat after the fact.
Is the BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam worth the upgrade over the original Little Green?
For pet owners dealing with urine specifically, yes. The three cleaning modes are the key upgrade. The Wash Mode for fresh accidents and SteamWash for set-in stains give you more control than the original single-mode machine. The HydroSteam technology also cleans up to 50% better on tough messes. If pet urine is your main concern, the HydroSteam version is worth the extra cost.
What formula should I use with these machines for pet urine?
BISSELL PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator with StainProtect is the strongest option and works with all machines on this list. It uses OXY technology to permanently remove urine stains and StainProtect to repel future stains from the same area. For enzyme-based cleaning, BISSELL Pet Pro OXY Spot & Stain also performs well, particularly for fresh accidents in Wash Mode. Avoid general-purpose carpet cleaning formulas for urine jobs since they typically mask odor rather than eliminating it.
Can these carpet cleaners remove old, set-in pet urine stains?
The HydroSteam models handle older stains best. The steam component helps dissolve dried uric acid crystals that standard cold-water extraction leaves behind. The Revolution HydroSteam Pet with its Steam Pretreat Mode is the most effective option for stains that have been sitting for weeks or months. The standard Little Green 1400B will struggle with anything older than a day or two without multiple passes and a strong formula. For persistent problem areas, our how to keep carpet clean with pets guide covers maintenance strategies that reduce how often deep cleaning is needed.
