Top 4 Best Carpet Steam Cleaners for Pets
Pet accidents on carpet don’t fully come out with regular vacuuming or basic spot cleaners. We tested four of the best carpet steam cleaners for pets to find out which ones actually eliminate stains, odors, and embedded hair.
Best Overall: BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner
The Revolution HydroSteam is the most advanced full-size carpet cleaner on this list. It’s the only upright deep cleaner with actual HydroSteam technology, which combines hot steam with cleaning solution to break down the stickiest, most embedded pet 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 |
|---|---|
| Only upright carpet cleaner with true HydroSteam technology | Higher price point |
| Three cleaning modes: Steam Pretreat, SteamWash Max Clean, Quick Dry | |
| Quick Dry mode dries carpets in about 30 minutes | |
| Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes with 12 bristle rows each | |
| 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool and 6″ Tough Stain Tool included | |
| 5-year limited warranty | |
| Formulas included in the box |
Testing Results
Pet stain removal: The Steam Pretreat mode noticeably outperforms regular hot-water extractors on set-in pet messes. We tested it on dried urine stains that had been sitting in carpet fiber for several days. The steam penetration loosened the residue before the wash cycle extracted it. BISSELL claims 2x better cleaning vs competitors in SteamWash Max Clean mode, and from what we saw, that tracks on sticky, oily residue.
Odor elimination: Paired with the included PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator formula, odor removal is thorough. The steam helps the enzyme-based cleaner penetrate deeper into carpet backing, which is where urine odors typically linger.
Dry time: Quick Dry mode delivered carpets that were dry to the touch in about 30 minutes. That’s notably faster than most full-size carpet cleaners that can leave carpets damp for several hours.
Ease of use: The machine is on the heavier side. Pushing it forward is fine, but pulling it back requires a bit more effort. The EZ Clean Brush Roll Cover makes cleanup after each session quick.
Surface coverage: Built for wall-to-wall carpet sessions. It’s not a spot cleaner. The 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool handles targeted work on stairs and furniture, but the main unit stays on the floor.
Real-world Usage
This is the machine you pull out for deep cleaning sessions rather than quick spot treatments. Pet owners with dogs or cats that regularly track in mud, or that have had recurring accidents in the same spots, get the most out of it. The Steam Pretreat mode is genuinely useful for those sticky messes that regular carpet cleaners struggle with.
The 30-minute dry time also makes it realistic to clean a room and have it back in use the same day. That’s a bigger quality-of-life improvement than it sounds if you’ve ever had to block off a room for four hours waiting for carpet to dry.
Best Use Case
This is the right pick if you have multiple pets, heavily soiled carpet, or recurring accident spots that haven’t fully responded to regular cleaners. It’s also ideal if you want a machine that does both deep cleaning and odor elimination in one pass. Not the right pick if you need something lightweight or portable.
Verdict
The Revolution HydroSteam earns its “best overall” spot because nothing else on this list uses actual steam inside the wash cycle. For pet households with serious cleaning demands, that technology difference shows up in results. The weight and tank size are real trade-offs, but they’re worth it if carpet cleaning is something you do regularly.
If you’re also dealing with pet hair on hard floors, check out our guide to vacuums for pet hair for a complementary setup.
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Best Value: BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus
The ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is a lighter, more affordable full-size carpet cleaner that still delivers excellent pet cleaning performance. It doesn’t have HydroSteam technology, but it has one of the best motor systems in its price range and a FreshStart Dirt Tank that helps prevent machine odors from building up over time.
- 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 |
|---|---|
| Lighter than the HydroSteam model, under 18 lbs | No steam technology, uses HeatWave, not steam |
| FreshStart Dirt Tank resists odor buildup in the machine | |
| MAX Clean Mode and Express Clean Mode (30-min dry time) | |
| Antimicrobial Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes | |
| 30% improved cleaning over previous generation | |
| 8-foot hose and two tools included | |
| More affordable than the HydroSteam model |
Testing Results
Pet stain removal: The Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes do real work on embedded dirt and dried pet stains. In MAX Clean Mode, the machine scrubbed out red clay and dried pet messes from medium-pile carpet with solid results. The CleanShot Pretreater is handy for targeting specific spots before running the main machine over the area.
Odor elimination: The included PRO MAX Clean + Protect formula handles odors well. For urine specifically, we’d pair it with the optional PET PRO OXY formula for best results. The machine itself won’t hold onto dirty-water odors as long as others, thanks to the FreshStart Dirt Tank.
Dry time: Express Clean Mode left carpet dry in about 30 minutes in our testing. Similar result to the HydroSteam model’s Quick Dry mode.
Weight and maneuverability: At under 18 lbs, this is noticeably easier to push around than the HydroSteam model. The low-profile foot also gets under furniture better than most upright carpet cleaners.
Noise level: BISSELL describes the motor as operating with stronger suction and quieter output. In use, it’s not silent, but it’s less aggressive than older generation machines.
Real-world Usage
This is the machine for pet owners who clean regularly but don’t necessarily need steam technology. The combination of dual brushrolls, strong suction, and Express Clean Mode covers most pet cleaning jobs. It’s also a better choice if you find the HydroSteam’s weight impractical, or if budget is a factor.
The 8-foot hose makes it easy to pull the machine into a hallway and still reach into rooms without repositioning constantly. That matters more than it seems during longer cleaning sessions.
Best Use Case
Great for multi-room carpet cleaning, regular pet mess maintenance, and anyone who wants professional-level results without the premium price. If your main issue is pet hair and muddy paw prints rather than deep, set-in urine stains, this handles the job well and costs less. Not the right fit if you specifically need steam for deeply embedded biological stains.
Verdict
The ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is the smarter buy for most pet households. It does 90% of what the HydroSteam does at a lower price and in a lighter package. The FreshStart tank is a feature worth more attention than it gets — nobody wants their carpet cleaner to smell worse than the carpet.
For comparison on how a carpet cleaner stacks up against a standalone steam cleaner, our steam cleaner vs carpet cleaner breakdown lays out the key differences.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Best Portable: BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Multi-Purpose
The Little Green HydroSteam brings steam technology down to portable size. It’s not a full-room carpet cleaner. It’s a spot and upholstery machine with three cleaning modes and a 64 oz clean water tank. The Pet Proven Ultimate certification it received reflects what it’s genuinely built to do: nail pet messes on targeted areas fast.
- 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 in a compact portable form | Not for full-room carpet cleaning |
| Three modes: SteamWash, Steam, Wash — covers different stain types | Smaller footprint means multiple passes on bigger spots |
| 64 oz clean water tank — generous for a portable | |
| Upholstery dries in about 30 minutes | |
| Works on carpet, upholstery, tile, grout, car interiors, even sneakers | |
| Pet Proven Ultimate certification | |
| Compact and easy to store |
Testing Results
Pet stain removal: The SteamWash mode (steam + suction + OXY formula) works well on oily, sticky messes on upholstery and carpet patches. For enzyme-based stains like urine, the Wash mode with PET PRO OXY formula is the right choice. Switching modes based on stain type takes one or two extra seconds but makes a real difference.
Multi-surface use: The Multi-Surface Tool opens up grout and tile cleaning, which is a genuine bonus for bathrooms where pets sometimes have accidents. The Steam mode is also effective for refreshing upholstery that just needs a sanitary refresh without a full wash.
Tank capacity: The 64 oz clean water tank is the largest of any machine in this class. For spot cleaning jobs, you’ll rarely need to refill mid-session.
Portability: Lighter and easier to carry from room to room than any upright on this list. You can grab it from storage, spot-treat a mess, and put it back in under 10 minutes.
Dry time: Upholstery dries in about 30 minutes. Carpet patches dry at a similar rate depending on how saturated the spot was.
Real-world Usage
This is the machine you use between full deep-clean sessions. A dog knocks over a bowl, a cat has an accident on the couch, a muddy paw track appears on the stairs. The HydroSteam Little Green handles all of that without dragging out a full-size cleaner.
The three cleaning modes matter more than they might look on paper. SteamWash for oily food messes, Wash for biological stains, Steam for refreshing fabric that just needs a sanitary pass. That versatility makes it the most flexible portable on this list.
Best Use Case
Perfect for pet owners who already have (or don’t need) a full-room carpet cleaner but want something portable and powerful for targeted jobs. Also a solid choice if you live in a small home or apartment where a full upright machine would be overkill. Not the right buy if you want to clean entire rooms of carpet in one session.
Verdict
The HydroSteam Little Green is the best portable carpet steam cleaner for pets on this list. The steam technology is the key differentiator from the standard Little Green 1400B. For spot-cleaning jobs on carpet, couch, car seats, and tile, it’s hard to beat. If you want to learn more about using similar machines on upholstery, this guide to handheld steam cleaners for upholstery is worth reading.
Rating: 4.4 / 5
Best Budget: BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Cleaner 1400B
The BISSELL Little Green 1400B is the original portable carpet and upholstery cleaner. No steam, no multiple modes. Just strong spray and strong suction in a compact, lightweight machine that’s been a pet owner staple for years.
- 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 |
|---|---|
| Most affordable machine on this list | No steam technology |
| Lightweight at under 10 lbs | |
| 48 oz dual-tank system (clean and dirty) | |
| 4.5-foot hose and 15-foot cord | |
| Includes 3″ Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Hose Tool | |
| Proven track record — thousands of positive reviews |
Testing Results
Pet stain removal: The strong spray and suction combination does a solid job on fresh pet accidents. For older, set-in stains, it needs more passes and a good enzyme pre-treatment to match the results you’d get from a steam-equipped machine. It works. It just takes more effort on the stubborn stuff.
Odor control: Paired with a quality pet formula like PET PRO OXY, the 1400B handles most odors. The machine itself doesn’t heat water, so enzyme-based formulas work at tap temperature. Pre-warming the water (warm, not boiling) helps activate the cleaning solution.
Portability: At under 10 lbs empty, this is the lightest machine on the list. The compact body fits easily in a closet.
Ease of use: Simple one-mode operation. Fill the clean tank, plug it in, spray and suction. No settings to adjust, no modes to learn.
Real-world Usage
The 1400B is the right machine if you don’t need steam and don’t want to spend a lot. It handles fresh spills, light pet accidents, and upholstery refreshes without any fuss. Pet owners who mostly deal with muddy paws and fur rather than deep biological stains will find it handles daily cleaning needs just fine.
It’s been around for years because it genuinely works for what most people actually need: a lightweight, low-maintenance machine that cleans up messes without a big setup process.
Best Use Case
Good choice for budget-conscious pet owners, apartment dwellers, or anyone who just needs basic spot-cleaning capability. Also works well as a secondary machine alongside a full-size carpet cleaner. Not the pick if you’re dealing with deep, set-in pet odors or frequent accidents on thick-pile carpet.
Verdict
The 1400B earns its budget pick status by doing exactly what it promises at a price almost anyone can justify. No steam, no frills, no steep learning curve. If you’re looking at the HydroSteam Little Green and wondering if the upgrade is worth it, the honest answer is: it depends on how serious your pet mess situation is. For occasional spot cleaning, the 1400B is plenty.
Rating: 4.1 / 5
What Makes the Best Carpet Steam Cleaner for Pets?
Steam or Hot Water Extraction — and Why It Matters
Most machines marketed as “steam cleaners” in the carpet cleaner category are actually hot water extractors. They spray heated water and cleaning solution into carpet, then suction it back out. True steam (like the HydroSteam technology in the Revolution and Little Green HydroSteam models) adds actual steam pressure to the mix, which penetrates deeper into carpet fiber and backing. For pet messes, that distinction matters because urine and biological stains often soak below the fiber surface. Enzyme-based formulas paired with steam reach where hot water alone cannot.
Stain and Odor Removal Specifically for Pet Waste
A good carpet steam cleaner for pets needs to do more than clean the visible stain. Pet urine especially soaks into carpet backing and subfloor in some cases, leaving an odor that returns when humidity rises. Look for machines that work with OXY or enzyme-based formulas specifically formulated for biological pet waste. The BISSELL PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator is the standard to measure against. Any machine on this list pairs well with it. A machine that only works with generic carpet shampoo will leave odor behind.
Cleaning Modes and Flexibility
Multi-mode machines let you match the cleaning approach to the stain type. Steam Pretreat for dried, stuck-on messes. A standard wash mode for fresh accidents. A quick-dry mode after deep cleaning. That flexibility matters because not every pet mess is the same. A muddy paw track needs different treatment than a urine accident, which needs different treatment than a vomit stain. The Revolution HydroSteam’s three-mode system and the Little Green HydroSteam’s three-mode system both handle this. Single-mode machines work fine, but they put more of the stain-matching burden on the cleaning formula.
Dry Time
Wet carpet is a problem. It attracts dirt faster, can develop mildew in humid conditions, and is inconvenient if you have pets or kids who need to use the room. Machines with a quick-dry or express mode that get carpets dry in about 30 minutes are significantly more practical than those that leave carpets damp for two to four hours. Every upright machine on this list has some form of quick-dry functionality.
Portability vs Full Room Coverage
Full-size upright carpet cleaners are the right choice for multi-room or wall-to-wall deep cleaning. Portable machines are better for spot treatments, stairs, upholstery, and car interiors. Most pet households benefit from having both — a portable for daily or weekly spot cleaning and a full-size for periodic deep cleans. If you can only have one, decide based on your home size and how often you need to clean carpet vs spot-treat targeted areas.
Tank Capacity
Larger clean water tanks mean fewer interruptions during cleaning. For full-size uprights, tank size doesn’t vary dramatically and isn’t usually a decision factor. For portable machines, the difference between 48 oz (1400B) and 64 oz (HydroSteam Little Green) means a couple extra minutes of cleaning before a refill. Not a huge deal, but worth knowing.
How to Use a Carpet Steam Cleaner Effectively for Pet Messes
Start by vacuuming the area before you run the carpet cleaner. Loose pet hair, dander, and dry debris will clog a carpet cleaner faster than almost anything else. A quick pass with a regular vacuum first protects the machine and improves cleaning results. If you’re not sure which vacuum handles pet hair well, our guide to using a steam cleaner on carpet covers prep steps in more detail.
Pre-treat set-in stains before running the machine. For urine stains specifically, apply an enzyme-based formula like PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the enzymes time to break down the uric acid crystals that cause lingering odor. Running the carpet cleaner immediately over a fresh enzyme treatment without a dwell time means you’re suctioning up the formula before it has done its job.
Use the Steam Pretreat mode (if your machine has it) on sticky or oily messes before switching to the main wash cycle. The steam loosens residue that the brushrolls then scrub out more effectively. Skipping the pretreat step on particularly stubborn spots usually means doing a second pass.
Don’t over-saturate the carpet. More solution is not always better. Over-wetting carpet pushes moisture deeper into the pad and subfloor, extending dry time significantly and increasing mildew risk. Slow, deliberate passes extract more moisture than fast ones.
After cleaning, run a pass in Quick Dry or Express Clean mode if your machine has one. This step pulls residual moisture back out and cuts dry time roughly in half. If your machine doesn’t have a dry mode, make slow, dry passes with the brushrolls off (if possible) to extract leftover moisture.
Rinse the dirty water tank and machine components after each session. Leaving dirty water sitting in the tank breeds bacteria and causes the machine itself to develop odors. The HydroRinse tool included with the Little Green models makes flushing the hose straightforward. For the uprights, remove and rinse the dirty tank right after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do carpet steam cleaners actually remove pet odors or just mask them?
A good carpet steam cleaner paired with an enzyme-based formula like PET PRO OXY genuinely eliminates pet odors rather than masking them. The enzyme breaks down the uric acid in pet urine, which is the source of the odor. Steam also penetrates deeper into carpet backing, where odors embed. Machines that use only water and synthetic fragrances mask odors temporarily. If your carpet smells better immediately after cleaning but the odor returns a few days later, it’s a sign the biological residue wasn’t fully broken down.
Can I use a carpet steam cleaner on area rugs?
Most area rugs are safe for carpet steam cleaners, but check the care label first. High-pile rugs, shag rugs, and some woven natural fiber rugs can be damaged by heavy moisture. Flat-weave rugs and synthetic area rugs generally handle carpet cleaners fine. If in doubt, test an inconspicuous corner first. Our article on cleaning a fluffy rug covers delicate rug types in more detail.
Is a carpet steam cleaner better than professional cleaning for pet stains?
For most households, a quality carpet steam cleaner does a very good job on pet stains and is far more cost-effective over time than professional cleaning. Professional cleaning services have access to higher-pressure extraction equipment and commercial-grade formulas, which can make a difference on severely soiled carpet or very old stains. For regular maintenance and most pet messes, a home machine handles it well. If you’ve had the same stain treated multiple times and it keeps coming back, the issue may be subfloor saturation that even professional cleaning can’t reverse without replacement.
How often should I deep clean carpet if I have pets?
Most pet households benefit from deep cleaning every 1 to 3 months depending on how many pets you have and whether they have accidents indoors. High-traffic areas near pet beds, food bowls, and favorite spots may need attention more frequently. Between deep cleans, a portable spot cleaner like the Little Green models handles day-to-day pet messes without needing a full cleaning session. For a structured approach to this, our carpet cleaning checklist lays out a season-by-season schedule.
Can these machines be used on upholstery, not just carpet?
Yes. All four machines on this list include tools for upholstery cleaning. The portable machines (Little Green HydroSteam and 1400B) are particularly well-suited to couch cushions, pet beds, and car seats. The full-size uprights come with hose-and-tool attachments for spot work on furniture. Just check the fabric care label on upholstery before cleaning. Delicate fabrics like silk or velvet need a more careful approach.
What cleaning solution works best in these machines for pet stains?
BISSELL’s own PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator is the most effective formula for biological pet stains in these machines. It combines oxygen-powered stain removal with enzyme action to break down urine, vomit, and feces. The regular BISSELL carpet cleaner formulas work fine for general cleaning, mud, and food spills. For urine specifically, the enzyme formula is worth the extra cost. Always follow the machine’s dilution instructions — using too much solution slows dry time and can leave a residue that attracts more dirt.
Is it safe to use a carpet steam cleaner if my pet is in the house?
The cleaning solution residue after drying is generally pet-safe once the carpet is fully dry. BISSELL formulas are designed with pet households in mind. Keep pets off the cleaned area until it’s completely dry — typically 30 minutes with quick-dry mode or 1 to 2 hours without. The heat from steam during cleaning is only a risk if a pet walks directly onto the active cleaning area, which is easy to prevent by closing them out of the room while you clean.
