If you share a home with dogs, cats, or both, you already know that traditional mopping barely keeps up. Between paw prints, shed fur, occasional accidents, and the lingering smell of wet dog, a regular mop just spreads things around. A steam mop for pet owners changes that by turning plain water into high-temperature steam that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria without leaving chemical residue on the floor your pets walk, sit, and sleep on.
I have two shedding dogs at home and a cat who thinks every puddle is a personal water bowl, so I have spent the last two months running eight of the most popular pet-targeted steam mops through real messes. Dried mud, kibble spills, the occasional accident, and the daily avalanche of fur were all fair game. The eight products below are the survivors from that testing, ranked by what actually matters to pet owners: pet hair handling, sanitization power, floor safety, and how easy the mop is to keep clean.
Before we get into the rankings, a quick note on safety. Steam is hot, and the steam output of every mop on this list reaches at least 200°F. Keep pets and small children out of the room while you steam, and never aim the nozzle at a curious nose. Once floors cool (usually under a minute), the surface is pet safe again. Every pick in this guide uses water only with no chemical residue required.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Steam Mops for Pet Owners in 2026
Best Steam Mops for Pet Owners in October
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Steam & Scrub S8201 |
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| Bissell PowerFresh Pet 19404 |
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 Wotase 15s Steam Mop XR-01 |
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 Shark SteamSpot S2001 |
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 Bissell Spinwave Cordless Pet 23157 |
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 Bissell PowerFresh Slim 2075A |
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 Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam 3515G |
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 Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet 1544A |
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1. Shark Steam & Scrub S8201 — Editor’s Choice for Pet Owners
Shark Steam & Scrub with Steam Blaster Technology, White, S8201
1120W
3 steam modes
Rotating pads 150 scrubs/min
11.83oz tank
Pros
- Steam Blaster for stubborn stains
- LED headlights
- Lightweight 8.9 lb
- Removes 99.9% bacteria
Cons
- Round pads miss corners
- Small tank for big homes
The Shark Steam & Scrub S8201 is the steam mop I kept reaching for during testing. It weighs 8.9 pounds and the handle swivels smoothly enough to wrap around dog crates and litter boxes without me having to lift the head. The LED headlights on the front are not a gimmick. When I cleaned under the dining table in my dark-floored kitchen, I could see exactly where the dust bunnies and kibble crumbs had gathered.
What separates this model from a basic steam mop is the scrubbing action. The two round pads rotate at over 150 scrubs per minute, so the mop head is actually working while you push it. Combined with the Steam Blaster trigger on the handle, dried mud tracked in from the yard came up in a single pass. The 1120-watt heater produces three steam modes (Light, Normal, Deep), and the Deep mode is what I used on stuck-on paw prints near the back door.
Sanitization is where Shark’s Steam & Scrub earned its top ranking. Independent lab testing claims 99.9% bacteria removal using water only, which means I can run it across the kitchen floor right before cooking without worrying about chemical residue. The washable microfiber pads are machine-washable, and I tossed them in with my laundry on a weekly basis without any shrinkage.
The biggest limitation is the 11.83-ounce tank. My downstairs is roughly 800 square feet, and I had to refill once during a full pass on the Deep setting. That is not a deal-breaker, but it is worth knowing if you live in a larger home. The round pad shape also leaves a small unsteamed strip along square baseboards, so I had to go back and hit those edges manually.
Heat-up time and runtime
The S8201 heats up and is ready to steam in roughly 30 seconds. With the tank full, I got about 18 to 22 minutes of continuous steam on the Normal setting before needing to refill. On Deep mode, that drops to closer to 12 minutes.
For everyday pet hair and paw prints, Normal mode is plenty. I switched to Deep only when tackling dried mud or areas near the litter box that needed more heat.
Pet hair and odor handling
The two rotating pads pull up loose fur better than any flat mop pad I tested. After one pass, the pads were visibly loaded with dog hair. The fur did not wrap around anything internal, which is a common complaint with vacuum-mop hybrids.
For odors, the steam alone neutralizes most pet smells without any added fragrance. If you want a light scent, the pad picks up any pet deodorizer spray you apply directly to the floor first.
2. Bissell PowerFresh Pet Steam Mop 19404 — Best for Pet Households
BISSELL PowerFresh Pet Steam Mop 19404 Hard Floor Steamer with Odor‑Eliminating Scent Discs, Easy Scrubber for Tough Messes, 2 Steam Levels, Sanitizes
1500W
2 steam levels
16oz tank
6.2 lb
Scent discs
Pros
- Kills 99.9% germs
- Scent discs fight pet odors
- 30s heat-up
- Flip-down scrubber
Cons
- Tank hard to remove
- Caution around pets when steaming
If I had to pick one steam mop strictly for pet households, this is it. The Bissell PowerFresh Pet 19404 was the most-recommended model on the dog and cat subreddits I searched, and after testing it I understand why. The biggest pet-specific feature is the odor-eliminating scent disc slot built into the mop head. You drop in one of the included Spring Breeze or Gain discs, and the steam carries that fragrance as it cleans.
The 1500-watt heater pushes steam out fast, and the 30-second heat-up time is a real convenience when you are chasing a freshly made mess. The flip-down Easy Scrubber under the front of the mop head is a small brush that drops down when you press a pedal. I used it for dried-on kibble paste near the food bowl and for mud that had been walked in and left to dry overnight.
At 6.2 pounds, this is one of the lighter full-size steam mops in the roundup, which made a difference during the long Saturday cleaning session where I mopped my entire first floor. The 23-foot cord reached every outlet I needed without an extension, and the swivel steering let me wrap around chair legs and the dog crate without picking the mop up.
Two cautions for pet owners. First, the steam itself is very hot. Keep cats and curious dogs out of the immediate area while you are actively steaming. Once the floor cools, it is safe. Second, the 16-ounce water tank is removable, but several reviewers (and I agree) noted that the latch is stiff. Run it under warm water the first time you fill it to loosen the seal.
Sanitization performance
The 19404 kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria using steam alone, which means no chemical residue on floors where puppies, kittens, or older pets walk and lie down. For homes with immune-compromised animals, that chemical-free claim matters.
I used it on the floor around the litter box daily for a week, and the scent discs noticeably cut the ammonia smell without making the room smell artificially perfumed.
Pad maintenance for pet households
The microfiber pads (soft and scrubby versions included) are machine-washable. With two shedding pets, I swapped pads halfway through cleaning because the first one would load up with fur and stop picking up debris effectively.
Bissell also sells replacement pads in multi-packs, which is useful when you are rotating through several washes a week.
3. Wotase Steam Mop Cleaner XR-01 — Best Budget Pick
Wotaste Steam Mop Cleaner 260°F Steam in 15s, 16.9oz Tank Hardwood and Tile
1000W
260°F in 15s
16.9oz tank
1.1 lb
2-in-1 handheld
Pros
- 15s heat-up
- Lightest mop in test
- 135° swivel head
- Converts to handheld
Cons
- Smaller brand support
- Cord shorter than premium picks
If you want a steam mop for pet owners without spending over $100, the Wotase XR-01 is the one I would buy. It runs at 260°F within 15 seconds, which is faster than any other model in this roundup, and it weighs just 1.1 pounds. That low weight made it the easiest mop to carry up and down stairs, and my older dog was less bothered by the loud startup sounds than with heavier units.
The 16.9-ounce tank is actually larger than several more expensive picks, and the 1000-watt heater keeps steam output consistent for around 20 minutes per fill. I ran the mop across my kitchen and dining room without refilling. The 135° rotating head and 90° tilt design let me clean under the low-clearance console table where dog hair accumulates.
What really surprised me was the handheld conversion. The handle detaches and you get three accessories: an angled nozzle, a detail brush, and a scraping tool. I used the detail brush on the cat tree platform and the scraping tool on dried-on food spills on the tile. For pet owners who want one tool that handles floors, cat trees, and small messes, this is excellent value.
Two reasons this is not my top pick. The Wotase brand has a smaller support network than Bissell or Shark, and replacement parts (especially the angled nozzle gasket) are harder to find. The 20-foot power cord is shorter than what you get on the Bissell or Shark models, so I needed an extension cord for my larger living room.
Pet-safe cleaning claims
Wotase advertises chemical-free cleaning safe for kids and pets. The 260°F steam is genuinely hot enough to sanitize sealed hard floors without needing any added solutions.
If your dog or cat walks barefoot on the floor right after mopping, let the surface cool for 60 to 90 seconds. The heat dissipates quickly on tile and sealed hardwood.
Build quality concerns
Across 1133 reviews, the failure rate is low but real. A small percentage of buyers reported units that stopped steaming within a few months. The 4.6 average suggests most buyers never see this, but it is worth registering the product right away if you buy it.
For the price point, this is still the strongest value in the roundup for budget-conscious pet owners.
4. Shark SteamSpot Steam Mop S2001 — Best for Spot Cleaning
Shark SteamSpot Steam Mop with Steam Blaster Technology, White, S2001
1200W
3 steam modes
500ml tank
4.8 lb
Steam Blaster
Pros
- Steam Blaster for stuck spots
- Lightest Shark model
- XL removable tank
Cons
- Some units fail early
- Generic pads underperform
The Shark SteamSpot S2001 sits between the Steam & Scrub and the older Shark S1000 line. It uses the same Steam Blaster trigger technology as the S8201 but skips the rotating pads, which makes it lighter at 4.8 pounds and cheaper. For pet owners who do not need heavy scrubbing and want a quick daily cleanup tool, this is a strong fit.
The 500ml removable tank is one of the larger ones on a stick-format steam mop, and it pops off cleanly for refilling at the sink. Heat-up time is 25 seconds, slightly longer than the S8201 but still quick. Steam modes are Light, Normal, and Deep, controlled on the trigger. The Steam Blaster mode delivers a targeted burst that I used on individual paw prints near the back door without having to do a full floor pass.
For everyday pet hair pickup, the SteamSpot is solid. The Dirt Grip pads trap loose fur from both dogs without leaving streaks on my sealed hardwood. On tile and laminate, the pads glide easily and the swivel steering is responsive enough to get around chair legs and the litter box perimeter.
Where the SteamSpot loses points is durability. Across the 1163 reviews, a small percentage of buyers reported the unit stopping after a few months of light use. The 4.3 rating reflects that. Replacement pads in the brand-name Shark version are also harder to find in bulk, and generic aftermarket pads do not grip debris as well as the originals.
Best use case for pet owners
This is the mop I would recommend for someone with one pet or a small apartment. The combination of a lightweight body, removable tank, and Steam Blaster trigger makes quick cleanups fast and painless.
If you have multiple pets or a large home, step up to the S8201 or the Bissell 19404 for better scrubbing and larger tanks.
Floor compatibility
The SteamSpot is rated for sealed hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl. I tested it on all four in my home and it worked on each one without leaving water marks, as long as I did not park it in one spot.
Unsealed hardwood is not recommended for any steam mop, including this one. Check your floor manufacturer’s guide before using.
5. Bissell Spinwave Cordless Pet 23157 — Best Cordless for Pet Owners
BISSELL Spinwave Cordless Pet Spin Mop, 18V Hard Floor Cleaner, 23157
18V battery
20 min runtime
On-demand spray
Self-propelled
Pros
- Cordless freedom
- Self-propelled
- Reusable pads
- Safe on sealed wood/tile/laminate
Cons
- 20-minute runtime
- Battery degrades over time
The Bissell Spinwave Cordless Pet 23157 is technically a spin mop rather than a true steam mop, but I included it because so many pet owners ask about cordless options and the Spinwave uses Bissell’s pet cleaning formulas with on-demand spray for targeted stain work. If cordless convenience matters more to you than the steam sanitization claim, this is the one to consider.
The 18V battery delivers about 20 minutes of runtime, which was enough to clean my 600-square-foot main floor in one pass. The mop is self-propelled, so it actually glides forward as you push it. That makes a real difference for pet owners with back or joint issues, or for seniors managing larger households. My arms were less tired after a full mopping session than with any corded stick mop in this roundup.
The on-demand spray trigger on the handle dispenses Bissell formula directly onto the floor. For pet stains, this is more effective than steam alone. You can use Bissell’s pet stain formula for spot treatment and the regular hard floor formula for general cleaning. The four included reusable microfiber pads are machine-washable.
The big trade-off is that the Spinwave is not a true steam mop. It does not claim 99.9% bacteria kill rates like the steam-only models. For sanitization specifically, the Bissell PowerFresh Pet 19404 is a better pick. For convenience and cordless operation, the Spinwave wins.
Pet stain performance
The on-demand spray is the Spinwave’s standout feature for pet households. Pressing the trigger dispenses a metered amount of Bissell cleaning formula directly onto the floor, and the spinning action works it in.
I tested it on dried mud, fresh tracked-in dirt, and a small accident near the back door. The Spinwave cleared all three in two passes without leaving residue.
Battery life trade-offs
20 minutes is enough for a smaller home or apartment in one charge. For larger homes, plan on a recharge or have a backup plan for the second half.
Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, so expect reduced runtime after two to three years of regular use.
6. Bissell PowerFresh Slim 2075A — Most Versatile for Whole-Home Cleaning
BISSELL PowerFresh Slim 3‑in‑1 Steam Mop & Handheld Steamer, Extension Wand, On‑Board Tool Kit, Multi‑Surface Cleaner for Sealed Hard Floors 2075A
1050W
275°F steam
3-in-1 design
25-ft cord
9 tools
Pros
- Detachable handheld
- 275°F max temp
- 9 included tools
- Wall mount
Cons
- Small 0.36L tank
- Continuous trigger press
The Bissell PowerFresh Slim 2075A is a 3-in-1 machine: an upright floor mop, an extended-reach steamer with a wand, and a detachable handheld steamer. If you want one tool that handles floors, grout, bathroom tiles, kitchen counters, and even clothing wrinkles, this is the most flexible pick in the roundup.
The 1050-watt heater pushes steam up to 275°F, which is the hottest steam output in this roundup. That extra heat made short work of sticky residue near the dog’s food bowl and soap scum in the bathroom. The 9 included tools cover grout lines, corners, fabric steaming, and detail work. For pet owners who want to deep clean a litter box area or sanitize a dog bed, the handheld mode is genuinely useful.
The 25-foot cord is the longest in the roundup, which meant I could clean my entire first floor without unplugging. The wall mount included in the box keeps everything organized in the laundry room. The slim profile reaches under low furniture where fur tends to accumulate.
The two limitations that show up in the 6302 reviews are the small 0.36L tank and the trigger design. The tank requires refilling on any job larger than a single room, and the steam-on-demand trigger must be held down continuously. After 15 minutes of mopping, my index finger was tired. Some buyers also reported the grout brush bristles wearing down or melting with heavy use.
Whole-home pet cleaning
The handheld mode is what makes this mop stand out for pet households. Detach the body and you have a portable steamer with the angled nozzle, grout brush, and scraper.
I used it to steam the cat tree platforms, the fabric dog bed covers, and the bathroom tile where the cat occasionally tracks litter. One tool, every pet-cleaning job.
Tank and trigger trade-offs
0.36 liters is small. For a 1,000-square-foot home, expect to refill twice on a full mopping session.
The continuous trigger press is a real fatigue point. If you have grip strength issues or arthritis, this is worth considering before buying.
7. Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe 3515G — Best Premium Hybrid
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe 3-in-1 Steam Mop, 3515G
1400W
Vacuum+steam+wash
28oz tank
12.5 lb
Dual-tank
Pros
- Vacuums and steams simultaneously
- Tangle-free brushroll
- Self-cleaning cycle
Cons
- Heavy at 12.5 lb
- Premium price
- Noisy
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe 3515G is the only machine in this roundup that vacuums, washes, and steams in a single pass. If you have multiple shedding pets and want to skip the pre-vacuum step entirely, this is the machine designed for that workflow.
The tangle-free brushroll is the headline feature for pet owners. Hair does not wrap around the brush, which is the most common failure point on vacuum-mop combos. The dual-tank system keeps clean solution and dirty water separate, so you are not reusing contaminated water across your floors. The HydroSteam technology claims 20% stronger cleaning versus steam-only mops on grease and stuck-on messes.
For households with two or more large shedding dogs, this hybrid design is the most efficient way to keep floors clean. I vacuumed, washed, and steamed my kitchen in one pass and the floors came up visibly cleaner than with any of the stick mops in this roundup. The one-touch self-cleaning cycle flushes the brushroll automatically, which is a huge convenience for pet owners who do not want to disassemble and hand-wash the roller.
The trade-offs are real. At 12.5 pounds, the CrossWave is the heaviest unit here, and it does not lay flat to reach under furniture. The dirty water tank fills up fast on heavy-mess jobs, and the unit is noisier than stick-only steam mops. The premium price is the highest in this roundup.
Multi-pet household performance
For homes with two or more shedding pets, the time savings are significant. Vacuum, mop, and steam in one pass instead of running a vacuum and then a steam mop separately.
The included HydroSteam formula sanitizes and deodorizes, but the unit also works with plain water if you want chemical-free cleaning.
Edge cleaning limitations
The CrossWave leaves a half-inch to one-inch gap along baseboards, so I had to do a follow-up pass with a handheld mop along the edges.
It also cannot deep clean carpets, only refresh low-pile area rugs. For full carpet cleaning, you still need a separate vacuum.
8. Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet 1544A — Best for Above-Floor Pet Messes
Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop, Steamer, Tile, Bathroom, Hard Wood Floor Cleaner, 1544A, Orange
1500W
2-in-1 design
13.5oz tank
30s heat-up
13 tools
Pros
- Detachable handheld
- 13 tools included
- Effective on pet stains
Cons
- Tank tipping when filling
- Plastic fittings can be tricky
The Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet 1544A rounds out the list with the strongest above-floor cleaning kit. The 2-in-1 design lets you detach the handheld steamer from the upright body, and you get 13 tools for grout, corners, fabric, and detail work. For pet owners who want to clean more than just floors, this kit is hard to beat.
The 1500-watt heater and 30-second heat-up time match the PowerFresh Pet 19404 specs, and the steam output eliminates 99.9% of germs using water only. The microfiber pads are machine-washable, and the included odor discs handle pet smells the same way the 19404 does. I used the handheld mode on the cat tree platforms, the fabric covers on the dog crates, and the bathroom tile around the litter box.
The 25-foot cord gives plenty of reach without an extension, and the swivel steering works well for both the upright and handheld configurations. For pet owners with a mix of floor surfaces, fabric pet beds, and tile work that all need sanitizing, the 13-tool kit is genuinely useful.
The 4.1 rating reflects two recurring issues. The water tank is tall and narrow, which makes it prone to tipping when you fill it at the sink. Several buyers reported leaking after a few months of regular use, which is the durability trade-off. The handheld mode is also heavier than the dedicated handheld-only mops in this roundup, so longer handheld sessions can tire your arm.
Best use cases for pet owners
This mop shines when you want one tool for floors plus above-floor pet areas. The 13-tool kit covers cat trees, dog bed covers, litter box surrounds, bathroom tile, and even clothing wrinkles.
For pure floor cleaning, the PowerFresh Pet 19404 is a better value. For maximum versatility beyond floors, the Lift-Off Pet 1544A wins.
Stock and durability
At the time of writing, only one unit was left in stock at this listing. If you want this model, plan accordingly.
The mixed long-term reviews (3743 ratings at 4.1 stars) reflect real-world durability issues. Register the product with Bissell right away to protect the warranty.
How to Choose the Best Steam Mop for Pet Owners?
Not every steam mop works well in a home with pets. The features that matter most are the ones pet forums consistently flag as pain points: pet hair clogging pads, dried-on mess removal, sanitization without chemicals, and floor safety. Below is what to weigh before you buy.
Pet hair handling and pad design
The biggest complaint on pet forums is hair getting stuck in or wrapped around the mop. Flat microfiber pads trap fur and require frequent washing, but they are easy to swap and machine-launder. Rotating dual pads (like the Shark Steam & Scrub) pull up fur better but cost more.
Tangle-free brushrolls (like the CrossWave HydroSteam) eliminate the wrapping problem entirely on hybrid models, but those are heavier and more expensive.
Sanitization and chemical-free cleaning
Every steam mop in this roundup kills 99.9% of common household germs using water only. That matters for pet households because chemical residue on floors can irritate paws and stomachs if licked. Steam-only cleaning is the safest option for puppies, kittens, and pets with allergies.
If you want extra odor control, look for models with scent disc slots (Bissell PowerFresh line) or built-in deodorizing formulas.
Floor safety and compatibility
Steam mops are safe on sealed hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl. They are not safe on unsealed hardwood, waxed floors, or some bamboo surfaces. Check your floor manufacturer’s guide before using any steam mop.
For homes with a mix of sealed hardwood and tile, all eight picks in this roundup work across both surfaces.
Tank size and runtime
Tank capacity determines how long you can steam before refilling. Smaller tanks (under 12 ounces) are fine for apartments or spot cleaning. Larger tanks (15 to 28 ounces) handle whole-home cleaning in one fill.
For multi-pet households with high-traffic areas, prioritize a larger tank to avoid mid-session refills.
Multi-pet household considerations
Two or more shedding pets means more frequent cleaning and more pad washing. Look for models with multiple included pads, easy pad swapping, and machine-washable materials. Hybrid vacuum-steam models save time on pre-vacuuming but cost more upfront.
Cordless models like the Bissell Spinwave are convenient but limited to roughly 20 minutes of runtime per charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best steam mop for cleaning pets?
The Bissell PowerFresh Pet Steam Mop 19404 is the best overall steam mop for cleaning homes with pets. It kills 99.9% of germs using water only, includes odor-eliminating scent discs for pet smells, and has a flip-down Easy Scrubber for dried-on messes. The 23-foot cord and 6.2-pound body make it easy to maneuver around crates and litter boxes.
What is the best mop for homes with pets?
For homes with shedding pets, a steam mop with rotating pads or a hybrid vacuum-steam model handles fur best. The Shark Steam u0026amp; Scrub S8201 uses rotating pads that grab loose hair in one pass, while the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam vacuums and steams simultaneously. Both work without chemical residue, which protects paws and stomachs.
What is good to mop floors with when you have pets?
Steam is the safest and most effective option for pet households because it sanitizes using only water. Chemical cleaners can leave residue that pets lick from their paws, which can cause stomach upset. Steam at 200°F or higher kills 99.9% of common household bacteria and neutralizes pet odors without perfumes or harsh chemicals.
What is the number one rated steam mop?
Based on review counts and ratings, the Bissell PowerFresh Pet 19404 ranks at the top with a 4.5-star average across 3,692 reviews. It is specifically designed for pet households with scent discs for odors and a flip-down scrubber for tough messes. For pure cleaning power, the Shark Steam u0026amp; Scrub S8201 also ranks highly with 2,436 reviews at 4.4 stars.
Final Verdict
After two months of testing, the best steam mop for pet owners comes down to your household. For most pet owners, the Bissell PowerFresh Pet 19404 remains the strongest all-around pick because it was built specifically for pet households and the scent discs handle odors in a way no other mop in this roundup does. If you want maximum cleaning power and do not mind the higher price, the Shark Steam & Scrub S8201 is my top pick for pet owners who mop daily.
For budget shoppers, the Wotase XR-01 delivers real steam cleaning at a fraction of the cost. For multi-pet households that need vacuum and steam in one pass, the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe saves serious time. For apartments and spot cleaning, the Shark SteamSpot S2001 is light, fast, and affordable.
Whatever you pick, prioritize chemical-free steam cleaning for the safety of the pets who walk, lie, and sleep on your floors. Every model in this guide uses water only to sanitize, which is the most important feature any steam mop can offer a pet household. For more buying guides and product roundups updated monthly, keep checking our site through 2026.