If you have pets, you've probably asked this question. And the honest answer is: it depends on how deep the odor has penetrated.
Why Pet Odors Are Stubborn
Pet urine doesn't just sit on the surface. It soaks through carpet fibers, through the padding underneath, and sometimes into the subfloor. When it dries, uric acid crystals form — and those crystals don't dissolve with water alone. When humidity rises, they reactivate and release odor again.
This is why air fresheners and basic steam cleaning often don't solve the problem permanently — they treat the surface but leave the source untouched.
What Steam Cleaning Does
Professional hot water extraction (what most people call steam cleaning) removes:
For mild pet odors — an occasional accident cleaned up promptly, or general pet smell from hair and dander — a professional steam cleaning often resolves it completely.
What Enzyme Treatment Does
For deeper odor problems, enzyme-based deodorizers are the real solution. Enzymes break down the uric acid crystals at a molecular level — eliminating the source rather than masking it.
At GREENER STEAMER, we offer enzyme treatment as an add-on to any carpet cleaning. It's the difference between covering up the smell and eliminating it.
When the Problem Is Too Deep
If urine has soaked through to the padding and subfloor, professional cleaning can still dramatically reduce odor — but if the padding is saturated, it may need to be replaced. We'll tell you honestly during our inspection if we think that's the case.
Our Recommendation
Want an honest assessment? Get a free quote — we'll look at the situation and tell you exactly what we recommend before you spend a dollar.