Best Steam Cleaner for Furniture

Best Steam Cleaner for Furniture & Upholstery (2023)

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Have you ever wondered how can you clean those heavy carpets or sofa upholstery or even your drapes without spending tons of money on dry cleaning or booking a cleaning agency? If you have an allergy to dust and pollen, then cleaning your upholstery and drapes at regular intervals is an important necessity that you simply cannot neglect. This is where some of the best steam cleaners for furniture need to be introduced to you.

Why do we need a steam cleaner for furniture?

There is a reason why steam cleaning furniture has been garnering massive popularity worldwide without fail in the last few years since it was introduced in the cleaning industry. To make pressure washer cleaning an easier DIY project, they have been categorized under two variations.

  1. Dry Steam Cleaners – These work based on a similar principle to a pressure cooker, where steam produced by boiling water is used for the cleaning purpose.
  2. Cool Steam Cleaner – These steamers need more water as there is no hot steam produced. They provide more wet cleaning and are not very effective against bugs, bacteria, and molds. The additional humidity or soggy aftereffect makes it a bigger problem in some environments.

Steam cleaning tends to be more effective in removing extremely tight and clogged dirt and grit from upholstery and carpets. They are also an extremely good way of eradicating microbial agents without the need to use any harsh chemicals or caustic agents.

Does steam cleaner really work or are they just a hassle?

It is essential to always read the instruction manual of any and every electronic device we buy. Following the guidelines and instructions to the T, is not only important for safety reasons but it also ensures that your investment continues to work for the longest period without causing any disruption of its functionality.

There are many reasons that make a steam cleaner a far better alternative to any chemical, electrical or mechanical cleaning devices available on the market:

  1. The extremely high temperature of steam cleaners ensures any invasive growths like bacteria, molds and mildews are killed. Steam cleaners are also known to be effective against bed bugs.
  2. The need for professional cleaning services is greatly reduced as steam cleaning is very effective in dislodging and washing away the most stubborn dirt and stains.
  3. Steam cleaning is very environment-friendly as it does not use any harsh chemical agents for the cleaning treatment and does not leave behind any unhealthy residues.
  4. Contrary to popular belief, steam cleaners do not use a lot of water.
  5. They disinfect and remove odors along with the grease, oils, stains and minute dust particle accumulations that are not visible to the naked eye.

However, a steam cleaner can be even more effective if some additional tips and tricks are employed. Here are a few tips for optimal performance of your steam cleaner:

  • Instead of waiting for the water to heat up in the steamer, it is better to use pre-heated water as that fast-tracks the process.
  • Instead of using caustic chemicals, use environment-friendly products like baking soda, vinegar, etc as they not only help keep your steam cleaner in good condition but leave behind almost no chemical residue.
  • Vacuuming up any solid materials beforehand helps in providing better results while steam cleaning.

So, should you be steam cleaning?

The answer is a definite yes. A steam cleaner not only cleans but also helps in sanitizing which is an important functionality that we all need today. As it is a one-time investment, you will also save a lot of money that would be otherwise spent in repeat visits to the dry cleaner or booking a cleaning service at regular intervals for your upholstery and carpets. To help you out we have reviewed the top 3 best steam cleaners for furniture, sofa, couches & upholstery in 2023. Let’s have a look!

What to look for and expect in the best steam cleaner for furniture?

Since every steam cleaner has its own unique signature features and numerous positive aspects, we decided to grade them according to some of the common aspects every buyer generally looks for while buying a product.

  • Ability to clean multiple surfaces
  • Ability to clean stain marks and surface dirt
  • Ability to eradicate mold, mildew and bacteria
  • Weight of the entire device, usability and portability from one place to the other
  • Attachment quality and ease of setup
  • Steam temperature range and average duration of usage with one full tank of water
  • Ability to use external cleaning agents like detergents and disinfectant solutions

Be sure to read about Best Steam Cleaner for BathroomOur Top Picks 2023!

Top Steam Cleaners For Furniture & Upholstery

Based on the criteria mentioned above, we decided to choose the 3 best steam cleaners for furniture that have been highly rated and well-reviewed by customers worldwide.

Recommended Furniture and Upholstery Steam Cleaners (Quick Overview)

McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner with 23 Accessories, Chemical-Free Pressurized Cleaning for Most Floors, Counters, Appliances, Windows, Autos, and More, 1-(Pack), Black
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Powerful Multipurpose Portable Steamer for Floors, Cars, Tiles Grout Cleaning Chemical Free Disinfection with Extra Tools (Neat Steam Cleaner)
Vapamore MR-75 Amico Handheld Steam Cleaner, Chemical Free Professional-Grade Handheld Steamer Quickly and Easily Cleans Upholstery, Bathrooms, Cars, and More
Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner with 15 Accessories-All-Natural, Chemical-Free Pressurized Steam Cleaning for Most Floors, Counters, Appliances, Windows, Autos, and More, 64 inches, White
McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner with 18 Accessories, Extra-Long Power Cord, Chemical-Free Pressurized Cleaning for Most Floors, Counters, Appliances, Windows, Autos, and More, Yellow/Grey
Name
McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam System
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose
Vapamore MR-75 Amico Hand Held
Steamfast SF-370WH
McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Cleaner
Tank Size
64 oz
54 oz
21 oz
45 oz
48 oz
Cord Length
216 inches
16 inches
120 inches
184 inches
180 inches
McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner with 23 Accessories, Chemical-Free Pressurized Cleaning for Most Floors, Counters, Appliances, Windows, Autos, and More, 1-(Pack), Black
Name
McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam System
Tank Size
64 oz
Cord Length
216 inches
More Info
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Powerful Multipurpose Portable Steamer for Floors, Cars, Tiles Grout Cleaning Chemical Free Disinfection with Extra Tools (Neat Steam Cleaner)
Name
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose
Tank Size
54 oz
Cord Length
16 inches
More Info
Vapamore MR-75 Amico Handheld Steam Cleaner, Chemical Free Professional-Grade Handheld Steamer Quickly and Easily Cleans Upholstery, Bathrooms, Cars, and More
Name
Vapamore MR-75 Amico Hand Held
Tank Size
21 oz
Cord Length
120 inches
More Info
Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner with 15 Accessories-All-Natural, Chemical-Free Pressurized Steam Cleaning for Most Floors, Counters, Appliances, Windows, Autos, and More, 64 inches, White
Name
Steamfast SF-370WH
Tank Size
45 oz
Cord Length
184 inches
More Info
McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner with 18 Accessories, Extra-Long Power Cord, Chemical-Free Pressurized Cleaning for Most Floors, Counters, Appliances, Windows, Autos, and More, Yellow/Grey
Name
McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Cleaner
Tank Size
48 oz
Cord Length
180 inches
More Info

Vapamore MR-75 Amico Hand Held Steam Cleaner

Vapamore MR-75 Amico Hand Held Steam Cleaner
Vapamore MR-75 Amico Hand Held Steam Cleaner
Perfect for its sheer stunning design and small size.

The first in the list of best steam cleaners for furniture and sofas is the Vapamore MR 75. When a product has multiple functionalities and is also compact and lightweight, it is bound to garner a few extra points over the others on the market. Vapamore MR-75 Amico Handheld Steam Cleaner is perfect for its sheer stunning design and small size.

Its’ compact design allows minimal space requirements besides various other additional yet impressive features. With an ability to superheat up to 210° Fahrenheit, it is perfect to kill all those unwanted critters in your home that are often not visible to the naked eye.

Key Features 

  • The Vapamore MR 75 is certainly a power-packed device designed within a small package. As it is a handheld model it is lightweight and ergonomically designed to suit the needs of smaller and larger properties with equal ease.
  • Compact, lightweight, user-friendly and multipurpose usage.
  • Indisputably suitable to destroy bed bug infestations, this handheld steamer can produce steam that is heated up to 210 degrees F easily.
  • Deep penetration of the steam allows maximum effect on the crevices and crannies where the likelihood of germs and molds occurring are high.
  • Besides being a bug exterminator and mold cleaner, this handheld steam cleaner is also an excellent deodorizer that can be used almost everywhere inclusive of labs, vehicles, and penthouses.
  • Even though the power cord and the steam hose are of limited lengths, the handheld ability allows one to easily clean stains and oil spots on the insides of carpets and curtains.
  • It comes with a lifetime warranty that ensures you never have to worry about any problems for the lifetime of your product.
  • Geared with the ability to handle up to 45 psi steam pressure, the handheld steamer is usable on many surfaces including carpeted staircases, furniture upholstery, mattresses and curtains among many more.
  • Cleans and sanitizes almost all surfaces without needing any additional chemicals or chemical agents.
  • It can be used to clean air conditioning units, food processors, pet bedding, birdcages, etc.
Pros
  • Small size perfect for any household
  • Effective in killing bed bugs and molds easily
  • Multipurpose usage
Cons
  • Very loud
  • Brush attachments of poor quality

Product Inclusion

  1. MR-75 Amico Steamer
  2. Manual
  3. Steam Hose/Connector
  4. Accessory tool adapter
  5. Measuring cup
  6. Carrying case
  7. Detail scraper
  8. Straight nylon brush
  9. Jet nozzle attachment
  10. Nylon grout brush
  11. Medium nylon brush
  12. Large nylon brush
  13. Small brass metal brush
  14. Large brass metal brush
  15. Large stainless steel brush
  16. Cloths/Smooth surface squeegee
  17. 3 Cotton cover

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McCulloch MC1275 Heavy Cleaner

McCulloch MC1275 Heavy Cleaner
McCulloch MC1275 Heavy Cleaner
Has a compact design along with extra long hose and cord that makes it just right for larger properties.

The McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner is another one of the best steam cleaners for furniture & upholstery. This furniture steam cleaner is a very good choice if you are looking for a heavy-duty steam cleaner that can work well on furniture, upholstery and other places alike. It may not be a perfect steam cleaner with all available features but still, it is good enough to be able to handle maximum functional requirements.

Even if it is slightly on the pricier end, its compact design along with extra long hose and power cord makes it just right for larger properties. The additional triple functionality of deodorizing, sanitizing and cleaning because of the superheated steaming capacity makes it a great choice to buy.

Key Features 

  • McCulloch MC 1275 Heavy Duty Cleaner is a powerful yet portable canister type steam cleaner that is suitable for home, garages, hospitals alike.
  • It comes with 18 accessories that can be easily attached or detached as per requirement.
  • Easy to assemble all the units of the Steam Cleaner without needing any external assistance.
  • Large water tank capacity of up to 48oz that can provide an efficient steaming time of up to 45 minutes.
  • A full tank needs approximately 8 to 10 minutes to steam up, which is soon enough to start cleaning almost immediately
  • The steam lock switch attachment in the McCulloch MC 1275 Heavy Duty Cleaner is certainly a great advantage. This allows continuous steam spray without needing to repeatedly press the steam button unlike in other steam cleaners.
  • The steam jet nozzle attachment emits powerful steam that can very easily dislodge even the most stubborn dirt or grit and thus helping in cleaning better.
  • The additional floor mop attachment allows one to reach the small tilts, turns, and angles of the floors and furniture easily and thus cleaning maximum surfaces easily
  • Additional rotary scrub pads enable one to clean curtains and carpets easily without needing to render too much physical exertion.
  • The flat floor mop attachment also helps in easy cleaning the footprints and other such dirt remnants on carpets and mats beside the floors.
  • The steam temperature reaches up to 212° Fahrenheit, which is very effective in killing microbes and bugs. It has a triple functionality as this superheated steam ensures deodorizing and sanitizing of the furniture besides cleaning it.
  • An extra-long steam hose of 10 ft along with a power cord length of 15 ft allows one to easily move from one space to another without needing to unplug and plug repeatedly.
  • The additional utility brushes are strong enough to handle grease, oil and dirt that are common problems of BBQ, garages and cars.
Pros
  • Professional quality cleaning
  • Compact design perfect for minimal space storage areas
  • Extra long cord and hose allows reach upto maximum level
  • Superheated steam ensures perfect eradication of dirts and microbes
Cons
  • Requires regular maintenance and change of accessory parts.
  • Slightly pricey

Product Inclusion

  1. Steam cleaner unit
  2. Instructions
  3. Steam jet nozzle
  4. Extension wands (2)
  5. Mop head
  6. Microfiber pads (2)
  7. Water Funnel
  8. Measuring Cup
  9. Squeegee
  10. Triangle brush
  11. 5 pack of nylon utility brushes
  12. Brass utility brush
  13. Scrub pad

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Steamfast SF-370WH Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner

Steamfast SF-370WH Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner
Steamfast SF-370WH Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner
Enables one to easily dislodge hidden allergens and give a complete clean look.

In case you need a steam cleaner that requires long cleaning hours and heavy-duty usage, then Steamfast SF-370 Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner is the right choice for you.

The microfiber mop head is certainly an added positive aspect especially if you have a pet at home that sheds a lot of hair which gets stuck in the nooks and crannies of your home. This mop enables one to easily dislodge these hidden allergen carriers and give a thoroughly clean look.

The lock on-demand button allows one to steam clean any surface without interruption for over 40 minutes. This feature with the added water heat indicator ensures that the user is well informed about the heat level of the steam emitted.

Key Features 

  • Is reviewed as one of the best heavy-duty usage Steam cleaners for upholstery and furniture due to the prolonged high pressured steaming ability.
  • Easy to fill tank with a capacity of 45oz allows uninterrupted cleaning for a longer duration.
  • Additional larger water inlet minimizes water spillage and assists in faster refilling.
  • Custom fitted with wheels and casters that allow ease of movement along all surfaces.
  • The ergonomic compact design is very sleek and stylish to look at.
  • The 64 inches hose may not be very long compared to many other models; however, the extreme flexibility of the hose pipes allows it to move into the most curved spots without any issues.
  • The heat indicator light on the side allows one to easily notice how hot the steam is.
  • 15 additional attachments ensure the cleaning of every possible area and surface without any problem.
  • Water is heated up to 200° Fahrenheit that not only cleans but also sanitizes the surface well. The high heat also enables deep penetrations into the crevices and unreachable spots thus effectively killing any unwanted pests or molds hidden out of sight.
  • Onboard storage unit attachment for carrying smaller cleaning essentials like mops, brush fittings and cleaning agents.
  • The microfiber cleaning pads are highly durable besides being excellent for trapping fine dirt, pollen and allergen carrying debris. These microfiber pads are great in catching all those smaller fine hairs of pets.
  • The 1500 watt motor ensures deep cleaning of germs alongside easy removal of stains and dirt.
  • Fitted with a custom on-demand steam control unit that allows up to 45 minutes of steaming with one press of the button. This lock on button is very unique to this model and has been appreciated by almost every buyer around.
Pros
  • Portable and very lightweight
  • Longer power cord allows better access
  • 45 minutes of steaming time that is longer than many other Steam Cleaners available in the market
Cons
  • Steam has a higher moisture content
  • Has a limited warranty period of 1 yr

Product Inclusion

  1. SF-370 Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner
  2. Instructions
  3. Extension wands (2)
  4. Mop head
  5. Microfiber pads (2)
  6. Jet nozzle
  7. Squeegee
  8. Scrub tool
  9. Corner tool
  10. Corner tool scrub pad
  11. Corner tool sponge pad
  12. Nylon utility brushes (2)
  13. Brass utility brush
  14. Measuring cup

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What Does Upholstery Steam Cleaning Actually Mean?

In simple language upholstery steam cleaning means deep cleaning of stains, dirt, mold, and stains from furniture, carpeted stairs and floors, curtains, pet houses, and bedding, etc, which are difficult to remove and send for laundry service.

However, the process is slightly more complicated than what is stated as the definition above.

High pressured steam at the temperature of boiling water is used to clean the surface. This causes some important changes to the furniture.

  1. The heat of steam (the temperature of the steam is higher than water at boiling point) penetrates to a great depth killing many types of bacteria, bugs, and molds.
  2. The external dirt and molds are easily dislodged due to the high-pressure steam application and thus easily cleaned off.

Thus the need to visit a dry cleaner or bringing in heavy machinery is totally not required anymore.

How To Steam Clean Upholstery?

Steam cleaning of upholstery is easier than thought if proper guidelines and techniques are followed. The steps are as follows:

Preparing the upholstery

The upholstery should be vacuumed thoroughly to dislodge surface dirt and soils besides fine dust particles as this helps in speeding up the process of steam cleaning.

Preparing the stains on the upholstery

Apply an adequate amount of natural cleaning agent on any areas of larger stains beforehand, to help in chemical liquefaction of the stain and thus helping in cleaning the stain better.

Precondition the fabrics well

Soil emulsifiers are great natural agents that help in the loosening of foreign particles on the surface of furniture and upholstery. Spraying them copiously beforehand will only make the steam cleaning more effective. Spraying shampoo beforehand is also a great alternative.

  • Confirm beforehand if the surface to be cleaned is steam clean permissible.
  • Choose a steam cleaner that is perfectly suited for your needs.

Anything that is large and bulky will be difficult to move around and especially reach those nooks and crannies on the higher side of the house.

Preparing the steam cleaner beforehand

Make sure to fill the steamer tank with water to the optimal level. Ensure enough space for steam formation. Choose the right accessory attachment that suits the surface you are cleaning. The accessory needed to clean the sofa is different from the one that is needed to clean the carpeted stairs or the curtains.

Use a very minimal amount of soap or detergent if needed

Excess washing soda will only lengthen the cleaning process as you will need repeated cleaning a few times to remove any soap remnants.

Start the cleaning with smaller surfaces that are light and movable like cushions, pillows etc.

Smaller goods can be cleaned and moved aside thus providing you with larger open space to move around to clean. Ensure that you clean both sides of the pillows well and all the trim ends too.

The clean small surface at a time

While cleaning surfaces like sofas, staircases, curtains make sure to clean small spaces at a time. If steam is applied on a larger surface and left, moisture absorption can occur which is not exactly a good thing and can cause damage.

Drying is must

Make sure to use a dry, highly absorbent mop or cloth to wipe all the surface well post steam cleaning to remove any moisture residue. If needed use a blow dryer, fans, etc on sofas and carpeted floors and stairs to remove every small drop of moisture.

Removing lingering stains

Sometimes even after preconditioning, some stubborn stains will not be completely removed. These may need a repeat cleaning. Using soap or detergent, the stained surface should be rinsed well individually with a sponge or cleaning scrub if needed.

Using external cleaning agents in the steam cleaner

Apple cider vinegar is a great disinfectant and deodorizer besides being highly effective against stains. They are also eco-friendly and can be easily used in a steam cleaner without causing any harm to it.

Why choose to steam clean instead of regular cleaning?

Choosing a steam cleaner for upholstery is a definitely profitable one-time investment on your part for various reasons as explained above. However, steaming has advantages and disadvantages like any other electronic inventions of today. If you are buying an upholstery steam cleaner then make sure you choose a steam cleaner with a broad nozzle.

Advantages of using a Steam Cleaner for furniture & upholstery

  1. It is suitable for almost every kind of flat and uneven surfaces alike. Be it curtains, pet house, mattresses, carpets, sofas, a steam cleaner can be used on almost any surface.
  2. They can be used to clean, glass panes, windows, doors and bathroom tiles too
  3. They are environment-friendly and do not leave any harmful chemical residue as they are only high pressured water.
  4. They have multiple functions as they deodorize, disinfect and de-grease any surface they are used on besides cleaning them.
  5. They are effective in removing or killing bacterial proliferation and mold growths.
  6. They are effective in removing even the toughest stains
  7. They often require almost no external detergents for cleansing.

Disadvantages of using Steam Cleaner for furniture & upholstery

  1. The high temperature and moisture can be bad for wooden surfaces, antiques, and papers. They can cause permanent damage.
  2. As an aftermath of steam cleaning, dry mopping of the surface is needed to remove any extra moisture.
  3. The steam is a very high temperature and can cause serious skin burn if not carefully handled.
  4. The steam cleaner though a one-time investment is still slightly pricier than any other automatic cleaning product available.

Related – Best Steam Cleaner For Tile and Grout

Conclusion

Choosing the best steam cleaner for furniture & upholstery is not about the most highly rated one available in the market. Rather it completely depends on your customized requirements. The three steam cleaner for furniture mentioned above has a unique feature about themselves that makes them perfect for cleaning furniture and upholstery easily without extra assistance or effort.

Best Steam Cleaner For Furniture & Upholstery
  • Vapamore MR-75 Amico Hand Held
  • McCulloch MC1275 Heavy Cleaner
  • McCulloch MC1275 Heavy Cleaner
4.6
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