How Hot Does A Steam Cleaner Get?

I always get the question “How hot does a steam cleaner get”?

Well, the answer is, it all depends on the type of machine you have.

Although the actual temperature of the steam can vary from 150 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, most machines produce high-pressure steam that can reach temperatures of around 245 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re wondering in the aspect of disindecting, this heat is enough to kill bed bugs and other pests in your home.

Steam cleaners have emerged as go-to solutions for removing stubborn dirt, grime, and bacteria from a variety of surfaces. Yet, understanding the temperature dynamics of these devices is essential for unlocking their full potential.

In this exploration, we delve into the realm of steam cleaning technology, shedding light on the temperatures steam cleaners can reach and the implications for their cleaning effectiveness.

Related post: Best Vacuum and Steam Cleaner Combo Reviews [Top 4 for 2024]

Different Steam Cleaners, Different Temperatures

There are three types of steam cleaners available:

1. Vapor Steam Cleaners

Vapor steam cleaners are the most versatile type of steam cleaner.

They produce a dry vapor that you can use for TONS of purposes. This means they are great in situations where you need more than one application, such as when cleaning carpets and furniture are needed.

Vapor steam cleaners also do well on hard surfaces because of the low-moisture content of the steam and lack of water droplets that could potentially damage your floors or other furnishings.

However, you should avoid using this type of cleaner on delicate fabrics like silk or woolens unless you’re using the appropriate attachment nozzle with an anti-scald valve installed into it so you don’t burn those items while trying to clean them too.

2. Steam Mops

They (kind of) look and act like a “regular” mop, but they aren’t a regular mop.

Steam mops are handheld, and they produce low-pressure steam. These machines can clean dirt and grime off your floors without the use of chemicals.

This type of machine is great for general cleaning around your home or office.

Steam mops are lightweight and easy to use alternatives to canister style steam cleaners. They come in handy for people who want their cleaning sessions easy and healthy. No buckets to drag around, and no soapy water with gunky bubbles (that ALWAYS find a way to spill)! 

Steam mops are most suitable to use on sealed hard floors, such as tiles or linoleum. They’re not the best choice for rugs and carpets, though.

3. Handheld Steamers

Handheld steam cleaners are great for anyone looking to get a clean surface quickly. They’re also good (and compact!) tools to have in a kitchen or bathroom setting. You spill something on the countertop, take your tiny steamer, sanitize the spot, and put the steamer back to the drawer where it lives.

This type of machine is most suitable for light cleaning tasks and spot cleaning.

How Do Steam Cleaners Produce Steam?

Steam cleaners produce steam by running water through a heating element. The steamer then pushes the hot, pressurized steam out of an opening to use on surfaces.

The water content in the steam can vary, with most machines producing steam with a water content of around 60% to 90%.

Steam cleaners that produce a drier steam allow for cleaned surfaces to dry more quickly, however, higher water content in the steam helps to clean more stubborn dirt and grime.

Can the Hot Steam Damage Carpets or Furniture?

Hot steam is supposed to CLEAN your carpets or furniture, not HARM them. So is it reasonable to be on your guard?

If you want to be 100% safe, you can always try it on a hidden section first. 

However, one of the great things about steam cleaners is that the temperature of steam cleaner is high enough to effectively clean and disinfect, but not so hot that would cause damage to common household carpets and furniture.

Some types of cleaners may have lower “temperature” settings that you can use on delicate surfaces, such as hardwood floors and antiques where an overly hot temperature would damage the surface.

How Hot Does a Steam Cleaner Need to be to Kill Bed Bugs?

To kill your unwanted night companions, steam from a steamer needs to be about 200degrees Fahrenheit or more.

Common household steam cleaners typically produce steam of about 245 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact.

What Steam Cleaner Gets the Hottest?

According to our research, the hottest steam cleaner on the market is the PureClean XL Plus which outputs steam at 290 degrees Fahrenheit.

This steam cleaner is designed for use on concrete, brick and stone surfaces in addition to carpets and upholstery.

As an alternative, the Bissell 1940 PowerFresh Steam Mop has a maximum temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit but does not have wheels or swivel steering that makes it difficult to maneuver around tight spaces like furniture legs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hot does a Bissell steam cleaner get?

Bissell steam cleaners typically reach temperatures of around 230 degrees Fahrenheit.

The maximum temperature for a Bissell steam cleaner is 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

How hot does a Karcher steam cleaner get?

It’s 220 degrees Fahrenheit for Karcher!

But the hottest it can get is 248 degrees.

What is the hottest part of a steam cleaner?

The hottest part of a steam cleaner is the steam nozzle. As we said before, the steam produced is typically around 245 degrees Fahrenheit and could be as high as 300. 

Ouch! That sounds high enough to cause a nasty burn, so take care when using ANY steam cleaner.

How hot do handheld steam cleaners get?

Similarly to their bigger cousins, handheld or portable steamers produce steam at temperatures of around 230 degrees Fahrenheit.

They may be small, but they are still powerful, maxing out at about 248 degrees Fahrenheit.