Steam cleaners are a must-have for any home. They are ideal for most household cleaning tasks. You may be skeptical about their use, especially if you have never owned one before. Rest assured, we’ve done all the hard work and can lead you through all you need to know about steam cleaners. Before you know it, you will be an expert in their use.

Note this page focuses on standard steam cleaners only. For specialized kinds of steam cleaners, please see Unlocking the Power of Steam Mops: A Guide to Effective and Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Mastering Handheld Steam Cleaners:The Essential Guide to Portable Cleaning

What is a steam cleaner?

A steam cleaner is exactly as the name suggests. It uses pressurized steam produced from water to clean and sanitize. Because the cleaning is water-based, it means you are not using any harsh chemicals in your home.

How to steam clean?

Steam cleaners are simple to use. While they come in different varieties, and specific instructions may differ between models, the basic principle will always remain the same.

1. Simply fill the dispenser with clean, cold water (if your water is soft), otherwise distilled water
2. Choose the appropriate attachment, depending on your cleaning task
3. Allow time for heating of the water to steam (Some handheld steam cleaners need a little time to heat up after you turn them on, while others heat as they go and can be used immediately)
4. All you need to do next is aim the nozzle at the area you wish to clean and direct the powered steam at it
5. Stop the steam, wipe the surface, and inspect

It is worth noting that some very stubborn areas may need you to repeat this process more than once, while others will be spotless first go. The more you use the steam cleaner, the more you will get a sense of what areas and types of dirt need more attention.

How does steam cleaning work?

Steam cleaning uses steam to remove dirt and grime from surfaces. The steam acts as a natural cleaning agent, which breaks down and lifts dirt, while the heat in the steam also kills any bacteria or bugs that may be present. This results in a thorough and hygienic clean.

Is steam cleaning effective?

Our research can confirm that steam cleaners are absolutely a worthwhile addition to your cleaning supplies. If you take the time to find yourself a high-quality one, you can enjoy the following benefits:

Steam cleaners for carpet cleaning

Steam cleaning is most often associated with cleaning carpets and with good reason. It provides a deep, effective, and hygienic clean on all carpet types. It does not use harsh chemicals that can damage or discolor your carpet and acts as a natural deodorizer and sanitizer.

How often should I steam clean carpets?

Carpets should be steam cleaned regularly to keep them clean and fresh. But every household is different, so we have prepared this handy guide to help you work out your ideal steam cleaning frequency:

Small house no pets	1 x per year
Large house no pets	2 x per year
Small house with pets	2 x per year
Large house with pets	4 x per year

If you have any allergy sufferers in your home, regardless of size or whether you have pets, consider steam cleaning your carpets every 2-3 months.

Steam cleaners for cleaning hard floors

Steam cleaners are not limited to being effective on carpets. You can use them on most floor types. Tiles and linoleum will come up gleaming like new after a good steam cleaning. The trick is to clean methodically and evenly for the best results.

Using steam cleaners on hardwood floors

If you have hardwood floors, you should use caution. Sealed hardwood can be cleaned with a steam cleaner without any problems. In fact, steam cleaning is a brilliant way to clean sealed hardwood floors.

But remember, if your floors are unsealed hardwood, do not use a steam cleaner. Unsealed wood does not respond well to moisture and can become damaged and misshapen. It can also store moisture and lead to mold and bacteria growing.

Steam cleaners for car cleaning

One of the more popular uses for a steam cleaner is in your car. Using steam instead of chemicals also means it will not damage your car’s interior surfaces. You can also use your steam cleaner to clean your car’s exterior without fear of scratches or damage to your paintwork.

Steam cleaners for upholstery cleaning

Steam cleaners are ideal for cleaning upholstery. In fact, many steam cleaners are branded as being upholstery cleaners. You want to ensure that you find one with a variety of attachments for getting your upholstery thoroughly cleaned, noting that corners and edges can be tricky to get into. You also want to ensure that you allow sufficient drying time after your steam clean.

Steam cleaners for furniture

Furniture cleaning is another brilliant use for the steam cleaner. Because you are using water-based steam, you do not ever need to worry about causing scratches or damaging delicate surfaces. This is especially handy for furniture items that are made of more than one kind of material (for example a metal table with a glass top). You can use the steam cleaner on all parts of your furniture without risk of harm. The only exception is any furniture that has an electrical component, such as massage chairs. Water and electricity do not mix, so we do not recommend using your steam cleaner for these items.

Steam cleaners for couch or sofa cleaning

Couches and sofas are notorious for two things. Getting dirty easily and being a challenge to clean. I’m sure you will be pleased to know that the steam cleaner is ideal for cleaning your couch or sofa. It will clean and sanitize, with the added bonus of killing any bacteria or bugs that may be lurking. Just remember that your couch or sofa will need time to dry after steam cleaning before you can sit on it again.

How to steam clean a microwave

Microwaves can be challenging to clean, especially if they are not cleaned regularly. You will be glad to hear that you can definitely use a steam cleaner on these.

It is essential however, that you unplug your microwave first and allow plenty of drying time afterward before using it again. Water and electricity do not mix, and special care must be taken when steam cleaning anything with an electrical component.

Steam cleaners for cleaning grout

One of the reasons bathrooms are so notoriously difficult to clean is because of grout. It is porous, and thin and usually sits lower than the tiles which surround it. This all adds up to a nightmare cleaning job if you do not have the right tools at your disposal.

Fortunately, the steam cleaner will have you effortlessly cleaning your grout in no time. The steam will easily remove any dirt or grime from the grout and have your surfaces looking like new without scratching your tiles or damaging your grout.

Frequently Asked Questions on Steam Cleaners

1.    Which is the best steam cleaner to buy?

This depends entirely on your needs and budget. Make sure you take the time to check customer reviews before you buy to make sure you are getting exactly what you need. Always choose quality over cost savings, as a good steam cleaner will save you money in the long run.

2.    Can I put cleaning products in my steam cleaner instead of water?

We strongly advise against using any other product than pure clean water as it can damage your steam cleaner.

Conclusion

We hope this page has helped give you a handy introduction to steam cleaners. Please explore the rest of our website for more information on steam cleaners and steam cleaning!