Steam Cleaners: Reviews

Reviews say the McCulloch canister-type steam cleaner is the best choice in its price range. It allows you to clean tile, grout, shower doors and appliances using only water instead of chemical detergents. Because… cleaning with steam can also kill mold and dust mites, it's handy for cleaning metal blinds, curtains and bedding, as well. The McCulloch MC-1275 has a 50-ounce tank that gives you up to an hour of cleaning time, and its accessories allow you to get into hard-to-reach spots. As with all steam cleaners, this machine isn't a vacuum, so you'll need to wipe up loosened grime with a rag or mop. Reviews say the McCulloch works well on tile, floors and appliances, but it's sometimes not powerful enough for tougher stains.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse

We found almost no good reviews for handheld steam cleaners, which owners say are often just more trouble than they're worth. Reviews say that small handheld steam cleaners are fine for light cleaning and small jobs, but… they aren't powerful enough for tougher stains or large areas, and rather than fussing with a steam cleaner, a scrubber and a little elbow grease often work better. The SteamFast SF-227's long nozzle helps get into tight spaces, but its 10-ounce tank only gives you about 15 minutes of steaming time.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse

If you're serious about avoiding cleaning with chemicals, reviews say you'll really need a more powerful steam cleaner with enough runtime and steam pressure to attack tough stains and kill dust mites, bacteria, viruses… and mold. Reviews say the WhiteWing home steam cleaner has two features that make it far better than cheaper models. Its 67-ounce tank can produce steam for almost two hours, and the WhiteWing produces steam at 285˚ Fahrenheit, compared to under 250˚ F for less expensive home vapor steam cleaners. Added safety features protect against accidental burns, which is one area of concern with all home steam cleaners.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse

Owners say the pricey Ladybug vapor steam cleaner is one of the most powerful on the market and is best for large homes or small offices. Though expensive, one big advantage over lesser steam cleaners is the Ladybug's… continuous-fill tank, which means you don't need to let the steam cleaner cool down before a refill. The Ladybug steam cleaner can heat water to 298˚ Fahrenheit -- best for killing bacteria, mold and viruses in large areas. Its 105-ounce tank capacity can steam continuously for nearly three hours.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse