Do you need a steam cleaner?

Steam cleaners are an effective, chemical-free way to clean most hard surfaces and upholstery by using heat and water that's hot enough to kill germs and bacteria. They are also effective on dust mites and mold. Steam cleaners have an internal boiler that heats water, plus a nozzle that releases the pressurized steam. It's important to note that this combination of heat and pressure should not be used on painted surfaces, soft plastic or untreated wood.

Unlike a carpet cleaner or vacuum, steam cleaners do not use suction. Rather, surfaces are coated in a light mist, which usually dries pretty quickly. In this report, we cover models appropriate for use in kitchen and bathroom areas like tile walls and bathtubs. If you're looking for an appliance that uses steam to clean just floors, see our separate reports on carpet cleaners and steam mops.

Larger canister steam cleaners generally hold enough water for an hour or more of cleaning time before the reservoir needs refilling. These are meant for cleaning bigger areas and floors. Handheld steam cleaners are more portable but restricted to a continuous steaming time of about 10 minutes. Both types come with a variety of attachments that can be used for reaching into tight spaces; brushes for scrubbing metal and a wide nozzle for cleaning upholstery.

Another difference: Expensive steam cleaners also generate hotter steam, which translates into faster and more effective cleaning capabilities. Features consumers are more apt to see on high-end models include a metal boiler (rather than plastic), variable steam control, a pressure gauge and a low-water level indicator. All steam cleaners come with an assortment of attachments, with other options and replacements available for purchase through the manufacturer (the bristles on brushes can wear down through use). Canister-type steam cleaners come with two wand extensions for cleaning floors and hard-to-reach places.

When shopping for a steam cleaner, reviewers say to consider the following features:

  • Opt for a larger boiler if you have a lot of ground to cover. Depending on the model, steam cleaners hold between 6 and 64 ounces of water. This translates to as little as 10 minutes or as much as an hour or more of continuous steam.
  • Go for a durable rust-resistant stainless-steel or aluminum boilers. Inexpensive steam cleaners have a plastic boiler. These parts can't heat water as quickly and are more prone to cracking and breaking over time.
  • Choose a unit with a separate water tank.  They are easier to fill and can make cleaning go faster. Users don't have to wait 15 to 30 minutes for their unit to cool down before the unit's boiler can be safely refilled.
  • Select a unit with a pressure gauge and safety cap. Hot steam can be dangerous. A pressure gauge lets owners know it's safe to remove the cap on the boiler, while a cap with a release valve allows steam to escape before the cap is removed.
  • Look for a locked power button. This helpful feature gives users' fingers a rest during cleaning. However, some handheld models lack this locking mechanism and their buttons must be continually depressed to emit steam.
  • Get more out of your steamer cleaner with a variable steam setting. Some tasks require a more forceful jet of steam while others warrant less pressure to avoid blowing dirt around.
  • Consider maneuverability. A steam cleaner's dimensions and weight affect maneuverability, as do the length of the hose and power cord.
  • Test out the handle. A sturdy handle makes lifting the steam cleaner easier. Inexpensive models usually require attaching the handle with screws, which isn't as sturdy as one molded to the exterior.
  • Watch the instructional video that comes with your machine. Videos come standard with most high-end machines. For safety reasons, it is important to be fully familiar with your product's operation prior to use.

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