Steam Cleaner Review

Introduction to Steam Cleaners

Steam cleaners -- also called vapor cleaners -- have been widely used in Europe for some time, though in recent years they have also gained in popularity in the United States. This is due in part to increasing interest in chemical-free cleaning, as more people become aware of the possibly toxic effects of many cleaning solvents. They are also used by people with allergies to kill dust mites and other potential allergens such as mold. Instead of chemical cleaners, these all-purpose household appliances use steam at temperatures of 240˚ Fahrenheit and up to clean the surfaces in a home. Keep in mind that steam cleaners are not vacuums. Although they can be used to spot-clean carpets, true steam cleaners don't include suction. If you're looking for a carpet deep cleaner, see our separate report on carpet cleaners. These use hot water, agitating brushes and chemical cleaners instead of steam to clean carpets and rugs.

Consumer Reports has yet to test and rate home steam cleaners, and after earlier testing and reviewing, Choice magazine (the Australian equivalent of Consumer Reports) cannot recommend any steam cleaners at all. Editors at Choice do give some tips on what to look for in a cleaner and what to avoid. Representing the other side are sites like Allergy Buyer's Club, which say steam cleaners are an excellent way to clean bathrooms, floors and upholstery without using chemicals. ConsumerGuide features reviews of several steam cleaners, but they are not comparative or thorough. We found balanced steam cleaner reviews from owners at Amazon.com and Epinions, which give a good idea how well steam cleaners work in actual use.

The best steam cleaners remove dirt, grime, stains and grease from surfaces by using only water. These appliances are not only credited with cleaning but also with sanitizing, disinfecting and killing bacteria, dust mites and mold. Although they can be used on carpet, it's a slow and tedious job. Instead, most experts say the best places to use a steam cleaner are bathrooms (tile, grout, shower doors, etc.), surfaces of large appliances, curtains, wood paneling and metal blinds. They shouldn't be used on painted surfaces or soft plastic, however.

Since steam cleaners use superheated water, they can be dangerous to use. Most have safety features to help prevent burns, but problems have been found with some specific models. For example, the Euroflex Monster 55 (*Est. $70), which has been sold on shopping-channel QVC, was recalled in 2006. Some of these steam cleaners were missing the O-ring in the handle that could allow hot water or steam to escape and burn the user. There have been many complaints, but no injuries reported. If you own one of these steam cleaners, a free repair kit is available from Euroflex (888-896-8786).

The Euro-Pro Shark SC505 (*est. $100) is a handheld or portable steam cleaner. Of all the steam cleaners listed at Amazon.com, this model receives the largest number of owner-written reviews (close to 100). Overall, the Shark receives low ratings from owners. Complaints range from durability problems to water and steam leaks. Others say the Shark steam cleaner was only good for small jobs and that it didn't clean very well. Many owners complain about an issue common to all steam cleaners -- once you steam dirt away from surfaces, you still have to wipe up the dirt. This also requires some careful aiming with the steamer to avoid spraying loosened grime over other surfaces.

The Euro-Pro Shark SC618 Steam Bottle is smaller than the SC505, and it doesn't have a mop head, but it also receives mixed reviews from owners. Some complain that the steam spray only lasts 15 to 20 seconds before you have to pump the handle and wait for more steam to build up.