Steam Cleaner Basics

Steam cleaners and how they work

There are two main types of steam cleaners. Handheld steam cleaners are used to clean small areas. They are lightweight and inexpensive, but they don't hold much water. The best steam cleaners are portable canister-type cleaners, which can clean a wider area and range of surfaces, usually with a variety of attachments. These are the main type of multi-surface vapor steam cleaners. Be aware that most upright vacuum cleaners labeled "steam vacs" do not use steam at all -- most spray a solution of water and detergent onto your carpet, then suction out the water. These machines are covered in our other report on carpet cleaners.

True steam cleaners have a water tank or a boiler with a heater inside the unit. The tank is filled with tap or distilled water that is then heated to boiling. This creates pressurized steam, which is released through a nozzle or hose. Steam can be directed to surfaces for cleaning, and the pressure of the steam loosens the dirt and grime. Most full-size steam cleaners come with an array of attachments that can be placed at the end of the hose, much like attachments of vacuum cleaners. The usual tools are a floor tool, brushes of various sizes and perhaps a squeegee or crevice tool, depending on the model. Most steam cleaners also offer optional attachments at an additional charge.

Using the nozzle of the steam cleaner, a spray of steam is directed at one small area at a time. Immediately following the steaming, you must wipe away the dirt with a clean cloth or towel. You continue to clean the surface one small area at a time. Unlike vacuum cleaners, there is no suction with the steam cleaners, so you'll need to be prepared to wipe up loosened grime with a rag. Ideally, no elbow grease is necessary for a clean surface. You basically spray with steam, then wipe.

The biggest advantage to steam cleaning is that you don't need to use chemicals. The hot steam can also reach places a sponge or a mop can't. Reviews say that steam is hot enough to kill bacteria, mold and dust mites on contact, so a steam cleaner can be used as part of an allergen-control plan to clean bedding, tile grout and soap scum from shower doors.

While some models claim that you can get rid of cleaning solvents, mops and buckets, and use steam cleaners for everything, larger steam cleaners may not fit easily into small areas such as bathrooms or shower stalls. Advertising makes the process look quick and easy, however it actually takes quite a while, since you generally must clean one small area at a time, wiping up loosened grime as you go. Lastly, steam cleaning won't kill all bacteria, germs, fungi or mold in your home, though it can help.

Most steam cleaners operate in a similar way. One area where they differ is how water is added. Many steam cleaners require you to add water directly to the boiler. If you run out of steam you must wait 15 to 30 minutes for the unit to cool, then add more water and wait for it to heat up (which varies from 2 minutes to 30 minutes) before you can resume cleaning. However, a few pricey models do have a continuous-fill system. Because you add water to the reservoir instead of to the boiler, you can continue to add water throughout the cleaning process. There is no need to wait for the machine to cool down before you can safely add more water.