Steam is an incredible tool for use in the cleaning process. Steam may be used to clean grout, kill germs, remove persistent stains, make a hard floor look fantastic, and even tackle filthy windows without the need for harmful chemicals. When you have the greatest steam cleaner, you will never look back, and you will have a dazzling home in a fraction of the time it would take if you used elbow grease to clean it.
However, choosing the right one can be difficult because there are so many options currently available on the market. Based on the results of our research and testing of various models, we have found that not all steam cleaners are created equal, and many of them are, to put it bluntly, fakes that will not do the job properly. This list, which details the top steam cleaners that we have tested and which are currently on sale, was compiled to assist in preventing you from purchasing an inferior product.
You can depend on our recommendations because we put every product we sell through an extensive battery of real-world testing. We do not only include goods based on best-seller lists or user ratings; instead, we highlight the finest cleaners that have been put through rigorous testing.
Below, you can find a selection of several steam cleaners and steam mops that are priced to accommodate a variety of needs and preferences. When we evaluate steam cleaners, we look for the characteristics that are vital for that particular product, which might vary from product to product.
The convenience of use of steam mops, in addition to their capacity to remove stubborn stains from the floor without requiring excessive washing, is what makes them so appealing. We examine the effectiveness of steam mops in cleaning the corners of the room as well.
The term “convertible steam cleaner” refers to mops that come equipped with a portable unit that can be detached and used separately for more detailed cleaning. These do not have the force of full-cylinder steam cleaners and are often used for cleaning tasks that are not as extensive, such as cleaning grout or an oven tray. Although we hold the capacity of these kinds to clean floors to the same criteria as steam mops, we are a bit more lenient with the cleaning power and range when they are used in handheld mode.
In essence, the most powerful steam cleaners are cylinder models. They have an overwhelming advantage over everything else in this location. We anticipate that these products will do an excellent job of cleaning floors and will make quick work of difficult cleaning tasks such as washing shower screens, ovens, and tile grout.
Types Of Steam Cleaners
A fast internet search for “best steam cleaner” can turn up a number of different products and possibilities. Customers who are able to differentiate between the many varieties of carpet and upholstery steam cleaners may more easily choose the product that is most suited to meet their individual requirements.
Handheld Steam Cleaners
Handheld steam cleaners are portable and easy to move about the house thanks to their manageable size. In addition to carpets and furniture, they often come with a range of attachments that make it easier to clean other surfaces and materials, such as worktops, windows, and other types of flooring materials. However, they are most effective when used for more limited jobs, such as removing a stain from the couch, and would not be the greatest choice for steam-cleaning the carpets located across the whole of the house.
Canister Steam Cleaners
Because of their enormous water tanks, which range between 40 and 48 ounces on average, canister steam cleaners, also known as cylinder steam cleaners, are an excellent choice for more extensive steam cleaning jobs. Because of this, the devices can create steam continuously for up to half an hour at a time. Canister steam cleaners are heavier than some of the other alternatives because of the large tank that they have, which weighs around 10 pounds. However, the majority of these cleaners include wheels, which make them easier to handle while they are in use on carpets and hard floors. The majority of canister steam cleaners are packaged with a variety of attachments, including extension tubes, triangle additions, and brushes, which may be used for specific jobs on carpeting, upholstery, and draperies.
Steam Mops
Traditional mops are easier to manage than steam mops, but steam mops are more powerful and more effective because of their capacity to clean with steam. The tanks on steam mops are often smaller than those found on other kinds of steam cleaners; nonetheless, the compact, lightweight, and easy-to-store design of steam mops is made possible by these smaller tanks. To make it easier to go under furniture, you should look for an option that has a flexible joint at the connection between the handle and the head. Although these kinds of steam cleaners work best on hard surfaces like vinyl and linoleum, some models come with attachments designed for use on carpets and tiles as well as other sorts of surfaces that are softer or more uneven.
Vacuum Steam Cleaners
Vacuum steam cleaners, which are also often referred to as carpet cleaners, use a sucking motion, quite similar to that of a conventional home vacuum cleaner. The removal of stains and smells from carpets is accomplished with these items by combining hot water and a cleaning solution. People who need to clean a whole carpet rather than just specific spots on the carpet may prefer to use a vacuum steam cleaner since it is more effective at cleaning greater areas and can cover more ground in less time.
The motion of the vacuum will help remove excess water while also pulling debris that has been lodged in carpets, which will assist in speeding up the drying process. Vacuum steam cleaners, much like carpet deodorizers, have the ability to eliminate smells and leaving carpets feeling clean and pleasant. In addition, many of the machines come equipped with an upholstery tool that can be used to clean stairs and furniture using steam.
What You Should Look For In A Good Steam Cleaner And How To Choose One
There are a few primary characteristics that should be taken into consideration while searching for the ideal steam cleaner to fulfill one’s requirements. Because there are so many different kinds of steam cleaners and so many different choices available, it is helpful for the user to know which functions are required in order to simplify the decision-making process.
Compatible Surfaces
The application in question determines which steam cleaner is superior. Because of the breadth of their capacity to clean and sanitize, they are excellent for doing ordinary duties in addition to thorough cleaning anything that is unable to withstand the usual methods of washing or scrubbing. However, there are certain surfaces that are incapable of withstanding the high temperature of steam. Some examples of these surfaces are painted walls and untreated flooring.
Having said that, steam cleaners are typically compatible with a comprehensive range of hard and soft surfaces. These include flooring such as sealed wood, vinyl, laminate, tile, and carpet; bathroom fixtures such as shower glass and grout; and appliances such as gas hobs and oven interiors. In addition, they may be applied to windows, furniture, upholstery, and draperies, as well as worktops and window treatments.
Attachments
The use of a steam cleaner that is equipped with the appropriate attachments may be of assistance in sprucing up furniture and draperies. This is in addition to the use of astute upholstery cleaning tips, specific cleansers, and spot removers. For example, a high-quality brush attachment is often the tool of choice when it comes to removing stains that have been deeply embedded in furniture. However, it is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the accessories for steam cleaners. Think about the range of things that need to be cleaned, such as grills, toilets, worktops, windows, appliances, and beds, and then choose a model that comes equipped with the necessary instruments to get the job done. Some models may have these kinds of equipment.
Keep in mind the dimensions as well as the total number of attachments that are provided. For instance, it will take a great deal more time to clean a carpet using a model that has a carpet attachment measuring 3 inches in width than it would using a vacuum steam cleaner that has a cleaning head measuring 4 inches or more in width.
Portability
A good steam cleaner will have the ideal dimensions and weight to make it simple to carry it about the home or to lift it and transfer it to higher shelves or cabinets without difficulty. Options that need a cord provide unrestricted power but require proximity to a power outlet. Steam cleaners that are mobile and have wheels are easier to move and need less lifting.
- Weight: Steam cleaners that are smaller and lighter are simpler to transport and store, but bigger versions that weigh up to 20 pounds or more may be more difficult to use. A lighter choice will be simpler to manage in the long term, especially if the breadth of the project is substantial or if it necessitates going up and down stairs. When determining the weight of the machine, it is important to remember to take into account the tank capacity, since a big tank that is entirely filled can add quite a few pounds to the overall weight.
- Corded vs. cordless: Corded and cordless (battery-operated) versions of steam cleaners are both on the market. Because they do not need to be plugged into an electrical socket, cordless models provide an increased level of mobility and convenience. However, the run duration is restricted, and it might be annoying if the battery dies in the midst of a cleaning activity because of this limitation.
Runtime is not restricted in any way while using a steam cleaner that is corded. In addition, some corded versions boast a motor that is more robust and provides superior performance when compared to cordless alternatives. However, corded steam cleaners need an outlet, which means that customers may have to repeatedly disconnect and plug the device in order to get a substantial amount of work done. When shopping for a corded steam cleaner, make sure you take the length of the cable into consideration. When the rope is longer, there is a greater surface area that may be cleaned without interruption.
- Wheels: Canister steam cleaners often are equipped with wheels, which facilitates portability despite the bigger size and increased weight of these equipment. Think about where the machine has to go in order to assess whether or not adding wheels will make the machine bulkier or whether or not they would reduce the amount of carrying that is required.
Additional Features
In addition to the aspects that were discussed above, you should search for a device that can store an adequate quantity of water and warms up fast enough to prevent the work from falling behind schedule. Keep in mind that various surfaces can withstand differing amounts of steam pressure, which is why the most effective steam cleaners for carpets also feature customizable settings.
- Tank capacity: The breadth of typical cleaning tasks should serve as a guide for selecting the size of the water tank. Some portable steamers have a capacity of just 10 or 12 ounces, which means that they only create steam for 15 minutes at the most. It is possible for a canister or vacuum steam cleaner to contain closer to 50 ounces of water and have the capacity to operate for around one hour. When it comes to regular, in-depth cleaning operations, a bigger tank may be preferable. It may be annoying to have to interrupt a cleaning work several times in order to stop and refill a container that has just a modest capacity.
- Heat-up time: The majority of steam cleaners have a reasonably quick heating up time. The majority of machines have a heat-up period that ranges from 25 seconds to 8 minutes, although the heating process for other cleaners may take as long as 12 minutes. It is interesting to note that tank capacity is not always associated with the amount of time it takes to heat up, so it is important to examine the product specifications if you want to work for longer periods of time and do not want to wait for steam after each filling.
- Steam settings: The flow rate is the quantity of steam that is emitted by the cleaner. Many steam cleaners feature two or more distinct settings that enable users to modify the pressure and, as a result, regulate the amount of steam that is emitted. A flow rate of around 15 grams per minute is achieved at the lower pressure levels, while a flow rate of approximately 30 grams per minute is achieved at the higher pressure settings. Lower settings are great for safely cleaning sensitive surfaces, such as upholstered furniture made of silk. Higher settings, on the other hand, will work harder and are perfect for removing stubborn stains, such as those found on synthetic carpeting. Steam cleaners that just have a single pressure setting most typically operate at a rate of around 30 grams per minute.
The items listed below are examples of some of the most well-liked steam cleaners now available on the market. We put each one of them through their paces in real-world scenarios, and we found each one of them to be an efficient and long-lasting machine in its own category. It is quite probable that one of these models will be able to meet all of your requirements for steam cleaning.
Our Top Pick: Pure Enrichment PureClean XL Rolling Steam Cleaner
Consider investing in the Pure Enrichment PureClean Steam Cleaner so you can handle a variety of different cleaning responsibilities. The pressured steam that is dispensed by this canister type helps to break down and remove stains, spots, and deep filth on a variety of hard and soft surfaces, including carpets, furniture, tile, and vinyl flooring, among others. The tank’s capacity of 1.5 liters is sufficient to allow for up to 45 minutes of continuous steam cleaning before it has to be refilled. It is simple to move about and spot clean parts because to its wheels, 18-piece accessory kit, and 16-foot power wire, all of which make it rollable.
During testing, this model of Pure Enrichment shown that it is a powerful machine, easily and successfully cleaning a variety of hard and soft surfaces. It was simple to maneuver, and it was simple to go to places that were difficult to get to thanks to the broad wheelbase and the lengthy power chord. We were particularly thankful for the scrub pad and utility brush attachments since they made it simple to remove dirt and filth from grout and window tracks. The multitude of accessories proved to be really useful.
However, we discovered that the triangle mophead attachment was a little bit too tiny, which caused the cleaning of the laminate floor in our living room to take somewhat longer than we had expected. Despite the fact that we loved all of the attachments, we feel that keeping them may be difficult for those who have a restricted amount of space.
Product Specs
- Type: Canister
- Water-tank capacity: 1.5 liters
- Weight: 9 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rolling is made simpler because to the vehicle’s large rear wheels. | A lot of accessories that you have to store |
| With a rope that is 16 feet in length and has a cord wrap incorporated into it | |
| 18-item accessories starter set |
PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Cleaner Mop
The multifunctional PurSteam 10-in-1 may be used as either an upright steam mop or a handheld steam cleaner, and it comes with a variety of attachments. It comes with a portable unit that may be detached and used separately as a water reservoir for the steam cleaner. The corded machine’s primary purpose is to clean hard surfaces; however, it may also be used to revive carpeting and upholstery when the appropriate attachments are utilized.
This steam cleaner is distinguished by two important characteristics. To begin, there is a folding handle, which makes it possible to store the item in a more compact manner even in confined areas. Second, the water can be heated up in about thirty seconds, which is a boon in situations when a speedy cleansing is necessary. Changing from upright stand mode to handheld mode is as easy as popping it out of the stand, and then you are good to go! Turning off the machine is the only method to completely halt the flow of steam, despite the fact that a dial located on the water reservoir made it simple enough to adjust the level of steam produced by the machine. In general, both the portable unit and the steam mop version of this PurSteam functioned well, and its affordable pricing is difficult to top.
Product Specs
- Type: Upright and handheld
- Water-tank capacity: 11.5 ounces
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It only takes thirty seconds for the water to heat up. | It is not possible to halt the flow of steam without turning off the machine. |
| With a handle that folds down for more convenient storage | |
| Multiple attachments plus detachable portable unit |
PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
The PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner is an alternative that is both lightweight and portable, and it makes quick work of the process of spot cleaning around the home. This corded steamer is safe to use on a variety of surfaces, including cotton and wool carpets, bedding, upholstery, laminate, granite, and wallpaper. It may also be used to remove wallpaper. It simplifies a wide variety of cleaning duties by including a nylon brush, an ironing brush, an extension hose, and six additional accessories in the package.
This little yet effective machine warms up very quickly and produces a continuous stream of steam, which efficiently loosens and cleans built-up filth. We found that it was simple to use, and we especially liked the bent nozzle and extension-hose attachments. These made it simple to do challenging tasks, such as cleaning window tracks and tight, hard-to-reach locations on our grill, which had previously been difficult.
After using it for an extended period of time, the device, which weighs somewhat more than 5 pounds, became noticeably more burdensome to operate. Additionally, there is no specific location to wind the cable for storage; instead, it must be looped around the body of the machine. In spite of this, it is a useful tool that may assist make the chores associated with cleaning simpler.
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Water-tank capacity: 5 ounces
- Weight: 5.24 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple to switch out the accessories. | There is nowhere to coil the rope. |
| Lock for protection on the handle | Heavy for use with the hand. |
| Features a comfortable handle |
Steamfast SF-370 Multipurpose Steam Cleaner
The Steamfast SF-370 steam cleaner comes with a number of different attachments that might come in handy, but the large mophead attachments and corner scrub tools make it particularly effective for cleaning upholstery. Microfiber pads that are simple to put on and a flexible steam hose measuring 64 inches are included in the package for naturally cleaning both hard and soft surfaces. It takes its 48-ounce water tank eight minutes to heat up, after which it can produce continuous steam for forty-five minutes.
This machine proved to be the most powerful steam cleaner that was tested for this guide. Additionally, its steam-on-demand trigger and continuous steam locking switch made it simple to manage and direct the steam, particularly when combined with the steam jet nozzle.
Because of this function, we were able to direct the steam into tough stains that were on beds and chairs wrapped in fabric. It was especially helpful in dissolving old gum residue that had been left on an area rug. It is unfortunate that the user cannot adjust the level of steam produced by the device.
This corded machine was easy to manage, and we were grateful that it came with an incorporated carrying handle that made it simpler to transport the device up and down stairs. This model does not come with an onboard cubby for storing the different attachments, despite the fact that it can be folded up and stored away simply due to its low profile. This steam cleaner is ideal for maintaining the cleanliness and freshness of upholstery, and it can also be used for the cleaning of floors and other types of hard surfaces.
Product Specs
- Type: Canister
- Water-tank capacity: 48 ounces
- Weight: 8.42 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| With activator for steam together with a locking switch for continuous steam | Without onboard accessories storage |
| Includes power cord wrap | |
| With carrying handle |
Bissell 2747A PowerFresh Vac & Steam Vacuum and Mop
The Bissell 2747A PowerFresh Vac & Steam is intended to shorten the amount of time required for cleaning. It is no longer necessary to use two separate machines to clean the same space since this one tool can both vacuum and steam at the same time. The vacuum cleaner has digital controls that allow the user to choose between a vacuuming mode and a steaming mode, or to choose both modes simultaneously.
Both the microfiber soft pad and the microfiber scrubby pad are versatile cleaning tools that can be used on a variety of hard floor surfaces. The microfiber soft pad is perfect for cleaning laminate flooring, while the microfiber scrubby pad is ideal for cleaning tile floors. The removable mop pad tray makes it simple to switch between the pads or remove them so that they may be cleaned. This avoids the need to turn the mop over in order to put on a clean pad. This device comes with two tanks: one for the dry debris that is collected by the vacuum, and another tank to contain the water that is used for the steam mop function of the product.
In spite of the fact that many multifunctional products have a tendency to excel in just one area, while providing average performance in others, the Bissell we tested performed very well both as a vacuum and as a steam mop. It was quite easy to be able to switch quickly from the vacuum mode to the steam mop mode in order to clean the floors without having to stop and acquire another cleaning equipment or mop. The vacuum mode was very effective at picking up pet hair and other debris with ease. Either the vacuum mode or the steam mop mode may be used independently or together at the same time. The only disadvantage of dual mode that we could find is that the vacuum tank is on the smaller side, meaning that it will have to be emptied many times if you are cleaning a wide area.
Although this product’s primary function is to clean hard surfaces, the steam mop may also be used to revitalize carpets with shorter pile. Overall, we were most satisfied with its efficacy for cleaning up little trash that were missed after sweeping hard surfaces; however, we do believe the price tag is a bit excessive because of how much it costs.
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Water-tank capacity: 12.8 ounces
- Weight: 9.74 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vacuum and steam together or separately | Pricey |
| Vacuum function easily catches dirt and debris | |
| During operation, customers are able to alter settings thanks to straightforward digital controls. |
How We Tested The Best Steam Cleaners
We put each steam cleaner through its paces, evaluating it according to a set of criteria that included its water-tank capacity, weight, mobility, attachments, and how well it cleaned both hard and soft surfaces. To obtain each steam cleaner’s overall score, we graded it using the aforementioned rubrics on a scale that ranged from 0 to 4.
We started by figuring out how much assembly was necessary for each model, and we then investigated how easy it was to store the wires and accessories that came with it. After that, we poured in the necessary quantity of water and performed several tests to see how simple it was to move about and navigate. We put the steam cleaners through their paces by using them on carpet, engineered wood floors, tile, upholstered furniture, porcelain, and window sills. We put all of the different attachments through their paces to evaluate how well they worked and how simple it was to install them.
Frequently Ask Questions
Q. When using a steam cleaner, should you fill the tank with cold or hot water?
A: To protect yourself against harm, fill a steam cleaner with cold water. The water will be heated without risk by the machine to the required temperature in order to generate steam at high temperatures.
Q. How long does it take to clean anything using steam?
A: Steam cleaning takes a different period of time depending on the size of the surface being cleaned as well as the quantity of filth and stains that need to be removed. It will take far less time, for instance, to remove a stain from a sofa than it takes to steam clean an entire room’s worth of carpet.
Q. Is it true that steam cleaning eliminates bed bugs?
A: There is evidence that bed bugs can be killed by steam cleaning. In order to eliminate bed bugs and their eggs, the surface temperature of the mattress or bedding must reach between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures lower than this will not be effective.
Q. Do mold spores survive the steam cleaning process?
A: There is evidence that mold spores may be killed by cleaning with steam. Because of the high temperatures, the spores will be destroyed, and the steam will be able to go through the gaps to kill the mold in the more inaccessible locations.
Q. Does bacteria die after being cleaned with steam?
A: When it reaches a high enough temperature, steam is capable of successfully killing microorganisms. For the steam to be successful in killing germs, the temperature has to be at least 175 degrees Fahrenheit, but greater temperatures are even more beneficial.
Final Words
Do not, under any circumstances, skip this additional step if you are having your carpet cleaned at home. It is just as beneficial to vacuum the carpet immediately after steam cleaning it as it is to have it professionally cleaned.
It is strongly suggested that you take this action in order to maintain a tidy and sanitary environment in your own house. I hope you like cleaning!
