Best Steam Cleaners of 2023

Handheld steam cleaner: These appliances are lightweight and portable. This makes them easy to use for cleaning upholstery or curtains.

Unfortunately, handheld units don’t work well for an entire floor. In fact, some are highly specialized and only work on specific surfaces.

For example, this Steamfast JULE Steam Jewelry Cleaner only works on jewelry.

Canister steam cleaner: This type of steam cleaner has a base on wheels with a hose attached, much like a canister vacuum. This model is generally compact and easy to move around your house.

For this reason, a canister model is a great carpet steam cleaner. Plus, you can use it for upholstery or as a spot cleaner.

This type of steam cleaner is also called a cylinder steam cleaner.

Steam mop: Steam mops are generally lightweight, and they work very well on tile. However, you shouldn’t use them on vinyl or wood flooring, because they can damage the surface.

Also, you can convert most steam mop models into a handheld steam cleaner for added versatility. For example, this Shark Portable Steam Pocket is a convertible steam mop.

Vacuum steam cleaner: If you want to suck up dirt while you sanitize, you can use a vacuum steam cleaner. This type of appliance is the best steam cleaner for big rooms with lots of carpeting.

As well, many vacuum models also convert into handheld steam cleaners. Therefore, you can easily use them as a spot cleaner or on stairs.

If you choose a corded model, you must work close to an outlet at all times or use an extension cord. While you have to be careful not to trip over the cord, you never need to worry about running out of power.

On the other hand, cordless steam cleaners are easier to maneuver because there is no cord to get in the way.

However, you’ll need to make sure you charge your appliance before you use it. Also, remember that most run times are between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

For example, this Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner reaches a temperature of 275 degrees F.

In addition, if the steam isn’t hot enough, the appliance may leave too much water on your floors, which could damage the surface.

Another thing to check is how long it takes for the appliance to reach the correct temperature. Some models are very quick and will only take a few seconds, but others have a relatively long heating time.

In general, look for models that reach the temperature in under a minute. For instance, it takes 30 seconds for this Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop to heat up.

Finally, there is no measure for the power of a steam cleaner. However, you can look at both the temperature and heating time to figure that out.

If a steam cleaner has a high temperature and short heat-up time, it will be more powerful than other models.

A reservoir with a large tank capacity will be able to work for a longer period of time before you need to refill it. In other words, you won’t have to keep pausing and going to the sink to add more liquid to the water tank.

Plus, every time you refill the water tank, you need to wait for the appliance to heat up again. Therefore, these steam cleaners are useful for large spaces.

However, if you choose a model with a smaller water tank, the machine will be lighter and therefore probably easier to push around your home.

The smallest steam cleaners can weigh as little as 5 pounds. So if you need to carry one around your house, or you have mobility issues, these models are a great option for you.

On the other hand, the heaviest steam mops can weigh over 15 pounds. If you have stairs or you need to transport your appliance, you may want to look for a more lightweight option.

In addition, remember that you can’t leave a steam cleaner in one place for too long while you’re working. Doing so can damage your flooring.

Therefore, choose a model that is light enough for you to push continuously while you clean.

• Scrub pad: Using a scrub pad can help you remove grime that’s stuck to your floor.
• Jet nozzle: This type of nozzle can help you clean tough stains by increasing the pressure of the steam.
• Extension hose: An extension hose will connect to the body of the cleaner or another hose. You can use this to access hard to reach places such as tight corners or the tops of tall curtains.
• Brush: Many models come with brushes to help you clean a variety of surfaces.

• Empty reservoir indicator: Models with this feature will turn on a light when the water tank runs dry.
• Steam output: Some steam cleaners let you adjust how much steam comes out, including a high-steam setting. If you need to clean a variety of surfaces, this is a useful feature.
• Design features: If you have a small or crowded space, look for a model with a pivoting head so you can navigate your home more easily. As well, some steam cleaners have ergonomic handles to make cleaning more comfortable.

• First, fill your appliance with room temperature tap water or distilled water. But make sure you check with the manufacturer to see which you should use.
• Next, pick the accessories you want to use, and attach one to your steam cleaner.
• Then, plug in the steam cleaner if it has a cord, or turn it on if it’s battery-powered.
• Some models have an indicator that lights up when the water is hot enough. Whenever the steam is ready, press the trigger button so you can start to steam clean.
• Now you can work the cleaner over the stains you want to remove. Remember to keep moving the steamer so that it doesn’t stay too long in one spot.
• When you finish removing all the dirt, grime, and stains, turn the machine off. Then unplug it and put it away in a clean, dry place.

If you put other cleaner products in a steamer, they can burn onto the heating element. This will make the machine work less efficiently and decrease cleaning power.

In fact, the buildup can eventually destroy the steam cleaner.

For this reason, steam cleaner manufacturers tell you not to put anything except water in the tank. If you do use chemicals (or perhaps vinegar), you will void your warranty.

As well, using distilled water instead of tap water will increase the life of your appliance. Tap water can contain minerals that build up and clog the steam cleaner over time.

If you do want to use a chemical or multipurpose cleaner to steam clean, you can spray the surface with the solution first. Then use the steam cleaner on top of that.

• First, don’t use the machine on things that can warp due to heat. For example, you shouldn’t use a steam cleaner on cardboard or water-based paint, as you can damage them easily.
• Next, don’t use your cleaner to get the dirt off surfaces that are porous. This includes brick, marble, or stucco.
• Additionally, you can damage wood with steam cleaning. So avoid using your machine on hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate floors.
• Your machine also won’t work well for cleaning food processing plants or other big industrial spaces.
• As well, other methods may work better than steam cleaning for cleaning large areas of carpet.
• Finally, avoid steam cleaning upholstery fabrics such as velour, silk, or thin plastics. Also, check the label on your upholstery and avoid steaming any fabrics that say “S,” “X,” or “SW.”