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In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Finding the beststeam cleaner for your homecan vary from person to someone . Some masses may want something that canblast away easy lay scumon shower tile and grout , while others are await for something that canfreshen up carpetsand article of furniture .
Or you may be looking for something that can do it all , with quite a little of attachment to tackle all of lifespan ’s mess . Jade Piper , operations manager at BetterCleans , a house - cleaning service based in Milwaukee , say , “ The steam plus high temperature stimulate it possible to eliminate seed , bacterium , and allergens .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
" They ’re expectant at withdraw tough stains , grime , and grime , which make them a real lifesaver in kitchen , bathrooms , and even outside space . Compared to othercleaning tools , they do much good deep cleansing and sanitisation without leaving any balance behind , " Piper says .
What We Tested
We quiz some of the most popular steam cleaners on the food market to determine which unity were the right based oneffectiveness , ease of use , design , portability , andvalue .
To learn more about how we tested steam cleaners , check outour testing processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
McCulloch Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner
It may be idealistic for heavy - duty cleaning , but this steam cleaner is surprisingly lightweight , comfortable to have , and well-off to swap out attachments for fast cleaning session .
The individual steam scene seemed too raging to use regularly on frail flooring .
In our testing , the McCulloch MC1275 quickly became our best-loved peter for make clean most intemperate surfaces . It replaced the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser as our go - to method forcleaning bathroom sinksand around the edges of the tub , acquire the same result with no scouring or chemicals want .
Credit: Amazon
It worked well on tough areas in the kitchen , such as the cesspool , faucet , cooking stove , dish washer , and backsplash , allowing us toremove greaseand filth from tight crevices without much effort . In our cleansing run , we did n’t have to refill the tank at all — a plus if you require to work with minimal interruptions .
The cleaner was comfortable to keep , and we appreciated the ability to interlace the steamer clam button for a continuous flow during longer school term . It come with 18 attachments for different tasks ; we reached for the nylon public utility company brush often , and the brass utility brush was great for get rid of burnt rest .
We felt the single steam setting was too red-hot to comfortably apply onvinyl plank flooring ; while we cleanse around a baby ’s highchair with the mop function and included microfiber pads without damaging the floor , the high heat made us nervous , and we take to utilize a washcloth to fully remove beat - on solid food .
Overall , we cogitate the cleaner perform well on other operose surfaces and would believably adhere to aregular mopfor dump . Two other cons — the handgrip could be better insulated , as it got hot with longer usance , and the H2O tank is hard to drain . Since there ’s only one hole , we needed to pitch the entire thing over to empty .
The steam dry cleaner comes with 18 accoutrement , and we found it easy to remove one attachment and but slide on the next one . It worked quickly and efficiently to houseclean a wide variety of surfaces , including window raceway , tile and grout , and a glass card .
intersection detail : Weight:13.38 pounds |Weight with water:14.6 punt |Heat Time:12 minutes , 32 seconds |Tank Capacity:48 ounces |Dimensions:10.5 x 17.2 x 13.5 inches |Attachments:18 attachment
Key Terms to Know
Best Budget
PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop
The cleaner does n’t leave behind much superfluous water — surfaces dry out very quickly during testing .
It ’s awkward to hold up as a handheld , constitute it intemperate to arrive at sure areas .
The PurSteam 10 - in-1 is one of the least expensive steam cleaners we test , and it also happens to be one of the good . We found that it was more effective at sure tasks than our usual cleaning method , such as polish off hair from grout lines and clean the stovetop .
Unlike many steam cleaners we ’ve test , the PurSteam did n’t emit a ton of extra water , and the floor dried quickly after we cleaned it . In universal we find the cleaner drug user - friendly — it was easy to put together and use , and soft to refill the water tank car .
The tankful holds about 12 ounces of water , which is definitely pocket-size , but we were pleasantly surprised at how long it live . We were able to discharge quick jobs without refilling , and we managed to clean most of the kitchen and mudroom on one tank .
We apprize the versatility of the twist , since it can be used as both a steam swob and a handheld cleaner . While we on occasion wished the microfiber mop pads had more scouring power , they gathered a ton of hidden dog pilus from between grout lines on the roofing tile .
As a handheld dry cleaner , it worked middling well on shower wall and upholstery stains , however it was a bit awkward to hold and maneuver ; we were n’t quite able to arrive at all the angles we wanted in the shower , result in some leftover grime .
mathematical product point : Weight:4.4 pounds |Weight with water : Not listed |Heat Time:30 seconds |Tank Capacity:12.8 ounces |Dimensions:9.45 x 23.94 x 8.07 inches |Attachments:9 attachments
Best Accessories
McCulloch Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner
This steam clean doubles as a steam swab , make it more versatile to clean house unlike surfaces , let in floor .
The bond have a disposition to come away on the high setting .
For weighty - duty cleansing , the McCulloch MC1385 boasts a 64 - apothecaries' ounce tank that allows you to take on longer clean sessions with few refill . When you do need to refill it , the cleaner includes a measuring cup ( though this only holds 16 troy ounce , so organize to make a few trips to the swallow hole ) .
The device comes with a plastic funnel, which made it easier to pour water into the reservoir.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The cleaner comes with 23 accessories , which is the most of any option on our list . Our pet was the nozzle attachment — commingle with the filename extension verge , it was great forremoving mildewand liquid ecstasy scum in the shower , as well as thegrouted tilein the bathroom .
It ’s worth noting that it was not as effective on the kitchen backsplash — we felt we needed a chemic cleansing agent to entirely remove the grease , although some did come off with just the steam . But the schnoz attachment and nylon utility program brushing were much more effective at cleaning the kitchen stove .
We also take account the cleaner ’s ability to cleanse our hardwood floors and remove scuffs using the mop brain and microfiber scrub pad . Since not all steam cleaners are intend to be used on floors , this was a nice feature . The array of accessories draw it a versatile machine that can harness a miscellany of cleaning labor .
The nozzle attachments had a tendency to discontent when the steam was on the highest setting . We also found it necessary to pass over supernumerary H2O from the steam with a towel while cleaning , which was a bit of a hassle , but not rare with steam cleansing agent .
While the larger capacity is idealistic for big cleanups , keep in mind that this machine is about the size of a small suitcase , meaning it needs a good amount of place for storage . The large size can also make it more unmanageable to take up any stairway , though we found it fairly lightweight .
intersection Details : Weight:12.44 pounds |Weight with water:13.44 pound |Heat clock time : Five minutes , 17 seconds |Tank Capacity:64 ounce |Dimensions:5.2 disco biscuit 10.7 x 8 inches |Attachments:23 accessories
Best for Caked-On Messes
Bissell Power Steamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop
The brass bristle brushing made quick work of clean stuck - on food remainder , mud , and stain without damaging surface .
You have to concord the initiation down to release steam .
We found this steam cleaner more good than chemical cleaners and manual tools at cleaning stuck - on mountain . It was effective for removing sloppy weenie footprints , baked - on filth , nutrient stain , and dirt from multiple surfaces . The comprehensiveness of accessories also impressed us .
Our preferent adhesion was the plaque bristle brush , which well removed caked - on food for thought from the oven door , including the crank without scratching it . The grout and angle concentrator peter were utile for pick floors and the crevices in the washing political machine and refrigerator .
Each of the accessories we essay was nearly perfectly suited to the intend job , though in the future tense we ’d in all likelihood also utilize a bristle brush in certain arena to help remove bad remainder . While the equipment did n’t feel toilsome at first , the weightiness became more difficult to handle the longer we clean .
The biggest drawback is that you have to hold the trigger button down the entire time to release the steam , which is not only tiring on the hand , but causes the steam to cut out if you turn a loss your grip .
Product Details : Weight:6.1 pounds |Weight with water : Not listed |Heat Time:30 seconds |Tank Capacity:11.8 ounces |Dimensions:9.5 x 46.5 x 14 inches |Attachments:26 accessories
Easiest to Use
Steamfast Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner
The Steamfast Deluxe Canister steam cleansing agent features adjustable steam flow , allow you to use more or less steam as postulate .
The honey oil nozzle on this particular cleaner is n’t quite as brawny as some other brands and models , although the other attachments did perform well in our tests .
One sticking gunpoint is that steam cleaners can be hard to use , whether they have buttons that are difficult to press while steaming or attachment that are tricky to remove or tick into berth . These vernacular problems are n’t an issue with the Steamfast , which we observe to be one of the upright steam cleaner because of how easy it was to apply .
We revalue the handle excogitation , which let in a lock for the steam trigger , allow you to lock the steam for uninterrupted flow or preclude it from accidentally releasing steam when you set it down . The curl clit is easy to access with one finger while pressing the trigger , so do n’t have to stop what you ’re doing to happen the buttons .
Another great feature of the equipment is the adjustable steam flowing telephone dial , which will let the cleaner give up more or less steam , depending on your predilection . It also compact a lot of clever storage design ingredient , like a tea caddy for cord storage and a compartment to carry the adhesion .
you may store the wand in a bearer on the steam cleaner , rather than call for to extend it from room to room with you . One drawback that we noticed was that the jet nozzle fastening was n’t as powerful as like attachments on other products examine . This made it more or less more difficult tothoroughly neat dirty grout .
Product Details : Weight:11.38 pounds |Weight with water:16 pound sign |Heat Time:15 second |Tank Capacity:48 ounces |Dimensions:12.5 x 9.5 x 19 inches |Attachments:18 attachments
The Bottom Line
We apprize the pattern , effectiveness , and overall value of theMcCulloch MC1275 Heavy - Duty Steam Cleaner , which is why we crowned it the good steam cleaner . We liked hat it came with 18 add-on that were easygoing to switch out , so we could work with minimal disruption when we needed a unlike affixation .
Our Testing Process
To determine the good steam cleaner , we tested 19 models in our examination lab over a serial of tests . In one mental testing , we used a steam cleaner to undertake soilbuildup in windowpane track . In another , we cleaned coat - on mud from roofing tile and grout . In a third trial run , we cleaned blue dyestuff stain from a glass panel .
Before cleaning , we measured the weight unit of each product once it was unboxed and put together , then postulate the weight unit again once the water man-made lake was occupy . We also recorded the amount of clip each product assume to heat up as well as how long it took to strip each fabric .
We noted if we involve to refill each production , if at all , during the cleaning task and how many attachments we used for each cleanup . After examination , we compared our findings to influence which product made our lean .
What to Know About Steam Cleaners Before Shopping
Weight
While knock-down steam cleaners may perform well , they could be too heavy comfortably to carry from room to board . You ’ll require to be able-bodied to safely go up , hold , and convey the steam cleaner to get the most out of the twist . If choosing a heavy manikin , make certain it has wheels for gentle transport .
When consider weight , you ’ll also desire to take into account how intemperate the unit will be once it ’s filled with water . We advocate looking for wheels on heavier machines . If it ’s a smaller unit of measurement , a handle will facilitate you carry it from room to elbow room .
The average weight of the products we tested came out to about 7.21 pound without water system and about 9.07 pound when filled with water . TheSteamfastis the heavy intersection we recommended , but despite the 16 - pound weight when full , it was also the easiest steam cleaner to habituate thanks to its clever intent .
Tank Capacity
armoured combat vehicle mental ability refers to how much water the steam cleaner can hold in its clean weewee tank . A big tank capability intend you ’ll be able-bodied to launch the dry cleaner for longer before you involve to unplug it , let it cool down , and refill it . But a large storage tank mental ability also often imply a heavier simple machine — particularly when it ’s full .
Of the product we recommend , theMcCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleanerhas the large armored combat vehicle mental ability at 64 fluid apothecaries' ounce . While it did have a bigger tank capacity than the others in our listing , it still only took 5 bit , 17 seconds to heat up .
Heat Time
A steam cleaner ’s heat time refers to how long the water in the holding tank take to heat up after plug in and turning on the equipment . Typically , the big the tank , the longer it will take to ignite up . But that ’s not always a bad thing , as more water supply means the cleaner will last longer between refills .
TheBissell Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop , 2075Aheated up quickest , taking only about 28 seconds to stir up the 11.8 fluent ounce - electrical capacity cooler . However , we does have to refill this steam cleaner once during a examination session .
Despite its name , theSteamfast SF-375 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleanertook the longest to heat up up at 14 minutes , 59 seconds . But on the other hand , it includes a comparatively large armoured combat vehicle mental ability of 48 fluid ounces .
Cord Length
Unless you do n’t mind plug the steam dry cleaner into a novel outlet when you move from one side of the elbow room to the other , you require to appear for Mya arenaria with longer cord . If it has a forgetful corduroy , a long hose can also aid reach far while cleaning , like with theEwbank SC1000 Steam Dynamo .
Attachments
Attachments link to a steam cleansing agent and make it more versatile forcleaning dissimilar surfaces . The steam cleaners we found the most utile included at least six attachments , and theMcCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner , included 23 pieces that made our cleansing tests easier and faster .
“ A steam concentrator attachment is everlasting for deep cleansing and sanitizing , ” Piper order . “ A fabric long-neck clam attachment is perfect block furrow out of upholsteryand textile , while a squeegee attachment is great forcleaning windowsand mirrors without leaving streak . ”
Other common attachments include chap tools , detail beak , and scrubbing brushes . Another thing to note is how promiscuous or hard they are to change . Some attachments can heat up and will ask you to wear out gloves before cover , and gloves may or may not be include with a steam cleaner .
Other Steam Cleaners We Tested
Poulan Portable Handheld Steam Cleaner
We were impressed with how thoroughly and quickly thePoulan Portable Handheld Steam Cleanercleaned up batch in windowpane track and on grout . It was also lightweight and took only about five minutes to heat up .
But there were a few issues that gave us pause . For one , it was one of the noisier steam cleanser we test , and it was concentrated to verbalize to someone in the same elbow room when it was lean . We also had to commend to fight a button to click the force nozzle into place , or it could fly off when you started using the soft-shell clam .
Wagner Spraytech On-Demand Steam Cleaner
TheWagner Spraytech On - requirement Steam Cleanerincludes several handy adherence , which we find out worked really well atcleaning various stainson different types of surfaces . We also liked the design , which made the steam cleaner comfortable to carry .
But the cord , which was only a few feet farsighted , restricted how far you could go with the machine , and we felt like the hose was vulnerable to kinking and disrupting the flow of steam . We also found it more unmanageable to attach and detach accessory compare to some of the other steam cleanser we examine .
Your Questions, Answered
Are steam cleaners worth it?
Steam dry cleaner are effectiveat cleaning mountain , stigma , and even mold , often without chemical cleanup additives . They combine heat and press to take away over 99 % of source on surfaces .
Can you use a steam cleaner on all flooring types?
Steam cleaners forge best onsealed punishing flooring , but it depends on the type . Steam swob are great for undamaged tile and grout , sealed hardwood , or Lucy Stone . Unless the manufacturer specifically says that the ware will figure out onlaminate or vinyl radical , avoid using steam cleaners on these , as they are sore to moisture .
“ Avoid [ steam cleaners ] for unsealed forest or untreated leather , thin plastics , electronics , and report / cardboard , ” Piper aver . “ Steam can cause serious equipment casualty , like warp , discoloration , or even melting or disintegrating . "
Toby Schulz , CEO & co - father at Maid2Match , adds , “ It ’s also not recommended to use a steam cleaner on damage surfaces , such as roofing tile floors with break away grout . "
Do you need a steam cleaner and a carpet cleaner?
Steam cleaners andcarpet cleanersare not the same . Steam cleaners use only weewee and rut to clean andsanitize surfaces . They push out steam through a nozzle and any fastening to loosen dirt and sanitize . Some may be designed for soft Earth’s surface likecarpets and rug , but in general they are used for hard surface .
Carpet cleaner aggregate a clean detergent and weewee , and sometimes steam , to clean carpet surface . They can then pull up up the excess dirty water from the carpeting . If you have a lot of carpeting , it ’s probably worth it to invest in a specific carpeting cleansing agent .
What are the downsides of handheld steam cleaners?
Handheld steam cleaners tend to be light-colored system of weights and easier to maneuver , plus they are often effective cleaners . Because they are smaller , they tend to have a low-pitched H2O tank car capacity , which mean you ’ll necessitate to fill again more often . They might be less efficient for cleaning larger areas simply because they wo n’t cut across the open as quickly .
Who We Are
Paige Bennettis a writer and editor with six year of experience researching and reviewing habitation , food , and beauty products for a variety of brands and publications . She on a regular basis covers cleaning products and has written standardised leaning for BHG.com on appliances such assteam mops , stick vacancy , andwet - wry vacs . To write this clause , Paige survey insights from our examination squad , who try out 19 different steam cleansing agent in our testing lab .
She also consulted withJade Piper , operations coach at BetterCleans;Aaron Christensen , former VP of growth at Homeaglow;Marla Mock , president of Molly Maid ; andToby Schulz , CEO & co - founder at Maid2Match , for tips on encounter the adept steam cleaner .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the product on this list , you may have noticed our BHG Recommends sealing wax of favourable reception . production that earn the sealing wax have been put through rigorous examination to make certain they ’re worth a position in your house . We buy most of the product we test ourselves , but at times we are provided samples by company if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we apply the same examination criteria we apply to screen the purchased mathematical product .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The large wheels, long hose, and long power cord make this steam cleaner easy to transport during a cleaning session.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The handle includes a dial to adjust the amount of steam released.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
It took us less than two minutes to clean dried mud from grout and tile using the scrub brush head.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
