Whether you’re scrolling online or shopping in stores, it’s not hard to notice the gleaming promises about steam cleaners: chemical free, easy to use and able to rid your home of everything from dirt and grease to bacteria, dust mites and mold spores. Who could resist a pitch like that?
If you missed the viral videos, these are devices with tanks that heat tap water into pressurized steam, which is pushed out through a nozzle or attachment. The heat and moisture kill microorganisms and dislodge grime, which can be easily wiped away. You’ll find handheld units, steam mops or larger canister-based models, and they are popular for cleaning grout, tile, shower glass and fixtures, baseboards, window tracks, kitchen surfaces and outdoor furniture — even upholstery and mattresses.
While these devices appear to offer endless benefits, we wanted to know if there’s more to the story than you see on Instagram. We talked to local retailers and cleaners to find out whether these viral tools live up to their claims.
Where steam cleaners may fall short
Get updates from Abode
High temperatures mean that the moisture should evaporate quickly, but that isn’t always the case. Drying time depends on what you’ve steam cleaned and how thoroughly you’ve done so. If a surface is left damp, it can create ideal conditions for mold or mildew. This is especially a concern with carpet or rugs. Moisture that remains in the fibers or padding can also become a breeding ground for bugs. (Professional carpet cleaning machines generally have stronger suction, allowing fibers to dry more quickly and thoroughly.)
Steam cleaning devices heat water to its boiling point; make sure to operate with care.
StockPlanets/Getty Images
There are risks for tile and wood flooring as well. Andy Pinion, owner of Lone Star Vacuum in Grapevine, has seen cases where leftover moisture caused damage to those surfaces. “The steam jets can get down between the lines where the wood joints meet, and that can actually cause the wood to pucker and buckle,” says Pinion, whose store no longer sells steam cleaners. “Also, if you have some kind of sealant that’s not super high quality, [steam cleaners] can actually remove the sealant from some tile floorings. We just can’t recommend them for cleaning because of that issue.” He also has questions about durability. (Pinion does recommend products from Bona — a brand known for spray mops and floor-cleaning solutions, which he says are non-toxic, environmentally friendly and less likely to damage your flooring.)
In order to sanitize a surface, the water in a steam cleaner needs to be at its boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Functioning at boiling point makes steam cleaners potentially dangerous. Steam can burn your skin, and if you inhale it, it can damage internal tissue. Make sure to operate the device carefully and keep away from children.
Also, be sure to check manufacturer recommendations before you use a steam cleaner on any surface. Definitely avoid steam on unsealed or delicate wood, including antiques; unsealed stone; silk, velvet and suede fabrics; painted walls (it can cause bubbling or peeling); and electronics, switches and outlets.
Related
The upside of steam
Keeping those things in mind, there are benefits to a steam cleaner. Kyle Harmon, owner of 24/7 Dry Cleaners in Frisco, attests to the usefulness of steam cleaning on some fabrics, including upholstered furniture. While a steam gun at a dry cleaners is not the same as a steam cleaner at home, it can also provide targeted stain removal. “It doesn’t have the same stain removal qualities as a solvent or detergent, but just using steam is going to take care of an individual spot for sure,” he says. “Sometimes, [fabrics] can’t be cleaned because [they] may color bleed, or there’s embroidery or even a lining that could be damaged. [Using steam avoids] fully submerging the piece in water or solvent and [allows us to] just hit a specific area instead.”
The kitchen is prime territory for steam cleaning, tackling food residue, grease and high-touch surfaces.
Alina Storozhenko/Getty Images
The germ-killing power is also worth noting. Steam cleaning can eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria and other common microorganisms, although proper technique is required: “You do have to keep the steam on the [affected] area for a few seconds to actually kill the germs,” notes Phillip Evans, owner of All Vac in Dallas. But with that level of sanitation, steam cleaners are especially useful for kitchens, bathrooms and other high-touch, high-traffic areas. The devices can reduce some odors as well, breaking down smelly residues and killing odor-producing bacteria.
If you have sensitivities to cleaning products, or have children or pets, the chemical-free aspect is a draw. It’s a more eco-friendly approach to cleaning as well and ideal for allergy sufferers, since it can help remove irritants like pet dander and pollen. Pro tip: Wipe or launder your item after cleaning to fully clear away the allergen.
Shopping for steam cleaners
If you decide to purchase a steam cleaner, focus on features that balance power and control. Look for adjustable steam settings, so you can tackle all sorts of surfaces without overdoing it. You want the unit to heat quickly and maintain consistent pressure. The larger your tank, the longer you can clean without stopping, while a range of attachments (detail nozzles, brushes, fabric tools) will make your cleaner more versatile. Lastly, consider the length of the cord or hose, as well as how easy the cleaner is to maneuver and store.
Here are a few to consider:
A variety of attachments make the McCulloch Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner versatile for indoor and outdoor use.
Courtesy McCulloch/Amazon
Evans of All Vac recommends the MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaner from Vapamore, which is sold in his store. Evans describes the tool as “the most versatile for the money,” noting that it can be used on floors, upholstered furniture, appliances and bathroom surfaces. It also sells on the Vapamore website, for $199.
McCulloch’s Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner heats up in less than eight minutes, according to the manufacturer, and offers 45 minutes of steam. It’s designed to clean home surfaces, grills and car interiors. The tool comes with a power cord that’s almost 16 feet long; the steam hose is over 9 feet. It is $169.99 on Amazon.
Shark’s Lift-Away 5-in-1 Steam Mop with Detachable Handheld Steamer gives you options for your cleaning tasks. Use it upright on sealed floors, or detach for steam cleaning on appliances and upholstery or in cars, among other locations. This one can be purchased for $169.99 on the Shark website.
The PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 Sanitizing Steam Mop by Bissell can be used in a handheld mode.
Courtesy Bissell
For another mop/handheld device, look at the Bissell PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 Sanitizing Steam Mop. The slim profile and swivel functions are ideal for around and under furniture and other tight spaces, while it can be used on stovetops, refrigerators and showers in the handheld mode. You can order it on the Bissell website for $179.99.
It’s worth mentioning the Bissell Little Green, since you may have come across this one on social media. The Little Green actually isn’t a steam cleaner; it relies on a water-and-cleaning-solution system. But the tool’s small size and ease of use makes it convenient for cleaning upholstery and carpet. The main model sells for $129 on the Bissell website; other versions (mini, pet cleaning, etc.) are also available.
Love homes, gardens and design? Get more good stuff from Abode by following us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
North Texas ceramicists turn everyday objects into works of artDallas Arboretum plant tester says these are the varieties that will thrive in North Texas