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A steam cleaner is an excellent way to get your home clean fast and efficiently without the use of harsh detergents. You’ll find a wide range of products to serve a variety of purposes. If you’ve thought about buying one, you’ll find plenty of compelling reasons to take the plunge.
Our Recommendations for the Best Steam Cleaner
You’ll do well with getting any of the choices for the best steam cleaner. It boils down to what you want to get out of the product and if its package of accessories can accommodate your needs. Reach is another important feature since you’ll like use this type of product for household tasks.
PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
No products found.The No products found. is a decent value for the money. It is fairly lightweight at just over five pounds. It works best on small jobs like cleaning a bathroom rather than something big like a kitchen floor since you’d have to get to close for the steam to reach it.
It comes with a nine-piece accessory kit that includes a jet nozzle, two brushes, and a bent nozzle for getting into hard-to-reach places. It takes up to four minutes to heat up before steam cleaning. The 1000-watt unit operates on 110v and is a good candidate for the best mini steamer.
It’s a more powerful device than what you’d use for a clothes steamer. The stream coming out of it is strong and concentrated for household tasks. You can use it on surfaces from tiles to carpets to wallpaper.
Why Buy?
The PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner is a handy device for getting a variety of smaller jobs done quickly and efficiently at an affordable price.
You can’t go wrong with this product if you’re looking for the best small steamer. The accessories extend its uses to cleaning a variety of surfaces.
Highlights
- Extra long 9.8-foot power cord
- 9-piece accessory kit for added versatility
- Powerful steam blast for a handheld unit
- Heats up quickly
- Lightweight
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Ymiko Multi-Purpose Pressurized Steam Cleaner
The Ymiko Multi-Purpose Pressurized Steam Cleaner offers a lightweight, portable means for cleaning smaller areas. It has a nine-piece accessory kit that includes specialty tools for windows and garments. It has a quick heating time of three minutes, albeit, with a smaller reservoir than the PurSteam.
The 1000-watt unit has a relatively short power cord at 6.5 feet which can limit its usage. You can get up to 20 minutes continuous streaming time on one fill which is probably enough for one go considering the overall weight.
The nozzle is fairly long for a handheld unit which makes it easier to get into cracks and crevices. The steam hose attachment extends your reach even more. It includes a funnel and measuring cup for easy refilling.
Why Buy?
The Ymiko Multi-Purpose Pressurized Steam Cleaner is a lightweight unit that is easy to use where you need it.
Highlights
- 9-piece accessory kit extends its versatility
- Includes funnel for easy fill-ups
- 180 degree rotate nozzle design for ability to get to hard-to-reach places
- Lightweight
- Good reach for a handheld unit
- Fast warm up and strong cleaning: heats quickly 1 to 3-minute, no longer wait for a long time before...
- 100% safe and environmental: unique safety lock design and over heated protection for extra...
- 9 free functional accessories: with exclusive Free 9 piece accessory Kit, include a flexible...
Homegear X100 Portable Professional Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner
The Homegear X100 Portable Professional Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner is one of two canister units reviewed. It has a generous water capacity at 984ml for up to 37.5 minutes of continuous steam cleaning. The 1500-watt unit delivers a powerful stream up to 3.5 bar.
It takes a bit longer to warm up with times up to eight minutes. The model includes a 14-piece accessory kit with floor and window pieces, two brushes, and a jet nozzle attachment. For an all-purpose product, it is a good value for the price.
Why Buy?
The Homegear X100 Portable Professional Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner is a smart investment if you’re looking for a product for bigger jobs like floors.
The advantage with this type of steam cleaner is its longer running time and greater reach which can make it a good choice for the best steamer for drapes. The Homegear X100 Portable Professional Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner delivers a hotter stream at temperatures up to 284 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s a lot higher than you can expect with a handheld, so use the proper caution.
Highlights
- 59-inch steamer hose
- Powerful 1,500-watt motor
- 14-piece accessory kit
- Affordably priced for a canister unit
- Strong pressurized stream
Light N’ Easy Steam Cleaner Multifunctional Steamer
The Light N' Easy Steam Cleaner Multifunctional Steamer is the only upright on the list of reviewed items, but it also includes a separate handheld product to make it worth considering. The main unit specializes in floor cleaning with three different modes to match the surface. It has a relatively short running time even at the lowest setting.
The mop unit is lightweight at just over six pounds and is easy to use. It includes a steam hose attachment for cleaning furniture. The handheld device is your basic model with no bells or whistles for the best steamer for dress shirts.
The Light N' Easy Steam Cleaner Multifunctional Steamer also includes a cleaning pad for cleaning mirrors and other delicate surfaces. It stands 46 inches tall with a generous surface area of 6.8 by 11.8 inches to make quick work of cleaning floors or drapes. It’s worth considering as the best steamer for curtains.
Why Buy?
The Light N’ Easy Steam Cleaner Multifunctional Steamer cleans quickly and efficiently with a lightweight model that you can adjust to match the job.
It succeeds because of its versatility with the accessories and the handheld steamer. You can clean other surfaces even windows with the included attachments.
Highlights
- Includes separate handheld unit
- One-year warranty
- Adjustable levels with your choice of three steam programs
- Super fast heating time of 30 seconds
- Superior versatility
- On-demand HI, MED and LOW steam settings fit for various floors surface: marble, tile, grout,...
- Detaches into a separate handheld steam cleaner for multi-purpose cleaning: garment wrinkle remover,...
- Smart Switch: Place it upright to cease steam, sparing your time to answer calls while protecting...
McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner
The McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner is appropriately named since it is a powerful model for getting big jobs done fast. It has the longest continuous stream of any of the products at 45 minutes, making it a smart choice for projects like cleaning entire rooms.
It has an excellent reach with its 10-foot steam hose and 15-foot power cord. The 18-piece accessory kit includes several brushes, a scrub pad, and a brass utility brush for the really tough jobs. It is a high-pressure device, delivering up to 43 psi.
The McCulloch has a quick heating time of eight minutes, considering its larger water capacity. When not in use, you can store most of the accessories within the unit for your convenience.
Why Buy?
The McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner is a versatile product that you can use in your home or car that will deliver a powerful stream for the toughest cleaning jobs.
The McCulloch is all about power. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty steam cleaner, it’s worth a look. It weighs in at about 15 pounds and includes caster wheels for mobility. You can use it on a variety of surfaces from tiled floors to carpets.
Highlights
- Excellent pressure for high-powered cleaning at 43 psi
- 18 accessories for the ultimate in versatility
- Extra large water capacity
- Long 10-foot steam hose
- Great reach with a 15-foot power cord
- Quick warm-up time
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - Backed by a 2-year hassle-free warranty and supported by a customer...
- CHEMICAL-FREE CLEANING - Naturally deep clean without the use of harsh chemicals using hot,...
- LARGE CAPACITY TANK - The 48-ounce water tank heats up in under 8 minutes and provides up to 45...
Why You Should Consider Buying a Steam Cleaner
Using a steam cleaner makes the job of tidying up your home that much easier with the cleansing power of pressurized steam. That’s where the main advantage lies because you can get noticeable results without using chemicals. Superheated water provides the driving force.
It’s an excellent option if you have small children or pets in your home. It offers an alternative to scented cleaners, especially if you have allergies. In fact, many manufacturers warn against using detergents with their products.
You can get rid of household pests like bed bugs, dust mites, and even mold to keep the atmosphere of your house healthier. They take efficiency to the next level with the ability to clean that surpasses that of scrubbing. And they’ll save time, effort, and money in the process.
What to Look for in a Steam Cleaner
You’ll notice that there is a broad spectrum of price points when it comes to picking the best household steamer. You’ll see a lot of specialization with these products with designs and accessories for specific tasks. One of the first things you need to consider is what you want it to do for you to pick the best one.
The first thing you need is information. You should consider several factors when making this decision including:
- Types and usage
- Reach
- Water capacity
- Versatility
This information will give you a clear idea of what you can expect and point you in the right direction to the best home steamer.
Types and Usage
The type of steam cleaner you buy will determine how you should use it in your home. You’ll find a lot of similarities with the best steamer for suits when you review the specs and features. There are handheld, upright, and canister models, each suitable for different tasks.
Handheld units are smaller for quick jobs like cleaning a small room or detailing a car. They have a limited water capacity and continuous steam duration. Don’t be fooled though because they can deliver plenty of power when needed.
These products are on the less expensive end of the scale, making them an excellent value for the price. They’re not meant for big jobs like cleaning all the drapes in your home in one session. Rather, it’ll mean short 10 to 15 minutes bursts of steam, depending on the model.
Upright models include steamer mops and cylinders geared for cleaning floors. Some may have separate attachments that increase their versatility for doing other kinds of projects like steaming garments or cleaning a bathroom. You’ll find a graduating scale on price, depending on the features.
Canister types resemble vacuum cleaners. Their strength lies in their water capacity which makes them smart choices for big projects. On the downside, they can be unwieldy, especially if they can hold a lot because it makes them heavier and more difficult to maneuver.
Reach
Reach is important when considering a product’s ease of use. Check out the length of the power cord and the steam hose. The real value comes from models that allow you to get to hard-to-reach places for optimal cleaning power.
Water Capacity
A unit’s water capacity will give you a good indication of how long you’ll be able to work on one fill. It’ll also tell you what to expect for the heating time since more water will take longer to get heat. Again, it relates back to how you intend to use your steam cleaner.
Even the best steam cleaner will fail if it doesn’t have the right features for its intended use. However, there is a fine line between water capacity and the unit’s weight with water coming in at eight pounds per gallon. It may not seem like a lot until you’ve been lugging around a model that holds a lot for its size.
Pay attention to the wording in the product description when researching water capacity and steaming duration. You’ll often see qualifiers like “up to” or “at lowest setting.” You’ll save yourself a lot of frustration if you understand how a particular model will perform with this information in mind.
Versatility
The best steamer can range anywhere from around $20 to over $200, depending on the features. Even if it’s a modest investment, it makes sense to get the biggest bang for your buck with a unit that can bring a lot to the table. Steam cleaners do that in several ways.
You’ll find models with varying settings to match the job so that you can use them for a range of tasks. Another way they increase their versatility is through the addition of accessories. You’ll find brush and other types of attachments to optimize their performance with specific fabrics or uses.
Some may include cleaning pads or different steam heads like jet nozzles. It’s an excellent option for getting more out of your purchase. Check out what comes with it and what extras you can buy.
After all, the more you can do with it means that you’ll use it more. It’ll be a better investment and may justify upgrading to something that has additional features. Keep these things in the back of your mind as you do your research.
Heat and Pressure
The best home clothes steamer will deliver a blast of steam at around the boiling point of water at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Larger canister models will push it even higher. The higher temperatures may limit its use on some surfaces.
You’ll often see the pressure given in the product’s specs. The higher the figure, the better cleaning power it will provide. The stream is concentrated into a relatively small area.
Choosing the Best Steam Cleaner
The best-rated steamer won’t do you any good if it doesn’t do what you need or expect. The handheld models are the most affordable of the bunch, but their use is limited to smaller jobs because of their size.
Upright and canister units deliver more cleaning power but may be more unwieldy to handle. Accessories are essential to extend their versatility beyond cleaning floors. Pay attention to what’s included with the set.
A steam hose is a welcome addition—but only if it’s long and flexible enough so that you needn’t bend over while cleaning. Likewise, nylon brushes are nice to have as long as they’re sturdy enough to do the job. And it’s always great when a measuring cup and a funnel are included with the kit.
Pay attention to the specs to get an idea of how it’ll work for you. Look at the warm-up time and the duration of the continuous steam. These figures will give you an idea of how quickly you can get a room done.
If you’re looking for the best shirt steamer, make sure and check the manufacturer’s recommendation for usage. The best steam cleaner may not be the best choice for garments. That’s why it’s important to know how you want to use your steamer before deciding on a particular model.
Tips for Using a Steam Cleaner
The most important thing to understand about using a steam cleaner is that you’re dealing with hot water, very hot water. That means you’ll need to be careful operating it and mindful of where and how you can use it. Not all materials or surfaces can handle the heat or the intense pressure, so some products may not be the right choice for the best shirt steamer.
It’s essential, therefore, to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on proper usage to the letter. If in doubt, test it in a small, inconspicuous area first. Be careful where you point the business end of the unit too.
The things you should not do with your steam cleaner include:
- Don’t use on porous or unsealed surfaces.
- Don’t use on items with shellac or varnish finishes.
- Don’t use it on delicate fabrics.
Unless you know the surface can handle moisture, don’t risk it. The damage caused by improper usage often is permanent. The things you should do with your steam cleaner include:
- Read the owner’s manual before you use it for the first time.
- Sweep out or dust an area before you start steam cleaning.
- Only refill the tank or swap out attachments when the unit is unplugged.
Operating the steam cleaner safely and as it was intended will help ensure years of service. If you have hard water, you should use distilled water to avoid mineral build-up that could hamper its performance.
Using a Steam Cleaner
You won’t be satisfied with even the best at home steamer if you don’t use it right. The advantage of using one is that you avoid using strong detergents. Instead, high-powered and hot steam does the work for you.
Depending on the machine, it’ll get the job done better than you could no matter how much scrubbing you do. Some estimates say that steam cleaning can remove up to 99.9 percent of the bacteria. That said, you’ll need to take some precautions when using one, especially if you wanted to get the best suit steamer too.
Smaller models have a limited water capacity and duration of use. You should plan your means of attack to work efficiently in each room. That means cleaning surfaces from the top down to the floor and having the attachments you’ll need to use within reach.
Some products come with cleaning pads that will need washing or periodic replacement. In the case of the latter, have some extras on hand so that you can complete a job in one pass. Make sure to clean and dry the unit before storing it.
Final Votes
When it comes to settling on the best steam cleaner, it ultimately rests with your use of the product. Multi-functional units have a distinct advantage because of their versatility and the quicker return on investment that they offer. A lot of diversity exists with these models which leads to the picks for the particular use.
Conclusion
It’s hard to deny the convenience of what you can get when you buy the best steamer on the market. It can save you literally hours of scrubbing time to say nothing of how you’ll spare your back from all the effort.
Whatever your needs, you’ll find a model that offers the power and versatility that you want with a safer way to clean your home without the use of harsh chemicals and detergents.