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Image Credit: Detry26/Getty ImagesEach week, a new cleaning gadget or "miracle" solution seems to pop up online. But often, we don't need anything new—we just need to rethink the tools we already have. Steam cleaners, which rely solely on water and heat to clean and sanitize, offer a broad range of uses. If you own one, there's a good chance you're not using it to its full potential. While you’re probably aware that steam cleaners are excellent for smoothing out wrinkles in curtains and upholstery or tackling stubborn grout, you might not have thought about using them for tasks like removing stubborn labels from reused jars. Here are 10 creative ways to make the most of your steam cleaner.
1. Peel Away Wallpaper
Removing traditional wallpaper can be quite a hassle, and there's really no easy way around it. However, using a steam cleaner can simplify the process. Instead of coating the walls with wallpaper remover solution, you can run the steamer across the surface, and the steam's heat will loosen the adhesive, making the wallpaper come off more easily.
2. Eliminate Sticky Residue
Wallpaper adhesive isn’t the only sticky mess that a steam cleaner can help with. Pull out this powerful tool whenever you need to remove stubborn residue. Whether it's from an old sticker, label, or decal, the steam cleaner will take care of it.
3. Clean Windows
Windows are often difficult to clean. Even specialized products designed for window cleaning can leave streaks. Steam cleaning, however, requires no chemicals—just a squeegee—and works even better at eliminating grime and fingerprints, all without leaving streaks. This method also works for glass doors and mirrors.
4. Clean Toys That Can't Be Laundered
If you have young children or pets running around, you likely have a variety of toys covered in germs scattered around the house. While some plush toys can be tossed into the laundry for a quick clean, others aren't so lucky—and that's when a steam cleaner becomes invaluable. With temperatures exceeding 212 degrees F, steam cleaners effectively clean and sanitize toys that can't be machine-washed, removing germs from your home (and your little one’s hands). Just be cautious with plastic toys, as they might melt under the intense heat.
5. Degrease the Range Hood
If you've ever found yourself sore from scraping grease off the stovetop or range hood, you'll be pleased to know that a steam cleaner can save you a lot of effort. The intense heat from the steam will break down and loosen grease effortlessly—and all that’s left for you to do is wipe it away.
6. Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces
When used properly, steam cleaners can effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses from various surfaces. This makes them an excellent tool for sanitizing frequently touched areas in your home, such as doorknobs, faucets, toilet flush handles, countertops, and more—especially if someone in your household is unwell. Just make sure to avoid surfaces that may be damaged by steam or are unsafe to clean, such as light switches.
7. Defrost Your Freezer
If your freezer is clogged with frost buildup, a steam cleaner could be the quick fix you need. The steam can rapidly melt stubborn ice, sparing you the hours of waiting for it to melt naturally. Be sure to have towels or a bucket nearby to catch the melting water and avoid creating a mess.
8. Dust Off Faux Plants
Dust tends to make fake houseplants look, well, more artificial. Rather than painstakingly dusting each leaf with a cloth, a steam cleaner can swiftly clean them for you. Just keep the heat on low and do a test spot first to ensure the steam won't damage the fake leaves. You can use this method on real plants too, but be extra cautious to avoid harming the foliage.
After you've used your steam cleaner for just about every task imaginable, don't forget that it needs cleaning too. Here's how to properly clean your steamer to prevent it from accumulating unwanted buildup.
