A Complete Guide to Using a Steam Cleaner

Looking for a powerful and efficient solution to clean various surfaces around your home? A steam cleaner is an excellent choice. These adaptable machines utilize high-temperature steam to swiftly remove dirt, grime, and tough stains from numerous surfaces. From floors and mattresses to upholstery, stove hoods, and bathroom tiles, a steam cleaner is effective at tackling even the most stubborn buildup, all without the use of harsh chemicals. Here’s everything you need to know about using a steam cleaner safely and effectively to sanitize your space.

What Is a Steam Cleaner? How Does it Work?

A steam cleaner is a device that heats water to very high temperatures, typically ranging from 200 F to 300 F (93 C to 148 C), generating a pressurized burst of steam. This steam is then directed through a nozzle or brush attachment. The heat helps dissolve soap, grease, and limescale, while also sanitizing fabrics and eliminating mold, bacteria, and mildew.

Steam cleaners come in three main types: canister, upright or mop, and handheld. They come with various cleaning attachments, such as nozzles, extension wands, brushes, squeegees, and fabric-specific tools.

Here’s an overview of how a typical steam cleaner functions:

• Heating Water: Within the machine, there is a sealed water reservoir that heats the water to the desired high temperature, creating pressurized steam that is ready to melt grime and disinfect surfaces.
• Steam Vapor: When the steam vapor is produced, it is forced through a nozzle or attachment with considerable pressure. The higher the steam’s temperature, the less likely there will be streaks or moisture damage.
• Cleaning Action: The steam interacts with the surface, loosening dirt, persistent stains, and bacteria. The pressurized steam lifts contaminants, allowing them to be easily wiped away without the use of harsh chemicals.
• Sanitization: The extreme heat kills germs, bacteria, and dust mites, sanitizing even hard-to-reach spots. The moisture dries rapidly, eliminating the need for suction, but after cleaning, you may need to vacuum, wipe, or mop to remove dirt and allergens.

What Surfaces Can You Clean with a Steam Cleaner?

Steam cleaners are incredibly versatile and can be used on a wide range of surfaces and objects. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the surface is safe for steam cleaning and to determine the appropriate temperature. Common surfaces suitable for steam cleaning include:

Bathroom Surfaces

Steam cleaners are highly effective for cleaning and disinfecting non-painted bathroom tiles, grout, and fixtures. If your shower or bathtub has built-up soap scum and limescale, a steam cleaner can help break them down without the need for harsh chemicals.

Carpet and Upholstery

Steam cleaning is a great way to refresh carpets, rugs, and furniture by removing dirt, allergens, and odors. However, be cautious when using it on delicate or antique fabrics, such as silk or Persian rugs.

Clothes

Steam cleaners are great for removing wrinkles and spot-cleaning delicate clothes. They offer an advantage over ironing as you won’t have to worry about burning fabric or the lingering smell of metal and starch.

Glass, Windows, and Mirrors

Spores and bacteria often thrive in the crevices of window and door panes. A steam cleaner can swiftly eliminate them.

Hardwood and Tile Floors

Steam cleaners are highly effective at loosening and lifting grime from a variety of flooring surfaces. They can also remove sticky residues from tile grout. However, it's important to consult the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific floor type before using a steam cleaner.

Kitchen Appliances

Steam is excellent for breaking down grease and food residues on stovetops, ovens, and microwaves. It can also sanitize these appliances to prevent foodborne bacteria. Just make sure to unplug all appliances before cleaning them.

Mattresses and Bedding

A steam cleaner can help eliminate dust mites and allergens from mattresses, pillows, and curtains. It kills mold, mildew, and dust mites, and can even remove bed bugs and their eggs from the surface of mattresses, rugs, and cushions. However, it’s unlikely to reach deeper layers, so if you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, professional treatment is recommended.

What Surfaces Should You Avoid Steam Cleaning?

Steam cleaners work best with heat and moisture. However, it’s important to steer clear of surfaces that might warp, melt, or become deformed under intense heat and water. Be cautious when considering steam cleaning these surfaces:

Delicate Fabrics

Take care when cleaning silk, satin, and other delicate fabrics, as the combination of high heat and moisture could cause damage.

Electrical Appliances

Never use steam on electrical outlets, switches, or appliances that are still plugged in. The pressurized steam can lead to moisture buildup, causing heat damage, short circuits, and condensation. Tap water’s minerals and impurities can result in long-term corrosion if surfaces aren't wiped down properly with microfiber or cotton cloths post-cleaning. Keep in mind that steam cleaning may void warranties that specifically state it as an inappropriate method for cleaning.

Unsealed Hardwood, Laminate, and Porous Flooring

Steam can harm unsealed or poorly sealed hardwood floors, most laminates, stucco, marble, and brick. Due to their porous nature, the water seeps into cracks, leading to warping, swelling, or damage. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for safer cleaning alternatives for these surfaces.

Water-Based Painted Surfaces

Avoid steam cleaning walls, tiles, or furniture with water-based paint finishes, as the moisture can damage these surfaces.

What You Will Need

Equipment / Tools

Materials

Instructions

How to Use a Steam Cleaner

Prepare the Steam Cleaner

Referring to the manufacturer’s instructions, fill the water chamber with either clean tap or distilled water. Attach the correct nozzle or brush based on the cleaning task at hand.

Prep the Area

Clear away any loose dirt or debris from the surface you plan to clean.

Power Up the Steam Cleaner

Plug in your steam cleaner and switch it on, giving it time to heat up and produce steam.

Test on a Small Area

Before tackling the entire surface, test the steam cleaner on a small hidden area. If there’s no damage, proceed with the full cleaning.

Start Cleaning

• Hold the nozzle, brush, or other attachment close to the surface and press the steam button.
• Move the steam cleaner slowly and steadily over the surface, focusing on small sections at a time.

Wipe and Repeat

• As soon as you treat an area, wipe it down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or towel to remove loosened dirt and moisture.
• Continue this process over the entire surface, working systematically until you've treated the whole area.

Sanitize

If your steam cleaner has a sanitizing function, you can activate it to eliminate bacteria and germs from the cleaned surfaces.

Dry

Most surfaces require a minimum of two hours to dry, though larger or more fibrous materials may take between 6 to 12 hours to fully dry. To speed up the process, consider opening windows or using a fan and air conditioner.

Turn Off, Cool Down, and Store

• Switch off the steam cleaner and let it cool down.
• Empty the water chamber and rinse it with warm, clean water to eliminate any mineral deposits.
• Run clean water through the steam wand to clear any remaining steam and avoid blockages.
• Wipe the exterior of the steam cleaner with a damp cloth to remove dirt and residue.
• Store the steam cleaner in an upright position after it has fully cooled and dried.

How Can You Get the Most Out of Your Steam Cleaner?

• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific steam cleaner model to avoid mistakes and follow guidelines.
• Only fill the cleaner with water—avoid adding any detergents or cleaning liquids unless specified by the manufacturer. If unsure, treat the surface with a cleaner or stain remover before steaming.
• Prevent mineral deposits by using distilled water and cleaning your steam cleaner frequently.
• As you use the steam cleaner, move it smoothly over surfaces. Don’t linger in one spot for too long, as this can lead to damage from excessive heat and moisture.
• Be cautious to avoid burns or scalding. Carefully aim the nozzles to protect yourself, your children, and pets.
• Keep your steam cleaner in top condition by cleaning it regularly. Replace filters and inspect brushes, nozzles, or attachments for damage.