Top 27 of Best Steam Cleaners in 2019 – Reviews

I have a lot of steam cleaner reviews and in a lot of them you hear about how great steam machines are. Which they are, no doubt about it. And they are pretty safe to use too. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to take some universal precautions when using this device. After all, it does produce steam by boiling water and therefore it can be dangerous to use if not used properly.

Generally, steam cleaners are very safe to use. Especially modern ones that are packed with all kinds of safety features. However, I can’t state enough that it is still prudent to take some very basic precautions before using your machine.

Before you use your brand new steam cleaner you should start by thoroughly reading the directions. And make sure that you follow all of them to the tee. Remember, they aren’t optional. All of the steps are included in the directions because it allows the device to be used in a safe method, so be sure you have read and understood them completely before you begin.

You should also understand the particular specifications of what you are about to clean. Some materials are simply not suitable for steam cleaning. This not only includes the obvious things such as electronics , but it also includes things such as marble, laminate flooring and untreated wood. If you aren’t sure if your floor or surface can be steam cleaned, then check with the directions. It should tell you what it can and can’t clean. If it isn’t listed in the directions, then check on the Internet. Make completely sure you can clean your surface with your cleaner before you attempt to use it.

Also be sure that pets and children are kept away from the unit at all times. While the steam that comes out of it might look harmless to children, it is really hot and can cause burns. So just to be safe, be sure that pets and children are nowhere near the unit and aren’t able to come up to it while you are distracted cleaning.

If you follow these basic safety precautions, then you can rest assured that your best steam cleaner will not only do its job effectively, but that it also does it safely.

If you read steam cleaner reviews on a regular basis, then you might have come across some where people complain that there steam machines don’t last as long as they think they should. However, this usually isn’t due to poor manufacturing standards of these machines, but by people not taking proper care of them. Like anything that is used on a regular basis, it needs to be properly maintained in order to work as efficiently as it can and have as long a life as possible.

With the goal of extending the life of your steam cleaner as long as possible firmly in mind, I have included some of the best steam cleaner maintenance tips that I could think of. If you follow these guidelines, then you should not only get the maximum lifespan possible out of your machine, but you should also get improved performance and efficiency out of it.

Cleaning Your Machine’s Pads and Towels

Depending on what type of steam cleaner you have, then there are probably one of several different cleaning materials that you use with your machine. These can include pads, towels or bonnets. No matter what cleaning materials your machine has however, you have to realize that it needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. These cleaning cloths should be washed out with hot water on a regular basis. No excuses allowed.

Some brands require that these materials be washed out by hand, but the vast majority of them can be tossed in your washing machine. Just be sure that when you are washing them you don’t use liquid fabric softener in the load. You also shouldn’t use dryer sheets when you dry them in the dryer. You don’t want the chemicals from these things hanging around your pads and possibly staining the next thing you clean with your steam machine.

Wipe Down Exterior Of Machine

All of the attachments of your machine should be wiped clean on a regular basis. Also make sure that you clean the bristles on the attachments by rinsing them out under running water to be sure all debris is removed.

Drain Tanks

Always make sure that you drain your machine’s tanks after each use. If possible, you should also rinse out these compartments and let them air dry before reinserting them back into the machine.

Don’t Use Hard Water Or Softened Water

If the water that comes out of your taps is hard, then you should not use it in your machine. Instead, use purified water as much as possible. Nothing damages a steam machine faster than hard water deposits that are allowed to form in its tank and tubes. You also shouldn’t use your tap water if you have a water softener system installed. That’s because the sodium can dramatically shorten the life span of your steam cleaner and render it unusable in no time flat.

Descale Your System

If you have used hard water in your machine, then be sure to descale it on a regular basis. You can use one of the commercial descaling products on the market, or use a solution of baking soda and clean water. Just be sure to follow all the directions listed on both your machine and the cleaning solution.

When most people think of the best steam cleaner applications to employ around their home, they focus mainly on their linoleum floors and carpets. However, these are only two things that can be cleaned with this amazing machine. If you focus only on these two areas, then you are really missing out on all of the other amazing things you can do with your steam cleaner.

That is why I am going to tell you some of the more unorthodox ways to use your cleaner. In this article, you will not only learn about the versatility of these devices but you will also learn of all of the ways that you can use it on a regular basis. Therefore, allowing you to get the most out of your machine.

Most people take their machines into the kitchen to clean the linoleum, or to clean the grout around the tile, but did you know there are about a thousand of other ways you can put this device to work in this particular room? You can use the machine to clean off kitchen counters, to clean sink drains, to degrease the kitchen hoods, to get stubborn stains out of your wine glasses or coffee cups, and even use it to remove limescale out of your coffee pot.

It can be also used in the bathroom, and I am not just talking about using it on the tile floors either. You can use it to clean the bathtub or the sink, to get stains out of the toilet bowl, and to clean off the shower curtain.

According to many steam cleaner reviews, a lot of people also like to take their units outside. They use it to clean off garden tools, to clean the screens on their windows, to remove algae stains from treated wood decks and on their concrete patios. Some people even use it on their patio furniture.

By now, you have probably realized that there are about a thousand ways to use these cleaning devices. But just in case I haven’t sparked your imagination yet, I am going to give you a few more. We are going to take the unit out to the garage and see what it can do out there.

You can use your unit to detail the outside of your car. You can clean the tires and rims, and even remove grime from your headlights. You can then use it to clean out your car vents and carpets. Some people even use the hand-held models of this machine to degrease their engines. Although if you plan on doing this, then you will need to exercise quite a bit of care not to damage any sensitive components.

We go to great lengths to keep our children happy, healthy and safe. We strap them into car seats, we buy toys and cribs that are safety certified and we only feed them wholesome foods. All to keep the things that may harm them or cause them discomfort at bay. Yet so many people pay no attention to the kinds of cleaning agents they use on their children’s toys or in their play areas. Cleaning agents that often have harsh chemicals in them that can irritate a child’s sensitive skin and eyes, and in some cases, may even be harmful to their health. I want to change that by giving you the best tips I have found for safely cleaning a home with a child in it. All taken from various steam cleaner reviews and columns. After all, these cleaning machines are perfect for a home with a child in it. It doesn’t use any chemicals and the heat of the steam destroys bacteria on contact. Let’s take a look at some of the things this amazing device can be used on.

High Chairs

Anyone with a small child can attest to the fact that they often get more food on their high chairs then they get in their mouths. This can result in a crusty mess of food on the high chair that can be a breeding ground for bacteria. In the past, many people would use harsh cleaning chemicals to clean them up, such as bleach. But now, this food residue can be lifted off effortlessly with steam and done so without using all of those harmful chemicals.

Cribs

Steam cleaners are also great for cribs. While it might look like your child’s crib is clean, it may in fact be harboring all kinds of nasty critters such as dust mites. Don’t worry though, not only can your steam cleaner kill these invisible creatures on contact,  but it can also clean up all of the waste these organisms leave behind.

Toys

Many toys, including stuffed animals and teddy bears, can be quickly and safely cleaned with a steam cleaner. And not only will it leave them smelling fresh and clean, but it will also kill all of the nasty bacteria that may be hiding on their surface. And while you’re at it, you can also clean your kid’s toy boxes. We all know how nasty they can become, don’t we?

Diaper Pails

Diaper pails are not only teeming with bacteria, but they are pretty smelly as well. Usually people clean them out with bleach, but there is a better method. Take your steam cleaner to it and you will not only get it super clean, but you will also deodorize it as well.

These are some of the best steam cleaner suggestions I can give you for cleaning the areas your child lives and plays in. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I am sure that you will find about a hundred more uses for that amazing little machine of yours. It is certainly a device that can make the whole house cleaner and is not only a better alternative to traditional cleaning methods for you and your family, but is also a better alternative for the environment as well.

If you’re looking for a way to simplify your daily household routine, then you have come to the right place. Today, I am going to tell you how to tackle some of the most common household tasks in about half the time that traditional methods take. How is that possible, you ask? Well, it’s possible thanks to some of the best steam cleaner time saving methods I have ever found.

Many people use these machines because they feel they tackle tough jobs the best, which they do, but what these people often don’t realize is that a steam machine is also a great time saver. It can be used on those time consuming chores around the house and get them done in no time flat. Let’s investigate what these devices can do.

Perfect Floors

You probably already know that steam cleaners are really good at cleaning carpets. But did you know they can be used on a variety of other surfaces? That’s right. You can use them on tile, vinyl and linoleum. And the best part about using them on these surfaces is that they will dry in half the time than floors that are simply mopped.

Taking Out Wrinkles

Not a lot of people iron their clothes anymore; at least, not as many people do it now as they used to. However, there are still some of us who have clothes that have to be ironed to be kept wrinkle free. If that’s the case with you, then why not try using your steam cleaner to take out those pesky wrinkles. Many of these machines have apparel attachments that will make short work of those wrinkles.

Cleaner Windows

Window cleaning is the pits. There is just no other way to describe it. You gather together all of the rags and tools, and then try not to make a mess of the whole situation. That doesn’t have to be the case, however. You can use your steam machine to tackle the job in half the time. And not only that, it can clean your windows without harmful chemicals and without making a huge mess.

Cleaning Furniture

If you think spraying your furniture with some kind of aerosol or spray deodorizer is keeping it clean, then you are in for a big surprise. It isn’t. It might make it smell better, but it isn’t killing all of those nasty things that could be hiding in the fabric. Things like bacteria and dust mites.

Thankfully, your cleaner can handle this job. And it can do it fairly quickly. Most of these machines either come with upholstery brushes or have upholstery brushes that can be bought as an extra. Use them and you will have cleaner furniture in no time flat. Just be sure to check steam cleaner reviews to see which models come with these brushes and which models require them to be purchased separately.

Anyone who owns a steam cleaner knows that it is one of the best tools for getting floors clean. And if you don’t happen to own one, then all you have to do is to check out the steam cleaner reviews of the top machines and you’ll see just how happy people are with their floor cleaning ability.

However, just because they are a great floor cleaning tool doesn’t mean that you don’t have to use them properly to get the best results from them. You still have to pay attention to the cleaning job you are performing and employ some of the best practices possible. Practices that are employed by the thousands of experts in the steam cleaning field and are proven to get the most out of a steam machine unit.

If you don’t know what these best practices are, then I am going to tell you right now. Below you’ll find some of the tips and tricks I have gathered over the years. These tips will enable you to get the most out of your steam cleaner machine.

One of the best steam cleaner tricks I have ever heard about involves hardwood floors. Most people avoid steam cleaning hardwood floors because they are afraid they might damage the surface. That doesn’t have to be the case, however. If you fix a towel to the end of your steam cleaner attachment, then you can clean the entire floor without any problems. Just make sure that you do a small test area first to make completely sure.

Another thing that many people don’t realize they can do with their machine is cleaning cement. Yes, you read that right. You can take your unit out to your patio and clean it up in no time flat. Just be sure to use the nozzle brush to clean the entire area first, then switch to the towel attachment to finish.

The last trick that I want to share with you involves using the unit to clean not only tile but also the grout around the tile. Just use the triangular brushes to clean the grout and with a little time and patience it will look as good as new.

By now, everyone knows that their steam cleaner can not only be used on the carpet, but can also be used in the kitchen and the bathroom. However, what few people realize is that it can also be used in the laundry room. In fact, one of the best steam cleaner tips I have ever received was how to use my machine to make my laundry room as clean as it should be.

I think that most people take the laundry room for granted. We assume that since the washing machine’s whole job is cleaning clothes, that it will become clean in the process. That isn’t the case though. The inside of your washing machine can be a magnet for dirt, grime and bacteria that gets trapped in the tub. Therefore, it is very important to clean it out once in awhile. Otherwise, you risk transferring all of this filth to your clothing when you wash them.

Not only can the inside of the machine be cleaned out, but other parts of the machine can also be cleaned. This includes the detergent dispensing tray on some models. A tray that often becomes all clogged up with detergent residue and limescale. Taking your trusty cleaning machine to it can not only improve performance but can also help it last longer.

Just be sure to unplug your machine before you start cleaning it. And if your washing machine has an on-board computer system, then you will want to avoid running your steam machine around this part of the unit. You should also avoid cleaning around the motor area as well or around the power cord.

You can also use your steam cleaner on the floor of the laundry room. This may be particularly important since this area of the house may be prone to hiding all kinds of nasty beasts such as dust mites and fleas. Especially if you use your washer to clean out your pet’s outer garments.

If you are looking for a cleaning machine that can tackle the laundry room efficiently, then you should definitely check out some steam cleaner reviews and see which one works for you. There are tons of different models out there and all of them have their own pros and cons. Just choose the one that works for you and I am sure that you will have a clean a laundry room as I do.

There is probably no more of an efficient, and cost effective, method for cleaning your home, then using a hand-held steam cleaner. And the best part is there are a ton of ways to use it around the house. Today, I have gathered together some of the best steam cleaner uses I have found and presented them to you in one quick, easy to read article. Just remember, while this list might highlight some great ways to use your hand-held machine, it is only a partial list. This device has literally thousands of uses around the house.

The Living Room

Let’s start with its uses in the living room, since a lot of your time is spent in this room with your family. And since you spend so much time in this room with your family, then it is probably the part of your home that gets the dirtiest. Here are some ways a steam cleaner can tackle the chores in this room:  Hand-held steam cleaners can be used to clean up unexpected pet messes, can be used to clean sofas and recliners, used to get the dust off of the ceiling fan and to clean up vents, baseboards and doors. And of course, it can be used on the carpet.

The Bedroom

Since a third of your lifetime is spent in this room, then it is important to have something that will not only make it cleaner but also make it healthier. And that is where the hand-held steam cleaner comes into play. It can be used to sanitize mattresses, bed spreads, sheets and pillows; used to clean the drapes or merely to remove the wrinkles from them; get the windows crystal clean and get the wrinkles out of your clothes.

The Bathroom

Cleaning the bathroom can be an unpleasant chore, but cleaning it with a hand-held steam cleaner can make the process a whole lot better. You can use it to get rid of hard water deposits that might have accumulated in your sink, tub or shower; it can be used to destroy that pesky soap ring around the tub; shine up shower doors; clean grout; disinfect counters, door knobs and towel racks, and it can even sanitize the toilet.

The Kitchen

It can be used all around your kitchen. It can be used to clean sinks; sanitize counter tops; defrost freezers and refrigerators; clean grease from the microwave or the oven; clean grills and get dirt spots and stains off of the floor.

As you can see, a hand-held steam cleaner can tackle a whole lot of different jobs around the house. And I am sure that you have probably thought of about a thousand more as you read this article. What hard to reach areas of your house could use some attention from a good hand-held steamer? Why not check out some steam cleaner reviews and see which models are out there that you could use around your home? You’ll be glad you did.

I have made it my life’s work to pour over steam cleaner reviews to find out about not only the best units on the market today but to also find the best tips on using this amazing device around the house. And while I have received all types of useful advice on its use, I think one of the best tips anyone has ever given me was how to properly take care of my steam cleaner. It has allowed me to keep my unit performing as well as possible and has also allowed me to extend its useful life.

A lot of people know that you have to maintain your house and car. If you don’t, then you risk incurring bigger damages that could cost you a lot of money in the end. Yet many people don’t think twice about that amazing little device they have parked in their closet or pantry. A machine that does so much. Just like any other machine in your house, regular maintenance on your steam cleaner is very important to its functioning. That is why I am going to share with one of the best steam cleaner maintenance tips I could find. How to descale your steam cleaner unit.

Descaling Your Steam Cleaner

If you live in an area with hard water, as many people do all around the world, and don’t use distilled water in your unit, then you are going to want to descale it on a regular basis. Of course, it is advisable to never put hard tap water into your machine in the first place, but I understand that it is not always possible or convenient to use distilled water. So if hard water has been used in your cleaner, then be sure to follow these steps to descale it:

• It is always best to use a commercial descaling solution in your cleaner. If you can’t find one or don’t want to buy one, then you can make your own by mixing a quart of water with 1 to 2 ounces of baking soda. This is the solution you are going to be using to descale your machine.
• Take this solution and add it into your cleaner.
• Put the cap on firmly, plug the machine in and turn it on so it can begin heating up.
• Once the unit has heated up, then let it continue to warm for approximately 2 hours.
• After it has sat for the requisite amount of time, then use it for approximately one minute.
• Turn it off, unplug it and allow it to sit for about 4 hours.
• After it has cooled down, empty it out.
• Now flush clean, distilled water through it and replace all tanks. You have now descaled your steam cleaner!

If you follow these eight steps on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, then you can rest assured that your unit will not only function better, but that it will continue to work for you longer than it normally would. In fact, I have seen the life of many cleaners extended by an extra three or four years by following a proper descaling regimen.

If you are looking for the best steam cleaner buying guide on the Internet today, then you have come to the right place. I have some great tips that will help you decide which steam cleaner is right for you and what features you should be looking for. This will ensure that you not only get a steam cleaner that fits your needs but that you also get one that fits your lifestyle.

The first thing you need to decide is what size unit you want. Steam cleaners come in a variety of different sizes and each of these have a different use they excel at. If you live in an apartment, then you will probably want to purchase a steam mop. They are small and can be easily stored in a closet or pantry, yet they have great cleaning power. They are also easier to maneuver than bigger units and therefore they work best at cleaning floors.

However, if you have a bigger home, then you are going to want to get something bigger than a steam mop. That’s because if you try using a steam mop on a larger floor surface, then you are going to be spending a considerable amount of time refilling. Therefore, I would suggest one of the larger 2 liter models. These units can offer up to two hours of steam.

Another advantage that these larger units have over steam mops is they often come with more attachments. They often come with floor cleaning heads, detail nozzles and grout brushes. Some of them even come with attachments to clean upholstery and garments.

The size of the unit you purchase will depend on the total square area of the house you have to clean. However, it isn’t your only concern. You also have to think about what features you need. Do you need something to just clean floors or do you need something that has more features? These are important questions to ask while deciding on what unit to purchase.

Another thing that has to be considered is cost. If cost wasn’t an issue, then we all would have steam machines with the best features. Unfortunately, cost is a factor and it is one that has to be weighed against a units features and its size.

The last thing you should consider before purchasing a steam cleaner is what other people think about the brand you are considering buying. It might be worth your time to look over some steam cleaner reviews and see how they are rated in various tests. It might also be worthwhile to check the comments section on sites to see how much actual users of the particular brand of steam machine you’re considering buying thinks of it. If you take all of these factors into consideration, then you are sure to find the right steam cleaner for you.

Looking over steam cleaner reviews, I have noticed that people use these superb cleaning machines for just about every project in the house. They clean everything from their living room carpets to their kitchen tiles and even their windows. Which has prompted me to do the same thing in my household. Now I use these fantastic devices all over my home. And recently, I have even begun to use them outside my home. That’s how much I love them.

If you didn’t know steam cleaners could be used outside your home, then don’t worry. I don’t think that a lot of people realize that these machines can not only tackle the toughest indoor household messes, but they can also tackle tough cleaning projects on the deck and in the garage. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that these devices can be utilized outside, shall we?

The BBQ Grill

One of the toughest jobs I have to tackle at the end of every summer is cleaning the BBQ grill. By the time I have finished the season, my grill is caked with all kinds of gooey particles. Everything from charred pieces of meat to the sticky glaze left over by my liberal use of barbecue sauce. All of which is a pain to clean, especially with traditional cleaning methods.

Like most people, I would go out there with my steel brush and spend countless hours trying to chip away at this disgusting mess. Which didn’t work out too well. Fortunately, I have now discovered a better way. Now all I do is open the top of my grill off and let my steam cleaner tackle the job. I just take the nozzle of my machine – attach the stiff brush to the end of it – and scrub the grill thoroughly. The heat from the steam melts the grease and then all I have to do is to take a paper towel and wipe it clean. My grill has never been cleaner.

Detailing The Car

I used to take my car to my car dealer to clean it up, but I don’t do that anymore. Not since I found out that my steam cleaner can do the job quicker and a whole lot cheaper. Want to know how? Here are some of the best steam cleaner tips I have for detailing the outside of the car.

Attach your steam hose and put some soap on the end of it and you can clean your tires and rims just like a professional. The steam loosens all of the oil, dirt and grime from them and you simply have to take a dry towel to finish it up.

I also use the various attachments on my machine to clean out the vents, the ashtray and the cup holder in my car. They allow me to clean these hard-to-reach areas that would be impossible to clean otherwise.

Of course, the cleaner can also be used on the carpets and the seats of the car. And when you are finished with the inside of the car you can even clean the car’s windows. This little tip has saved me a ton of cash over the past year, as well as a lot of time.

One of the best steam cleaner methods I have employed in the past, and am currently employing, is using my steam machine to clean my kitchen. I know that it might sound a little bit unorthodox but trust me, steam cleaners aren’t just for carpets anymore. They have a variety of different uses in the kitchen, some of which you may never have thought about before. So if you’re game, pull up a chair and I will deliver to you some great cleaning tips.

One of the ways that I use my steam cleaner in the kitchen is to use it to clean my wine glasses. I know that might seem a bit strange,  and some of you might even be yelling at me to just put them in the dishwasher, but let me assure you, using your steam cleaner to clean out your glasses will shine them up better than any dishwasher can. And to top it off, since you are only using steam, then there are no residual chemicals or detergents left over that can interfere with the taste of your wine. On most units, the steam nozzle fits right into the glass and does a fantastic job of removing left over wine. It’s also really good at removing coffee stains from coffee cups as well.

Steam cleaning your kitchen counter-tops are also a good way to sanitize them without chemicals. However, keep in mind that you should only use it on sealed counter tops such as granite. If your counter tops are untreated wood, or some other porous surface, then you don’t want to clean them this way because it could damage the finish.

Tile and tile grout can also be efficiently cleaned with your machine. All you have to do is install your brush attachment and go to work. After you are done, the grout will just about look brand new.

Another use for this device in the kitchen is to use it on your baking pans. If they have baked-on food particles, then the steam can take them off in no time. It can also be used for a counter-top grill. After only a few minutes of applied steam heat, all of that grease begins to melt and can simply be wiped away with a towel.

Range hoods is another thing that can be cleaned with a steam cleaner. If you go look at the hood, then you will probably notice that it has picked up quite a bit of grease over the years – especially if it hasn’t been cleaned in awhile. This is not only pretty gross, but can also be a fire hazard as well. But don’t worry, because you can not only clean the outside of the hood with your cleaner, but you can also clean the filter. I think this is one of my favorite tips I ever received from steam cleaner reviews. I think it will probably be your favorite as well.

If there is one thing that I have noticed from reading a ton of steam cleaner reviews on the Internet, it’s that a lot of people know their steam machines do a great job of tackling household tasks, but very few of them realize just how it works. So I’ve decided to rectify that by giving everyone a short little explanation of exactly what a steam cleaner is and just how it works.

Steam cleaners have received a lot of notoriety recently because they effectively clean using nothing more than steam. They can not only handle dirt, grime and grease effectively, but they can also kill microorganisms such as dust mites, bacteria and even viruses. However, these aren’t new devices. They have been around for quite some time in both the United States and Europe and have been used on a commercial level for a lot longer than they have been used in the home.

The whole concept behind a steam cleaner is actually quite simple. This machine takes ordinary water, heats it in its own boiler, and raises it to a temperature of about three hundred degrees Fahrenheit. This causes the water to form a low moisture steam vapor. As it is pumped through the extractors, the temperature of this water will cool down to about two hundred and thirty degrees Fahrenheit.

They are kind of like deep steam cleaners with a few notable exceptions. The first exception is that a deep steam cleaner uses a steam that has a higher moisture content than a regular steam cleaner. Two, vapor cleaners use suction to pick up particles, while a regular steam cleaner doesn’t.

Deep steam cleaners are only used to clean carpets, however. Vapor steam cleaners on the other hand, can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. They can be used on carpets, of course, but they can also be used on tile, grout, upholstery, window sills and panes and even on your car’s interior. In fact, there is a whole list of things you can safely use this device on. And since it uses a steam that has a moisture content of under six percent, which is a lower moisture content than the air we breathe I might add, then you can be sure that it won’t over saturate your carpets or upholstery.

And that my friends, is everything you need to know about steam cleaners. Now that you know how these machines actually work, you can look around for the best steam cleaner tips out there and put this amazing device to work in your home.

If you’re like most people, then you probably have your best steam cleaner somewhere in your closet and only break it out when you are ready to do your carpets. Which is okay because these handy little devices were made to clean carpets. However, it also means that you are under utilizing one of the most versatile cleaning machines in your house. You can change that today though by putting it to work on your ceramic floors.

Not many people realize that these machines are one of the best things to use on your ceramic floor. It’s high pressure steam can not only strip the floors of all of the harsh chemicals and residues left over by many household cleaning products, but it can also sanitize it. Removing the chemicals—as well as all of those harmful cleaning products—from the floor can be really important to those of you who might have small children playing on it all day or for those of you who simply like to walk around barefoot.

If you don’t have one of these units, then check out some steam cleaner reviews and pick one up. There are not only handy for carpets and ceramic floors, but have a multitude of uses around the house. If you do already have one, then here are all the steps you need to take to begin using your steam-cleaner on your ceramic floor.


The Bathroom Floor

Step One:
The first thing you are going to want to do is to do a thorough sweeping of your floor. You want to make sure that you pick up all of the larger pieces of dirt and debris that your steam cleaner might miss. If the corners of your floor has cobwebs, then be sure to take a dust mop or rag to clean them out thoroughly, before you move on to step two.

Step Two:
After you have prepared the floor, now it is time to get your cleaner ready. Remove its cap and fill it with water. If you live in an area with hard water, then you are going to want to use distilled water instead of tap water. This is to prevent calcium scale from not only putting a waxy coating on your floor but also so the life of the machine is extended. On the other hand, if you don’t have hard water, then you can safely fill your machine up with regular tap water. Be sure not to add any cleaning products to the water you put in your cleaner. They aren’t necessary and defeat the whole purpose of steam cleaning.

Step Three:
Place the microfiber cleaning cloth on your unit’s cleaner head and plug the machine into your electrical outlet.

Step Four:
As you’re squeezing the trigger of the wand, move it across the floor in the same way as you would a mop.

And that’s all there is to it! In four easy steps you can not only have cleaner ceramic floors, but your floors will also be a whole lot safer, and they will be free of all harsh chemicals and nasty little critters such as bacteria and dust mites.

Everyone knows that steam machines are great at cleaning floors and carpets. In fact, many people use these devices all around the house. However, few people realize that these machines can tackle one of the hardest and time consuming jobs in the household. They are perfect for cleaning windows.

If you didn’t realize that these machines can be used to clean windows, then don’t despair. I didn’t immediately realize that either. Not until one of my friends gave me the best steam cleaner tip I ever received. How to use my unit to clean both windows and window frames.

Of course, if you plan on using this device for windows, then you are going to have to own one of the models with the wand attachment. It’s just not possible to hold up a full-size machine long enough to clean a window. In that case, then this article might not be the one for you. Not unless you are planning to purchase one with a wand attachment, which I highly recommend and is pretty easy to do after you look over steam cleaner reviews.

If you do have a unit with some kind of wand attachment, then you are going to want to perform the following steps. These steps will ensure that you have windows so clean that you can’t even tell that they have glass in them at all:

• Fill the machine up with distilled water, plug it in and allow it to heat up. You want it to be fully heated before you begin to use it on your windows. Be sure that you only use water and don’t add any chemical or other additives to it. Just plain distilled water will work just fine.
• Pull the trigger on your machine’s wand and let it steam. Once it has done that, then you can begin cleaning the window, starting at the top. Work from the top of the glass to the bottom using even vertical strokes.
• Once you have cleaned the entire window surface, then grab a microfiber cloth and begin to dry it. Start at the top and then work from left to right. If your cleaning cloth becomes too damp, then be sure to replace it with a clean, dry one and then continue on with your work.

An alternative method to the one above, is to purchase a squeegee to help clean your windows. This results in an even better clean. If you plan on doing this, then it is pretty much the same method as I detailed above with just one change. You do the first two steps but when you come to step three, then you use a squeegee instead of a microfiber cloth. Start at the top and pull the squeegee in uninterrupted horizontal lines. After each line be sure to remove the excess water from the edge of your squeegee by running your thumb and forefinger across it. Then repeat as many times as necessary.

This method of cleaning windows is not only more effective than using a towel and glass cleaner on the window, but is also much safer for pets and for those who might have reactions to harmful household cleaners.

Like any other tool, a steam cleaner can only do its job when it is being utilized to its absolute best. That is why I have decided to give you a little tutorial today on the proper way of cleaning your carpet with a steam cleaner. For some of you advanced users, I think that I will probably be covering some steps that you already know. That’s alright because today, this guide is for those who are just starting to use a steam cleaner or who have poured over steam cleaner reviews and are looking to buy one for the first time.

Step One: Pick A Time When The Floor Can Dry Quickly

You really don’t want to begin steam cleaning your carpet on a whim. You want to plan the proper time for it. That way, you can get the best results possible from the entire process. First, you want to pick a day that is not too humid. If the air is too humid, then it will take forever for the carpet to dry. Second, you want to pick a time of the day when there isn’t going to be a lot of foot traffic. After all, you don’t want people to walk over your floor – and leave a bunch of dirty tracks – before it has a chance to fully dry.

Step Two: Use The Proper Cleaning Solution

While many steam cleaners don’t require any cleaning solution at all, and should be used without it, there are ones that do or ones where its use is optional. If this is the case, then be sure to pick one with a PH of 10 or less. Solutions with a PH of over 10 may negatively affect the color of your carpet.


One of the best steam cleaner tips I’ve received in this area is to use vinegar as the cleaning solution. Vinegar has a PH of between 2.5 to 4.0 and is safe to use in most machines. It also does a fantastic job of cleaning the carpet, especially when paired with baking soda. Read your owners manual and simply substitute the recommended amount of solution with vinegar. It really works great.

Step Three: Vacuum The Carpet

Move all of the furniture out of the room, and I do mean all of it, and then use your favorite vacuum to thoroughly clean the area. When you are done doing this, then you can fill your steam cleaner up and get it started heating.

Step Four: Follow Cleaning With A Rinse

The solutions used in steam machines are meant to attract dirt to them, and to that end they work great. But did you know that if you leave this solution on the carpet, then it will continue to perform this same job and attract dirt to the carpet? Well, it does and that is why it is so important to run the steam cleaner again using nothing but plain water. This will ensure there isn’t any cleaning solution lingering around in your carpet.

Step Five: Speed Up The Process

After you have finished cleaning, you can now turn on the air conditioner and any fans you have to speed the drying process along. Also, if you have a dehumidifier, then you should turn that on as well. This will significantly reduce drying time.

If you’ve read most steam cleaner reviews, then you know that one of the benefits of owning one of these machines is its amazing cleaning ability. They can not only help make your home cleaner but also make it a much healthier place to live. That is why I am going to spend some time talking about the health benefits of using a steam cleaner and what it can do for you in your home.

Steam cleaners can be used with nothing more than plain water and that is why they can give you a much healthier environment. When using them you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals that can cause health complications or allergic reactions.

These devices not only clean in a healthier way, however. They can also kill some of the nastiest culprits that can be hiding in your home. The heat of the steam can kill dust mites, fleas, ticks, bacteria and viruses in a way that household chemicals simply can’t.

Another benefit is they can be used on your child’s stuff. You can use it to clean toys, cribs, floors and toy boxes. And you can do it without using harmful chemicals such as bleach or ammonia.

All of this means just one thing. If you want a healthier home, then you should be using your best steam cleaner on a regular basis. If you do so, then I am sure that it will provide health benefits that you can’t even imagine.

One of the best steam cleaner tips I have ever received was how to clean my bathroom from top to bottom with it. And I don’t mean just making it superficially clean, but cleaning it on a level that I haven’t been able to do before. A real deep cleaning that not only makes my bathroom look and smell clean, but gives me quite a bit of confidence that it is clean on a microscopic level as well.

If you don’t know that steam cleaners not only do a good job of removing dirt and grime, but also kill many dangerous microorganisms, then let me tell you a few things about steam cleaners. Their hot steam can not only kill bacteria, but can also kill viruses such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, E. Coli, Hepatitis A, the common cold and influenza. And it does it without the use of harmful cleaners such as bleach or ammonia. I think that’s a good enough reason to employ the services of this amazing machine in the bathroom. Don’t you think? I think that many of you would agree, or so I think judging from the steam cleaner reviews I have read recently.


The Bathroom Floor

Your steam cleaner can not only shine you floor up really well, but it can also clean the grout between the tiles; restoring them to a like new appearance. And by using the proper attachment, you can reach areas of the bathroom that can’t normally be reached. Like behind the toilet or alongside the sink vanity.

The Shower and The Tub

Steam Cleaners are great at removing the soap scum and hard water stains that are left in your shower and tub. They can not only clean the porcelain and the tile, but they can also clean the faucets and the shower door. And they can do it with a lot less elbow grease than conventional cleaning methods.

The Toilet And Sinks

If you live in an area with hard water, then the bottom of your toilet probably looks like a disaster area. That’s because calcium and lime scale can trap the waste particles from your urine and crystal it into a brown coating that seems almost impossible to remove. However, with the help of your steam cleaner you can break up this crystallized coating and get your toilet back to pristine condition.

Lime scale and hard water can also wreak havoc on your sink. It can leave a grimy coating on the faucet and may even leave a brown spot around the drain. Once again, this is the perfect job to tackle with your steam cleaner.

And these are only a few ideas of how to steam clean your bathroom. I know that you will probably have a few ideas of your own. Use your cleaner in your bathroom and you will realize that it seems like it was almost designed for this area of your home, and it will make your life a whole lot easier.

I just wrote an article on some of the ways that I use my steam cleaner outdoors and the response has been overwhelming. It seems like everyone has their own best steam cleaner suggestions on how to use their steam cleaning machine outside the house. So I have gathered up some of the ones that I really liked, and plan on using around my own home, and am now going to share them with all of you kind folks. If you’re ready for some more great tips on using this device out in your yard, patio or garden, then be sure to read along. I got some great suggestions for you.

Outdoor Furniture

Do you usually have to go out and scrub your patio furniture down and then hit it with a hose? Well, if you do, then you should know there is an easier way. Just break out your steam cleaner and get those tables and chairs clean in no time flat.

Window Screens

Many people have become wise to the fact that these machines are great at cleaning windows, but not many people know that they are also fantastic for cleaning screens. Pull out your screens and clean them with the power of steam. Even if you don’t think they were that dirty, you’ll still be amazed about how much dirt and dust comes out of them. Try it for yourself and see.

Outdoor Taps

If you’re like me and live in an area with hard water, then you may have noticed your outdoor water taps get pretty clogged up with lime scale. Especially around the areas where the garden hose attaches to the nozzle. It can be really difficult to clean this mess off by using ordinary methods, but it seems like a steam cleaner was made for the job. The heat from the cleaner will lift this scale off in no time flat, and do it without you having to use a lot of elbow grease. When it’s done doing its job, just use a rag or towel to wipe it clean.

Boat

You might know that you can detail your car with your steam cleaner, but did you know that you can also clean your boat with it?  My neighbor uses his steam cleaner to not only clean the windows but also the hull. And let me tell you, he has one of the best looking boats in the entire neighborhood. I have also seen many steam cleaner reviews that say the same thing.

Your Child’s Play Area

You can use this device to not only clean the toys that your children uses in the pool or the back yard, but it can also be used to clean the play equipment your children use. It cleans things like the monkey bars, the slide or the swing like magic. Just be careful using it on some plastics because they are sensitive to heat and cleaning them might cause them to warp.

Garden Tools

Are your garden tools all caked with dirt? If they are, then take your steam cleaner out there and get them looking and working like new. These machines can clean areas that often go untouched by traditional cleaning methods. Just remember, once you have cleaned them with steam be sure to wipe them off with a dry cloth. You don’t want any lingering moisture left on your garden tools that might rust them.

When you look through steam cleaner reviews on the Internet, you’ll notice one central theme. People really love these devices and are always looking for another way to use them in their daily lives. Which is pretty much a good thing. These cleaning machines are amazing and can be used to clean hundreds, if not thousands of things in and around your house. However, there are some things that shouldn’t be cleaned with steam machines.

It’s pretty easy to get carried away and inadvertently use the device in a way that is inconsistent with the way it was designed. This could cause damage to the machine or the product being cleaned, and in some cases may cause personal injury to the person using it. Therefore, it is as important to know what you can’t clean with a steam cleaner as it is to know what you can.

That is why I have assembled this small list of the best steam cleaner tips for what not to clean with your machine. As you read through this list, you will probably notice that most of them are simply common sense, but in any case I feel like they are important enough to mention anyway.

Anything That Can Be Heat Damaged

There are a lot of things that just can’t take all of the heat put out by a steam cleaner. This may include wall paper (unless you are trying to remove it), water based paint and cardboard. It also includes living things such as your cat or dog. You should never try to steam clean them or anything else that may be sensitive, or get harmed, by exposure to high temperature steam.

Delicate Items

Things that are too delicate to steam clean include things such as some plastics, silks, some wool articles and velour upholstery. Of course, this is only a partial list. There are other things I may not have placed in this category that also may be to delicate to steam clean.

Many Porous Items

Anything that is porous shouldn’t be steam cleaned, ever. This includes brick, marble and stucco. Its also includes non-laminated or untreated wood. Just don’t do it.

Electronics

I was a bit reluctant to put electronics on this list because it should be fairly self-explanatory that they shouldn’t be steam cleaned, but I went ahead and decided to list it anyway. Anything that can be damaged by water, steam or heat should never be steam cleaned. This includes computers and computer components, televisions, and other sensitive electronic equipment.

And that pretty much concludes my list of what not to clean with a steam machine. Luckily, there are quite a few things not on this list which means that our favorite little cleaning machine still can clean hundreds of other things. Just be sure that you read the instructions for the steam cleaner, as well as the instructions on what you plan on cleaning, and you should have no problems whatsoever. And as a final warning, be sure that you follow all safety tips and warnings listed in the steam cleaner’s instruction manual.