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15 Best Steam Cleaners (Review) In 2021

Written by:
Unclutterer
Last Updated: February 2, 2021
Best Choice
Shark-Genius-Hard-Floor-Steam-Cleaner-image
Shark Genius Hard Floor Steam Cleaner
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Best Value
Bissell-Shot-Hard-Surface-Steam-Cleaner-image
Bissell Shot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner
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Premium Pick
McCulloch-MC1375-Canister-Steam-Cleaner-image
McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
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Show Contents
Contents
  • The Best Steam Cleaner
  • 1. Shark Genius Hard Floor Steam Cleaner
  • 2. McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner
  • 3. McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
  • 4. Bissell Shot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner
  • 5. Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop
  • 6. Shark Steam Pocket Mop Steam Cleaner
  • 7. Pur Steam Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro Elite
  • 8. AutoRight C900054.M Red Steam Machine
  • 9. Mosche Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
  • 10. Comforday Multi-Purpose Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
  • 11. LIGHT 'N' EASY Mop
  • 12. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
  • 13. O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop
  • 14. Wagner Spraytech Steam Cleaner
  • 15. Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner

While your standard mops are useful for an everyday clean, the best steam cleaners provide the deep clean satisfaction that you can only get from high pressure and scorching water. Anyone who wants to maintain pride in their home should consider using steam for cleaning, and with such a variety available, there is something for everybody. Whether you need a handheld steam cleaner for tight areas or large cleaners with gigantic water tanks, you are certain to find the best steam cleaner for you.

The Best Steam Cleaner

1. Shark Genius Hard Floor Steam Cleaner

Best Choice
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Key Features

    Intelligent steam control

    3 settings

    Steam blaster technology

    200ml capacity

    Touch-free technology

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Shark Genius Hard Floor Steam Cleaner
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Our best choice for the best steam cleaners is the Shark Genius Hardfloor Cleaning Steam Mop. It uses intelligent steam control for versatility and flexibility and includes 3 settings. The steam blast technology delivers remarkable results, and you can empty the Dirt Grip Pad without using your hands, which is more hygienic. The 200ml capacity is decent but could be larger, but for smaller jobs, it’s an excellent household addition.

    Pros

    Direct steam cleaning

    Double-sided dirt-grip pads

    Washable and reusable

    Easy to maneuver

    Cons

    Short cord length

    Water tank could be larger

2. McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner

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Key Features

    Chemical-free cleaning

    48-ounce water tank

    18 accessories

    15.7-foot long power cord

    2 year warranty

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McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner
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The McCulloch Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner comes with chemical-free cleaning, using just water and no toxic cleaning products. The high-capacity tank means you don’t need to refill often, while the 18-ounce accessories give you fantastic versatility for home cleaning. It runs for 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to get your jobs done, but it’s also loud, and the tank, despite its size, can be quite cumbersome to fill.

    Pros

    Suitable for a range of stains and dirt

    9-foot steam hose

    45 minute runtime

    Solid construction

    Cons

    Water tank is difficult to fill

    Very loud

3. McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner

Premium Pick
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Key Features

    Chemical-free cleaning

    Kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria

    20 versatile accessories

    10-foot steam hose

    90 minutes of continuous steam

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McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
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The McCulloch Canister Steam Cleaner is our premium pick for the best overall steam cleaner available. It forgoes cleaning products and instead embraces chemical-free cleaning, killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria along the way. also included are 20 versatile accessories, while the 10-foot cleaning hose means nowhere is safe from your steam cleaning wrath. It is, however, quite difficult to store due to its size.

    Pros

    10 minute heat-up time

    Insulated water hose

    Long power cord

    Powers through a range of dirty surfaces

    Cons

    Hose and cord storage could be better

    Attachments are difficult to clean

4. Bissell Shot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner

Best Value
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Key Features

    Easy-to-press trigger

    100% chemical-free

    Accessories included

    30-second warm-up time

    6.6 ounce tank capacity

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Bissell Shot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner
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For our best value and best budget choice, the Bissell Shot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner is exactly what you need. It boasts an easy-to-press trigger for effortless operation. It heats up in 30 seconds, one of the fastest around. Accessories are included, but they’re difficult to clean. Still, the 6.6 ounce water is ideal for quick jobs around the home.

    Pros

    Easy to fill

    Easy to use

    Long power cord

    Lightweight and easy to handle

    Cons

    Accessories are difficult to clean

    Reservoir is not large enough for more demanding jobs

5. Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop

Efficiency Pick
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Key Features

    Clean and sanitize variety floors

    Swivel steering

    Customizable steam cleaning

    16 ounce water tank

    Continuous steam

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Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop
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Germs and bacteria can cause a wealth of health problems, so you want the best steam cleaner that eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria with ease. The Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop is your solution to this. Easy to maneuver with swivel steering, along with customizable settings to guarantee perfection, it’s an excellent choice for cleaning hard floors such as tiles. It delivers continuous steam and comes with a 16 ounce tank to get all trodden in dirt loose, but this tank can be tricky to open.

    Pros

    Kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria

    Multiple cleaning pads included

    Lightweight and easy to maneuver

    Fast heat-up time

    Cons

    Water container is difficult to open

    Leaves a slight water trail

6. Shark Steam Pocket Mop Steam Cleaner

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Key Features

    Dual-sided use

    On-demand steam

    99.9% sanitization

    Chemical-free formula

    Easy swivel steering

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Shark Steam Pocket Mop Steam Cleaner
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With an XL tank capacity, the Shark Steam Pocket Mop is a steam mop that can handle colossal jobs while still being easy to push around the home. it can get into tight areas, and the mop head is dual-sided to keep you going throughout your day of cleaning. it delivers on-demand steam for instant results, and the 20 foot cord length avoids the stop-start nature you find with other options. It will, however, leave streaky floors, so don’t go prancing around in your socks before allowing it to dry.

    Pros

    450ml water tank

    20 foot cord length

    Lightweight and easy to store

    Fast cleaning

    Cons

    Leaves streaky floors

    Struggles with deep grout

7. Pur Steam Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro Elite

Multifunctional Pick
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Key Features

    Unique triangular shape

    250ml water tank

    Easy to maneuver

    Cleans hard-to-reach spaces

    2 year warranty

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Pur Steam Steam Mop Cleaner ThermaPro Elite
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Our multifunctional pick is the PurStream ThermaPro Elite Steam Mop Cleaner covers all bases and does so with style. The unique triangular shape means you can get into tight spaces, and the 16 foot power cord provides consistent power throughout. Attachments are included, but it’s missing a flexible hose, and the handle is too uncomfortable for extended use.

    Pros

    Safe to use and pet friendly

    16 foot power cord

    Attachments included

    Easy to use

    Cons

    Could do with a flexible hose

    Handle is uncomfortable

8. AutoRight C900054.M Red Steam Machine

Extended Running Time
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Key Features

    290F high-temperature steam

    11 accessories

    45 minutes of continuous steam

    Designed for your car

    8 foot steam hose

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AutoRight C900054.M Red Steam Machine
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AutoRight SteamMachine Multipurpose Steam Cleaner is the best choice for lengthy cleaning sessions thanks to its extended running time that leaves other options in the dust. It reaches a maximum temperature of 290F and provides 45 minutes of continuous steam. The 11 accessories provide versatility, and it is suitable for a range of surfaces including leather and windows. Watch out, though, as the nozzle isn’t insulated and could get a bit hot.

    Pros

    Suitable for a range of materials

    55 PSI maximum pressure

    40 ounce water tank

    Kills germs and bacteria

    Cons

    Nozzle is not heat-insulated

    Not as durable as other options

9. Mosche Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner

Powerful Hot Steam
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Key Features

    Up to 270F of power and hot steam

    350ml water tank

    Fast heating

    9-piece accessory kit

    Unique safety lock design

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Mosche Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
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Delivering powerful hot steam, the MOSCHE Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner is something to seriously consider. The fast heating ensures efficiency, while the 9-piece accessory kit delivers flexibility. It’s safe to use thanks to the special lock design, and its portability is something everyone can get on board with. However, it doesn’t run for as long as other units.

    Pros

    Efficient and portable

    3 meter power cord

    Compact and easy to handle

    Useful for tight space

    Cons

    Runtime is not as long as other options

    Trigger is awkward to hold down

10. Comforday Multi-Purpose Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner

Handheld Pick
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Key Features

    9 accessories included

    Suitable for multiple surfaces

    Chemical-free cleaning

    QuickSteam technology

    Lockable steam trigger

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Comforday Multi-Purpose Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
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It’s no surprise that our handheld pick is the convenient Comforday Multi-Purpose Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner. If you are looking for an effective handheld steam cleaner, this is the best of the bunch. There are 9 accessories and it boasts QuickSteam technology for fast and satisfying results. it may not be suitable for bigger demands, but for quick bathroom and kitchen cleans, it’s invaluable.

    Pros

    Safety lock and cap

    250 – 270F steam temperature

    Tackles grease and grout

    20-minute max runtime

    Cons

    May struggle with larger demands

    Trigger button is painful to hold down

11. LIGHT ‘N’ EASY Mop

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Key Features

    Unique square shape design

    Easy touch-button operation

    212F steam heat

    20 foot power cord

    260ml water tank

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LIGHT ‘N’ EASY Mop
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The clue is in the name, and the Light ‘n’ Easy Steamer Cleaner Mopper is an excellent choice that balances innovation with the obvious. The mop head is square to cover more ground at once, while the 20 foot power cord provides plenty of space to move. It delivers powerful steam for spot cleaning and also offers a comfortable grip. The base is quite bulky, but it cancels this out with the effective mop cleaning.

    Pros

    Comfortable grip

    Fluid swivel handle

    Easy-to-fill water tank

    Straightforward operation

    Cons

    Base is quite bulky

    Steam pressure is not as impressive as other models

12. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner

XL Tank Capacity
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Key Features

    Steam lock for continuous operation

    275F steam temperature

    50 minute runtime

    54 ounce water tank

    2 year warranty

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Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
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The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner runs for an impressive 50 minutes on 275F and comes with a huge 54 ounce tank. Its extra-long power cord takes the hassle out of cleaning multiple rooms, and this makes it an excellent commercial choice for professionals. However, you can’t adjust the temperature, and it isn’t the most convenient to store as there is nowhere to dock the hose.

    Pros

    Extra-long power cord

    Retractable handle

    Lightweight and portable

    11 accessories included

    Cons

    Temperature is not adjustable

    No hose storage

13. O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop

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Key Features

    20 second heat-up time

    Chemical-free steam cleaning

    Lightweight

    Adjustable steam level settings

    Machine washable pads

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O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop
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The O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop is another option you could consider as one of the best budget steam mops on the market. It delivers spectacular cleaning without using chemicals and boasts an incredible 20 second heat up time. The steam settings are also adjustable, giving flexibility, and the mop pads are machine washable, too.

    Pros

    Snap-on carpet glider

    Easy to store and portable

    Can reach tight spaces

    Flexible steam levels

    Cons

    Feels a little flimsy

    Cord may not be long enough

14. Wagner Spraytech Steam Cleaner

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Key Features

    Chemical-free steam cleaning

    Suitable for cleaning and wallpaper removal

    45 minute run time

    212F maximum steam temperature

    10 minute heat-up time

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Wagner Spraytech Steam Cleaner
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The Wagner Spraytech is something that anyone sick of dirt and grime should bring into their weekly house clean. It provides one of the best overall applications when considering versatility, being capable of steam cleaning and wallpaper removal. The locking provides convenience, but the lack of water gauge means you’re never sure how much is left.

    Pros

    48 ounce water tank

    Locking trigger

    Portable wheels

    Range of included accessories

    Cons

    No water gauge

    No cable or hose docking

15. Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner

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Key Features

    15 accessories

    48 ounce water tank

    Chemical-free cleaning

    Surface sanitizing capabilities

    6.5 foot hose

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Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner
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The Steamfast Canister Cleaner boasts 15 useful accessories for all demands as well as an impressive 48 ounce tank for extended us. The 6.5 foot hose helps you to reach high areas, and the wheels make it easy to get from one room to another. There is no pressure control, though, so be careful with delicate surfaces, and we also wish there was a water level gauge.

    Pros

    Wheels for easy portability

    Easy-to-fill water tank

    8 minute heating time

    45 minute runtime

    Cons

    No pressure control

    No water level indicator

Features To Consider With Steam Cleaners

Size

Steam cleaners come in many shapes and sizes, but neither are especially better than the other. However, the size will impact maneuverability, portability, and overall ease of use. When choosing the best steam cleaners for your home, think about what you will use it for. At home, in your career, or for quick and easy cleanup jobs before your parents come to visit.

Water Tank Capacity

The larger the water tank, the more surface area you can clean at any time. Despite this, water can be heavy, and so a water tank that is too large will limit portability, which can get frustrating. It is not the best idea to leave water in the unit for a long time, though, as it can build up residue and damage the interior, especially if the water is not distilled.

Time to Heat Up The Tank

Fast heat-up time will shave valuable seconds from your steam cleaning adventures. Some cleaners can reach the optimal temperature in a matter of minutes, whereas others can take longer. No one enjoys waiting around for long, but faster units are often not large or powerful enough for more demanding jobs.

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Steam Settings

The best steam cleaner for you will have a variety of settings to give you flexibility in your steam cleaning endeavors. Multiple heat settings allow you to target different materials and surfaces, such as carpet and hard floors. They are also useful for not over-steaming more delicate materials that could lead to irreparable damage.

Quality

A top quality steam cleaner is what everybody needs, but this quality is usually reflected in the price. Still, you can still find an excellent budget steam cleaner, especially if you don’t use it too often. The best steam cleaners in terms of quality will be durable and dependable, but even a budget steam cleaner can last you a long time if you care for it properly.

Ease Of Use

Most people can use a steam cleaner with little issue, but we all love something easy to use. For most cleaners, it is a simple switch-on-heat-up-and-press, but more comprehensive options may include additional settings that require a slight learning curve. For simplicity, standard steam-and-nozzle options are ideal, but if you’re looking for steamers for cleaning that can do it all, you may need to do your homework before getting started.

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Surface

Steam cleaners are suitable for a variety of surfaces and fabrics, but it’s worth considering where you will use your steam cleaner most. A steam cleaner best used on hard floors should make sure it doesn’t damage the hard wood or tile. Likewise, a steam cleaner best for carpets or drapes shouldn’t tear the delicate fabrics.

Attachments

The more attachments the better, right? Absolutely. More attachments give you greater variety when considering what cleaner steamer demands require your attention next. However, you shouldn’t buy a steam cleaner just because it has an array of accessories if you’re only using it for carpets. Units with a range of accessories are more suitable for those looking for a universal solution to all their dirt and grime problems inside the home and outside, too.

Cord Length

The cord length will determine how far you can stray from the master outlet before needing to admit defeat and unplug. A longer cord length will give you more chance to move around the house, and as many steam cleaners will reset when you unplug them, meaning you need to wait anywhere between 30 seconds and 10 minutes for them to heat up again, a longer cord seems much more essential all of a sudden.

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Types of Steam Cleaners

Steam Mops

Like regular mops but much more exciting, steam mops are best for cleaning floors. They share many similarities with a stick vacuum and are easy to maneuver, usually fitted with swivel heads to glide across the floor and between furniture with ease. They are easy to use and typically have a trigger mechanism to activate, while the cleaning pads are often replaceable, washable, reversible, or a little of both.

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Two-in-One Steam Cleaners

Two-in-one steam cleaners work like a steam mop but also have a detachable component that you can use for smaller handheld needs. They are ideal for cleaning both wide and tight areas and provide the best of both worlds to clean as much as possible with one unit.

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Cylinder Steam Cleaners

Cylinder steam cleaners are sometimes called canister steam cleaners. They have a large tank and therefore are ideal for more comprehensive jobs and heavy-duty demands so you don’t need to refill the tank as often. These steamers come with a range of attachments to tackle a variety of demands and come in multiple sizes for both the home and your car.

Steam Cleaner FAQ

Q: What is a steam cleaner?

A:

A steam cleaner is a household tool that uses steam to dislodge trodden-in dirt and stubborn stains. They use steam to target grimy areas, which make it easier for you to clean, and they work better than a traditional mop or broom.

Q: What can you clean with a steam cleaner?

A:

There is a wide variety of surfaces you can clean with a steam cleaner, and this is what makes them so popular in households across the world. From carpets, where it performs almost as well as any carpet cleaner, to tiles, as well as grout, furniture, and your car’s upholstery, if it needs a deep clean, a steam cleaner can make that possible. This is more effective than the classic damp-and-dab method and ensures excellent results every time.

Q: What can you not clean with a steam cleaner?

A:

While there are many things you can clean with a steam cleaner, there are also surfaces and areas you should avoid. This includes:

  • Anything sensitive to heat exposure
  • Porous surfaces (such as brick or marble)
  • Large industrial areas (including food plants)
  • Wide areas of your carpet
  • Delicate materials (silk, thin plastic, velour)

While you can use a steamer for cleaning many surfaces, it's also vital to know what you must avoid cleaning.

Q: Is steam cleaning better than mopping?

A:

For a true deep clean, steam cleaning is much better than mopping floors. The powerful and pressurized steam provides a more effective cleaning result compared to merely cleaning floors in your home with a simple wet mop. Despite this, a mop is still useful for quick spot cleaning if you keep on top of floor cleaning.

best steam cleaners

Q: Can I put vinegar in a steam cleaner?

A:

Most steam cleaners are capable of cleaning surfaces including tile and hardwood floor with just water, and the chemical-free performance is something that many brands pride themselves on. However, as white vinegar is such an effective agent for cleaning certain areas, you can add a few drops to your steam cleaner, but only when cleaning tile floors, vinyl, or linoleum. You should never use vinegar to clean hardwood floors, as it can affect the chemical finish.

Q: Where does the dirt go when you steam clean?

A:

The dirt does not magically disappear when you steam clean. As the high-temperature and high-pressure system loosens the dirt from the surface, it makes it easier to remove. Typically, the loosened dirt is mopped up by the cleaning pad or cloth.

Q: Does steam cleaning kill bed bugs?

A:

You hope you never get bed bugs; they are irritating, inconvenient, and all-around gross. Most people are tempted to throw all of their bedsheets out when you have bed bugs, but a steam cleaner could be an effective alternative. A steam cleaner can deliver lethal temperatures that eradicate bed bugs so you can help you sleep easy.

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Q: Can steam cleaner kill mold?

A:

Mold can be much worse than you expect if not sufficiently dealt with. The pores can cause respiratory issues as well as itchy eyes or skin. You can take steps to remove mold through chemical agents, but steam cleaners can kill mold effectively, also. This is because the powerful steam can penetrate the pores and clean deep enough to effectively kill and remove instances of mold in the home.

Sources

    What NOT to Clean with Steam Cleaners? - Sylvane
    Can I Put Vinegar in My Steam Mop? - Steam Clean Pro
    How to Clean Floors Efficiently With a Steam Mop? - The Spruce

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