The Best Steam Cleaner
1. Shark Genius Hard Floor Steam Cleaner
Key Features
Intelligent steam control
3 settings
Steam blaster technology
200ml capacity
Touch-free technology
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
Key Features
Chemical-free cleaning
48-ounce water tank
18 accessories
15.7-foot long power cord
2 year warranty
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
Key Features
Chemical-free cleaning
Kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria
20 versatile accessories
10-foot steam hose
90 minutes of continuous steam
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
Key Features
Easy-to-press trigger
100% chemical-free
Accessories included
30-second warm-up time
6.6 ounce tank capacity
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
Key Features
Clean and sanitize variety floors
Swivel steering
Customizable steam cleaning
16 ounce water tank
Continuous steam
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
Key Features
Dual-sided use
On-demand steam
99.9% sanitization
Chemical-free formula
Easy swivel steering
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
Key Features
Unique triangular shape
250ml water tank
Easy to maneuver
Cleans hard-to-reach spaces
2 year warranty
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
Key Features
290F high-temperature steam
11 accessories
45 minutes of continuous steam
Designed for your car
8 foot steam hose
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
Key Features
Up to 270F of power and hot steam
350ml water tank
Fast heating
9-piece accessory kit
Unique safety lock design
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
Key Features
9 accessories included
Suitable for multiple surfaces
Chemical-free cleaning
QuickSteam technology
Lockable steam trigger
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
Key Features
Unique square shape design
Easy touch-button operation
212F steam heat
20 foot power cord
260ml water tank
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
Key Features
Steam lock for continuous operation
275F steam temperature
50 minute runtime
54 ounce water tank
2 year warranty
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
Key Features
20 second heat-up time
Chemical-free steam cleaning
Lightweight
Adjustable steam level settings
Machine washable pads
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
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
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
Key Features
15 accessories
48 ounce water tank
Chemical-free cleaning
Surface sanitizing capabilities
6.5 foot hose
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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?
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 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?
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?
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.
Q: Can I put vinegar in a steam cleaner?
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?
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?
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.
Q: Can steam cleaner kill mold?
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.