Household cleaning, though essential, can feel like a never-ending task. Fortunately, steam cleaners provide an efficient and eco-friendly solution. These powerful tools are designed to clean and disinfect a wide range of surfaces without relying on harsh chemicals. Utilizing steam temperatures around 220 degrees, these devices are capable of eliminating up to 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, allergens, and pests.
There are two primary types of steam cleaners: cylinder steam cleaners and steam mops. Both are effective at not just cleaning, but also sanitizing, leaving surfaces spotless and free from germs, dirt, and grime.
Choosing the Right Steam Cleaner
Cylinder Steam Cleaners
Cylinder steam cleaners, featuring a cylindrical body with wheels, tend to be heavier but are highly efficient and versatile. Thanks to their wheeled design, they glide smoothly across hard floors without requiring much effort. These cleaners typically come with more attachments compared to steam mops, which enhances their flexibility. They are ideal for tackling a wide array of surfaces, including upholstery, curtains, and hard floors. While they offer higher steam output and larger water tanks, they can be bulky and take up more storage space.
Steam Mops
Designed to replace traditional mopping methods, steam mops are compact and lightweight. They’re easy to maneuver, making them perfect for smaller spaces. With smaller water tanks, steam mops are best for quick cleanups, particularly on hard floors. Although some models include attachments for carpet cleaning, most are designed with hard floor surfaces in mind. For those who need portability combined with the power of a cylinder steam cleaner, certain models offer the best of both worlds—these come with lift-off cylinders that detach from the mop for a versatile cleaning experience across various surfaces.
Purpose and Frequency of Use
Your choice of steam cleaner should depend on your space and cleaning needs. Steam mops are ideal for apartment dwellers or those in smaller homes, offering a straightforward, space-saving solution for efficient floor cleaning. If you need more power for deep cleaning larger homes, a cylinder steam cleaner would be the better option. These machines can tackle a variety of tasks, from floors to furniture, and can handle larger cleaning jobs without constant refills.
How We Chose the Best Steam Cleaners
To compile our list of the best steam cleaners, we turned to expert advice, including insights from Good Housekeeping, and reviewed feedback from real users to ensure each model delivers on its promises. Our team’s own experiences and research into the latest steam cleaning technologies also helped us narrow down a selection of machines that can handle multiple surfaces with ease and efficiency. The steam cleaners we recommend will not only get your home sparkling clean, but will do so with minimal effort and cost.
Related topics:
How to Assemble the Bissell SteamShot?