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Steam your troublesand stainsaway with our top picks.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
To learn more about how we tested steam cleaners, check outour testing processbelow.
The single steam setting seemed too hot to use regularly on delicate flooring.
In our testing, the McCulloch MC1275 quickly became our preferred tool for cleaning most hard surfaces.
Credit: Amazon
Since theres only one hole, we needed to flip the entire thing over to empty.
Its awkward to hold as a handheld, making it hard to reach certain areas.
The attachments have a tendency to detach on the high setting.
The cleaner comes with 23 accessories, which is the most of any option on our list.
But the nozzle attachment and nylon utility brush were much more effective at cleaning the stove.
Since not all steam cleaners are meant to be used on floors, this was a nice feature.
The array of accessories makes it a versatile machine that can tackle a variety of cleaning tasks.
The nozzle attachments had a tendency to discontent when the steam was on the highest setting.
You have to hold the trigger down to release steam.
We found this steam cleaner more effective than chemical cleaners and manual tools at cleaning stuck-on messes.
The breadth of accessories also impressed us.
This made it slightly more difficult tothoroughly clean dirty grout.
In one test, we used a steam cleaner to tackle soilbuildup in window tracks.
In another, we cleaned caked-on mud from tile and grout.
In a third test, we cleaned blue dye stains from a glass panel.
The device comes with a plastic funnel, which made it easier to pour water into the reservoir.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
After testing, we compared our findings to determine which products made our list.
If choosing a heavy model, check that it has wheels for easier transport.
We recommend looking for wheels on heavier machines.
If its a smaller unit, a handle will help you carry it from room to room.
But a larger tank capacity also often means a heavier machineespecially when its full.
Typically, the larger the tank, the longer it will take to heat up.
But thats not always a bad thing, as more water means the cleaner will last longer between refills.
However, we does have to refill this steam cleaner once during a testing session.
But on the other hand, it includes a relatively large tank capacity of 48 fluid ounces.
Attachments
Attachments connect to a steam cleaner and make it more versatile forcleaning different surfaces.
A steam concentrator attachment is perfect for deep cleaning and sanitizing, Piper says.
Other common attachments include crevice tools, detail nozzles, and scrubbing brushes.
Another thing to note is how easy or difficult they are to interchange.
It was also lightweight and took only about five minutes to heat up.
But there were a few issues that gave us pause.
We also liked the design, which made the steam cleaner comfortable to hold.
Your Questions, Answered
Are steam cleaners worth it?
Steam cleaners are effectiveat cleaning messes, stains, and even mold, often without chemical cleaning additives.
They combine heat and pressure to remove over 99% of germs on surfaces.
Can you use a steam cleaner on all flooring types?
Steam cleaners work best onsealed hard flooring, but it depends on the bang out.
Steam mops are great for undamaged tile and grout, sealed hardwood, or stone.
Steam can cause serious damage, like warping, discoloration, or even melting or disintegrating."
Do you need a steam cleaner and a carpet cleaner?
Steam cleaners andcarpet cleanersare not the same.
Steam cleaners use only water and heat to clean andsanitize surfaces.
They push out steam through a nozzle and any attachments to loosen dirt and sanitize.
Carpet cleaners combine a cleaning detergent and water, and sometimes steam, to clean carpeted surfaces.
They can then extract up the excess dirty water from the carpet.
What are the downsides of handheld steam cleaners?
Handheld steam cleaners tend to be lighter weight and easier to maneuver, plus they are often effective cleaners.
They might be less effective for cleaning larger areas simply because they won’t cover the surface as quickly.
What Is BHG Recommends?
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The large wheels, long hose, and long power cord make this steam cleaner easy to transport during a cleaning session.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The handle includes a dial to adjust the amount of steam released.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
It took us less than two minutes to clean dried mud from grout and tile using the scrub brush head.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
