what can be used in a steam cleaner

What Can Be Cleaned with a Steam Cleaner?

• Kitchens Vinyl tile or linoleum floors Stovetops and ovens ...
• Bathrooms Porcelain and chrome bathroom fixtures ...
• Living Rooms Sealed flooring, including hardwood floors, tile, stone & concrete ...
• Windows & Window Treatments Levelor, Venetian, horizontal, and vertical blinds ...
• Ceiling and Walls Wall and ceiling vents ...
• Vehicles Exterior detailing and interior surface cleaning of buses, boats, cars, and RVs ...

Full Answer

What not to clean with steam cleaners?

Steam is good for cleaning grout (but not epoxy or caulking) Steam should not be used on porous floor surfaces such as concrete, paving stones, limestone, marble, or unsealed hardwood. Use a dry steam cleaning machine and a floor attachment for these areas. Keep the machine moving and avoid pressure in one area for too long.

How effective is steam cleaning?

• Powerful and fast cleaning
• Steam blast loosens tough stains
• Simple controls

What is the best steam cleaner?

The best steam cleaners and steam mops

1. Kärcher SC3 Easyfix Steam Cleaner. Weight: 7.1 lb. ...
2. Shark Genius Pocket Steam Mop. Cord length: 22.4 ft. ...
3. McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner. ...
4. BISSELL SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner. ...
5. Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop (1940) Weight: 6.2 lb. ...
6. PurSteam Therma Pro 211 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner. ...
7. Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. ...

More items...

Why to use a steam cleaner?

• Vacuum your curtains first to remove any dirt, dust, and larger debris. ...
• Shake them out to remove any stubborn dirt and dust that the vacuum may have missed. ...
• Remove lint with a lint brush. ...
• Use your steam cleaner to steam clean the curtains as they hang in place. ...
• Deodorize if needed. ...
• Clean the windows with the steam cleaner too. ...
• Breathe. ...

What can I use in place of steam cleaner solution?

Vinegar, baking soda, and salt are common household items that can be used as carpet cleaners. Soften a carpet by mixing fabric softener, hot water, clear vinegar, and dishwashing detergent.

Can you put anything other than water in a steam cleaner?

You should not add anything other than water to a steam cleaner/mop tank, unless it is recommended by the manufacturer. If the manual says to add water only, adding any kind of cleaning solution, essential oils, dish soap, or other cleaning fluids puts the machine at risk of damage and voids the warranty.

What can I put in my steam mop to smell nice?

If so, adding a few drops of orange, lemon or lavender essential oil on the steam mop cover will not only disinfect the floors, but make your house smell great in the process!!!

Can you put fabric conditioner in a steamer?

Fabric softener should not be mixed with water and poured into your clothing steamer. Use distilled water only. Whilst it would be lovely to have a fabric softener scent, this could potentially damage your clothing steamer as well.

Can I put vinegar in my steam cleaner?

To kill offensive odors present in your carpet, upholstery, and other furnishings quickly, fill your steam cleaner's solution reservoir with a 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar and the remainder with hot water. Do not add a soup solution. The vinegar and hot water solution will neutralize the odor and remove it.

What detergent can you use in a steam mop?

The Best Detergents to use with a steam mop or steamer are: Windex Multi-Surface & Disinfectant Spray (Works really well with a steam mop or steamer to clean & disinfect your floors & other surfaces) Puracy Multi-Surface Spray (A mild cleaner that uses organic & eco-friendly ingredients)

How can I make my house smell luxurious?

If you're looking to pick out your own fragrances, here are some luxurious scents you should explore:Citrus. If you want a lighter, energizing scent that still smells fancy, look no further than citrus. ... Spices. ... Wood. ... Candles. ... Diffusers. ... Soap and Lotion.

How do you make a steam mop solution?

Place 2 cups of water, 2 cups of rubbing alcohol and 2 cups of vinegar into a mixing bowel.Place three drops of dishwashing soap into the mixture of water, alcohol and vinegar.Mix everything together with a mixing spoon and then pour the mixture into the steam mop.

Can you put anything besides water in a shark steam mop?

To prolong the life of your steam mop, we recommend using distilled water in the tank. Make sure you only add water to the tank – chemicals or cleaning solutions (including vinegar) may damage the steam mop and could be unsafe. For best results, sweep or vacuum your floors prior to cleaning with your steam mop.

Can I put chemicals in my steam mop?

Only use an additive recommended by your steam mop's manufacturer when cleaning your floors. If your steam mop's user manual says nothing other than water should be poured into the tank, you run the risk of irrevocably damaging its system if you attempt to add any kind of scent or additional cleaning fluid.

Can I add Pine Sol to my steam mop?

Q: Can I use Pine-Sol® Squirt 'N Mop in a steam cleaner? A: No. Pine Sol® products were not designed to be used in steam cleaners.

Can I put lemon juice in my steam mop?

Then I get out my trusty Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop. This thing is literally a lifesaver. Gone are the days of a mop, icky water, and puddles that get left on the floor. Simply fill the compartment with 1/2 cup vinegar, the rest of it with water and if you want, a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Basics of Steam Cleaning

The great thing about steam cleaning is that it allows you to clean and sterilize many areas of your home without the need for chemical cleaners, which can affect the health of your family.

Things to Clean With a Steam Cleaner

Anyone who has tile floors, walls or backsplashes knows how after a time those tiles and that grout will begin looking dull and you know those tiles need a good scrubbing.

Other Steam Cleaner Uses

If your steam cleaner has the right attachments it can be used for much more than cleaning. Here are a few other uses that you can use a steam cleaner for.

Final Thoughts on the Uses for a Steam Cleaner

As you can see, finding a good steam cleaner with the right attachments can easily cut that house cleaning time.

Freshening Up the Microwave

Ever use the trick of nuking a glass of baking soda in water? It's the same principle. "Steam will loosen anything that's been hardened onto the microwave, and then you can easily wipe it away with a microfiber cloth," says Maker. And, bonus, it also disinfects an area that frequently comes into contact with food.

De-greasing the Range Exhaust Fan

"Lots of people don't realize it, but the metal filter gets filthy," says Maker. You can remove it, lay it on a flat surface, and blast steam at it. "It pushes the grease right off," she says. "It's like watching an infomercial."

Cleaning Tile Backsplash

This has got to be up there with the most-hated kitchen chores. It's a pain to scrub and hard to reach tile backsplash. But a blast of steam can get in all the nook and crannies and peel off dried-on splatters easily.

Disinfecting Countertops and Cutting Boards

After cutting or handling raw meat, poultry, or fish, a quick wipe down then stream of steam will kill any lingering bacteria and leave your counters spotless. Just make sure the materials are ones that can withstand the heat, like natural stone or silicone.

De-greasing the Oven

Thought your microwave was bad? Ovens get way more caked-on residue, and can be tough to access. Steam will loosen it up so you can simply wipe it away.

Deodorizing Trash Cans, Compost Bins, and Recycling Containers

Steaming does double duty on these by loosening up any dirt or scraps that make their way outside the liner, and killing the bacteria that causes funky smells.

Polishing Stainless Steel Surfaces

While stainless steel surfaces are a popular decorating choice, they collect fingerprints and streaks like nobody's business. But steam makes it all better. Just wipe appliances, drawer pulls, faucet handles, light fixtures, whatever with a microfiber cloth after steaming and they'll look pristine again.

Explore

Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Read More

Gardening

Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.

Cleaning and Organizing

Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.

Recipes and Cooking

If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools.

Decorating

Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.

Holidays

What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.

Rooms

Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.

You already know to use a steam cleaner to clean your carpets, rugs and some furniture, but did you know it can come in handy with some kitchen or bathroom cleaning tasks? Steam cleaners are a great home cleaning option as they are easy-to-use, and use a high-pressure steam system to clean without chemicals, fumes or residue. Most steam cleaners come with a variety of attachments, from various-sized nozzles, a squeege and multiple brushes. There's an attachment for just about every job! Here are 11 brilliant ways to use a steam cleaner around your home

You already know to use a steam cleaner to clean your carpets, rugs and some furniture, but did you know it can come in handy with some kitchen or bathroom cleaning tasks? Steam cleaners are a great home cleaning option as they are easy-to-use, and use a high-pressure steam system to clean without chemicals, fumes or residue.

Clean a Stove Top

Clean up those stuck-on food spills on the stove top with a steam cleaner. Start by removing the metal grates and clean away any food debris you can with a damp sponge or rag. Next, use the steam cleaner with a nozzle attachment (you may also need to use a brush attachment) to get off any gunk left behind.

Disinfect Countertops

Use your steam cleaner’s brush attachment and detail nozzle to clean and disinfect your countertops. Wipe up any messes first, then, using the brush attachment, move your steam cleaner nozzle over the countertop. Attach the detail nozzle to clean those hard-to-reach corners, grout lines and seams.

Make Floors Shine

A steam cleaner isn’t just for carpeted flooring. The steam is great for cleaning the bathroom floor, especially in those hard-to-reach corners behind the toilet. Just use the cleaner’s brush attachment to make your bathroom tile or vinyl flooring shine. Use this method to remove tough stains on vinyl flooring.

Clean Your Dishwasher

You need to clean your dishwasher periodically to keep it running smoothly. Heat up some tap water in your steam cleaner and use it with a nozzle attachment to clean all that stuck-on crud in the hinges and corners. Once you’re done blasting away the gunk, wipe it out excess water with a rag or some paper towels.

Remove Gunk from Ice and Water Dispenser

You probably don’t want to know what is hidden in your refrigerator’s ice and water dispenser. Use your steam cleaner with a slim attachment and focus on all those little nooks and crannies. You’ll likely be surprised (and horrified) by what comes out. When you’re done, use a paper towel to dry everything off.

Clean Sink Faucets

Sinks and faucets are one of the dirtiest and germiest places in your entire house. Remove all that grime in and around your kitchen and bathroom faucets by steaming that area and scrubbing it down with the brush attachment. Learn how to clean and repair a clogged faucet.

Have you heard about the magic of steam cleaning but not sure how to get started? Here's everything you need to know

Have you heard about the magic of steam cleaning but not sure how to get started? Here's everything you need to know.

How Do Steam Cleaners Work?

All steam cleaners function pretty much the same. Once turned on, water is heated beyond the boiling point and the heated vapor comes out of an attachment. This pressurized water vapor not only loosens dirt, it also removes allergens and bacteria, kills mold, dust mites and even bed bugs.

Types of Steam Cleaning Machines

Handheld Steam Cleaners: These affordable, portable cleaning tools are easily stored when not in use and beneficial for cleaning smaller areas such as your oven or vehicle hubcaps, or for steaming wrinkles out of clothing.

Floor and Steam Cleaners: What Floors You Can and Can't Use It On

Steaming the wrong type of flooring can leave you with expensive repairs on your hand. Learn more about floor and steam cleaners below.

Don't: Vinyl

One of the many positives of vinyl flooring is the ease with which you can clean it. Most spills can be easily wiped away with a damp rag and a little bit of elbow grease.

Do: Porcelain Tile

Here's where things get specific. Tile flooring comes in many varieties, but not all are safe to clean with steam mops.

Don't: Hardwood

It's common knowledge that wood is no friend to heat and water. The nature of wood itself is highly permeable. Intense heat and water can cause your hardwood to mold, pucker, and deteriorate.

Don't: Laminate

The simple answer here is, no. You can't use steam mops on your laminate floors.

A Favorite Cleaning Appliance

One cleaning tool that we keep hearing customers rave about is the small, lightweight cordless vacuums. These aren't doing the same type of cleaning as a mop or steam cleaner, but people are using these in the places of a broom and people love them.

How a Steam Mop Works

Traditionally, steam mops have been designed to clean using only water from the domestic supply. Water in the steam mop's tank is heated until it turns into steam vapor. The vapor is applied to the flooring through a large microfiber pad attached to the cleaning head.

Bissell Eucalyptus Additive

Steam mops are regarded as a "green" form of cleaning, specifically because they use no chemicals. This means they leave none of the smells traditionally associated with domestic cleaning fluids, such as pine or lemon, in the area in which they have been used.

Hoover Disinfecting Additive

The heat generated by steam mops has a sanitizing effect on flooring. However, to really disinfect an area, the steam has to be directed on to it for a number of seconds. As of the time of publication, Hoover is supplying a disinfectant specifically for use in its range of steam cleaners, including its steam mop.

Conclusions

Never add anything other than water to your steam mop's tank, unless it is recommended by the appliance's manufacturer. Check the instructions carefully. If you are in any doubt, contact the manufacturer directly and ask about the suitability of using a disinfectant or deodorizing additive.