Keeping my floors clean and looking their best is important to me. With kids and pets, it can be a challenge to keep carpets and hard floors looking pristine. That’s why I rely on a good steam cleaner to deep clean my floors on a regular basis. Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the best steam cleaner for my needs.
Why Steam Cleaners Are Effective
Steam cleaners use very hot, pressurized steam to clean floors. The steam helps loosen and lift dirt, grease, and grime from the floors. Unlike just using water, the hot steam can sanitize floors and eliminate allergens.
Some key advantages of steam cleaners:
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Deeper clean – The pressurized steam can penetrate deeper into carpets and grout to lift out embedded dirt and stains.
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Chemical-free – Steam cleaners only use water, avoiding any harsh detergents or chemicals. This makes them safe for kids and pets.
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Sanitizing – The very hot steam kills bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens lurking in my carpets.
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Versatile – I can use a steam cleaner on all types of flooring – carpets, hardwood, tile, laminate, etc.
So if I want really clean floors without using tons of chemical cleaners, a steam cleaner is the way to go.
Key Features To Look For
Not all steam cleaners are created equal. Here are some key features I look for when choosing a steam cleaner:
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Powerful steam – Look for steam cleaners that heat water to at least 200°F to really blast away dirt and germs. More expensive models may heat water even hotter.
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Large tank capacity – A large water tank means more continuous steam cleaning before having to stop and refill. I look for at least a 40 oz tank.
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Accessories – I look for a variety of brushes, nozzles, attachments, and scrub pads to tackle every type of flooring and mess.
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Easy to maneuver – I need a steam cleaner that’s lightweight and easy to push across all my floors without fatigue.
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Chemical options – Some steam cleaners let you use cleaning solutions if needed for really tough stains. This added cleaning power is useful.
Top Steam Cleaner Models
Based on my research and experience, here are my picks for the best steam cleaners to keep floors pristine:
Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop
- Heats to 200°F for effective sanitizing steam
- Flip-down easy scrubber makes tackling stuck-on messes a breeze
- Large 23 oz tank offers up to 20 minutes of steam cleaning
- Affordably priced under $100
This is a great steam mop for quick cleanups between deeper carpet cleanings. The steam loosens and the scrubber scrapes up dried spills, dirt, and grime. It’s easy to maneuver and leaves my kitchen floors shining.
Hoover TwinTank Disinfecting Steam Cleaner
- Dual tank system – keeps clean and dirty water separate
- PowerSpin scrub brushes provide extra cleaning action
- Disinfecting mode sanitizes with extra hot steam
- Up to 45 minutes of steam with large tank capacity
I love using this on carpets in high traffic areas to eliminate germs and allergens. The SteamBoost mode superheats the steam to sanitize carpets. The spinning brushes provide extra scrubbing power for stubborn carpet stains.
McCulloch Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner
- Extra-long power cord makes cleaning large rooms easy
- 18 versatile accessories for all types of floors and messes
- Powerful steam up to 220°F for deep cleaning and sanitizing
- Large 48 oz tank offers up to 45 minutes of steam
This heavy-duty steamer is ideal for deep cleaning large spaces. The super hot steam can even strip old wax and grime off tile floors. The host of attachments can scrub every nook and cranny in my home. It’s the ultimate steam cleaner!
Tips for Effective Steam Cleaning
Here are my top tips for getting the best results from my trusty steam cleaner:
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Vacuum first – Always vacuum up loose dirt, crumbs, and debris before steam cleaning carpets. This avoids spreading grime deeper into the carpet fibers.
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Pre-treat stains – For really stubborn carpet stains, pre-treat them with a targeted carpet cleaner before steam cleaning. This helps ensure the stains fully release from the carpet fibers.
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Work in sections – On large carpeted areas, work in smaller 3 x 3 foot sections so the area stays moist and warm. This allows the steam to keep working to lift stains.
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Take your time – Go slow and methodically over an area. Don’t rush the steaming process. Slow overlapping passes provide the best cleaning results.
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Let dry fully – After steaming carpets, open windows and use fans to accelerate drying time. Don’t walk on damp carpets – always allow them to fully dry.
With the right steam cleaner and proper techniques, I’ve been able to keep all the floors in my home looking like new. It’s worth investing in a good quality steam cleaner if you want pristine, sanitized floors throughout your home. My floors have never been cleaner!
