Skip Expensive Steam Cleaners – All You Need is This

Introduction

Steam cleaners can be very expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars. However, you don’t need an expensive steam cleaner to effectively clean your home. There are affordable and effective alternatives to steam cleaners that get the job done. In this article, I will share everything you need to know about skipping expensive steam cleaners and using simple household ingredients instead.

Why Steam Cleaners Are Expensive

Steam cleaners are expensive for a few reasons:

• Powerful motors and boilers – Quality steam cleaners need powerful motors and boilers to heat up water and produce pressurized steam. These components increase the cost.

• Additional accessories – Most steam cleaners come with a variety of brushes, nozzles, attachments and accessories. More accessories means a higher price tag.

• Brand name – Popular steam cleaner brands like Bissell, Dyson and Hoover charge a premium for their name recognition. You pay extra for the brand.

While steam cleaners are very effective, the high price is unnecessary for most homeowners’ needs. The good news is steam cleaners are not the only way to deep clean.

All You Need Are Simple Household Ingredients

With a few simple household ingredients, you can make effective DIY cleaners that clean as well as steam for a fraction of the cost. Here are the main household ingredients you need:

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and degreaser. It cuts through grime and kills germs and bacteria. To use it, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on surfaces and wipe clean. The natural acids in vinegar dissolve gunk and make surfaces sparkle.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that lifts dirt and stains. Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces and use a wet sponge to scrub away grime. Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for an extra cleaning boost. The granules in baking soda help scrub away stuck-on messes.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective natural bleaching agent. Mix it with baking soda and dish soap to make a paste and scrub away stains on grout, tile, bathtubs, sinks and more. The oxygenating bubbles in hydrogen peroxide help lift stains and discoloration.

Dish Soap

Add a small squirt of dish soap to DIY cleaners for extra degreasing power. Dish soap helps cut through oils and grease that other ingredients can’t tackle alone. Just a small amount suds up well and doesn’t leave residue.

DIY Recipes That Rival Steam Cleaners

With white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, you can make powerful DIY cleaner recipes that clean as well as steam cleaners:

All-Purpose Cleaner

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp dish soap

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. The vinegar disinfects while the dish soap degreases.

Tub and Tile Cleaner

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tsp dish soap

Make a paste with ingredients and use a scrub brush to scour tile, grout, tubs, showers and more. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing for extra cleaning power. Rinse thoroughly.

Stain Remover

• 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 1 tsp dish soap

Make a paste and rub on clothing, carpet or upholstery stains. Let sit 5-10 minutes then rinse and launder as usual. This works great on food, dirt and grease stains.

As you can see, with just a few household staples, you can make cleaners that work as well as pricey steam cleaners. Skip the expensive equipment and opt for DIY solutions instead. Your wallet and surfaces will thank you.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Here are some handy tips to get the most out of DIY cleaners:

• Always spot test cleaners on an inconspicuous area first to check for discoloration.

• Allow cleaners to sit and penetrate stains and grime for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.

• Use soft microfiber cloths and scrub brushes to prevent scratching surfaces.

• Wipe surfaces dry after cleaning to prevent streaks.

• Store cleaners in labeled spray bottles for convenience.

• Never mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together, as this creates a harmful reaction.

• Open windows and use fans to ventilate when mixing strong DIY cleaners.

Conclusion

Steam cleaners are pricey investments that are not essential for effective home cleaning. With simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap, you can make your own cleaners that work just as well at a fraction of the cost. Skip the steam cleaner hassles and expenses. Opt for convenient, affordable DIY cleaners instead!