Steam Clean Your Way to a Germ-Free Home

I have always been a bit of a clean freak. I like my home to be as germ-free as possible, especially with young kids running around. Recently, I decided to take my cleaning obsession to the next level by purchasing a steam cleaner. Steam cleaning is one of the best ways to sanitize and disinfect your home without using harsh chemicals.

Why Steam Cleaning?

Steam cleaning uses very hot, pressurized steam to loosen and lift dirt, grease, and grime from surfaces. The high heat of the steam also kills bacteria, viruses, dust mites, and other allergens. Here are some of the main benefits of steam cleaning:

• Sanitizes and Disinfects – The heat of the steam can kill up to 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses without the use of chemicals. This helps reduce the spread of illnesses.

• Removes Allergens – Steam cleaning eliminates dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens that build up on surfaces over time. This helps improve indoor air quality.

• Chemical-Free – Steam cleaning uses only water, so you don’t have to worry about your kids or pets being exposed to harsh cleaning solutions.

• Versatile – A steam cleaner can be used on a wide variety of surfaces throughout your home: floors, countertops, appliances, windows, mirrors, upholstery, mattresses, and more.

Purchasing a Steam Cleaner

If you want to reap the germ-busting benefits of steam cleaning, you’ll need to invest in a good quality steam cleaner. Here are some things to look for when purchasing a steam cleaner:

• Pressure – Look for a steam cleaner with pressure of at least 50 psi. Higher pressure increases cleaning power.

• Steam Temperature – Temperatures of at least 275°F are best for sanitizing and removing stubborn grime.

• Tank Capacity – Look for at least a 40 oz water tank so you can clean for longer periods without having to refill.

• Accessories – Look for a variety of attachments like brushes, squeegees, detail tools, and more. This increases the versatility of what you can clean.

• Warranty – Choose a brand that offers at least a 2-year warranty on the product. This ensures it’s built to last.

Some top rated steam cleaner brands to consider are McCulloch, Dupray, PurSteam, and Steamfast. Expect to pay $150-$300 for a good home steam cleaner.

Cleaning Your Home with a Steam Cleaner

Here are some tips and tricks for using your steam cleaner effectively to get a germ-free home:

Floors

• Vacuum floors first to remove loose dirt and debris. This allows the steam to penetrate better.
• Work in sections and start at the far corner of the room. Slowly work your way out towards the exit.
• Use overlapping strokes and low steam settings on hardwood to avoid damage.
• Use a triangular floor brush attachment on grout. Scrub while steaming for best results.

Bathrooms

• Use a squeegee attachment on mirrors and glass for streak-free cleaning.
• Spray soiled areas with a 50/50 vinegar water solution first to help cut through soap scum before steaming.
• Use a detail brush tool to clean faucet fixtures and tile grout.

Kitchen

• Use a triangular brush to clean corners and crevices on appliances.
• Lay a towel down and place burner grates on top. Hold the steam nozzle directly on the grates to loosen baked-on grime.
• Use a straight brush to clean along the inner rims of the refrigerator and oven where grime builds up.

Upholstery and Mattresses

• Vacuum upholstery and spot clean any stains first before steaming.
• Use a lower steam setting and hold the nozzle 6-12 inches away to avoid saturating or damaging delicate fabrics.
• Flip and rotate mattresses to steam all sides, killing dust mites and bed bugs. Allow mattresses to fully dry before remaking the bed.

Maintaining a Germ-Free Home

Steam cleaning is a great natural way to thoroughly sanitize and disinfect your home. But you’ll need to do regular maintenance to keep germs at bay. Here are some tips:

• Vacuum frequently – at least weekly, to remove dirt and allergens from carpets, upholstery, and floors.

• Clean kitchen and bathrooms frequently – use disinfectant on sinks, showers, counters, toilets.

• Wash linens, towels, and bedding often – in hot water to kill germs and remove allergens.

• Take off shoes when entering the home – to avoid tracking in dirt and germs from outside.

• Empty trash bins regularly – don’t allow decaying food or waste to accumulate.

• Clean up spills and messes right away – to avoid spreading germs.

• Let sunlight in – open blinds and curtains to allow natural sunlight to help kill germs.

With diligent, regular cleaning and the sanitizing power of steam, you can rest assured your home will be a clean, healthy environment for your family.