This ready to hand cleansing tool has a wide variety of uses .

Steam cleanser — small cannister - style machines with a nozzle that can be fitted with an smorgasbord of fond regard — use mellow - temperature steam to clean and sanitize hard aerofoil . While not new to the mart , thanks in part toTikTokand the mellow - impact visuals of steam cleaning , these machines are experiencing a upsurge in popularity .

But what exactly do steam cleaners do , and does one merit a space in your cleaning armory ? Learn how to use a toilsome - surface steam cleaner ( also prognosticate a multi - surface steam cleaner ) and the pros and inmate of using these small but brawny machines .

Cleaning stove with steam cleaner

Credit:Grant Webster

Grant Webster

Understanding the Different Types of Steam Cleaners

The term " steam dry cleaner " is used to describe several dissimilar types ofsteam - cleansing tools . Among them are fabric and clothing steamers , steam mops , and hard - Earth’s surface or multi - surface steam cleaners . Carpet andupholstery cleanersare sometimes touch to as steam cleaner , though typically these political machine do n’t use steam , even in manakin that employ a heating plant element .

Fabric and vesture steamerscome in hand-held and upright models , and are used to steam out wrinkles and/or freshen fabric .

Hard- or multi - surface steam cleansing agent , like the highly - ratedBissell SteamShot , can be used to deep neat and hygienize seal hard surfaces like roofing tile , grout , and plumbing fixtures .

Cleaning stovetop with microfiber cloth and all purpose cleaner

Credit:Grant Webster

Steam mop are on the nose what they sound like — mops that employ steam in addition to water and/or cleaning agent .

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

Materials

Instructions

How to Use a Steam Cleaner

Before using a steam cleaner , consult the maker ’s instructions for details on the correct attachments and heat configurations to habituate on different surfaces .

When working with steam , use caution to avoid painful burns .

Prep the Surface

Before deep cleaning with steam , houseclean the airfoil to remove dust , dirt , and grit , which can clog the long-neck clam ’s attachments or excise the surface when steam is applied . If cleaning floors , slam , mop , or void ; ifcleaning wallsor flat surfaces like countertop or household appliance , wipe them blank with a microfiber cloth and a gentle all - purpose dry cleaner .

Choose the Right Attachment

Most hard - aerofoil steam dry cleaners come with a lowly suite of attachments that can be used for dissimilar project . When purchasing a steam cleanser , pay particular attention to its bond set to be certain you have the right peter for the jobs you want to perform . Some attachment to depend for are :

Set Up Steam Cleaner

Fill the armored combat vehicle with water ; if you live in an country with hard water system , using distilled water in the steamer ’s storage tank will generate a better event . Select the appropriate fastening for the task at hand , and affix it to the machine . turn over the steamer on and allow it to heat up up before beginning to clean .

Steam and Scrub

Working in sections , apply steam to the area and use the attachment to scrub , scrape , taper , or polish up the surface . When clean house vertical surface , make from the top down .

Rinse Surface

Before moving onto a new discussion section , rinse the orbit you ’ve cleaned so that marked-up runoff does n’t settle onto the open .

Refill, Repeat, and Rinse

Refill the machine with water as require , continuing to work in sections — steaming , scrubbing , and rinsing — until the project is finish . Once the job is complete , go over the entire region with a clear , damp textile to take away any residuum from cleaning .

What to Use a Steam Cleaner On—and What to Avoid Cleaning with Steam

punishing - airfoil steam cleaners can be used on seal hard surface . Consult the manufacturer ’s operating instructions for usage guidelines . If you are timid whether steam is safe for the surface , test it on an invisible spot and wait at least an hr and up to overnight to match for equipment casualty . Steam damage typically appears as warping , puckering , pee staining , or melting .

Most sealed knockout surfaces can safely be scavenge with steam , including :

However , the heat and wet involved insteam cleaningcan cause irreversible hurt to many surfaces . Steam should not be used to clean the following :

Steam cleaner attachment pieces

Credit:Grant Webster

When using any type of steam cleaner , whether it ’s afabric soft-shell clam , asteam mop , or a multi - surface Mya arenaria , take care to deflect fare in contact with the spicy steam . Steam , as well as hot steam plates and attachments , can make austere burns .

Attaching scrub attachment to steamer

Credit:Grant Webster

Steam cleaning stove

Credit:Grant Webster

Wiping excess water off stove

Credit:Grant Webster

Removing residue from stove

Credit:Grant Webster