The Best Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaners to Sanitize Your Home - BobVila.com

The Best Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaners to Sanitize Your Home - BobVila.com


The Best Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaners to Sanitize Your Home - BobVila.com

Posted: 29 Apr 2021 09:39 AM PDT

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option

Photo: amazon.com

Vacuuming and sweeping are important for keeping a home clean throughout a busy work week, but when you have the time, it's a good idea to steam-clean carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains, mattresses, and floors to kill mold, bedbugs, and any other contaminants. A multi-purpose steam cleaner is designed to rapidly heat water to a temperature that is lethal for lurking bugs and organic growth, which helps keep your home free of irritants.

The best multi-purpose steam cleaner for your home will depend on the type of steam cleaner you prefer, its portability, size, and weight as well as the steam settings. You might also want to look for a combined steam cleaner and vacuum so you can take care of a wide range of cleaning tasks with one device. The list of top products below features several different types of steam cleaners to give you a better idea of what is available before making a decision.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Bissell Steam Mop, Steamer, Tile, Hard Wood Floor
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1
  3. UPGRADE PICK: Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum
  4. BEST HANDHELD: McCulloch MC1230 Handheld Steam Cleaner
  5. BEST CANISTER: Pure Enrichment PureClean Steam Cleaner – 1500-Watt
  6. BEST STEAM MOP: LIGHT 'N' EASY Multi-Functional steam mop Steamer
  7. BEST VACUUM STEAM CLEANER: Bissell, 2747A PowerFresh Vac & Steam All-in-One
  8. MOST VERSATILE: BISSELL Power Steamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop
  9. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose Heavy Duty
  10. BEST FOR PETS: Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop
The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option

Photo: amazon.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner

For help in the search for a new multi-purpose steam cleaner, look for the type that is most suitable for your home based on size, power, steam settings, and a few other important considerations mentioned below.

Type

Multi-purpose steam cleaners come in several different types based on size, cleaning method, and appearance. Types include handheld steam cleaners, canister steam cleaners, steam mops, and vacuum steam cleaners.

  • Handheld steam cleaners are small and portable, making them easier to carry around the home. The small size helps when steam-cleaning curtains and other upholstery. However, handheld steam cleaners cannot clean an entire floor in a timely manner.
  • Canister steam cleaners have compact designs with a wheeled tank and an extended steam hose so they can assist with spot cleaning, upholstery steaming, and cleaning small carpeted rooms.
  • Steam mops are ideal for cleaning tiles, linoleum, vinyl, and hardwood floors. These lightweight machines are essentially mops with a handheld steam cleaner mounted to the shaft. The steam cleaner pumps hot steam down through the mophead to sanitize the floor.
  • Vacuum steam cleaners combine the suction power of a vacuum with the hot sanitizing steam necessary to kill mold, bedbugs, and other organic nuisances. These products do the best job of cleaning large, carpeted rooms and might even come with a detachable handheld unit for steam-cleaning stairs or for spot cleaning.

Cordless vs. Corded 

When it comes to choosing a multi-purpose steam cleaner, decide whether you want the portability and versatility of a cordless cleaner or prefer the power and reliability of a corded steam cleaner.

  • Cordless multi-purpose steam cleaners operate with a rechargeable battery that typically lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours. These steam cleaners work well for apartments or for spot cleaning stains, though they might lack the power necessary for cleaning a large carpeted room.
  • Corded multi-purpose steam cleaners don't lack power or run out of juice halfway through a cleaning job. However, a short cord can limit the range of the steam cleaner, while a long extension cord can become a tripping hazard. Corded steam cleaners suit the job of sanitizing houses and can tackle the cleaning of thick carpeting.

Power

The power of a multi-purpose steam cleaner affects the pressure at which the cleaner can produce and dispense steam. It's also responsible for the suction strength of vacuum steam cleaners, allowing them to suck up a large amount of water, dirt, oils, and grime from deep within carpet fibers.

However, most steam cleaner models don't include a measurable power rating, so users will need to rely on the maximum temperature of the steam, the time it takes for the water to reach the maximum temperature, and the quantity of water the unit holds to determine the power output of the steam cleaner. The higher the maximum temperature and the shorter the heating time, the more powerful the cleaner, so long as the amount of water is relatively consistent with comparable products.

Steam Settings

Using a steam cleaner for upholstery requires a different steam output setting than using the same machine on dense carpet. Find a multi-purpose steam cleaner that has an adjustable steam output and temperature setting so it's easy to switch between a heavy-duty task, like steaming the living room carpet, and a light-duty job, like spot cleaning a stain.

Lower pressure and low-temperature settings allow users to avoid accidentally damaging sensitive fabrics and flooring, while high pressure and high-temperature settings work best for treating bedbug infestations. As long as the steam reaches a temperature above 113 degrees, bedbugs and their eggs should die on contact, saving the cost of replacing mattresses and other furniture.

Tank Capacity

The capacity of a multi-purpose steam cleaner tank refers to the amount of water the tank can hold and subsequently heat to produce steam. The capacity of the tank can vary depending on the type and size of the steam cleaner, so it helps to find a product that holds enough water to accomplish regular cleaning tasks.

Since small units typically hold no more than 12 ounces of water, smaller steam cleaners are best suited for spot cleaning, steaming upholstery, and cleaning the stairs. Larger steam cleaners have higher-capacity tanks that can exceed 50 ounces of water. Also, vacuum steam cleaners generally have two tanks: one for clean water and one to hold the dirty water that the vacuum sucks up from the floor.

Weight and Maneuverability

The weight of a multi-purpose steam cleaner directly affects maneuverability, though other features can help to increase maneuverability, despite the weight. Handheld steam cleaners and steam mops commonly weigh less than 15 pounds, so they are easy to pick up and move around.

Larger steam cleaners, like canister and vacuum types, can exceed 20 pounds in weight, which makes them harder to pick up. These products normally have a set of wheels to pull the cleaner across a flat surface instead of carrying it. The length of the hose and the power cord also can affect the maneuverability of a steam cleaner. For larger areas, consider a long extension cord to avoid being limited by power outlet placement.

Attachments

Vacuums and steam cleaners can include several different attachments that address specific issues around the home, like spot cleaning stains, cleaning stairs, or steaming upholstery. Examples of helpful attachments include scrapers, scrub pads, jet nozzles, extension hoses, and brushes.

  • Scrapers primarily remove wallpaper. The steam melts the glue while the scraper removes the loosened wallpaper.
  • Scrub pads help to clean stuck-on grime from carpet fibers. While the hot steam provides the heat and moisture, the scrub pads add friction to scrub out dirt and debris.
  • Jet nozzles can increase the steam pressure to steam-clean stubborn stains.
  • Extension hoses can attach directly to the steam cleaner or link to an existing hose to better reach narrow spaces and add greater range.
  • Brushes are common accessories for steam-cleaning upholstery. The brushes remove stuck-on hair, dirt, and debris while the steam sanitizes and kills any organic nuisances, like mold or bedbugs.

Our Top Picks

The best multi-purpose steam cleaner for your needs depends on the type, steam settings, capacity, overall efficacy, and the other critical shopping factors mentioned above. These picks can help you find the best multi-purpose steam cleaner to keep floors and upholstery clean.

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option: Bissell Steam Mop, Steamer, Tile, Hard Wood Floor

Photo: amazon.com

This Bissell steam mop can tackle a range of cleaning tasks, including steaming upholstery, cleaning carpet, and sanitizing hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring. It has a built-in spot cleaning brush for narrow and precise steam-cleaning, such as getting into tight corners. Users never need to worry about keeping track of the cleaning brush since they can access it by removing the mop base.

This corded multi-purpose steam cleaner features two steam pressure settings that are easily controlled with a switch on the handle. It weighs just 6 pounds and has a swivel base for easy maneuverability. The tank holds 16 ounces of water. The steam mop can heat the water inside to about 240 degrees, ensuring that the hot steam can kill bedbugs, mold, and bacteria.7

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option: PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1

Photo: amazon.com

This corded steam mop from PurSteam packs value into the price, with a removable handheld steam cleaner and accessories for taking care of precision tasks like spot-cleaning stains. The handheld steam cleaner also can steam upholstery, clothing, and even windows; it is easier to angle and control than an entire floor-based unit. The steam mop weighs only 2.2 pounds, so it shouldn't wear on the muscles.

The multi-purpose steam cleaner has an adjustable steam setting that ranges from 20 to 25 minutes of steam-cleaning on the low setting to 10 minutes on the highest setting. This cleaner's dial doesn't indicate an actual temperature, so users must estimate its readiness to steam based on time and the product's minimum temperature of about 212 degrees. It has an 11.5-ounce water tank and takes only 30 seconds to heat water to a steaming temperature.

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option: Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum

Photo: amazon.com

With its many features, this Bissell Symphony represents a premium multi-purpose steam cleaner designed for vacuuming and steam-cleaning. The model has a bristled base to pick up pet hair, dust, and debris. The vacuum steam cleaner switches easily between steam and vacuum settings for moving effortlessly from steaming the kitchen floor to vacuuming the living room carpet with the touch of a button on the digital control switch.

The corded steam cleaner weighs about 10 pounds and has a 12.8-ounce water tank. It also has a dirt tank and Dry Tank technology, which removes the moisture from collected dirt and hair, keeping the dirt tank completely dry. As a result, disposing of dirt and debris requires simply dumping the removable dirt collection tank.

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option: McCulloch MC1230 Handheld Steam Cleaner

Photo: amazon.com

The handheld, multi-purpose McCulloch MC1230 steam cleaner stands ready for a variety of applications, partly due to its 11 included accessories. It comes with a scraper, scrub pad, jet nozzle, extension hose, and three different brushes. The unit weighs just 3 pounds and features a broad handle that's easy to grip while sanitizing upholstery, scrubbing deep stains, or using the scraper to remove wallpaper.

This corded steam cleaner has a 6-ounce water tank that takes just under 3 minutes to heat up. Once heated, the steam cleaner provides 10 minutes of continuous steam-cleaning before it needs to be refilled. Users can lock the steam trigger in place so they don't have to hold the trigger continuously, improving comfort and easily controlling a steady flow of steam.

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option: Pure Enrichment PureClean Steam Cleaner - 1500-Watt

Photo: amazon.com

This Pure Enrichment canister steam cleaner weighs 10 pounds and sits on a pair of wheels so users can pull the entire unit around the room instead of carrying it. The canister has a large 50-ounce water tank. After the cleaner is plugged in and turned on, the larger volume of water takes only 8 minutes to heat up and holds steam pressure for up to 45 minutes.

A trigger switch in the handle controls the steam cleaner. The trigger can lock in place to provide continuous steam, though it doesn't have any variable settings. To change the spray, pressure, and cleaning function, use any of the 18 attachments and accessories, including a mophead, microfiber mop pads, triangle brush, steam jet nozzle, scrub pad, and more.

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option: LIGHT 'N' EASY Multi-Functional steam mop Steamer

Photo: amazon.com

The versatile LIGHT 'N' EASY steam mop is designed with a smart switch to stop the flow of steam when the mop moves into the upright position and resume the flow when the user tilts the handle and the mop begins sliding forward or backward. It also has a detachable handheld steam cleaner with a touch sensor that responds to the placement of the user's finger to activate steam without the need to hold down a trigger.

This corded multi-purpose steam cleaner weighs just under 6 pounds and features three different steam intensity settings ranging from high to low. The water tank holds 11.5 ounces of water and takes just 30 seconds to heat up to 212 degrees. It also has a jet steam nozzle, garment brush, and extension hose.

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option: Bissell, 2747A PowerFresh Vac & Steam All-in-One

Photo: amazon.com

The Bissell 2747A vacuum steam cleaner can serve many purposes in homes with carpeted flooring and large hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors. It weighs just 10 pounds, has a 12.9-ounce- capacity water tank, and features a broad base for rapid cleanup of floors. Dry Tank technology dries collected dirt and debris before pulling it into the dirt collection tank. This leads to easier emptying of the dirt tank after cleaning.

This corded multi-purpose steam cleaner features on-demand steam output controlled with a trigger on the handle. It also has low steam, high steam, and suction functions that set with the touch of a button on the digital controls. Users can choose easily from between steaming the floor or vacuuming the carpet—or both—to achieve the desired cleaning results in their home.

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option: BISSELL Power Steamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop

Photo: amazon.com

The corded multi-purpose BISSELL Power Steamer can tackle a wide range of projects, including degreasing, steaming cupboards and windows, cleaning upholstery, and steam- cleaning both the interior and exterior of vehicles. It's designed with a removable base, hollow mop shaft, and a detachable handheld steam cleaner, enabling both the mop shaft and the handheld steam cleaner to help with a variety of jobs.

This steam mop comes with 25 accessories, ensuring users have the right tools for a steam-cleaning job. The accessories include a scraper tool, four brass bristle brushes, a flat surface tool, fabric steamer, window squeegee, and more. It has two steam intensity settings, and the 6-ounce water tank takes only 30 seconds to heat up before it's ready for use.

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose Heavy Duty

Photo: amazon.com

Lightweight multi-purpose products like this Depray Neat canister steam cleaner address cleaning of ceramic tiles, linoleum, hardwood, mattresses, and more. With its 9-pound weight and carrying handle, this canister is easy to move around the home and even outdoors. The corded product has a 16-foot power cord, 6.5-foot hose, and 3-foot extension tube to clean hard-to-reach locations and move around the home without constantly changing power outlets.

This steam cleaner has a 54-ounce water tank that takes about 7 minutes to heat up. At the maximum temperature, the steam cleaner produces steam at 275 degrees for a total runtime of about 50 minutes. The 17-piece kit also includes a rectangular floor tool, microfiber pads, a window tool, five nylon brushes, one brass brush, and several more accessories.

The Best Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner Option: Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop

Photo: amazon.com

The Bissell PowerFresh corded steam mop's design tackles pet messes with several different attachments intended for cleaning pet hair, scents, and stains from upholstery, flooring, and windows. It includes a bristle scrub brush, a window squeegee tool, a fabric steamer and an extension hose, plus scraping, angle, and grout tools. These attachments work on the handheld portion, not the base, but the tank lifts off easily to create a handheld steam cleaner.

This multi-purpose steam cleaner has a 13.5-ounce water tank that takes about 30 seconds to heat up to 212 degrees. It weighs about 10 pounds, allowing it to be carried around without too much effort. The steam intensity output adjusts between the high or low settings, depending on the amount of pressure needed for the job.

FAQs About Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaners

Before investing in a new multi-purpose steam cleaner, take a look at these frequently asked questions and their answers to learn more about what steam cleaner is most appropriate for keeping your home clean.

Q. Can I put vinegar in a steam cleaner?

White vinegar is a good cleaning agent that can be used in a steam cleaner for cleaning tile floors, linoleum, and vinyl, but vinegar should not be used on hardwood floors because it breaks down the finish.

Q. Does a steam cleaner kill mold?

Steam cleaners can be used to kill mold. They are great for penetrating deep into mattresses, curtains, and other fabrics.

Q. Does steam-cleaning kill bedbugs?

Steam-cleaning is a great way to kill bedbugs and their eggs. When the steam reaches a temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, contact with it becomes lethal.

Q. What should you not steam-clean?

Many different items and surfaces can be damaged by exposure to hot steam, including water-based paint, cardboard, stucco, brick, marble, silks, thin plastics, and velour upholstery.

Q. How often do I need to steam-clean my floors?

Steam-cleaning can be done once per week as part of your regular home maintenance routine, though many prefer to use a vacuum often and only steam-clean once per month.

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Options for 2021 - BobVila.com

Posted: 29 Apr 2021 07:25 AM PDT

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option

photo: istockphoto.com

Steam cleaners utilize pressurized steam from heated water to clean both soft and hard surfaces. This method requires zero cleaning solutions and chemicals, making it a preferred cleaning procedure for many health-conscious users, as well as those with sensitivities or allergies. Steam cleaning lifts away dirt and grime from upholstery and other materials while killing germs, bacteria, and pathogens, leaving behind freshened and deodorized surfaces. In addition to cleaning upholstery, steam cleaners also function well for sanitizing sealed floors, windows, tile, and other indoor and outdoor applications. Read on to learn about the best upholstery steam cleaner for your home.

  1. BEST OVERALL: LIGHT 'N' EASY Multi-Functional steam mop Steamer
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bissell Steam Shot 39N7V
  3. BEST FOR CAR UPHOLSTERY: AutoRight C900054.M Wagner Spraytech SteamMachine 
  4. BEST FOR VERSATILITY: Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop, Steamer
  5. BEST CANISTER MODEL: McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
  6. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose Heavy Duty
  7. BEST FOR SPOT CLEANING: Steamfast SF-210 Steam Cleaner with 6 Accessories
  8. BEST ACCESSORIES: COSTWAY Multipurpose Steam Cleaner, 19 Accessories
  9. BEST HANDHELD: PurSteam World's Best Steamers Handheld Cleaner
The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option

Photo: istockphoto.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner

Before purchasing an upholstery steam cleaner, it's essential to consider what your needs are. Manufacturers offer a wide array of types, sizes, water tank capacities, attachments, and accessories, each with their own benefits and optimal uses. Ahead, learn about the features that may influence your selection process as you search for the best upholstery steam cleaner to suit your purposes.

Type

Steam cleaners that work well for upholstery materials are versatile and capable of taking on many other cleaning tasks around the house. Depending on the type, steam cleaners tackle dirt, grime, and messes on both soft and hard surfaces, indoors and outdoors. Here's an overview of the types of steam cleaners available on the market, along with information about how they function for cleaning upholstery.

  • Handheld steam cleaners make upholstery cleaning easy as users simply hold the steamer units adjacent to the upholstered furniture and move them along the surface.
  • Vacuum-type steam cleaners facilitate the cleaning of floors and carpets, but many of them feature reconfiguration capability, breaking down into handheld units that work well for upholstery. Users move the handheld units along the surface of upholstery fabric for cleaning.
  • Vapor steam cleaners utilize steam from water heated to at least 240 to 260 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a low-moisture vapor that leaves minimal residual dampness. Vapor steam cleaners utilize higher temperatures than many other steam cleaners do.
  • Cylinder steam cleaners (also known as canister steam cleaners) feature steam hoses attached to the rolling cylinders or canisters that hold large-capacity water tanks for extended steam-cleaning time. Attachments for the steam hoses facilitate upholstery cleaning as users move them along the surface.
  • Garment steam cleaners feature handheld nozzles on the ends of steam hoses that attach to water tanks. The steam loosens and lifts dirt, deodorizes, and freshens upholstery fabrics on furniture as well as clothing.

Size and Weight

Consider how you plan on using your steam cleaner to determine the ideal size and weight. Larger and heavier models offer the capacity for heavy-duty cleaning and extensive cleaning sessions, while small and lightweight units offer the advantages of portability and convenience for quick cleanups.

For example, canister models are considerably larger and weigh more than handheld steam cleaners, but they offer the advantage of large-capacity water tanks that deliver continuous steam for anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes. On the other hand, a small handheld steamer weighs much less than a canister or vacuum type, but it holds less water and produces steam for only a few minutes before it requires refilling.

Corded vs. Cordless

Most steam cleaners operate on corded electrical power from standard household outlets. After the electrical power source heats the water in the cleaner's water tank to above 212 degrees Fahrenheit, creating steam, the pressurized steam is forced through a hose or a nozzle, delivering powerful cleaning action to household surfaces.

Some steam cleaners include extra-long power cords for enhanced maneuverability, allowing users to access hard-to-reach places throughout the home for cleaning and sanitizing.

While not as common as corded models, cordless steam cleaners operate on rechargeable batteries, typically 18-volt lithium-ion, to offer extra convenience and portability.

Power and Runtime

Battery runtime is not an issue for most steam cleaners, as corded electricity is the predominant power source. For those few cordless steam cleaners on the market, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide power. A fully charged battery delivers approximately 20 minutes of cordless runtime for a steam cleaner.

For corded, electric steam cleaners, the runtime is associated with the volume of water held in their tanks. Larger water tanks in canister models may produce steam for up to 90 minutes of continuous cleaning. Alternatively, the small water tanks in lightweight, handheld steam cleaners produce enough steam for approximately 8 to 10 minutes of runtime. Of course, the tanks may be refilled as often as necessary for continuous cleaning.

Heating time is another feature to consider. Related to the volume capacity of the water tanks and the power of the heating elements, heating times vary from approximately 30 seconds to 12 minutes. A faster heating time means that the water converts to steam more quickly, allowing the user to jump right into the task at hand.

Steam Settings

In the process of selecting the best steam cleaner for upholstery, shoppers may also want to consider their needs for a steamer that is capable of accomplishing other cleaning tasks. Many steam cleaners offer versatility via low, medium, and high steam pressure settings. Users can adjust the settings to facilitate cleaning various surfaces and accomplishing either light freshening jobs or the tough removal of stuck-on dirt, grime, and stains.

Cleaning upholstery requires low to medium steam pressure, depending on the type of fabric and the degree of soil. Delicate upholstery fabric should be steam-cleaned on the lowest steam setting. Thicker, more durable fabric can tolerate a medium steam setting, especially if tough stains and stuck-on messes present cleaning challenges. Manufacturers of some steam cleaners recommend their use on leather upholstery, but users should check manufacturers' information before using steam cleaners on leather furniture.

Alternatively, users can adjust the steam pressure settings to medium or high for cleaning hard surfaces. High-pressure steam works well on tile, grout, granite, stainless steel, and sealed flooring. Keep in mind that using a high-pressure setting will cause the steam to run out more quickly, resulting in the need to refill the water tank.

Tank Capacity

Every steam cleaner contains a water tank with a heating element that heats the water above 212 degrees Fahrenheit to produce steam. Handheld units include tanks that generally hold about 6 to 8 ounces of water for steam production. These are lightweight and easy to handle, but they produce steam for only about 8 to 10 minutes before the small water tanks run dry. Handheld steam cleaners are ideal for quick touch-ups and brief everyday cleaning chores.

On the other hand, users sometimes need to tackle cleaning jobs that require extended steam- producing runtimes. For these tasks, larger steam cleaners with increased water-tank capacities fill the bill.

Canister or cylinder steam cleaners feature larger water tanks that usually hold about 40 to 54 ounces of water. Heating the larger volumes of water to build up steam, these types of steam cleaners can deliver up to 90 minutes of continuous steam for extended cleaning sessions.

Maneuverability

When steam-cleaning upholstery, users must maneuver the steam-releasing units over and under the curved surfaces of furniture and into cracks and crevices. For this reason, steam cleaners with long power cords as well as extension hoses with easy to hold nozzles make the job easier. Maneuverability is a particularly valuable feature for reaching into a vehicle to clean car interiors, which are susceptible to accumulating dirt and debris.

Some steam cleaners offer power cords up to 18 feet long and steam hoses up to 8 feet long. With these features, users can direct the steam to hard-to-reach places for accurate targeting of dirt and grime.

A canister or a cylinder steam cleaner with a long extension hose allows users to reach into nooks and crannies. Alternatively, a lightweight handheld steamer with a long power cord provides up-close and targeted cleaning power.

Attachments

Many steam cleaners include attachments to facilitate cleaning a variety of objects and materials. Some common attachments include steam hoses, straight nozzles, angled nozzles, metal brushes, nylon brushes, window squeegees, mop pads, and scrapers.

For steam-cleaning upholstery, nylon brushes, steam hoses, and angled nozzles work particularly well, allowing users to maneuver the steam over, under, and around curved surfaces.

Shoppers looking for steam cleaners that can accomplish a range of cleaning jobs beyond sanitizing upholstery should take note of what attachments, if any, are included with each available steam cleaner.

Our Top Picks

The following products are some of the best on the market for steam-cleaning upholstered furniture. Chosen for their design, water tank capacities, power options, accessories, and versatility, these steam cleaners are capable of keeping upholstered furniture fresh and clean.

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option: LIGHT 'N' EASY Multi-Functional steam mop Steamer

Photo: amazon.com

Health-minded users who avoid cleaning with harsh chemicals will appreciate that this versatile steam cleaner is capable of tackling stains, odors, grime, and messes on a wide variety of surfaces, including upholstery, with nothing more than plain tap water.

Use this multifunction steam cleaner as a floor mop, then quickly modify it into a handheld steamer with the hose and brush attachments for cleaning fabric and leather upholstery as well as clothing. Remove the hose, and the handheld unit sprays steam directly onto surfaces for cleansing and sanitizing.

For safety and peace of mind, steam escapes only when the user activates the smart switch and touch sensor, which both function to prevent accidental steam release.

In its fully assembled floor-mop configuration, the Light 'n' Easy steam cleaner measures 46.4 inches tall by 11.8 inches wide and 6.8 deep, and it weighs 6.3 pounds.

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option: Bissell Steam Shot 39N7V

Photo: amazon.com

For a budget-friendly price, this handheld steamer from Bissell cleans multiple surfaces in the home, including upholstery. An easy-to-press trigger activates the release of high-pressure steam capable of eliminating 99 percent of household germs and bacteria. Additionally, the action of high-pressure steam delivers 100 percent chemical-free cleaning, keeping surfaces safe for pets and children.

A 6.6-ounce water tank provides ample capacity to accomplish small cleaning jobs before refilling. The water heats up in only 30 seconds, allowing users to jump right into everyday cleaning chores. This diminutive handheld steam cleaner measures 5 inches by 9.5 inches by 8.5 inches and weighs only 3.83 pounds. An included accessory kit features a nozzle, a flat scraping tool, a grout brush, an angle concentrator, and three color-coded brushes.

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option: AutoRight C900054.M Wagner Spraytech SteamMachine

Photo: amazon.com

Get more enjoyment out of driving by keeping the car's interior clean and free of unpleasant odors with the AutoRight steamer from Wagner Spraytech. This steam-cleaning machine is well suited for sanitizing car upholstery, floor mats, dashboards, and other surfaces.

Featuring a canister design, this steamer includes an 8-foot steam hose for accessing those hard-to-reach places, as well as 11 attachments, including multiple nozzles and brushes. A built-in carrying handle facilitates portability for the 9.75-pound unit.

The water tank holds up to 40 ounces of distilled water (not regular tap water). A 1500-watt heating element heats the water to 290 degrees Fahrenheit for a maximum steam pressure of 55 pounds per square inch (psi). When starting with a full water tank, this machine can provide users with 35 to 45 minutes of continuous steam cleaning.

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option: Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop, Steamer

Photo: amazon.com

This steam-cleaning unit from Bissell is designed with versatility in mind. In its fully assembled form, it functions as a heavy-duty floor mop. Alternatively, users can detach the canister and deploy it along with the extension hose and attachments for steam-cleaning upholstery, pet beds, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and a variety of other surfaces.

An included tool bag holds a set of 13 accessories for a broad array of cleaning applications. The included fabric steamer attachment works especially well with the handheld portion of this steam cleaner for cleansing, deodorizing, and sanitizing upholstery.

Water in the 12-ounce tank heats up in a mere 30 seconds, producing steam that kills up to 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria. The 25-foot power cord facilitates steam cleaning even the most hard-to-reach places. This steam mop measures 13.2 inches by 11.4 inches by 44.7 inches and weighs 10.6 pounds.

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option: McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner

Photo: amazon.com

Thanks to its canister design, this steamer houses a large-capacity water tank that delivers up to 90 minutes of continuous steam-cleaning power. The tank holds 48 ounces of regular tap water, and it heats to more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit in under 12 minutes.

The on-demand, variable steam-flow system allows users to dial in an exact steam flow from low pressure up to 58 pounds per square inch (psi). Accessing hard-to-reach spaces is easy thanks to an 18-foot power cord and a 10-foot steam hose.

With 20 included accessories, this unit can take on a multitude of housecleaning tasks. In addition to refreshing upholstery, this steamer works on ceramic tile, sealed flooring, grout, and more. It measures 15.55 inches by 12.13 inches by 10.5 inches and weighs 10.78 pounds.

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose Heavy Duty

Photo: amazon.com

When it comes to taking on big cleaning jobs, this large-capacity steam cleaner should do the trick. Thanks to the combination of a portable, cube-shaped unit containing an impressive 54-ounce water tank, 16-foot power cord, and 6.5-foot steam hose, the Dupray steamer is capable of delivering 50 minutes of continuous steam with ample maneuverability to reach furniture and surfaces throughout the home. The wheels on this steam cleaner allow for smooth rolling from room to room, and a retractable handle makes carrying this 9-pound unit a breeze.

Water in the tank heats to 275 degrees Fahrenheit in only 7 minutes, producing steam that kills 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens in upholstery, bedding, and other household surfaces.

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option: Steamfast SF-210 Steam Cleaner with 6 Accessories

Photo: amazon.com

When those everyday oops moments occur, this convenient steam cleaner makes short work of sanitizing household surfaces, including upholstery. The 6-ounce water tank heats up in just 3 minutes, producing 8 minutes of pressurized steam for removing 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria.

Despite its small size—it weighs just 2.6 pounds—this handheld cleaner is surprisingly versatile. Use one of the six included attachments for cleaning upholstered furniture as well as a wide array of hard surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms. A 12.5-foot power cord allows for easy maneuverability, while the 28-inch extension hose offers even greater capacity for reaching out-of-the-way surfaces and overlooked crevices.

This portable and compact steam cleaner measures only 8.25 inches by 5.5 inches by 10.5 inches, making it an excellent choice for those who are short on storage space.

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option: COSTWAY Multipurpose Steam Cleaner, 19 Accessories

Photo: amazon.com

This multipurpose steam cleaner includes 19 attachments which make it capable of taking on a variety of cleaning tasks around the home. When it comes to cleaning upholstery, the steam jet nozzle and nylon brushes are especially helpful. Functional accessories such as a mophead, brass utility brushes, a scrubbing pad, and a squeegee facilitate cleaning and sanitizing not only upholstery, but also sealed floors, bathroom tile, kitchen appliances, and children's toys. The 16-foot power cord and 79-inch steam hose, as well as the wheels, a rolling caster, and ergonomically designed curved handle, offer ample maneuverability for reaching numerous surfaces in the home.

In addition to removing dirt, grime, spills, and messes, this steam cleaner sanitizes household surfaces. Unseen and undesirable intruders such as germs, bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and bedbugs are no match for the 226-degree Fahrenheit pressurized steam.

The Costway steam cleaner holds 52 ounces of water in its tank, heating it to produce steam in under 10 minutes. It delivers 45 minutes of continuous steam-cleaning time. The unit measures 17 inches by 11 inches by 14 inches and weighs 10.8 pounds.

The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner Option: PurSteam World's Best Steamers Handheld Cleaner

Photo: amazon.com

Weighing in at just 2.2 pounds, this portable steam cleaner provides convenient and chemical-free cleaning for a variety of household surfaces both indoors and out. The 9.8-foot power cord allows users to maneuver throughout the home with ease.

This versatile unit includes nine accessories for handling a range of cleaning tasks. In particular, the included extension hose, a nylon brush, an ironing brush, and an angled nozzle provide efficient cleaning action for upholstery. Additional accessories facilitate targeted cleaning of ceramic tile, granite tile, washable wallpaper, and more. The water heats up to 289.4 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, producing pressurized steam for cleaning mattresses, bedding, furniture, and draperies. Its convenient size and handheld design also make it an optimal choice for cleaning up spills and pet accidents. Use it on hard surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens to eliminate hard water deposits or to sanitize food-preparation areas.

FAQs About Your New Upholstery Steam Cleaner

With a steam cleaner, you can clean upholstery without strong detergents, cleaning solutions, or chemicals. Using small handheld steamers or larger units with extension hoses and nozzles, you can cleanse and deodorize even the most hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of upholstered furniture and car interiors. For a healthier home environment, steam-cleaning the upholstery delivers peace of mind by removing germs, mold, bacteria, and bedbugs. The answers to the following frequently asked questions may assist you as you begin to use your new upholstery steam cleaner.

Q. What surfaces can a steam cleaner be used on?

Steam cleaners can be used on both hard and soft household surfaces, including upholstery, clothing, sealed flooring, ceramic tile, grout, stainless steel, and more.

Q. Do upholstery steam cleaners utilize chemicals?

No. The primary reason for using steam cleaners is that the cleaning action comes from pressurized steam created by heated water, which contains zero cleaning solutions or chemicals.

Q. Should hot or cold water be put in a steam cleaner?

Pour cold water into the tank of the steam cleaner. The heating element will heat the water to produce steam.

Q. Does steam-cleaning kill bugs?

Yes. Steam-cleaning kills bedbugs on the surface of mattresses and bedding as well as those embedded ¾-inch deep into the fabric surfaces.

Q. How long should upholstery be steam-cleaned?

Hold the steamer nozzle on the upholstered surface to release the steam, but keep it moving. Don't hold the nozzle in one place so long that the upholstery becomes damp.

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