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Best Steam Cleaners That Will Change the Way You Clean & Disinfect Your Home

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 21 Jul 2022

Moldy growths, grease buildups, and dusty surfaces are never a good look for any household or property. But, grime and gunk have a way of accumulating in the most unexpected corners and surfaces of your homes. No matter how obsessed you are with the cleanliness and hygiene of your environment, these common pollutants can easily evade your vigilant efforts. That’s not even worse! Another housekeeping challenge for homeowners is the growth of invisible germs and bacteria. In a pandemic-battling world, maintaining clean and sparkling surfaces is more important than ever and steam cleaners are the way to go. 

No more wasting hours and muscles on using vacuums, manual brushes, and mops; because steam cleaners are way more convenient and effective. What’s great is that they come in all sizes, shapes, and functioning. The high-pressure heat cleaning system of the best functioning steam cleaners will disinfect the surfaces and eliminate gunk with a single wipe. Now we know the prospect of effortless cleaning has got you buzzing to buy the next best steam cleaner that is up for grabs. 

However, with so many options available to choose from, finding your perfect steam cleaning equipment can seem daunting. That’s why we have rounded up a selection of the highest-rated steam cleaners in 2022 along with a helpful buyer's guide.

Top Pick
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Pure Enrichment Steam Cleaner
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Runner Up
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Wagner Spraytech Steam Cleaner
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Honorable Mention
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Shark Steam Cleaner
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Contender
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Dupray Steam Cleaner
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Great for Durability
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McCulloch Steam Cleaner
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Affordable Option
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BISSELL Steam Cleaner
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Multipurpose
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PurSteam Steam Cleaner
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Show contents
Premium Steam Cleaner of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
  • 1 Pure Enrichment Steam Cleaner
  • 2 Wagner Spraytech Steam Cleaner
  • 3 Shark Steam Cleaner
  • 4 Dupray Steam Cleaner
  • 5 McCulloch Steam Cleaner
  • 6 BISSELL Steam Cleaner
  • 7 PurSteam Steam Cleaner

Finding Your Next Steam Cleaner: A Buyer's Guide

All of them produce steam! All of them clean the grime! But then the question arises of which steam cleaner is the right fit for you. When deciding upon a steam cleaner, you must determine the type of equipment you need along with other important considerations to factor in. Let's explore that.

The Sustainable and Safe Cleaning Tool: Steam Cleaners

With the pandemic around, steam cleaners are a must-have in every home. We know that heat kills all the germs and invisible microbial growths. So, from that perspective investing in a sturdy steam cleaner is a wise investment. Secondly, these cleaning tools are extremely versatile and multipurpose, which considerably cuts down the cleanup and sanitization time to a minimum. Additionally, they are an environment-friendly and hygienic solution to keep your home sparkly and disease-free.

Steam cleaners operate on distilled or tap water reducing the use of harmful and toxic detergents and chemicals. Therefore, it is perfect to use in a kid and pet-friendly home. 

Which Type of Steam Cleaner Is Good?

Nowadays, many kinds of steam cleaners are available with various specs and functioning mechanisms. Finding a steam cleaner depends on selecting the right type of variant based on your needs. Besides, the steam cleaner that fulfills your requirements is the best one. There are 4 major types of steam cleaners you can choose from. 

  • The portable option: Handheld steam cleaner

This type of steam cleaner is great when you are on a budget and tight on storage space. It takes up a small space in your home, but makes dusting and wiping the surfaces an effortless process. This steaming device will reach the tiny corners that the big steamers cannot reach.

You should not spend on handheld steam cleaners if the goal is to wipe down enormous floors. This option is great for keeping the unwanted organisms and stains at bay with heat.

  •  For sparkling clean floors: Steam mop

This affordable, easy-to-use type steam cleaner usually comes with an attached stick. Cleaning with an upright steam mop is easy, and it takes minimal storage space. You can wipe and sanitize your home with just the flick of your arm muscles without hurting your back.

However, know that reaching hard spots will require additional accessories and attachments.

  • The all-in-one multipurpose solution: Steam cleaners with cylinders

This steam cleaner is a treat for obsessive cleaners, as it is perfect for almost every cleaning job that there is. This versatile device comes with multiple attachments but also boasts a heavy price tag. Steam cleaners with cylinders have large water tanks allowing a steady stream of heat. 

This type of steam cleaner takes too much space and is difficult to move around the small house. It's quite heavy as well.

  • The elevated cleaning option: Vapor steam cleaner

When you want an extremely fast-drying steam cleaner, then opt for a Vapor Steamer. This type of steam cleaner instantly turns the heat to vapor resulting in fast cleanup and zero drying time or dampness issues. It’s similar to a cylinder steam cleaner in design but elevated in terms of mechanism. That’s why it's expensive as well.

What Specifications Should Be a Must in Your Steam Cleaner?

There are certain specs and features that should be included in the criteria checklist when you are looking for steam cleaner options. One of the most important categories of specs is safety functions. 

  • A steam cleaner should include child safety locks to prevent any accidental injuries.
  • The water level indicator display on the tanks makes it easier to refill the steam cleaner.
  • An automated shut-off mechanism in case of overheating enhances the safety experience.
  • A dedicated storage compartment for the accessories makes it easier to use and store.   

Essential Factors To Consider While Buying the Perfect Steam Cleaner

Now this section can be extensive, but for your ease, we’ll keep it concise.

  • Carefully research and identify your needs before purchasing your steam cleaner. Thoroughly read through the reviews.
  • Choose the right type of steam cleaner. For instance, if you want to mop large floors and halls, handheld steam cleaners are not your answer. You will need a vertical steam mop.
  • The cost depends on the functionality and mechanism of your steam cleaner. A more sophisticated model will cost you more but it will also have better specs. However, if you only have space for a handheld steam cleaner, investing in a cylindrical steam cleaner will be a mistake.
  • Pay attention to the water tank capacity. If you find constant refilling a hassle, then opt for a bigger steam cleaner with a larger tank capacity.

Premium Steam Cleaner of 2022 Reviewed in Detail

1

Pure Enrichment Steam Cleaner

– Top Pick
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THE SCOOP

One of the biggest attractions of investing in Pure Enrichment steam cleaners is that they can clean, anything and everything. From hardwood, tiled, and cemented surfaces to various materials such as metal, glass, ceramic, marble, and granite; this nifty steam cleaner is your go-to companion. Not only that, this multipurpose cleaning tool will handle all your dirty upholstered furniture, mattresses, household accessories, and items. The word multipurpose is an understatement, this steam cleaner will definitely wipe clean anything that you can imagine.

You have nooks and crannies that are hard to reach, or you have congested and dark areas in your house that are hard to wipe down. Then PureClean steam cleaner is the tool for the job. Because the 16-foot long cord enhances the moveability and multiple attachment options will reach the toughest spots that you cannot. With a 1.5 liter capacity of a water tank, you will get 45minutes of a consistent steam shower reaching up to 98℉ temperature.

Pros
  • Multiple attachments with squeegee and nozzle make cleaning and sanitizing a breeze
  • The steam lock switch mechanism saves you the hassle of pressing the power button for extended times
  • The long cord comes with a built-in wrap mechanism
Cons
  • Does not show the water level in the tanks
  • No storage compartment for attachments
2

Wagner Spraytech Steam Cleaner

– Runner Up
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THE SCOOP

Stop scrubbing surfaces with hard detergents and chemicals, only to get frustrated with stains and zero results. Invest in AutoRight Wagner Spraytech SteamMachine if you are tired of manual cleaning tools and ordinary vacuums. It will give a new life to any dirty and grimy surface or object. Within 10 minutes to reach the 290℉ temperature, this pressurized steam cleaner will sanitize your surfaces and cut through the gunk like magic. 

The long steam hose and an entire set of 11 different attachments will heat up and dissolve the dust and stains like they never existed. 40 oz of distilled and a long steam hose on this cleaning device will refresh and revamp the soiled and mucky areas. Use nozzles to concentrate the steam on specific areas with gunk accumulation and brushes to scrub away stubborn stains with the help of hot steam. This steam cleaner is extremely versatile.

Pros
  • A lightweight and compact design with a flexible steaming hose
  • Effortless clean-up
  • Vaporized high-heating steam is fast and efficient
Cons
  • The nozzles get extremely hot
  • The water reservoir is considerably small
3

Shark Steam Cleaner

– Honorable Mention
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THE SCOOP

Have you been a victim of streaky floors and dust-filled crevices, even after busting your muscles with manual mops? Then you need this steaming mop by Shark Genius. It will give you stainless and sparkling floors like they were laid out just yesterday. How does the Shark Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System do that? This steaming mop contains a dual-sided microfiber cloth pad reinforced with hot steam that wipes away the dust and grime in a hassle-free manner.

The washable pads can be used multiple times and are released with just a flick of a button. So, you do not have to worry about touching and handling the dirt-soaked pads. The circular handlebar and the long wand at the top of the mop make it extremely easy to use. The steam cleaner will give a new life to your hardwood floors.

Pros
  • Swipes the floor clean; fast & efficient
  • The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver
  • Variable steam setting levels
  • Affordable price compared to similar products
Cons
  • Requires pad replacement more often than not
  • The cord is a bit short
4

Dupray Steam Cleaner

– Contender
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THE SCOOP

When you want streamlined design and reliable functionality in one product, Dupray steam cleaner should be on your wishlist. If you want your home rid of common pests, bedbugs, and microbial growths, unleash the 275°F temperature of steam. This deep cleaning steam cleaner will speed up the cleaning process with its flexible steam hose and a retractable handle.

With a tank capacity of 1600 ml, the Dupray steam cleaner gives a 50-minutes long clean-time. With the continuous steam shower, 5m long cord, and rolling wheels, this design variant is one of the best steam cleaners. Turn this steam machine on to refresh and sanitize your home environment.

Pros
  • The kit contains a 17 piece attachment
  • Can clean up and revive any surface and object covered in muck and gunk
  • The steam cleaner has a 2-year warranty along with a lifetime guarantee on the boiler
  • Fine steam output with low moisture
Cons
  • Takes a long time to fill the tank
  • Steam condensation around the attachment gaps can cause some leakage
5

McCulloch Steam Cleaner

– Great for Durability
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THE SCOOP

With so many options of steam cleaners available, you will appreciate McCulloch Delux Canister Steam Cleaner for its sturdy build and amazing mobility. The 23 accessories aside, this steam cleaner gives new meaning to power cleaning and design aesthetics. This ‘mean’ machine with 64 oz capacity releases 120 minute minutes of fine-mist of steam to wipe any germ and dirt.

This safety-approved steam cleaner will exterminate unwanted organisms and microbial growths. It can get rid of festering grout lines, greasy grills, or dusty vehicles easily. The temperature of the canister steam cleaner goes up to 200°F. From mopping floors to wiping surfaces and scrubbing the grime, McCulloch steam cleaner is your all-in-one answer.

Pros
  • Convenient storage compartment for accessories
  • Steam pressure display
  • Two extension wands allow you to reach the unreachable spots
Cons
  • The wheels can cause the machine to tip over sometimes
  • Takes at least 15 minutes to warm up and produce steam
6

BISSELL Steam Cleaner

– Affordable Option
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Check On Amazon
THE SCOOP

This handy steam cleaner is an affordable and portable option. This chemical-free, effective cleaning tool does not cause any harm. So, whether it’s the bedbugs, fleas, mold, or invisible bacteria, this steam cleaner will eliminate all. This Bissell variant will turn your darkened grout lines back to their former glory. It is extremely adaptable for precise and focused cleaning. You can easily get to all hard-to-reach spots.

Best of all! This steam cleaner heats in a matter of minutes, so you do not have to wait once the tank fills up. SteamShot hard surface cleaner gives a decent run time of 12 minutes with the limited capacity water tank.

Pros
  • Easy to handle
  • Extremely user-friendly and affordable
  • Lightweight and perfect for cleaning up small and tight spaces
Cons
  • The steam gets cold from a distance
  • Does not include an expandable hose
7

PurSteam Steam Cleaner

– Multipurpose
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Check On Amazon
THE SCOOP

How amazing is a steam cleaner that would mop the floors, wipe the surface and steam iron your fabrics at the same time with different attachments? PurSteam’s cleaning tool is truly multipurpose and quite efficient. This steam cleaner can be used as a standing mop or handheld device as well. So big or small, no surface is unreachable with this nifty equipment. Unlike many other brands and variants that specifically require distilled water, the steam mop cleaner can easily function with tap water.

From sticky carpets to slippery hardwood and laminate floors, this steam cleaner cuts the cleaning effort and time in half. Plus, it reduces chemical usage to zero.

Pros
  • Hybrid model with mop mechanism and handheld cleaning option
  • Makes the surfaces extremely shiny
  • The water tank heats up fast and quickly produces steam
Cons
  • The attachments are flimsy
  • The cord size is short

People Also Asked

Q: How do steam cleaners work?

A: The distilled water in tanks heats and releases steam onto the dirty surfaces. The pressurized water vapor or steam melts the dirt and kills the germs.

Q: Do steam cleaners make too much noise?

A: Compared to conventional vacuums, steam cleaners are quieter. However, they do produce some level of noise, which varies from model to model. If noisy steam cleaners bother you then look for a variant that mentions lower decibel levels.

Q: Can steam cleaners work on any surface?

A: Steam cleaners can work on the majority of surfaces such as hardwood floors, countertops, laminate surfaces, vinyl floors, ceramic tiles, upholstery fabrics, and leather.

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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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