We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Home Cleaning Cleaning Products The 9 Best Steam Cleaners, According to Our Tests Deep clean nearly all home surfaces without harsh chemicals. By Kat de Naoum Kat de Naoum Kat is a writer, editor, author, SEO specialist, and mother based in the UK. She has over 10 years of commerce writing experience and has written for a variety of publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, Food & Wine, Southern Living, Shape, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents, and Parenting. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 13, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More Steam Cleaners to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Real Simple / Tamara Staples The rising interest in sustainable household cleaning products has made the mighty steam cleaner a home staple for many. In addition to cleaning, this machine can sanitize and disinfect various compatible surfaces, including carpets and some hardwood floors, without the use of harsh chemical detergents. This is particularly helpful for those with allergies or sensitivities, pets, or kids. The steam cleaner uses just water, which it heats to a very high temperature in order to create steam that’s released through a nozzle at whatever surface you direct it. The steam’s heat and pressure are great at loosening dirt, grime, stains, and even tougher stuck-on muck, and the moisture helps to dissolve and lift them away. The heat can also help kill bacteria and pests. We tested 19 popular steam cleaners in our Des Moines lab, thoroughly vetting all available settings and provided attachments to narrow it down to the top nine. Each steam cleaner’s efficiency, ease of use, weight, portability, water tank capacity, safety, and overall value for money were considered. We also spoke to Will Cotter, COO and co-founder of cleaning companies DeluxeMaid and HappyCleans, for advice on what to look for when shopping for a steam cleaner. Our Top Picks Best Overall: McCulloch Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner at Amazon ($150) Jump to Review Best Budget: Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner at Amazon ($37) Jump to Review Best for Everyday Cleaning: Bissell PowerFresh Slim Steam Mop at Amazon ($165) Jump to Review Best for Glass: McCulloch Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner at Amazon ($200) Jump to Review Best for Grout: Wagner Spraytech On-Demand Steam Cleaner at Amazon ($145) Jump to Review Best Steam Mop: PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop at Amazon ($80) Jump to Review Best Steam Control: Steamfast Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner at Amazon ($190) Jump to Review Best Versatile: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner at Amazon ($150) Jump to Review Best Powerful: Dupray One Steam Cleaner at Dupray.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall McCulloch Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $150 View On Walmart $150 View On Kohls.com $150 What Stands Out It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, has a simple push-button attachment changing process, and efficiently cleans various surfaces. What Could Be Improved There’s no external water level indicator, and the locking button for continuous steam was a bit challenging to use, potentially affecting longer cleaning sessions. The McCulloch Steam Cleaner is a lightweight yet heavy-duty machine that comes equipped with several attachments, including extension wands, a mop head, and several different brushes. There’s also a steam jet nozzle and a measuring cup and funnel that makes it easy to fill. Its water capacity of 48 ounces provides enough steam for extended cleaning sessions. During testing, this unit effectively cleaned various messes with ease. Changing attachments was a breeze due to its user-friendly push-down button mechanism—all attachments slid on and off effortlessly. Its plastic components stayed comfortably cool during operation, but wearing gloves is advised. The noise is minimal, and there’s a convenient warming indicator light. There’s no external water level indicator on this model, so you need to carefully measure the water before adding it so as not to inadvertently overfill the tank. While useful, the locking button for continuous steam proved somewhat challenging to use, but this did not significantly detract from the overall cleaning experience. At around $150, this model is simple to use and an excellent value for money. It’s comfortable handle also serves as storage for all the attachments. Weight: 12 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 48 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Ceramic tile, grout, granite, sealed wood flooring, laminate, countertops, appliances, grills, vehicles | Attachments: 19-inch extension wand (x2), mop head, triangle brush, brass utility brush, nylon utility brush (x5), steam jet nozzle, 8.5-inch squeegee, scrub pad, microfiber pad (x2) Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Budget Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner View On Amazon $37 View On Bissell.com What Stands Out It’s compact, easy to move around the house, and effective at loosening grime in corners and on surfaces. What Could Be Improved It’s a little uncomfortable to hold for extended periods, and the steam sputtered. With its mini price tag and compact design, the Bissell SteamShot Deluxe Hard Surface Steam Cleaner gets the job done. Its small size makes it easy to move around and store, and it comes with seven attachments for different surfaces and cleaning tasks. You also get a measuring cup so you don’t accidentally overfill it, although the absence of a water level indicator means you’ll have to wait till it’s out of steam before you’re able to safely refill it. A wide nozzle attachment is included for cleaning mirrors and windows. The SteamShot Deluxe is lightweight at just 3.8 pounds, and the attached handle makes it even easier to carry. The location of the activating button compared to the handle makes it a little awkward to use, however. Although it was good at loosening grime that was stuck in corners and cleaning grout and tiles, we did have a few issues (although, considering its low price, maybe we shouldn’t complain). Firstly, we noticed that the attachments get quite hot, so you have to wait for them to cool down before swapping them out. Also, after a few uses, the machine’s steam output started to become inconsistent and occasionally spat out excess water. We think that this model is sufficient for occasional cleans, but if you’re looking for a machine that can live up to daily use and tackle copious amounts of dirt, you might want to keep on scrolling. Weight: 3.83 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 6.6 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Tile, grout, kitchen, and bathroom surfaces | Attachments: Jet nozzle, color-coded round bristle brush (x3), grout tool, flat scraper tool, angle concentrator tool Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best for Everyday Cleaning Bissell PowerFresh Slim Steam Mop Amazon View On Amazon $165 View On Walmart $30 View On Macy's $165 What Stands Out It comes with a variety of easy-to-switch attachments, has a see-through water tank and quick heating time, and is comfortable to hold and use. What Could Be Improved The attachments get quite hot immediately after use, and it requires continuous pressing of a button for steam release, which might be challenging for extended periods. The ergonomic, lightweight, and easy-to-use Bissell Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop is certain to become your go-to for quick, everyday cleans. This versatile unit is a steam mop, extended steam cleaner, and handheld steam cleaner in one. It comes with an array of attachments, a measuring cup for precise water filling, and a see-through water tank to monitor the water level. It also has a wide opening for spill-free refills. We found this machine to be effective at cleaning the various surfaces we tested it on. The bristle brushes tackled grime on tiles and grout without much effort, and the flat scraper tool removed stubborn messes. The grout tool was great at reaching narrow spaces, but the angle concentrator tool for window tracks was a little messy to use as it splattered all the grime and steam everywhere. The locking attachment system is simple, and there are clear indicators to ensure they’re securely in place. The handheld pod has a comfortable design and a well placed steam-release button, but it did take us a little while to figure out how to detach it from the extension wand. The attachments also get quite hot to the touch after use, so you have to wait for them to cool down before swapping, otherwise you may want to wear thick gloves. Other than that, it’s lightweight and easy to use and move around. It operates quietly, offers a quick heat-up time, and has clear readiness indicators. There’s also ample cord length so you can access every corner of the house. Weight: 6.12 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 11.8 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Bare floors, sealed hard floors, pet beds, countertops, clothing, children's toys | Attachments: Grout tool, angle tool, flat scraper tool, bristle scrub brush, flat surface tool with mop pad, clothing steamer tool, red bristle scrub brush Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best for Glass McCulloch Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $200 View On Walmart $249 View On Macy's $229 What Stands Out The attachments are easy to switch out, it’s simple to fill, has a comfortable handle, and handy indicator lights let you know when it’s ready for use. What Could Be Improved Although it has wheels, it’s the size of a small suitcase, which can make maneuvering in tight spaces challenging. With its convenient 9-inch squeegee, the McCulloch Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner is our top choice for cleaning glass and makes particularly quick work of washing windows—we cleaned a dirty panel of stained glass in less than a minute with just one pass. But the perks don’t end there. For starters, it comes with 23 different attachments and has variable steam control for cleaning almost any surface you can think of using the correct amount of pressure. During testing, it effortlessly lifted dirt, grime, and stains, and it effectively loosened dirt. This made it easy to wipe surfaces clean without having to scrub excessively or make much of an effort. Switching between attachments was smooth sailing (the nozzle and attachments feature a clever octagon pattern to slot them into place), and there’s an extra-large water tank that can last for up to 120 minutes of continuous cleaning. There’s also a 4-bar pressure indicator to let you know how hot and powerful the steam will be, plus a readiness indicator light. The large mop head attachment swiftly cleans sealed flooring, and the utility brushes are great for grout, grills, outdoor furniture, and a whole lot more. We loved the top-fill design and included cup, which made refills a cinch. The unit’s noise level during operation is low, as well (we could hold a normal conversation without having to shout). The attachments do heat up during use but remain comfortably warm to the touch. Note that this suitcase-sized cleaner is a little on the bulky side. It’s designed to be wheeled to your preferred location then stood upright, but this does make it prone to tipping over. Weight: 13 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 64 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Ceramic tile, grout, granite, sealed wood flooring, laminate, appliances, grills, vehicles, outdoor furniture | Attachments: Floor mop head, mop pad (x2), bristle brush, 4.5-inch brush (x6), 4-inch triangle brush, angled nozzle, jet nozzle, round scrub pad (x2), 3-inch scraper, 9-inch squeegee, round brush (x2), nylon utility brush (x2), brass utility brush (x2), 16.5-inch extension wand (x2) Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best for Grout Wagner Spraytech On-Demand Steam Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $145 View On Walmart $145 View On Home Depot $145 Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.8/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Portability 4.3/5 Value 4.8/5 What Stands Out It has a powerful steam output, offers quick setup and attachment swapping, is easy to maneuver, and is comfortable to hold without causing hand fatigue. What Could Be Improved Its short cord limits mobility, there’s no water level indicator, and the hose is a little flimsy with the tendency to kink. If the grout in your bathroom or kitchen has seen better days, we recommend the Wagner Spraytech On-Demand Steam Cleaner. It offers a powerful steam output, user-friendly features, and versatility. Its 18 attachments include a jet nozzle and nylon and brass utility brushes that effectively lifted dirt and grime from tile surfaces, restoring grout lines to their original condition. Other attachments include a large cleaning brush that can be used with the microfiber mop pad to clean and disinfect floors. The squeegee head was great for glass panels, and the jet nozzle cleaned out windowsill groves. It also comes with a microfiber bonnet for steam-cleaning fabric. There’s a slight learning curve when it comes to these attachments, but once you get the hang of it, they pop on and off via the simple connector button on the extension handle. Indicator lights let you know when it’s on and ready to use. This unit has a large water tank with a screw-on cap for easy refilling, but there’s no fill indicator. The steamer produces a notable white noise hiss, but we could still talk over it without shouting. The short cord does limit movement, but you can always add an extension cord. The hose is a little flimsy and would kink if we didn't make sure to keep it untwisted, but otherwise we had no trouble moving this steamer around and using it either standing or kneeling. Weight: 13.3 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 40 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Kitchen appliances, walls, toilets, countertops, floors, windows | Attachments: Wallpaper steam plate, large cleaning brush, mop pad, window and tile squeegee, fabric steamer, microfiber bonnet, jet nozzle, straight adapter, nylon utility brush (x4), brass utility brush (x2), fill funnel, angled adapter, extension pole (x2) Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Steam Mop PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Amazon View On Amazon $80 View On Walmart $80 View On Pursteam.com What Stands Out It’s lightweight and easy to move around, effective on hard stains, and has a clear water tank for easily monitoring the water level. What Could Be Improved There’s no trigger for steam control, the attachments aren’t as easy to swap out as some other models, and it feels somewhat uncomfortable to hold. Looking for a good steam mop to safely clean various floor types? We recommend the lightweight, efficient, and budget-friendly PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1, which offers an excellent blend of convenience and performance. This machine has a clearly visible water tank, and although the description says it takes up to 30 seconds to heat up, we found it ready to go in just nine. This steam cleaner made us proud when it came to hard stains, particularly the mud masks on tiles that it cleaned in a couple of passes. Its powerful steam output, along with the included microfiber pad attachment for glass cleaning, got our windows and glass surfaces sparkling. The steam was able to push through the pad to steam the glass, while the microfiber absorbed the liquid. The squeegee attachment then did a stellar job of wiping down the excess water. It converts from mop to cleaner easily, but its design made it somewhat awkward and uncomfortable to hold—almost like the handle was in my way. We also would have preferred a trigger instead of having to turn it off every time we needed to put it down. We found that the attachments weren’t as simple to swap out as with some other models, but we did appreciate its stable base that prevents it from tipping over. Overall, the PurSteam offers good value for its performance and features vs. price. Weight: 2.2 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 380 milliliters/0.012 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Hardwood floor, tiles, grout, laminate floor, carpet | Attachments: Steam mop cleaning pad (x2), small brush, large brush, double brush, angle nozzle, scrape tool, squeegee, garment cloth Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Steam Control Steamfast Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $190 View On Wayfair $190 View On Home Depot $190 What Stands Out Its easy filling process, simple conversion between modes, comfortable handle, and adjustable and lockable steam control. What Could Be Improved It’s not great on grout. Thanks to its trigger-operated system and lock button, the Steamfast SF-375 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner offers exceptional steam control—something that a lot of other models lack. There’s a dial for adjusting the unit’s steam levels according to the surface and the mess you’re dealing with, and there’s a handy button to lock your setting once you’ve got the perfect amount of steam going. This low-noise machine is lightweight and has wheels to move it around from room to room. It comes with 18 attachments and, as per our testing, takes just under 15 minutes to fully heat up. Its large-capacity water tank allows for up to 90 minutes of continuous use, the handle is comfortable to hold, and filling the tank is uncomplicated with the included measuring cup and funnel. There’s no exterior water level, but the water tank is clear so you can easily monitor it. Attachment changes are safe and fairly trouble free, and the machine can convert to a mop for cleaning floors with the large mop head attachment and microfiber pads. You can also clean windows with the squeegee. We loved the 10-foot hose and 17-foot power cord, which gave us plenty of slack and no need for an extension cable. There’s also a cord caddy for tidy storage. For its higher price tag, we were slightly underwhelmed with its performance on grout, which required multiple passes to clean thoroughly, but it cleaned other surfaces wonderfully. Weight: 10.7 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 48 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Ceramic tile, grout, granite, sealed wood flooring, laminate, appliances, grills, vehicles | Attachments: Nylon utility brush (x2), brass utility brush, round scrub pad (x2), round brush, jet and angled nozzle, scraper, squeegee, extension wand (x2), large mop head, microfiber pad, scrubbing microfiber pad Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Versatile Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Amazon View On Amazon $150 View On Walmart $150 View On Home Depot $150 What Stands Out It impressively cleans grout, window sills, and glass, and it has wheels to aid portability. What Could Be Improved There’s no clear water level indicator, and the initial setup required a funnel, which wasn’t provided. For a powerful machine that can be used on bathroom and kitchen surfaces, cars, and mattresses, try the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. While testing this reasonably priced unit, we found it to be effective at cleaning grout, glass, and floors as well as accessing hard-to-reach areas. It effortlessly converts from a steam cleaner to a steam mop, and attachment switching is simple—each one snaps securely into place, and their temperature stays comfortable to the touch. The small brush attachment was remarkable for detailed cleaning and got rid of stains from tiles and grout lines. Despite being powerful, it operates quietly. The intuitive trigger operation, along with the comfortable handle with adjustable length, make it easy to use even during longer cleaning sessions. Its steam lance (which resembles the ones you find on pressure washers) cleaned away dirt on windowsills, although it did produce some splatter that needed wiping. Filling the water reservoir is a piece of cake, but there’s no clear water level indicator. You’re also supposed to use a funnel, which isn’t included. The wheeled base allows it to be rolled around smoothly, and its cube-shaped design makes for convenient storage. It comes with 17 accessories and attachments, and there’s also a two-year warranty, with a lifetime warranty on the boiler. Weight: 9 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 54 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Sealed wood floors, stone/ceramic tiles, grout, kitchen, windows, mirrors, furniture, mattresses, vehicles | Attachments: Window tool, triangle tool, steam lance, floor tool, nylon brush (x5), brass brush, microfiber pad (x3), microfiber cloth, bonnet, extension wand (x2) Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Powerful Dupray One Steam Cleaner Dupray View On Dupray.com What Stands Out It quickly and effectively cleans all suitable surfaces, is easy to fill and switch out attachments, and has a safety lock to prevent burns. What Could Be Improved It needs to be horizontal for accurate operation, a detail not clearly indicated in the instructions. With 120 volts of steam cleaning power, the Dupray One Steam Cleaner is so efficient that it can even be used in professional or commercial settings. Its intuitive design made it easy to switch out its 16 included attachments, and its safety lock feature prevented steam release during attachment changes, minimizing the risk of burns. We put this machine through the wringer, testing it on surfaces like window tracks, grouted tile, and glass boards. It cleaned each one impeccably with impressive speed and minimal effort on our part. It has a practical design that offers excellent maneuverability as there are wheels in its base. Its long hose made cleaning corners and tight spaces effortless, and there’s a control panel with a pressure gauge and ready-to-use and low water indicator. The cord also has a swivel feature to avoid it getting tangled up. It emits a reasonable noise level—we could still carry out a normal conversation above its whirr. When filling the water tank, we found the provided measuring cup and funnel helpful, although there was a slight overflow when adding the stated capacity of 1 liter (38 ounces), so we recommend adding around 750 milliliters (25 ounces) instead. The Dupray One also needs to be laid horizontally for cleaning—something that was not clearly outlined in the instructions. While it is quite the splurge, it is extremely powerful, versatile, and easy to use. For added peace of mind on your investment, it comes with a three-year warranty and a lifetime warranty on the stainless steel boiler. Weight: 10.4 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 38.88 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Floors, grout, upholstery, windows, kitchen appliances, mattresses, bathrooms, cars | Attachments: Triangular tool, extension tube (x2), connector, hose, plunger tool, floor tool, lance, window tool, brass brush, nylon brush (x2), microfiber bonnet (x2), microfiber cloth Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Final Verdict Our top pick for the best steam cleaner, according to rigorous testing, is the lightweight and easy-to-maneuver McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner. This model performed admirably during testing, efficiently cleaning various surfaces with the right attachments. For an awesome budget pick, we recommend the tried-and-true Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner. Our Testing Process To come up with our list of the best steam cleaners, we tested 19 of the most popular and best-selling models on the market in our lab. First, we noted the size and weight of each item, the attachments included, and whether it needed assembling or came already set up. We then used a stopwatch to time how long it took to unpack and/or assemble. Next, we filled up each cleaner’s tank and weighed the product again, noting how much water it could take, how long it took to heat up, and the noise level both in standby mode and while in operation. We tested all the different settings and attachments available on suitable surfaces like windows, mirrors, glass, tile, and grout. We applied wet potting soil and a mud mask onto tiled floors and grout and tested each unit’s effectiveness at cleaning and removing them. During testing, we took into consideration which models were easiest to use and maneuver, the comfort of holding the steam cleaner for prolonged periods of time, and the ease of switching out the attachments. We also noted which models might be better suited for detail work rather than regular all-purpose cleaning. Finally, we evaluated each steam cleaner's overall value considering both price and performance. Real Simple / Dera Burreson How to Shop for Steam Cleaners Type There are three main types of steam cleaners available: canister, handheld, and mop steam cleaners. Each has its perks and disadvantages, so the one you choose should be based on your cleaning needs and personal preference. To help you decide which type of steam cleaner is the best for you, here’s a little more information on each variation. Canister steam cleaners: A canister-style (or cylinder) steam cleaner looks a little like the eponymous type of vacuum cleaner. The main body, the boxy canister unit, typically comes with wheels for easy maneuverability and also houses the water tank. You then have the various attachments that affix to a flexible, vacuum-like hose. These machines are larger and bulkier than handheld or mop steam cleaners, and they’re frequently more powerful, too, offering an impressive amount of steam pressure. Plus, their large tanks enable them to run for longer without needing a refill. On the downside, the larger models need more time to build up the pressure, and they can be more difficult to maneuver, especially up and down stairs. Handheld steam cleaners: These types are usually compact, portable, and ideal for smaller cleaning tasks, such as spot-treating stains on upholstery, detail cleaning in tight spaces, or sanitizing hard-to-reach areas, like tile and grout or the inside of appliances. While they are convenient for quick cleanups and reaching areas that may be difficult with larger machines, they’re not made for cleaning large spaces. For the best of both worlds, many canister steam cleaners and steam mops also include a handheld attachment. Steam mops: Also known as mop steam cleaners or upright steam cleaners, steam mops resemble upright vacuums and are designed specifically for cleaning floors. A mix between a traditional mop and an upright vacuum, the steam mop will commonly have the water reservoir and heating element built into the handle. It works by pumping hot steam through the mop head or pad to clean and sanitize surfaces. Steam mops are best for everyday hard floor cleaning, and some come with special attachments for use on carpet or upholstery. Steam mops fall somewhere in between canister-style and handheld models in relation to size, weight, steam output, and price. Steam Types There are also various steam types to consider. These include on-demand, continuous, and adjustable steam flows. Each steam type has its advantages for different cleaning scenarios. On-demand steam flow: For greater control over the amount of steam released by your steam cleaner, opt for one with an on-demand steam flow. This type of machine will only emit steam once you press the trigger or activating button. It’s great for precise cleaning tasks and longer cleaning chores because you can release the steam only when you need it, saving time and water in the process. Continuous steam flows: A steam cleaner with a continuous flow is convenient for larger cleaning tasks where consistent steam output is required for a longer period of time. The constant steam stream is helpful as you don’t have to keep your finger on a trigger. However, if you need to stop between tasks, you’ll have to turn the machine off and likely wait a while until it heats up again. Since its flow is continuous, it will also seem to run out of water quicker than an on-demand model. Adjustable steam flow: Some steam cleaners, both on-demand and continuous flow models, feature adjustable steam flow settings (i.e., low, medium, high) that allow you to ramp up or lower the intensity of the steam based on the task at hand. This is ideal when you have an array of different surfaces to clean; you can lower the pressure for more delicate areas to minimize the risk of damage or keep it on high to pulverize dirt and grime on tougher surfaces. Compatible Surfaces While they do tackle their fair share, steam cleaners aren’t compatible with every type of surface. Also, not all steam cleaner models can be used on the same surfaces. Make sure to read the description of the particular model you have your eye on before you buy in case it’s not suitable for your intended use. Most steam cleaners can be used on various types of hard flooring, including laminate, vinyl, sealed hardwood, tile, and grout. They’re ideal for cleaning countertops, mirrors, windows, large appliances (like a fridge or oven), bathroom fixtures, and tiled walls in a bathroom, kitchen, or mudroom. If stated, a steam cleaner can be used on carpets, curtains, and other upholstery, although they will usually require a specific attachment for these surfaces. These machines’ powerful steam output, especially if it’s not adjustable, could be too strong for some carpet fibers and delicate fabrics such as silk, velvet, or wool upholstery (if upholstery is your main concern, upholstery cleaners are a thing). It’s also worth noting that most manufacturers warn against using steam cleaners on unsealed floors, like unsealed wood or ceramic, as the heat and moisture can warp or damage these surfaces. Other steam cleaner no-gos are porous surfaces like untreated concrete, brick, or natural stone, smaller electrical appliances, and on or around electrical outlets. Intended Use Before buying a steam cleaner, it’s best to consider how you’ll use it. What surfaces do you need to clean? How big are they? And how often will you clean them? “Consider the type of steam cleaner that suits your intended use,” Cotter says. “Handheld steam cleaners offer portability and versatility for smaller tasks, while larger, heavy-duty steam cleaners are ideal for deep cleaning larger areas or tackling stubborn stains.” If you have lots of ground to cover, find a steam cleaner with a large, long-lasting tank. If you’re dealing with hard-to-reach areas, find an option with a long hose. If you’re low on storage space, look for a compact model. And if you have a range of messes to clean, find an option with several attachments. No matter which steam cleaner you choose, make sure you feel comfortable using it so that it won’t get left in a cupboard gathering dust. To get the most out of your steam cleaner, try using distilled or demineralized water instead of tap water, which can cause mineral buildup and scale, especially in hard-water areas. Distilled water can help keep the steam cleaner at optimal performance and ensure longevity. Otherwise, just make a note to regularly clean your machine to keep the buildup at bay. Attachments There is a wide range of attachments available for steam cleaners. Some will come with the unit you purchase, and some are available to buy separately. Before you settle on a steam cleaner, think about what you want to clean and what attachments you’ll need. The more attachments a steam cleaner has, the more surfaces it can clean and sanitize, meaning you’ll use it more and get your money’s worth. Most steam cleaners come with several basic accessories, such as a scrub brush, mop head, crevice tool or detail nozzle, and handheld nozzle for hard-to-reach areas. Some models may include more specialized attachments, like a grout cleaning tool, garment steamer, fabric tool, grate cleaner, scrubbing pads, and even a squeegee and/or window cleaning attachment. You may find some steam cleaners with several brush attachments in different sizes and stiffnesses, and a larger brush for cleaning floors. There are also extension wands for reaching high areas like ceiling corners. More Steam Cleaners to Consider Euroflex Vapour Pro M4S Steam Mop and All-In-One Steam Cleaner: This effectively cleaned various surfaces quickly (under five minutes per task), and when used in combination with the microfiber towel, it easily removed dirt and stains from glass and grouted tile. It comes with 18 accessories and attachments for each type of mess, and its ability to switch between continuous steam and manual spray options further enhances its convenience. Filling the tank was straightforward, even without the provided filling bottle, and it was simple enough to detach and switch nozzle attachments without needing heat-protecting gloves. Unfortunately, the handheld attachment's cord is not long enough, and it's also quite expensive. Ewbank SC1000 Steam Dynamo Multi-Tool Steam Cleaner: This versatile and efficient steam cleaner quickly and thoroughly cleaned window sills, tile, grouting, and water spots with minimal effort. It comes with 14 attachments and accessories with a secure and easy-to-use adaptor. The plastic components don’t heat up, and despite being a canister cleaner, it's still a lightweight, portable, and fairly quiet machine. It does lack a clear indicator for a full water reservoir, and its short power cord that will likely need an extension cord for a wider reach. However, at under $100, it’s quite good value for money. Real Simple / Tamara Staples Questions You Might Ask Are steam cleaners worth it? Yes! According to Cotter, the high-temperature steam can eliminate germs, bacteria, and allergens without the need for harsh chemicals. Steam cleaners are also great for removing tough stains, grime, and grease, making them a valuable tool for kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor spaces. What surfaces can or cannot be used with a steam cleaner? Different steam cleaners are compatible with different surfaces, so you should always default to the manufacturer's guidelines to be sure. Generally, you can use your steam cleaner on hard flooring (i.e., laminate, vinyl, sealed hardwood, tile, and grout) and other hard surfaces (countertops, mirrors, windows, large appliances, bathroom fixtures, and tiled walls). With the right attachment, you can even use it for cleaning carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture, depending on the material. However, some carpet fibers and curtains or upholstery in fabrics like silk, velvet, linen, or wool, are too delicate to use a steam cleaner on. In general, you should avoid steam cleaning anything that can be damaged by heat exposure, such as walls or furniture with water-based paint, unsealed floors, untreated concrete, brick, natural stone, small appliances, and electrical outlets. Although a steam cleaner can be effective on shower doors, you're better off cleaning your shower curtain and liner in the washer or by hand with a commercial shower cleaner or DIY baking soda and vinegar solution. It’s also a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you're using the proper steam output for different attachments and different surfaces. What is the difference between a steam cleaner and a carpet cleaner? Although the two are often combined into one appliance, steam cleaners and carpet cleaners are not the same. A carpet cleaner is specifically designed for deep cleaning and shampooing carpets and rugs using a cleaning agent. They typically have a mechanical scrubbing feature (i.e., rotating brushes or agitators) to get deep into carpet fibers and loosen dirt before vacuuming it up. They also have separate compartments for the sucked-up dirty water and clean hot water that’s used to thoroughly rinse the carpet after shampooing. Steam cleaners, on the other hand, do not have any mechanical heads or suctioning abilities. They rely solely on the high-temperature steam they generate to loosen dirt and disinfect surfaces—no chemicals or detergents required. While some steam cleaners can be used on carpets and upholstery, others are only suitable for hard surfaces. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 11 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat has been writing for Real Simple since 2019, and she is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, we tested multiple steam cleaners on various surfaces in our lab and considered and evaluated factors such as each machine’s size, weight, portability, water tank capacity, compatible surfaces, attachments, power, efficiency, and overall value for money. We also spoke to Will Cotter, COO and co-founder of cleaning companies, DeluxeMaid and HappyCleans. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit