Which steam cleaner is best? A steam cleaner is a must-have tool if you want to keep the surfaces in your home as clean and sanitized as possible. Not only can a steam cleaner handle messes on hard surfaces like sealed wood, tile, tubs, toilets, and windows, but it can also clean and deodorize soft surfaces like carpets and drapes. You don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals, either, because the steam can take care of most germs and allergens on its own. What you need to know before purchasing a steam cleaner Steam cleaners are available in a few different types, so you can choose a style that best suits your needs. Handheld steamers are compact and lightweight, featuring a small tank for water and a spout for directing the steam. They heat quickly and work well for cleaning small areas like the area around the toilet or along the baseboards. However, a handheld steamer can usually only hold enough water for about 10-15 minutes of cleaning. A canister steam cleaner is similar to a canister vacuum. It features a large tank with wheels and a nozzle connected to it with a hose. Canister steam cleaners may feature additional attachments, such as a utility brush or scrub brush. You can tackle most cleaning jobs with a canister model, including the floors, carpets, shower stall, tub, and upholstery. Its tank is usually large enough to generate steam for approximately 45 minutes. However, they take longer to heat up than handheld models and their larger size can make storage a challenge. Mop steam cleaners resemble a stick vacuum. Instead of a dirt cup, the body serves as a water tank, and the steam is released from the head as you move it over the floor. The head is covered with a microfiber pad to wipe away any dirt and other residues that come loose. This makes them ideal for cleaning floors, but they can’t clean other surfaces in your home. A mop steam cleaner usually provides steam hot enough to sanitize your flooring, and the surface dries within minutes. Most models run for 15 to 20 minutes before they require refilling. You can spend $25-$40 for a handheld steam cleaner that comes with some accessories. For a high-quality mop steam cleaner, you pay $60-$150. A canister steamer is the most expensive option, usually costing between $100 -$200. Best steam cleaner FAQ Q. Does a steam cleaner disinfect? A. If the steam it generates is hot enough, it can kill most germs and bacteria. The majority of viruses die at 212 degrees, and a steam cleaner can often reach that temperature. Some models claim to kill up to 99.9% of germs, which means they get that hot. Keep in mind, you usually have to steam a spot for about 10 minutes to kill the germs, which can damage some surfaces. Q. What surfaces aren’t safe for a steam cleaner? A. While a steam cleaner can clean many surfaces in your home, there are some you should avoid. A steam cleaner shouldn’t be used on unsealed wood, brick, concrete, stone, marble, or delicate fabrics like silk. A good rule of thumb is to keep a steam cleaner off any surfaces that might suffer moisture damage. Best steam cleaners Top steam cleaner Bissell Symphony Pet Steam Mop and Steam Vacuum Cleaner 1543A What you need to know: This versatile multiuse cleaner can steam floors and vacuum dry debris. What you’ll love: It works as both a vacuum and a steam mop and doesn’t require chemicals to sanitize. It comes with scented pads to manage pet odors. What you should consider: The design is somewhat large and heavy, which can make it difficult to move. Top steam cleaner for the money Steamfast SF-370 Canister Cleaner What you need to know: This compact steam cleaner offers plenty of power and helpful accessories. It stands out for its ability to get to hard-to-reach spots. What you’ll love: It works extremely well for small, hard-to-reach areas. It creates steam that’s hot enough to kill insects and other pests. The tank holds 48 ounces to limit how often you need to refill it. What you should consider: It doesn’t feature onboard storage for accessories, and you can’t adjust the power. Worth checking out McCulloch Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner What you need to know: This extremely heavy-duty steam cleaner works on a variety of surfaces. We’ve included this model on our list for years because of its significant power. What you’ll love: It’s powerful enough to deep clean a variety of surfaces and includes a variety of accessories. It can clean large areas efficiently. What you should consider: It’s more expensive than other models, though you’re paying for the power and features. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. 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