If you’re not sure what is SAFE and NOT SAFE to use your steam cleaner on, then check out our list below.
Probably the best advice I can give to anyone, especially if you have kids or pets, is to get a good steam cleaner like this one*.
It also doesn’t hurt to have a shop vacuum for all the other messes you will have to deal with in your home. These two items can make your life so much easier when cleaning that you will wonder why you didn’t get them sooner.
Make sure to utilize a microfiber rag while cleaning with a steam cleaner. Personally, I prefer using extra-large microfiber rags to effectively eliminate the grime that the steam cleaner removes. The larger the rags, the less frequent the need to replace them.
DO Use A Steam Cleaner On…
Grills – Steam cleaners are excellent for cleaning grills. Most grills can withstand the high temperature of the hot steam since they are accustomed to being exposed to hot flames. Even outdoor electric grills can be cleaned by steam, just don’t get the electronics wet.
Pet Cages – Whether it is a cat carrier or a steel doggy cage, they can all be cleaned with a Steam Cleaner.
Your Car – You’ll be amazed at the incredible effectiveness of a steam cleaner when it comes to cleaning your car. It can effortlessly clean your rims, seats, steering wheel, and practically anything inside your car. Check out this fantastic video demonstrating the use of a steam cleaner on a car:
Toilets – Oh yeah! Steam Cleaners make quick work of toilets and also disinfect them too. No need to use harsh chemicals like bleach, a Steam Cleaner will do just as good if not better.
Mattress – Is your mattress nasty? Then Steam Clean it! Steam cleaners are highly effective in removing sweat, blood, and other bodily fluids from your mattress. In cases where stains are particularly stubborn, you might want to consider using an enzyme cleaner as well. Furthermore, the high temperature of the steam can help eradicate dust mites.
Toys – Steam cleaners work very well to disinfect certain toys. Just make sure to test the toy before going a full blast of steam, some toys can’t handle the heat. Many Stuff Animals can be Steam Cleaned as well.
Garbage Can – Trash cans can get dirty, but a steam cleaner works well to address that issue.
Windows – I hate cleaning windows, but I will say it’s 10x better with a steam cleaner. You can even get some steam cleaners with the window attachment that makes it easy.
Oven – Honestly, there is no better method for cleaning an oven than using a steam cleaner. The chemicals specifically designed for oven cleaning are unpleasant and harsh. In contrast, a steam cleaner solely utilizes water, which I find to be much safer and preferable than those harsh chemicals.
Couch and Upholstery – Steam Cleaners work very well to clean sofas and couches.
Carpets and Rugs – With the right attachment, you can easily clean carpets and rugs with a steam cleaner.
Tools – Occasionally, garden tools or mechanic’s tools can get dirty, but a quick clean with steam can help get them looking better. However, it’s crucial to avoid steam cleaning anything that is electrical or rusts easily.
Fridge – The water and ice dispenser in your fridge gets disgusting very quickly, especially since so many people don’t clean it. A steam cleaner can do quick work to disinfect the dispenser.
Dishwasher – I have hard water stains in my dishwasher that most dishwasher cleaners can’t get out, but a steam cleaner can with its high heat. If you’re like me and have a lot of iron in your water, look into Iron Out* if the steam cleaner isn’t working or you want an easier way.
High Chair, Strollers, and Car Seats – A Steam cleaner does not use any chemicals, yet it also disinfects. This makes it perfect for cleaning up after your kids. Combine it with a shop vacuum for when they make a big mess, and you’ll be unstoppable when it comes to cleaning.
Doors and Door Knobs – Steam works well to disinfect many things that people touch, a must-have around the cold and flu season.
Ceiling Fan Blades – Easily dust and clean the ceiling fan blades. I would avoid the center part where the electrical components are for safety reasons. I have more ways to clean the ceiling fan blades here.
Tile and Grout – About the only way I can get my tile and grout clean is with a steam cleaner – it’s a must-have.
Sink, Shower, and Bathroom – A steam cleaner can easily clean the hard water spots from your bathroom while also disinfecting.
Curtains and Drapes – Most curtains and drapes are fine to use with a steam cleaner. I would avoid using steam on old or delicate items, just to be on the safe side.
Granite and Counter Tops – Steam cleaners work well on granite and counter tops. One of the best ways to clean and disinfect your kitchen.
Litter Box – I don’t know why but my cats always miss the litter box. Sure a Steam Cleaner works well to clean a Litter Box, but it’s the area around the litter box that really gets dirty. This is normal for a house with multiple cats and to solve this issue of the cats missing the litter box I bought one of those self-cleaning litter boxes like this one here*. They’re more affordable than I thought, but really the less I have to clean up the better.
Shoes – If your shoes smell terrible then Steam Cleaning them can help with that. I would avoid steam cleaning fancy shoes like Kanye’s and Jordans as they could get ruined. This method only works on old shoes that smell bad and are already worn in.
Driveway – If you have oil stains in your driveway, then a hot steam cleaner can help you with that.
Control Bed Bugs – A steam cleaner is great at killing bed bugs in all stages of development. They simply can’t stand the heat!
DON’T Use A Steam Cleaner On…
The way a steam cleaner works is by heating water to a very high temperature. If you have an item that can be damaged by high temperatures (225 degrees F or more), then you should avoid using a steam cleaner. Some things that don’t work well or should never be near a steam cleaner are…
Electrical Items – It is important to avoid using a steam cleaner to clean anything that is electrical. This includes items such as TVs, computers, monitors, remotes, gaming consoles, or any other devices that rely on electricity and are not designed to withstand water or high temperatures.
Bamboo – Bamboo does not do well when exposed to water, especially hot water. This is very true for bamboo floors.
Delicate Items – Certain materials, such as plastics, silks, and even wool, should not be subjected to a steam cleaner. It is crucial to always adhere to the care instructions provided for delicate items.
Brick – Brick is porous and should never be steam cleaned.
Marble and Stucco – Similar to bricks, porous materials should not be steam cleaned.
Walls – Avoid steam cleaning your walls as it can lead to adverse effects. In fact, steam cleaners, especially when equipped with the appropriate attachments, can inadvertently remove wallpaper from walls. Moreover, since walls are porous, they can absorb water and potentially promote mold growth.
Any Paper Product – Paper would just absorb the steam and get ruined. This goes for any paper-like product like cardboard.
Paintings – Steam would ruin a painting, never steam clean them.
Jewelry and Watches – While some jewelry and watches may be able to withstand steam cleaning, I strongly advise against it. These items are delicate, and the high temperature of the steam can cause some parts to bend and break. It is better to take them to a professional for proper cleaning and maintenance.
Waxed Floors – You need to avoid using a steam cleaner on any surface that was recently waxed.
Antiques or delicate furniture – Antique furniture or delicate pieces with intricate woodwork or veneers can be damaged by steam. Moisture can cause wood to swell or warp, and delicate finishes or veneers can be compromised.