Steam Cleaner Guide: What You Can (and Can't) Clean with Steam

Handheld steam cleaner for home deep cleaning

A steam cleaner turns plain water into hot, pressurized steam that loosens grease, grime and sticky residue. It's one of the most versatile cleaning tools for the home, and it uses no cleaning chemicals. Here is what you can clean with steam, what to avoid, and how to get great results.

Surfaces that love steam

  • Tile and grout: steam softens dirt deep in grout lines so it wipes away easily. Use a small nylon brush attachment.
  • Kitchen stovetops, range hoods and ovens: steam loosens baked-on grease before you wipe.
  • Bathroom fixtures: taps, shower doors and tracks come up shiny with a steam pass and a microfiber cloth.
  • Upholstery and mattresses: a handheld steam cleaner refreshes fabric. Test a hidden spot first and keep the nozzle moving.
  • Car interiors: cup holders, mats and seats clean up quickly with a portable steam cleaner.
  • Sealed hard floors: sealed tile and vinyl respond well to a steam mop.

Surfaces to avoid

  • Unsealed wood, laminate with open seams, and waxed floors: moisture can warp or dull them.
  • Delicate fabrics such as silk or velvet, and anything labeled “do not steam”.
  • Painted walls with water-based paint and wallpaper.
  • Electronics and electrical outlets.
  • Cold glass in very cold weather: sudden heat can crack it.

How to steam clean like a pro

  1. Use distilled water if you have hard water to reduce limescale inside the machine.
  2. Vacuum or sweep first so steam works on grime, not loose dust.
  3. Choose the right attachment: jet nozzle for grout and corners, brush for stovetops, cloth cover for flat surfaces.
  4. Work in small sections and wipe immediately with a dry microfiber cloth while the dirt is loose.
  5. Let surfaces dry and ventilate the room.

Safety tips

Steam is very hot. Never point the nozzle at people or pets, keep children away while cleaning, and always let the machine cool before refilling or changing attachments.

Handheld or high-pressure?

A compact handheld steam cleaner is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and upholstery. A higher-wattage steam cleaner with multiple settings handles larger jobs like whole bathrooms, grout across a kitchen floor and car detailing.

Explore our steam cleaners, with free shipping and 30-day free returns.