15 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Clean With Your Steam Cleaner
Surprise! Steam cleaning can be used for more than just your floors. Sure, cleaning with steam removes dirt, grime, and stains from hardwood flooring, tile with ease. But whether a steam mop or a handheld steam cleaner, tackling your cleaning tasks with the power of steam can do so much more.
** Always do a spot test. Check manufacturer's care instructions for high-temperature steam on plastics such as laminate flooring. Avoid using steam on sensitive fabrics like velvet. For delicate surfaces like unglazed tile, or cold glass, stick to a microfiber cloth and diluted vinegar cleaning solution.***
1. Carpets and Rugs
Yes a steam cleaner cleans, but it also kills bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens trapped in the carpeted flooring fibers.
2. Stains from Upholstered Furniture
Lift stubborn stains and freshen upholstered on sofas, chairs, and car interiors (including seats, floor mats, dashboard, and door panels).
3. Cleaning Mattresses
Mattresses harbor dust mites and bacteria. A steam cleaner can sanitize and refresh your mattress without the need for chemicals.
4. Bathroom Surfaces
Use a steam cleaner's squeegee attachment to tackle tough grime and soap scum on bathroom tile grout, shower walls, and plumbing fixtures.
Related: 10 Steps to Prepare Your Bathroom Plumbing for Holiday Guests
5. Kitchen Surfaces
Have a flat surface? You can probably steam that. Use it to clean countertops, backsplashes, stovetops, and other kitchen surfaces to remove built-up grime, grease, and food stains.
6. Cleaning Kitchen Appliances
Always more to sanitize! Use a steam cleaner on your oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
7. Toys and Baby Gear
Steam cleaners are useful for sanitizing children's toys, high chairs, strollers, and other baby gear without the use of harsh chemicals.
Related: Is Someone in Your Home Sick? Learn How to Sanitize Their Laundry
8. Curtains and Drapes
A steam cleaner can remove dust and odors from curtains and drapes, leaving them looking and smelling fresh.
9. Removing Wallpaper
Steam cleaners can help loosen wallpaper adhesive, making it easier to remove old wallpaper.
10. Prep for Painting
Steam can remove dirt and grease from walls and baseboards before painting, ensuring better adhesion and a smoother finish.
Related: 20+ Surfaces to Clean During Cold + Flu Season
11. Outdoor Cleaning
Some steam cleaners are suitable for outdoor use and can be used for backyard tasks like cleaning outdoor furniture (plastic, metal, or wicker), grills, and decks.
12. Pet Areas
Steam cleaners are amazing at cleaning stubborn dirt on pet bedding, pet cages/crates, litter boxes, and other areas where pets spend time, helping to remove odors and sanitize surfaces.
13. Gym Equipment
Use a steam cleaner to sanitize and freshen up exercise equipment such as yoga mats, weights, and gym machines.
Related: How to Maintain Your Kitchen Sink Before Hosting Guests
14. Shoes
Smelly shoes? Use a steam cleaner to freshen them up, especially those made of materials that can't be easily washed.
15. Air Vents and HVAC Systems
Clean air vents, ceiling vents, radiators, and other HVAC components, by removing dust, allergens, and debris that can accumulate over time.
