We’ve seen them making waves on social media, like ‘clean Tok’ and other satisfying cleaning videos, but are steam cleaners really worth buying? The combination of high temperatures and water is the expert way to clean your house, or so many professional cleaners claim.
We’ve done our own investigations to find out if this new trending gadget simplifies your cleaning rituals or is just another gimmick. Here’s the verdict, along with some tips on how to use a steam cleaner in your daily cleaning routine.
What exactly are steam cleaners?
Steam cleaners use heated water to produce steam. When steam molecules are compared to water molecules, steam molecules are much smaller and move around a lot faster than water molecules. This means steam can penetrate porous materials and surfaces without the need for chemicals or any intense scrubbing.
The results are highly beneficial:
- Loosened dirt and grease
- High temperatures (above 100ºC) kill and sanitise bacteria and mould
Steam cleaners come in various forms, namely, canister steam cleaners (large, used on multiple surfaces), handheld steamers (perfect for quick, spot cleaning), steam mops, and commercial-grade steamers (heavy-duty and more expensive).
Pros of steam cleaners
- Chemical-free cleaning: steam cleaners clean dirty surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals like bleach, making it a safe alternative for children, pets and anyone with allergies or asthma
- Immediate sanitation: the high heat breaks down bacteria, mould spores and viruses, instantly sanitising surfaces – which makes them great for areas like kitchens and bathrooms
- Versatile: steam cleaners can be used on a range of surfaces and materials – this versatility and flexibility reduces the number of tools and cleaners you need
Cons of steam cleaners
- It can’t clean everything: steam cleaners are great for loosening and sanitising, but you still need to wipe down surfaces, and use certain chemicals to help clean grease build-up, mineral stains and heavy soap scum – it isn’t a miracle tool
- Time-consuming: if you’re already pressed for time, cleaning with steam cleaners (and all the attachments they may come with) can get tedious, as they take time to heat up, need to be refilled (especially with small tanks), and take time to learn in the beginning
- Not suitable for all surfaces: you can’t use steam cleaners on unsealed wood, waxed floors, certain painted surfaces, or delicate fabrics (like silk or velvet)
So, are they worth it?
If you’re on a mission to use eco-friendly and chemical-free cleaning tools, then steam cleaners are perfect. They help you elevate your cleaning game, especially if you have kids, pets, or loved ones with allergies. The heat and small molecules are great for sanitising bathroom tiles, cleaning sealed kitchen floors, refreshing upholstery and curtains, and spot-treating pet accidents. They make for powerful weekly, bi-weekly or monthly cleans.
However, steam cleaners do not replace your daily cleaning routine, mops, or trusty all-purpose cleaning spray. While they do improve your cleaning methods, making it somewhat more enjoyable a task, the loosened dirt and sanitised mould spores still need to be wiped away. Moreover, steam cleaners need maintenance.
Mineral deposits can clog their systems, and bacteria can grow in stagnant or unchanged water tanks. Some steam cleaners come with a lot of gadgets, which can be a hassle to keep track of and use (making cleaning more time-consuming). Your budget becomes a big deciding factor, too. Entry-level steam cleaners have limited cleaning powers, and the higher you go, the more expensive and bulky they can get.
This begs the question: is it worth investing in one? Steam cleaners work, but for most residents looking to maintain a fresh home with minimal effort, they are more of a supplement rather than an all-around cleaning tool.
However, if you’re looking for a tool to tackle specific areas in your home to give you peace of mind that surfaces are actually cleaned and sanitised (not just bleached), and you have the budget and time to use them, then they are a brilliant tool that will enhance your cleaning game like no other.
Also See: The monthly home cleaning tasks most people forget about (and regret later)
The monthly home cleaning tasks most people forget about (and regret later)
