Steam Cleaner Comparison

If you watch television, you've likely seen the infomercials promoting a portable steam cleaner. The perky housewife is shown cleaning every surface imaginable with just a steam wand and a cloth. The possibilities are fascinating to anyone who spends any time cleaning. However, do these machines really work the way they claim and are they actually worth the money? Is it even really possible to have one machine that can clean not only the floor of your home, but carpet, tile and hardwood? The good news is that the best steam cleaners really do what they claim and a whole lot more.

One of the first things you will notice when you start looking at steam floor cleaners is the variation in price. When you examine the features of each machine, it starts to make a bit more sense. A more expensive floor steamer usually cleans at a higher temperature and has extra features like a larger water reservoir. These floor steam cleaners are actually capable of handling industrial cleaning tasks. However, if you have an average sized home, you likely don't need to spend that much for good results. Companies like Haan and Bissel make reliable and affordable options that get the job done for about 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of the more expensive competitors.

While cleaning floors is a big task in a home, a handheld steam cleaner is capable of much more. Multipurpose attachments are designed to consolidate almost all cleaning tasks to this one steam cleaner. You really don't need separate home steam carpet cleaners or steam mops as one machine can handle these tasks. The machine can also kill bacteria, mold, dust mites, viruses and other environmental hazards. Common household surfaces are also a cinch, from your greasy stove to your germ laden toilet. You can even clean your blinds.

There are dozens of steam cleaners out there, from Oreck to Hover to Haan. One of the best ways to decide which will work for you is to check the ratings and reviews of each model. This should tell you not only the vapor temperature but also the particular surfaces and jobs that your model is ideal for. You can definitely spend a bit more for top of the line features if you prefer, but even the bargain models will do a better, more sanitary job of cleaning than your current techniques.