Best Overall
Kiato Handheld Steam Cleaner
Best Bang for the Buck
Bissell Steam Shot Handheld Steam Cleaner & Sanitizer
Best for Car Upholstery
Wagner 925E SteamMachine Elite Portable Steamer
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Steam cleaners use pressurized steam from heated pee to clean both soft and hard surface . This method require zero cleansing solution and chemical substance , realize it a preferred cleaning procedure for many health - conscious users , as well as those with sensitivity or allergies . Steam cleaninglifts forth grease and grime from upholstery and other material while kill germs , bacteria , and pathogen , leaving behind freshened and deodorized surface .
To come up the best upholstery steam cleaner , we tested a number of pop models that we found through all-inclusive product enquiry and used them to steam furniture , cable car interiors , throw off pillows , and other house surface . We also put them through a spot test , pass judgment how well each model take away six plebeian household stain . Our top choice was theKiato handheld steam cleanerthanks to its large amount of steam produced in such a lightweight unit .
In addition tocleaning upholstery , steam cleaners also function well for sanitizing varnish floor , windows , tile , and other indoor and outside applications . say on to teach about the good upholstery steam cleaner for your home and how we test each model .
Product Comparison
Our Top Picks
The following products are some of the best on the market for steam - cleaning upholstered article of furniture . We test each , evaluating them for their design , water - tank capacities , power options , accessories , and versatility . These steam cleaner can help keep upholstered furniture fresh and clean .
The Kiato handheld steam cleaner is a 10 - in-1 tool designed to harness hard and gentle surfaces , including furniture , car inside , roofing tile , window , and carpet . It features a lightweight design and a button - clit steam release . It also comes with a 10 - slice add-on outfit that includes a framework steamer and a microfiber arm to go on top .
This role model heats up to 221 arcdegree Fahrenheit in 2 bit and 30 bit . After filling the piss storage tank and procure the lid , you may plug away this steamer in and wait for the light-emitting diode light to go off . The unit is then ready for use . Using the Kiato handheld steamer is as elementary as contract the button to release steam . It mechanically turns off when you let go of the release . Although it has a 450 - milliliter tank capacitance , you will only want to impart 250 milliliters at a metre .
We were impressed by how much steamer the Kiato steam cleaner let loose . We used it to steam clean a microfiber lounger , clean a mattress , and loosen mineral deposits inside a dishwasher . When we put it up against family smirch , it perform well , removing the coffee , dirt , and wine-colored stains . It remove about 70 percent of the tomato sauce and some of the chocolate . Like the rest of the models , it did n’t work on oil .
The Kiato handheld steam cleansing agent was among the gentle to use , and its small size makes computer storage unsubdivided . It never palpate uncomfortable , even when we used it for 15 hour square . Since it emit so much steam , it ’s ideal for blasting bind - on debris off hard surfaces .
Get the Kiato upholstery steam cleaner atAmazon .
The Bissell Steam Shot steam cleaner is an affordable handheld steam cleansing agent with 10 multisurface peter . The comfortable - to - sequester accessory make it possible to refresh fabric , brush out grime from hard surfaces , sportsmanlike windows , and scrub dirty grout . It kills up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs on severe control surface .
The Bissell Steam Shot has only one steam setting , which make it easy to practice . occupy the tank car with water , secure the lid , and plug it in . The bullet warm in 30 second , and when the LED light turn off , the steamer is ready to use . It feature a steam - release clit that power off when withdraw .
During examination , the Bissell Steam Shot go well . It breathe enough steam to leave framework look refreshed and loosen crap on heavy aerofoil for well-to-do cleaning . The one affair we did n’t like was the swerve - front design , which caused this model to tip ahead slightly when holding it . It mat less stable than models without a veer aim .
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
The Bissell Steam Shot removed wine and coffee berry grease during our examination . It only move out about 50 per centum of the soil , cocoa , and Lycopersicon esculentum sauce stains . While it work keen for refreshing fabric and cleaning hard surface , it ’s not our top pick for spot removal .
Get the Bissell Steam Shot upholstery steam cleaner atAmazon .
The Wagner SteamMachine Elite steam cleaner sport a canister design and 20 attachments . Its large 40 - ounce water tankful provides up to 40 minutes of uninterrupted steam . This knock-down steamer can take on almost any problem , from vehicle carpeting and upholstery to dirty barbecue grills .
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
The 8 - foot steam hosepipe and wheeled purpose make this framework well-to-do to maneuver . The canister design also features attachment storage , which help keep accessory from getting fall behind .
Getting started is as simple as installing an fastening , satiate the water tank car , securing the chapeau , and turning the machine on . After about 9 hour , it produces large quantity of steam that you’re able to control via a trigger . The gun trigger has two preferences : press sack or uninterrupted steam .
The Wagner SteamMachine Elite was one of our favorite modelling due to its simpleness of use and efficaciousness . It execute the best in our stain test , breaking down the wine , coffee , and shite . It also removed about 90 percentage of the tomato sauce and chocolate stain .
Photo: amazon.com
This model contains a fabric steamer with a bonnet and a carpet glider . We used both to freshen the cloth Interior Department of a motortruck . We also essay it on operose surfaces , including a toilet . The steam blasted stuck - on dirt from laborious - to - reach nooks and crannies .
Get the Wagner upholstery steam sporting atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best for Versatility
Bissell PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off 2-in-1 Steam Mop
This steam - cleaning unit from Bissell is designed with versatility in judgment . In its fully assembled shape , it go as a heavy - duty base swob . Alternatively , you could detach the canister and deploy it along with the extension hose and attachments to steamer - fresh upholstery , preferent beds , bathroom and kitchen fixtures , and a smorgasbord of other surfaces .
An included tool grip contain a curing of 13 accessary for a broad array of cleanup applications . The included fabric - steamer fastening mold especially well with the hand-held portion of this steam cleaner for cleansing , deodorizing , and sanitize upholstery .
Water in the 13.5 - ounce tank heats up cursorily , producing steam that kills up to 99.9 percent of germs and bacterium . The 25 - foot - prospicient tycoon electric cord help steam cleanup of even the most hard - to - touch places .
Photo: bissell.com
For examination , we started by using this steam cleanser as a swob , and it work well , leave our floors light and bar - barren . Next , we tested the handheld canister on our smirch plank using the fabric steamer affixation and dabbing the stain with a microfiber textile . It tackle the soil , vino , and coffee bean stains but was n’t a match for the chocolate or tomato sauce . The handheld steamer ptyalise H2O more than other modelling , preventing the steam from being as powerful or uninterrupted .
Even though this steam swob did n’t perform as well in our stain - removal tests , it did a good job overall . It ’s an ideal pick for those who want a versatile steam swab with a lift - off tin . However , folks who need just an upholstery steamship might get along well with a different choice .
Get the Bissell PowerFresh upholstery steam cleaner atAmazon , Target , Bissell , orWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Canister Model
McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
Thanks to its tin pattern , this steamer clam houses a large - capacity water armored combat vehicle that delivers up to 90 bit of uninterrupted steam - cleaning power . The tank bear 48 ounces of regular dab water , and it heat up to more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit in under 12 minutes .
The on - demand variable quantity steam - flow system give up users to dial in an precise steam stream from low pressure up to 58 pounds per straight inch ( psi ) . access punishing - to - reach space is wanton thanks to an 18 - foot ability cord and a 7 - foot steam hose .
With 20 include accoutrement , this unit can take on a pack of house - cleaning tasks . In addition to refreshing upholstery , this steamer work on ceramic tile , sealed flooring , grout , and more .
Photo: amazon.com
The McCulloch blasted through dirt , coffee bean , and ruddy vino stains during testing . It also did the best on oil colour , eliminate about 50 percent of the stain . Since this model does n’t come with a dedicated framework steamer attachment , we used the jet snout to steam the soiled areas and then swob them with a microfiber cloth . Doing so was in force , lifting dirt and leaving the material search brush up .
The McCulloch come with a bag for its fastening , which helped us keep everything together . Since the canister is on wheel , it was also well-heeled for us to maneuver . We used the jet schnozzle to spray around a swallow hole spigot , and it loosened stuck - on poop and some of the mineral deposit . This fashion model came with many more attachments , including a mophead . It emit a large amount of steam , making it ideal for family and punishing - duty jobs .
Get the McCulloch upholstery steam fresh atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Heavy-Duty
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
When it comes to ask on big cleaning jobs , this great - capacity steam cleansing agent should do the trick . Thanks to the portable third power - shaped unit that combine an telling 54 - oz. water tank , 16 - animal foot - foresightful exponent cord , and 6.5 - substructure - long steam hose , the Dupray steamer is up to of delivering 50 minutes of uninterrupted steam with ample maneuverability to attain piece of furniture and airfoil throughout the habitation . The roulette wheel on this steam cleaner allow for smooth rolling from room to room , and a retractable handle makes carrying this 9 - pound unit a breeze .
Water in the tank heats to 275 level Fahrenheit , producing steam that kills 99.9 percent of bacterium , computer virus , and pathogens in upholstery , bedding , and other household surfaces .
When we unboxed the Dupray Neat steam dry cleaner , we were immediately impressed by the quality . The attachment felt well constructed and the cloth steamer ’s microfiber hood was much thicker than those from other models . We also liked the unique modern esthetic and the cord storage on the bottom of the cube .
Photo: amazon.com
When we put this model to the test , it blasted through scandal , coffee , and vino stain on our microsuede fabric . It did all right on the Lycopersicon esculentum sauce and coffee smirch , eliminate about 50 percent of the dirty arena . We also test the mop attachment , which glide swimmingly across our hardwood floor , picking up dirt and exit the floors bar - free .
Get the Dupray upholstery steam cleaner atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best for Spot Cleaning
Steamfast SF-210 Everyday Steam Cleaner
When those daily oops instant hap , this convenient steam cleaner makes short work of hygienise household surfaces , including upholstery . The 6 - ounce water tank heats up in just 3 transactions , producing 8 arcminute of pressurized steam for removing dirt and grime .
Despite its small size — it weigh just 2.6 pounds — this handheld cleaner is amazingly various . practice one of the six admit attachment for cleaning upholstered furniture as well as a broad regalia of surd surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms . A 12.5 - foot - long power electric cord allows for leisurely manoeuvrability , while the 28 - inch extension hosepipe offer even cracking capacity for reaching out - of - the - way surfaces and leave out crevices .
While it execute the high-risk in our stain removal tests , this model is still ready to hand for quick fabric refreshes and sanitize hard surfaces . The Steamfast steam cleanser was able to take away wine , deep brown , and tomato plant sauce from our test fabric but failed to take away grunge , chocolate , or oil colour .
Photo: amazon.com
This steamer is promiscuous to use . It has only one context , so after meet it with water supply , all we had to do was plug it in and hold back for it to warm up . In add-on to steaming upholstery , we used it to steam inside an oven , and it successfully loosened up most of the hold fast - on food . The small size makes it prosperous to hive away — nifty for those short on space .
Get the Steamfast upholstery steam cleaner atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best Accessories
Costway Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner With Accessories
This multipurpose steam dry cleaner includes 18 attachments for ingest on a variety of clean tasks around the domicile . When it comes to cleaning upholstery , the steam jet nose and nylon brushes are particularly helpful . Functional accessory such as a mophead , brass public utility company brushes , a scrub digs , and a squeegee facilitate cleaning and sanitizing not only upholstery , but also sealed floors , bathroom tile , kitchen appliances , and children ’s toys .
The 16 - foot power corduroy and 79 - inch steam hose , as well as the wheels , a rolling caster , and ergonomically designed curved grip , offer up sizable maneuverability for reaching numerous surface in the home . In addition to removing dirt , grime , spills , and sight , this steam dry cleaner sanitizes home surfaces . unobserved and undesirable intruders such as source , bacteria , virus , cast spore , and bed bugs are no peer for the 226 academic degree Fahrenheit pressurized steam .
The Costway steam cleanser holds 51 ounce of water in its storage tank , heat up it to produce steam in under 10 minute . It delivers 40 minutes of uninterrupted steam - cleaning clip .
Photo: amazon.com
Like the other canister models we tested , the Costway steam dry cleaner make large amounts of steam and was better able to power through stains than hand-held options . It rid of filth , java , and wine from our test fabric . While it did n’t all do away with Lycopersicon esculentum sauce or chocolate , it visibly reduced the stained areas .
This model make out with many utilitarian appurtenance , including a mop and carpet glider . We used the carpet sailplane to refresh fabric seats and rug in an old truck and tested the mop on roofing tile floors . The attachments were well-to-do to use , and the mop leave alone the storey clean . We also tried out the gun trigger that locks in piazza for continuous steam .
Get the Costway upholstery steam clean atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Upholstery Steam Cleaners
We research the best upholstery steam cleaners with high customer satisfaction in a motley of categories . After compile our list , we tested each model . Our tests consisted of using each upholstery steam cleansing agent on furniture , mattresses , and machine upholstery to evaluate the informality of use . We then put all models through a more wide test , assessing how well they could remove six mutual stain : dirt , vegetable crude oil , tomato sauce , red wine , coffee , and chocolate sauce .
We assembled a test table consisting of foam , batting , and microsuede framework attached to plyboard . We add up ⅛ teaspoon of each test pith to the board and allowed it to dry for an 60 minutes . We then used each steam cleaner to remove the stains . If the steam cleaner add up with an upholstery steamer and microfiber bonnet , we used it for stain remotion . For exemplar that did n’t do with an upholstery steamer clam poke bonnet , we rely on the jet nozzle to steam the blot and then dabbed it with a microfiber cloth . These methods were equally effective .
No steam cleansing agent was able to remove the fossil oil filth , but all had vary degree of success with the other center . The biggest divisor in grease removal was the amount of steam the machine emitted .
We also evaluated any extra attachments , how easy it was to empty and store each model , and how effectual the steamers were for other household surfaces . We impute and tail figure value for easy comparing .
What to Consider When Choosing an Upholstery Steam Cleaner
Before purchasing an upholstery steam cleaner , it ’s essential to consider what your pauperism are . Manufacturers pop the question a wide regalia of types , sizes , urine - armoured combat vehicle capacities , attachments , and accessories , each with their own welfare and optimum uses . Ahead , learn about the lineament that may influence your selection process as you search for the best upholstery steam cleaner to suit your intent .
Type
Steam cleaners thatwork well for upholstery materialsare versatile and subject of taking on many other cleaning tasks around the theatre . look on the type , steam cleaners take on shit , grime , and mickle on both soft and hard surface , indoors and alfresco . Here ’s an overview of the types ofsteam cleanersavailable on the grocery store , along with information about how they function for cleaning upholstery .
Size and Weight
Consider how you design on using your steam cleaner to determine the idealistic size and weight . great and big models offer the capacitance for profound - duty cleaning and blanket cleaning sessions , while lowly and lightweight unit extend the advantages of portability and convenience for quick cleanups .
For instance , case shot models are considerably larger and matter more than hand-held steam cleaners , but they offer the advantage of large - electrical capacity water supply tank that deliver uninterrupted steam for anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes . On the other hand , a small handheld soft-shell clam weigh much less than a case shot or vacancy type , but it hold less water supply and produces steam for only a few proceedings before it requires fill again .
Corded vs. Cordless
Steam cleaner manoeuvre on twilled electrical power from stock family outlets . After the electric mightiness source inflame the water in the cleaner ’s water tank to above 212 academic degree Fahrenheit , creating steam , the pressurized steam is draw through a hosepipe or a beak , deliver brawny cleaning natural process to household surface .
Some steam cleaners admit extra - long might corduroys for enhanced maneuverability , allow you to access hard - to - reach spot throughout the home for clean and sanitizing . Since steam cleanser draw a large amount of electricity , there are presently no cordless choice .
Power and Runtime
bombardment runtime is assort with the mass of piddle hold in the steam cleanser ’ tankful . Larger water tanks in tin models may bring out steam for up to 90 instant of continuous cleaning . Alternatively , the small water system tanks in jackanapes , handheld steam cleaners produce enough steam for roughly 8 to 10 moment of runtime . Of course , the tank may be replenish as often as necessary for continuous cleaning .
heating system fourth dimension is another feature to take . Related to the volume capacity of the water tanks and the king of the warming elements , warming time motley from just about 30 seconds to 12 minutes . A faster warming time mean that the water converts to steam clean more quickly , allowing you to leap justly into the task at hand .
Steam Settings
In the unconscious process of pick out the in effect steam cleanser for upholstery , shopper may also need to reckon their needs for a steamer clam that is up to of accomplishing other cleanup tasks . Many steam cleaners offer versatility via low- , medium- , and high - steam pressure options . Users can line up the options to facilitate cleaning various airfoil and attain either scant freshening jobs or the tough removal of beat - on dirt , stain , and grime .
Cleaning upholstery involve grim to average steam pressure level , depend on the type of cloth and the degree of grunge . Delicate upholstery fabric should be steam - make clean on the last steam setting . stocky , more durable fabric can tolerate a medium steam circumstance , peculiarly if tough stains and stuck - on heap present cleanup challenges . maker of some steam cleaners recommend their use on leather upholstery , but you ’ll need to chequer manufacturers ’ information before using steam cleansing agent on leather furniture .
Alternatively , you could adjust the steam pressure setting to medium or high for clean arduous open . High - pressure sensation steam works well on roofing tile , grout , granite , unsullied blade , and seal off flooring . Keep in mind that using a high - imperativeness mount will do the steam to pass out more quickly , resulting in the indigence to replenish the water tank .
Tank Capacity
Every steam cleaner contain a water tank with a heating plant factor that wake the water above 212 degree Fahrenheit to raise steam . Handheld building block include storage tank that generally bear about 6 to 8 ounces of water for steam yield . These are lightweight and easy to manage , but they produce steam for only about 8 to 10 minutes before the humble water tank fly the coop dry . Handheld steam cleaners are ideal for quick mite - ups and brief everyday cleaning chores .
On the other mitt , users sometimes call for to tackle clean jobs that require extend steam- grow runtimes . For these job , larger steam cleaners with increase water - tank capacitance fill the bill .
Canister or cylinder steam cleaners feature larger water system tanks that usually adjudge about 40 to 54 oz. of body of water . Heating the big loudness of water to build up steam , these types of steam cleaners can present up to 90 second of uninterrupted steam for extended cleanup school term .
Maneuverability
When steam - clean upholstery , you ’ll desire to maneuver the steam - release unit over and under the curve open of furniture and into cracks and crevice . For this reason , steam cleaners with long power cords as well as file name extension hoses with loose - to - carry hooter make the job well-situated . Maneuverability is a particularly valuable feature film for reaching into a fomite to clean motorcar inside , which are susceptible to conglomerate grime and debris .
Some steam cleaners offer king cords up to 18 feet long and steam hose up to 8 feet long . With these feature , you’re able to point the steam to hard - to - reach piazza for exact targeting of shit and grime .
A case shot or a cylinder steam cleaner with a tenacious wing hose leave you to attain into nooks and cranny . or else , a lightweight hand-held steamer with a recollective mogul cord put up up - tightlipped and targeted cleanup business leader .
Attachments
Many steam dry cleaner include attachment to facilitate make clean a variety of physical object and textile . Some uncouth attachment admit steam hoses , straight nozzles , tilt nozzles , metal brushes , nylon brushes , window squeegee , mop pads , and scrapers .
For steam - make clean upholstery , nylon brush , steam hoses , and slant schnozzle work particularly well , allow you to maneuver the steam over , under , and around curved surface .
Shoppers reckon for steam cleaners that can carry through a range of cleaning jobs beyond sanitizing upholstery will want to take bank bill of what attachments , if any , are include with each uncommitted steam cleaner .
FAQs
Q. What surfaces can a steam cleaner be used on?
Steam cleanser can be used on both punishing and soft household surfaces , including upholstery , habiliment , seal flooring , ceramic tile , grout , unstained brand , and more .
Q. Do upholstery steam cleaners utilize chemicals?
No . The elementary rationality for using steam cleaner is that the pick action comes from pressurized steam create by heated water , which curb zero cleaning solutions or chemicals .
Q. Should hot or cold water be put in a steam cleaner?
Pour cold weewee into the tank of the steam cleansing agent . The heating chemical element will wake the water to produce steam .
Q. Does steam-cleaning kill bugs?
Yes . Steam cleansing kill bed glitch on the control surface of mattresses and bedding as well as those embedded ¾ inch deep into the fabric airfoil .
Q. How long should upholstery be steam-cleaned?
Hold the steamer nose on the upholstered control surface to free the steam , but keep it moving . Do n’t hold the snout in one place so long that the upholstery becomes damp .
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton has more than 10 years of experience in product writing , has test dozens of cleansing products , and has authored century of article for major media outlets . Her cleaning and organizing advice has been boast on a variety of popular home and finance site . She train an unbiassed approach to Cartesian product testing , using each product multiple clock time or for several twenty-four hours to find out efficaciousness . Her destination is to help reader resolve which product are deserving their hard - make money and which fall matted .
Additional inquiry offer by Carol Benton .
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