Best Overall
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Best Bang for the Buck
Phueut Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner
Best for Clothes
PerfectDay Portable Handheld Garment Steamer
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Our Best Bang weft , thePhueut Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner , is an even good deal this week at just $ 44.79 ( Save $ 66 ! ) duringAmazon ’s Black Friday Sale . This little bargain come with 12 ready to hand attachments and easily bump dirt anywhere and kills germs in no meter .
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A vacuity , mop , or broom mold just fine for casual cleaning and sustenance , but handheld steam cleaners are more effective when take away unsightly smear , stubborn dirt , and stain . These portable cleaning powerhouses rely on high - hotness vapor from boiling water to loosen and lift basis - in raft , wipe out germs , and sanitize surfaces . While a handheld steamer is n’t ideal for gravid jobs , it can work wonders on everything from upholstery to carpet , toilet tiles to laminate floor , and even vesture and curtains .
To see which of today ’s most democratic hand-held steam cleaner has the most cleaning power , we put 10 model through an extensive series of tests . We also reached out to an environmental toxicity expert to get their penetration on using steam forcleaningand sanitizing surfaces . base on their feeling and our hands - on tests , we pick out theDupray Neat Steam Cleaneras our favorite . It ’s lightweight and easy to practice , and it proved effective on a variety show of backbreaking and subdued airfoil .
Read on to learn more about this machine and the relaxation of the good handheld steam cleaners that made our inclination of top pick .
Our Top Picks
The best handheld steam cleaners are lightweight , furnish fair to middling steam , and offer up a motley of attachment . They also do a heavy problem deep cleanup floors and removing light stains from framework . We tested nine example ; here are the unity that made the excision .
Our Ratings : Performance4.25/5 ; Versatility5/5 ; simpleness of Use5/5 ; Value5/5
Most hand-held steam mops have a relatively small tank capacity that restrain their cleansing time to 10 or 20 minutes . But since the Dupray Neat steam cleaner separates the cleaning head from the cooler , it can bind 54 apothecaries' ounce of body of water and steam for up to 50 minute . Its encompassing accessary bent includes multipurpose nylon head word , a brass grout light touch , floor and window tools , a steam lance , a triangle tool , microfiber textile , and cleaning pads . It also has a 16 - foot cord , wing scepter , and 6 feet 6 inches of hosiery for fantabulous freedom of bowel movement and light cleaning in grueling - to - reach piazza .
The Dupray Neat steam cleansing agent overstep our hard - aerofoil tests with flying colors . It put out more steam than any other model and was more efficient thanks to its 275 - degree Fahrenheit temperature . We used it to clean our dingy grout , dislodge mineral depositary in our shower and around our sink , degrease our oven , and houseclean our base . During soft - surface examination , it raise light smear off upholstery and removed wrinkle from clothing . Like the rest of the example , however , it could n’t remove dark or oil - based stigma .
While this fashion model is a deep - cleaning ball of fire , it does have a couple of bunco . First , it sometimes spit out weewee after first being power on . To battle this , we twitch the trigger a few times before using it on upholstery so we did n’t oversaturate our fabric . Second , at 9 pounds , it ’s heavier than other handheld selection — though we had no problems maneuver it around the house .
Read our full revaluation : Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
What our tester says:“We sexual love how slender the mophead is ; it fit out under all our furniture and cabinet for a comprehensive deep cleaning . ”—Katie Barton , production Reviews quizzer and writer
Get the Dupray handheld steam cleaner atAmazon , The Home Depot , Walmart , Target , orDupray .
Our Ratings : Performance4/5 ; Versatility5/5 ; informality of Use5/5 ; Value5/5
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
visible light and thick , the Phueut pressurize hand-held steam cleansing agent was one of our favorite compendious models . It was wanton to operate , and the timber of its 12 attachment felt on par with well - known stigma . The in high spirits - force per unit area steam it acquire can reach a temperature of up to 230 degree Fahrenheit — hot enough to toss off germs and bacteria .
That high - temperature steam also helped it dislodge dirt more quickly than some of the other steamers on our list . Once we powered it on , it was quick to crystallize in under 5 minutes , and its tank content of almost 12 oz. provides 8 to 12 minutes of clean meter . We used it to discharge wrinkles from wearing apparel , spot treat upholstery dirt , and break down mineral alluviation and grease . Between task , we operate down the safety cap to forbid inadvertent scalding .
One defeat point we had with this model was its brusque 9.8 - foot magnate cord . Switching outlets when using a long-neck clam is not ideal , and we had to since this building block ca n’t reach far . We also did n’t love that its on - need gun trigger has no interlock mechanism for continuous steam blasts . Considering how well this poser cleaned , we wish we could ’ve lock the steam into shoes during more meter - consuming jobs .
Get the Phueut handheld steam sportsmanlike atAmazon .
Our Ratings : Performance4/5 ; Versatility3/5 ; comfort of Use5/5 ; Value5/5
At just 1 hammer , this minuscule steam cleansing agent is perfect for at - base use or take on a stumble . Its generous steam flow and copious heat effectively pull out crease out of all fabric types . Since this theoretical account is mean for garments , we prove it on wrinkled wear items and stain . It removed wrinkles from clothing well , but the small piddle storage tank mental ability only allowed us to steam three women ’s size M shirts or two size of it XXL men ’s shirt before postulate a refill . After testing for wrinkle release , we attempted stain removal using our test jeans . The steamer help loosen stain , coffee , and ruddy wine but was no match for dark or oil - free-base stains .
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
This compact handheld social unit sport a 100 - milliliter water storage tank that provide continuous steam for up to 10 minutes . It occur with a fabric - brush attachment for cleaning dirt off garments and smoothing wrinkles . Another big feature is the auto shutoff , which power down the steamer if it gets too raging or the water levels are too low .
What our tester says : “ The PerfectDay portable steam dry cleaner is small , lightweight , and drug user - favorable . It can substitute a clothing iron and is easy to store . The downside is that it ’s for garments only and does n’t offer the versatility of the other steam cleaners . ”—Katie Barton , Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the PerfectDay handheld steam cleaner atAmazon .
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
Best for Carpet
PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Cleaner
Our Ratings : Performance4/5 ; Versatility4/5 ; Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Value5/5
Gone are the twenty-four hour period of lease a leaden carpet cleaner — this lightweight steam mop from PurSteam sanitise deep into the fiber of carpets and surface area rugs . With a reservoir of 11.5 ounces , it provides up to 25 minutes of steam on the low-spirited mount . It works with tap water supply , so there ’s no pauperism for harsh chemical substance .
When we tested this mop , we were immediately impressed by how cursorily it warm up and how much steam it put out . It removed light sully on the carpet and upholstery , forget the cloth refresh without leaving balance behind . The super acid nozzle turn to steam clean our rug for sanitation use , and the round nylon light touch was suitable as a billet cleaner . We also tested it on strong surfaces , like grout , sinks , and an oven . The handheld building block was awkward to manoeuvre when tackling large line since it lacks an extension hose , but it still cleaned well .
We also used the mop , and it was one of our best-loved feature . Since it delivered such a high amount of steam , it cleaned quickly . We do bid the 15.9 - substructure corduroy was just a small longer , as it did n’t reach all the means across some of our test rooms .
Get the PurSteam handheld steam clean atAmazon , Walmart , orPurSteam .
Best for Upholstery
Steamfast SF-370 Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner
Our Ratings : Performance5/5 ; Versatility5/5 ; Ease of Use4.75/5 ; Value4/5
The Steamfast SF-370 steam cleansing agent features a variety of useful accessories , but its wide-eyed mophead attachment and box scrub tools make it an ideal choice handheld furniture steamcleaner for upholstery . It was one of the most powerful steam dry cleaner we tested , and its steam - on - demand trigger and uninterrupted steam locking electrical switch made it gentle to hold and direct the steam , especially when mate with the steam special K schnoz . This fastening let us to aim the steam onto unregenerate stains on mattress and framework - covered chairs . It even help to break up old gum balance on an orbit rug . Unfortunately , it did n’t provide us to adjust the steam ’s intensity .
Still , with its 48 - Panthera uncia water tank that makes up to 45 minutes of continuous steam , we had mountain of time to move between cleaning tasks . The cordedupholstery steam cleanermaneuvered smoothly as we go , and we apprise that the integrated carrying hold made it easier to bring the unit up and down the stairs . Though it store away easily because of its low profile , this modelling does not have any onboard appurtenance storehouse .
Get the Steamfast steam cleaner atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best Mop
Bissell 2075A PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 Steam Mop
Our Ratings : Performance4/5 ; Versatility5/5 ; Ease of Use4.25/5 ; Value3.5/5
This cleaner from Bissell is part handheld steamer and part stick mop . Not only is it great for scour hardwood , laminate , tile , and other hard storey airfoil , it ’s also a useful helping hand steamer for clean furniture , curtains , wearing apparel , and other fabrics . Itsonboard cleaning kit includes three round scrubbing brushes , a flat scraper , a flat control surface instrument , a bristle scrub brush , a grout tool , and an angle tool . The attachment can hook directly to the handheld whole or the same extension thermionic tube as the mophead , helping you reach ceiling fans , moulding , and windows . A fillip garment long-neck clam makes this unit a complete in - rest home cleanup system .
During testing , we used the steamer to relinquish seam from habiliment and spot treat tripping filth on rug , microsuede , and jeans . We locomote to the bathroom and switch to the steam grout cleaner brushing , and it easily dislodged the filth in our grout lines . We appreciate that the attachment could hook to the extension service subway , allowing us to cleanse gamy shower bath grout without straining our arm or neck . The hand-held unit also perform well on dirt and mineral buildup .
Photo: Katie Barton for Bob Vila
There were a few things about this Bissell that were n’t idealistic , however . There ’s no hose for the attachment , and we launch our paw and arms got tired carry the full weight unit of the machine during larger jobs . Second , the handheld building block attaches to the top of the swob , so it feels cloggy compare to other option .
Get the Bissell PowerFresh handheld steam cleaner atAmazon , Walmart , orBissell .
Best Heavy-Duty
McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
Our Ratings : Performance4.5/5 ; Versatility5/5 ; repose of Use5/5 ; Value5/5
The McCulloch MC1375 is a canister steam cleaner with handheld and mop up fond regard . It boasts a 48 - ounce piddle tank and can last produce steam for up to 90 second . It sport an on - demand trigger that locks in place for continuous steam , which is important when tackling large job on indoor and outside surface , including floors , bathrooms , concrete , grillwork , and kitchen . It features a wheeled bottom , an 18 - metrical foot power cord , and a farseeing reference hose , making it easy to maneuver . It also comes with integrate corduroy warehousing and a bag for its 20 accessary .
The McCulloch MC1375 performed the estimable of all the automobile during our soft - surface test . It removed dirt , vino , and coffee on all aerofoil . While it did n’t altogether withdraw oil , chocolate sauce , or Lycopersicon esculentum sauce , it eliminated or lightened these stains better than any other unit . Its accessories proved utile in deep cleaning backbreaking surfaces , and it was capable to blast through grease on the oven , take away mineral deposits around a sinkhole , and break down malicious gossip and grime on our floors .
Photo: Amazon
At over 10 lbf. , it ’s the heaviest hand-held vapor steam dry cleaner on our inclination and not a good option for those make clean multiple stories . It also does n’t include a dedicated upholstery attachment , although the super acid nozzle work well for spot deal stains and unloose wrinkles from clothes . It ’s well accommodate for those who ’ve previously used steam dry cleaners and are looking for amultipurpose steam cleanerwith heavy - duty attachment .
Get the McCulloch handheld steam cleaner atAmazon , Walmart , McCulloch , orKohl ’s .
ALSO TESTED
We also tested the Comforday pressurized hand-held steam cleaner and the Light ‘ n ’ promiscuous multifunctional steam mop , but neither passed examination .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Handheld Steam Cleaners
Before testing , we researched the best hand-held steam cleaner and pick out popular models that fit a range of penury . We included selection that are budget - friendly , convert to a swob , have a large water system tank capacity , and come up with multiple attachments .
We chose ten of thebest steam cleanersand put them through hard- and soft - airfoil tests . For our soft - surface trial run , we used an upholstery gameboard with tan microsuede fabric , a white shag carpet scrap , and a pair of light - wash jeans . We stained each surface with grime , umber , carmine wine , veggie crude , tomato sauce , and coffee sauce . We then used each steamer clam on the soil . The result were consistent across the board : All soft-shell clam removed most of the soil , coffee berry , and cherry wine on all surfaces , but none of the portable steam cleanser could all remove the oil , tomato sauce , or deep brown sauce .
For our operose - Earth’s surface tests , we used each handheld steam blank ( except for the vesture - only model ) to bump grease in an oven , withdraw mineral buildup in a dish washer , clean dirty bathroom grout , and untie dried food off the floor . We evaluated how well each modelling cleaned various home surfaces and scored them with a statute title .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider When Choosing a Handheld Steam Cleaner
The good handheld steam cleansing agent does n’t just remove stains , filth , and grease . It also needs to suit your budget , arm strength , and even patience . Here are some of the most crucial factors to consider when look to buy a handheld steam cleaner .
Intended Use
Many manufacturers list the type of chore their handheld steam cleaner can take on , but be mindful that some models specifically stand for for garment , for illustration , should n’t be used on a carpet . cognize a steam cleaner ’s intended use can help you narrow down the options that easily meet your cleansing needs .
Handheld steam cleansing agent are typically portable , even when the piss cooler is full . Even most large hand-held models usually do n’t melt down for more than an 60 minutes , which means they work well on emergency spills , small stains , pet accidents , and other light-colored - responsibility jobs .
Cord Length
Since steam cleaners draw bombastic amounts of electrical energy , there are n’t any cordless options . Instead , keep cord duration in mind : The longer the electric cord and extension hose , the more reach a handheld steamer for cleaning will have . The best hand-held steam cleaners provide plenty of length so you do n’t have to disconnect mid - clean .
Size and Weight
When selecting the right handheld steam cleaner , size and free weight are key since you ’ll be holding and lifting the steamer during operation . If the reservoir is expectant , the high-pitched intensity of water can make a handheld cleaner heavier , make it more unmanageable to practice after a few arcminute . You ’ll likely want to reckon for models with ergonomic handgrip and easy - to - reach buttons or switches .
Accessories are equally important and should be significant enough to reach the orbit that need mysterious cleansing yet small enough to store succinctly when the handheld steamship is n’t in use .
Power and Steam Settings
Just as some vacuum have more suction than others , some handheld steamers have more emphatic steam insistency than others . Applying higher imperativeness can be alazy thaumaturgy for better cleaning , but it could also damage certain open , especially if the user is careless .
As a general rule , perform a small smirch test before clean a specific item or area , and habituate only as much pressure as require to do the line of work . On an upholstered couch , for illustration , select a little area on the back , spot cleaning it using different power preferences to determine the one that clean house well without get damage .
Some steamers have one set only , so the only way to exchange the pressure is to hold the steamship nigher or farther off from the aim . Other theoretical account have two or three modality to accommodate unlike job .
Photo: Amazon
Tank Capacity
If the tank capacitance is 6 to 8 ounces , the steamer clam will be much light and easier to countermand but will run out of steam rather quickly , often in just a few minute . A larger tank electrical capacity means longer cleaning business leader , but it makes the unit much heavier .
idealistic tank capacity varies by undertaking . A small tankful can manage uncomplicated place cleanup , but a larger one is necessary to clean , say , a stage set of shower doors . Again , larger tank capacity make a steam cleaner heavier , so you ’ll want to determine how much weight you’re able to comfortably reserve throughout a job .
Comfort
Ergonomic handles with cushioning and easy - to - reach controls allow you to use a handheld steam cleaner without straining your fingers . Also , a lighter handheld pressurize steam cleaner will be much more comfortable than a large manikin . As previously talk over , weight depends on tank car size — the heavy the army tank capacity , the heavier the handheld steam cleaner will be when it ’s full .
If cleansing floors is a primary utilisation , you ’ll want to consider a hand-held model with longer bond or a detachable wand to aid alleviate back strain . Those that double as steam mop offer standardized benefits .
Additional Features
Steam cleaners often come with a wide miscellanea of attachment as a standard part of the leverage . A dependable handheld steam cleaner typically includes a few brush , a windowpane squeegee , angled and bendable nozzles for cleaning in deeper or firmly - to - reaching areas , carpet or mop steaming heads , and a foresighted attachment for make place like the top of ceiling rooter blade .
If those are n’t enough , look for optional attachments , like detail nozzle for cleaning the upholstery in a vehicle or stiff brushes for clean house grout or kitchen grillwork . Extensions can turn some into lightweight , full - size steam swab .
FAQs
This templet has an ample amount of data for shopper looking to make an informed leverage . Those needing more info onsteam cleaner usesmay desire to interpret on for solution to some of the most commonly asked questions about handheld steam cleaner .
Yes , a handheld steamer is an splendid peter for speckle cleaning rug . For whole - star sign carpet cleaning , a larger simulation designed specifically for that purpose works best .
Yes , handheld long-neck clam can kill bed bugs and their eggs , both of which go at temperatures above 122 point Fahrenheit . Since water must be 212 degrees Fahrenheit to form steam , it ’s well above the temperature needed to pour down seam bugs .
Photo: Amazon
Never steam cleanporous and unsealed surface , turgid carpeted sphere , delicate cloth such as silk or satin , or any object or framework that does n’t hold up well to heat .
No , never sum up anything other than water to a handheld steam cleanser ’s reservoir unless the manufacturer ’s instructions specifically submit that it is okay to do so .
When expect about whether steam cleaner and steam cleaning are worth it , Tonya Harris , environmental perniciousness expert and founder ofSlightly Greener , said “ Steam cleanup is one of my favorite ways to clean because [ it makes ] cleaning quick and painless — without the use of harsh ( and often insecure ! ) chemical substance typically found in house dry cleaners . It can carry through time because of how warm it can get free of messes , and it takes much less scrubbing power . ”
Photo: Amazon
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in merchandise writing , has tested scads of cleaning production , and has authored century of articles for major medium outlets . Her cleanup and get up advice has been boast on a variety of popular home and finance internet site . She takes an unbiased approach to production examination , using each merchandise multiple times or for several Clarence Shepard Day Jr. / week .
Additional research provide by Shannon Lee and Bob Beacham .
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