Blast Dirt, Grime, and Viruses with These Awesome Steam Cleaners

These days, the importance of having a clean, germ-free home has never been more apparent. But few of us have the time or inclination to spend all of our waking hours scrubbing and sanitizing. Also, who wants to use harsh chemicals to tame grime and bacteria?

That is where steam machines come in. At its most basic, steam cleaning heats water to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and then forces the heated water out as steam through a nozzle or other attachment. This steam loosens dirt to then kill allergens, mold, staph, and viruses. Steam cleaning is a safe, quick, effective, and relatively easy way to banish viruses and dirt, without the chemicals.

The Best Steam Cleaners

• Best Steam Mop: Black + Decker 7-in-1 Steam Mop
• Best Handheld: Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner
• Best Budget Mop: PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop
• Best Heavy-Duty: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
• Best Canister: McCulloch Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner
• Designed for Pets: Rug Doctor Professional Steam Cleaner
• Easy and Effective: Bissell Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop
• Best for Fabric: Bissell Little Green Upholstery Cleaner
• Best for Hard Surfaces: Steamfast Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner
• Best for Gentle Scrubbing: Shark Steam Mop

What to Consider

Steam cleaners come in many shapes and forms, so keep all of the following in mind before settling on a purchase:

• Type and Weight: There are mops, canisters, handheld steam cleaners, and more available. Think about the size of the space you want to clean and how many flights of stairs you have to climb before clicking “buy now.” Obviously the bulkier,

• Water Tank: Do you picture yourself doing a quick 10-minute steam cleaning now and then, or will you need a steam cleaner that can last for 30 minutes to an hour or more? The water tank capacity varies considerably from model to model.

• Hard vs. Soft: Some steam cleaners are designed for both hard and soft surfaces, others are better for one or the other.

There are a variety of steam machines for homes and businesses, all of which can be used on floors, surfaces, and fabrics. We rounded up the best steam cleaners for your needs and budget.