Have you ever wondered what invisible, microscopic things are lurking in your sofa? Well, when you use the best upholstery steam cleaners, like the Dupray Neat steam cleaner, you don’t have to.
Pet dander, food particles, germs, viruses, bacteria, molds, and many other pathogens are found in couches, so I immediately took to finding the best way to rid my home of these germs.
Steam cleaning proved to be the most effective option, especially when combined with the cleaning power of the Dupray Neat Steam.
Stubborn stains, pet messes, and spilled wine were gone in minutes with its heavy-duty cleaning power, and without damage to my back, thanks to its sleek lightweight build.
The Dupray Neat steam cleaner is truly the ideal upholstery steam cleaner that suits every home and is versatile enough to work on multiple surfaces, from your couch to your kitchen. It’s a one-and-done deal that covers all the bases.
However, that’s not what every home needs. Whether you’re looking for just a spot cleaner, a steam cleaner for delicate fabrics, or a handheld go-getter, we’ve included an option for you.
So if you don’t have a steam cleaner yet, there’s no time like the present to settle down into our roundup of the best upholstery steam cleaners as well as check out our list of answers to common burning questions.
Our Top Furniture, Couch, Sofa Steam Cleaner Recommendations
We scrutinized the various brands and models out there and here are the clear winners:
- Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Multipurpose Heavy Duty Steamer
- Comforday Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
- SF-540 Deluxe Fabric Steamer
- Dirt Devil Steam Cleaner Easy Steam Corded Handheld Steam Cleaner
Now let’s delve down to what makes them all great options.
1. Best Steam Cleaner Overall – Dupray Neat Steam Multipurpose Steam Cleaner
- STEAM CLEAN. DEGREASE. DEODORIZE. ANY SURFACE. BETTER.
- POWERFUL STEAM CLEANER: up to 275°F/135°C. Best multi purpose steamer for home, cars and more.
- HEAVY-DUTY & LARGE CAPACITY: Up to 50 minutes of cleaning time per fill up.
- PERFECT FOR FLOOR CLEANING: use any regular towel or cloth, no need for expensive special pads!
- 2-year Limited Warranty / Lifetime Warranty on steam cleaner boiler.
Dupray is a treasured name in the steam cleaning world, and their Neat steam comes recommended by even the pickiest of homeowners.
With a sleek and compact build, you’ll impress the whole neighborhood with its cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing abilities. What makes this the best steam cleaner is that it will suit most – if not all – households.
Reaching 275ºF, it can keep your mattresses bug-free, couches smelling fresh and pressed, and carpets stain-free.
Because it’s such a great general option, it’s not recommended for super-specific cleaning needs. So if you want a spot cleaner, you can get away with a cheaper handheld option, or if you’re working with suede or garments, you’ll want a specialized steam cleaner.
Pros
Portable steam cleaner
Just from looking at the photo, it’s easy to see this is a lightweight steam cleaner. My childhood memories are wrought with images of lugging massive cleaners to get stains out of the couch, so when I experienced what lightweight cleaning was like, I never went back.
Weighing only 9lbs and sporting a 54oz. tank, it easily tackles your entire couch without any risks to your joints or furniture. And when you’re ready to move rooms, just pull up its ergonomic handle to easily transport it.
Accessories galore
This is where the Neat steam becomes the best.
It comes with 17 high-quality accessories, most of which support deep cleaning upholstery.
Like the microfiber bonnet, which looks like a sock for the end of your hose but actually allows you to run your hose over your couch or rug and collect dirt while allowing the steam, pressure, and heat to seep into the cloth and remove stains and smells.
There’s also a lance attachment for more precise steam action, like in between the cushions, and a nylon brush for scrubbing even the softest of fabrics.
Long runtime
Sometimes spot cleaning isn’t enough, and you really need to get in there and deep clean the entire couch. Partnered with the Neat steam’s array of tools, the 54oz. tank gets you up to 50 minutes of versatile steam time.
So on the off chance, you’re looking to steam clean your curtains, clothes, rugs, and even the car, you can get it done in one go!
Cons
High costs
You don’t get the facilities of a multipurpose steam cleaner without paying for it. Sitting at just over $150, this machine isn’t as much as other commercial options, but it’s not a budget choice either.
If you’re only wanting to focus on spot cleaning or live in a small home, there are cheaper options on this list that will give you the same benefit without paying for features you won’t need.
But if you want to go from car upholstery to bathroom tiles to multiple other surfaces, then this is the heavy-duty machine for you.
Short cord length
The Neat steam’s cord length sits about 16 ft. long, which isn’t small but when cleaning bigger homes, extra-long cords are better for maneuvering between rooms without stopping your cleaning flow to find another outlet.
The hose length of 2 meters – plus the attachments – definitely helps combat this downside, however, it’s still not as convenient as a longer cord.
2. Best Budget Pick – Comforday Handheld Pressurized Upholstery Cleaner
- ★Multi-surface use: Our handheld steam cleaner unit is best suited for sealing surfaces and can be used on all surfaces including laminate, hardwood, fabric, upholstery, wallpaper, cars, windows, ceramics, linoleum, glass, marble and granite.
- ★Powerful hot steam: 1050W of power, emits pressurized powerful hot steam 105-110℃(220-230°F) for up to 8-12 minutes with our high pressure steamer. This is a convenient and efficient steam cleaners for home use.
- ★Nine free accessories: Our powerful handheld steam cleaner Set includes an exclusive free 9 pieces accessory kit. Extended Nozzle, Spray Cup with Brush, Bent Spray, Funnel, Measuring Cup, Spray Cup for Door and Window, Towel Sleeve, Brush Plate, Long Spray Cup.Tools adapt cleaner to every situation, including stairs, carpet, clothing, car interior and rims, etc. Gets into hard to reach areas.
- ★Versatile: This handheld pressurized steam cleaner for home use is an all in one streamer. It can be used indoors or outdoors. It can handle the largest dirt such as cement, grease and stains easily and quickly. We also provide extended nozzles to extend mobility and improve coverage!
- ★Chemical free and safe: The Comforday steam cleaner is completely chemical free,Includes a safety lock on the handle and a safety cap for added peace of mind for your safety!
Nothing says convenience like the mobility and efficiency of handheld portable steam cleaners.
With my mattress pushed against the wall, getting in and cleaning tight crevices was always a struggle, but the Comforday Handheld steamer helped take the stress out of cleaning the entire surface.
I also have the propensity to be a bit clumsy, and being able to whip out a handheld steamer to quickly clean up messes helped me manage my upholstery by reducing future stains and maintaining my furniture better, which in turn helps prolong the life span of my couch.
Pros
Convenience
When you’re constantly on the go or work long hours, the last thing you want to deal with is pulling out a big machine, waiting for it to heat up, and then dealing with the mechanics of pushing it around.
Handheld cleaners eliminate that whole process and allow you to give and clean what you can at the moment, instead of dreading the process until the mess gets too big or stains become too ingrained.
Easy living
Handheld steam cleaners are light.
Weighing only 4 lbs, you get an insanely fast heat-up time of 30 seconds and up to 20 minutes of steam. That’s a seriously long cleaning time, with handheld options usually only lasting around 10 minutes or less.
The lightweight, but powerful, design makes cleaning effortless and quick.
Low costs but high results
Naturally, being a more compact model the price goes down substantially from over $150 to hovering under the $50 mark.
Those new to steam cleaning will appreciate the low price tag for their new upholstery steam cleaner and those adding a more portable option to their collection will also enjoy the minimal cost.
And don’t worry, this is one of the few times paying less will still guarantee quality and efficiency.
Cons
Not for large projects
You’re never going to get the kind of widespread deep cleaning application from a handheld steam cleaner like you would a full-blown machine – period.
If you have a cleaning business, deal with a lot of mess, or are maintaining a large home, a handheld steamer won’t cover all your bases. This option is for specific scenarios, usually involving just general spot cleaning.
That said, the Comforday handheld steam cleaner is fantastic for finicky objects. Car seats, ottomans, car interiors – these are just a few of the historically tricky items to clean that Comforday handles seamlessly.
3. SF-562 Canister Garmet Steamer – Best Steam Upholstery Cleaner for Delicate Fabrics
- QUICK HEAT UP TIME — 86-ounce capacity removable water tank heats up in 45 seconds and provides up to 96 minutes of continuous steam with 2 steam settings
- REMOVE WRINKLES AND REFRESH — Removes wrinkles and odors from clothes, linens, curtains, upholstery, and more, without the hassle of dry cleaning
- EQUIPPED FOR THE JOB — Comes equipped with a cool-touch fabric hose, telescopic pole, attachable fabric brush, collar helper, and clothes hook
- 100% CHEMICAL-FREE — More effective and gentler on fabrics than ironing for all-natural garment care using the power of steam
- SUPERIOR SUPPORT — When you choose a Steamfast product, you’re investing in superior performance and design that will deliver total satisfaction. If not, we’ll replace it, for 2 years
In a turn of events, we’ve decided to go with the Steamfast SF-562 garment steam cleaner as one of our top choices for steam cleaning upholstered furniture.
As a garment steamer, the SF-562 is gentle enough to handle delicate drapery and fabrics like suede and microfiber but still tough enough to get in and alleviate stubborn stains and odors.
This cleaner also went against all my preconceptions about garment steam cleaners, coming in with one of the largest tanks on our list of 86 oz, giving over 90 minutes of steam time with an impressive 45-second heat up time.
So by the time you turn on your machine and get the hose to the stain, you’re already steaming and ready to go!
Pros
Made for the long haul
No more pausing to refill the tank and re-heat it! The 86-ounce water tank should be enough to thoroughly clean your couch. That means you get to have over 90 minutes of steam power.
Extra safety
If your cleaning time is often coupled with watching kids and pets, then you’ll really enjoy the extra safety features of this model.
The hose is also insulated, keeping it from being hot to touch. So when the kids or dogs are running around and not paying attention, you don’t have to worry about accidental burns when they inevitably run into you.
Get rid of the creepy crawlies
It comes with a host of accessories, making this such a versatile machine with functions that go beyond cleaning your couch. It’s excellent at cleaning mattresses and ridding them of dust mites and getting that extra care from the garment steam cleaning focus.
There are some consumers that recommended this for bed bugs. If you have furniture that is infested by bed bugs, you can use this to get rid of these pests without the use of harsh chemicals or pesticides.
Cons
A bit noisy
Some users commented on how noisy this machine can get. If you are working in a smaller space, you will most likely notice how loud it can get.
Lacks durability
The hose is not detachable. However, you can hook it at the top of the machine. There is a slot for it, so it isn’t in the way when storing it. If you have a small storage space, you might find this cumbersome.
Some of the attachments didn’t hold up well against abuse according to some consumers. The brushes, for instance, started showing signs of wear and tear even after just a few uses.
4. Dirt Devil Easy Steam Corded Handheld Upholstery Steam Cleaner
This budget cleaner is one of the best steam cleaners for tight corners, nooks, and crannies. If you can’t reach it with your standard steam cleaner or cloth cleaner, this one just might.
Despite its compact design, it is a powerful machine, capable of spraying hot steam. This is accompanied by strong water pressure to get those stains and dirt out. It’s perfect for spot treatments but definitely not for more intensive cleaning.
Pros
Efficiency
It heats up quickly so you don’t have to sit there for a long time, waiting for the water to heat up and begin producing steam.
It’s also portable. It looks a bit like a kettle, so you can easily direct the nozzle on the surfaces you want to clean. It’s not cumbersome to use as it isn’t heavy.
Versatile Steam Cleaner
A lot of people like using this not just for their furniture but also for cleaning various surfaces like their bathroom and windows.
It gets rid of dirt and grime in those small corners and spaces. If there’s a small cleaning job that doesn’t warrant taking out the full-sized steam cleaner, this would be a handy alternative.
People also commend this product for being able to effectively clean glass surfaces like mirrors and windows. When you are done cleaning your furniture, use this to clean your windows and mirrors as well.
Its sanitizing function is reliable as well. It gets tough grime out and it takes with it all those nasty germs and viruses lurking in your furniture.
And because it reaches those crevices easily, you will have an easier time thoroughly cleaning your furniture – no missed areas!
Cons
Lack of Safety Features
Be careful not to burn yourself. The steam is really hot and since you have to direct the nozzle manually, there’s a chance you will scald yourself if you are not paying attention.
Missing functionality
Many people don’t like how short the hose is. It’s also not as flexible as other steam cleaners so you will most likely have to carry the entire machine to clean all the surfaces of your couch.
Some also complained about the parts being flimsy and not lasting as long as they expected them to.
I ran into the terry cloth sleeve becoming grimy very easily, and it working to loosen up dirt but not in completely picking it up. You will still need to wipe the surface with a clean towel.
Short work time
The steam it produces doesn’t last long. If you are looking for a machine that can clean more surfaces in one go, this isn’t for you.
This is intended more for smaller cleaning jobs such as getting rid of small stains on the couch. If you need it to do bigger cleaning jobs, you might have to refill the tank more often and wait for the water to be heated again.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner?
When buying vapor steam cleaners, it’s important to understand your needs. Manufacturers offer many multipurpose steam cleaners with different sizes, capacities, tanks, and attachments, each offering unique benefits and optimal use.
Read up on features and factors when searching for an upholstery steam cleaning product for the best results.
Maneuverability
When steam cleaning upholstered furniture, the user must maneuver the steam across and beneath curves, cracks, and holes to get out tough stains.
You should be able to navigate your steam cleaner and clean upholstery without struggle.
This can be affected by cord length, hose length, accessories, the weight of the steam cleaner, and the little design extras such as a popup handle for carrying or hose storage on the actual machine.
Several steam cleaning machines have power cords up to 18 ft and steam hoses up to 8 ft, which makes moving around the room and targeting dust and dirt easy.
So in essence, look for options with ample cord and hose length, a good supply of accessories, and built-in designs that make storage and carrying easy.
Power and Runtime
Power and runtime are based on the pressure (PSI) and tank capacity of the steam cleaner.
The ideal steam cleaner will have between 100 to 135 PSI for optimal cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing – with a little leeway for handheld options.
For runtime, think of it in these terms. A little under 1 liter will get you around 20 to 30 minutes of steam, while tanks over 2 liters can provide up to over 2 hours of steam.
Consider the size of the cleaning you carry out.
If you live in an apartment or want to focus on spot cleaning, 30 minutes of steam is plenty of time to get out stubborn pet stains.
However, if you want to deep clean a big home or run a cleaning business, you’ll want something that can run for 50 minutes or longer.
Tank capacity
Steam cleaners are equipped with tanks and contain heating elements that warm the water to over 220°F.
Handheld steamer tanks are light and easy to use and they generate steam for about 8 to 9 minutes. These are best for simple routine cleaning tasks and quick clean-up.
Larger steam cleaners are available with increased tanks capacity to meet such needs on a larger scale.
Steam settings
When shopping for the best cleaning product, shoppers should also take into account the need for the steam machine to perform other cleaning duties.
Many steam cleaners offer flexibility through low, medium, or higher steam pressure settings.
The user can set up the settings so the surface can be cleaned easily or merely cleaned or wiped away easily without the use of greasy or grimy residue.
Cleaning upholstery takes low or moderate pressure based on the fabric types and soil depth. Delicate upholstery is cleaned at low-pressure settings.
Attachments
Many steam cleaners have attachments that enable cleaning various items.
Various common attachment devices include air hoses, a steam jet nozzle, angled nozzles, a brass utility brush, nylon brush, window cleaning machine, mops, and scraper brushes.
The cleaning process is especially well-executed in upholstery cleaning using nylon brushes and steam nozzles.
Shoppers who seek out steam cleaners capable of performing various cleaning tasks outside sanitizing upholstery should consider how many accessories are in the steam cleaners that are available.
Upholstery Steam Cleaners FAQ:
Conclusion
So, which of these do you think is your perfect upholstery cleaner?
We highly recommend the Dupray Neat Steam multi-purpose steam cleaner and the SF-562 Canister Garmet Steamer if you are looking for a heavy-duty steam clean that you can use to clean extremely dirty upholstered furniture.
They are a great value for your money because they have multiple purposes. You clean more than just your dirty couch. They also provide the best cleaning powers, making sure to get rid of those stains and grime that have been on your couch for a long time.
You can also be assured that those unwanted bacteria and germs will be eradicated with the steam cleaning powers of these machines.
We recommend the Dirt Devil Corded Handheld Upholstery Cleaner for those small furniture cleaning needs. It’s not as powerful as the other steam cleaners but it gets smaller jobs done.
If you have fairly clean furniture and you just need something to keep it looking clean and fresh for a longer period of time, this is a good steam cleaner to get.
If you already have a full-sized steam cleaner, you might also want to get this as a second steam cleaner as it is a lot more portable to use for those tight spaces.
Assess your needs first. If you have kids and pets at home, you will most likely need a more powerful steam cleaning machine. If not and you have a comparatively clean couch, something smaller and more portable should serve you well.
What’s Next
Now that you’ve read our complete guide to the best upholstery cleaning machines, we hope you’ve seen one or two models that could suit your needs handily!
If so, perfect! All you have to do is click on the links in our reviews to learn more about any of the models we’ve recommended and to check current prices.
Visit steamclean.reviews to find more buying guides, reviews and recommendations from your steam cleaning experts!
Update: Thanks to your tremendous feedback we’ve recently decided by popular demand to expand our testing to other automated cleaning solutions and review all of the top robotic window cleaners on the market currently.
We’ve thoroughly tested all the major brands and review the pros and cons of each unit. A couple come out streets ahead of the competition and as of the last few years these automated window cleaners have come down in price significantly so that they are now within reach of the average consumer.
If you’re considering an automatic solution for your windows, or are just curious to see how they perform, check out our reviews!
Check out our guides below for more steam cleaning tips!: