How To Use A Steam Cleaner: Our Guide To Effective Sanitizing & Cleaning

Whether you’re looking at counter tops that are covered in stuck-on food and wondering what you’re going to do about it, or whether you’re trying to find a way to sanitize your floors and make sure that you have eradicated allergens like dust mites to put a stop to your family’s allergies, a steam cleaner could be the ideal solution for you.

The perfect way to sanitize and clean effectively all around your home quickly and easily, a steam cleaner can clean up a wide range of messes from mold to grease and everything in between without the user having to spend a lot of money on expensive detergents, put in any excessive physical effort, or release any harmful chemicals into the environment.

If you are keen to find out more about how one of these useful machines could make your life easier and your home hygienic and clean, read on to find some top tips about which kind of cleaner you need to eradicate the different messes in your life, and how to use a steam cleaner most effectively to make light work of all your household chores.

Cleaning Your Hard Floors

One of the most popular uses for a steam cleaner is to clean hard floors such as laminates and tiles. The best type of steam cleaner to use on a tiled, laminate or hardwood floor is a steam mop, and the key to cleaning a hard floor properly is to prepare it first so that the steam cleaner will have the best effect.

Vacuum the surface to be cleaned first to pull dust, debris and lint out of any cracks and crevices, and ensure that there is no excessive dirt on the surface which could be smeared around the floor with the hot steam.

Remember to only ever steam clean a sealed floor as otherwise the excessive moisture may cause irreparable damage. You should also always keep the cleaner moving smoothly and evenly over the surface to avoid any damage. When you have finished cleaning, leave the steam mop to cool and then remove the pad and clean it to avoid spreading dirt next time the mop is used.

Cleaning & Sanitizing Your Countertops Quickly

When it comes to cleaning your countertops, the best way is to use a portable handheld steam cleaner which you can easily lift up to the counter to remove stains, grease and bacteria.

Remember to remove all items from your counter before beginning so that you can ensure that the whole surface is cleaned in one go, and make sure to dust off any crumbs or loose debris before you switch your steam cleaner on.

When steaming your countertop, keep the machine moving at a slow and steady pace methodically over the whole surface, moving up and down its surface to ensure that all areas have been covered. Once you have finished, wipe the counter top using a dry, clean microfiber cloth.

Cleaning Grout Thoroughly

Tiles on walls and floors often attract a lot of grime and debris on the grout which can then harbor mold and bacteria. You can resolve this problem by steam cleaning the tile grout.

A portable handheld model is ideal for this, or alternatively, if you have a canister model this will have suitable attachments for cleaning grout. To clean grout most effectively, blast it using just the steam jet at first without any attachments as this will remove the most severe gunk. Next switch to a nylon bristle brush as this won’t damage the grout even if you rub hard.

If your grout is still dirty, use the wire bristle attachment, but if you need to do this take care since it may chip your tiles. Begin at the top of the tiles and work downwards, dousing the area that you have steamed every couple of minutes with water so that it will wash away the debris. Once you have finished, use a sponge to clean any remaining loose debris.

Getting The Most Out Of Your Steam Cleaner

If you have decided to invest in a steam cleaner, you could benefit from a few tips to ensure that you are getting the most out of your purchase. A steam cleaner can be used for many purposes around the home, however knowing how to use it properly is essential if you want to prolong its lifespan and get the best value for money. Here is some advice to point you in the right direction:

• Only use a steam cleaner on sealed surfaces which are safe to clean with moisture and high heat
• Use distilled water as otherwise, mineral deposits and limescale will build up over time which could clog up the nozzle, heating element and filter of the steam cleaner and cause damage
• Never add any soap or chemicals to a steam mop as this could damage the unit
• Never use the steam cleaner without water in the tank
• Always replace your machine’s filter at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals to maintain a high level of performance
• Wash the pad after each use to avoid spreading dirt and bacteria around your home
• Always unplug your machine before you maintain it or clean it and always wait until the unit has fully cooled before touching the mop pad
• After each use, empty its water tank and wipe it down using a soft cloth

• Clean its steam nozzle frequently to remove any mineral deposits and prevent them from clogging the machine

A steam cleaner is an ideal addition to your home and can make light work of a wide range of cleaning tasks in every room of your house. Whether you choose a steam mop for cleaning tiled or hardwood floors, whether you opt for a portable, handheld model for spot cleaning and for small spaces or a full canister model for the greatest versatility, you are sure to be glad that you invested in one of these efficient machines. Head to our homepage to find in-depth reviews of all our favorite steam mops, as well as quick links to all our other steam cleaner buying guides!