08 Best Steam Cleaners for Your Car and Home

The greatest steam cleaners will assist you in giving your automobile the thorough cleaning it needs, as well as being useful around the house.

Steam cleaners clean in a different way than any other approach. As a result, they are frequently the only tool capable of removing stains and filth that no other method can.

A steam cleaner works by heating normal tap water (or preferably distilled water) to over the boiling point of 212°F/100°C and forcing it out through a nozzle under pressure.

There is no need for an additional pump because simply making steam, which raises the amount of liquid water by nearly 1,700 times, generates all of the pressure required.

As a result, steam cleaners are frequently quite basic machines, with the only moving portion being the trigger or button to activate it.

When superheated steam emerges from the nozzle, the heat destroys the bonds that cling to your car upholstery and other surfaces, while the moisture dilutes it and lifts it away, preventing it from clinging again. Because there isn’t much water used in a given area, surfaces dry quickly due to the heat.

When using a steam cleaner, vacuum first to remove any loose debris, and then vacuum again afterward to pick up anything the steam cleaner has loosened from your car upholstery for maximum cleanliness.

A powerful shop vac with good suction and the ability to suck up water is ideal for this. Heated carpet extractors that combine suction and steam cleaning in one device are available, but they are professional machines that are typically used by detailers, cost well over $1,000.

Refer to our table of contents for more information on the finest steam cleaners for your car and how to use them.

 

What Is a Steam Cleaner?

Steam cleaners simply do one thing: boil water to produce steam, which is then forced out a nozzle by the pressure created by the boiling.

They don’t use detergents, don’t have moving brushes, and don’t vacuum, to name a few things. You may wish to include some of those techniques in your cleaning regimen (see our Tips below), but you can get a lot done with simply hot water vapor.

 

Why do I need a Steam Cleaner?

Using a steam cleaner in your car can replace a variety of different cleaning chemicals and products with pure water, which is less damaging to many of the materials in cars. Because there are no solvents, it can be used on a variety of surfaces, from leather, fabric, and carpet, to plastics and trim materials and even places you can’t get to directly.

Although many surfaces can be cleaned using just steam, combined with the right cleaning agents, the steam cleaner can get your car interior cleaner than you ever imagined, not to mention getting your windows spot-free.

It also makes the cleaning process far less strenuous, allowing the cleaning power of steam to lift dirt and debris instead of scrubbing to get stains and grime off.

Steam, at hundreds of degrees, is also particularly effective in killing bacteria and viruses on soft surfaces like carpets and upholstery, where other treatments fail. The National Institutes of Health has even found that it reduces allergies and hazardous substances in household dust.

 

Steam Cleaner Safety

While stream cleaners are quite safe if used according to instructions, steam burns are exceedingly harmful and can result in third-degree burns. Always treat steam with care, and follow your machine’s user manual.

When using a steam cleaner, the first rule of safety is to never add extra water while the equipment is hot. The heating element in the boiler can generate an explosion of steam and boiling water by flash boiling the water you’re putting in.

Hoses and wands should be handled with care. Do not pull or stretch them; instead, bring the machine closer to them. We’ve ripped our fair share of vacuum cleaner hoses, but in a steam cleaner that can release a jet of superheated steam, all that accomplishes is cause you to lose suction.

The heat from the machine, hose, or accessories should also be avoided, especially after prolonged operation. Metal parts that are exposed to the elements are more likely to become heated.

It goes without saying that when the machine is hot, you should never put any part of your body near the nozzle.

 

What Should I Look For in a Good Steam Cleaner?

Steam’s cleaning power derives from its heat, which not only cleans but also destroys germs, therefore the temperature is the most important factor. More power, measured in watts, heats the steam, which dissolves sticky gunk easier and cleans the surfaces.

And, in some cases, having a high level of pressure can assist in blasting dirt away. High heat and pressure, on the other hand, can harm delicate surfaces and is, therefore, less safe to employ.

Although there are some battery-powered steam cleaners available, steam cleaners consume a lot of energy, so we opted for the more powerful corded versions.

Take notice of the hose’s and cord’s lengths, which will give you more range, though an extension cord will bring you as far as you need to go.

More powerful units, on the other hand, are typically heavier and thicker, making them more difficult to transport and taking up more storage space.

Look for models with a large water capacity and high efficiency to get a longer run time and accomplish projects without having to refill halfway through.

Check out the attachments that come with the type you purchase, as some will make quick work of seats and vast areas, while others will be required to get into small crevices and nooks and crannies.

If you prefer a carpet cleaner that doesn’t turn water into steam and won’t clean your car’s hard surfaces, look for models that are at least heated, as this will improve their cleaning performance.

Examine the owner evaluations for information on the brush heads’ effectiveness and suction power in removing stains and messes.

 

What to Avoid?

You’ll want to avoid ordering an old-fashioned stand-up steam cleaner because it won’t work in your car unless it comes with a bypass hose and attachments, and even then it won’t be the ideal equipment for the task.

And, while some of the small, handheld systems can perform some detailing, their utility is limited, and the fact that the water and steamer are integrated means you’re carrying a lot more weight around than you would with a canister-style steamer with a hose.

When cleaning leather, suede, or microsuede textiles with steam, use extreme caution. Despite the fact that the Alcantara brand advises against using steam, some manufacturers say that their low water content allows them to clean surfaces without oversaturating them and risking damage.

Steam cleaning leather or suede too often might cause it to dry out, and each material may have different stain removal requirements, so do your study. Try an out-of-the-way test spot first, as you would with any fragile fabric.

Dupray also has a wonderful primer page about steam cleaning your car that includes plans and suggestions for cleaning the various interior and exterior materials, as well as brief demo gifs that show how to detail different areas.

 

Tips for Steam Cleaning your Car

The first rule of steam cleaning is to use distilled water. Tap water will not only leave a layer of whitish mineral deposits on the surface of the cleaner, but it will also quickly create scale inside the cleaner, which will need to be cleaned out with vinegar. Even an hour of steam cleaning will only require a dollar of distilled water, so it’s well worth the money.

Always start with a vacuum. Steam cleaners are fantastic, but you must remove as much loose debris as possible before the steam can reach the muck. After the surfaces have dried, vacuum again to take up any dust that has been loosen by the steaming.

Spend some time going over the instructions or user manuals, or go to the manufacturer’s website, to learn how to use all of the attachments so you have the correct tool for the job. Make sure to use all of the tools offered, as they will not only help you clean more effectively but will also protect your surfaces.

08 Best Steam Cleaners for Your Car

 

1. Dupray One Steam Cleaner

Dupray One Steam Cleaner
Amazon

If we had to choose one, we’d go with the Dupray One, which is created in Italy. You’ll notice straight away that it’s more expensive than handheld cleaners, but that’s about the only drawback because it does everything.

Its adjustable steam control sets it apart, which is beneficial because it heats up to a scorching 303°F/150°C, disinfecting 99.99 percent of bacteria and viruses. The steam, on

the other hand, has a low moisture ratio, so nothing gets wet. It heats up in a claimed eight minutes and has enough capacity in its 39-ounce stainless steel boiler tank for up to 50 minutes of run time before you need to fill it again.

The power cable is 16 feet long, and the hose is six feet long, so you should be able to connect it into an outlet in the garage and have enough hose to go all the way around the car in the driveway. It’s enormous, about the size of a canister vacuum cleaner yet only weighs 10 pounds, making it easy to transport and store.

The best part is that it comes with a 16-piece cleaning attachment package that includes large-surface cleaning attachments for seats and carpet, a window squeegee, small detail tools, and microfiber steam mops for fabrics, leather upholstery, and wiping away the filth that the steam produces.

When the provided towels run out, you may replace them with any other microfiber cloths, which are available in bulk packs that are both inexpensive and washable.

This is the top of the line in terms of steam cleaners for the house. The Dupray One steam cleaner is the One you need if you want a versatile machine that can do everything you’ll ever ask of it.

Its large size makes it much more than you’d need if all you’re doing is occasional car interior cleaning, but if you want a versatile machine that can do everything you’ll ever ask of it, the Dupray One steam cleaner is the One you need.

  • Pros – Extremely hot, lengthy run duration, excellent reach, numerous attachments, three-year warranty
  • Cons – Expensive, larger than handhelds, and perhaps delicate hose

Buy Now Button | Best Steam Cleaners for Your Car

 

2. McCulloch Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner (MC1275)

McCulloch Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner (MC1275)
Amazon

The McCulloch consistently tops our best steam cleaners rankings, and it’s also the best value for our money. The steam in the McCulloch MC1275 is pressurized to 43 PSI and propelled by 1,500 watts of heating power, so it truly blasts away stuck-on crud deep in those cupholders and goes deep into the vents to clean the air circulation system.

Although some customers observed slower periods, the heating time should be under 10 minutes. The McCulloch should deliver enough steam for 45 minutes of continuous cleaning with a 48-ounce water tank and a trigger lock to keep it going without having to hold it down.

The McCulloch has a 15.7-foot power cable and a 10-foot steam hose, as well as wheels on both ends for easy mobility. It also includes 15 cleaning accessories for both big and small duties around the house and car, as well as a handy measuring cup and funnel for precise filling.

If you’re still not convinced, the McCulloch is an Amazon’s Choice product, with thousands of user reviews and a 4.4-star rating. McCulloch’s Kansas-based team will assist you with their two-year warranty if you are not satisfied.

  • Pros – Powerful, long run time, very good reach
  • Cons – Slow to heat up

Buy Now Button | Best Steam Cleaners for Your Car

 

3. OApier S15 Steam Cleaner

OApier S15 Steam Cleaner
Amazon

Only a few steam cleaners have been observed, such as the modular OApier, which looks like a Dyson vacuum or certain stick vacuums. The steam cleaner itself is a detachable handheld unit that may be used alone or inserted into the upright stick to be used as a steam mop on floors. It comes with a 30-foot chord, similar to what you’d find on an upright steam cleaner, because of the floor uses.

It also features a three-steam-volume option, which is useful for keeping your carpet from getting overly wet. It creates steam at the boiling point of 212°F/100°C, according to OApier.

It does feature a smaller tank, at 10 ounces/300ML, but the plus is a quick heating time of 30 seconds.

The accompanying tools and hoses are stored onboard the main upright unit. While we couldn’t locate a weight for only the portable part, consumers we polled estimated it to be under five pounds. A 12-month warranty is provided by the parent firm, light-n-easy.

  • Pros – Can be used as a handheld or upright steam mop, extra-long cord, onboard storage
  • Cons – Expensive if used solely as a portable tank for an upright.

Buy Now Button | Best Steam Cleaners for Your Car

 

4. Wagner AutoRight SteamMachine

Wagner AutoRight SteamMachine
Amazon

In many aspects, the Wagner is similar to the McCulloch, except it is a smaller steam cleaner designed exclusively for cars. Wagner is recognized for their popular house paint sprayers, and being a larger company, they are able to provide a two-year limited warranty.

The AutoRight SteamMachine comes with a set of seven tools, most of which are sized to fit into the numerous difficult-to-reach areas of a vehicle.

There are attachments for both leather and cloth seats, as well as carpet and hard surface surfaces. The large 40-ounce tank provides a long 35-minute steam time, but the cord and hose are only eight feet long, so you’ll have to move it about using the wheels or the built-in folding handle.

It performs well at 290° F steam temperature and 55 PSI pressure. It’s more expensive than other handhelds, but it’s still a good deal for a tank-style carpet steam cleaner. Of course, the same tools that work wonders on automobile seats will also work wonders on your home’s seats.

  • Pros – Two-year warranty, a long runtime, and vehicle-specific attachments.
  • Cons – Shorter cord length, longer heating time.

Buy Now Button | Best Steam Cleaners for Your Car

 

5. Costway Multipurpose Steam Cleaner

Costway Multipurpose Steam Cleaner
Amazon

Another steam cleaner we like is this one, which seems to have it all. The Costway Multipurpose Steam Cleaner is a 1,500-watt steamer with numerous attachments that should provide roughly 45 minutes of cleaning every water tank fill-up. 4

The 1.5-liter water tank must be heated for eight to nine minutes before usage, reaching temperatures of 226 degrees Fahrenheit.

A pair of tension tubes, a mop head, brass utility brush, scrub pad, steam jet nozzle, squeegee, triangle brush, measuring cup, five nylon utility brushes, two microfiber pads, and a water funnel are included with this choice.

The nozzle attaches onto the top handle, and there’s an onboard storage compartment for some of the smaller attachments.

You should be able to reach deep into your vehicle with ease with the 16-foot rope and 79-inch hose. The Costway is a canister-style steam cleaner that weighs 16.5 pounds, so you’ll be using the wheels.

  • Pros – Powerful, It’s has a long run duration, and has a long hose and cord.
  • Cons – Unknown durability; attachments may prematurely wear out.

Buy Now Button | Best Steam Cleaners for Your Car

 

6. Steamfast Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner (SF-370WH)

Steamfast Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner (SF-370WH)
Amazon

Steamfast is another steam cleaner we chose because of its outstanding customer reviews. It also has the Amazon’s Choice label. The SF-370WH is a budget-friendly steam cleaner that uses a 1,500-watt boiler to produce a pressured flow of steam that cleans and sanitizes naturally.

The Steamfast comes with 15 attachments, a 15-foot cord with integrated cord wrap, and a 6.5-foot hose, making it ideal for cleaning all of your interior’s hard surfaces, windows, wheels, and even your engine compartment.

With a steam-on-demand button or a lock for continuous steam, the large 48-ounce water tank should last up to 45 minutes of cleaning. It heats up in just eight minutes.

While it has a 4.4-star rating, some users have expressed concerns about the product’s durability and attachments. However, Steamfast provides a two-year warranty in the United States.

  • Pros – Extremely powerful, with a long run duration
  • Cons – Questionable durability, restricted applications

Buy Now Button | Best Steam Cleaners for Your Car

 

7. MLMLANT Power Steam Cleaner

MLMLANT Power Steam Cleaner
Amazon

The SC541 Power Steam Cleaner from MLMLANT is a feature-packed canister-style pull behind steam cleaner on gliders geared towards home use, but its light 11.8-pound weight, comprehensive feature set, and accessories make it a suitable choice for dual home and auto use.

Even though it has a large 1.5-liter water capacity for steam periods of up to 35 minutes, it’s a quick heater, taking only three to five minutes to heat up. It also comes with a 16-foot rope that coils up neatly onboard and a 5-foot hose with a trigger lock.

The accessory pack is also quite extensive. MLMLANT’s specifications aren’t often constant, but this appears to be a superheated steam cleaner that produces 275°F/135°C.

If you’re wondering why the name MLMLANT was chosen, the parent firm MARYANT explains, “MLML means for double horsepower in China, and ANT refers for hardworking ants.” We don’t know how much an ant’s nominal horsepower is, but it has to be double that.

  • Pros – Fast heating, long chord, superheat, and high capacity.
  • Cons – Bad user manual, expensive compared to name brands.

Buy Now Button | Best Steam Cleaners for Your Car

 

8. Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaner

Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaner
Amazon

If you find yourself using your steam cleaner frequently, or if you use it both inside and outside your vehicle, a heavy-duty model like the premium Vapamore MR-100 Primo would be a good choice.

It’s larger than many less-priced steam cleaners at 15 by 14 inches, yet it’s still designed to be portable and storable. The many thoughtful features, such as an easy-to-grab handle, smart tool storage, large knobs, and a commercial-style solenoid to control steam flow, demonstrate Vapamore’s more than 40 years of experience.

This machine delivers 210-220°F steam at up to 50 PSI at a lower temperature. There are over a dozen cleaning accessories, including wands, wipes, and nozzles, as well as a package of replacement O-rings for maintenance. It literally whispers quietly at 30 decibels.

The hose is just six feet long, but the cord is 18 feet long. It has a 1.6-liter capacity and takes 10-11 minutes to heat up for up to 60 minutes of steaming. Vapamore offers a lifetime warranty on its steam cleaner.

  • Pros – Lifetime warranty, well-thought-out design
  • Cons – Expensive pricing, hose condensation

Buy Now Button | Best Steam Cleaners for Your Car

 

FAQ’s About Steam Cleaners for Your Car

Is steam cleaning good for cars?

When washing and sanitising your vehicle, steam is an ideal alternative because the high temperatures kill and denature hazardous bacteria and microbes. Because steam is inhaled, any germs or viruses in the air are killed by the heat.

Can we use a steam cleaner on car interior?

A steam cleaner is an excellent option for cleaning soiled automobile interiors, whether they are significantly or mildly soiled. Steam may be used to safely clean a variety of surfaces. Steam softens and lifts dirt, allowing you to clean a stain for less time. To swiftly clean dirt before it forms a permanent stain, steam cleaning can be done at home.

Can we use a steam cleaner on car engine bay?

Engine steam cleaning, when done correctly and professionally, may be quite useful to a vehicle. However, if not done correctly, it has the potential to damage a vehicle's engine's inside.

Can I steam clean my car carpet?

Using a steam cleaner on your car's carpet, leather trim, seats, and upholstery not only cleans but also sanitises the interior, removing bacteria that can cause disease and odours. A steam cleaner can also be used to clean objects within your vehicle, such as child safety seats and seat coverings.

Does steam cleaning ruin car seat leather?

The main advantage of steam cleaning is that it kills bacteria. Attempting to steam clean leather on your own can result in irreversible harm. Your leather can become stretched and rippled if the temperature isn't just right, if the steamer is too close to the surface, or if it's left on one spot for too long.

Leave a Comment

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap