A Home Owner’s Guide to Steam Cleaners

Over the past 50 years it seems that domestic life has changed beyond all recognition, particularly for the home owner who previously faced hours of chores every day. In the modern world house hold management has been made all the easier through numerous gadgets and gizmos that aid in washing, cooking and cleaning. One of the most recent products to hit the market in this area is that of the steam cleaner. These seemingly simplistic products can however come in all shapes and sizes with numerous features and specifications. Here we demystify the steam cleaner and explain what you should be looking at when purchasing one for your home.

What is a steam cleaner and how do they work?

Steam cleaners have seen an unprecedented rise in popularity because they are incredibly versatile. Operating on water alone they produce steam that can be used to mop floors, clean curtains and scrub up tiles, to name but a few of the tasks that they can perform.

You should also be aware that some models are specifically for floors (these are known as mop cleaners), so check out the full description of a steam cleaner prior to purchasing to ensure that you know what you’re buying.

Steam Cleaner Buying Guide

When considering a steam cleaner there are a few specifications that will apply to all models, with these being: water capacity, accessories and heating time.

Water capacity

The water capacity of steam cleaners is measured in litres; opting for a high capacity steam cleaner will benefit from longer clean times as they require filling less often, however they also take longer to heat up. The largest of steam cleaners feature a cylinder tank and are perfect for those with larger homes.

Steam time

The steam time of a steam cleaner denotes how long it can clean for before the water supply runs out. This is denoted in minutes.

Accessories

Accessories cover both those that are included within the package as well as accessories that are purchasable separately. The majority of steam cleaners will come with a variety of accessories that are used to clean various surfaces, including everything from attachments to clean overs to those that help remove the creases from clothes.

Heating time

The heating time of steam cleaner denotes how long it takes for the cleaner to be ready for use. This is largely dependent upon the capacity of the cleaner, but can also be affected by the brand and quality of the steam cleaner.

Handheld steam cleaners have a quicker heating time than cylinder cleaners and so may be more suitable for day to day cleaning tasks, whereas cylinder steam cleaners are more suited to weekly and deep cleans.