Why We Bought a Multi-purpose Steam Cleaner

For a very long time, I have wanted a multi-purpose steam cleaner. Conversations about steam cleaners did increase during the pandemic as high heat is a way to kill bacteria and viruses. Since we love our portable Little Green Bissell for cleaning upholstery, this canister steam cleaner is similar in size and convenience. Today’s post is not filled with my typical pretty pictures, but with lots of information on this steam cleaner. and why we bought one.

Does a Steam Cleaner really clean?

The beauty of steam cleaning is that it effectively trades heat for chemicals without sacrificing strength. When used correctly, what a steam cleaner is used for is to kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria. It’s a safe, healthy, eco-friendly, all-natural way to clean your home from top to bottom.

Our master bathroom floor is my least favorite thing about our bathroom. Before taking any drastic action like removing it or stenciling it (see the pool house bathroom stenciled floor here), we decide to deep clean it with our newly purchased steam cleaner.

At one point in the past, I am sure the grout was a light or white color, but now it looks dirty and dingy.

Before:

After steam cleaning:

With all the dirt gone from the grout, the floor nearly disappears and doesn’t become the nagging focal point in our bathroom.

Common Uses for a Steam Cleaner

In addition to the tile floor, we use it in the master shower to get rid of any mold or darkened grout. This is a temporary improvement as it is really time to completely revamp the dated shower.

We are also using it up at our cabin. The kitchen, dining area, laundry room, bathroom and back entrance have tile floors (again, not my favorite) and it feels good to give them all a deep clean.

Here are some more common uses for a steam cleaner:

• Cleaning ceramic or porcelain tile and grout, provide the products are sealed and glazed.
• Cleaning and sterilizing glass shower doors and tracks.
• Cleaning patio door tracks.
• Cleaning pet cages made from metal wire.
• Cleaning the exterior of appliances.
• Washing patio furniture.

What Not to Steam Clean

It’s important to know what NOT to do with a steam cleaner:

• Anything that can be damaged due to heat exposure, such as water-based paint and cardboard.
• Porous surfaces, such as stucco, brick, and marble.
• Large industrial spaces and food plants.
• Large areas of carpet.
• Delicate items, such as silks, thin plastics, and velour upholstery.

Does Steam Cleaning Damage Grout?

No, steam cleaning doesn’t damage tiles or grout that has been properly sealed. If not fully sealed, the grout may crumble slightly from the steam and moisture thus needing to be resealed, although this should be done anyway.

Can you Use a Steam Cleaner on Walls?

Yes! Steam cleaning is safe for your walls and won’t impact the other members of your household. It also offers plenty of other benefits, including: Minimal streaking.

Are Steam Cleaners Worth It?

Steam cleaners are a wonderful way to deep-clean many types of surfaces since they don’t’ use harsh chemicals. Hard surfaces easily cleanable with a steam cleaner include countertops, kitchen & bathroom fixtures, some types of flooring, as well as other impervious surfaces

Of course, there is a variety of price points for steam cleaners and you can see multiple selections here.

Which steam cleaner did we buy?

My husband researched steam cleaners for a few months and based on the description and reviews read, he selected the German-made Karcher SC3 Multi-purpose steam cleaner. This machine has a filter that protects the pump from hard water (which we have), however, we use distilled water as an extra precaution.

With a low water warning light, you can just add more water and keep cleaning. Good pressure and lots of attachments for various types of work, we will keep this machine busy. It weights less than 10 lbs.

The price of the Karcher SC3 is $190.75. With free shipping, there appears to be a 20% off coupon that you can apply (not sure what criteria you need to meet but worth investigating). Amazon also allows you to pay it over 6 months with an Amazon Prime Rewards VISA card.

We are very happy with this trusty little machine. Some future uses includes: a deep clean of the hen house; trying to remove the candle wax off the front concrete terrace and cleaning all the bathroom with tile. With the holidays coming and lots of guests, we want the entire place to be sparkling clean!

Please note that steam cleaners are just that….steam. So please operate your machine with caution to avoid burns.

Just a reminder, for your shopping convenience, this post contains affiliate links to Amazon, where I earn a small stipend if you link and purchase this product. Please note that I only recommend products that we have personally purchased and tried first.

Happy Wednesday! Today is the last official day of summer so enjoy it before Fall begins tomorrow.

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