Steam cleaners have transformed how we approach cleaning, providing a chemical-free, eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. The power of high-temperature steam can tackle dirt, grime, bacteria, and even mould, all without the need for harsh chemicals.
Many people are familiar with using steam cleaners for basic tasks like mopping floors or refreshing upholstery. Still, there are many lesser-known and surprising ways a steam cleaner can make cleaning easier and more effective.
This guide will reveal 20 unexpected and creative applications for your steam cleaner to optimise your cleaning efforts. From everyday household tasks to more specialised cleaning jobs, your steam cleaner will likely be your new best friend in maintaining a pristine and hygienic environment.
Steam cleaning converts water into steam and then directs it to surfaces to loosen and break down dirt, grease, grime, and even bacteria. This high-temperature steam can be used on various surfaces, making it one of your arsenal’s most versatile cleaning tools. Best of all, it eliminates the need for harsh chemicals, which can harm your health and the environment. Steam cleaning offers an effective and environmentally friendly solution whether you want to sanitise your kitchen or tackle a tough stain on your couch.
1. Grill Grates
After a cookout, the grill can often become covered in sticky grease, leftover food, and stubborn grime. Cleaning it can be time-consuming, but a steam cleaner makes it much easier. The high heat of the steam quickly loosens and dissolves the grease and food residue, leaving your grill grates spotless and hygienic for your next barbecue.
To clean the grill, let it cool down and remove any food remnants. Fill the steam cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions, attach a brush or scraper tool, and then direct the steam to the grates. The heat from the steam will work to break down the grime, making it easy to wipe or brush away. This method ensures that your grill is sanitised, avoiding the need for potentially harmful chemical cleaners. You’ll also find that your grill will last longer since you’re preventing the buildup of grease and food particles that can affect its performance.
2. Ovens and Stovetops
The kitchen is one area where steam cleaning truly shines. Ovens and stovetops are notorious for getting covered in grease, spilt food, and stubborn stains, but this mess is no match with a steam cleaner. Steam’s high heat helps to dissolve even the most persistent buildup of grease and grime, leaving your kitchen surfaces sparkling clean.
Before starting, ensure that the oven or stovetop is cool. For ovens, remove the racks and any other removable parts. Then, use the steam cleaner to target the oven’s walls, door, and cooking surfaces. For stovetops, direct the steam onto the burners and the surrounding surfaces. The steam will break down grease and food particles, making it easier to wipe everything away.
A steam cleaner is particularly useful for hard-to-reach areas, such as around knobs or in narrow spaces, where grease and dirt tend to accumulate. Using steam, you avoid toxic cleaners and thoroughly clean with minimal effort.
3. Bathroom Grout
Grout in bathrooms is prone to discolouration, mildew, and grime buildup, especially in areas with high humidity. The good news is that steam cleaning can help restore grout to its original, bright condition. With its ability to break down dirt and mould, a steam cleaner is a game-changer for bathroom maintenance.
Attach a narrow brush to the steam cleaner to clean the grout and direct the steam onto the grout lines. The heat from the steam will loosen any dirt, mould, or mildew and make it easy to wipe away with a cloth or sponge. You may need to go over the grout a few times for more stubborn stains, but with steam, it will eventually come clean.
This method is especially useful in shower areas, where grout lines are often exposed to soap scum, mould, and mildew. Steam cleaning removes buildup without using harsh chemicals that can damage the grout or surrounding tiles.
4. Faucet Fixtures
Hard water can leave unsightly mineral deposits on your bathroom and kitchen faucets. Over time, calcium and lime can build up, making your fixtures look dull and unappealing. Fortunately, a steam cleaner can easily dissolve these mineral deposits without damaging your faucets.
Attach a soft-bristled brush to the steam cleaner to clean faucet fixtures and direct the steam onto the affected areas. The heat from the steam will break down the calcium and lime buildup, allowing you to wipe it away easily. For particularly stubborn deposits, you may need to let the steam sit for a few seconds before wiping, but this method will save you time compared to scrubbing with traditional cleaners.
Using steam to clean your faucet fixtures also helps sanitise them, eliminating bacteria and germs often found in damp, high-traffic areas.
5. Stuffed Animals
If you have children or pets, you know how easily stuffed animals can collect dirt, dust, and allergens. Cleaning these toys regularly is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy environment, but traditional methods like machine washing are not always an option. A steam cleaner offers a gentle yet effective way to sanitise stuffed animals without risking damage to the fabric.
To clean a stuffed animal, simply attach the fabric-steaming tool to the steam cleaner and pass the steam over the toy. The heat will kill dust mites, bacteria, and allergens, leaving the toy sanitised. After steaming, vacuum the toy with a soft brush attachment to remove loosened dirt. This method ensures your child’s favourite toy is clean and safe, without harsh chemicals.
6. Mattresses
Over time, mattresses can accumulate dust mites, allergens, and even bacteria, affecting your sleep quality and overall health. Steam cleaning is an excellent way to refresh your mattress and eliminate unwanted germs.
To clean a mattress, use the fabric-steaming attachment on your steam cleaner and move it slowly over the entire surface. The heat from the steam will kill dust mites, bacteria, and mould spores, leaving the mattress fresh and hygienic. Once you have steamed the mattress, let it air dry thoroughly before using it again.
This method also works well for cleaning mattress toppers and can refresh pillows that may not be washable in the machine. Regular steam cleaning helps maintain a healthy sleeping environment and prolongs the life of your mattress.
7. Pillows
Pillows can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and allergens. Cleaning them regularly is important, but many pillows cannot be machine-washed. Steam cleaning offers an alternative that sanitises and refreshes your pillows without the need for harsh chemicals.
Use the fabric-steaming attachment on your steam cleaner to pass steam over the pillow’s surface. The heat will kill dust mites and bacteria, leaving the pillow clean and odour-free. After steaming, let the pillow air dry completely before returning it to your bed.
Steam cleaning is an effective way to maintain hygiene without putting pillows through the washing machine, which can damage delicate fabrics.
8. Glass Windows and Shower Doors
Glass surfaces, especially windows and shower doors, are prone to streaks, spots, and buildup from hard water. While many glass cleaners claim to offer a streak-free shine, they can sometimes leave behind residues or require excessive scrubbing. On the other hand, a steam cleaner provides a more natural and effective way to clean glass without any residues.
For windows, simply direct the steam onto the glass surface, allowing it to break down dirt and grime. A squeegee attachment removes the steam and debris, leaving the window clean and streak-free. For shower doors, steam works wonders for removing soap scum and mineral deposits, which are often difficult to clean with traditional methods.
Not only will your glass surfaces look pristine, but the steam cleaning process also helps to sanitise them, ensuring a more hygienic environment in your home.
9. Pet Beds
If you have pets, you know that pet beds can quickly accumulate hair, dirt, and odours. Regular washing can be difficult, especially for large or non-machine-washable beds. A steam cleaner is the perfect solution for sanitising your pet’s bed and keeping it fresh.
First, vacuum the bed to remove any loose hair or debris. Then, the fabric-steaming attachment passes steam over the bed’s surface. The heat from the steam will kill bacteria, remove odours, and freshen up the fabric. After steaming, allow the bed to air dry before returning it to your pet.
This method is ideal for small and large pet beds and works on various materials, including fabric, foam, and memory foam.
10. Outdoor Furniture
Your outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements and can quickly accumulate dirt, pollen, and mould, especially in humid climates. A steam cleaner makes it easy to clean and refresh your patio furniture without the need for harsh chemicals.
Use the steam cleaner’s nozzle or brush attachment to remove dirt and grime from the surface of plastic, metal, or wood furniture. The fabric-steaming attachment will help lift dirt and stains while sanitising the material for fabric cushions. Steam cleaning is particularly effective at removing pollen and other allergens from outdoor furniture, making it the perfect solution for allergy sufferers.
Using steam, you can avoid harsh chemicals damaging the furniture’s finish or harming the environment.
11. Car Hubcaps and Rims
If you own a car, you know how quickly your wheels can become covered in brake dust, road grime, and dirt. Regular washing sometimes fails to clean those hard-to-reach spots, especially around the rims. A steam cleaner is perfect for tackling these stubborn areas.
Attach a small brush or nozzle to the steam cleaner and direct the steam into the crevices of your car’s rims and hubcaps. The steam will loosen up dirt and grime, making it easier to wipe away. This method ensures that your wheels stay clean and free from brake dust, helping them to look better for longer.
12. Backpacks and Luggage
Travel bags, backpacks, and luggage often accumulate dirt, stains, and odours over time, especially after exposure to different environments. Steam cleaning provides a quick and effective way to refresh these items without washing them completely.
To clean a backpack or luggage, vacuum it first to remove loose debris. Then, the steam cleaner’s fabric attachment passes steam over the bag’s surface. Focus on areas with visible dirt or stains. The heat will break down grime and eliminate odours, leaving the bag refreshed and sanitised. After steaming, allow the bag to air dry before packing it again.
This method is great for hard-shell suitcases and soft-sided bags, ensuring your travel gear remains clean and hygienic.
13. Sneakers
Sneakers are often subjected to dirt, stains, and odours. While washing them in the machine can be effective, it can also cause damage, especially to delicate fabrics or materials like leather. A steam cleaner offers a gentler approach to cleaning your shoes.
Use the steam cleaner’s fabric-steaming attachment to target dirty areas on the soles and uppers of the sneakers. The steam will loosen dirt and stains, allowing you to wipe them away easily. For odours, steam can penetrate the fabric and deodorise the inside of the shoes, leaving them smelling fresh.
Be sure to test a small area first, especially for shoes made of delicate materials, to ensure the steam will not damage the shoe.
14. Curtains and Drapes
Cleaning curtains and drapes can be cumbersome, especially if they are large or difficult to remove. However, steam cleaning allows you to refresh them without taking them down. Simply use the steam cleaner’s fabric attachment to gently pass steam over the curtains. This will help remove dust, stains, and odours, leaving your curtains looking and smelling fresh.
Steaming heavily soiled curtains while hanging can give them a deeper clean, saving time and effort compared to removing and washing them.
15. Toys and Play Equipment
Children’s toys and play equipment are often exposed to dirt, germs, and sticky substances. Steam cleaning offers an easy way to sanitise these items without harsh chemicals. Simply steam-clean hard plastic toys, play mats, or equipment like swings and slides to kill germs and bacteria.
Using steam ensures that your children’s toys are clean and safe to play with. The steam will also help remove any sticky residue from sugary snacks or drinks.
16. Door Handles and Light Switches
Door handles, light switches, and other frequently touched surfaces are hotspots for germs, bacteria, and viruses. Given their high-touch nature, cleaning them regularly is essential, but doing so with traditional cleaning methods can be time-consuming. A steam cleaner provides an easy and effective way to sanitise these surfaces.
Use the steam cleaner’s small nozzle attachment to clean door handles and light switches. The heat from the steam will kill germs and bacteria without needing to touch the surface with a cloth or cleaning wipe. This makes steam cleaning ideal for sanitising high-traffic areas regularly touched by hands. It’s a quick, chemical-free way to ensure your home remains hygienic and germ-free, especially during cold and flu seasons.
17. Keyboard and Computer Equipment
Keyboards, computer mice, and other office equipment are often neglected when it comes to cleaning, but these devices are breeding grounds for bacteria and dust. Given the time spent interacting with these surfaces, cleaning them is crucial. A steam cleaner can help sanitise these items without damaging the delicate electronics.
To clean a keyboard or mouse, use the steam cleaner’s small nozzle attachment to direct steam between the keys and buttons. The heat will loosen any accumulated dirt, dust, and grime. Be sure to wipe away any moisture immediately to prevent damage to the electronics. This method can be applied to other office equipment, such as telephones and printers. Using steam is an effective and gentle way to maintain a cleaner and healthier workspace.
18. Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans accumulate dust and dirt over time, and cleaning them can be tedious. The blades can be difficult to reach, and traditional cleaning methods often fail to remove all the dust. A steam cleaner is the perfect tool to handle this task.
To clean your ceiling fan, use the extension hose of your steam cleaner and direct the steam at each blade. The heat from the steam will loosen dust and grime, making it easier to wipe away. The steam will also help to sanitise the fan, killing any germs or bacteria that may be lingering. This method is more effective than traditional dusting but is quicker and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.
Regularly cleaning your ceiling fans helps improve air quality by removing dust particles and allergens from the blades, ensuring the air in your home is fresher and cleaner.
19. Tiled Walls and Floors
Tile floors and walls in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways often accumulate grime, grease, and stains. While scrubbing them by hand can be exhausting, steam cleaning offers a much easier and more effective solution.
To clean tiled walls and floors, use the steam cleaner’s tile attachment to directly steam the grout and tile surfaces. The heat from the steam will break down dirt, grease, and soap scum, making it easier to wipe away. The steam can penetrate the grout lines to remove stubborn stains and mildew.
Steam cleaning is particularly effective on bathroom tiles, often exposed to soap residue and mould. It’s a fast, thorough way to remove buildup and keep your tiles looking new. The best part is that steam cleaning eliminates the need for harsh chemicals, leaving your tiles sparkling clean without residue.
20. Curtain Blinds
Blinds, especially vertical and Venetian varieties, tend to accumulate dust and dirt that can be difficult to remove with traditional methods. Steam cleaning offers a quick and effective way to clean blinds without the hassle of taking them down or using potentially damaging cleaning products.
Use a steam cleaner with a fabric or nozzle attachment to clean your blinds. Gently direct the steam across the blinds, allowing the heat to loosen dust and grime. The steam will also help sanitise the blinds, removing bacteria, allergens, and other harmful particles. For vertical blinds, a microfiber cloth can be used with steam to wipe away debris as it loosens it.
Steam cleaning blinds is an excellent way to keep them looking fresh and hygienic without harsh chemicals or hours of dusting.
Final Thoughts
Steam cleaners are among the most versatile and effective tools available for deep cleaning and routine maintenance in the home. From kitchen appliances and bathroom grout to upholstery, car interiors, and outdoor furniture, there are endless uses for steam cleaning in everyday life. By harnessing the power of high-temperature steam, you can eliminate dirt, grime, bacteria, mould, and odours without harsh chemicals, making it an eco-friendly solution that benefits both you and the environment.
As demonstrated in the 20 surprising uses above, steam cleaners are not limited to just one or two cleaning tasks. With the right attachments and creativity, you can use your steam cleaner to clean virtually every surface in your home, vehicle, or office space. It’s a tool that saves time, reduces your dependence on chemicals, and offers a more hygienic solution to cleaning.
Steam cleaning provides an effective and efficient solution whether you’re looking to sanitise delicate surfaces, remove tough stains, or refresh the environment around you. So, the next time you look at your steam cleaner, remember that it can do more than just mop your floors—it’s capable of tackling various cleaning tasks to make your life easier and cleaner.
