I cannot imagine how difficult life would be without a steam cleaner. The versatility offered by the best handheld steam cleaner makes it a worthwhile investment, and that’s why I am challenging you to invest in one. With the right steam cleaner, you will not only clean stains and dirt on the carpets, upholstery, and kitchen floors, but also clean your windows effectively.
Whether on a daily basis or once a week like me, you need an efficient and durable cleaner to tackle this household chore. Best steam cleaners will do a great job in cleaning surfaces such as tiles, without using cleaning chemicals and detergents.
Steam cleaners come in three major types, cylinder, steam mop, and handheld steam cleaner. Each type is best suited for various jobs. However, a handheld steam cleaner can clean virtually all surfaces because of its portability.
Handheld Steam Cleaner Price Comparison Chart
| Product Name | Price |
| 1. Steamfast SF-210 Everyday | $ |
| 2. Dirt Devil Steam Cleaner- PD20005 | $$$ |
| 3. Comforday Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner | $ |
| 4. Gideon Pressurized Steam Cleaner | $ |
| 5. BISSELL Steam Cleaner 39N7A/39N71 | $$ |
1. Steamfast SF-210 Everyday
I have found many of the Steamfast’s steam cleaning products effective, and Steamfast SF-210 Everyday is no exception; it has won the good cleaning seal of approval. Weighing in at 2.6 pounds, this handheld steam cleaner is extremely portable and lightweight, and a great little steam altogether.
Although it has a small water tank with a capacity of 6 Oz, this steam cleaner gave me a 10-minute service of steaming time. Steamfast is known for its manufacturing quality and reasonably-priced steam cleaning equipment for both home and commercial use, and Steamfast SF-210 Everyday is not excluded.
I found it rich in features which included 900 watt, 6-ounce water tank, 12.5 inches cord, had an ergonomically-designed handle to allow more comfort, various accessories such as a steam jet nozzle, measuring cup, utility brush, cloth clover, squeegee, large steam nozzle and much more. It also has an indicator light to tell you when the steam cleaner is ready.
The overall impression that the Steamfast SF-210 Everyday made to me is that it is a lightweight steam cleaner that can clean even the tiny hard-to-reach areas. With plenty of accessories, this handheld steam cleaner will help you clean various surfaces at ease.
Therefore, in a nutshell, I can say, Steamfast SF-210 Everyday is a lightweight, inexpensive, and compact unit with a good cleaning ability. It is definitely a steam cleaner I can recommend to everyone.
Pros of Steamfast SF-210 Everyday
- It is lightweight so easy to use and light on wrists
- Come with a long power cord to move around a large area
- Includes a nice assortments of accessories and tools
- Reasonably priced and offers good value for money
Cons of Steamfast SF-210 Everyday
- It needs regular refilling
- Must be held upright
- Only gives 10 minutes of continuous steaming
- Not suitable for large projects
- Not a very heavy duty model
2. Dirt Devil Steam Cleaner- PD20005
If you are conversant with floor cleaning tools like me, I’m sure you are aware of the Dirt Devil company; it has been making quality floor cleaning tools for a couple of decades. They also offer a wide range of vacuums and steam cleaning machines, with Dirt Devil Steam Cleaner- PD20005 being one of them. This steam cleaner boasts of exceptional quality and durability.
It is lightweight and portable, thanks to its ergonomically-designed handles. After unpacking it, I found this unit with nice hose accessories, and when I used it, it had a high pressure that cleaned all the hard-to-reach areas.
This device boasts a wide array of features including being lightweight, having a sturdy construction, larger water tank with a capacity of 8.35 Oz, and various accessories such as window squeegee, concentrator nozzle, soft cloth, grout brush, angle adapter, funnel, and measuring cup.
The first impression that Dirt Devil Steam Cleaner- PD20005 created was that it is a lightweight device that has impressive pressure enabling it to reach hard to reach areas. Also, the concentrator nozzle allows for a concentrated spray of steam that comes in handy when cleaning sink fixtures as well as toilet bowl and tank.
In a nutshell, Dirt Devil Steam Cleaner- PD20005 melts dirt away, has a nice long cord, is reasonably priced, has a larger water tank, and comes with a sturdy construction making it durable.
Pros of Dirt Devil Steam Cleaner- PD20005
- Manufacturer stands behind the product and offers warranty
- Lightweight product and easy to use
- Despites great results despite being small in size
- Good performance to price ratio
Cons of Dirt Devil Steam Cleaner- PD20005
- It is slightly heavier than Steamfast SF-210 Everyday
- You must re-heat water after one minute of steam
3. Comforday Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner
The Comforday Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner is a new machine in the market, and I found it very effective, offering greater efficiency and more convenience than most steam cleaners of its price range. While it seems small, this multi-purpose steam machine offers great convenience as you clean and disinfect your beds and bathrooms for bugs. With a lengthy foot cord and additional accessories such as an extended nozzle, measuring cup, funnel, bush plate, towel sleeve, etc., this unit enables you to clean various surfaces accordingly.
Being a 9-piece set, the Comforday Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner is a complete unit with each piece combining to create a versatile and efficient cleaner. At the heart of it all is a 1050W motor that is capable of producing pressurized steam of between 250-270F for as long as 20 minutes. This enables it to effortlessly cut through grime, mold, grease, and any kind of stain on various surfaces including carpets, ceramic, laminate, marble, granite, upholstery, and hardwood surfaces.
Like all the other multi-purpose steam cleaners in this list, I found this machine chemical safe. Besides, it has a safety lock on its handle that comes in handy especially if you have kids at home.
Overall, I found Comforday Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner a complete set that is free of harmful chemicals and suitable for use on multiple surfaces.
Pros of Comforday Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner
- Looks pretty and easy to use
- Simple directions included on how to use the product
- Can also be used to clean car hood and rims
- Low price model, meant for small cleaning jobs
Cons of Comforday Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner
- It is not very durable
- Steam pressure is low
- Not a professional product
Comforday Handheld Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner Review
4. Gideon Pressurized Steam Cleaner
This handheld multipurpose cleaner is easy on your hand and performs like a top-rated machine. I found it very powerful and is the perfect replacement for a supplementary cleaner or dingy mops. The Gideon Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner also doubles as a deodorizer and disinfectant, meaning that you should no longer suffer from germs and bed bugs when you have this device with you.
This machine helps wipe out hard stains from floors and surfaces. With its great convenience and power, I was able to do some emergency cleaning tasks as this machine emits close to 12 Oz. of steam water for about twenty minutes.
The model comes with multiple accessories. After unpacking, I found a lot of accessories including squeegee for window cleaning, a fabric cloth steamer, a grout brush, and an angle concentrator.
The Gideon Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner supplies close to 1050 watts of pressurized steam, making it ideal to clean different home surfaces with a lot of efficiencies. Since it also sanitizes and deodorizes home surfaces, this machine enables me to maintain high sanitary standards in my kitchen, sitting room, and bathroom floors at all times.
Pros of Gideon Pressurized Steam Cleaner
- Gives you 20 minutes of cleaning time
- Comes with several useful accessories
- Lightweight and highly portable device
- Attached with a long cord
Cons of Gideon Pressurized Steam Cleaner
- It has a tricky control knob that calls for care when setting it
- The stream pressure is not too high
- More expensive than other handheld steam cleaners
5. BISSELL Steam Cleaner 39N7A/39N71
This one stands for fast cleaning and sanitization. With this steam cleaner, you can easily sanitize an entire room in a single step. BISSELL Steam Cleaner is extremely powerful and can vanish all the dirty spots and sticky spots without the use of dangerous chemicals or detergents.
One of the things that impressed me when using BISSELL Steam Cleaner was how it was easy to handle. It is fitted with a trigger that helps one adjust the steam pressure. Its ergonomically-designed handles enable one to clean even the hard-to-reach areas where you cannot clean with a mop.
This unit also comes with a steaming tool that can also be used for fabrics. This unit comes as a complete package. After unpacking, it had window squeegee, nozzle, extension hose, grout, fabric steamers, detail brushes, and an angle concentrator.
Pros of BISSELL Steam Cleaner
- Cleaner gets into places where you can’t expect other models to go
- 100% chemical-free and safe for kids and pets
- Powerful steam deals with toughest stains
- Can be used for spot cleaning carpets
- Comes with a wide range of accessories
Cons of BISSELL Steam Cleaner
- It has fragile attachments, and therefore you have to handle it with care.
- Limited tank size restricts the usage
- Takes a lot of time to clean floor
- Unit needs to be cooled between uses and refills
Factors to Consider When Buying a Handheld Steam Cleaner
Price
Price is a factor that will help you narrow down your options. Different handheld steam cleaners come at different price ranges. All the ones I have reviewed here are below $50. There are costlier units that come with cutting-edge features, but the ones in this review have valuable functionalities and will offer a commendable service. They have solid reviews from real users, and I have proven their effectiveness.
Features
How are you planning on using a portable steam cleaner? Why do you want it? Answers to these questions will help you choose the best steam cleaner for your needs. Here are the most important features in a steam cleaner;
Most handheld steam cleaners are lightweight and small in size. However, they have variations. Consider the fact that you will be holding it for long hours when cleaning, so make sure it does not put a lot of pressure on your wrists. Choose a model that suits your usage and storage needs.
Find a steamer that comes with different tools and attachments to make it easier for you to clean various surfaces. Tools should helps you get to the corners and crevices with ease. Some common tools and accessories include an upholstery tool to help you clean hard stains, squeegee for glass window cleaning, a carpet glider, and a grout brush.
Go for units that deliver higher temperature and continuous pressure. Such cleaners help you get a deeper cleaning that kills more germs. If you looking at low-cost models, it may difficult for you to find high temperature and pressure settings, however the high-end products come with more options to deliver a deep clean.
Different surfaces require different types of cleaning. Furthermore, some areas may have the tendency to get more dirty than others. Thus, you will need to choose a cleaner that comes with an adjustable button for steam pressure to help you steam various surfaces. You should be able to lower the steam for less dirty areas and increase it for more stubborn dirt.
Ensure that your unit includes microfiber cloth and pads to clean and refresh the floor. Some models will include these in the unit but for others you may need to buy them separately. I recommend using microfiber cloth because it leaves no messy residue on the surface and makes the area spotless clean.
Ensure that your portable steam cleaner comes with a long enough cable to make it easier to clean a larger surface area before swapping plug pockets. This is one of the important features to consider if you live in a large house with several rooms. It would be cucumber some to switch the plug sockets numerous times. If you find corded steam cleaners tough to handle, you may look for the portable and cordless ones.
As steam cleaners involve water, it’s but natural to worry about hard water stains. It can be really difficult to get rid of these ugly stains, so I recommend using a machine that comes with anti-calc filters. This prevents an accumulation of lime scale in your machine if you reside in areas with hard water, so saves you from the hassle of cleaning later.
Construction and Design
Steam cleaners, being the ultimate home cleaning machines, have undergone an evolution and the modern ones have a lot of new features, making them more efficient and reliable. Today, many come with fingertip controls that make it easier for you to regulate the amount of steam released to its surfaces. Also, they have inbuilt indicator lights that alert the user when you are required to refill, or once your unit is ready for operation.
All the handheld steam cleaners in this review have an ergonomic design and feature non-slip handles to minimize wrist and hand stress. I have considered their weight as well, and all of them are very portable even with a tank full of water.
Performance and Ease of use
Our top 5 handheld steam cleaners have a reliable design and are easy to use. They come with features that make your cleaning incredibly fast and easy, such as fast heating time, quality accessory kits, auto-rinse, and on-handle steam pressure regulators. Virtually, all of them are lightweight for improved mobility during cleaning. They have a compact design, making them pretty easy to store as they can fit in small storage spaces.
Why Do You Need A Handheld Steam Cleaner?
With so many new and different cleaning products on the market, it can be baffling for a customer to choose the right equipment. Here are a few reasons that explain why it’s a wise thing to buy a handheld steam cleaner.
1. Reduce your spending on cleaning products
Most people spend a lot of money on cleaning products used for different types of surfaces. Before buying a handheld steamer, I had a spray for windows, bathroom mirrors, and floors. If you are like me, you have probably hoarded a lot of cleaning tools and supplies in the house. You can now ditch all these sprays for just one single solution – the steam cleaner. It will not only save you money but also a time in the long run.
2. Avoid harsh chemicals
No one likes the smell of bleaching agents and detergents being left in your place after cleaning. If you have kids and pets at home, disinfecting the house is very important but chemicals can pose certain health risks to them. A handheld steamer comes across as a cheap and effective solution. Cleaning with just water and heat will keep your children and pets safe since it is practically odorless. However, there are some portable steam cleaners that give you the option of adding detergent to your water.
3. Avoid allergies
Due to their high temperature, the steam can kill molds and bacteria without the use of any harmful chemicals that can be hazardous. Steam cleaners trap dirt in its mop pads, meaning that they are not shifted from place to another, so this is a more hygienic method to clean.
Although you cannot see them with bare eyes, the sofas, beds, and toys can be riddled with dust mites (see how to get rid of them) that cause asthma and allergies in some people. Regular steam cleaning will keep your house more hygienic and safe too.
With that in mind, let me help you choose the best handheld steam cleaner for your needs. I have created a list of the top 5 steam cleaners to serve as a buyer’s guide for you. I have personally tested all these steam cleaners, but I will leave the decision of choosing a suitable one for your needs.
5 Common Tips For Using Handheld Steam Cleaners
#1. Using steam cleaners to remove tile grout: Apart from regular cleaning, you may use the equipment to remove stubborn dirt and bacteria buildup around the tiles in the kitchen or bathroom. The steam can permeate through the buildup of bacteria or mold to remove any type of stains.
#2. Staying safe while using the cleaner: As this is electrical equipment, make sure you buy only certified products that have ratings from authorized agencies for safety. Wear shoes while using the device and keep them away from children. Also, beware as you may get steam-burns if you are not careful.
#3. Always do a test before trying on a new surface: You may use the steamer on almost all surfaces that are sealed and can take heat and moisture. However, pay attention to sudden temperature fluctuations that may cause porcelain or glass to break. Always do a test on small area before using the steamer on any new surface.
#4. Remove stains from BBQ grills or cooker shelves: You may use a steam cleaner to easily and quickly remove grease and stains from a grill. The steam helps in loosening the grease without you having to do a lot of scrubbing. It saves you from a labor-intensive job!
#5. Be careful with accessories and attachments: Before starting the cleaning device, make sure all accessories are attached securely. Remember to unplug the steamer from the electrical outlet before refilling water or adding new attachments.
Addition information: 33 Great Uses For Handheld Steam Cleaner
7 Common Mistakes When Using Handheld Steam Cleaners
Whether you have bought a new portable steam cleaner, or have been using one for years, you may be committing these mistakes even without knowing it. Although this is known as an easy cleaning process, you will be surprised to know about the common faux pas.
1. Steam cleaning on cold and humid days
While the steam released by these devices dry up really fast leaving your house squeaky clean, it is better to avoid a cold or humid day. The cold surfaces on a chilly winter morning may not conducive to hot steam. Carpets, sofas, and rugs may also take longer to dry after steam cleaning on a cold day. A hot sunny day is perfect for steam cleaning.
2. Not vacuuming before steam cleaning
Steam cleaning is good at removing stubborn stains from hard-to-reach areas. Vacuuming fabrics or surfaces before using a portable steam cleaner will remove any loose dirt and dust. This will help you use the steamer head for longer. If you use a steamer without vacuuming beforehand, you will need to clean the head frequently.
3. Too much moisture in electrical appliances
Using a steamer to clean a microwave oven is a good idea as it can loosen burnt grease and remove stubborn food stains. It can also help you get rid of bad odor. However, make sure the steam does not get inside the oven because moisture can damage the electrical appliances.
4. Not preparing the area to clean
Before cleaning a particular room you must prepare the space for steam cleaning. To do this, remove the furniture such as tables, chairs, and lamps to free up the area for cleaning. This will save you from having to stop in between and maneuvering around them.
5. Steam cleaning on the wrong surfaces
There are certain surfaces that are not suitable for steam cleaning and you may use the device on them at your own risk. These include fragile fabrics like silk, painted surfaces, waxed wood, hardwood flooring, unsealed porous surfaces like marble or limestone.
6. Leaving residues of cleaning solution
A good steamer can kill about 99% of the bacteria with water alone. However, if you prefer using a cleaning solution on the surface, make sure you clean up all the liquid. Leaving any residue behind can only attract more dirt and grime.
7. Using steam cleaning as a quick fix
Steam cleaning is by no means a method to do a quick clean-up fix. If there is a spill on the sofa, you cannot just clean that spot and leave the rest as this will make the uncleaned area look grubby. If you need to use a steamer, take this as an excuse to clean the entire surface.
Related Questions
Q1. Why are handheld steam cleaners used for cleaning?
A. This is a natural method of cleaning that allows you to remove dirt and bacteria without using any hazardous chemicals that pose health risks. If you have children and pets at home, steam cleaners are the safest products to keep your house clean.
Q2. How does steam cleaning work?
A. The multi-purpose steam cleaners use less than a gallon of tap water to create a low-moisture vapor that treats the dirty surface with heat. At 212 degrees, steam can remove dust mites, dirt, and stains, and sanitize surfaces without the need for any chemical additives. The product comes with several accessories for different types of surfaces and diverse applications.
Q3. What are the advantages of using handheld steam cleaners?
A. As water is the main cleaning force in this equipment, you have a cost-effective solution to keep your home and office clean. The absence of expensive and harmful chemicals makes them safe to use with kids at home.
As steam does not leave any toxic residues on surfaces or clothing, the device can be used for everyday cleaning purposes. It improves the quality of indoor air by removing airborne pollutants.
Q4. What steam temperature is used in this method?
A. When water is boiled to 212 degrees, it produces vapor that is used for cleaning in the handheld steam cleaners.
Q5. Is it okay to use a portable steam cleaner on unsealed floors?
A. It is not recommended to use steam cleaners if you have sealed hardwood flooring as it may cause warping and damage the floor. If unsure, do a test by cleaning a small area of the floor with your steamer to see the effect.
Q6. What can I use the steam cleaner on?
A. You may use the equipment to clean almost all types of surfaces such as kitchen counter, bathroom, sofa, and rugs, with the exception of heat-sensitive items such as plastic, silk, and selected upholstery.
Besides cleaning and sanitizing, steam cleaners may also be used for thawing frozen pipes, defrosting freezers, misting and dusting plants, and polishing jewelry.
Related Article:10 Things You Could Clean with a Steam Cleaner
Q7. Where happens to the dirt? Where does it go?
A. This depends upon the application and the accessories you use for cleaning. The vapor/ steam loosens dirt that is quickly absorbed in a cloth bonnet. The dirt removal system varies based on the model.
Q8. How far should I keep the steam nozzle from the cleaning area?
A. When cleaning or sanitizing the surfaces using a handheld steam cleaner, keep the jet nozzle at least half an inch away from the surface. Apply steam pressure for at least 5 minutes.
Q9. Can steam cleaners remove pet stains and odors?
A. If you are a pet parent, steam cleaners can be handy to clean the muddy paw prints and on the floor. As the equipment does not use any harsh chemicals, they are safe for pets. They also effective in removing sticky messes, odors, and stains.
Q10. I am allergic to dust mites and fleas. Is a handheld steam cleaner safe for me?
A. Yes, absolutely! Unlike other cleaning systems or pest control methods that use chemicals or poison, this equipment only uses steam. To remove dust mites, the recommended temperature is 130 degrees F. You may use it to remove dust mites from mattresses, clothes, upholstery, and carpets.
Q11. I am sensitive to chemicals. How can this cleaner help me?
A. As the handheld steam cleaner only uses water to create steam that is used for cleaning, you are not exposed to any kind of chemicals in the process.
However, if you have a severe chemical sensitivity, you may consider asking someone to do the cleaning for you. The steam is capable of reaching to pores of hard surfaces and fabric to remove any contaminants and chemical residue.
Q12. What to do before storing the steam cleaner?
A. To store the equipment properly, you must drain the water tank and loosen the cap to let it dry up before storing.
Q13. Is it okay to use regular tap water in the handheld steamer?
A. Yes, you may use regular tap water in the steamer, however, if you get hard water in your area, this may leave mineral deposits inside the water tank. Over time, these deposits can build up and restrict the flow of steam. Most manufacturers do not cover malfunction caused due to mineral deposits in their warranty. I would suggest that you use filtered water if the tap water in your area is not of good quality.
Q14. How will I know there is no water in the tank?
A. On average, 1 oz of water lasts for approximately one minute and the unit will stop releasing steam as the water tank runs out of water. Let the equipment cool down for 5-10 minutes before refilling it with water once again.
Q15. Why has my steamer stopped working or not releasing enough steam?
A. If you use tap water, mineral deposits may accumulate over time and affect the performance of the steamer. Refer to the troubleshooting section of the manufacturer’s manual to find out how to remove the mineral buildup.
Related Article: How Does A Handheld Steam Cleaner Work? All You Need To Know
Conclusion
Investing in a handheld steam cleaner for your home is a prudent decision that any homeowner needs to make. The market has a lot of steam cleaners, and it might be a daunting task for you to choose the handheld steam cleaner for home. That means you should take the time to analyze your needs before buying such a machine. I have tested all the above units and evaluated their strengths and weakness. However, as I had promised, I will not recommend any steam cleaner; I leave that decision to you.
Regarding their ability to sanitize and clean house, there is no question about their strengths and efficiency, and the above options guarantee excellent results. You can pick from this list; at least now it will be easier and less problematic than choosing from the many brands in the market.
