What should you not clean with a steam cleaner?
- Water-Sensitive Electronics: Devices like smartphones, laptops, TVs, or speakers. The steam can seep into internal components, causing short circuits or permanent damage.
- Delicate Fabrics Prone to Shrinkage or Discoloration: Materials such as silk, wool, suede, or velvet. High-temperature steam may alter their texture, cause shrinking, or fade colors.
- Unsealed Wood Surfaces: Unfinished or untreated wood (e.g., raw wooden furniture, floors without a protective sealant). Steam can warp the wood, lift its grain, or cause mold growth.
- Heat-Sensitive Plastics: Thin or low-quality plastics (e.g., certain toy parts, plastic trim on old appliances). The high heat can melt, warp, or discolor them.
- Porous Stones with Natural Pigments: Some marbles or stones with iron-rich minerals. Steam may draw out pigments, leading to staining or discoloration.
- Sharp or Fragile Items: Glassware, fine china, or sharp objects (e.g., knives). Direct steam pressure could cause breakage or accidents.
What Handheld Steam Cleaners Clean Best
1.Hard, Non-Porous Surfaces:
Kitchen areas: Countertops (ceramic, granite, laminate), stovetops, sinks, and backsplashes. Steam effectively dissolves grease, food residues, and grime without harsh chemicals.
Bathroom surfaces: Tiles, grout lines, shower doors, bathtubs, and toilet seats. It kills mold, mildew, and bacteria that thrive in damp environments.
Floors: Sealed hardwood, tile, linoleum, or vinyl floors (use a brush attachment for better scrubbing on textured surfaces).
2.Household Appliances:
Microwaves, ovens (cooled down), and refrigerators (interior and exterior). Steam loosens baked-on food or sticky spills easily.
Small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, or blenders (exterior surfaces and removable, non-electronic parts).
3.Fabrics and Upholstery (Sturdy and Heat-Resistant):
Carpets and rugs (especially high-traffic areas). The steam penetrates fibers to lift dirt and refresh the material (test a small area first).
Sturdy upholstery: Couches, chairs, or car seats made of cotton, polyester, or synthetic blends (avoid delicate fabrics as noted above).
Curtains and drapes (when hung, steam from a distance to remove wrinkles and dust).
4.Small, Hard-to-Reach Areas:
Grout lines between tiles, window tracks, door frames, and baseboards. The narrow nozzle attachments can target crevices where dirt accumulates.
Toys, pet beds, and fabric baskets. Steam sanitizes these items by killing germs and dust mites without leaving chemical residues.
