Yahoo Lifestyle 17 Things You Didn't Know You Could Clean With Your Steam Cleaner
Recently, steam cleaners have surged in popularity as a powerful way to clean a variety of surfaces in your home without harsh chemicals. To help you get the most out of this appliance, the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab share items you might not know you can clean and sanitize with a steam cleaner.
We don’t recommend using steam cleaners or wet mops on wood or laminate floors or butcher block countertops, even if your machine’s manual claims it’s safe. However, steam cleaners can be incredibly versatile for other tasks. Use them to whiten dingy grout, degrease grills or ovens, remove build-up around faucets or freshen hard-to-wash fabrics. Just be sure to always check your steamer’s guidelines for recommended attachments, as not all models come with the same options.
Grills
To remove grease and grime from your barbecue once it's cooled, fill your steam cleaner with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then use a scraper or brush attachment to guide the steam over the grates to loosen any stuck-on mess. Wipe with a damp cloth or a brush.
Ovens and stovetops
Make sure your stovetop and oven are off and cool, then remove the burner grates and the oven racks (here’s our advice on how to clean oven racks). Turn the steam cleaner on and, using a scraper or brush attachment to direct the steam, clean the cooktop, walls, doors and any grooves where crumbs and grime may settle. Wipe clean with a sponge or microfiber cloth.
Faucets
Faucets are prone to lime and calcium buildup, particularly if you have hard water. Using a steamer with a soft-bristled attachment can help you get rid of this tough-to-clean residue without damaging the finish. Simply blow steam onto the faucet head and into any grooves around it, then use the brush scrub. Wipe clean with a dry microfiber cloth.
Grout
If your steam cleaner comes with a small, narrow brush, you can use it to brighten dingy grout lines around the sink, tub or shower. Just make sure grout lines between the floor and wall tiles are sealed before you use steam to clean them. Once you’re done, use a cloth to wipe and dry the surface.
Drapery
If your steam cleaner comes with a fabric-steaming attachment, you can use it on drapes and curtains to eradicate dust, remove odors and even remove certain stains. We recommend testing a small spot first to ensure colorfastness. Then, simply pass the steam over your drapes in small sections, moving from top to bottom.
Stuffed animals
To eliminate bacteria, dust mites and other allergens from plush toys without washing them, go over them slowly with a steamer. Then vacuum the toy thoroughly with your vacuum's upholstery attachment.
Mattresses
If you have a steamer equipped with a fabric-steaming attachment, pass it over your mattress in sections, holding the nozzle as close to the fabric as you can (without causing the steamer to drip). The steam will help kill any dust mites lurking near the surface and help remove odors. Finish by vacuuming your mattress with the vacuum's upholstery attachment.
Pillows
You can also use a steam cleaner to freshen up pillows — particularly those that can’t take a spin in the washing machine. Simply run the steam cleaner's fabric-steaming attachment over the entire surface area of the pillow, front and back, then let air dry.
Windows
If your steam cleaner comes with a squeegee attachment, it can clean your windows. Use it to loosen any dirt on the glass, then wipe clean with a dry microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
Glass shower doors
Target limescale buildup on glass shower doors with your steam cleaner. This task is particularly effective if your machine comes with a squeegee attachment, but you can also use any small brushes to eradicate buildup and residue around the drain, along the walls and even inside the tracks of a sliding glass door.
Pet beds
First, thoroughly vacuum your pet’s bed to remove any hair and debris. Then use your steam cleaner's fabric-steaming attachment to steam the bed in sections, holding the nozzle as close to the fabric as you can (without causing the steamer to drip). The high heat will help tackle light stains and remove lingering odors caused by dirt and dander. Once done, let the bed air dry before letting your pet use it again.
Outdoor furniture
You can clean much of your outdoor furniture with a steam cleaner: benches, pool loungers, couch cushions, tables. Just make sure you have the right attachment for the item you’re working on. For example, a microfiber pad is safe for aluminum options, while a fabric-steaming attachment is better suited for cushions and pillows.
Tools and garden equipment
Shovels, rakes and even dirty or rusty tools can get quite the makeover from a steam cleaner. Use attachments like nozzles and brushes to get into any small crevices to remove dirt and debris, then wipe with a clean cloth.
Car hubcaps and rims
Remove brake dust and dirt with your steam cleaner’s precision attachment, getting into all the crevices on the wheels. Then, wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.
Sneakers
A fabric-steaming attachment can help rid your sneakers of dirt and grime on the sole, but can also help clean the upper and deodorize the interior. Just be sure to test a small area first to ensure the steam won’t damage your shoes.
Backpacks and luggage
Hold your steam cleaner's nozzle a few inches away from the bag’s surface and move it across the fabric, both inside and out, to spot clean small stains, remove caked-on dirt and help sanitize.
You Might Also Like
