Steam cleaners are incredibly useful and effective when it comes to cleaning your home. Steam vapor is naturally sanitizing and deodorizing and when it penetrates surfaces it destroys mold spores, germs, viruses, dust mites, and bacteria (no chemicals needed.)
But as great as they are, they can also be really pricey! Many full-size steam cleaning machines cost between $100-200. But a full-size steam cleaner isn’t the only way you can take advantage of the cleaning power of steam! Handheld clothes steamers are a lot cheaper than full-size steam cleaners, and will only set you back about $30-60, depending on the model. Today I’ll be sharing ways you can use an affordable clothes steamer to clean things all over your house!
If you already have a clothes steamer at home, then you probably already know how useful they can be for keeping your clothes wrinkle-free. They also save on space – since storing a handheld steamer requires a lot less space than storing a bulky ironing board – and help you keep your iron clean. Using your clothes steamer to also help keep things clean around the house is a no-brainer! And if you don’t have a handheld clothes steamer at home, I think this post will give you a few good reasons to consider buying one. ;-)
Related: This Is The Perfect Solution For Your Hard-To-Iron Clothes
9 Things You Can Clean With A Clothes Steamer
1. Remove Grease
Use your clothes steamer to help clean up greasy buildup around your stove and oven. Just point your steamer at any greasy or grimy spots, and the mess will loosen up making it easy to wipe away.
2. Clean Grout
If the grout on your backsplash could use some TLC, grab your clothes steamer! The steam will loosen up the mess on your grout, then you can just wipe it clean. In addition to cleaning your grout, you’ll be sanitizing your grout too!
3. Defrost Freezers
If you have an old freezer that needs to be defrosted, you can make the process quicker and easier with your clothes steamer. Empty the contents of the freezer out, then place a towel at the bottom of the freezer. Point your steamer at the ice, and as it melts it will drip down and get absorbed by the towel. You’ll be done in no time!
4. Sanitize Counters
Use your clothes steamer to help clean and sanitize your countertops without the use of additional chemicals. Steam is hot enough to kill most kinds of germs, so it can be an easy way to stay healthy during cold and flu season!
5. Car Clean-Out
Spills that get into the nooks and crannies of your car interior are tricky to clean up, but cleaning your car doesn’t have to be a total pain!. Use your clothes steamer to help loosen up those sticky messes, and they’ll be much easier to wipe up afterwards!
6. Windows & Mirrors
Using a steamer can help you get a streak-free shine on your mirrors and windows. Apply steam to the glass surface from top to bottom, then wipe the condensed water downwards in multiple passes using a squeegee. You won’t leave any streaks behind, because you won’t need to wipe it down!
7. Remove Rug Stains
A small steamer is the perfect tool for spot treating small stains. Aim the nozzle towards the stain, and allow the steam to help loosen it up. Then just blot the stained area with a clean rag or paper towel to absorb the stain!
8. Clean Shower Curtains & Doors
Prevent mold and mildew from building up on your shower curtain or shower door with the help of your trusty clothes steamer. Just pass the steamer over the surface of the curtain or door, then wipe any loosened mildew or soap scum.
9. Refresh Upholstery
Use your steamer to freshen up your curtains, bedding, and furniture. The steam will help loosen any dust or grime, and give it a shiny finish that will make it look brand new!
Note: Keep in mind that some clothes steamers can only be used when held upright. You can still use it for cleaning a lot of things, but there may be things you can’t reach without tipping the steamer over. But many higher-end clothes steamers can be held at any angle!