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!
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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. 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. ;-)
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. Use your clothes steamer to help loosen up those sticky messes, and they’ll be much easier to wipe up afterwards!
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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!
Would it work on a mattress?
It might, but I am wary of introducing moisture into the mattress – I would suggest a dry treatment, like this one: https://jillee.co/2MNnxpi
I’ve cleaned and sanitized door knobs and around where you touch the door.Also works for
gunky stuff around kitchen cabinet handles.I also have a regular steamer.It’s not for clothes
and has different attachments,like a short hose,nozzle,upholstory attachment.You can also use at different angles and the top locks when you screw it on. It gives a powerful burst of steam when you push a button. I got it online at Walmart.
Also, you can also steam things like wax off of a candle holder, steam bamboo rugs, grease on appliances, help clean the glass on your framed photos, clean your screen door and window tracks, and the sanitizing benefits are great! Use them on your phone screen, on bathroom door knobs, quickly take that container of pens and pencils you have – steam and then wipe them, etc. Also the steamer is great on all cloth items like drapes, pillow cases you can hang from pant hangers. Steam your make up trays and brushes, or down the sides of your sticky… Read more »
Great ideas!
As I was enjoying your article on the benefits of a steam cleaner I was feeling kind of sad for you. Reason being is I have the OLD model of the My Little Steamer which is actually full size and not the small portable size which holds much more water – actually I measured 1 1/2 c. water in mine to top of fill level and mine has both a large and small nossel and one with something like a vacuum cleaner beater bar attachment as well. Yours looks like a different model but still the smaller travel size. I… Read more »
I actually use mine to steam my hair when it needs extra tlc and to steam my face…lol
I just removed tinting from my bathroom window that was bubbling up, with a steamer!!!
Does your steamer deliver a constant flow of steam? I had one that would stop and start , it became very frustrating to use.
It has a little “trigger” button that releases the steam when you hold it down :-)
Hey ladies, don’t forget to steam the mattresses on a beautiful spring day and be sure to leave the windows open to air dry them. I don’t know how I lived without a steamer for so long. I even steamed wrinkles out of my drapes and shower curtain.
Hey Jillee! I bought the little portable steamer from your link after reading this. I hate ironing and didn’t realize I could get something cheap and small like this! I was thinking about adding a couple drops of lavender EO when steaming clothes to add a light fragrance. Do you think that would be fine? Or possibly damage something?
One drop should be safe, but I would test out something you’re not too attached too. :-)
Will the steamer affect the film on the window?
Yes, it definitely can.