Steam cleaning can kill up to 99% of bacteria and viruses. That’s not all, it’s also a great way to get rid of dust mites and other allergens.
What’s more, is that you can use it on many different types of surfaces. For example, you can use it to clean the floor, walls, windows—even your oven.
Did you recently get a steam cleaner? Not sure how to use it? If so, you’re at the right place. We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about how to use a steam cleaner below.
Keep reading for some steam cleaner tips!
Using a Steam Cleaner to Clean the Floor
Start by vacuuming the floor. For those who don’t have a vacuum, you can sweep with a broom instead. The goal is to get rid of all the debris that’s on the ground. That way, they won’t scratch the surface when you’re cleaning later.
Just remember to turn off the beater bar if you’re vacuuming hardwood or laminate floors.
Once you’ve gotten rid of all the debris, prepare the mop pads. Attach them to the bottom of the steam cleaner and make sure that they’re secure.
Fill the water reservoir and turn on the steam cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the model, you may have to wait a few minutes for it to heat up.
Once it’s warmed up, you can start cleaning the floor in even strokes. And remember to change the pad regularly—the last thing that you want is to spread dirt across the floor.
When you’re finished, take off the pad(s) and put them in the washing machine. That way, they’ll be ready for your next cleaning session.
Using a Steam Cleaner to Clean the Walls
Steam can damage some types of furniture so be sure to move everything away from the walls beforehand. You also want to take down any artwork or decorative fixtures.
Wipe the walls with a microfiber cloth to remove any debris and prepare the steamer. Don’t use it on the entire wall right away, though. Do a spot test first—ideally on an area that’s close to the ground.
Hold the nozzle a few inches away from the wall and release a burst of steam. From there, wipe it with a microfiber cloth. If there’s no damage, you can proceed to clean the entire wall.
For the best results, start at the top and work your way toward the bottom. And make sure to move the steamer constantly; you don’t want to apply too much heat to one area as that can damage the wall.
Also, it’s a good idea to wipe as you go; that’ll prevent water from dripping while you’re cleaning.
Using a Steam Cleaner to Clean the Oven
Set your oven to 400F for 30-60 minutes. That’ll help loosen the grease, which will make it easier to clean.
Once the oven has cooled down, wipe the inside with a damp rag. Next, prepare the steam cleaner. Take off the cap and fill the water tank with distilled water.
Next, attach the stainless-steel brush attachment to the steamer—that’ll allow you to scrape off grease and baked-on stains. Alternatively, you can use a scraper attachment.
Select your temperature setting and wait for the water to heat up. Generally speaking, the higher the temperature, the easier it’ll be to remove the grime.
Once it’s good to go, start the machine. Move the stainless-steel attachment back and forth across the interior surfaces, including the glass door. You won’t need to press too hard; the steam will do most of the work.
Using a Steam Cleaner to Clean a Mattress
Strip all of the bedding, including the mattress topper (if you’re using one) from the bed. Depending on how dirty they are, you may want to throw them in the washing machine.
Next, vacuum the mattress. For the best results, use the upholstery brush attachment—that’ll let you suction away as much hair, dust, pet dander, and dirt as possible.
Tip: If necessary, you can sprinkle some baking soda onto the mattress before vacuuming. That’ll help get rid of any odors.
Any stains should also be spot cleaned beforehand. For example, you can use a commercial laundry stain remover. Saturate the area with the liquid and leave it on for about 15 minutes. From there, blot it away with a damp microfiber cloth.
Fill the reservoir with water and bring the steam cleaner up to full heat. Hold the steamer one to two inches away from the mattress and move slowly in long strokes to clean and sanitize the surface.
Continue until you’ve cleaned the entire mattress. Remember, it should be damp, not soaking wet (otherwise, it’ll take a long time to dry).
Allow the mattress to air dry for at least three to four hours after cleaning. You can speed up the process by opening the windows and turning on some fans.
Knowing How to Use a Steam Cleaner
Now you know how to use a steam cleaner! If anything, they’re incredibly versatile. Not only are they great for the floor, but you can use them to clean other surfaces as well. The best part? There are no chemicals involved—all you need is water!
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