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Oct 23, 2024

The Best Handheld Steam Cleaners, Tested & Reviewed - Bob Vila

By Shannon Lee, Bob Beacham, Katie Barton Updated on Oct 22, 2024 2:41 PM EDT We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › A vacuum,

By Shannon Lee, Bob Beacham, Katie Barton

Updated on Oct 22, 2024 2:41 PM EDT

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

A vacuum, mop, or broom works just fine for daily cleaning and upkeep, but handheld steam cleaners are more effective when removing unsightly stains, stubborn dirt, and grime. These portable cleaning powerhouses rely on high-heat vapor from boiling water to loosen and lift ground-in messes, kill germs, and sanitize surfaces. While a handheld steamer isn’t ideal for large jobs, it can work wonders on everything from upholstery to carpets, bathroom tiles to laminate floors, and even clothing and curtains.

To see which of today’s most popular handheld steam cleaners has the most cleaning power, we put 10 models through an extensive series of tests. We also reached out to an environmental toxicity expert to get their insights on using steam for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. Based on their opinions and our hands-on tests, we chose the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner as our favorite. It’s lightweight and easy to use, and it proved effective on a variety of hard and soft surfaces.

Read on to learn more about this machine and the rest of the best handheld steam cleaners that made our list of top picks.

The best handheld steam cleaners are lightweight, provide adequate steam, and offer a variety of attachments. They also do a great job deep cleaning floors and removing light stains from fabrics. We tested nine models; here are the ones that made the cut.

Our Ratings: Performance 4.25/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5

Most handheld steam mops have a relatively small tank capacity that restricts their cleaning time to 10 or 20 minutes. But since the Dupray Neat steam cleaner separates the cleaning head from the tank, it can hold 54 ounces of water and steam for up to 50 minutes. Its extensive accessory set includes multipurpose nylon heads, a brass grout brush, floor and window tools, a steam lance, a triangle tool, microfiber cloths, and cleaning pads. It also has a 16-foot cord, extension wands, and 6 feet 6 inches of hose for excellent freedom of movement and easy cleaning in hard-to-reach places.

The Dupray Neat steam cleaner passed our hard-surface tests with flying colors. It put out more steam than any other model and was more efficient thanks to its 275-degree Fahrenheit temperature. We used it to clean our dingy grout, dislodge mineral deposits in our shower and around our sink, degrease our oven, and clean our floors. During soft-surface testing, it lifted light stains off upholstery and removed wrinkles from clothing. Like the rest of the models, however, it couldn’t remove dark or oil-based stains.

While this model is a deep-cleaning powerhouse, it does have a couple of cons. First, it sometimes spits out water after first being powered on. To combat this, we squeezed the trigger a few times before using it on upholstery so we didn’t oversaturate our fabric. Second, at 9 pounds, it’s heavier than other handheld options—though we had no problems maneuvering it around the house.

Read our full review: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner

What our tester says: “We love how slim the mophead is; it fit under all our furniture and cabinets for a comprehensive deep cleaning.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dupray handheld steam cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Target, or Dupray.

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5

Light and compact, the Phueut pressurized handheld steam cleaner was one of our favorite compact models. It was easy to operate, and the quality of its 12 attachments felt on par with well-known brands. The high-pressure steam it produces can reach a temperature of up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to kill germs and bacteria.

That high-temperature steam also helped it dislodge dirt more quickly than some of the other steamers on our list. Once we powered it on, it was ready to clear in under 5 minutes, and its tank capacity of almost 12 ounces provides 8 to 12 minutes of cleaning time. We used it to release wrinkles from clothes, spot treat upholstery stains, and break down mineral deposits and grease. Between tasks, we locked down the safety cap to prevent accidental scalding.

One frustration point we had with this model was its short 9.8-foot power cord. Switching outlets when using a steamer is not ideal, and we had to since this unit can’t reach far. We also didn’t love that its on-demand trigger has no locking mechanism for continuous steam blasts. Considering how well this model cleaned, we wish we could’ve locked the steam into place during more time-consuming jobs.

Get the Phueut handheld steam cleaner at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Versatility 3/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5

At just 1 pound, this small steam cleaner is perfect for at-home use or taking on a trip. Its generous steam flow and ample heat effectively pull wrinkles out of all fabric types. Since this model is intended for garments, we tested it on wrinkly clothing items and stains. It removed wrinkles from clothing well, but the small water tank capacity only allowed us to steam three women’s size M shirts or two size XXL men’s shirts before needing a refill. After testing for wrinkle release, we attempted stain removal using our test jeans. The steamer helped loosen dirt, coffee, and red wine but was no match for dark or oil-based stains.

This compact handheld unit features a 100-milliliter water tank that provides continuous steam for up to 10 minutes. It comes with a fabric-brush attachment for cleaning dirt off garments and smoothing wrinkles. Another great feature is the auto shutoff, which powers down the steamer if it gets too hot or the water levels are too low.

What our tester says: “The PerfectDay portable steam cleaner is small, lightweight, and user-friendly. It can replace a clothing iron and is easy to store. The downside is that it’s for garments only and doesn’t offer the versatility of the other steam cleaners.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the PerfectDay handheld steam cleaner at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Versatility 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Value 5/5

Gone are the days of renting a heavy carpet cleaner—this lightweight steam mop from PurSteam sanitizes deep into the fibers of carpets and area rugs. With a reservoir of 11.5 ounces, it provides up to 25 minutes of steam on the lowest setting. It works with tap water, so there’s no need for harsh chemicals.

When we tested this mop, we were immediately impressed by how quickly it warmed up and how much steam it put out. It removed light staining on the carpet and upholstery, leaving the fabric refreshed without leaving residue behind. The jet nozzle worked to steam our carpet for sanitization purposes, and the round nylon brush was suitable as a spot cleaner. We also tested it on hard surfaces, like grout, sinks, and an oven. The handheld unit was awkward to maneuver when tackling large jobs since it lacks an extension hose, but it still cleaned well.

We also used the mop, and it was one of our favorite features. Since it delivered such a high amount of steam, it cleaned quickly. We do wish the 15.9-foot cord was just a little longer, as it didn’t reach all the way across some of our test rooms.

Get the PurSteam handheld steam cleaner at Amazon, Walmart, or PurSteam.

Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.75/5; Value 4/5

The Steamfast SF-370 steam cleaner features a variety of useful accessories, but its wide mophead attachments and corner scrub tools make it an ideal option handheld furniture steam cleaner for upholstery. It was one of the most powerful steam cleaners we tested, and its steam-on-demand trigger and continuous steam locking switch made it easy to control and direct the steam, especially when paired with the steam jet nozzle. This attachment allowed us to aim the steam onto stubborn stains on mattresses and fabric-covered chairs. It even helped to break up old gum residue on an area rug. Unfortunately, it didn’t allow us to adjust the steam’s intensity.

Still, with its 48-ounce water tank that makes up to 45 minutes of continuous steam, we had plenty of time to move between cleaning tasks. The corded upholstery steam cleaner maneuvered smoothly as we went, and we appreciated that the integrated carrying handle made it easier to bring the unit up and down the stairs. Though it stores away easily because of its low profile, this model does not have any onboard accessory storage.

Get the Steamfast steam cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.25/5; Value 3.5/5

This cleaner from Bissell is part handheld steamer and part stick mop. Not only is it great for scrubbing hardwood, laminate, tile, and other hard floor surfaces, it’s also a useful hand steamer for cleaning furniture, curtains, clothes, and other fabrics. Itsonboard cleaning kit includes three round scrubbing brushes, a flat scraper, a flat surface tool, a bristle scrub brush, a grout tool, and an angle tool. The attachments can hook directly to the handheld unit or the same extension tube as the mophead, helping you reach ceiling fans, molding, and windows. A bonus garment steamer makes this unit a complete in-home cleaning system.

During testing, we used the steamer to release wrinkles from clothing and spot treat light stains on carpet, microsuede, and jeans. We moved to the bathroom and switched to the steam grout cleaner brush, and it easily dislodged the dirt in our grout lines. We appreciated that the attachments could hook to the extension tube, allowing us to clean high shower grout without straining our arms or neck. The handheld unit also performed well on grease and mineral buildup.

There were a few things about this Bissell that weren’t ideal, however. There’s no hose for the attachments, and we found our hands and arms got tired holding the full weight of the machine during larger jobs. Second, the handheld unit attaches to the top of the mop, so it feels heavy compared to other options.

Get the Bissell PowerFresh handheld steam cleaner at Amazon, Walmart, or Bissell.

Our Ratings: Performance 4.5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5

The McCulloch MC1375 is a canister steam cleaner with handheld and mop attachments. It boasts a 48-ounce water tank and can last produce steam for up to 90 minutes. It features an on-demand trigger that locks in place for continuous steam, which is important when tackling large jobs on indoor and outdoor surfaces, including floors, bathrooms, concrete, grills, and kitchen. It features a wheeled bottom, an 18-foot power cord, and a long extension hose, making it easy to maneuver. It also comes with integrated cord storage and a bag for its 20 accessories.

The McCulloch MC1375 performed the best of all the machines during our soft-surface tests. It removed dirt, wine, and coffee on all surfaces. While it didn’t completely remove oil, chocolate sauce, or tomato sauce, it eliminated or lightened these stains better than any other unit. Its accessories proved useful in deep cleaning hard surfaces, and it was able to blast through grease on the oven, remove mineral deposits around a sink, and break down dirt and grime on our floors.

At over 10 pounds, it’s the heaviest handheld vapor steam cleaner on our list and not a good option for those cleaning multiple stories. It also doesn’t include a dedicated upholstery attachment, although the jet nozzle worked well for spot treating stains and releasing wrinkles from clothes. It’s best suited for those who’ve previously used steam cleaners and are looking for a multipurpose steam cleaner with heavy-duty attachments.

Get the McCulloch handheld steam cleaner at Amazon, Walmart, McCulloch, or Kohl’s.

We also tested the Comforday pressurized handheld steam cleaner and the Light ‘n’ Easy multifunctional steam mop, but neither passed testing.

Before testing, we researched the best handheld steam cleaners and selected popular models that fit a range of needs. We included options that are budget-friendly, convert to a mop, have a large water tank capacity, and come with multiple attachments.

We chose ten of the best steam cleaners and put them through hard- and soft-surface tests. For our soft-surface tests, we used an upholstery board with tan microsuede fabric, a white shag carpet scrap, and a pair of light-wash jeans. We stained each surface with dirt, coffee, red wine, vegetable oil, tomato sauce, and chocolate sauce. We then used each steamer on the stains. The results were consistent across the board: All steamers removed most of the dirt, coffee, and red wine on all surfaces, but none of the portable steam cleaners could completely remove the oil, tomato sauce, or chocolate sauce.

For our hard-surface tests, we used each handheld steam cleaner (except for the clothing-only model) to dislodge grease in an oven, remove mineral buildup in a dishwasher, clean dirty bathroom grout, and loosen dried food off the floor. We evaluated how well each model cleaned various household surfaces and scored them with a rubric.

The best handheld steam cleaner doesn’t just remove stains, dirt, and grime. It also needs to suit your budget, arm strength, and even patience. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when looking to buy a handheld steam cleaner.

Many manufacturers list the types of tasks their handheld steam cleaners can tackle, but be aware that some models specifically meant for garments, for example, shouldn’t be used on a carpet. Knowing a steam cleaner’s intended use can help you narrow down the options that best meet your cleaning needs.

Handheld steam cleaners are typically portable, even when the water tank is full. Even most large handheld models usually don’t run for more than an hour, which means they work well on emergency spills, small stains, pet accidents, and other light-duty jobs.

Since steam cleaners draw large amounts of electricity, there aren’t any cordless options. Instead, keep cord length in mind: The longer the cord and extension hose, the more reach a handheld steamer for cleaning will have. The best handheld steam cleaners provide plenty of length so you don’t have to unplug mid-clean.

When selecting the right handheld steam cleaner, size and weight are key since you’ll be holding and lifting the steamer during operation. If the reservoir is large, the high volume of water can make a handheld cleaner heavier, making it more difficult to use after a few minutes. You’ll likely want to look for models with ergonomic handles and easy-to-reach buttons or switches.

Accessories are equally important and should be substantial enough to reach the areas that need deep cleaning yet small enough to store compactly when the handheld steamer isn’t in use.

Just as some vacuums have more suction than others, some handheld steamers have more forceful steam pressure than others. Applying higher pressure can be a lazy trick for better cleaning, but it could also damage certain surfaces, especially if the user is careless.

As a general rule, perform a small spot test before cleaning a specific item or area, and use only as much pressure as needed to do the job. On an upholstered sofa, for example, select a small area on the back, spot cleaning it using different power settings to determine the one that cleans best without causing damage.

Some steamers have one setting only, so the only way to change the pressure is to hold the steamer closer or farther away from the object. Other models have two or three modes to accommodate different tasks.

If the tank capacity is 6 to 8 ounces, the steamer will be much lighter and easier to lift but will run out of steam rather quickly, often in just a few minutes. A larger tank capacity means longer cleaning power, but it makes the unit much heavier.

Ideal tank capacity varies by task. A smaller tank can handle simple spot cleaning, but a larger one is necessary to clean, say, a set of shower doors. Again, larger tank capacity makes a steam cleaner heavier, so you’ll want to determine how much weight you can comfortably hold throughout a chore.

Ergonomic handles with padding and easy-to-reach controls allow you to use a handheld steam cleaner without straining your fingers. Also, a lighter handheld pressurized steam cleaner will be much more comfortable than a heavier model. As previously discussed, weight depends on tank size—the larger the tank capacity, the heavier the handheld steam cleaner will be when it’s full.

If cleaning floors is a primary use, you’ll want to consider a handheld model with longer attachments or a detachable wand to help alleviate back strain. Those that double as steam mops offer similar benefits.

Steam cleaners often come with a wide variety of attachments as a standard part of the purchase. A good handheld steam cleaner typically includes a few brushes, a window squeegee, angled and bendable nozzles for cleaning in deeper or hard-to-reach areas, carpet or mop steaming heads, and a longer attachment for reaching places like the top of ceiling fan blades.

If those aren’t enough, look for optional attachments, like detailing nozzles for cleaning the upholstery in a vehicle or stiff brushes for cleaning grout or kitchen grills. Extensions can turn some into lightweight, full-size steam mops.

This guide has an ample amount of information for shoppers looking to make an informed purchase. Those needing more information on steam cleaner uses may want to read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about handheld steam cleaners.

Yes, a handheld steamer is an excellent tool for spot cleaning carpet. For whole-house carpet cleaning, a larger model designed specifically for that purpose works best.

Yes, handheld steamers can kill bed bugs and their eggs, both of which die at temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Since water must be 212 degrees Fahrenheit to form steam, it’s well above the temperature needed to kill bed bugs.

Never steam clean porous and unsealed surfaces, large carpeted areas, delicate materials such as silk or satin, or any object or fabric that doesn’t hold up well to heat.

No, never add anything other than water to a handheld steam cleaner’s reservoir unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically state that it is fine to do so.

When asked about whether steam cleaners and steam cleaning are worth it, Tonya Harris, environmental toxicity expert and founder of Slightly Greener, said “Steam cleaning is one of my favorite ways to clean because [it makes] cleaning quick and painless—without the use of harsh (and often unsafe!) chemicals typically found in household cleaners. It can save time because of how quick it can get rid of messes, and it takes much less scrubbing power.”

Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on a variety of popular home and finance websites. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks.

Additional research provided by Shannon Lee and Bob Beacham.

We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.