This Space-Saving, One-Pass Cleaning Tool Effortlessly Combats Muddy Boots and Winter Germs − Experts Say It's 'Especially Useful' This Hosting Season
A steam vacuum cleaner allows you to sanitize, mop, and vacuum simultaneously
At this time of year, when temperatures drop, damp creeps in, and muddy footprints appear in the entryway, keeping your home clean and sanitized becomes more important than ever. It's not just about appearances with holiday guests on the way, either − tackling winter damp and dirt protects your space, belongings, and your health.
We all have the basic essentials to do so: A mop, a vacuum, cloths, dusters, and an array of cleaning sprays. But, say cleaning experts, if there's one thing your routine is missing, it's a steam cleaner. Or, more specifically, a steam vacuum cleaner.
Here, they share their cleaning tips for why this pricier investment is worth your money this fall and winter, with advice on how to use them, where to use them, and why they're superior to their simpler counterpart.
Why Is a Steam Vacuum Cleaner Better Than a Usual Steam Cleaner?
Steam vacuum cleaners tackle two tasks at once.
As Karina Toner, Professional Cleaner and Operations Manager at Spekless, explains, the best steam cleaners, such as the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner, available at Amazon, work well to loosen dirt and grime with heat, but usually still require you to wipe away residue using a cleaning pad or cloth.
'A steam-vac combo,' however, 'takes things a step further by combining steam, brushing, and suction,' she says. 'It loosens stubborn dirt while collecting the dirty water and debris in a separate tank, which saves time and reduces the need for multiple cleaning steps.'
For example, the Tineco FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Steam heats steam up to 320 degrees Fahrenheit to banish stubborn grease, stains, dried waste, and sticky residue, while lifting dust and pet hair at the same time.
'This is especially useful during the colder and wetter months when muddy footprints, pet paw marks, and sticky spills tend to build up around the home,' adds Karina.
What Are the Key Features and Benefits of a Using a Steam Vacuum Cleaner
Steam vacuum cleaners speed up cleaning times.
The main benefit of a steam vacuum cleaner is that you can spend less time cleaning.
'You can vacuum and wash at the same time,' says Karina, which is a convenient cleaning shortcut. 'Look for models with separate clean and dirty water tanks, a rotating brush roll to loosen grime, adjustable cleaning modes for different surfaces, and a self-cleaning function to make maintenance easier. Some models also have automatic dirt sensors that adjust suction and water flow depending on how dirty the floor is.'
Karina recommends the BISSELL CrossWave HydroSteam 3-in-1 Wet Dry Vacuum Mop, available at Amazon. 'I like this option because it combines steam, washing, and suction. It also has separate settings for hard floors and area rugs, making it useful for homes with different floor coverings.' We also reviewed the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam, and rated it the full five stars.
Another benefit of steam vacuum cleaners, as Jade Piper, Professional Cleaner and Operations Manager for BetterCleans, details, is that having both functions in one machine also saves you from using and storing two units.
'And of course, the extra cleanliness feature,' she adds. 'Steam sanitizes. So you have the peace of mind that you've given the floor a more thorough clean. It saves you money, too. You don't need another cleaner,' or additional cleaning chemicals, 'because water will do.'
Additionally, steam cleaners also improve allergies at home, effortlessly removing or killing common allergens.
How and Where to Use a Steam Vacuum Cleaner
Steam vacuum cleaners can be used across your entire home.
The beauty of a steam vacuum cleaner lies in its versatility. There are so many things you can clean with a steamer, and the same applies to the combo models.
'These machines are particularly useful on compatible sealed hard floors, such as tile and sealed wood,' advises Karina. 'Some models also have a separate setting for refreshing area rugs. However, I wouldn't use a standard floor steam-vac on couches or upholstered furniture. These surfaces need a suitable upholstery cleaner or extractor.
'Always check the flooring manufacturer's guidance before applying steam, especially on wood, vinyl, or laminate.'
Before using your steam vacuum cleaner, move everything out of the way, like toys, baskets, and other miscellaneous items, so you don't have to keep stopping and starting once you begin cleaning.
'Fill the clean-water tank according to the manufacturer's instructions and select the appropriate cleaning mode,' continues Karina. 'Move the machine slowly over the floor while dispensing water or cleaning solution as directed.
'Make overlapping passes, then release the trigger and make additional passes to collect excess moisture. After cleaning, empty the dirty-water tank and rinse the brush roll and other removable parts to prevent dirt and unpleasant smells from building up inside the appliance.'
As Jade adds, ensure you let the pad cool first before handling it. Most machines feature machine-washable pads.
What to Shop
Below, I've handpicked six top-rated steam vacuum cleaners for tackling common winter messes with ease.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Meet the Experts
Karina is a Professional Cleaner and Operations Manager at Spekless, which provides residential and commercial cleaning and maid services in Washington. Her advice and tips have also appeared in The Spruce, Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, and more.
Jade is the Operations Manager for BetterCleans, a professional cleaning company based in Milwaukee.
Is a steam vacuum cleaner a cleaning tool you'd be better of renting rather than buying?
For more helpful cleaning advice, you can sign up for our newsletter so you never miss the latest features.
