Large steam cleaners are great for cleaning floors. In fact, they’re probably the best way to really get out any ground in dirt, mud, and other stains. But what about furniture, bedding and other hard to reach areas? These large steam cleaners aren’t very good for these areas. Even the ones with attachments may not be quite up to the job because the attachments never seem to be quite powerful enough. For these areas, you need a handheld steam cleaner. These smaller cleaners are easily able to get into any small space, plus they have the power to clean up any sort of mess.
Handheld steam cleaners work just like their larger counterparts. All you have to do is fill up the small container with water (either tap water or, if you have hard water, use distilled or filtered water). Then the steamer heats up the water until it can release steam while cleaning. Then you move the wand attachment (or the entire steamer itself) across the surface of the area. Steam is released as you do this, and this steam is heated so hot that it kills germs, mould, and many other parasites. It also loosens stains and dirt. In fact, it can actually vaporize the molecules that have caused the stain, pulling them up and away as it sucks up the water and steam.
There are many different portable steam cleaners, including upright machines that resemble the larger steam cleaners. They’re smaller, however, and much lighter. Canister steam cleaners require you to pull around a canister that contains the hot water. However, handheld steam cleaners are much, much lighter than the other two, and they’re usually cheaper to purchase, too. One of the downsides is that they’re not quite as versatile. It can be hard to use a handheld steam cleaner to clean large surfaces, for example. However, if you need to steam clean bedding or furniture upholstery, then these portable devices are exactly what you need.
In some ways, these small steamers resemble small handheld vacuums, and they work in much the same way. Many hold about six to eight ounces of water, which can provide ten to fifteen minutes of continuous use. A handheld steamer is great if you’re going to be cleaning many different pieces of furniture. A handheld steamer is also perfect for those who have allergens or have furniture that has tough to remove stains or odours.