11 Unexpected Things You Can Clean With a Steam Cleaner

If you’re looking for a natural, chemical-free method to clean various areas of your home, look no further than your trusted steam cleaner. Its high temperatures and effective steam can tackle numerous projects and places, from walls and grout to sticky residue and electronic accessories.

Below, our experts explain how to maximize your steam cleaner, along with a step-by-step guide to its use.  

Mattresses 

Many people think mattresses can only be cleaned by dry vacuuming or harsh chemicals. Fortunately, there is another option. "Esing steam is chemical-free and deeply sanitizes,” says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean. “It helps remove dust mites and allergens.”

Instructions:

1. Remove all bedding. 
2. Vacuum the mattress to remove loose dust and debris.
3. Fill the steam cleaner with water and let it heat up. Test a small, hidden area first to ensure the fabric can handle the heat without issues.
4. Slowly move the steam cleaner across the mattress in sections, holding it a few inches above the surface to avoid over-saturating.
5. Let the mattress completely dry before putting sheets back on. (You might choose to open windows or use a fan for faster drying.)

Walls

When a client requests a full-wall cleaning, Adriana Aziz, operations manager at Maid for You, has found that the most efficient method is to use a steam cleaner. “We've found it is the most effective way to clean walls in large homes,” she says. “We've had limited success with this method to remove nicotine from walls.”

However, Aziz offers these caveats: Never use a steamer on sandpapered walls or wooden panels, and always perform a spot test first. 

Instructions:

1. Test a small section, typically inside a small closet. Make sure there is no sweating or leaking of paint. 
2. Dust the rest of the walls in their entirety. 
3. Aim the steamer’s nozzle about two steps away from the wall, and steam from top to bottom. 
4. Use a large mop with microfiber pad to wipe down each section as you go.

Window Frames

Window frames are usually one of the dirtiest surfaces in the house—but can easily be cleaned with steam cleaners, says Marisol Rivera, a cleaning expert and professional organizer. “Years of dust, pollen, and grime will melt away using the steam,” Rivera says, “without chemicals and without having to spend hours scrubbing.”

Instructions:

1. Remove all the curtains or blinds from the window. 
2. Vacuum the frames and tracks to remove the loose dust and debris. 
3. Add distilled water to your steam cleaner and allow the steam to heat up. 
4. Hold the steam nozzle approximately one to two inches from the window frame. Move it slowly from top to bottom, making sure to get into all the corners and areas where dirt collects. If you have a brush attachment, use it. 
5. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire area. 
6. Allow the frames to dry completely before closing the windows. 

Adhesive Residue 

No one likes to battle the annoying sticky residue left behind from price tags or brand labels, but those are no match for your steam cleaner. Michael Silva-Nash, president of Molly Maid, details how to easily remove any adhesive residue. However, you should always make sure the surface is safe to steam. (Unsafe materials include hardwood floors, cold windows, leather, and synthetic fabrics.)

Instructions:

1. Perform a spot test with your steam cleaner to be sure no damage occurs.
2. Using the concentrated or detail nozzle, aim it one or two inches away from the surface. Steam for 10 to 20 seconds to soften the residue. 
3. Once loosened, use a plastic scraper or credit card to lift the residue. Repeat if necessary. 
4. Use a damp microfiber towel to wipe away excess residue immediately after steaming, while the area is still warm. 
5. Dry the area completely with a fresh microfiber towel.

Computer Accessories

Most people avoid using water near electronics. But if used carefully, Sokolowski says steam can sanitize without any damage.

Instructions:

1. Turn off and unplug your devices.
2. Remove any loose debris with compressed air or a gentle brush.
3. Using a steam cleaner with a small nozzle attachment or a cloth lightly dampened with steam, carefully hover the steam over keys or surfaces. Be sure to avoid touching electronics directly with hot steam and don’t let water drip onto surfaces.
4. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth afterwards.

Sliding Door and Window Tracks 

Door and window tracks collect both indoor and outdoor grime, from dust and pollen to insects and their remnants. Silva-Nash recommends the following steps to thoroughly clean these areas.

Instructions:

1. Fully open the sliding door or window and vacuum or wipe away any loose debris.
2. Choose the concentrated, detail, or angle nozzle on your steam cleaner. Hold the device close—a half inch or up to one inch away—and work in foot-long sections of the track. 
3. After steaming each section and while the area is still warm, scrub with an old toothbrush to lift any grime. 
4. Wipe each section with a microfiber towel before the grime cools and resets.

Shower Curtains 

Instead of using harsh chemicals or a washing machine, opt for steam when cleaning your shower curtain. “Steam kills mold and mildew quickly,” Sokolowski says. 

Instructions:

1. Arrange the curtain so it hangs or lies fully open and exposed, and heat up the steam cleaner.
2. Slowly move the steam across the curtain, going from top to bottom, focusing on areas with mold or soap scum.
3. Wipe excess moisture with a clean towel.
4. Allow it to air-dry completely before rolling or folding.

Tile Grout

People spend hundreds of dollars to hire professionals to clean their grout, but Rivera says a steam cleaner does nearly all the work on ceramic or glass—without the cost. “The heat and steam break down the embedded soap residue, mildew, and dirt that is missed when just scrubbing,” she explains.

“Seeing how dark, discolored grout turns back to its natural color is quite an experience. I complete this process every three months for my clients to keep their bathrooms looking great without using harsh chemicals,” shares Rivera.

Instructions:

1. Thoroughly sweep, wipe, or vacuum the tiled area to remove any loose dirt. 
2. Add distilled water to your steam cleaner and let it heat up. Attach a brush nozzle to your device if it has one. (Rivera says this accessory can make a big difference in your cleaning experience.)
3. Place the nozzle approximately one inch from the grout line and apply steam. Work your way across the floor methodically, completing one section at a time. 
4. Use a clean cloth or microfiber towel to wipe the area and remove any loosened dirt and moisture. 
5. Allow the floor to air dry or use towels and fans. 

Bathroom Fixtures 

There are no harsh or abrasive chemicals involved in steam cleaning bathroom fixtures. “The high temperature kills bacteria and easily removes soap scum, mildew, and grime from tough-to-clean fixtures,” explains Silva-Nash.

Instructions:

1.  Remove any nearby toiletries, trash, and towels. Do not steam unsealed stone, damaged grout, old porcelain, or peeling surfaces.
2. Utilize a concentrated or detailed nozzle for areas around the sink. Be sure to choose a low-moisture setting for more fragile areas, like mirrors and glass. 
3. Use a microfiber towel to wipe any areas immediately after steaming while the surface is still warm. 

Plush Toys

Most people avoid moisture when it comes to plush toys and stuffed animals, but Sokolowski advises using steam to sanitize the toy without soaking it.

Instructions:

1. Check the toy’s care label and avoid delicate fabrics that may melt or shrink.
2. Hold the steam nozzle a few inches away from the surface. Move the steam in sweeping motions to avoid over-wetting.
3. Use a dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture.
4. Let the toy air dry completely.

Cat Tree 

Since you should generally avoid using harsh chemicals around pets, Silva-Nash details how to clean a cat tree with a steam cleaner to have it looking as good as new. “Be careful around areas of the scratching post with glue,” he warns, “and do not use a steam cleaner on cardboard scratching posts.” 

Instructions:

1. If possible, disassemble the cat tree to improve access to all areas. Vacuum the area thoroughly to remove cat hair and litter dust. 
2. Once the area is clean, use the upholstery or fabric attachment to test on a hidden spot. Let it completely dry before continuing. 
3. Hold the attachment one or two inches away from the surface and work in small sections, using slow, overlapping passes. Make sure the tool is always moving. 
4. While each section is still warm, pat the surface with a dry microfiber cloth. 
5. Make sure the surface is completely dry before letting your cat use it.