Tools and Materials
Materials
Why You Should Use a Car Steam Cleaner
Using a car steam cleaner isn't just about getting your car looking good. These appliances also sanitize surfaces in your car and go deep into the upholstery to eliminate trapped dirt, allergens and germs, resulting in a cleaner vehicle than other cleaning methods provide.
Steam cleaners are a favorite cleaning tool among auto enthusiasts for a lot of reasons, including:
- They penetrate and loosen stubborn dirt so you don't have to scrub surfaces by hand, saving you time.
- They don't use chemicals or require added cleaning agents — all you need is water.
- They can reach every crevice of your vehicle's interior using attachments.
- They can safely clean all kinds of surfaces in your car, as well as around the house.
- They're more cost effective than getting a pro detailing job.
What to Look For if You're Buying
Now that you know the benefits of a steam cleaner, it's time to look at some of the best features to decide which one you need.
Here are some common features you may want to look for as you compare different models.
Heating Time: A handheld steam cleaner heats water in the tank to turn it into steam. Some models do this more quickly than others, letting you get the job done faster.
Water Tank Capacity and Steam Time: Look at the size of the steam cleaner to determine if it's large enough to complete your most common jobs. Ideally, you want a cleaner with a tank capacity that allows you to clean your whole car in one go.
Ergonomics: Choose a steam cleaner that fits easily in your hand. Check the location of the trigger and see whether or not it can be locked in the "on" position for ease of use on big jobs.
Included Accessories: Just like your vacuum cleaner, steam cleaners tend to come with multiple accessories meant for cleaning various surfaces. Some include brushes for scrubbing or special attachments for cleaning tile grout, curtains or window glass.
If you already own a steam mop or upright steam cleaner for your carpets, you may still want to look into a handheld steam cleaner. These small appliances are more versatile for car cleaning and have plenty of other uses around the house, such as cleaning upholstery on sofas and chairs, degreasing kitchen cabinets and deep-cleaning the bathroom.
How to Use a Car Detailing Steam Cleaner
Once you've purchased a steam cleaner, it's time to start your car interior cleaning job. Be sure to check the instructions that come with your cleaner, and follow any use and safety tips from the manufacturer. For most steam cleaners, you can follow these steps to achieve a sparkling clean interior.
Enjoy Your Clean Car
The clean car you get from using a steam cleaner is a cut above what you can achieve with a cleaning cloth and chemicals. When you're finished, your car will not only look great but will also be sanitized by the steam. You also don't have to worry about any residue being left behind by cleaning products. You can steam clean your car as often as you like, whether you need to clean up a spill or just want to perform regular maintenance on your car's interior.