What Should You Not Clean with a Steam Cleaner?

Steam cleaners are a powerful and eco-friendly way to clean and sanitize various surfaces. However, they are not suitable for every material or object. Using a steam cleaner on the wrong surfaces can cause damage, reduce the lifespan of the material, or even pose safety risks. Here, we outline what you should avoid cleaning with a steam cleaner and why.

1. Delicate Fabrics

  - Why Avoid? Steam can damage delicate fabrics such as silk, velvet, or certain types of wool by weakening the fibers or causing discoloration.

  - Alternative Approach: Use dry cleaning or gentle hand washing for these materials.

2. Unsealed Hardwood Floors

  - Why Avoid? The intense heat and moisture can warp, crack, or swell unsealed hardwood, as the wood absorbs water easily.

  - Alternative Approach: Stick to specialized wood floor cleaners and a damp mop.

3. Painted Surfaces

  - Why Avoid? The high temperature and pressure can strip or bubble paint, especially on walls, furniture, or decorative items.

  - Alternative Approach: Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to clean painted surfaces.

4. Electronics

  - Why Avoid? Steam can damage the sensitive internal components of electronics, including TVs, computers, and gaming consoles.

  - Alternative Approach: Use a microfiber cloth and an appropriate electronic cleaning solution.

5. Unsealed Grout

  - Why Avoid? While sealed grout can withstand steam, unsealed grout may absorb moisture, leading to mildew and weakening of the structure.

  - Alternative Approach: Use a grout cleaner and a stiff brush for unsealed areas.

6. Certain Types of Glass

  - Why Avoid? Glass that is extremely cold or has hairline cracks can shatter when exposed to sudden heat from steam.

  - Alternative Approach: Let the glass warm up to room temperature before cleaning with a damp cloth and glass cleaner.

7. Antique or Fragile Items

  - Why Avoid? Steam can damage fragile antiques, including paper-based items, old photographs, or intricate woodwork, by causing warping or fading.

  - Alternative Approach: Handle these items with care and consult a professional conservator if cleaning is necessary.

8. Porous Surfaces like Brick or Marble

  - Why Avoid? Porous materials can absorb water, leading to stains or weakening of the material over time.

  - Alternative Approach: Use cleaning solutions specifically formulated for these surfaces.

9. Adhesive-Backed Tiles or Wallpaper

  - Why Avoid? The heat from steam can melt adhesives, causing tiles or wallpaper to peel and lose their hold.

  - Alternative Approach: Clean these surfaces gently with a sponge and soapy water.

10. Leather or Suede

  - Why Avoid? Steam can dry out leather and suede, causing it to become brittle or lose its texture.

  - Alternative Approach: Use a leather cleaner and conditioner designed for these materials.

While steam cleaners are versatile and effective, knowing their limitations is crucial to avoid unintended damage. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for both your steam cleaner and the surfaces you intend to clean. When in doubt, test on a small, inconspicuous area first or opt for alternative cleaning methods.

Cixi Meiyu Electric Appliance Co., Ltd. is a collection of research and development, design, production, and sales as one of the household electrical appliances enterprise, the company was founded in 2009. The company only specializes in the production of ironing machines. Learn more about what we offer by visiting our website at https://www.my-garmentsteamer.com/. For questions or support, contact us at micheal@china-meiyu.com.