When comparing steam cleaner temperatures, it’s important to consider their effectiveness and safety for human use.
Steam cleaners use hot water vapor to clean and sanitize surfaces. The temperature of the steam is a crucial factor in determining how well it can clean and kill viruses and bacteria. Generally, steam cleaners have different temperature settings, ranging from low to high.
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What Temperature Does A Steam Cleaner Reach
1. Low Temperature:
- Range: Around 100°C (212°F) or lower.
- Best for: Light cleaning tasks and delicate surfaces.
- Explanation: Low-temperature steam is suitable for regular cleaning of everyday dirt, such as dust and small stains. It’s safe to use on sensitive materials like hardwood floors, laminates, and some upholstery.
2. Medium Temperature:
- Range: Approximately 100°C to 150°C (212°F to 302°F).
- Best for: Standard cleaning tasks and more stubborn stains.
- Explanation: Medium-temperature steam offers a bit more power, making it effective against grease, grime, and tougher stains. It’s suitable for most surfaces like tiles, countertops, and sealed stone.
3. High Temperature:
- Range: Above 150°C (302°F).
- Best for: Heavy-duty cleaning and sanitization.
- Explanation: High-temperature steam is exceptionally effective at killing bacteria, germs, and allergens. It’s ideal for heavily soiled areas, bathroom tiles, grout lines, and surfaces that require thorough disinfection. Read to know more about how hot does a steam cleaner get.
Safety Considerations:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommended temperature settings for specific surfaces.
- Take precautions to avoid steam burns. Keep the steam cleaner away from your skin, especially at higher temperatures.
- Use protective gloves and eyewear when handling a steam cleaner.
- Be cautious around electrical outlets and avoid using the steam cleaner near them to prevent accidents.
In summary, low temperature is gentle and suitable for everyday cleaning, medium temperature offers more power for stubborn dirt, while high temperature provides robust sanitization. Choose the appropriate setting based on your cleaning needs and the type of surface you are working on. Always prioritize safety to ensure a pleasant and effective cleaning experience.
High-Temperature Steam Cleaner [Comparison Chart 2023]
The steam capacity of every steam cleaner is different. We have created the best steam cleaner temperature comparison chart to help you select a steamer with powerful steam.
BRAND | MCCULLOCH1385 | BIG GREEN | SARGENT | BISSELL 3624 | MC1275 |
FEATURES | PRICE | PRICE | PRICE | PRICE | PRICE |
Temperature | Approx. 200ºF | Approx. 220ºF | Approx. 295ºF | Approx. 140ºF | Approx. 220ºF |
Variable Steam Level | 4 bar pressure steam | No | 3 bar pressure | No | No |
Heat-up Time | 12 mins. | 5 mins. | 8 mins. | 5 mins. | 8 mins. |
Max Steam Time | 120 mins. | / | 2 hours | 40-45mins | 45 mins. |
Tank Size | 64 oz. | 1.75 gallons | 1/2 gallon | 96 oz. | 48 oz. |
Power Cord Length | 18 ft. | 25 ft. | 3 prong grounded | 22 ft. | 15 ft. |
Steam Hose Length | 10 foot | 9 ft. | / | 5 ft. | 9 ft. |
Portable | yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Item Weight | 13 pounds | 48 pounds | 25.1 pounds | 16.37 pounds | 12 pounds |
Watts | 1500W | 1450W | / | 1500W | |
Volts | 120V | 120V | 120V/65PSI | 220V | 120V |
Warranty | 2 years | 5 years | 5 years on heating element/2 years for defective parts | 2 years | 2 years |
Hand-Held Steamer | No | No | No | No | No |
Steam Control | yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Heatwave Technology | No | No | No | No | No |
Attachments | 23 accessories | 6 tough stain tool | 17 accessories | 2 accessories | 18 accessories |
Batteries Required | No | No | No | No | No |
Storage Bag | yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Dimensions | 13.1 x 13.35 x 19.05 inches | 20.5 x 11 x 42.25 inches | 18 x 10 x 11 inches | 10 x 14 x 14 inches | 20.08 x 13 x 12.6 inches |
Surface Type | ceramic tile/grout/ granite/ sealed wood flooring/ and more | Low pile Carpet/ stairs & upholstery | jewelry/ car odors/seats/BBQ grills/ mattress/ tile & grout etc. | Stairs/auto/carpet/ upholstery | tiles/floorings/ appliances/fixtures |
Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars | 4.8 out of 5 stars | 4.4 out of 5 stars | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
BRAND | PURSTEAM | VAPAMORE | WAGNER | TOSCA | COSTWAY |
FEATURES | PRICE | PRICE | PRICE | PRICE | PRICE |
Temperature | Approx. 290ºF | Approx. 270ºF | Approx. 212°F | Approx. 320°F | Approx. 226.4°F |
Variable Steam Level | 3 bar pressure | No | No | Yes | 4 bar pressure |
Heat-up Time | 4 mins | 9 mins | 9 mins | 8 mins | 8 mins |
Max Steam Time | 5-10 mins | / | 40 mins | 90 mins | 40 mins |
Tank Size | / | 8 L – 2.1 Gal | 40oz | 1.05 gal | 51 oz |
Power Cord Length | 9.8 ft | 25 ft | 3 ft | 4.5 meter | 16 ft |
Steam Hose Length | / | 8 ft | 8 ft | 3 meter | 79.0′ soft pipe |
Portable | yes | No | Yes | yes | yes |
Item Weight | 2.2 pounds | 45 pounds | 13.8 pounds | 16.66 pounds | 16.42 pounds |
Watts | / | 1900W | 500W | 1500W | |
Volts | / | 120V | 120V | 120V | |
Warranty | Manufactures Warranty | Lifetime | 1-year warranty | 3 years parts/lifetime on steel boiler | / |
Hand-Held Steamer | No | No | No | No | |
Steam Control | yes | No | Yes | yes | Yes |
Heatwave Technology | No | No | No | No | No |
Attachments | 9 accessories | 50 accessories | 18 accessories | 25 accessories | 19 accessories |
Batteries Required | No | No | No | No | No |
Storage Bag | No | Yes | No | No | Hidden storage box |
Dimensions | 85.8 x 88.2 x 86.6 inches | 22 x 19 x 22 inches | 12.50 x 19.50 x 14.50 Inches | 10.5x13x16.5 inches | 17 x 11 x 14 inches |
Surface Type | BBQ grill/floor/carpet/ furniture | Bathroom/ kitchens/ automotive | Sink/countertops/ floors/carpet | Floors/grout/furniture/cars interiors/rugs and more | Floor/carpet/ Mirror glass/tile & grout etc |
Customer Reviews | 4.1 out of 5 stars | 3.8 out of 5 stars | 4.4 out of 5 stars | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
Commercial Steam Cleaner VS Residential Steam Cleaner
The purpose of commercial and residential steam cleaners is to get stain and germ-free surfaces. The difference lies in its temperature, size, accessories, and power of steam. Home-based steam cleaners are best suited for small areas in and around the house, as they are built lightweight and cost-effective. These will help you to remove dirt, and stains, and control mold growth.
Commercial steam cleaners are generally heavy-duty machines that help to clean high traffic and large areas in less time and intense heat. It produces 90% of dry steam vapor for rapid cleaning and sanitizes inanimate objects and surfaces with no residue.
Do check our top recommendations for both commercial and residential steam cleaners.
What is the Best Temperature for Steam Cleaning?
If you want to kill germs, viruses, dust mites, and mold then you must have a steam cleaning machine with a temperature of around 245°F. This temperature is strong enough to burn even the bed bugs hiding in your furniture.
Are all Steam Cleaners the Same?
Almost all steam cleaning machines perform the same task. They have the same functionality to kill germs. The only differences you will find are in the steam level, attachment, accessories, or ease of use. Some are handheld and easy to move around but some of them are huge in size that making them difficult to maneuver.
How Long Does it Take for Steam to Sanitize A Surface?
Well, it depends on the condition of the surface. If the affected area is dirty and holds stubborn stains then it might take you more than half an hour. Although work can also be done in a few minutes.
Bottom Line!
Steam cleaners with high temperatures are the best steam cleaner on the market. They come with a diverse variety of accessories, attachments, and other specifications that are safe to be used on a variety of surfaces. Apart from cleaning, Its hot and pressurized steam kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria that could be anywhere in your home.
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