Best Steam Cleaners for Cars: Leave Your Car Spotless

Steam cleaners are the missing link between your interior and that like-new state. It uses super heated water to reach deep down into the surfaces regular cleaners and scrubbing tools just can't. Even the casual detailer will greatly benefit by adding one to their car cleaning arsenal. 

That's often easier said than done, though. Between your budget, the work you intend to do, and mixed input from your peers, it's hard to nail down the right one for your collection. That's why I'm here to help you find exactly which steam cleaner is best for your car. 

For this round up, we've stuck to our tried and true method of research. We took the time to research the world of steam cleaners and what's hot on the market. From there, we took a look at key details that consumers prioritize, such as ease of use, size and weight, power source, tank capacity, cleaning accessory options, and the ability to use within the confines of a car. Then, we leaned on consumer reviews to build a list that's sure to have something for everyone. 

The McCulloch Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner is a powerful machine that generates a great amount of steam, making it one of the best at removing stains and giving your car that fresh new look. It comes equipped with 1,500 watts of steam-fighting power and is fully heated in about eight minutes. It also allows continuous operation, so you can focus on the spots that need the most attention.

The large tank holds up to 48 ounces of water, giving you around 45 minutes or so of steam-cleaning capability. That’s plenty of time to make sure you get a nice even clean throughout your entire vehicle. It’s built with a high-quality set of large wheels, capable of rolling along without issue. It comes complete with a 15-foot long power cord to bolster maneuverability. It’s also loaded with 18 accessories, including brushes and floor mops.

It's recommended that you wear ear protection while operating the McCulloch, as it can be quite loud in enclosed spaces. Some consumers also say that the plastic is cheaply made and comes apart after several uses.

The McCulloch Canister Steam Cleaner is an excellent choice if you're on a budget but still need a capable machine. It comes with 20 accessories, including an angled nozzle, scrub pad, scraper, squeegee, and nylon brushes. It has a 48-ounce water tank that heats up in approximately 12 minutes and supplies up to 90 minutes of steam.

Features include variable steam control as well as a steam lock for continuous steam. The machine is lightweight, rolls easily, and is easy to use. It comes with two extenders for the wand for extra maneuverability. The gauge is a nice extra, and the steamer is great for cleaning everything from your car seats to the engine compartment.

Unforutnately the accessories have a tendency to pop off the wand, and there is no way to securely store the hose when you're not using the machine. Also, the steamer may exhibit slight problems with the pressure that causes it to occasionally squirt out water.

It’s hard to talk about DIY auto care without someone bringing up Bissell. A few years back, the Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner took the internet by storm. It was favored for how handy, effective, and versatile it is. This Little Green HydroSteam machine shares a lot of those qualities, only in the form of a steam cleaner. 

This steam cleaner is equipped with a 64-ounce tank, which is just right for most DIY jobs. Despite that capacity, it remains portable and easy to use in tight spaces. This model can be run with or without cleaning chemicals and comes with attachments, making it a prime choice for auto and home projects. Best of all, fast drying times are guaranteed thanks to powerful suction to pull out excess moisture during operation. 

This is one of the more expensive options as far as DIY-oriented steam cleaners go. It may be backed by a 3-year warranty, but that’s something to be considerate of. Also, the relatively short 5-foot hose is a limiting factor in some scenarios. 

The Wagner Spraytech On-Demand Steam Cleaner is one of the most versatile and easy-to-use steam cleaners out there. One of the best features is a mode selection that allows you to select temporary or continuous steam release for effective cleaning, which is great for the number of places it can be used in.

This multi-purpose steam cleaner also comes with an 11-piece accessory set included with a jet nozzle, two extension wands, and a handy measuring cup to help you reach deep crevices or behind small spaces to remove stains. The included accessories truly make this the best option if it's primarily used for indoor cleaning, with automotive use as a secondary use-case. The tank is able to hold up to 40 ounces of distilled water, giving you a lengthy running time of 45 continuous minutes.

While this is one of the best steam cleaners we found, it lacks mobility. The wheels are smaller than other heavy-duty steam cleaners, meaning they get caught up more easily on cords and holes. It also can take a while to heat up, while it may say it takes five minutes, you may be waiting a lot longer to reach steam levels.

The Costway Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner is an excellent option for budget-minded consumers. It has a 51-ounce water tank that heats up in nine minutes to reach 226 degrees Fahrenheit, producing up to 40 minutes of high-pressure steam. It has a trigger for continuous steam cleaning, is ETL certified, and will automatically shut off when it runs out of water or the boiler temperature gets too high.

The Costway steamer is one powerful, sturdy, effective, and easy-to-use unit. It gets hot really fast, is easy to move around, and works well with both the extended mop and handheld steamer gun. It can access hard-to-reach corners and the instructions are easy to follow, so setup and operation are trouble-free.

One downside is that you can't control the temperature or the amount of steam that it emits. It also gets so hot that it can be hard to hold the handle without wearing a glove.

The Comforday Multi-Purpose Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner comes with nine accessories to clean everything from your car's interior to its rims. It works on a variety of surface areas and is chemical-free. It produces pressurized steam for 15 to 20 minutes and gets as hot as 270 degrees Fahrenheit. The machine also has a safety lock and safety cap.

This steamer is designed for small cleaning jobs, and it's very portable and compact. It heats up quickly, is very easy to use, and the attachments are practical. It's great for removing stains from car upholstery, and it's an excellent value.

Since this is a smaller unit, it doesn't produce steam for a very long time. Also, the cord isn't particularly long, and you have to wait for the steamer to cool down once the steam stops in order to refill the water tank.

Powerful in the face of even super-stubborn stains, the McCulloch Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner is my pick for the best overall steam cleaner for cars. However, if you’re looking for something that offers a combination of great value and easy mobility, McCulloch's Canister Steam Cleaner is a solid choice.

The size of the water tank is a major component of what makes up a car steam cleaner. Having a smaller one means you don't get as long of a clean and will have to refill the tank many times before you're finished. Going larger is a way around this, but it does impact the overall size of the machine and will drive up the cost. You will have to balance your demands to determine what's best for you.

Some steam cleaners are more portable than others. Smaller options tend to be lighter weight, so they’re easier to maneuver around your vehicle. Larger options may be more heavy-duty and provide a more thorough cleaning, depending on their wattage. Which is right for you is largely dependent on personal desires. Also, keep in mind that size does impact ease of storage during your selection.

While accessories don't seem like a priority, they will determine just how useful a steam cleaner is to you. Different attachments and make it possible to reach into spaces and take surfaces you otherwise couldn't. Although most steam cleaners are chemical-free, some can be set up to introduce chemicals like bleach to best treat certain stains. You'll want to make sure whatever steam cleaner you're considering covers all the bases you need it to with included and optional accessories.

Steam cleaners can vary significantly in price when you take industrial equipment into consideration. However, they simply aren't necessary for most car owners, where something more consumer-friendly is perfectly viable. How much you pay still depends on quality, capacity, and accessories, but most steam cleaners for cars should list for $100-$200.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.