Best Steam Cleaners for Cars: Leave Your Car Spotless and Stain-Free

Benefits of Steam Cleaner for Cars

• Prevent further damage. Though it may not look like it, leaving a stain or caked on dirt and mud in your car may lead to further problems. Having a steam cleaner for your car will make sure you clean more than just what’s on the surface. It can get rid of stains so your upholstery lasts longer.
• Save money. Over time, the buildup of all the grime and who knows what else you carry in on the bottom of your shoes will spread. If you wait too long or don’t clean enough, you may have to throw a seat or two out and replace them with a new one. Using a steam cleaner in your car helps keep the upholstery looking new and can even get rid of stains and other gunk.
• Increase resale value. If you ever want to sell your car, then having it spotless inside and out is one way to make sure it stands out. You could get it detailed yourself, but having a steam cleaner saves you money and time. Plus, it will look like you got it professionally detailed before the sale.

Types of Steam Cleaner for Cars

Handheld

These are built and designed to reach those difficult to clean areas like tight spaces and underneath pedals. They are lightweight and convenient to use, making them ideal to bring on long car trips. However, they don’t come with a lot of power, so you’ll have to charge them after each use. Their smaller form makes them quicker to heat up, so you can use them quickly when absolutely necessary. 

Heavy Duty

These are thicker and heavier modules built to fight the toughest of stains. Their water tanks are larger as well, giving you more power and extending the amount of time you devote to deep cleaning the car interior. This saves you time and energy by not having to constantly refill the water. However, while they are larger, they do tend to be quite heavy, especially when loaded fully with water. To help alleviate the stress of moving something so cumbersome, many come with wheels for mobility.

Top Brands

McCulloch

McCulloch has been in business since 1943. It was founded by Robert McCulloch in Wisconsin before moving the company to California. Originally named McCulloch Motors Corporation, it focuses on designing steam powered cleaners and garden equipment. One of its best products is the McCulloch MC1275 Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner.

Pure Enrichment

Pure Enrichment has been in business since 2010 and is based out of California. It markets and designs premium steam cleaners for vehicles, homes, and other everyday uses. It makes the PureClean XL Rolling Steam Cleaner.

Steam Cleaner for Cars Pricing

• $35 - $100: Here you’ll find mainly a handheld variety of car steam cleaners. They are lighter and more compact with smaller water tanks.
• $100 and up: Heavy-duty steam cleaners fit in this price range. They also may come with various sizes of extension hoses and head sizes. 

Key Features

Water Tank Size

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. Getting a larger one means you get an extended cleaning time. If you have multiple cars to clean or a larger vehicle, opting for a bigger tank is the way to go.

Other Considerations

• Accessories: Finding a car steam cleaner with multiple accessories will help you reach those difficult-to-clean places. The more extender hoses, nozzles, and cleaning heads you have, the better prepared you are to tackle any stains.
• Chemical Free: One of the best parts about steam cleaners is they don’t come with any harsh chemicals. That means it is good for the environment and has no lingering smell or taste. However, you can get accessories that add chemicals like bleach and cleaners. 

Best Steam Cleaner for Cars Reviews & Recommendations 2019

Tips

• You’ll want to use a standard vacuum cleaner to suck up any surface dirt or debris. Afterward, you should use the steam cleaner to get a deeper and purer finish.
• To help make sure your car’s upholstery is as clean as possible, treat it with a cleaner first to start breaking down the stains or dirt. Then hit it with the steam cleaner.
• You’ll want to make sure the upholstery and any fabric in the car fully dries. Steam cleaners will leave behind a wet streak, but it shouldn’t be soaking. Open the doors and windows to air dry and use a blow dryer to speed along the process.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a special kind of water to run a steam cleaner?

A: No, you can use normal tap water or water directly from the sink. Read the guidebook before using to determine if the steam cleaner requires vinegar mixed with the water as well.

Q: How hot does the water get?

A: You’ll want to use caution when handling a steam cleaner, as the water and steam can reach temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Take it slow and keep your hands, face, and skin away from the mouth of the cleaner.

Q: Why is there still some dirt left over after having used the steam cleaner?

A: While steam cleaners do a great job at cleaning stains and dirt from upholstery and carpet, they may leave some behind. This is normal and may require you to use a rag, cloth, or additional attachments to easily clean up. 

Q: Can I use a high-pressure steam cleaner to do more than just auto detailing?

A: Of course you can. Steam cleaners are great for cleaning kitchen tiles, grout, carpet, and those tough-to-reach places in your home.

Final Thoughts

For those who are dealing with old stains left behind in your car and want them gone with ease, consider the McCulloch MC1275 Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner.

You can also choose the PurSteam Handheld Steam Cleaner. It’s a more compact steam cleaner with a great amount of steam cleaning power.