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Vacuuming and sweeping are great for quick clean-ups, but for a deep clean that eliminates mold, bedbugs, and other hidden contaminants, a multi-purpose steam cleaner is a must-have. These devices use high-temperature steam to sanitize carpets, upholstery, mattresses, curtains, and hard floors to help keep your home fresher and healthier.
To determine the best options on the market, we tested 7 out of the 8 steam cleaners featured on this list, evaluating their steam power, versatility, and ease of use. Our favorite pick was the EuroFlex Vapour Pro, which stood out for its impressive steam output and an array of useful attachments that made tackling various cleaning tasks a breeze. Read on to discover the best multi-purpose steam cleaners for every home and cleaning need.
- BEST OVERALL: EuroFlex Vapour Pro M4S All-In-One Steam Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER UP: Bissell PowerSteamer Heavy-Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PurSteam ThermaPro 211 10-in-1 Steam Mop
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH VACUUM: Bissell PowerFresh Vac & Steam Mop
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CANISTER: Pure Enrichment PureClean XL Rolling Steam Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ATTACHMENTS: McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR PROS: Dupray Tosca Steam Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
After testing almost all of the steam cleaners on this list, we selected our top picks based on steam power, versatility, and overall performance. These multi-purpose steam cleaners stand out for their ability to tackle tough cleaning tasks and keep your home spotless. Whether you’re looking for exceptional attachments, portability, or robust steam output, these options are sure to meet your needs.
Best Overall
EuroFlex Vapour Pro M4S All-In-One Steam Cleaner
What We Like
- Incredible steam power
- Lightweight handle can maneuver well
- Comes with attachments for almost any cleaning job
What We Don’t Like
- Must cool down before water tank is refilled
Specs
- Weight: 8.5 pounds
- Surfaces: Kitchen & bathroom fixtures, countertops, grout, furniture upholstery, windows & blinds, and de-wrinkling garments
- Attachments: 18 pieces
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Value 4.5/5
We were blown away by the EuroFlex Vapour Pro—this thing pumps out an unbelievable amount of steam! Compared to the other models we tested, which cleaned well but didn’t have that wow factor, the Vapour Pro stands out as a total powerhouse.
The mop-style design makes it a dream for floors, and the handle pops out to transform the unit into a handheld steamer for cleaning smaller areas. With all the attachments it comes with, you can tackle just about anything—grimy tiles, stained upholstery, dirty carpets, windows, and even wrinkled clothes. The water tank offers about 30 minutes of non-stop cleaning, which is usually plenty, though you’ll need to let it cool down before refilling.
Yes, it’s a little pricier than some other steam cleaners, but you can really feel the difference in power. If you’re looking for a high-pressure steam cleaner that can handle it all, we think the EuroFlex Vapour Pro is absolutely worth it.
What our tester says: “The amount of steam that comes out of this thing will blow you away, literally. It tackles tough stains like no other steam cleaner I’ve ever seen.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the EuroFlex Pro steam cleaner on Wayfair, Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Runner up
Bissell PowerSteamer Heavy-Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop
What We Like
- Includes multiple replacements of the same attachments
- Heats up in 30 seconds
- Refills easily for continuous use
What We Don’t Like
- Bulky to use as a handheld unit
Specs
- Weight: 6.13 pounds
- Surfaces: Hard surfaces, floors, fabric, grout, carpet, clothing, windows, mirrors, stainless steel
- Attachments: 26 pieces
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4.4/5; Value 3.5/5
The Bissell PowerSteamer was super easy to set up: just fill the tank, wait a few minutes, and you’re ready to go. While it’s not as powerful as something like the EuroFlex, it held its own in our tests, effortlessly handling everyday cleaning jobs like floors, tiles, and windows. It even steamed clothes without a hitch.
We loved the variety of attachments, especially the brass-bristled brushes for tougher spots. However, we did notice the grout brush started to wear down pretty quickly, which is where the included extras came in handy. The continuous-refill water tank was useful during testing—we didn’t have to wait for it to cool down, so we were able to keep cleaning without interruptions.
That said, the design isn’t perfect. Since the water tank sits on the handle, it gets pretty heavy, and our arms definitely felt it after a while. We also found the bulkier design tricky to maneuver in tighter spaces, like when we tried cleaning a car. Still, for straightforward jobs around the house, it performed well.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use cleaner for everyday tasks and don’t mind a bit of arm fatigue, the PowerSteamer is a solid option with plenty of versatility.
What our tester says: “I loved all the attachments that came with this Bissell model; they really give you your money’s worth. This was a great steam cleaner for most surfaces, but it’s a little tricky to maneuver in the interior of a car.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Bissell PowerSteamer on Amazon or Bissell.
Best Bang for the Buck
PurSteam ThermaPro 211 10-in-1 Steam Mop
What We Like
- Slim design fits around furniture
- Suitable for multiple surfaces
- Very light and easy to maneuver
What We Don’t Like
- No extension hose
Specs
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Surfaces: Hard surfaces, floors, fabric, grout, carpet, clothing, windows, mirrors, stainless steel
- Attachments: 10 pieces
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4/5; Value 5/5
When we tested the ThermaPro, we were impressed by how quickly it heated up (just 30 seconds) and how much steam it produced. It handled light carpet stains and refreshed upholstery beautifully, leaving no residue behind. The handheld unit was a game-changer for smaller jobs, like steaming grout, sinks, and even an oven. However, without an extension hose, the handheld unit felt a bit awkward for larger tasks.
The mop itself was one of our favorite features. Its lightweight design made it easy to maneuver, and it produced plenty of steam to clean efficiently. It also works great on area rugs and hard surfaces, making it a solid all-around cleaner.
The water tank delivers up to 25 minutes of steam on the lowest setting, but you’ll only get about 10 minutes on high. There’s no temperature gauge, so you’ll need to estimate when it’s ready based on time. Additionally, the 15.9-foot cord sometimes came up short in larger rooms, which required some unplugging and replugging during our tests.
The PurSteam ThermaPro offers fantastic versatility for its price, with a removable handheld unit and plenty of accessories for detailed cleaning. While it’s not perfect for large or heavy-duty tasks, its lightweight design, quick heating, and chemical-free cleaning make it an excellent choice for everyday messes.
Get the PurSteam steam cleaner on Amazon, Walmart, or PurSteam.
Best with Vacuum
Bissell PowerFresh Vac & Steam Mop
What We Like
- Easy to fill and empty
- Adjustable handle length
- Vacuums while you steam-clean
What We Don’t Like
- No attachments for other surfaces
Specs
- Weight: 13.67 pounds
- Surfaces: Hard floors
- Attachments: 2 microfiber pads, mop pad tray
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4/5; Value 4.5/5
If you’re tired of constantly switching between a vacuum and a mop for your hard floors, the Bissell PowerFresh Vac & Steam Mop might be just what you need. While it’s not a true multi-purpose steam cleaner, it’s the only option on our list that combines a vacuum with a steam mop, making it ideal for anyone who wants to simplify their floor-cleaning routine.
We love how user-friendly this tool is. It has two steam settings and a separate button for the vacuum, so switching between functions is effortless. The adjustable-height handle was a nice touch, making it comfortable to use no matter your height. It’s also great that you can refill the water tank whenever needed without waiting for it to cool down, making it perfect for longer cleaning sessions.
During testing, it impressed us with its ability to steam-clean stubborn stains off our floors and then immediately vacuum up the debris. The washable floor pads made cleanup simple, and emptying the dirty water canister was surprisingly easy, thanks to Bissell’s smart design. It’s clear they’ve put thought into making this tool as practical and straightforward as possible.
If you’re looking for a steam mop for hardwood floors or other hard flooring surfaces, the PowerFresh Vac & Steam Mop is an excellent choice. Efficient and easy to operate, it’s a real time-saver for anyone dealing with everyday messes.
Get the Bissell PowerFresh steam cleaner on Amazon or Walmart.
Best Canister
Pure Enrichment PureClean XL Rolling Steam Cleaner
What We Like
- Plenty of attachments
- Trigger switch handle is easy to use
- Long power cord
What We Don’t Like
- No variable steam settings
Specs
- Weight: 15.4 pounds
- Surfaces: hard floors, carpet, windows, upholstered furniture, fabrics, mattresses, kitchen ovens & countertops, bathrooms, vehicles, and more
- Attachments: 17 pieces
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
The Pure Enrichment PureClean Steam Cleaner is a versatile canister-style option designed to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks on hard and soft surfaces. Weighing 15.4 pounds and rolling easily on wheels, this steam cleaner is simple to maneuver around rooms without needing to be lifted. Its generous 50-ounce (1.5-liter) water tank heats up in just 8 minutes, delivering up to 45 minutes of continuous pressurized steam—plenty of time for most cleaning sessions.
During testing, it proved to be a powerful cleaning companion, breaking down dirt and stains on everything from carpets to grout and window tracks. The 18-piece accessory set was particularly handy, with standouts like the scrub pad and utility brush attachments making tough jobs easier. The trigger switch in the handle was simple to use and could be locked in place for uninterrupted steam, though we missed having variable steam settings for more customization.
We did notice a couple of drawbacks. The triangular mophead attachment felt a bit small, which made cleaning larger areas more time-consuming. Additionally, the sheer number of accessories, while useful, might pose a storage challenge for those short on space. Still, the long power cord and thoughtful design make this steam cleaner a great pick for deep cleaning a variety of surfaces efficiently and effectively.
Get the Pure Enrichment steam cleaner on Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, Target, or Pure Enrichment.
Best Attachments
McCulloch MC1375 Canister Steam Cleaner
What We Like
- Large tank, 45 minutes of steam
- Long power cord and steam hose
- Easy to maneuver with large wheels
What We Don’t Like
- 8-minute heat up time
- No onboard cord storage
Specs
- Weight: 9.95 pounds
- Surfaces: Ceramic tile, grout, granite, sealed wood flooring, laminate, appliances, grills, autos, and more
- Attachments: 20 pieces
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 5/5; Value 5/5
The McCulloch Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner is a powerhouse for tackling tough cleaning jobs. Its 48-ounce water tank delivers up to 45 minutes of continuous steam—more than enough for big tasks like deep-cleaning floors or tackling multiple surfaces in one go. During testing, we found the many included attachments to be a standout feature. The steam jet nozzle made quick work of dirt-packed grout and greasy oven corners, while the five utility brushes, including a brass one, were excellent for scrubbing rust and grime off our outdoor grill.
This steam cleaner also has practical design features that make cleaning easier. It features a low-profile and large front wheels, so it glides smoothly across surfaces. The 15.7-foot power cord and 9-foot steam hose gave us plenty of reach for tight spots and high corners. It takes about 8 minutes to heat up, which isn’t bad considering how long it can run.
That said, we were surprised that there’s no onboard cord storage, though it’s a minor inconvenience on an otherwise well-thought-out machine. With its powerful performance and versatility, this steam cleaner is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to tackle stubborn messes efficiently.
Get the McCulloch steam cleaner on Amazon or Walmart.
Best Lightweight
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
What We Like
- Strong steam output for deep cleaning
- 50-minute run time with large tank
- Versatile with 17-piece accessory kit
- Quick heat-up time (7 minutes)
What We Don’t Like
- Occasionally spits water when powered on
- Slightly heavier than handheld models
Specs
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Surfaces: Floors, upholstery, grout, tile, appliances, car interiors, furniture, mattresses, bathrooms
- Attachments: 17 pieces
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.3/5; Value 5/5
The Dupray Neat portable steam cleaner really impressed us during testing with its steam power and versatility. We were impressed by how much steam it produced, especially considering its 9-pound weight. The 54-ounce water tank lasted up to 50 minutes on a full tank, giving us plenty of time to tackle various cleaning tasks, from scrubbing grout to degreasing the oven. In our tests, it heated up quickly in about 7 minutes and delivered steam at an impressive 275 degrees Fahrenheit, which helped us blast away stubborn dirt and stains. The 17-piece accessory kit was a huge bonus, allowing us to easily clean floors, upholstery, and even windows with the variety of tools included, like the brass grout brush and microfiber pads.
While testing, we did notice a couple of minor issues. Initially, the Dupray Neat sometimes spit out water when powered on, but a quick squeeze of the trigger took care of it. It also felt a little heavier than some handheld models, but we had no trouble maneuvering it around different areas of the house. Overall, the Dupray Neat proved to be a deep-cleaning powerhouse with great steam output, excellent attachments, and enough power to handle most cleaning jobs with ease.
Read our full review: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Get the Dupray Neat steam cleaner on Amazon, Walmart, Sam’s Club, or Dupray.
Best for Pros
Dupray Tosca Steam Cleaner
What We Like
- Can reach 316 degrees Fahrenheit for powerful cleaning
- 90 minutes of cleaning per fill
- 25 accessories for versatile cleaning tasks
- Digital display for easy monitoring
What We Don’t Like
- Bulkier than some home models
Specs
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Surfaces: Floors, upholstery, grout, tile, appliances, car interiors, furniture, mattresses, bathrooms
- Attachments: 25 pieces
The Dupray Tosca steam cleaner is a top-tier commercial-grade model that we didn’t test ourselves, but we’re confident it’s a fantastic choice for professional cleaners. With a temperature that heats up to an impressive 316 degrees Fahrenheit, it tackles everything from grout and floors to kitchens, car interiors, ovens, mattresses, and more. Equipped with 25 versatile accessories, this steam cleaner has the right tool for nearly any cleaning task.
What sets the Tosca apart is its remarkable 90-minute cleaning time per fill, making it perfect for larger spaces and long cleaning sessions. It heats up in just 8 minutes, so you’re not left waiting. The digital display provides real-time information on temperature and pressure, and it even includes a maintenance reminder. If you’re a professional cleaner or need something with heavy-duty cleaning power, the Dupray Tosca is an excellent choice.
Get the Dupray Tosca steam cleaner on Amazon, The Home Depot, Target, Williams Sonoma, or Dupray.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaners
To select the best multi-purpose steam cleaners for the home, we considered over 20 models from leading brands. Our evaluation focused on key features like the number and variety of attachments, the surfaces each model could clean (e.g., floors, grout, upholstery, and kitchens), and the overall steam output. We also paid attention to important factors like tank capacity, heat-up time, and runtime.
In our testing process, we assessed each model based on three main criteria: ease of use, effectiveness, and value. Ease of use included evaluating how simple it was to set up and maneuver. We assessed effectiveness based on how well each steam cleaner tackled common cleaning tasks, such as removing stains, grime, and grease. Lastly, we determined value by how well the product performed relative to its price, factoring in both its features and performance.
| Testing Stats | |
|---|---|
| Products tested | 7 |
| Time spent testing | 1 month |
| Tests performed | 6 to 8 |
| Price range | $80 to $1,000 |
What to Consider When Choosing a Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner
For help in the search for a new multi-purpose steam cleaner, you’ll want to look for the type that best fits your home. Various factors play into determining this, such as the steam cleaner’s size, power, steam settings, and a few other important considerations mentioned below.
Type
Multi-purpose steam cleaners come in several different types based on size, cleaning method, and appearance. Types include handheld steam cleaners, canister steam cleaners, steam mops, and vacuum steam cleaners.
- Handheld steam cleaners are small and portable, making them easier to carry around the home. The small size helps when steam-cleaning curtains and other upholstery. However, handheld steam cleaners cannot clean an entire floor in a timely manner.
- Canister steam cleaners have compact designs with a wheeled tank and an extended steam hose so that they can assist with spot-cleaning, upholstery steaming, and cleaning small carpeted rooms.
- Steam mops are ideal for cleaning tiles, linoleum, vinyl, and hardwood floors. These lightweight machines are essentially mops with a handheld steam cleaner mounted to the shaft. The steam cleaner pumps hot steam down through the mophead to sanitize the floor.
- Vacuum steam cleaners combine the suction power of a vacuum with the hot sanitizing steam necessary to kill mold, bedbugs, and other organic nuisances. These products do the best job of cleaning large, carpeted rooms and might even come with a detachable handheld unit for steam-cleaning stairs or spot-cleaning.
Cordless vs. Corded
When it comes to choosing a multi-purpose steam cleaner, decide whether you want the portability and versatility of a cordless cleaner or prefer the power and reliability of a corded steam cleaner.
- Cordless multi-purpose steam cleaners operate with rechargeable batteries that typically last between 30 minutes and 2 hours. These steam cleaners work well for apartments and for spot-cleaning stains, though they might lack the power necessary for cleaning a large carpeted room.
- Corded multi-purpose steam cleaners don’t lack power or run out of juice halfway through a cleaning job. However, a short cord can limit the range of the steam cleaner, while a long extension cord can become a tripping hazard. Corded steam cleaners suit the job of sanitizing houses and can tackle the cleaning of thick carpeting.
Power
The power of a multi-purpose steam cleaner affects the pressure at which the cleaner can produce and dispense steam. The power level also determines the suction strength of vacuum steam cleaners, allowing them to suck up a large amount of water, dirt, oils, and grime from deep within carpet fibers.
However, most steam cleaner models don’t include a measurable power rating, so users will need to rely on the maximum temperature of the steam, the time it takes for the water to reach the maximum temperature, and the quantity of water the unit holds to determine the power output of the steam cleaner. The higher the maximum temperature and the shorter the heating time, the more powerful the cleaner, so long as the amount of water is relatively consistent with comparable products.
Steam Settings
Using a steam cleaner for upholstery requires a different steam output setting than using the same machine on dense carpet. If you’re looking for an upholstery steam cleaner, look for a multi-purpose unit that has an adjustable steam output and temperature setting so that it’s easy to switch between a heavy-duty task, like steaming the living room carpet, and a light-duty job, like spot-cleaning a stain.
Lower-pressure and low-temperature settings allow users to avoid accidentally damaging sensitive fabrics and flooring, while high-pressure and high-temperature settings work best for treating bedbug infestations. Using a steamer to kill bedbugs can save the cost of replacing mattresses and other furniture.
Tank Capacity
The capacity of a multi-purpose steam cleaner tank refers to the amount of water the tank can hold and subsequently heat to produce steam. The capacity of the tank can vary depending on the type and size of the steam cleaner, so it helps to find a product that holds enough water to accomplish regular cleaning tasks.
Since small units typically hold no more than 12 ounces of water, smaller steam cleaners are best suited for spot-cleaning, steaming upholstery, and cleaning the stairs. Larger steam cleaners have higher-capacity tanks that can exceed 50 ounces of water. Also, vacuum steam cleaners generally have two tanks: one for clean water and one to hold the dirty water that the vacuum sucks up from the floor.
Weight and Maneuverability
The weight of a multi-purpose steam cleaner directly affects maneuverability, though other features can help to increase maneuverability despite the weight. Handheld steam cleaners and steam mops commonly weigh less than 15 pounds, so they are easy to pick up and move around.
Larger steam cleaners, like canister and vacuum types, can exceed 20 pounds in weight, which makes them harder to pick up. These products normally have a set of wheels to pull the cleaner across a flat surface instead of carrying it. The length of the hose and the power cord also can affect the maneuverability of a steam cleaner. For larger areas, consider a long extension cord to avoid being limited by power outlet placement.
Attachments
Vacuums and steam cleaners can include several different attachments that address specific issues around the home, like spot-cleaning stains, cleaning stairs, or steaming upholstery. Examples of helpful attachments include scrapers, scrub pads, jet nozzles, extension hoses, and brushes.
- Scrapers primarily remove wallpaper. The steam melts the glue while the scraper removes the loosened wallpaper.
- Scrub pads help to clean stuck-on grime from carpet fibers. While the hot steam provides the heat and moisture, the scrub pads add friction to scrub out dirt and debris.
- Jet nozzles can increase the steam pressure to steam-clean stubborn stains.
- Extension hoses can attach directly to the steam cleaner or link to an existing hose to better reach narrow spaces and add greater range.
- Brushes are common accessories for steam-cleaning upholstery. The brushes remove stuck-on hair, dirt, and debris while the steam sanitizes and kills any organic nuisances, like mold or bedbugs.
FAQs
Before investing in a new multi-purpose steam cleaner, take a look at these frequently asked questions and their answers to learn more about which steam cleaner is most appropriate for keeping your home clean.
White vinegar is a good cleaning agent that can be used in a steam cleaner for tile floors, linoleum, and vinyl, but vinegar should not be used on hardwood floors because it breaks down the finish.
Steam cleaners can be used to kill mold. They are great for penetrating deep into mattresses, curtains, and other fabrics.
Steam-cleaning is a great way to kill bedbugs and their eggs. When the steam reaches a high enough temperature, contact with it becomes lethal.
Many different items and surfaces can be damaged by exposure to hot steam, including water-based paint, cardboard, stucco, brick, marble, silks, thin plastics, and velour upholstery.
Steam-cleaning can be done once per week as part of your regular home maintenance routine, though many prefer to use a vacuum often and only steam-clean once per month.
It’s not always necessary, but wiping can help remove any remaining dirt or moisture, especially on sensitive surfaces like wood.
Yes, steam cleaners are highly effective for deep cleaning without chemicals, tackling tough stains and grime, and sanitizing various surfaces with minimal effort.
Steam cleaners work on most flooring types, but avoid using them on unsealed hardwood or laminate, as moisture can damage these surfaces. Always check manufacturer guidelines.
Meet the Testers
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, authoring hundreds of articles, and rigorously testing dozens of cleaning products. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
Paul Rankin is an experienced product reviewer with a focus on home appliances and cleaning products. His approach combines thorough testing, clear analysis, and practical insights to help readers make informed decisions.
Debbie Wolfe is a photographer, author, and freelance writer in various niches. She has contributed hundreds of home, garden, and crafting articles and DIY tutorials for leading media outlets and retailers.
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.
