Steam cleaners have become a popular cleaning tool for many households. They provide a chemical-free way to clean a variety of surfaces using only the power of steam. Steam cleaners have proven very effective at cleaning hard floors, furniture, oven interiors, and more. But when it comes to cleaning showers and baths, are steam cleaners up to the task? Here we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of using a steam cleaner on shower walls, floors, doors, and enclosures.
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What is a steam cleaner?
A steam cleaner is an appliance that uses very hot, pressurized steam to clean and sanitize surfaces. The steam is created by heating water in a reservoir or boiler to very high temperatures, usually over 200°F. The steam then gets forced out of a nozzle attachment at pressures ranging from 30-150 psi.
Steam cleaners work differently than steam mops. Steam mops apply a lighter steam over floors and typically only reach temperatures of 212°F. Steam cleaners achieve much higher temperatures and use focused steam pressure to penetrate and dissolve dirt and grime.
The main cleaning agents in a steam cleaner are the heat and pressure of the steam itself. The hot steam liquifies dirt, grease, and grime that have attached to surfaces. The pressure then drives the liquified grime away so it can be wiped off. The high heat also has a sanitizing effect and can kill over 99% of bacteria and germs without the use of added chemicals.
Benefits of using a steam cleaner on showers
There are several advantages to using a steam cleaner on shower walls, doors, floors, and enclosures:
Removes soap scum and mineral deposits
Steam cleaners excel at dissolving soap scum, body oil residue, limescale, and hard water deposits from shower surfaces. These substances can be difficult to scrub off using normal cleaners and a rag. But the hot steam from a steam cleaner liquifies these grimy deposits with ease.
Eco-friendly and chemical-free
Steam cleaners only use water, so they provide an eco-friendly way to clean showers without using harsh chemicals. Their cleaning power comes from hot steam alone, so no soaps, detergents, or toxic chemicals are required. This makes them safer for the environment.
Sanitizes surfaces
The very high temperatures reached by steam cleaners sanitize as they clean. The steam heat can kill germs, bacteria, mold, mildew, and dust mites on shower surfaces. This helps keep the shower cleaner and more hygienic between deep cleanings.
Cleans grout thoroughly
Grout lines in tile and glass shower enclosures can be magnets for mildew, mold, and trapped dirt. Steam cleaners excel at penetrating into grout lines and dissolving built-up gunk. The high pressure steam drives into the porous grout to sanitize and clean.
No harsh scrubbing required
Steam cleaners provide an effortless cleaning option for showers. Since the steam does the hard work of dissolving built-up dirt and grime, very little manual scrubbing is required. This makes cleaning showers faster and easier, with less strain on your back or hands.
Suitable for many shower material surfaces
Steam cleaners can be used on tile, glass, fiberglass, acrylic, porcelain, and other water-safe shower materials. The steam will not damage or warp these solid shower surfaces. Always spot test an inconspicuous area first before steaming a new surface.
Potential drawbacks of using steam cleaners on showers
While steam cleaners offer many advantages for shower cleaning, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of:
Cannot be used on some materials
Steam could damage natural stone surfaces like marble or granite. It’s also not recommended for use on drywall or joint compound. Always check that a steam cleaner is safe for your particular shower material.
Risk of burning if not used properly
The high steam temperatures reached mean there is a burn risk if the steamer nozzle comes into direct contact with skin. Keep hands away from the steam spray and exercise caution when cleaning.
Wet surfaces may need towel drying
The hot steam will quickly liquify soap scum and mineral deposits. But it also leaves behind wet surfaces. You may need to towel dry areas or wait for moisture to evaporate.
Not as effective for mold or mildew removal
While the steam heat sanitizes surfaces, steam alone may not be powerful enough to remove established mold colonies or mildew growth. A chemical cleaner may be a better solution for significant mold issues.
Glass or mirrors may need polishing
On glass shower doors or mirrors, steam can leave behind a hazy residue or film. You may need to follow up with a glass cleaner or polish for streak-free results.
Not suitable for carpets or cloth
Steam cleaners should only be used on solid, sealed surfaces. The intense steam heat and pressure can damage carpeting, curtains, cloth shower liners, and other fabrics.
Tips for effectively using a steam cleaner on showers
Follow these tips to get the best results when using a steam cleaner on your shower:
– Always start by testing steam on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.
– Wear rubber gloves and proper footwear to protect yourself from the hot steam spray. Keep hands away from the steam nozzle.
– Start at the top of the shower enclosure and work your way down methodically. This prevents dirty raining down onto clean surfaces.
– Hold the nozzle 6-8 inches away from the surface you are cleaning. Get too close and you risk damage.
– Use side-to-side sweeping motions rather than just aiming steam at one spot. This ensures even coverage.
– For glass doors or mirrors, follow up by polishing with a glass cleaner to prevent streaking.
– Use a squeegee or towels to wipe away dirty steam residue and prevent pooling water.
– Rinse shower heads and plumbing fixtures at the end to prevent any buildup inside them.
– Allow all shower surfaces to fully dry before using the shower again.
Best practices for maintaining a clean shower
In addition to periodic steam cleaning, follow these tips to keep your shower cleaner between deep cleanings:
– Squeegee the shower walls and doors after each use to prevent water spotting and mineral buildup.
– Spray shower walls with a daily shower spray cleaner containing tea tree oil or other antimicrobial ingredients.
– Keep a shower caddy in the shower to prevent bottles and products from falling onto the shower floor.
– Use a wet-dry vac or squeegee to dry the shower floor after use to prevent mildew growth in crevices.
– Keep washcloths and bathmats laundered and dry to prevent mold growth in fabric.
– Use a grout brush once a week to scrub debris out of grout lines.
– Open shower doors/curtains after use to allow air circulation and drying.
– Install a bathroom vent fan if you don’t have one already installed.
– Install water filtration to help prevent hard water stains and mineral buildup on surfaces.
Top steam cleaners for showers
These top-rated steam cleaner models are ideal choices for shower cleaning:
Wagner Spraytech On-Demand Steam Cleaner
– Very compact and maneuverable
– Heats up in just 4 minutes
– Chemical-free cleaning
– Useful attachments included
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
– 50 minutes of steam time
– Hygienic steam cleaning
– Heats up in 7 minutes
– Lifetime boiler warranty
McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner
– 18 accessories included
– 45 minutes of steam time
– Extra-large water tank
– Heats up in just 8 minutes
Bissell Steamshot Handheld Steam Cleaner
– Compact and inexpensive
– Sanitizes with steam
– Multiple attachments
– Easy to store
Conclusion
Steam cleaners provide an effective chemical-free cleaning method for showers. The super hot steam can cut through soap scum, hard water stains, mildew, and grime that accumulates on shower walls, glass doors, floors, and tiles. Steam cleaners sanitize as they clean without using harsh chemicals. They can help keep your shower fresh and clean between deeper cleanings.
Just be aware that steam may not be suitable for some delicate shower materials and isn’t as effective for removing established mold or mildew. Take care to use steam cleaners properly on showers and follow up cleaning with a thorough rinsing and drying of surfaces. Implementing additional tips for shower maintenance can also prevent soap scum and promote better hygiene between steam clean sessions. Overall, when used correctly, steam cleaners are a great eco-friendly addition to your shower cleaning toolkit.