The Best Carpet Steam Cleaner

Another small sized, but unsuspectingly powerful machine is Wagner 905 1,500-Watt On-Demand Power Steamer and Cleaner. This is one of the most versatile cleaners on the market. It’s great for carpets, but also does wonders on kitchen floors and even barbecue grills. The fact that it offers an extension hose allows you to reach just about every spot imaginable spot that needs a little freshening up.

For those environmentally conscious shoppers, the Bissell 1400-7 Little Green Multi-Purpose Compact Earth-Friendly Deep Cleaner is your kind of machine. This little guy has more power that its size suggests. It’s great for floors and upholstery. The reason this cleaner is label earth-friendly is because it is specifically engineered to reduce waste. The package, too, is made out of 75% recycled materials.

• Continuous fill capacity steam cleaners are easier to use and safer because there are two tanks. You don’t have to wait 15 to 30 minutes for the unit to cool down before refilling. These models also don’t need safety caps, because you never have to access the boiler, just the reservoir. Unfortunately, these models are expensive.

• Look for a durable hose with a control switch to regulate the flow and level of steam. An on/off switch on the trigger instead of on the machine is also recommended.

• Safety caps on boilers prevent the escape of steam and act as pressure relief valves. For increased safety, cap removal should be a two-step process, such as pushing down and then turning.

• Consider attachments. Brushes of different sizes and made of nylon and of brass (to clean grout), a floor tool and a window tool are standard. Squeegees, extension wands, crevice tools, funnels, filler bottles and measuring cups are helpful extras.

• Instructional videos are helpful. We found many comments that such videos are really helpful. Videos often come standard with the higher-end machines. Either way, for safety reasons, it is important to be fully familiar with the operation manual prior to use.