Machines used for cleaning surfaces with hot water are called steam cleaners. Steam cleaners are used to kill allergens, bacteria, mold, and fungus on surfaces. Steam cleaners are mostly used in homes, inns and restaurants, etc. Home steam cleaners are used to clean surfaces such as in the bathroom, or the carpet and so on. A steam cleaner can be used to clean any surface which is heat resistant.

There are two types of steam cleaners; traditional steam cleaners, and vapor steam cleaners. The traditional steam cleaners include a boiler, container, hose and brushes, and use warm water to make the surface clean. They are used to clean floors only. The warm water is spread on the dirty surface, and then the revolving brushes scrub the surface and collect the dirty water into a container. Some cleaners need cleaning agents to remove stains, but mostly rely on steam and brushes to perform this process.

Vapor steam cleaners include a container with a heater, a hose and a nozzle. Water is boiled in the tank to produce dry steam. This dry steam is thrown onto the dirty surface via a hose and nozzle. The steam helps in loosening the dirt and stains on the surface. The surface is then cleaned with the help of a vacuum cleaner.

Moisture content is only 6% in the vapor steam cleaner, so the surface will dry as soon as it is cleaned. Any heat resistant surface can be washed by a vapor steam cleaner. It is generally used by people who are allergic to chemicals.

Then there are steam cleaners made specifically to clean carpets. Instead of using steam, they use hot water to clean the carpet. After wetting the carpet, brushes in the steamer scrub it, and unclean water is sucked back into the container. The use of an air conditioner at the same time is good, as it eliminates humidity from the air, and the carpet gets dried quickly. Once the carpet is dry, make sure that it is then vacuumed so it is cleaned properly.

Steam cleaners can have an inbuilt water container or they can have a constant water supply. The latter is more convenient, as you will not need to fill the tank again and again.

You can get various models of steam cleaners. Before purchasing, you should look for boiler capacity, its attachments, warranty and user manual etc. It is also important that you go through all the manufacture instructions before using your stream cleaner.