If you are trying to improve your green credentials but don't want to compromise on the standard of the cleanliness of the interior of your car, then a steam cleaner could provide the magic solution. These machines have become something of an innovation in car valeting as they use the power of steam to clean and sanitise your car interior without using chemicals.
Steam cleaners have a real advantage as they are a more environmentally friendly alternative at a time when we are becoming increasingly aware of the need for more sustainable practices. Another bonus is the ability of steam to penetrate deep into upholstery and crevices, giving you the confidence to know that your car's interior is thoroughly clean.
It's not only the interior of your car that steam cleaners can tackle; they will make a decent job of the exterior, too, and if your engine and engine bay are looking a bit grubby and you want to avoid using an engine de-greaser, a steam clean is the safest and easiest solution.
The best steam cleaners at a glance:
Editor's choice: Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best value cleaner: Beldray BEL0701TT Titanium - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for pro-results: Polti PTGB0008 Vaporetto Eco Pro 3.0 - Buy now from Amazon UK
So, this is where newer tech joins tradition as we maintain the standards we have set for ourselves to keep our vehicles looking their best. Once you have given your car interior a good vacuuming, we bring you some of our favourite steam cleaners to help up your valeting game. If you want to find out more about car valeting, check out our ultimate car cleaning guide, but for now, we'll start with some smaller steam cleaning machines before looking at more powerful pro-style models.
The best steam cleaners
Editor's choice
The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner stands out for its sleek design and impressive features. Equipped with a large water tank, it offers up to 50 minutes of cleaning time without frequent refills. The steam temperature will reach 135°C to kill 99% of bacteria, and the seventeen-piece accessory kit means you'll be able to get into all the awkward corners. This is a great all-rounder that will also serve you well around the home.
Pros
- Large water tank for extended use
- Many accessories
Cons
- Cable storage could be better
Best compact steam cleaner
The Comforday Multi-Purpose Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner offers an affordable solution for car interior cleaning. With a range of nine accessories and attachments, the Quicksteam technology offers 1050W of power, providing pressurized powerful hot steam (105℃) for up to twenty minutes, effectively tackling grime on different surfaces. The compact size makes it easy to store, and the ergonomic design enhances usability.
Pros
- Good value
- Compact and easy to store.
Cons
- The smaller water tank may require frequent refills during extended cleaning sessions.
Best value steam cleaner
The Beldrasy Titanium is a grand-sounding bit of kit with a surprising performance for such a compact machine. It's lightweight and ergonomic, and the quick and easy-to-fill 250ml water tank is enough to provide around ten minutes' worth of hot steam, although it takes a few minutes to build up steam pressure. Many accessories are included to help you tackle multiple different fabrics and surfaces.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Takes a few minutes to build up steam
Best for easy handling
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Compact and effective, the Hoover Steam Express Handheld Steam Cleaner is tailored for quick clean-ups in your car. The lightweight design ensures easy handling, and the 250ml water tank provides enough steam for ten minutes of cleaning with variable pressure control plus the steam pressure builds up pretty quickly, allowing you to get to work straight away.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy handling,
- Quick heat up
Cons
- Limited water tank capacity for extended use.
Best for small spaces
Specifically designed for small, intricate spaces, the Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner is a compact powerhouse. Boasting a quick heat-up time and an arsenal of accessories, it's an ideal companion for detailed car interior cleaning. The lightweight design means your arms won't get too tired when using it, while the high-pressure steam effectively eliminates dirt and bacteria.
Pros
- Quick heat-up time
- Long power cable
Cons
- Action button can be a bit stiff
The Kärcher SC4 EasyFix Premium is a high-performance steam cleaner designed for efficient and thorough cleaning. The removable, dual-tank water supply system takes more than a litre of water, meaning longer, uninterrupted cleaning sessions, and you can refill the tank without having to switch the machine off and lose steam pressure.
Pros
- Continuous-refill water tank for uninterrupted cleaning
- Powerful steam pressure
Cons
- Cable storage could be better
Best for pro-results
The Polti Vaporetto Eco Pro 3.0 offers professional-grade steam cleaning with Italian finesse. Equipped with a safety cap and a pressure gauge allowing the 2-litre tank to provide steam pressure of up to 4.5 bar, it ensures controlled and efficient cleaning. The high-quality, multifunctional accessories allow you to tackle a range of surfaces, making it a comprehensive car care solution to bring your valeting efforts up to pro standards.
Pros
- Pro-grade cleaning
- Large water tank
Cons
- Bulky design
Some quick tips on using your steam cleaner:
Using a steam cleaner to clean your car can be an effective and eco-friendly way to remove dirt and grime. Here are some tips for using a steam cleaner on your car:
Choose the correct machine for you: Do you require a small cleaner for keeping your interior spick and span, or would you prefer something more akin to a professional cleaner. Choose the most appropriate machine for your needs.
Preparation: Start by getting rid of any larger items of rubbish, then remove loose debris and vacuum your car's interior.
Use appropriate attachments: Many steam cleaners come with various attachments. Use the appropriate nozzle or brush for different surfaces, such as carpets, seats, and hard plastics.
Test in an inconspicuous area: Before starting, test the steam cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause any damage to the paint or interior surfaces.
Cleaning: Use the appropriate attachments for different interior surfaces. Be careful around electronic components, and avoid excessive moisture on sensitive areas.
Dry surfaces after cleaning: Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth after steam cleaning to remove any remaining moisture.
Avoid steam on fabric soft tops: If your car has a fabric soft top, avoid using steam directly on it, as it might damage the material.
Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when cleaning the interior to allow moisture to escape.
Safety considerations: Follow safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, especially when dealing with hot steam.
Always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your steam cleaner, as different models may have unique considerations.
_Alex Boyd _is a Commercial Content Writer at CAR and Parkers and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.__