5 places to use a steamer

5 Places To Steam Your House

I met this wonderful person—a friend I met at a fashion shoot for wedding dresses—and I took her cleaning with me a couple of times. She was holding a secret. She knew how to clean too!

Fast forward two months, and we were having our usual morning girl chats. We were sitting at the kitchen table, and she was showing me her new Siamese kitten. I was playing with the kitten under the table, bouncing a toy on a string, while my friend chatted about how her husband always left crumbs on the counter after making toast.

She quickly changed the subject to something lighter. She had bought an espresso machine! She scored it off an auction website and wanted to show me the machine in action. We went over to the counter, and she made me an espresso. Like a natural conversationalist, I started asking about the sink renovation and the construction dust on the stove. That’s when she started telling me how she cleans.

She showed me her Bissell Steam Shot, added an extender attachment, and began steaming the edges and crevices around the tap and where the caulking separates the counter from the sink.

Toilets

• I use toilet paper to wipe up debris because I do not use cloths on toilets from one client’s home to another.

• Toilet seat and lid hinges: Make sure to catch all water immediately after steaming so it doesn’t drip onto the floor.

• Bolts: Lift any caps and steam between them. Use distance so you don’t melt plastic.

• Base: Always steam outward, not into areas where you’re unsure what’s underneath.

Showers

Steam cleaning removes dark stains while cleaning and sanitizing at the same time. The PSI used on grout should be under 100; mine is 58 PSI and heats to over 215°F.

A Note About Grout

If you use acidic cleaners on sanded or cement grout, they can weaken and break it down. Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in grout can be etched by acid, leaving grout lines more susceptible to mold and cracking. You can use acidic cleaners, but they may reduce the lifespan of your grout depending on the type.

Types of Cleaners

Acidic cleaners:
Sulfamic acid or phosphoric acid can be relatively safe for homes with kids and pets, but they open the grout’s pores, remove surface staining, and gradually break down grout over time.

Alkaline cleaners:
Bleach-based cleaners work well on white grout and remove most mold and mildew. Use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Always open windows and doors and wear a respirator. Thoroughly rinse and remove all bleach with water afterward.

Hydrogen peroxide:
Mix 1:1 with water (or use oxygen bleach). Apply directly to grout with a cloth or brush, let sit for 10 minutes, then agitate with a soft nylon brush.

Other Shower Areas

• Shower drain: Good for sanitizing and removing scum.

• Shower hinges and glass clamps: When combined with Bar Keepers Friend, steam helps remove buildup.

• Shower door knob: Gets into crevices and cleans debris from screws.

• Shower door handles: Effective for removing buildup on rounded areas.

• Shower glass door seal: Remove, scrub, clean, then steam.

• Shower track: Steam makes cleaning this once “impossible” area much easier.

• Shower grout: Suitable for sanded, cement, epoxy (the strongest), and ready-to-use grout. Not advised long-term on unsealed grout.

• Caulking: Must be properly sealed and not cracked before steaming.

Windows

• Remove loose debris first.

• Apply a cleaning solution such as a degreaser (not suitable for sliding door tracks—the black residue is graphite that helps the door glide. Steam around it and do not wipe it off).

• Steam tracks from a distance and immediately remove water with a shop vacuum and microfiber cloths.

• Finish with a dry silicone spray for smoother sliding.

• Do not steam if the track is already damaged.

• Steam window sills, frames, and rails if plastic. Avoid direct steam on wood unless you’re certain it’s sealed and in good condition.

Kitchen

• Stovetop: Crevices and grease (do not use on or around electrical components).

• Range hood (removable parts): Great for finishing off degreaser and removing residue left behind.

• Stove handles: Steam from a distance to remove debris between handles.

• Stove drawer: If vacuuming and scrubbing don’t reach tight crevices, steam and water pressure can loosen debris.

• Dishwasher: Steam rubber seals and interior crevices.

• Fridge seals: Use steam from a distance—heat can damage seals.

• Garbage cans: Can be steam cleaned and polished with Bar Keepers Friend if stainless steel.

• Backsplash: Steam and wipe clean without chemicals.

• Kitchen caulking: Remove items away from the wall and steam between crevices—you’ll be surprised what comes out when wiped clean.

Hallways

• Wood banisters: Steam from a distance to loosen caked-on dust. Do not use abrasive brushes afterward.

• Baseboards: Use a shop vacuum for lower crevices. If debris remains, carefully use a razor or steam as a last resort. Immediately wipe away water. Do not use steam on particle board.

• Metal banisters: Degreaser and steam work well for removing tobacco residue and dust. Lay cloths underneath to catch drips.

• Flooring: Depending on the material, steam can help remove marker, crayon, or stuck-on fruit.

• Walls: Steam is suitable for most sealed walls. Do not use if paint is peeling.

• Boot trays: Can be washed, steamed, or both.

• Doors: Steam crevices along door frames and decorative details.