If you are a car owner, you know about the hassle of getting your car sparkling clean. Especially when you have pets and children who ride your car, you will surely have a hard time in maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of your car upholstery. Good thing, there are powerful steam cleaners that can get the job done. The problem is, these steam cleaners are usually found in professional car cleaners.
Before we talk about the greatest solution for this problem, let us first talk about what happens with your car interiors whenever it gets dirty or smelly. First off, there is the very obvious dust which will then turn into a muddy mess that sticks on the carpet and upholstery when exposed to moisture. This moisture is brought about by the regular use of the car and its exposure to heat. Wetness can also come from your shoes from walking outside.
More than that, the smell can really stay because upholstery stains have microscopic molecules that get a thermal reaction that emit such bad odor molecules. These tend to cling to your clothing and even hair which will just erupt in such a smelly mess. So how can you get rid of the stubborn stains and the unsettling odor?
With the best steam cleaner for cars, of course! There are a lot of steam cleaners to choose from portable steam cleaners to a budget-friendly model. But before we talk about what you should and should not get, you first have to determine the factors that are unique to your car cleaning problems. This is very important because you might have the best steam cleaner for cars, but this specific steam cleaner might not be for you.
With that said, we are going to take a look at 10 steam cleaners for cars and give you our thoughts about them, We are also going to give you the pros and cons of using them so you will see if this specific steam cleaner will work out for you. As for the things that you should know before purchasing a steam cleaner, we also have you covered as we will also have a buyer’s guide for you.
Are you looking for a steam cleaner for your car? Tired with the smell and the dirt inside your car? Just keep on reading this article, so you can see which is the best of the best and for you to finally have a car that smells and feels like a brand new one.
Contents
- 1 Car Steam Cleaners Comparison Chart
- 2 Car Steam Cleaners - Product Reviews
- 2.1 PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner - Best All Around Steam Cleaner
- 2.2 Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner - Best for Pet Owners
- 2.3 Bissell SpotClean Auto Portable Cleaner for Carpet & Cars - Best Steam Cleaner Specifically for Cars
- 2.4 AutoRight SteamMachine Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner - Best Priced Model
- 2.5 iSiLER Upgraded Handheld Steam Cleaner - Best in Being a Lightweight Model
- 2.6 Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Best Multipurpose Heavy Duty Steamer - Best Deluxe Model
- 2.7 Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaning System - Best in Versatility
- 2.8 McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam System - Best for Powerful Steam
- 2.9 Comforday Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner - Best for Quick Cleans
- 2.10 Prolux Prolift Liftaway 7-in-1 Steam Cleaner - Best for Accessories
- 3 Car Steam Cleaners - Buying Guide
- 4 Conclusion
Car Steam Cleaners Comparison Chart
Product Image | Name | Rating | Dimensions | Weight | Best For | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner | 5/5 | 11.8 x 10 x 7.6 inches | 2.2 pounds | Best All Around Steam Cleaner | Buy on Amazon | |
Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner | 3/5 | 9.7 x 13.9 x 15 inches | 9 pounds | Best for Pet Owners | Buy on Amazon | |
Bissell SpotClean Auto Portable Cleaner for Carpet & Cars | 3/5 | 16.4 x 10.9 x 14.4 inches | 3 pounds | Best Steam Cleaner Specifically for Cars | Buy on Amazon | |
AutoRight SteamMachine Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner | 3/5 | 17 x 12.5 x 11 inches | 9.75 pounds | Best Priced Model | Buy on Amazon | |
iSiLER Upgraded Handheld Steam Cleaner | 4/5 | 11.2 x 9.4 x 4.6 inches | 4.9 pounds | Best in Being a Lightweight Model | Buy on Amazon | |
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Best Multipurpose Heavy Duty Steamer | 3/5 | 16 x 15 x 14 inches | 9 pounds | Best Deluxe Model | Buy on Amazon | |
Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaning System | 4/5 | 18.2 x 16 x 15 inches | 21.7 pounds | Best in Versatility | Buy on Amazon | |
McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam System | 3/5 | 13.1 x 13.3 x 19.1 inches | 13 pounds | Best for Powerful Steam | Buy on Amazon | |
Comforday Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner | 2/5 | 10.6 x 9.4 x 6.3 inches | 4.24 poundss | Best for Quick Cleans | Buy on Amazon | |
Prolux Prolift Liftaway 7-in-1 Steam Cleaner | 3/5 | 18 x 14.3 x 12.9 inches | 13 pounds | Best for Accessories | Buy on Amazon |
This comparison table includes all of the products that we are going to review. We also gave ratings for them based on how good they work in general. The lowest rating is 1, while the highest rating is 5. Further, we also have the product dimensions so that you have an idea of how much storage space you need to allow for them. There is also the weight that speaks volumes about their portability. Moreover, the best for category is there so you can easily determine what the specialty of the steam cleaner is. Lastly, we have the warranty to see if there is any after sales service.
Car Steam Cleaners - Product Reviews
1.
PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner - Best All Around Steam Cleaner
This steam cleaner has 30% more steam compared to other steam cleaners. Therefore, it can get rid of tough stains on upholstery. It also comes with durable attachments and its heat up time is fast. Further, it has a large water tank so you need fewer water refills while you are cleaning.
It can also stand on its own so you do not have to worry about it tipping over. More than doing a deep clean, it can also remove bad odors that linger inside your car. If you are a fan of coffee and tend to spill it during rides, this is the steam cleaner to get. It is also lightweight so you can easily use it around your car.
The brush head attachment is not as big as others. Therefore, you have to clean a certain area manually so that you can have a thorough clean. Also, the screw cap of the steamer is also hard to unscrew.
- Powerful suction
- Easy to set up
- Easy to use
- Has large water capacity
- Easy to maneuver
- Convenient to use
- Attachments are not that secure
- Bulky
- A bit noisy
- Small brush head
This is for you if you are after a deep clean. Although its attachments are pretty tricky to work with, still, it is a great all-around vacuum as you can trust its power and you will remain uninterrupted while you are in the middle of cleaning your car. Also, it can remove the odor that has been lingering inside your car for a long time.
2.



Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner - Best for Pet Owners
For those who have pets who always ride inside the cars, this is the steam cleaner that you are looking for. You never have to worry about cleaning up after their fallen furs, muddy paws, and even sticky snots. When you just clean it manually, there is still a lot left, but with this steam cleaner, everything will be off in no time. If you are looking other options, check this review about best carpet cleaners for pets.
It has a designated pet stain remover attachment that can get rid of unwanted pet hairs and stains. At the same time, it has a dual tank technology in which the water and the dirt will not be mixed in just one tank. Therefore, you are assured that whatever steam comes out does not emit more dirt into your car. This is also a self-cleaning steam cleaner.
It is lightweight and does not clog easily. Moreover, its spray nozzle has a wide coverage so you really do not have to go in a certain area to make sure that everything is cleaned. You can just simply hold it on top of the stain and you are good to go.
The hose can break easily so you have to always keep that in mind when using this. In that sense, you really cannot be tough on the hose as you always have to assist it. Further, the suction power is not that strong compared to others so you take a little bit more time to clean.
- Easy to set up
- Easy to use
- Great for people who have pets
- Has wide coverage
- Operate a bit quietly
- Has self-cleaning technology
- Does not clog easily
- Not that durable
- Power of the suction is slightly weaker compared to others
- Cannot get rid of odors
- Not that good for deep cleaning
- Takes a lot of time to warm up
This one is for you if your need is very specific and that is to remove any stains and dirt left by your pet. You can make use of the designated attachment for this, but other than that, the performance of this steam cleaner is standard.
3.



Bissell SpotClean Auto Portable Cleaner for Carpet & Cars - Best Steam Cleaner Specifically for Cars
This steam cleaner was specifically designed to be used on automobiles. Therefore, you cannot use it in other areas. You can still do so but it will take more effort and time. So if you are someone who is looking for a vacuum cleaner that will just be for cleaning your car, this is it.
It has a spraying crevice that is two in one and it can only reach hard to reach areas. It has enough steam power to clean upholstery liners and also deep clean car mats. Further, it comes with a carpet cleaning formula which was specifically made to get rid of deep-seated car spills and stains.
The said carpet cleaning formula also leaves a very fresh scent so your car will be smelling brand new after your cleaning process. This can also help get rid of the bad odors in your car. It also has a large tank so you do not have to consistently go on water refills. More than that, it is very easy to maneuver while you are inside your car as it is lightweight and portable
The hose that comes with it is relatively short so you need to purchase a longer hose so you can reach all the areas inside your car without moving the main unit. The water also tends to leak as there are no safeguards for its tank. There is also the tendency for the dirt to go back into the water, thus even though you have a large tan you have to keep on refilling it as it gets dirty easily.
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to use
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Huge tan
- Specifically made for cars
- Has a short hose
- Tends to lea
- Still needs a lot of water refills
- Cannot be used in other areas
- Not well constructed
You will be over this steam cleaner if you just plan on using it for your car. This can be what detailer dreams are made of as it is so easy to clean the car with this steam cleaner. It has all the features that can remove both stains and the odor for you to have such a pristine interior of the car.
4.



AutoRight SteamMachine Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner - Best Priced Model
What is so special about this steam cleaner is that it delivers such high-quality cleaning with just the fraction of the price. Its steam can reach for up to 290 degrees Fahrenheit and it can loosen dirt and stains that have been sitting inside your car for a long time. This can also work on long term spills as well.
It is so versatile that it can also clean leather, dashboards, windows, and upholstery very easily. It also comes with more than 11 accessories so you can find a specific attachment for your needs. Also, it has a tank that they claim to provide 45 minutes of non-stop cleaning without ever having the need to refill the water tank.
You can also lock the trigger so your hand will not get tired of pressing the trigger while cleaning. As for removing grime and grease, this can also handle those jobs with much ease. Therefore, you can have such a clean car without spending a lot of money and it is very convenient to use too.
Although it comes with a lot of attachments, they are not still that strong enough to be used for a long time. They tend to get loose easily or even break when used constantly.
- Easy to assemble
- Not that expensive
- Convenient to use
- Has unique features
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Attachments are not that durable
- Tends to leak
- Suction power is not that good
- Heats up slowly
- Cannot be easily maneuvered inside the car
If you want to save some money on a steam cleaner, but still want to clean your car properly, this is definitely a good choice. Although there might be a slight inconvenience in using it with the breaking attachments and leaking water, it is still a good steam cleaner to have. Surely, if you want to save some bucks, you can do away with a bit of an inconvenience, right?
5.



iSiLER Upgraded Handheld Steam Cleaner - Best in Being a Lightweight Model
This steam cleaner features an ergonomic handle and a surprising weight of only three pounds. It can provide great cleaning power as long as the capacity to be used for a long time. It also has a fast heating core wherein you can already use it for just three minutes or less.
Further, it has certain safeguards such as a safety lock so that your children will not risk hurting themselves when they accidentally get a hold of this very compact steam cleaner. At the same time, it can get pretty hot so you are also protected from any scalding.
More than that, it can get rid of tough spills and stains. So even though it looks so cute, it still can clean properly. In addition, it has an extension cord that measures for up to three meters so you can easily maneuver it inside your car without moving the main unit.
As it is a smaller model, you really cannot trust it to completely remove stains that have some type of oil or grease in them. You also have to be patient in removing some of the deep-seated stains as you have to hold it in that particular area for a long time before it will be completely removed.
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to use
- Great safeguard features
- Does not need a lot of storage space
- Heats up easily
- Takes a long time to remove stains
- Does not come with accessories
- Cannot completely remove oil and grease
- Has a small water tank
- Needs constant water refills
You will love this steam cleaner if you are all about quick cleans. This is a very handy steam cleaner that can take care of fresh stains and spills. You also do not have to be a contortionist for you to clean your car properly as this is very easy to use and even comes with an extension cord which will allow you to leave the ain unit in the same place while cleaning your car.
6.



Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Best Multipurpose Heavy Duty Steamer - Best Deluxe Model
This steam cleaner can be used on a number of interiors and materials. At the same time, it can also get rid of odors, pet stains, and spills. What is so special about it is the fact that it is such a powerful cleaning power while still staying compact. It also features a retractable handle which is very convenient when you are cleaning your car.
Its hose is measured at two meters which is a great length in order to get to had to reach areas. It is also great to note that it has a significantly sized tank that can guarantee you a 50 minute uninterrupted cleaning time. With that time, you can already clean the interior of the car as well as the alloy wheels.
At the same time, it has a built-in funnel so you do not have to worry about water spilling as you will not create an additional mess when you refill it. You will also be pleasantly surprised with the amount of steam, that this steam cleaner can provide. In this way, it can effectively get rid of that lingering odor in your car.
It has the tendency to spit out hot water when it is not used for a long time. This might just be a small thing but for those who are just starting to use it might burn themselves when they are not expecting it. Also, there are no safety features for pets and children, so you have to be sure that no one else is around when you whip this steam cleaner out.
- Easy to assemble
- Convenient to use
- Has a lot of steam
- Powerful suction
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Spits out water
- No safeguards
- Does not come with attachments
- Tendency to overheat
- Has a bit of leaking
- Not ideal for quick cleans
This is a good choice if you want an in-between steam cleaner. It is not so little that it can also be great for deep cleans, but it is also not that big for you to have such bulky equipment.
7.



Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaning System - Best in Versatility
This steam cleaner was specifically designed to be used by car collectors and professional detailers. But what is so special about it is that it is so versatile that you can also use it in your own home. It has such a good factory clean that does not need any harsh chemicals to have such a thorough clean.
Further, it has a steaming power of 1500 watts that comes from such an equally powerful heating element. In fact, it can heat 1.6 liters for up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. This, in turn, can be used straight for 60 minutes without the need for refilling. It also comes with a lot of attachments and accessories to aid with your cleaning.
You might have a problem in maneuvering this inside your car as it is bulky. You can remove the main head, but still, the hose can be a bit big. Therefore, you have to take out everything so you can properly clean it.
- Versatile
- Powerful steam
- Powerful suction
- Great for deep cleans
- Heats up fast
- Bulky
- Heavy
- Needs a lot of storage space
If you want to get the most out of a powerful steam cleaner, this is the one to go for. It might be a hassle to get everything out from your car to clean everything, but all of it will be worth it as you will have everything properly cleaned.
8.



McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam System - Best for Powerful Steam
This is a multipurpose steam cleaner that comes with 20 accessories that can make the cleaning process much easier. It also features a compact design which will be perfect in cleaning your car. It has something that is called a four-bar power wherein you can adjust its speed control.
This is also the reason why its steam is very customizable. Further, its steam pressure can reach 58 psi which will be great for removing oil and grease. It also has 1200 watts of steam power paired with 120 minutes of uninterrupted use due to its water tank. Definitely, this is one of the largest car steam cleaners in the market.
You will not appreciate this if you are only after a quick clean because it is big and will not fit properly inside your car. But if you have a car that tends to accumulate a lot of oil and grease this will be a perfect choice.
- Easy to assemble
- Has a powerful steam
- Easy to use
- Great for deep cleans
- Bulky
- Needs a lot of storage space
- Not ideal for quick cleans
For those who have such oily and greasy cars, this will be your answered prayer. All of those will be removed in just a jiffy.
9.



Comforday Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner - Best for Quick Cleans
This handheld portable steamer will be your car companion as it will fit inside the trunk. This is also great for spills and stains on upholstery. It has a 1050 watt heating element and it comes with nine attachments. This is also handheld so you can quickly clean your car with this.
As it is not as powerful as other steam cleaners, this can also be effective when you are working on fresh stains and spills.
- Lightweight
- Great for quick cleans
- Easy to use
- Not that powerful
- Not ideal for deep cleans
This is a good steam cleaner to have when you need to immediately clean something. But this is not the pick for deep cleans.
10.



Prolux Prolift Liftaway 7-in-1 Steam Cleaner - Best for Accessories
Most of the time, the accessories that come with steam cleaners are not that good, this product is the opposite of that. You can truly customize your cleaning experience with the attachments that come with this. You get 14 attachments paired with a 7-in-1 cleaner that is also relatively powerful. It can also reach 250 degrees Fahrenheit in just a mere 10 minutes.
It is not as powerful as other steam cleaners, so it will take a longer time to clean your entire car.
- Great accessories
- Compact
- Portable
- Not great for deep cleans
- Not powerful steam and suction
You will love this steam cleaner if you are all about efficient cleaning with attachments. Everything can be done for you with the accessories that come with it that you will not even notice the less powerful cleaning action.
Car Steam Cleaners - Buying Guide
Here are some factors to consider before buying a car steam cleaner.
Boiler
Steam can create a lot of pressure, so if you do not have a durable boiler, it can damage the main unit. Be sure that it is made of tough material where pressure can also be released. At the same time, it also has features where you can relieve some of that pressure.
Heating Element
This is where all the steaming pressure is made possible. Therefore, with regular use, it can easily breakdown and will not heat up at all. So you have to get one in which the heating element can be replaced for it to function properly.
Tank
The tank should have a proper size that somehow fits the makeup of your car. If you have a smaller tan then this means that you have to constantly refill it. On the other hand, if you have a bigger tank then you can use it nonstop.
Steam Vacuum
This is where all the dirt and grime will go. Therefore, you have to be sure that it will not mix with the clean water that is used to release steam. Further, it should not leak because hot water might burn your skin.
Accessories
In order to make your life easier, you should have accessories that fit securely. If it gets loose while you are cleaning, you might hurt yourself or cause more mess. Further, these attachments should also help you clean more efficiently.
Conclusion


Those are the best steam cleaners for cars in the market. We have already given you every type of steam cleaner that will fit your specific needs. You have everything you need from removing stains to deep cleaning a car’s upholstery.
Definitely, you will make the perfect choice if you pair your choice with our buying guide to further aid you with your purchase. Never again do you have to worry about your car smell and long term stains as you already know which car steam cleaner to use. Your pets can also freely board your vehicle as you are assured that you can properly clean up after them.
Check also our reviews about:
Lastly, you now know that you can pair the car steam cleaners from using a bulky to a portable one. You might even surprise yourself that you are no longer going to car detailers as your car is always in pristine condition.
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