Here are the five best steam cleaners for car detailing that will help you in various tasks, such as cleaning carpets and upholstery, removing stains from car interiors, removing stickers, vinyl wraps, and paint protection films from cars, and much more.
My Top Picks:
1. Wagner Spraytech Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner
Wagner steam cleaner is one of the most purchased steam cleaners on Amazon, and I just had to buy and try it. The good thing is that it’s so popular for a reason.
Considering the price, you really get a lot for the money, and it was very easy to clean with this steam cleaner. More importantly, it feels very sturdy, which isn’t very often with budget-friendly steam cleaners.
Features:
- 12 accessories included
- Steam temperature: 212°F
- 40oz water tank
- 9.75lbs
- Accessories made specifically for car detailing
- 8-foot steam hose
PROS
- Made specifically for car detailing.
- Not very heavy.
- Reputable company.
CONS
- You don’t get as much runtime as advertised.
2. TVD Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner
While TVD steam cleaner is the most expensive steamer in this list, it really deserves the 2nd spot because of so many different accessories that you get in the pack, but also because of the largest water tank, which is beneficial for long sessions of cleaning cars.
Features:
- 28 different accessories
- 5m long power cord
- 57oz water tank
- 8-minute heat up time
- Steam temperature: 320°F
- Up to 50 minutes of continuous steam
- 57-inch long steam hose
- 1800w
- 15.77 pounds
PROS
- Extremely versatile due to a bunch of accessories.
- Very long power cord and steam hose.
- Incredible high steam temperature.
CONS
- No warranty information.
- Very heavy.
3. Waitbird Steam Cleaner
Waitbird steam cleaner also has a bunch of accessories, which is more than enough to use for literally any auto detailing task.
The steam cleaner is extremely popular on Amazon, with a bunch of happy people saying that it’s a worthwhile investment. During my testing, I was extremely happy with it, except for the thing that I didn’t get one accessory, but the customer support was quick, and they sent it to me in a few days.
Features:
- 21 different accessories
- 38oz water tank
- Steam temperature: 248°F
- 5-minute heat up time
- 1500w
- 10.08 pounds
PROS
- Very quick heating time.
- Long power cord.
- Shoulder strap.
- Great customer support.
CONS
- Some attachments feel low-quality (but I didn’t break any).
4. McCulloch Handheld Steam Cleaner MC1230
If you’re looking for a handheld steam cleaner for cars, the best choice, and the best one I’ve tried, is this McCulloch MC1230 steam cleaner. It’s a small device, yet full of various attachments that you can use to clean cars.
Features:
- 11 accessories
- 6oz tank
- 3-minute heat up time
- Up to 10 minutes of steam
- 15-foot power cord
- 34-inch extension hose
- 2-year warranty
- 3lbs
- 900w
PROS
- The best handheld steam cleaner for cars.
- Very quick heat up time.
- Extremely long power cord.
CONS
- The water tank could be larger.
- The steamer has to be re-pressurized very often.
5. Mosche Handheld Steam Cleaner
Mosche handheld steam cleaner is the best choice if you’re on a tight budget but still looking for a trusty device that will help you clean and detail car interiors and exteriors.
Features:
- 1200w
- 3-5 minutes heat up time
- Up to 12 minutes of steam
- 11 accessories
- 9.4ft power cord
- Steam temperature: 230°F
- 9.46oz water tank
- 3.9lbs
PROS
- Budget-friendly
- Quick heat up time
- Satisfying tank size
CONS
- Very short power cord
Benefits of Steamers For Car Detailing
If you’re still pondering and aren’t sure if you actually need a steam cleaner, check out these five benefits of steam cleaners for car detailers.
1. You Can Remove Stubborn Stains From Any Surface
One of the key benefits of using a steam cleaner for auto detailing is its ability to remove stubborn stains from any surface. In my experience, steam cleaners can eliminate 99% of tough stains without damaging the material, whether it’s plastic, vinyl, or fabric.
Cupholders and other plastic or vinyl surfaces in a car are notorious for attracting and holding onto stubborn stains. These stains often resist even harsh chemicals and traditional cleaning methods. However, with a steam cleaner, you can quickly and easily remove them without causing any harm to the surface.
Another common problem in vehicles is the presence of chewing gum stuck to carpets and upholstery. Removing gum can be a time-consuming and challenging task using conventional methods. But with a steam cleaner, you can effortlessly lift gum from the fibers, making the cleaning process much more manageable.
2. Steamers Are Great For Cleaning Air Vents
Steamers are truly exceptional when it comes to cleaning air vents in a car. While brushing can remove some dirt and debris from the vents, it often fails to provide a thorough cleaning. Steam cleaners, on the other hand, can reach deeper into the vents, ensuring a more comprehensive and efficient cleaning experience.
Using a steam cleaner, you can easily dislodge and remove built-up dirt, grime, and debris from the air vents. The high-temperature steam not only eliminates visible dirt but also helps to neutralize bad odors and kill bacteria that might be lurking within the vent system. This level of cleanliness is crucial in maintaining a fresh and healthy atmosphere inside your vehicle.
3. Deep Cleaning Leather Seats With Steam Cleaner Is Extremely Quick
Deep cleaning leather seats with a steam cleaner is an extremely quick and efficient process. If you’re dealing with heavily soiled leather car seats, a steam cleaner can help you achieve impressive results in no time.
When using a steam cleaner for leather seats, always attach a microfiber towel to the nozzle, especially if the seats have been recently colored or show signs of damage. This extra layer of protection ensures that the steam won’t cause harm while still providing an effective clean.
Steam cleaning is a significant improvement over traditional methods, such as brushing leather seats and wiping. Not only is it faster, but it also provides a more thorough and even clean, leaving your leather seats looking and feeling fresh.
4. Removing PPF and Window Tint With a Steamer Is Much Quicker
Removing paint protection film (PPF) and window tint with a steamer is a much quicker and more efficient method. Taking off PPF and window tint can be challenging due to the adhesive residue left behind on the paint. However, using a steamer can significantly simplify this process and minimize the amount of adhesive residue left on the surface.
When you use a steamer to remove PPF or window tint films, the high-temperature steam works to loosen the adhesive, allowing it to come off together with the film. Thus, it saves time and effort that would otherwise be spent on removing stubborn adhesive residue.
5. Steamers Can Help You To Remove Car Stickers Easily
Steamers can also be incredibly helpful in removing car stickers with ease. While wheel eraser drill attachments are popular choices, using a steam cleaner is the best way to remove stickers without the risk of scratching the clear coat on your car.
So, if you have a steam cleaner or are planning to invest in one, keep in mind that it’s a fantastic tool for removing car stickers safely and efficiently, leaving your car’s surfaces looking clean and unblemished.
And besides that, steamers have health benefits as well. They don’t have any harmful chemicals, are allergen-safe, they’re natural cleaners, etc. The list goes on and on.
