Cleaning upholstery using a cloth and cleaning solution is time-consuming and often ineffective. Steam cleaning your upholstery is quicker and sanitizes your furniture. Plus, it can increase your home air quality once all the dust and dander particles are eliminated.
How do you choose the best steam cleaner for upholstery? We’ve done the hard work for you. We spent hours researching real customer reviews and expert advice.
If you’re in the market for a steam cleaner for upholstery, these five picks consider the most crucial details. This includes portability, performance, power, tank capacity, and accessories to ensure you can clean every part of your upholstery.
- Portable and lightweight
- Impressive capacity
- Versatile accessory kit
- Easy to use
- Gentle on the wallet
- Safety features
- Powerful machine
- Accessories galore
- Great customer service
- No hassle
- Basic accessories included
- Suitable for sealed surfaces
- Continuous steam option
- No-hassle warranty
- Above-average extras
The Best Upholstery Steam Cleaner of 2024
Are you ready to meet the best steam cleaners of the year? We judged these according to their performance and power, weight and portability, tank capacity, and of course, accessories. Let’s go!
Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Best Multi-Purpose
This compact unit from Dupray is a multi-purpose go-getter that cleans, sanitizes, degreases, and deodorizes various surfaces.
At 9.5 by 10.5 inches, it’s easy to carry around to whatever location you need to use it. There’s a small handle on top to ease transportation.
It comes with an 18-piece accessory kit to help you tackle many tasks. Be sure you can handle everything, including carpets, furniture, grout, and more.
This machine should last about an hour of cleaning at up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
What We Like
Portable and Lightweight
It’s in no way a hassle to carry around, and we appreciate that. The box portion is less than a foot long on its longer side, and the unit weighs under 10 pounds. No excuse not to get it out and make the most of what it has to offer.
Toting it about won’t cause unnecessary back strain. This applies whether you live in a two-story home, work in the garage or have a dirty car that needs special attention.
Impressive 54 Ounce Capacity
Its water tank can handle 54 ounces. We like that it takes approximately seven minutes to fill up and will last you for around a solid hour. For 50 minutes, it will continuously steam, and after that, it will putter off until it runs out.
This is a substantial amount of time that allows you to really get in there and get the job done—no running back and forth to the kitchen to fill it up.
Versatile Accessory Kit
We’re not cut short on accessories here, that’s for sure. With this steam cleaner, you’ll receive microfiber cloths and pads, a window tool, and a rectangular floor tool. There are also nylon brushes and a brass brush.
Furthermore, the extension tubes allow you to reach places you otherwise wouldn’t. Thanks to this comprehensive accessory set, you can now clean high spots and crevices easily. Just think of an area that needs to be cleaned, and there will be an appliance to tackle it.
Chemical-Free Cleaning
All you need for this unit is water. The unit products steam up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills up to 99.99 percent of germs and pathogens. This is great for removing fleas, ticks, bedbugs, and other nasties from your upholstery and bed.
What We Don't Like
No Water Guage Level
There’s no way to know when the tank is running low on water. It might run out just when you’re in an awesome cleaning flow! It takes around seven minutes (or longer) to heat up, which can be a bit of an interruption.
Takes Longer to Heat Than Advertised
Although it states that it takes seven minutes to heat, some customers waited around 20 minutes for the green light to flash. If you try and use it before the green light flashes, you’ll spray water everywhere.
Handle Gets Hot
The handle of this steam mop gets pretty hot, which can be dangerous, especially if your kid goes to pick it up. You might even want to wear protective gloves.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 10.5 inches by 9.5 inches |
| Weight | 9 pounds |
| Capacity | 54 ounces |
| Cord length | 16 feet |
| Features | 18 accessories, including brushes and cloths |
Our Ratings
PentaBeauty Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
Budget-Friendly Option
Are you serious about on-the-go convenience? This handheld steam cleaner may just be what you’re looking for. To start with, it’s on the lower end of the price scale.
Yet, it manages to tackle a variety of tasks, from cleaning the crevices of your mattress to cleaning dining room chairs. Accessories such as a clothing tool and flat surface option, among others, boost its functionality.
There’s a safety-lock design to ensure it doesn’t go off unnecessarily. We also love the safety cup on top of the water tank, so nothing leaks in the middle of your job. A Cardan joint on the primary valve keeps spillage from occurring.
What We Like
Easy and Quick to Use
This company ensured the steam cleaner was ready to go at a moment’s notice. Once filled, it heats up in 30 seconds and is good to go for about 20 minutes.
We also love that it’s not overly complicated. The dimensions don’t make it too awkward to hold or maneuver either.
Only Weighs Four Pounds
It weighs only four pounds and can be operated by just one push while it’s in your hand. The handle and “on” button are close in distance. So it’s doable for the smaller-handed folk among us as well.
Gentle on the Wallet
Let’s be honest here, running a household costs a pretty penny. That also includes the supplies to keep your place in pristine condition. Things like vacuums and steam cleaners can easily surpass a thousand dollars.
In comparison, this little handheld gadget is far from breaking the bank.
Safety Features Protect You and Your Family
With kiddos and beloved critters around, we’re always looking for ways to stay safe. This steam cleaner will help you do just that, thanks to its features.
The safety cup and lock ensure the boiling hot water remains inside the device. A cap on top has to be rotated anticlockwise, which means a young child would be hard-pressed to open it.
What We Don't Like
For Small Tasks Only
Based on the size of this steam cleaner, it’s best suited for short and small cleaning tasks. It can only hold 12 ounces of water at once and will last you for around 20 minutes. Furthermore, the cord is just nine feet long, so you’re quite limited in far you’ll make it.
It’ll do the job for quick stain lift-ups or vomit on your child’s car seat. For carpets and longer cleaning sessions? It won’t cut it unless you’re willing to go the extra mile and keep replugging and refilling it.
Need to Hold Trigger Continuously
Some customers reported that their hand cramped from having to hold the trigger down at all times? This seems to be a more popular method of design lately, but many folks dislike it.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 11 inches by 10 inches by 6 inches |
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Capacity | 12 ounces |
| Cord length | 9 feet |
| Features | Safety locks and nine accessories, including a clothing option |
Our Ratings
Dupray Hill Injection Steam Cleaner
Best for Serious Jobs
Are you in the market for a professional steam cleaner that can handle big tasks such as in offices or large homes? Here’s another unit from Dupray — and a seriously powerful one at that.
Working at a temperature of up to 345 degrees Fahrenheit will kill whatever is in front of you. It reaches that heat in less than eight minutes.
This steam cleaner features a dual-tank system allowing it to run continuously. Plus, you can refill it while it’s still on. There’s an integrated detergent tank to complement that and a digital interface to dial in your needs.
With a 27-piece accessory kit, you won’t be short on options here.
What We Like
This Machine Means Power
It’s a commercial-grade steam cleaner, and its specifications back that up.
Not only does it reach the highest temperature on our list, but its clean time is basically unlimited. Fill it up while you’re on the go and keep on cleaning. You don’t have to turn it off, then back on again like you do with simpler devices. The tank takes over 100 ounces of water, so you won’t need to fill it very often.
Option to Add Detergent
The 20-ounce detergent tank allows you to add a cleaning solution when extra dirty or problematic areas arise. This is pretty unique for a steam cleaner since they usually utilize the power of water alone.
Furthermore, you can control the level of steam emitted from the machine. This is done through the digital display on the front of the unit.
Accessories Galore
There are 27 in total, and thankfully there’s a carrying bag that fits all of them so that you won’t lose anything. They include different shaped microfiber bonnets, four types of brushes from nylon to brass and steel wool for super tough jobs.
It doesn’t stop there — there’s also a plunger tool, window cleaner, and extension tubes. You’ll be cleaning areas you may not expect with this machine.
Great Customer Service
With such a serious machine, poor customer service just isn’t acceptable. Thankfully, that’s not the case here.
User feedback includes individuals who sing the praises of the customer service team. They praise the friendly, helpful agents and quick turnaround time. When you have serious tasks to handle, this support is exactly what you need.
The team is available by phone and through their website.
What We Don't Like
Short Power Cord
We’re a bit disappointed that for such a costly powerhouse, the power cord is on the short side.
At less than 15 feet, you’ll need an ample amount of outlets around to complete your tasks with ease. Otherwise, as they would say, you might be up a creek without a paddle.
Not Easy to Carry
It’s big! This machine is not easy to carry around at 28 pounds and 16.5 inches in length. This is something to consider if you’ll be moving up and down stairs.
Are you going in and out of narrow doors and around things requiring stealth maneuvering? It might be tough to handle in this scenario too.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 10.5 inches by 13 inches by 16.5 inches |
| Weight | 28 pounds |
| Capacity | 101 ounces |
| Cord length | 14.9 feet |
| Features | Dual tank, ongoing run time, 27 accessories |
Our Ratings
PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
Best With Multi-Accessories
We like that it heats up in as little as three to four minutes. Once it’s ready, it only requires one hand to complete the tasks ahead of you.
The steam cleaner is lightweight at only 5.13 pounds.
It can cover upholstery tasks in virtually any room in your house. Use it on your stain-ridden sofa or your mattress and curtains. Thanks to its scrub brush, your kitchen and bathroom might even get a good clean.
It has nine useful accessories: a nylon brush head, bent nozzle, ironing brush, window and door brush squeegee, brush cloth, funnel, measuring cup, straight nozzle, and extension hose.
What We Like
No Hassle to Use
Most of us aren’t after huge tasks here but a lot of little ones instead. This machine allows you to zoom about your house, concentrating on small bits here and there without it being a hassle.
With a quick warm-up time, it won’t be too inconvenient if you need to stop midway and fill it up again. Parents have also mentioned how easy it is to use for car cleanups and other daily kid-related spills.
Nine Accessories Included
There are nine accessories included with this model. Most of them are your straightforward ones, including an extension hose and a bent nozzle for reaching into little nooks and crevices.
The ironing brush cloth is a soft go-to option for upholstery and won’t ruin anything in its wake. With the brush on its own, you can go after larger chunks of material at one time.
Suitable for Sealed Surfaces
As well as upholstery, this steam cleaner is also suitable for pretty much every other surface. This includes sealed surfaces such as granite, laminate, sealed hardwood, appliances, windows, toilets, and even barbecues!
What We Don't Like
Not the Strongest Cleaner
Yes, customers still praise this machine, but it’s not the most powerful on our list. Its primary focus is on small tasks here and there, after all.
Some have mentioned that the temperature doesn’t get very high and that it’s not always efficient with deeply-ingrained stains or grease marks. So if you’re after serious power for big areas, this one may not be it. Go for a more commercial-grade option or at least a slightly bigger device.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 11.93 inches by 10.04 inches by 7.64 inches |
| Weight | 5.13 pounds |
| Capacity | 8.45 ounces |
| Cord length | 9.8 feet |
| Features | Nine accessories included |
Our Ratings
McCulloch Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner
Best Customer Service
Thanks to McCulloch, you can have peace of mind knowing this machine is backed by a reputable company, warranty, and excellent customer service staff. A two-year hassle-free policy has you covered — hopefully, you won’t require it.
With 18 versatile accessories and a 48-ounce water tank capacity, you can clean unencumbered for up to 45 minutes. It takes eight minutes to heat up, and you can fill it with the convenient measuring cup.
You even have an option here for continuous steam, all at the push of a button.
You can clean a variety of surfaces and textures with this machine. And the big back wheels enable it to be rolled around easily while doing so.
What We Like
Continuous Steam Option
Many machines require you to keep your finger on the button while cleaning. It may seem minor but believe us, after 45 minutes, your finger is probably screaming for a break.
This cleaner allows you to flick on the continuous-steam option and leave it. This makes the user experience easier and offers extra mobility you wouldn’t have otherwise.
No-Hassle Warranty and Great Customer Service
Have you ever received a faulty product, only to find out the customer service team didn’t care to get back to you? It’s a terrible predicament; thankfully, it won’t be the case with this company.
Feedback about the customer service team is overwhelmingly positive. But even better, the two-year no-hassle warranty covers you. This is not only the case with a faulty product upon arrival but with any issues that crop up during that time.
Above-Average Extras
We appreciate that this company doesn’t skimp. With 18 accessories, an almost 16-foot power cord, caster wheels, and a 48-ounce tank, we feel they’re generous with this unit.
The attachments include your regular lineup, like brushes for upholstery, cloths, and a squeegee. But you also receive a mop head which is great for big areas of flooring. Furthermore, a water funnel and measuring cup are included for filling the water tank.
Its cord gives you ample space for moving about and should provide you with enough slack to go the distance.
What We Don't Like
Steam Not Reliable
Not what you want to hear when purchasing a steam cleaner! At least a few customers mentioned that the steam with this machine doesn’t get nearly hot enough to fulfill the tasks it’s meant to do.
While we can’t be sure of how rough those stains were, it could be problematic. Thankfully, though, this company has a warranty to see you through.
Cheap Plastic Attachments
The plastic parts used for this machine, specifically for the attachments, are pretty cheap. They wear and tear quite easily. Some customers even noted that they melted due to the hot steam.
No Handle Included
Customers disliked that there was no handle. While it’s on wheels, you can’t push and pull it around easily without a handle!
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 13.5 inches by 10.5 inches by 17.2 inches |
| Weight | 9.95 pounds |
| Capacity | 48 ounces |
| Cord length | 15.7 feet |
| Features | Continuous steam, 18 accessories included |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Cord length | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner | Multi-Purpose | 10.5″ x 9.5″ | 9 lbs | 54 oz | 16 ft | 18 accessories, including brushes and cloths |
| PentaBeauty Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner | Budget-Friendly | 11″ x 10″ x 6″ | 4 lbs | 12 oz | 9 ft | Safety locks and nine accessories, including a clothing option |
| Dupray Hill Injection Steam Cleaner | Serious Jobs | 10.5″ x 13″ x 16.5″ | 28 lbs | 101 oz | 14.9 ft | Dual tank, ongoing run time, 27 accessories |
| PurSteam Pressurized Cleaner | Brand | 11.93″ x 10.04″ x 7.64″ | 5.13 lbs | 8.45 oz | 9.8 ft | 9 accessories included |
| McCulloch Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner | Customer Service | 13.5″ x 10.5″ x 17.2″ | 9.95 lbs | 48 oz | 15.7 ft | Continuous steam, 18 accessories included |
What Is an Upholstery Steam Cleaner?
When you imagine what you use daily around the home, there’s much investment in upholstered or textile items. Think about it for a moment — your car seats, couches, carpets, mattresses, and more.
That’s where an upholstery steam cleaner comes in. These devices usually resemble a vacuum in shape and are either handheld or come attached to a stick.
They deep clean and sanitize any fabric-covered items. Often, they can tackle non-upholstery objects, including flooring and appliances.
Did You Know
Benefits of Using This Device
A steam cleaner can be a lifesaver if you have children or pets.
Here are some other advantages:
- Saves you money and time: Imagine having to schedule and pay for a professional cleaning service every time you need to deep clean your home? A steam cleaner prevents this hassle and puts the task in your hands. Furthermore, steam dries quickly, so there’s less waiting around afterward.
- Kills tiny germs and creatures: Steam cleaners not only tackle bacteria and fungi but they can also get rid of mold, pollen, dust, mildew, and even fleas (2). This is a major advantage if someone in your family suffers from allergies or you live in a humid climate.
- Prolongs lifespan of upholstery: Furniture, car seats, mattresses, and the like are financial investments, and chances are you want them to last. Steam cleaning allows you to take serious care by removing harsh stains, engrained germs, and corrosive substances.
- Air quality: This could be a determining factor for those who suffer from allergies (3). Not only do things like dust and pollen get stuck in furniture, but they also end up in the air around you. So you’ll kill two birds with one stone here.
- Eco-friendly: For those concerned about the use of chemicals, worry no more with a steam cleaner. Given that you’re only using water here, you don’t have to inhale any toxic chemicals, nor will they float around in the air afterward.
- Great for difficult-to-reach places: Getting into the cracks and crevices while cleaning can lead to high frustration. Since the steam propels outward, you can reach more places.
Things to Keep in Mind
Are you looking for a multi-use device to cover various areas and items? Or something specific, for, say, the car? Depending on what you need it for and how often you’ll be using it, here are some important features to look for on your hunt:
Portability
The last thing you want is to be lugging a heavy device up and down stairs or in and out of the house. If you use this machine regularly and have a lot of space to cover, portability will be a determining factor for you.
Lightweight options up to around 10 pounds are standard, as are devices with added maneuverability such as swivel wheels and carry handles.
Length of Cord
A short cord could be a waste of time. You might end up moving from outlet to outlet.
So aim for a cord at least 15 feet long in this case. This should allow you enough space to cover a substantial area or multiple furniture pieces until you need to unplug and find a new source.
Performance
Now comes the challenging part. When you’re buying a steam cleaner, you want it to function well. Based on our research, many on the market suffer in this area either from lack of heat or strength.
For example, you shouldn’t have to cover the same area multiple times to lift one stain. Or find out those fleas didn’t leave the perimeter after all, and your dog is still itching away (maybe you are, too!).
Pay attention to the machine’s specifications and what customers have to say. It matters and will save you the hassle later down the road.
Water Tank Capacity
Much like the cord length, a small water tank capacity will only take you so far. You’ll be back in the kitchen to fill it up and wait for the temperature to rise.
A 25 to 35-ounce tank, however, should do the job, especially if you’re going after spots and not entire rooms. If the latter is the case, opt for higher capacity — some hit around 50 ounces.
Accessories
You might be surprised at the array of accessories that come with steam cleaners, especially those made for upholstery. Depending on what you’ll be using it for, you want to ensure there’s something to cover that task.
Will you be focusing on delicate fabrics? Cloth pads, such as microfiber varieties, will be gentle but efficient in getting the job done.
Are you more interested in reaching the nooks and crevices behind furniture or high up in a room? Extension tubes will be necessary unless you have super skills and can turn into a worm or have extraordinary height.
Safety Tips
Safety Comes First
Your steam cleaner might look harmless, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Here are some safety tips to put your mind at ease and ensure your upholstery cleaning goes smoothly:
- Protect yourself: Make sure you wear clothing covering your arms and legs. And by all means, don’t go barefoot (wear socks, at least).
- If you have kids and pets: It’s even more critical in this scenario. Try to use your steam cleaner when they’re not around. If it’s unavoidable, ensure the pets are secured in a different location, and the kids understand the risk.
- Don’t get distracted: You don’t want to pick up your phone, accidentally point the steam cleaner in the wrong direction, and get some in your face. Wearing protective goggles and gloves wouldn’t hurt, even if it sounds silly.
- Ask yourself if it’s necessary: You might be excited to use your device. However, if it’s something simple that can be conquered by hand, save yourself the potential risk and do it yourself.
- If you get burned: Contact a healthcare provider immediately. It may not look that bad, but taking a professional’s advice won’t hurt.
FAQs
Can You Steam Clean a Couch With a Clothes Steamer?
You can steam clean a couch with a clothes steamer, but it may take some time. You need the steam to penetrate deep enough to get the couch clean, which means you need 30 grams per minute of continuous steam.
How Do You Steam Clean Couch Cushions?
The best way to steam clean cushions is to work in stripes from the top of the cushion to the bottom. Allow the steam to penetrate while dragging the steamer, and repeat the process if necessary. Always allow the cushion to dry before putting it back on the sofa.
How Do I Get Musty Smell Out of Upholstery?
One of the best ways to get that musty smell out of upholstery is to sprinkle baking soda onto the surface and let it sit for a while. Finally, brush off the excess and vacuum up the remaining baking soda.
How Often Should You Steam Clean Couch?
You should steam clean your couch every six months. It ensures that the sofa stays smelling fresh, and it removes odor-causing bacteria.
How Long Does a Couch Take to Dry After Steam Cleaning?
The time a couch takes to dry after steam cleaning depends on the couch fibers. On average, the sofa should take about five hours to dry. Natural fibers absorb more moisture than synthetic alternatives.
