This winter steam cleaning mistake could cost you hundreds — here's why

Of all the surfaces in our houses, glass can hide the most dirt and grime. Its transparency is the perfect quality to highlight smears, dust and other detritus that accumulate throughout the day – and remind us that we’re behind on our cleaning. But the same qualities that make glass reveal dirt can also make it hard to clean effectively. Even the smallest bit of cleaner residue can leave unsightly streaks on the glass, undermining your hard work.

You’re also often fighting against the elements when it comes to glass cleaning, especially if you’re working on windows. The sunlight that penetrates through to light your home also heats up the glass in the process, drying liquids and setting dirt. This is why some marks can feel so difficult to remove from glass; they’ve been baked on.

To solve this enduring household challenge, many people are now turning to steam cleaning. But is it safe?

In short, steam cleaning your glass is best avoided in the winter months. Why? Well, it's all about thermal shock.

The benefits of steam cleaning

Today it’s easy to find a variety of different cleaning products that are specifically designed for glass. Yet the old problems persist: streaky lines post-clean, chemical exposure, and hard scrubbing that can damage surfaces. By contrast, steam cleaning can be both gentler on the glass and more effective at removing dirt.

Steam cleaners are great for use on glass, but they can also be used to clean various different surfaces and materials. Most products will come with additional attachments, designed to penetrate into small crevices or to treat different fabrics, like upholstery. This means that you don’t need to waste space in your home on a glass-specific cleaner.

Here's why steam cleaners can be handy in your day-to-day cleans, so long as you're not risking thermal shock!

1. It tackles tough grime

Steam cleaners look quite similar to a vacuum, but come with a squeegee-like attachment that can be used on glass. Like a regular squeegee, they wipe away unwanted material on the surface of the glass, but only after the steam cleaner has used hot steam to break down the grime itself.

By softening its bonds to the glass, the steam makes it much easier for the squeegee to then wipe away any and all dirt.

2. It doesn't use harsh chemicals

Since the steam itself is so effective, these cleaners don’t require the use of any additional cleaning products.

This is a cost-saver but more importantly, it reduces household exposure to harsh chemicals and is therefore safer for kids and pets, since the air quality will remain high.

3. It's so much easier

Depending on the size of the glass pane you’re cleaning, this process can be a tiring one. Fortunately, steam cleaning is much less intensive than regular cleaning as the steam does all the hard work for you.

Instead of needing to scrub away at fixed stains or stubborn marks, the steam breaks down the stain for you; all you need to do is hold the steamer a few inches from the surface.

The risks

With all those benefits, it might seem obvious that a steam cleaner is the way to go. Nevertheless, it’s important to know the risks of use beforehand and to take any necessary precautions to ensure a smooth experience.

The main risks of steam cleaning are tied to the temperature of the steam itself, since it is by nature very hot. Steam is formed when water reaches boiling point (100 degrees Celcius / 212 degrees Fahrenheit) and evaporates into vapor. This means that any steam produced by the cleaner will be around this temperature and therefore able to cause quite severe damage.

To minimize any safety risks when steam cleaning:

• Don’t expose bare skin to the steam: Since steam is very hot, this means it can cause burns. Be sure to cover up exposed skin before use, to minimize the chance of the steam catching you and causing harm. It’s also best to ensure that the device is always pointed away from any people or pets in the vicinity, so no one is hit by steam accidentally.
• Don’t use when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing: While glass can withstand very cold weather, sharp swings in temperature can cause the material to crack. Since steam is so hot, it will dramatically raise the temperature of the glass when it comes into contact with the material. If the glass is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the intense heat of the steam might shock the glass and break it.

The best way to use a steam cleaner

Steam cleaning is a more effective, chemical-free way to remove dirt and grime from glass surfaces around the house, such as windows or shower doors. However, it still requires some guidance for best results:

• Make sure you are familiar with the controls of the device before you use it on windows. This will prevent any accidents or mishaps and ensure an effective clean.
• Wait for a cloudy day to begin so that sunlight doesn’t dry the water on the surface and create streaks, before you have a chance to wipe it away.
• Use distilled water inside the chamber, not tap water (which can contain minerals like calcium and magnesium). This ensures there will be no mineral deposits in the steam, which can cause limescale buildup inside the cleaner and also leave marks on the glass during cleaning.
• Use a soft rag or microfiber towel to wipe away residue with minimal streaking.
• Work from top to bottom, to ensure water and dust don’t run down onto freshly cleaned areas of the glass.

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