Finding effective ways to clean my home without harsh chemicals has always been a priority. This approach not only saves money but also ensures a healthier environment.

My go-to tool is the Black & Decker steam cleaner. I use it throughout my home, tackling everything from floors to upholstery. It's a solid investment, especially since the current Amazon sale makes it even more appealing.

Here's how I utilize the top-rated steam cleaner for a thorough, eco-friendly cleaning routine.

Ways I Use My Steam Cleaner for a Non-Toxic Home

My steam cleaner effectively handles everything from floors to fabrics. Best of all, it uses just steam—no chemicals needed. Simply fill it with tap water and let it work!

Among my non-toxic essentials, this steam cleaner is my favorite. I opted for the seven-in-one model, which comes with various attachments for cleaning tiles, fabrics, hard surfaces, and carpets.

Here's how I maximize my investment:

1. Tile Cleaning

Steam cleaning white grout in grey shower tiles
My tiles are left soap scum-free and the grout shines bright again.

One of my best uses for the steam cleaner is cleaning shower grout. Previously, I scrubbed with vinegar and a toothbrush, relying on hard work to achieve a clean result. Sometimes, I just wiped it down with bathroom cleaner, hoping for the best.

Now, I simply use the handheld grout attachment for the shower walls, melting soap scum and removing hard water stains with ease. A gentle scrub along the grout lines restores their bright white color.

2. Flooring

Using a steam cleaner to clean a vinyl floor
Cleaning my vinyl floor with steam.
Using the carpet glide attachment to steam a section of carpet on my landing
Steaming a section of carpet on my landing.
The bottom of a black and decker steam mop with the upholstery attachment and carpet glide attachment
Using the steam mop with carpet glide and upholstery attachments.

With a mix of linoleum, low-pile carpet, and rugs in my home, my vacuum helps with hair and debris but struggles with grime and stains.

My steam cleaner combines the functions of a mop and carpet cleaner, saving space in storage. With microfiber pads and a carpet glide attachment, I can transition from room to room effortlessly.

For hard floors, like in the kitchen and bathroom, the steam cleaner eliminates sticky messes from spills. When cleaning carpets, it lifts dirt and kills bacteria, neutralizing odors and leaving my home smelling fresh. Drying takes about 30 minutes after vacuuming up any additional debris.

I switched to this steam cleaner two years ago and haven't looked back.

3. Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

Using the fabric attachment to steam clean a couch

Cleaning my couch with the fabric attachment.

Being a homebody means my upholstered furniture gets a lot of wear. Thus, freshening everything from couches to cushion covers is essential.

I can't wash these items weekly, so I rely on my steam cleaner for regular maintenance to kill bacteria and freshen furnishings. This method likely leads to more frequent cleaning than traditional methods, resulting in a healthier home.

Steam cleaning a couch is straightforward. I remove pillows, vacuum crumbs, and glide the steam across the surface to eliminate bacteria, lift light stains, and remove odors without messy alternatives.

I apply the same technique for cleaning chairs, cushions, and bedding (I still wash sheets every two weeks, of course, but this is an extra step).

The only item I avoid steaming is my memory foam mattress, which could warp under heat. Instead, I use a mattress protector that's easy to wash.

4. Oven Cleaning

A steam cleaning mitt being used to clean a glass oven door
Using the steam cleaning mitt to clean my oven door.
The greasy marks from an oven door on a steam cleaning mitt
The grease removed from my oven.

Cleaning the oven without chemicals is crucial for me, especially since my partner has food safety concerns.

The steam cleaner paired with the oven brush has been my best solution. Other DIY methods left me exhausted with minimal results, but steaming effectively melts away grease for easy removal.

I switch to the SteaMitt attachment for cleaning the glass door safely without fear of damage. My oven looks as good as new, even after procrastinating on cleaning.

5. Kitchen Tasks

A steam cleaning mitt being used to sanitize a sink draining board

Sanitizing my sink draining board with steam.

Steam cleaning the inside of a white microwave with a steam mitt

Cleaning the inside of my microwave.

Steam cleaning has become my favorite way to streamline kitchen chores. I now rely solely on this tool.

Along with the oven, I use the SteaMitt for my microwave and kitchen sink. It tackles grease instantly and eliminates bacteria that could cause foodborne illnesses.

6. Clothing Care

Using the fabric attachment to steam clean a brown jumper

Steaming a jumper with the fabric attachment.

I often steam clothes with my Black & Decker. Though it's slightly bulky for small jobs, consolidating cleaning tasks into one device is efficient.

This is particularly helpful for hand wash and dry clean-only items. I hang garments inside out on a hanger and steam gently to remove wrinkles and odors between washes.

7. Pest Control

Flea against white background

Fortunately, I've only needed to use my steam cleaner for pest control once, but it was an effective solution without resorting to harsh chemicals.

I thoroughly steamed every inch of my home to eliminate fleas, moving furniture to access all carpets. The effort was intense, but it eradicated the problem without professional help, resulting in an exceptionally clean house.


All these uses for my steam cleaner have simplified my chores, making them quicker and healthier. It's truly enhanced my quality of life.

However, be cautious—certain items like specific mattresses and electronics should not be steamed to prevent damage.