Best Steam Cleaner for Home Use??

[TwitchKitty]

I would like to have a steam cleaner to use around my house, property, vehicles and other toys. I don't want to pay for an industrial type tool, I wouldn't use it enough to justify the expense. On the other hand I don't want to buy useless junk.

I am trying to balance when to rent for big jobs like cleaning a fuel tank and how large/versatile a machine to buy for home use.

Can I get one economical machine that could be used for upholstery/carpeting and for cleaning my wheels and engine?

Anyone have any experience or thoughts to share?

I have a cheap little pressure washer that I bought at a pawn shop. It works well but it is usually easier to run up to the corner and use the one at the carwash. Will the home steam cleaner be convenient enough to use it or will it sit in a closet somewhere?

[d.delano]

Check out the little green steam machine or something like that. I've been advised in the past that it's at least good enough to be effective on vehicle carpets and such.

[dmorrison]

I purchased the McCullough steam unit from Harbor Freight. Figured it would steam the grease and oil off the engine. Returned it after a week. A good degreaser and brush did a better job.

This unit

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=8823

Dave