The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Commercial Steam Cleaner for Your Business

Benefits of Using a Steam Cleaner for Your Commercial Cleaning Business

As a steam cleaning contractor you can offer a variety of cleaning services or specialize in certain ones. Dry vapor commercial grade steam cleaners are appropriate for cleaning exterior surfaces, including exterior wood and bricks, decks, patios, cement walkways and driveways, awnings, windows and doors. Commercial customers prefer steam washing for industrial operations, graffiti removal and following building renovation. Steam Cleaners are also the ideal method for chemical free cleaning restaurant kitchens, dining rooms and restroom facilities. In homes, steam treatment makes quick work of sanitizing kitchen appliances, furniture, upholstery, carpets, hard floors, grout and tile.

Top Commercial Steam Cleaners for 2024: Reviews and Comparison

1. Fortador PRO Max: The Ultimate All-in-One Vacuum Commercial Steam Cleaner and Shampooer

If your business has a high volume of carpet and upholstery cleaning, the Fortador PRO Max is the steam cleaning system to consider as this diesel-powered professional steam cleaner provides convenient all-in-one features with high capabilities. The versatile accessories that come with this machine will allow your operators to perform many different tasks while also increasing their efficiency with continuous steam.

Operating at a pressure of 20 bars / 295 PSI, the PRO Max gives you the steam pressure you need to effectively remove dirt, stains, bacteria, viruses and debris. It also has an output that makes it suitable for a high-volume cleaning business as it produces an outstanding 363 pounds of steam per hour. Another great feature is that this unit comes with three guns, two steam guns and a dual hose gun for shampooing and vacuum extraction. This feature allows three operators to simultaneously work with the unit, thereby increasing efficiency and productivity.

Many residential jobs require detergents to clean stains effectively from furniture and carpets. The Fortador PRO Max can deliver two different detergents at the same time as it has two tanks that hold 1.6 gallons of cleaning solution, which gives your business lots of flexibility when out on jobs. Thorough shampooing is often necessary to fully remove dirt and stains from soft surfaces.

The extractor that comes with both the PRO Max and PRO Max Deluxe works hand-in-hand with the shampooer and provides a penetrating cleaning that breaks down proteins in stains to result in effective debris removal on all types of soft surfaces. Extractors also decrease drying time while also allowing your operators to spend considerably less effort on each job using no harsh chemicals.

For dirt and grime removal and surface preparation, choose the unit’s wet-dry vacuum, which will remove loose debris and make cleaning more thorough.

A seven-inch touchscreen allows users to control and view all operating characteristics, including temperature, PSI, water and detergent level and diesel fuel, along with other key operating measures and service features.

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Another plus is that the PRO Max is more economical than many of its competitors with regard to water and fuel consumption. The PRO Max only uses 0.15 gallons of diesel fuel to produce needed steam, while the Optima DMF uses .6 gallons. Over eight hours, the PRO Max will use over four times less fuel than the Optima DMF.

Fortador can provide you with a convenient cargo slider to transport the industrial steamer PRO Max. This commercial-grade product is specially designed for Fortador units and easily mounts inside any commercial vans, but it also can be used to keep all your additional tools in easy to reach areas.

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Pros:

- Versatile all-in-one unit with Steam, Hot water or Detergent mode
- Continuous flow steam at 20 bar / 295 PSI , Big water tank 6.6 Gallon / 25L

- Provides powerful steam sanitation and vacuum extraction
- Innovative, convenient design

- Steam control valve for each outlet
- Comes with a variety of accessories and attachments, including three hoses

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Cons:

‍‍- Unit is heavy at 440 lbs.
- Large dimensions
- Diesel exhaust
- Our most expensive unit

2. Fortador PRO: Powerful Industrial High Pressure Steamer with Detergent

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This steamer is also great for residential and commercial cleaning and disinfection as it has the same boiler as the Fortador PRO Max, while also giving you the high-quality steam pressure and temperature needed to disinfect thoroughly. Users also get the same three-gun capability and flexibility and the same touch screen system and operating display for ultimate control. This unit also has the same volume, pressure and temperature performance as the PRO Max.

This unit will also increase your operation’s productivity as the water tank holds about 6.5 gallons while the diesel tank accommodates four gallons of fuel. It also has a higher level of fuel efficiency than the Optima DMF, and 6x time more efficient than Astra Idromatic allowing you to work 40 hours without refueling. The Fortador PRO has a 1.6-gallon detergent tank, providing the same capacity to add detergents or sanitizing agents.

Select the industrial steamer Fortador PRO if you already have a vacuum, extractor, and shampooer. You can use this machine to be the primary cleaning device for your business as it can greatly expand the possibilities for residential and commercial sanitation opportunities.
One big advantage of the PRO is its size and weight. This machine only weighs 175 lbs., and with its much smaller dimensions, operators can easily maneuver it into tight spaces at job sites for effective and efficient commercial steam cleaning, post construction cleaning and sanitizing. You can also use our cargo slider with the PRO  for easy transportation.

Pros:

‍‍- High level of cleaning power without harsh chemicals

- Continuous Flow Steam, Big water tank 6.6 Gallon / 25L
- Includes hot water, detergent or sanitizing agent feature

- Steam control valve for each outlet
- Much lighter and smaller than competing machines across the market

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Cons:‍‍

- No extraction capability
- Diesel exhaust

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3. Fortador Volt Electra: The Versatile Electric All-in-One Vacuum Commercial Steamer and Shampooer

If you are just starting out with your cleaning and sanitation business, or if you have a smaller operation, the Fortador Volt Electra is the machine for you. This all-in-one easy to use industrial steam cleaner gives you the capability and versatility to clean and sanitize many different types of surfaces inside and outside buildings. You’ll get the same commercial-grade vacuum and extractor found in the PRO Max. Not only that, but you’ll also get professional wet-dry capabilities that combine extraction, steam and detergent technology in a single, convenient unit.

Many of the Volt Electra’s features are the same or similar to the PRO line. You still get high-quality commercial grade steam but at a lower pressure of 175 PSI, which is still higher than many diesel-powered steamers on the market. The Volt Electra’s boiler is also made from the same high-quality steel as the Pro Max and the PRO. Its seven-inch display shows users all pertinent operation information as they can monitor water and detergent levels, boiler pressure, temperature and much more.

The power source is the primary difference between the Volt Electra and the PRO Line. As you would expect by its name, electricity powers this machine, which makes it especially convenient for residential and commercial steam treatment as an operator merely has to plug it in to get it started, plus you don’t have the added inconvenience of diesel fumes. It is equipped with a single gun for commercial steam cleaning and dual gun for carpet steam shampooing, but means only one gun can be in operation.

Heating is slower with the Volt Electra than with diesel steamers, which can be a limiting factor when working larger jobs. However, this unit uses an ECO system that maximizes heating efficiency by delivering a constant steam flow rate. This unit is the steam cleaner for you if you have primarily small-scale jobs.

As the Volt Electra only weighs 99 pounds, you can easily maneuver it on its wheels during operation as well as from job to job.

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Pros:

‍‍- Fully electric steam with a compact boiler
- Best cleaning power on the market for fully electric units
- All-in-one operation steam and vacuum extracction
- 30-foot hose and 15-foot steam+vacuum extraction hose
- Size and weight allow for easy transportation

- 5500 watt heating element

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Cons:

‍‍- Continuous usage time shorter than for diesel units
- Produces less pressure
- Can accommodate only one operator
- Runs on 240V (dual phase) for heating element

4. Optima Steamer DMF and Optima XD: Powerful Diesel Commercial Steam Cleaners

Optima calls this steamers the most powerful steam cleaning machine in the world, but is it? Here is what people get when they buy this machine. This diesel-powered unit is DMF's best-selling steam cleaner. Although the manufacturer indicates it has a durable body design, its frame is made of polypropylene and polyethylene, so it is not quite as durable as the Fortador PRO. Weighing 191 lbs., the Optima DMF is readily portable, making this machine suitable for mobile car and recreational equipment washing and detailing, solar panel cleaning, graffiti, washing outdoor sculptures, and weed graffiti and gum removal.

The Optima DMF features a smart control system that works via internal CPU monitors to control the steamer's mechanical and electrical operations. Designed to be user-friendly, this steamer also has multi-stage safety devices that force the machine to sound an alarm and shut off when there is a shortage of fuel or water, temperature or pressure goes out of range, abnormal burner flame or if the pump runs overtime. An automatic water filling feature eliminates the need for operators to manually fill the boiler when a water supply is readily available on site. Choose from wet or dry steam settings that are easily adjustable according to the type of cleaning job. The DMF's advanced structure allows for easy maintenance when the unit is not in use.

The water tank and fuel tank capacity are both 5.3 gallons. Its diesel burner produces steam in three to seven minutes. Its non-idling burner minimizes noise, emissions and fuel consumption, although it is not as fuel-efficient as the Fortador PRO. The DMF ships with two 33-foot hoses and has longer hoses available in 49-foot and 65-foot lengths. A good assortment of tools, such as steam guns, specialty tools and adapters, are available for different job requirements. The DMF's dual spray gun allows two operators to work simultaneously without losing power, heat or pressure.

Steamer XD is a newer version of Optima Steamer DM(DMF). It got safety Stop function that is standard for all Fortador units. The size of tanks for water and diesel are increased due huge consumption. Also, it is so structurally convenient for service.

Thise machines comes with a general manufacturer's one-year warranty and a two-year warranty on the boiler.

Pros:

• Lightweight
  
• Available with a good assortment of tools, although most must be purchased as add-ons
  
• Heats quickly within 3-5 minutes
  
• Has good steam control
  

Cons:

• Boiler has a 35% smaller capacity
  
• Only two hoses
  
• Maximum PSA of 137.5, meaning jobs will take longer to finish
  
• Made in Asia
  
• No built-in vacuum
  
• Is about 2.5-4 times less fuel-efficient than the Fortador PRO Line

Official statement from Optima Steamer

the Optima Steamer’s pressure doesn’t drop below 7 bar (101 psi) or 170°C (338°F) inside the boiler.

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5. Astra Idromatic: Reliable Diesel Powered Commercial Steam Cleaner

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The manufacturer promotes this machine as a basic and steady steamer with minimal electrical consumption. If an electrical supply is not readily available at a worker site, a small generator can power the Astra Steamer.

Recommended applications for this steamer are for repair workshops, mobile car and recreational vehicle wash, cleaning of industrial machines, sports venues and equipment, cleaning of animal housing and equipment, gum and graffiti removal, food industries and urban weeding. The last application is somewhat unique as this machine comes with a specialized weeding tool to help remove weeds.

The Astra Steamer gives operators a machine with mechanical controls of various functions. A knob on the control board allows you to choose the way water feeds into the machine, either from a direct water source or from the machine's tank. Only one steam outlet comes with the machine, although the manufacturer claims that buyers can add another outlet. Operators can manually control steam via an outlet tap, getting steam right from the pump with installation of additional fittings and pipes. Most of the unit's functions are manually controlled via knobs. Users will also benefit from an errors diagnostic system based on sound and visual impulses from the control panel.

This machine is also heavier than other commercial steamers, weighing about 286 lbs. The additional weight can make a difference on the productivity of crews who have to load, unload and haul the steamer into place at various jobs. Diesel in its tanks lasts for about seven hours of work. Only four accessories are included with the steamer, including a steam gun with swivel nozzle, a teflon nozzle, a steam hose and a microfiber cloth. with one a single hose, operators will need to take take to switch between steaming and cleaning with detergents.

Idromatic, the company that manufactures the Astra steam does not disclose the composition of the machine's frame. Also, the manufacturer only provides a one-year warranty on this machine.

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Pros:

• Has a large boiler capacity
  
• Ability to add a lot of specialty tools at an extra cost
  
• Short heating time of five minutes
  

Cons:

• Only one operator can use the machine
  
• Manual operation of controls is outdated
  
• Uses a lot of diesel fuel, approximately four times more than Fortador PRO Line steam cleaners
  
• Low maximum

6. Fortador Volt Mini: The Best Compact Steamer for Home and Office Cleaning

Best-in-Class Powerful electric steamer in a small package for indoor cleaning

If you want to start a cleaning business that concentrates on smaller jobs like homes, apartment buildings, offices and the like, the Volt Mini is a great machine for that purpose. Like the other Fortador offerings, the Volt Mini gives you the ability to clean and sanitize many different types of surfaces, including carpeting and upholstery, tile, laminate and other types of flooring, counters, tables, chairs and many other types of hard and soft surfaces, thanks to the versatile attachments that come with the unit. Buyers will even get a small selection of microfiber cloths that come with the accessory package. The commercial portable steamer Volt Mini is particularly good for cleaning carpets and upholstery, thanks to its brushes and similar attachments.

Like the Volt Electra, the Volt Mini is powered by electricity, making it the ideal steam cleaning machine for customers who don’t want diesel fumes inside their premises. The Volt Mini is quiet, too, so your operator can easily clean while your customers go about their work. It’s super lightweight at 16.5 lbs., so anyone can operate and transport it, especially when equipped with the dolly that lets you roll the unit from one area to the next. Your residential and small office commercial customers will love how powerfully this steamer cleans and sanitizes their premises. Its small size allows operators to easily clean tight spots where bigger machines may not be able to go.

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One of the Volt Mini's best features is that it's made of the same high-strength steel that you'll find in other Fortador steam washing and cleaning machines. The boiler takes only five minutes to heat, which is much faster than other units of similar size, and holds 0.7 gallons of water. Once the unit is ready, it produces steam at 338 degrees Fahrenheit, at a pressure of 101.5 psi. Operators can add detergent attachment to the steam bun if needed for tough cleaning jobs. While it isn't as powerful as our other Fortador units, the Volt Mini is simply the best commercial grade steam cleaner in its class. It's also great for homeowners who want a  heavy-duty steamer to disinfect and clean kitchen appliances thoroughly, but at the same time, don't want to or may not be strong enough to move a machine that weighs 100 pounds. The Volt Mini provides the best of many worlds-heavy-duty steam cleaning and lightweight transportability.

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Pros:

• Easy to use and transport
• Inox 304 Stainless Steel Boiler
• 1650 watt heating element
  

• Fortador quality construction, long power cord
  
• Higher pressure than steam cleaners of similar size
  
• Comes with a variety of tools for different applications, including steam mop
• Dry steam mode or Hot water injection, Detergent fogger included
  
• Exclusive Fortador support provided with purchase
• Free shipping
  

Cons:

• Doesn't have sufficient steam pressure for heavy-duty industrial jobs, so it's  unsuitable for professional car detailing and similar high-pressure industrial applications
  
• Tough jobs may take a long time because of low pressure compare to diesel powered units
  
• Only one person at a time can operate the machine

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7. McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe: The Top Choice for Lightweight Steam Cleaning

The McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe is another small unit that comes with a wide range of accessors. It's one of the most popular lightweight steam cleaning units for sale on Amazon, but does it really do the job? Buyers will get 23 different attachments that include extension wands, bristle brush attachment, jet and angled nozzles, scrub pads and brushes, along with a storage bag and accessory net. The unique floor mop attachment is ideal for cleaning all types of sealed floor surfaces. You also get a squeegee attachment that makes easy work of cleaning windows. This unit has a small 64-ounce water tank that the manufacturer says produces steam for 120 minutes of continuous steam. It also has variable steam settings that allow you to control steam output along with a steam lock for a constant rate of output. A gauge provides users with a safety check to monitor the machine's steam pressure.

Equipped with an 18-foot electrical power cord and a 10-foot steam hose, the MC1385 can easily maneuver into tight spaces and clean hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to an integrated handle and cord wrap, the McCulloch MC1385 is easy to store and transport as you'll have no trailing cords or parts.

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Pros:

• Inexpensive and very affordable
  
• On-board storage for accessories including steam mop
  
• Suitable for light non continious home use
  
• Manufacturer provides support after purchase
  
• Comes with a two-year warranty
  

Cons:

• Machine housing is plastic and not sturdy
  
• Some customers have complained about the quality of the attachments
  
• Water only heats to 200 degrees Fahrenheit
  
• Only produces pressure of 58 psi, so it will take extra effort to get surfaces thoroughly cleaned
  
• Unsuitable for commercial cleaning applications

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Key Parameters and Features of Commercial Steam Cleaners

The types of services your company offers should be a major factor in choosing your commercial steam cleaner. Consider the following features when making your selection.

1. Consider the Cost: Finding the Right Professional Steam Cleaner for Your Business

Some models are expensive, but at the same time, they are useful for a wider variety of jobs, which will allow your company to service a greater range of clients, thereby bringing in your money in the long run and adding efficiance and speed of work.

Prices for most powerful steam cleaner can be $12,000 and for enty level mini steamer around $299.

2. Maneuverability Matters: Choosing the Right Size and Weight for Your Steam Cleaner

A professional steam cleaner can weigh a lot (up to 400 lbs). Be sure to look at the unit's dimensions and weight and determine whether your personnel have the means to transport it easily from job to job.

3. Enhance Your Cleaning Arsenal: Essential Accessories and Attachments for Your Steam Cleaner

Our steam cleaners come with several basic attachments to use for the sanitation of different types of surfaces. Fortador also offers additional attachments and accessories that you can purchase separately. If you need a versatile industrial steam cleaner that you can use for a large variety of items, surfaces and spaces, look closely at what attachments come with the model you’re considering. Make sure that whatever you buy will have the proper functionality for the cleaning jobs you perform.

• lance for steam gun
• extencion hose
• scrub for gum removal
• window squeegee
• soecial attachment like wine burrel washer or undercarriage cleaner
  

4. Water Tank Capacity: Finding the Right Balance for Efficient Cleaning

Smaller units have smaller water tanks, requiring the operator to refill the device frequently, resulting in downtime. Think about whether you want a unit with big water tank or with connection to tap water that allow for continuous use during clean and sanitize operation.

5. Optimal Steam Performance: Pressure and Temperature Considerations

Cleaners like those made by Fortador have higher temperatures, which produce dryer steam, which provides a deeper chemical free cleaning, kills more germs and viruses and is more efficient. Consistency is also important because if a unit cannot consistently maintain temperature and pressure, it will clean less efficiently. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend temperatures of 250 degrees ad 270 degrees Fahrenheit for sterilization. Fortador’s professional steamers produce and maintain dry steam at 248 degrees to 284 degrees Fahrenheit.
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6. Rapid Heating for Efficient Operation: Achieving Maximum Pressure in Minutes

Our PRO Line steam cleaner powered with Lamborgini burners that need only 2-3 minutes to heat water inside steel boiler to maximum pressure of 20 bars (295 PSI) and keep this pressure at the level for job done

Select Your Best Commercial Steam Cleaner From Fortador’s Heavy Duty Comprehensive Lineup

As a reliable manufacturer using cutting-edge European technology, Fortador gives you a complete line of commercial grade steam cleaners with great options that will allow you to choose the right commercial grade steamer that will meet your company’s needs and even offer you opportunities to expand your business. Take a look at each machine's advantages and features to determine which one best fits your needs on this complete steam cleaner comparison. Our staff will be happy to set up a demonstration and answer any questions about chemical free services.

7. Enhance Stain Removal with Vacuum Extraction: A Powerful Cleaning Solution

Vacuum extraction can help you remove stains from seats, carpets and furniture. Check our guide for vacuum steam cleaners available on the market

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Unparalleled Customer Service: Fortador Industrial Steamers Support You Can Rely On

Every Fortador steamer comes with a set of accessories like yet nozzles, washing guns, heavy duty steam hoses, detergent containers and other essentials for your cleaning business. We also stock various other products such as brushes and cleaning solutions that can augment your business and make job done

Commonly asked questions

How do commercial steam cleaners work?

Water is heated by electric power or burning of fuel inside the boiler and forced out as pressurized steam through a hose and gun with nozzle, brush, or other attachment. The dry vapor loosens dirt and kills dust mites, mold, staph, and other allergens and harmful bacteria.

What is an industrial steam cleaner?

Industrial steam cleaners are essentially larger steam cleaning equipment, capable of a much higher heat and pressure. The machines can vary from 230volt, 3kW to 3Phase machines or with Diesel burner well in excess of 54kW and the higher the wattage, the more powerful the heating element and the larger the boiler, Diesel steamers need only 120V power source for electronic components, but burning of diesel makes steamer equal to 50KW of power

Where does the dirt go when you steam clean?

When steam cleaning, the dirt does't "go anywhere". Instead, the dirt is broken down by the steam heat from vapor, but remains in the area. To remove the loosened dirt from the area, you need to manually wipe it with a microfiber towel, vacuum or mop.

Can I put vinegar in my steam cleaner?

To kill offensive odor smell present in your car, carpet, upholstery, and other furnishings quickly, fill your steam cleaner's solution reservoir with a 1:10 solution of white distilled vinegar and the remainder with water. Do not add a soup solution. The vinegar and hot water solution will neutralize the odor and remove it. Also vinegar can be used for descaling.

Can you steam clean windows?

Yes, absolutely, we have full guide and video how to use steam for windows cleaning without any chemicals.