Steam cleaner vs. filthy house. Am I kidding myself?

[fusspot66]

I'm sure I'm not alone so I won't name change, but the house is downright dirty. And cluttered. I've just watched a smooth talking salesman waft a Which recommended steam mop around an immaculate bathroom . Truly, would it cope with properly dirty areas. My house has got away from me and I need to get a grip.

I have eczema on my hands so avoiding chemical cleaners is appealing but will I have rivers of filth on the floor and will it make a damp prone bathroom worse?

And will it tempt DH to do more....

I know it's a boring post but I'd really like to know. The advertisers only use pretend dirt and stains and the people I've heard raving on about them seem to be making clean houses even cleaner. Can it cope with real grow?

Real grot !

Bumping for you because I'd like to know too

Steam cleaner, like any gadget, will only be any good if you actually use it!
You need to look at why your house is a mess in the first place.
If it is because you don't clean then no it won't do it for you!
Bu you do get better quality cleaning. for less effort if you use one. And no chemicals needed, good if you have allergies.
I would get the most powerful one you afford and my personal preference is a combined steam cleaner and vacuum as these suck up the loosened dirt and leave the surfaces dry.
Eg if you are steaming carpets, you need to vacuum first, then go over it with steamer again, with the combined machine you only do it the once.
Also need to have enough storage space that is accessible and convenient storage. If is a faff to get out and set up, you end up not bothering. Little and often is best as if only use for big jobs it gets to be self defeating - you don't have the time or the inclination for a major job!
Hth

Thanks pengy for replying. I know how my house got behind... Clingy DC2, DH not sharing housework, 4 years of bullying & harassment at work causing low grade depression, but now I'm feeling more able to do stuff, youngest is now 2.4. I'm looking at the backlog. I do know a steamcleaner needs to come out of the box to be useful! But what will it make of the accumulated dirt ?

PS don't bother suggesting I get DH to step up. He doesn't see dirt and mess if he can dim the lights for the TV . Can't be bothered with moving that mountain.

And I'm quite good at surfing mumsnet to avoid housework . Fly lady anybody? Clutter threads.

at MNetting etc toavoid actually doing the housework- I do that too!
First time you use it will be hard work but then will be quicker and easier if you can keep on top of it. But that is same for anything tbh.
Maybe look at decluttering first? Or get a company into do a spring clean? then you can keep on top of things?
Steam cleaners are not cheap so unless you have time, energy and inclination you may be better off getting a deaner to do it and start you off, so to speak!
And the reason the demos look so easy is because they don't show the distractions! - kids, wanting xyz, etc.
And they never finish a job or put anything away!
That said, I do miss my steamer. Don't feel things are quite dean. I had a Vax80 but the hose broke and is discontinued.
Can't afford £400+ for a new one, so hoping to find one on ebay or something.

I have a very powerful steam cleaner and I don't use it in the bathroom. I will never remove limescale and I don't find it very efficient on soap residues.
It is great in the kitchen though!

Was it the X5 you saw advertised fusspot?
Every single time I see that on telly I think it will change my life

I have a floor steam mop- I like this a lot.

I also have a Shark handheld steam cleaner, which (like the X5 advert) I thought was going to make my house magically clean- kind of like a fairy wand.
I use it for the shower doors, and the stairs (where the kids leave mucky hand prints on the rails) done the cooker hood a couple of times.

It is good, but won't do it on it's own.
Like, when I do the shower, it loosens everything, then I have to go over with a cloth, and rinse.

I'm not much help I know...

Honestly , there is no short cuts or miracle machine. Time, elbow grease and staying on top of it is the only answer. Sorry !

I want the x5. me and dp were watching the home shopping channel yesterday. It was the first time he's seen it, I've wanted one for ages, was hoping he'd order it for me, but he didn't.
I get paid in 2 weeks, might get one then.

My friend has the x5, she loves it, says it's much easier than a mop

I use the steam cleaner in the bathroom and the kitchen, wonderful for both, just hoover or sweep first.

Yes I saw the X5 in action! And I thank you for your helpful replies. I think it could be quite yucky to use.
P.s I've sorted lots of kids clothes for charity shop today. Tiny steps..... Good feeling.