A steam cleaner for the car? Here's how to go about it in 2025

Cleaning your car can be a time-consuming task, but with the right tools-such as a steam cleaner-you can make the process a lot more efficient and effective. Want to know how to thoroughly clean your car seats, dashboard and car windows? Then read on quickly! In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to a perfect cleaning of your car.

How to clean a car with a steam cleaner? A step-by-step guide

Cleaning your car can be a time-consuming task, but with the right equipment-such as a steam cleaner-you can make the process a lot more efficient and effective. Want to know how to thoroughly clean your car seats, dashboard and car windows? Then read on quickly! In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide on how to clean your car perfectly.

What is a steam cleaner and how does it work?

A steam cleaner uses water heated under high pressure to produce steam. This steam is then sprayed onto the surface through a nozzle to effectively remove dirt and stains. The power of the steam is strong enough to loosen even stubborn dirt, while not damaging the surface itself. This makes steam cleaners ideal for delicate surfaces such as fabric car upholstery, car carpets and dashboards.

Advantages of steam cleaning for your car

  • It gets really clean The steam penetrates deep into surfaces and removes even hard-to-reach dirt.
  • Kills bacteria: A car interior gets a lot of use. Consider the steering wheel. The hot steam kills all bacteria within seconds.
  • Ideal between cracks and crevices: A car is full of cracks where dirt easily gets clogged. With a sponge you can't get this clean, while with a steam cleaner you can easily reach everywhere.
  • Health benefits: No chemical cleaning agents are needed. So you do not need to use harsh agents.
  • Environmentally friendly: Steam cleaners do not use detergents. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice.

Although buying a steam cleaner can involve an investment, many models offer multi-functionality. This makes them useful not only for your car, but also for cleaning your home. Consider, for example, the Techweise TS1 Steam Cleaner or the Techweise TS2 Performance Steam Cleaner, both of which come with different accessories and are ideal for cleaning your car.

Requirements for cleaning your car with a steam cleaner

Before you get started, it is helpful to have the following things on hand:

  • A steam cleaner with different attachments (for example, the Techweise TS2 Performance Steam Cleaner)
  • Microvezeldoeken
  • A vacuum cleaner (optional for pre-cleaning)
  • Water (filtered or distilled)

Steps for cleaning your car with a steam cleaner

StEP 1: Prepare your car
Start by removing large dirt particles and dust. This can easily be done with a vacuum cleaner or a dry microfiber cloth. Focus especially on the seats, floor mats and corners of the vehicle.

Step 2: Fill the steam cleaner with water
Fill the tank of your steam cleaner with distilled water. Preferably do not use tap water because it contains minerals that can build up in your steam cleaner. Turn on the steam cleaner and wait until it warms up and begins to produce steam.

Step 3: Clean upholstery and seats
Use an appropriate attachment for fabric or leather upholstery. Steam can penetrate deep into the fibers and loosen dirt. Move the steam cleaner slowly over the upholstery, making sure not to leave wet spots. For leather seats, you can apply the steam briefly to remove dirt, but don't use too much steam. This will prevent damage to the leather.

Step 4: Clean the floor mats and carpets
Use a special (carpet) brush to clean the floor mats and carpets. A steam cleaner such as the Techweise TS2 Performance Steam Cleaner is particularly effective for removing stubborn dirt and stains from carpet. Hold the steam cleaner a few inches above the carpet to avoid leaving too much moisture.

Step 5: Clean the dashboard and door handles
For the dashboard and other plastic surfaces, you can use a small nozzle. These surfaces often attract dust and dirt. Slowly move the nozzle over the dashboard, door handles and buttons.

Step 6: Clean windows and mirrors
Windows and mirrors can also be cleaned streak-free using a steam cleaner. Use a glass nozzle (aka a window squeegee) to steam the windows and then wipe with a clean microfiber cloth for crystal-clear results.

Step 7: Final inspection and post-treatment
Inspect your car after cleaning and see if any residual dirt or water droplets remain. Wipe away any wet drips with a dry microfiber cloth. If necessary, you can wipe the car again to completely dry the surface.

Tips for using a steam cleaner in your car

  • Don't use too much steam: Too much steam can lead to excessive moisture in your car, which can harm fabric upholstery and electronics.
  • Clean in a cool, dry place: It is ideal to clean your car in a well-ventilated area or outside, so that moisture can evaporate quickly.
  • Regular maintenance of your steam cleaner: Clean your steam cleaner regularly to prolong its life. Also clean the nozzles with a damp cloth and store in a cool, dry place.


Conclusion: cleaning your car with a steam cleaner is definitely a good choice!

Cleaning your car with a steam cleaner is an effective and environmentally friendly way to thoroughly clean your vehicle. This way you will keep the inside of your car in top condition. In addition, with different attachments (e.g. the Techweise steam cleaners) you can clean not only your car, but also your home, which makes the investment in these devices even more valuable!

Disclaimer: please be careful what you use the steam cleaner for and always check that the surface to be cleaned is suitable for steam cleaning. Techweise is not responsible in any way.

Do not use steam:

  1. On car paint
  2. In the air vents
  3. Under the hood