Steam Cleaners

Kärcher steam cleaners remove up to 99.9%* of enveloped virusesand up to 99.9%** of household bacteria, ensuring maximum hygiene and a healthy living environment. Whether in the kitchen, the bathroom or even on floors, it's full steam ahead with Kärcher! Made in Germany.

0 Products

Karcher SC 3 Steam Cleans Range Hood 1600px

Two steam cleaners - endless cleaning possibilities

SC 3 EasyFix

With a heat-up time of only 30-40 seconds, it is immediately ready for use and can be continuously refilled. The innovative descaling system allows you to use regular tap water instead of distilled water.

SC 3 Upright EasyFix

With 3-stage steam flow control for different floors and detachable, continuously refillable water tank for uninterrupted work. No additional descaling necessary thanks to descaling technology.

The Better Mop

The floor can be a real stomping ground. Not only for crawling babies, children and pets, but unfortunately for bacteria, viruses and dirt too.

Steam cleaners are the perfect solution to combat these. On hard surfaces such as stone, tiles, PVC, laminate or sealed parquet, they reliably ensure hygiene and cleanliness without leaving behind chemical residues.

The EasyFix floor nozzle slats make sure that the steam remains directly on the floor for a long time for maximum effect. The result: up to 99.9%* of enveloped viruses, as well as up to 99.9%** of typical household bacteria are eliminated.

This makes Kärcher steam cleaners considerably more hygienic than conventional mops. Thanks to the carpet glider, carpets can also be given a new lease of life with the steam cleaner.

Full steam ahead when cleaning the house

Spotlight on Kitchen Cleaning

Whether it is fixtures and fittings, wall tiles, glass or plastic surfaces, the range hood, stovetop or sink: the steam cleaner leaves the kitchen hygienically clean – with minimal physical effort and without chemical residues.

What the media are saying about Kärcher steam cleaners

Popular Mechanics

SC 3 Steam Cleaner

The 7 Best Steam Cleaners for Sparkling, Spot-Free Surfaces

"This steam cleaner is a powerhouse for continuous deep cleaning. The tank doesn’t require a cool down so it can continuously fill with water while you clean, and the system has a built-in decalcification filter to protect it over time.

It heats up in under a minute which we’re very impressed with as most steam cleaners with this large of a tank take well up to eight or so minutes."

Consumer Reports

SC 3 Upright Steam Mop

Best Steam Mops of 2024

"The Kärcher SC 3 Upright EasyFix is currently the top-rated steam mop in our ratings and is an all-around high performer."

Taste of Home

SC 3 Steam Cleaner

The 7 Best Steam Mops of 2024

"Karcher is a global leader in both commercial and residential cleaning equipment, so although you might pay more, you know you’re getting quality when you buy the Karcher Canister Steam Cleaner. Thanks to the included floor nozzle, hand nozzle and round brush this baby can do it all!"

CBS News

SC 3 Steam Cleaner

The Best Steam Cleaners

"If you want a canister steam cleaner that heats up super fast, this one is for you. It heats up in only 40 seconds."

Real Homes

The 6 Best Steam Mops and Cleaners to Buy in 2024

"An impressive-looking piece of kit, this steam cleaner from Kärcher delivers sensational deep cleaning results using just tap water."

Kärcher Steam Cleaner Comparison Chart

The below models are designed to be used in US homes.

	SC 3 EasyFix (White)	SC 3 EasyFix (Yellow)	SC 3 Upright
Part Number	1.513-657.0	1.513-120.0	1.513-305.0
Status	Active; New for 2024	Discontinued	Active
Weight (w/o accessories)	7.1 Pounds	7.1 Pounds	7.2 Pounds
Dimensions	14.2" x 9.3" x 10"	14.2" x 9.3" x 10"	12.4" x 8.1" x 46.7"
Color	White	Yellow	Yellow
Corded/Cordless	Corded	Corded	Corded
Specs	120 V / 60 Hz	120 V / 60 Hz	120 V / 60 Hz
Cleans	Grout; Tile; Hard Floors; Appliances & More	Grout; Tile; Hard Floors; Appliances & More	Hard Floors and Carpets/Rugs
Water Type	Plain Tap Water	Plain Tap Water	Plain Tap Water
Heat Up Time	40 Seconds	40 Seconds	30 Seconds
Included Accessories	Hand nozzle with microfiber cover; EasyFix floor nozzle with two 20" extension tubes; a 13.6" microfiber floor cloth; small round nylon brush; spotlight nozzle; and a descaling cartridge	Hand nozzle with microfiber cover; EasyFix floor nozzle with two 20" extension tubes; a 13.6" microfiber floor cloth; small round nylon brush; spotlight nozzle; and a descaling cartridge	Descaling Cartridge; Carpet Glider; Set of Microfiber Floor Cloths
Edge-to-Edge Cleaning	Yes	Yes	Yes
Made In	Germany	Germany	Germany
MSRP	$229.99	$229.99	$179.99

PLEASE NOTE: We currently do not offer or authorize the following models for sale in the US: SC 1 (all variations), SC 2 (all variations), SC 3 Deluxe, SC 4 (all varations) or SC 5 (all variations). These models are not compatible with the US power supply and should not be purchased or used in the USA. Should we add US versions of these models in the future, we will update this page.

Using steam to combat viruses*, bacteria** and even bed bugs!

Simple and effective against bacteria and viruses: hot steam.

Hygiene and fiber-deep cleanliness with steam – completely without chemicals, just with tap water
Elimination of up to 99.9%* of viruses, and up to 99.9%** of typical household bacteria on smooth hard surfaces
Better cleaning performance than with conventional manual cleaning methods with detergent
High temperature and strong steam generation

Pressure + Speed + Temperature = Ultimate Clean

The secret of steam cleaning lies in the powerful combination of pressure, speed and temperature. Microscopic steam particles force their way into even the tiniest areas to thoroughly loosen dirt particles.

Our steam cleaners do not use any chemicals – they use only tap water. This provides a safe environment for small children in particular, who like to put things in their mouths. Allergy sufferers can also breathe a sigh of relief.

If used properly, Kärcher steam cleaners like the SC 3 can remove up to 99.9%* of enveloped viruses, such as the coronavirus or influenza, and up to 99.9%** of common household bacteria from hard surfaces.

Maximum effectiveness: Tackle bedbugs with Kärcher steam cleaners

Bedbugs tend to linger near the bed and nestle in crevices, cracks, gaps and behind skirting boards or headboards. The eggs there can be easily reached and killed with hot steam. It is important that the nozzle is guided slowly over the area at a distance of maximum five centimetres. The steam then has enough time to heat the surface and penetrate into the layers. Working from top to bottom: Curtains or blinds are steamed first, then the lower-lying objects such as bed frames or skirting boards. Only the surface of upholstered furniture and mattresses should be treated if required so that any residual moisture can also dry again fully. Treatment with the steam cleaner should be avoided on heat-sensitive materials.

More information: Eliminating Bedbugs

Ditch the chemicals for a safer way to clean

Germs don't stand a chance

Sometimes the best way of getting rid of germs is also the simplest: hot steam. The forceful ejection of steam, combined with nozzles and cleaning cloths, ensures that Kärcher steam cleaners remove up to 99.9% of enveloped viruses^*, such as the coronavirus or influenza, and up to 99.9% of common household bacteria^** on hard surfaces, fittings, tiles, mirrors and more.

This has been confirmed by scientific studies – with Kärcher steam cleaners, germs don't stand a chance. Chemical-free cleaning made easy!

Karcher Steam Cleaners Kill up to 99.9 Percent of Household Bacteria

Germs don't stand a chance

This has been confirmed by scientific studies – with Kärcher steam cleaners, germs don't stand a chance. Chemical-free cleaning made easy!

Mop the floor with ... Kärcher!

Kärcher steam cleaners are not just for kitchen and bathroom surfaces – they also ensure maximum cleanliness and hygiene on hard surfaces like stone, tiles, vinyl, laminate and varnished wood flooring.

The Kärcher floor nozzle is fitted with slats so that the steam remains concentrated on the floor and is used to maximum effect. Thanks to their unsurpassed cleaning performance, Kärcher steam cleaners are considerably more hygienic than a regular mop or spray mop.

Karcher Steam Cleaners Are More Hygienic Than Mops

Mop the floor with ... Kärcher!

The need for speed

Other popular steam cleaners can take up to eight minutes or more to fully heat up and produce steam. If you've just finished cooking and want to do a quick kitchen cleanup, who wants to wait eight minutes?

And if you've finally committed to cleaning the bathroom, waiting that long might just make you put it off for another day.

Kärcher steam cleaners heat up and produce steam in as few as 40 seconds! In fact, you might even be done steam cleaning before a competing machine fully heats up. Truly timesaving.

Karcher Steam Cleaners Heat Up in Just Forty Seconds

The need for speed

And if you've finally committed to cleaning the bathroom, waiting that long might just make you put it off for another day.

Kärcher steam cleaners heat up and produce steam in as few as 40 seconds! In fact, you might even be done steam cleaning before a competing machine fully heats up. Truly timesaving.

A competitive edge

Cheap steamers cut a lot of corners, especially with nozzles. When you attempt to clean the floor, you can see the nozzles making lines of steam instead of covering the entire area.

Kärcher steam cleaners use Lamella Technology to ensure the steam is equally distributed throughout the cleaning cloth.

In addition to getting to an even clean, you also get effective edge cleaning. So go ahead and clean those baseboard edges while you're cleaning the floor. No extra tools required!

Karcher Steam Cleaner Lamella Technology

A competitive edge

Cheap steamers cut a lot of corners, especially with nozzles. When you attempt to clean the floor, you can see the nozzles making lines of steam instead of covering the entire area.

Kärcher steam cleaners use Lamella Technology to ensure the steam is equally distributed throughout the cleaning cloth.

In addition to getting to an even clean, you also get effective edge cleaning. So go ahead and clean those baseboard edges while you're cleaning the floor. No extra tools required!

Steam, on tap

One thing you'll notice when shopping for a steam cleaner is that some models only work with distilled water. That can be a major hassle!

Kärcher steam cleaners work with plain tap water – no distilled water needed. Simply get one liter of water from your faucet and pour it into the water reservoir.

The included decalcification cartridge descales the tap water to protect the steam cleaner and optimize the steam ouput.

Karcher SC 3 Steam Cleaner Filled with Plain Tap Water

Steam, on tap

One thing you'll notice when shopping for a steam cleaner is that some models only work with distilled water. That can be a major hassle!

Kärcher steam cleaners work with plain tap water – no distilled water needed. Simply get one liter of water from your faucet and pour it into the water reservoir.

The included decalcification cartridge descales the tap water to protect the steam cleaner and optimize the steam ouput.

Pure and simple

Kärcher steam cleaners are incredibly easy to use. After you've assembled the unit and set the water hardness level, it's just a matter of adding water and switching on the power.

You only need to wait 40 seconds before you begin steam cleaning. The spray lever has a setting for maximum and minimum steam volume, so you can quickly adjust the steam output. Press the spray lever and start cleaning – it's that simple!

Karcher Steam Cleaner Easy to Use Spray Lever

Pure and simple

Kärcher steam cleaners are incredibly easy to use. After you've assembled the unit and set the water hardness level, it's just a matter of adding water and switching on the power.

^{* Tests have shown that with spot cleaning of 30 secs at max. steam level and direct contact to the cleaning surface with a Kärcher steam cleaner, up to 99.9% of enveloped viruses such as coronavirus or influenza (excluding the Hepatitis-B virus) can be removed on common smooth household hard surfaces (test-germ: Modified-Vaccinia-Ankara-Virus).}^{** When thoroughly cleaning with a Kärcher steam cleaner, up to 99.9% of all common household bacteria will be killed on common smooth household hard surfaces, provided the cleaning speed of 30 cm/s at max. steam level and direct contact to the cleaning surface (test-germ: Enterococcus hirae).}

Many different home cleaning tasks – one solution.

You'll appreciate the power of deep cleaning, not to mention the amount of money saved when you no longer need to buy multiple bottles of expensive, toxic chemicals.

Floor cleaning

With the floor tool the SC steam cleaner functions as a steam mop, ensuring maximum cleanliness and hygiene when cleaning stone, vinyl, laminate or varnished wood flooring – and all without chemical residues.

Kitchen cleaning

The multipurpose SC range of steam cleaners can make all areas of a kitchen hygienic, including faucets, sinks, wall tiles, range hoods, stovetops and more – and all without using harsh chemicals.

Bathroom cleaning

The SC steam cleaners have the cleaning ability to tackle heavy duty tasks, even sanitizing bathroom areas! Take the dread out of cleaning toilets, faucets, shower stalls and tiles – and don't forget all the grout between tiles. Chemical-free cleaning at its best!

Glass and mirrors

Steam cleaning easily removes waters spots, soaps and fingerprints from dirty glass, windows and mirrors. Even hairspray is no match for the SC 3 EasyFix! No scrubbing or smelly chemicals required – simply use the power of steam.

What can I clean with a Kärcher steam cleaner?

Karcher Steam Cleaners Clean Sinks and Faucets

Sink areas

Karcher SC 3 EasyFix Cleans Bathroom Floor

Bathroom floors

Kitchen appliances and surfaces

Karcher Steam Cleaners Clean Stove Backsplash

Stove backsplash areas

Faucets

Stovetops

Karcher Steam Cleaners Clean Kitchen Counters

Countertops

Karcher SC 3 EasyFix Cleans Kitchen Floor

Kitchen hard floors

Kitchen sinks

Range hoods

Glass surfaces

Toilets and bathroom areas

Shower tiles and stalls

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between the white and yellow versions of the SC 3 EasyFix?

The only difference is the color.

In 2024 we transitioned our indoor cleaning products for the home from yellow to white.

Do I need to use deionized or distilled water with Kärcher steam cleaners?

No. Use only plain tap water.

Because our steam cleaners include decalcification cartridges, you should use water straight from the tap. Do not use deionized or distilled water.

How do canister steam cleaners compare to handheld steam cleaners?

While handheld units offer some convenience and can be less expensive, they usually can not match the same level of cleaning as canister steam cleaners.

Canister steam cleaners are multipurpose and can be used to clean many different areas in your home, including floors. They hold more water and Kärcher canister models can even clean continuously, no need to wait between refills.

Cansiters generally also produce a hotter steam and can accept a wider variety of attachments to make them more versatile than handheld units.

Are the steam cleaner cloth covers reusable and washable? Do you sell replacements?

Yes and yes.

Both of the included microfiber cloths (floor cloth and hand nozzle cover cloth) are maschine washable. They can be removed without coming into contact with the dirt.

We sell replacement floor cloths and replacement hand nozzle cloth sets should you need them.

Can home steam cleaners kill bed bugs, dust mites, fleas and mold?

Yes

Kärcher's home steam cleaners have a steam output of over 200°F. Most experts agree that:

Dust mites are killed at 130°F.
Fleas die at about 95°F.
Most molds can be killed at temperatures of 140°F to 160°F.
Adult bed bugs are killed at 119°F and their eggs at 125°F, but please note that this may require 20+ minutes of constant heat exposure. For that reason, we highly recommend professional extermination for bed bugs.

Based on the above, our home steam cleaners are well suited for the removal of dust mites, fleas and molds, but we recommend you leave bed bug removal to the pros.

NOTE: NEVER use a steam cleaner on a pet, person or plant. Fleas on a pet should be ridded by other methods.

Is the Kärcher SC 5 Steam Cleaner available in the US?

Not at this time

Currently we only sell the SC 3 EasyFix canister steam cleaner in the US, but we may introduce other models (SC 1, SC 2, SC 4 or SC 5 Steam Cleaners) into the North American market in the future.

Please sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when introduce new products in the USA!

What can I clean with the included steam cleaner nozzles and brush?

The hand nozzle is well suited for steam cleaning:

Sinks
Toilets
Tubs
Faucets
Oven doors
Exhaust hoods
Microwaves
Other kitchen appliances
Refrigerators
Counter tops
Toys
Plastic storage bins
Exterior of the washer and dryer
Plastic changing pad for a baby/toddler
High chairs
Doorknobs
Trash Cans
Litter Box
Defrost your freezer
Cleaning faux plants
Ceiling fans
Patio furniture
Golf clubs
Basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, hockey pucks
Car interiors (plastic or leather only, not cloth)
> Dashboard in vehicle
> Center console in vehicle
> Cup holders
> Steering wheel
> Side panels

A small round brush is included to steam clean the following:

Tight areas around the faucet
Grout lines
Tough dirt on the stove
Stuck on dirt inside refrigerators
Refrigerator door jam
Tight spaces in car interiors, campers, or RV
Cleaning a grill or oven rack
Cleaning / disinfecting wire pet cages
Other small hard surfaces around the home that are difficult to clean

The included floor nozzle steam cleans the following types of hard floors:

Tile
Natural Stone
Sealed Wood (NOT recommended for waxed or unsealed floors)

As well as these areas:

Tight corners
Showers / tubs
Glass Doors
Drained pools

Can household steam cleaners generate "dry" or "superheated" steam?

No, "dry" or "superheated" steam is mostly used for industrial applications

Kärcher steam cleaners heat water to the point of vaporization, but not to the point of saturation (which is required for "dry" or "superheated" steam). Please note that dry or superheated steam is not suitable for sterilization and mostly used in industrial applications.

Our household steam cleaners get hot enough to kill up to 99.9%* of bacteria, which along with loosening dried-on dirt and buildup, is the primary use for home steam cleaners.

_{* Average when tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Household conditions and results may vary. Use only as directed.}

Can I steam clean clothing with the Kärcher SC line of steam cleaners?

We do not recommend it.

Our SC model steam cleaners such as the SC 3 are intended for home cleaning and sanitizing.

We recommend you purchase a dedicated garment cleaner for cleaning clothes, coats, hats, etc. The steam produced by a garment steamer is optimized for cleaning and removing wrinkles from clothes.

We currently do not sell any garment steamers in the US.

What safety features do Kärcher steam cleaners have?

You should always exercise caution when working with steam. To help, Karcher steam cleaners have:

A child safety lock – always engage the child safety lock when not using the steam cleaner to prevent unsafe use
A canister design – so that you don't have to worry about the steam cleaner tipping over when you move it
Safety certification – by both CSA and UL

Where are Kärcher steam cleaners made?

SC 3 EasyFix Steam Cleaner and SC 3 Upright EasyFix Steam Cleaner are made in Germany.

Tips for cleaning floors with steam

steam cleaning on wood floors with a Kärcher steam cleaner

Cleaning laminate and sealed wood floors

Remove any dust on the laminate or wood floor with a vacuum cleaner
Limit the steam flow to the lowest setting, so that as little steam as possible gets onto the floor covering
Release the steam and move the floor nozzle quickly from side to side
Do not release steam continuously and only use the amount needed to remove any dirt
Make sure not to create any puddles
The residual moisture will dry without leaving streaks behind

steam cleaning on tiles with a Kärcher steam cleaner

Cleaning ceramic and stone tiles

Attach a cloth to the floor nozzle to clean tiled floors
Using microfiber covers for fine stone is recommended as the fine fibers are ideal for getting into the microporous structure
Move the floor nozzle from side to side quickly in overlapping strips when steam is released
Only use the amount of steam needed to remove any dirt
To clean the joints, move the floor nozzle up and down and from side to side (in the shape of a cross)
Make sure to change the dirty cloths as needed

Sustainability

Cleaning and sanitizing, the eco-friendly way

Steam cleaning uses up to 80% less water than cleaning with regular methods and doesn't pollute our waste water with chemicals. One liter of water is enough to create 1,700 liters of steam – enough to clean a 650 sq ft area.

In addition, Kärcher's multi purpose steam cleaners allow energy savings of up to 25% compared to other brands. Thanks to the innovative floor nozzle with slat technology, cleaning results are 25% better, saving both cleaning time and energy.

Top quality, made in Germany

Steam cleaning systems made by Kärcher are built on 30+ years of design and production experience. Not only do they clean better than other products, but our multipurpose steam devices also adhere to the highest safety requirements and our own unsurpassed standards.

New innovations are born at the Kärcher research center in Winnenden, Germany, like VapoHydro or our intelligent slat technology, for continuous improvement in our products' cleaning capabilities.

Our bestselling steam cleaning accessories

Need replacement microfiber cloths or a descaling cartridge for your Kärcher steam cleaner? We've got you covered.

Why choose Kärcher steam cleaners?

German Engineering. US-Based Support.

We're proud of our German heritage. Kärcher was founded over 80 years ago and has its headquarters in Winnenden, Germany. The company is family-owned, which allows us to dedicate the resources needed to create the best cleaning machines in the world.

Kärcher employs more than 16,000 people worldwide, with more than 1,000 employees in North America alone. Our customer support for North America is located in the US and available by phone (800-537-4129) or online at karcher-help.com.

German Engineering. US-Based Support.

Rapid Exchange Program®

Our SC line of steam cleaners is covered by our unique Rapid Exchange Program that bypasses the hassles of a traditional warranty program. Should your Kärcher SC ever need in-warranty repairs, we'll quickly send you a replacement – so that you can get back to cleaning again with the least amount of downtime.

Products purchased on our website retain your proof of purchase, making it easy to verify your ownership. We stand behind our products – you won't find a better warranty program for a steam cleaner!