Do Steam Cleaners Kill Germs? How Kärcher Steam Cleaners Combat Bacteria, Viruses, Flu and More
Important information from our parent company Kärcher regarding the coronavirus Covid-19.
Germs are a fact of everyday life. Harmful bacteria and viruses find their way onto hard surfaces throughout the year, including during flu season, cold season, and the many other times bugs circulate through households and workplaces.
The question is: what’s the most effective way to deal with them?
Chemical disinfectants are the traditional answer. But there is another option that is chemical-free, leaves no residue, and has been independently tested to remove up to 99.999% of enveloped viruses* and up to 99.99% of common household bacteria** from hard surfaces. That option is the steam cleaner.
Read on to learn how Kärcher steam cleaners work against germs, which pathogens they are effective against, and what you need to know to use one correctly.
*Tests have shown that with spot cleaning of 30 secs at max. steam level with the Kärcher home steam cleaner 99.999% of enveloped viruses such as coronavirus or influenza (excluding the Hepatitis-B virus) can be removed on typical household smooth, hard surfaces (test-germ: Modified-Vaccinia-Ankara-Virus).
**When thoroughly cleaning with the Kärcher steam cleaner 99.99% of all common household bacteria will be killed on typical household smooth, hard surfaces, provided the cleaning speed of 30 cm/s at max. steam setting (test-germ: Enterococcus hirae). With Kärcher professional steam cleaners SG(V) this is 99.999%, according to EN 16615:2015-06, on PVC floors. (test germ: Enterococcus hirae ATCC 10541).
How Do Steam Cleaners Kill Germs?
Our steam cleaners use high-temperature steam to destroy bacteria and inactivate viruses on hard surfaces. While pathogens can survive for a long time on surfaces, they are extremely sensitive to high temperatures.
When a steam cleaner heats water to boiling point, steam exits the nozzle at approximately 100 degrees Celsius. When this steam makes contact with a contaminated surface, the intense heat acts directly on the bacteria and viruses present.
Our steam cleaners work using only water. Cleaning agents or chemicals should never be added to the water tank, as this can damage both the machine and the surfaces being cleaned. The steam itself delivers the hygiene performance.
What Germs Can Our Steam Cleaners Remove?
Not all pathogens respond to heat in the same way. Here’s how our steam cleaners perform against the most common types of germ.
Flu Viruses (Influenza)
Influenza is an enveloped virus, and our steam cleaners have been independently tested against exactly this category of pathogen.
In independent laboratory testing, our home steam cleaners were shown to remove up to 99.999% of enveloped viruses* from smooth hard surfaces. The test germ used was Modified-Vaccinia-Ankara-Virus – the conditions required were spot cleaning for 30 seconds at maximum steam level, using a hand nozzle with a microfibre pad.
For households during flu season, or commercial environments such as offices, schools, and care facilities, regular steam cleaning of hard surfaces forms a practical part of a surface hygiene routine.
Colds and Seasonal Coronaviruses
Coronavirus is one of the enveloped virus types named in our testing data. The 99.999% enveloped virus* removal figure applies to this category under the same test conditions described above.
Coronavirus (Including Covid-19)
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, is also an enveloped virus. Our testing confirms that enveloped viruses such as coronavirus can be neutralised with high temperatures.
Bacteria
Our home steam cleaners have been independently tested to kill up to 99.99% of common household bacteria** on smooth hard surfaces. The test was conducted against Enterococcus hirae at a cleaning speed of 30 cm/s at maximum steam setting.
Our professional SG and SGV series steam cleaners achieve 99.999% bacteria reduction**, certified to European standard EN 16615:2015-06 on PVC flooring.
Note: The Hepatitis B virus is explicitly excluded from all claims across both home and profess
The 99.999% Claim: What It Actually Means
Our headline figures come from independent laboratory testing conducted under specific conditions.
- With spot cleaning of 30 seconds at maximum steam level with direct contact to the cleaning surface, 99.999% of enveloped viruses such as coronavirus or influenza can be removed on common smooth household hard surfaces (excluding the Hepatitis B virus).
- When thoroughly cleaning at a speed of 30 cm/s at maximum steam level with direct contact to the cleaning surface, 99.99% of all common household bacteria will be killed on common smooth household hard surfaces.
- Whether the steam is produced in a boiler or a water heater, both technologies achieved a comparable result in the laboratory.
- With our professional SG and SGV steam cleaners, bacteria reduction of 99.999% is achieved, according to EN 16615:2015-06, on PVC floors.
- The Hepatitis B virus is excluded from all claims.
Sources: Kärcher UK 99.999% Claim | Kärcher UK: Cleaning and Hygiene
Where to Use a Steam Cleaner for Hygiene
Steam cleaning is suited to hard surfaces in both private households and commercial and industrial environments. It’s particularly useful on high-touch surfaces where germs transfer most readily between people.
Home vs Professional Steam Cleaners: What Is the Difference?
We produce two distinct ranges with different hygiene credentials.
Home Steam Cleaners
Our home steam cleaners are independently tested to remove up to 99.999% of enveloped viruses* and 99.99% of bacteria** from smooth hard surfaces under laboratory conditions.
The home range contributes to general hygiene and hygienic cleaning without chemicals. It is not classified as a disinfection device.
Professional SG and SGV Series
Our professional steam cleaners achieve 99.999% bacteria** reduction and carry formal EN 16615:2015-06 certification, placing them under the category of thermal disinfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Kärcher steam cleaner actually kill flu viruses?
Our independent laboratory testing showed removal of up to 99.999% of enveloped viruses*, with influenza falling within the enveloped virus category covered by the testing data.
Can steam cleaning spread germs rather than kill them?
Coarse dirt and debris should always be removed before steam cleaning, as germs can survive underneath surface soiling. Using too low a steam setting or moving the nozzle too quickly may also reduce effectiveness.
Do I need to use chemicals alongside the steam cleaner?
No. Cleaning agents or chemicals should never be added to the water tank, as this can damage the machine and the surface. The steam delivers the hygiene performance on its own.
What is the difference between the home and professional Kärcher steam cleaners for hygiene?
Our home range supports general hygiene and is tested to remove up to 99.999% of enveloped viruses* and 99.99% of bacteria** from smooth hard surfaces.
Is the 99.999% claim the same across all Kärcher steam cleaners?
The 99.999% enveloped virus* removal figure and 99.99% bacteria** figure apply to the home range on smooth hard surfaces under specific test conditions.
Using Steam Cleaning as Part of an Everyday Hygiene Routine
Bacteria and viruses are present on hard surfaces throughout the year, not only during specific outbreaks. Our steam cleaners offer a chemical-free method of reducing pathogens on hard surfaces, independently tested and applicable across private households and commercial and industrial settings.
Explore our range of refurbished professional steam cleaners, fully refurbished and covered by a Kärcher warranty.
*Tests have shown that with spot cleaning of 30 secs at max. steam level with the Kärcher home steam cleaner 99.999% of enveloped viruses such as coronavirus or influenza (excluding the Hepatitis-B virus) can be removed on typical household smooth, hard surfaces (test-germ: Modified-Vaccinia-Ankara-Virus).
**When thoroughly cleaning with the Kärcher steam cleaner 99.99% of all common household bacteria will be killed on typcial household smooth, hard surfaces, provided the cleaning speed of 30 cm/s at max. steam setting (test-germ: Enterococcus hirae). With Kärcher professional steam cleaners SG(V) this is 99.999%, according to EN 16615:2015-06, on PVC floors. (test germ: Enterococcus hirae ATCC 10541).