Minky's initial foray into steam cleaners promises potent, non-toxic cleaning solutions
Lauren Bradbury, the Content Editor for the House Manual section since January 2025, has been testing various steam cleaners as the platform's Certified Expert in Training on Vacuums. One of the models she's been examining is the Minky Opti-Clean Steam Cleaner.
The Minky Opti-Clean, priced at £99, heats up in 20 seconds and comes equipped with a jet nozzle, round nylon brush, triangular brush, and grout brush. It weighs 1.8kg, making it lighter than the industry average. However, it's important to note that the Minky Opti-Clean is not suitable for steam cleaning carpets, rugs, or upholstery.
For those seeking a steam cleaner that can handle carpets and upholstery, alternatives such as the Kärcher SC 1 Multi & Up Extra and the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home are worth considering.
The Kärcher SC 1 Multi & Up Extra, around the same price as the Minky Opti-Clean, includes a carpet glider accessory, allowing steam cleaning for carpets, rugs, and upholstery, which the Minky model lacks.
The Vax Steam Fresh Total Home, slightly more expensive, also offers steam cleaning for carpets and upholstery, providing more versatility compared to the Minky Opti-Clean.
If a portable spot cleaner is what you need, the Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam, a pricier option (~£299.99), might be the ideal choice. It's designed for spots and medium-sized jobs on carpets, sofas, and other surfaces.
In addition to the Minky Opti-Clean, another option is a handheld steam cleaner, which typically offers a compact, lightweight design and multiple attachments. For instance, a handheld steam cleaner like the one recommended has eight different attachments and a lightweight design.
A more expensive steam cleaner and mop, though, excels during testing due to its large water tank and onboard tool storage.
In a guide, the Vax steam cleaner was crowned the 'best overall' steam cleaner and mop, despite being quite heavy at 3.7kg. It heats up in 30 seconds and comes with a 5-metre cord, a triangular floorhead, two cloths, a carpet glider, and a pop-out handheld.
The jet nozzle can be used as an extension for the grout brush and the round nylon brush, making the Vax steam cleaner versatile in cleaning various surfaces. The triangular steam brush is designed for cleaning larger surfaces or corners, further enhancing its versatility.
The grout brush is effective in cleaning grout and smaller corners, while the round nylon brush is suitable for more delicate surfaces. The steam cleaner can be used as either a full-size steam mop or a handheld steamer, offering flexibility in usage.
However, it's essential to consider your cleaning needs and budget when choosing a steam cleaner. Each model offers different features addressing some limitations of the others, especially the ability to steam clean carpets and upholstery.
Here are two sentences in English that contain the given words and follow from the provided text:
- "For individuals interested in exploring lifestyle ideas for a cleaner home-and-garden, the Minky Opti-Clean Steam Cleaner could be a suitable addition, given its lightweight design and various attachments for many surfaces."
- "In the realm of gadgets and technology, the latest innovation in home-and-garden cleaning hacks is the Vax steam cleaner, which is hailed as the 'best overall' due to its versatility, large water tank, and onboard tool storage."
