By Owen PalmerThe nozzles and brushes that come with a steam cleaner decide what it can actually clean. This guide goes through the attachments in two steam cleaner manuals, one handheld and one canister, and what each manual says to use them on, avoid, and how to look after them.
How steam cleaner attachments work
A steam cleaner heats water in a sealed tank until it turns into vapor. That vapor exits through a nozzle at high temperature. One manufacturer’s manual explains that the steam pressure and temperature are highest right at the outlet, so the closer you hold the nozzle to a surface, the more effective the cleaning. Different attachments shape, direct, or soften that steam for specific jobs.
Both handheld and canister models follow the same basic principle, but the attachments and how you connect them can differ. A handheld unit’s manual describes a lock-and-twist bayonet-style fitting for most tools. A canister manual describes a hose that clicks into a socket on the front of the machine, with tools that mount onto the end of that hose handle. Always unplug the unit and let it cool before swapping attachments.
Common attachments and what each one does
Straight nozzle and extension wands
A straight nozzle focuses steam into a narrow jet. One handheld manual says it is suitable for cleaning hard-to-reach areas or serving as an extension for other brushes. On a canister model, the hose itself acts as the main extension, and the manual notes you must bleed excess water from the hose by using the low steam setting for about 10 seconds before you start cleaning. Both designs let you reach corners, crevices, and behind fixtures without moving the whole machine.
Angled nozzle
The angled nozzle bends the steam jet so you can direct it into tight corners and recesses. The handheld manual lists sinks and radiators as examples. It attaches directly to the steam nozzle or to the straight nozzle and flexible hose. This tool is useful when a straight shot would be blocked by a cabinet edge or a faucet.
Round brushes (nylon and brass)
Small round brushes agitate dirt while steam loosens it. The handheld manual mentions a round brush for vehicle hubcaps, water fittings, and tile grouting in kitchens or bathrooms. A canister manual describes several sizes: a 1-inch nylon round brush for tile grout and burners, a 3-inch nylon round brush for sinks and stovetops, and a 1-inch brass round brush for oven interiors. The canister manual also warns never to put the brush or hose handle under water when cleaning a toilet.
Large floor and triangle brushes
Canister steam cleaners often include a large floor brush or a large triangle brush. The canister manual says to use them on tile floors at low or medium steam, and for best results, wrap the brush with a microfiber towel or bonnet. On vinyl or wood floors, the same manual instructs you to use the large floor brush with a towel at low steam volume and never let the brush stand in one place while the steam trigger is on. It also says to go over the area two or three times as needed.
Textile brush and fabric cover
A textile brush is designed for fabrics. The handheld manual says it is suitable for carpets, and a fabric cover slips over it for delicate surfaces such as sofas and armchairs. The canister manual takes a more cautious approach: it does not recommend the steam cleaner for large carpeted areas, only for spot cleaning, because carpet fibers can melt at temperatures of 300 degrees Fahrenheit and above. For a surface stain, it suggests shooting steam from the side about one inch above the carpet while holding a towel on the opposite side to catch residue.
Glass cleaner and squeegee tool
The handheld manual’s glass cleaner attaches to the textile brush and is meant for smooth surfaces such as mirrors, windows, and shower panels. After steaming, you can use the glass cleaner to squeegee water and loosened dirt off the surface. The manual adds a critical caution: cold glass or mirror surfaces could crack on contact with hot steam, so you must first warm them up by applying steam to a larger area at a greater distance and then move closer. The canister manual also says never to use hot steam on cold glass and describes a squeegee tool for use on the low steam setting.
Flexible hose
On a handheld unit, a flexible hose acts as an extension between the steam nozzle and other attachments such as the straight nozzle, round brush, angled nozzle, textile brush, or glass cleaner. It lets you angle the tool without tilting the whole unit. The handheld manual warns never to tilt the steam cleaner more than 45 degrees from its upright position during use, or hot water may run out of the tank. A flexible hose helps you work within that limit.
Surfaces the manuals say to use or avoid
Both manuals emphasize try a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning any large surface. The handheld manual lists several risks: steam could cause lacquered wood or leather to fade, remove protective layers of wax, tint or deform plastics, and crack cold glass. Acrylic, velvet, satin, and plastic fibers are also sensitive to hot steam. The canister manual adds that some marble surfaces can discolor and recommends always using a marble conditioner after cleaning.
For floors, the canister manual distinguishes between tile, marble, vinyl, and wood, each with its own steam level and brush technique. It also covers kitchen and bathroom surfaces: stovetops, burners, oven interiors, countertops, refrigerators, dishwashers, toilets, bathtubs, and shower doors. For refrigerators, it says to remove food, bins, and shelves first, and to use separate towels for wiping up loosened dirt. For toilets, it instructs you to start at the top and work down to the base.
How to attach and detach safely
Both manuals are clear: unplug the steam cleaner and let it cool before you touch any attachment. The handheld manual states that you must always pull the power plug out of the outlet before attaching or removing an adapter, and wait until all steam has escaped. The canister manual requires the pressure gauge to read zero and the unit to cool for at least 10 minutes before you remove the safety cap or change tools.
On the handheld model, most accessories push onto the steam nozzle and twist in the direction of an arrow until they lock. Removal is the reverse order. The flexible hose, straight nozzle, textile brush, and glass cleaner all follow this same twist-lock method. The angled nozzle and round brush can mount directly to the steam nozzle or onto the straight nozzle and flexible hose. On the canister model, the hose clicks into a square socket on the front of the unit; you lift a cover, insert the square end until you hear a click, and tools mount onto the hose handle.
Cleaning and drying attachments after use
After you finish, both manuals say to wipe the steam cleaner and accessories with a damp cloth and let all parts dry completely before storing. The handheld manual adds that the removable fabric cover is machine-washable up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and can be tumble-dried at a low temperature, but must not be ironed. It also warns never to put the steam cleaner or any individual part in a dishwasher, and never to use harsh cleaning agents, brushes with metal or nylon bristles, or sharp utensils on the surfaces.
The canister manual focuses more on the boiler than the attachments, but its storage guidance is the same: all parts must be completely dry. The handheld manual says to empty the tank before storing and keep the unit in a dry, clean, dust-free place.
Attachment comparison at a glance
| Attachment | Use per handheld manual (model 4137) | Use per canister manual (Falcon US2100) | Key cautions from the manuals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight nozzle | Hard-to-reach areas; extension for brushes | Not listed as a separate tool; hose handle serves a similar role | Follow the surface list in your manual |
| Angled nozzle | Corners, recesses, sinks, radiators | Not listed separately; small triangle brush with 3-hole nozzle used for similar tasks | Try an inconspicuous area first on any surface |
| Round brush (small nylon) | Hubcaps, fittings, tile grouting | Tile grout, burners, toilet interior (1-inch nylon); sinks, stovetops (3-inch nylon) | Do not put brush or hose handle under water when cleaning a toilet |
| Round brush (brass) | Not included | Oven interior (1-inch brass with 1-hole nozzle) | The canister manual assigns it to oven interiors |
| Large floor/triangle brush | Not included | Tile, vinyl, wood floors; bathtub and shower walls; countertops; refrigerator exterior | On wood, never let brush stand still while trigger is on; use low steam |
| Textile brush | Carpets; with fabric cover for sofas and armchairs | Not listed; manual advises against large carpet areas, spot cleaning only | Carpet fibers melt at 300°F and above; shoot steam from the side for surface stains |
| Fabric cover | Delicate surfaces with textile brush; machine-washable up to 140°F | Bonnet or microfiber towel used with floor and triangle brushes | Do not iron the fabric cover; let all parts dry completely before storing |
| Glass cleaner / squeegee | Mirrors, windows, shower panels; squeegees water and dirt | Squeegee tool on low steam setting; shower doors with triangle brush and bonnet on low | Warm cold glass gradually from a distance first, or it may crack |
| Flexible hose | Extension for other attachments; allows angled work without tilting the unit past 45° | Main hose clicks into front socket; bleed for 10 seconds on low steam before use | Never tilt handheld unit more than 45° during use; canister pressure gauge must read zero before disconnecting |
Water, scale, and maintenance trade-offs
The handheld manual recommends tap water, or in regions with very hard water, a mix of 50 percent demineralized water and 50 percent tap water to slow calcification. You can ask your local water company about hardness. The canister manual takes a different approach: it instructs you to descale the boiler every six months using a solution of two cups of vinegar and two cups of water, letting it sit for at least 60 minutes, then draining and rinsing until the water runs clear. Both manuals strictly forbid adding cleaning agents, fragrances, alcohols, or limescale removers to the tank; doing so can damage the machine and, on the canister model, voids the warranty.
Neither manual claims one method is better; each describes what that model requires. For more on preventing scale, see our guide to steam cleaner water and maintenance.
Safety steps that apply to all attachments
Both manuals repeat the same core rules. Unplug the unit before filling, emptying, or changing tools. Let the machine cool completely before you open the safety cap or remove an accessory. Never point steam at people or animals. The handheld manual says the safety cap will not open while the tank is still pressurized; the canister manual says the pressure gauge dial must read zero before you remove the cap. Both describe a lock or safety switch: the handheld has a lock switch on the body, and the canister has a safety switch on the hose handle that should always be set to the locked position when not in use.
If you are choosing between a handheld and a canister design, the attachment system is one factor among several. Our comparison of handheld vs canister steam cleaners walks through the other trade-offs. For guidance on which floors can safely handle steam, read steam mop surface compatibility. If you are still deciding what type of steam cleaner fits your home, start with how to choose a steam mop or browse the full steam cleaners category.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same attachment on every surface?
No. Each manual lists specific attachments for specific surfaces, and both warn that some materials can be damaged by steam. The handheld manual says plastics can tint or deform, cold glass can crack, and acrylic, velvet, and satin are sensitive to hot steam. The canister manual says some marble surfaces can discolor and that carpet fibers melt at temperatures of 300 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Always try a small hidden area first, as both manuals instruct.
How do I know when to stop and refill during a cleaning session?
On the handheld model, when no water is left in the tank, no more steam will be emitted when you press the steam button. The canister model has an orange low-water indicator light, the pressure gauge stays below 2 bars, and the amount of steam becomes very light with low moisture content. Both manuals require you to unplug the unit, release remaining pressure, and wait for the unit to cool before opening the tank.
Do I need different attachments for a handheld vs a canister steam cleaner?
The attachment systems are different. A handheld unit uses a twist-lock fitting directly on the steam nozzle. A canister uses a hose that clicks into the machine, and tools mount on the hose handle. Some tools serve similar purposes under different names, such as a glass cleaner on one and a squeegee tool on the other. Always use the attachments designed for your specific model, and follow that model’s manual for connection and pressure settings. For more on the two formats, see handheld vs canister steam cleaners.
Ready to explore more cleaning equipment? Browse our cleaning equipment guides for vacuums, mops, carpet cleaners, and tools for every floor type.
Sources
- Hand Held Steam Cleaner User Manual (model 4137, U.S. edition)
- US Steam Falcon (US2100) Steam Cleaner User Manual
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our non-vacuum cleaning gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
