Types of Steam Cleaner Accessories and What They Do

Key takeaways

• Detail brushes (nylon, brass or stainless) are your go-to tools for focused scrubbing of grout, taps, hobs and other stubborn spots.
• Scrub pads and microfiber covers are best for spreading steam over a wider area, such as worktops, cupboard doors and hard floors.
• Crevice and jet nozzles focus steam into a narrow line, ideal for window tracks, edges, tight corners and around taps.
• Window squeegee tools let you clean glass, mirrors and shower screens without streaks, especially when used with a long hose or extension wand.
• Multi-accessory kits, such as the portable steamer set with 23 accessories, give you a broad mix of these tools in one bundle.

The main types of steam cleaner accessories

Although different brands use different names, most steam cleaner accessories fall into a handful of clear categories. Once you understand these groups, it becomes much easier to recognise equivalent tools from one kit to another.

In this guide we will look at:

• Detail brushes (nylon, brass, stainless steel, large grout brushes)
• Scrub pads and microfiber covers
• Crevice tools and jet nozzles
• Window and glass squeegees
• Grout and tile tools
• Extension wands and hoses
• Upholstery and fabric tools

Many attachment kits bundle several of these together – for example, mixed brush sets with nozzles and small pads, like the 10-piece accessory set compatible with popular Kärcher models. Rather than memorising every piece, it helps to think: is this tool made to scrub, to spread steam, to reach into a gap, or to glide over a soft surface?

Detail brushes – for focused scrubbing

Detail brushes are the small, round or oval brushes that push directly onto a nozzle. They are designed to combine the agitation of bristles with the loosening power of steam, making them ideal for stains, build-up and textured surfaces.

Nylon detail brushes

Nylon brushes are the gentlest and most versatile option. The bristles are stiff enough to scrub, but soft enough for many household surfaces when used sensibly. They are generally safe for:

• Most grout lines and tiles
• Plastic fixtures and fittings
• Oven doors and hob surrounds (not on delicate coatings)
• Fridge seals and rubber gaskets
• Bathroom taps and handles

You would typically choose a nylon brush when you want to remove grime but you are unsure how tough the surface is. For example, to clean mould from silicone around a bath, a nylon brush allows you to work along the joint without tearing the sealant.

Brass vs stainless steel brushes

Brass and stainless steel brushes are more aggressive. They are intended for stubborn deposits on very hard, durable surfaces where scratching is not a concern.

• Brass brushes are slightly softer than stainless steel. They are commonly used on:
• Heavily soiled grout in stone or ceramic tiles
• Metal grates and some oven racks
• Outdoor fixtures and some barbecue parts

• Stainless steel brushes are the most abrasive. They are suitable for:
• Industrial-style cleaning of bare metal
• Very tough carbon deposits where surface scratching is not an issue

Neither brass nor stainless steel brushes should be used on delicate coatings, soft plastics, painted finishes or polished metal. They are also usually too harsh for many domestic grout lines unless you know your tiles and grout can tolerate them.

When in doubt, start with nylon. If the dirt will not budge and the surface is hard, non-decorative and scratch-resistant, step up to brass – and reserve stainless steel for the toughest, least sensitive surfaces.

Specialist grout and XXL brushes

Some accessories are shaped specifically for grout and joints. They may be longer, with bristles arranged in a narrow line, or wider to cover several centimetres of grout at once. An example is the Kärcher XXL grout brush accessory, designed to tackle bathroom and kitchen joints over a wider area.

These heads tend to be used with more powerful steam output and are ideal when you want to refresh long runs of grout across a tiled floor or wall. Instead of carefully working a tiny round brush along each line, a wider grout brush lets you move more quickly and keep the bristles aligned with the joints.

Scrub pads and microfiber covers – for larger, flat areas

Where detail brushes focus on small spots, scrub pads and microfiber covers are designed to spread steam over a bigger area. They often attach to a rectangular or triangular head and are used for surfaces like worktops, cupboards, doors and floors.

Scrub pads

Scrub pads are usually made from a textured, sometimes slightly abrasive fabric. They help to “lift and wipe” dirt as the steam loosens it. Typical uses include:

• Kitchen worktops (if suitable for steam)
• Cabinet fronts and drawers
• Shower trays and flat bathroom panels
• Oven exteriors and certain appliance fronts

Because scrub pads have more friction, they are good for marks that need some physical effort, such as splashes on cupboard doors or dried soap scum. However, you need to take care on glossy or easily scratched surfaces – always test a small area first.

Microfiber covers and bonnets

Microfiber covers, sometimes called bonnets or cloths, slip over a tool head and act as a soft buffer between your attachment and the surface. Their key roles are:

• Distributing steam evenly
• Collecting loosened dirt rather than leaving it behind
• Protecting delicate surfaces from direct contact with plastic or metal

These covers are excellent for:

• Hard floors (when used with a floor head)
• Large cupboard faces and panels
• Gentle cleaning of some upholstery and mattresses (using fabric tools)

If your steam mop has replaceable cloths or pads and you want more detail on how they differ, our guide to steam mop accessories and replacement pads explains the main fabric types and when to choose each one.

Crevice tools and jet nozzles – for tight gaps and edges

Crevice tools and jet nozzles concentrate steam into a narrow jet. They usually have a pointed or tapered tip and sometimes attach directly to the hose or handle.

Typical uses include:

• Window tracks and sliding door runners
• Edges of sinks and worktops
• Toilet hinges and around fixings
• Car interiors – cup holders, seat rails and pedal areas
• Radiator fins and vents

On their own, these nozzles rely purely on the power of hot steam and pressure to dislodge grime. For many jobs, you will follow up with a cloth or attach a small brush for extra agitation. Think of them as “precision steam pointers” – wherever dirt is trapped in a narrow gap, a crevice nozzle is usually the right starting point.

If you are unsure which tool to use somewhere awkward, ask yourself: is it a gap or surface? Gaps and corners call for a jet nozzle or crevice tool, while open surfaces suit pads, cloths or larger brushes.

Window and glass squeegee tools

Window squeegee attachments combine a flat nozzle with a rubber blade. They allow steam to soften dirt, condensation or soap marks on glass, then the blade wipes them away for a clearer finish.

You would typically choose a squeegee tool for:

• Windows and patio doors
• Mirrors
• Shower screens
• Some glossy tiles and glass splashbacks

In use, you usually hold the tool at the top of the glass, trigger the steam to loosen dirt, then pull the blade down in straight strokes, wiping it on a cloth between passes. Used with an extension wand, it helps you reach taller windows or high bathroom screens without a ladder.

Grout and tile tools – choosing the right head

Grout and tile cleaning is one of the most popular uses for steam, and there are several accessories designed specifically for this job. The main options are:

• Small round brushes (usually nylon for general grout)
• Angled grout brushes with narrow heads
• Larger “XXL” grout brushes for long joints
• Flat heads with smaller pads for targeted tile cleaning

For lightly soiled grout, a small nylon round brush is often enough. You run it slowly along the line, letting the steam do the work and wiping away the dirty moisture with a cloth. For heavier build-up, or larger areas, a dedicated grout brush can be quicker and more effective.

Tools like the Kärcher XXL grout brush are designed for regular grout-refreshing sessions on bathroom or kitchen tiles. If you are planning a whole-room tile clean, combining a wide grout brush for the lines with a flat pad for the tile faces can significantly speed up the job. For more focused recommendations on this kind of work, our roundup of the best steam cleaner accessories for floors, tiles and grout explores these tools in more depth.

Extension wands and hoses – for reach and comfort

Extension wands and hoses are not cleaning tools in themselves, but they transform how and where you can use your accessories.

An extension wand allows you to stand upright while cleaning floors, skirting boards and low tiles, instead of crouching with a short handle. A flexible hose lets you reach up into corners, over baths and into tight spots where a rigid body would not fit.

In practice, you will often combine a wand or hose with:

• A floor head and pad for hard floors
• A squeegee for tall windows or shower screens
• A detail brush for high corners, extractor hoods and around cookers

Accessory sets that include extension pieces alongside brushes and nozzles, such as a mixed 10-piece kit with tube and jacket, help you adapt the same machine to different rooms without straining or awkward stretching.

Upholstery, curtains and fabric tools

Soft furnishings need a different approach to tiles or metal. Upholstery and fabric tools are usually wider, with smooth edges, and may come with a clip-on cloth or bonnet. Their aim is to let steam penetrate fibres gently while you glide over the surface.

Typical uses include:

• Sofas and armchairs (check fabric care instructions)
• Mattresses and fabric headboards
• Heavy curtains
• Car seats and fabric mats

On these materials, the tool does not normally scrub. Instead, you move in slow, overlapping strokes, allowing heat to loosen light marks and refresh the fabric. You may blot with a dry cloth afterwards to remove any moisture. For a deeper dive into this topic, see our guide to steam cleaner tools for upholstery, curtains and soft furnishings, which goes into fabric types and safety considerations.

Accessory kits vs individual tools

Many people first encounter steam cleaner accessories as part of a bundle. A multipurpose steamer package with a wide range of attachments, such as a portable steamer kit supplied with 23 accessories, can cover most everyday tasks: detail brushes, nozzles, pads, extension hoses and more.

The advantage of these kits is flexibility. You may not know yet whether you will steam-clean your oven racks, car interior or bathroom grout, but having a full spread of tools ready makes experimentation easy. Over time you will naturally gravitate towards a handful of favourites, while rarely-used pieces stay in the box until a specific need arises.

By contrast, individual specialist tools – for example an oversize grout brush – are worth adding if you know you have a particular job to tackle regularly. To help you decide whether to buy a comprehensive kit or just a few add-ons, you might find it helpful to read our dedicated comparison of steam cleaner attachment kits vs individual accessories.

A simple rule: start with a mixed kit if you are new to steam cleaning, then add specialist attachments once you know which tasks really matter in your home.

Which steam cleaner tool for which job?

To make the choice clearer, it can help to think in terms of the surface and the type of dirt, rather than the attachment alone. Here are a few common household scenarios and which accessory usually works best.

Grout vs upholstery vs glass

• Grout between tiles: Start with a nylon detail brush for general cleaning. If there is heavy staining and the tiles and grout are robust, step up to a grout-specific brush, possibly with tougher bristles. For long runs of grout on floors or walls, a wide grout brush is quicker than a small round head.
• Upholstery and mattresses: Use a dedicated fabric or upholstery tool, ideally with a microfiber cover. Avoid metal brushes and harsh scrubbing. Use low to moderate steam, glide slowly, and test an inconspicuous area first to check for colour fastness or texture changes.
• Glass and mirrors: A window squeegee tool is the best match. Apply steam evenly over the area, then draw the squeegee down in straight strokes, wiping the blade frequently. Avoid brushes, which can leave streaks and potentially scratch some coatings.

Kitchen vs bathroom tasks

• Kitchen hob and oven door: Use a nylon detail brush around the edges and controls, and a scrub pad or cloth-covered head on the main surfaces. For burnt-on spills inside the oven, a tougher brush may be possible on bare metal racks, but take care on enamel.
• Bathroom taps, shower head and seals: A small nylon brush or crevice nozzle works well around fixtures, followed by a wipe with a cloth. Use a squeegee on smooth glass screens, and a nylon brush along grout and silicone where mould tends to appear.

Floors and edges

• Hard floors: A floor head with a microfiber pad is normally the safest and most effective choice. It spreads steam evenly and picks up loosened dirt as you move. Brushes are more suitable for small patches of stubborn grime.
• Skirting boards and edges: Use a crevice tool or narrow nozzle to blow dirt out of gaps, then follow up with a cloth or a small brush to remove remaining marks.

Safety and surface care when using accessories

Choosing the right accessory is only half the story; using it safely and appropriately for the surface is just as important. Steam is powerful, and brushes and pads can exaggerate that power if used too aggressively.

A few simple habits help protect your home:

• Always test on a small, hidden area first, especially on painted, lacquered, or delicate surfaces.
• Keep the tool moving; do not leave steam blasting one spot for too long.
• Start with gentler tools (nylon brush, microfiber pad) before trying more abrasive options.
• Check manufacturer guidance for your surfaces and your steam cleaner where available.

If you would like a more step-by-step look at safe technique, our guide on how to use steam cleaner accessories safely and effectively covers pressure, dwell time and aftercare in more detail.

Related articles

• Essential steam cleaner accessories for whole home cleaning
• How to choose the right steam cleaner tools for your home
• Universal steam cleaner accessories vs brand specific tools

FAQ

What is the difference between brass and nylon steam cleaner brushes?

Nylon brushes are gentler and suitable for most household surfaces, including many grout lines, tiles, taps and appliance surrounds. Brass brushes are more abrasive and better for very tough grime on hard, scratch-resistant surfaces such as some metal grates or heavily stained grout in robust tiles. If you are unsure, start with nylon and only move to brass if the surface is known to be durable enough.

Which steam cleaner accessory should I use for grout?

For general grout cleaning, use a nylon detail brush and run it slowly along the lines, wiping away loosened dirt. For larger areas or stubborn joints, a grout-specific head or an XXL grout brush, like the Kärcher grout brush accessory, speeds things up and keeps the bristles aligned with the joints.

Can I use steam cleaner brushes on upholstery?

Metal or very stiff brushes should not be used on upholstery, as they can damage fibres. Instead, use a dedicated upholstery or fabric tool, ideally with a microfiber cover, and test a small hidden patch first. Gentle nylon brushes may be used very lightly on some tough fabrics, but it is safer to rely on steam plus a soft cloth for most soft furnishings.

Do I need a full accessory kit or just a few tools?

If you are new to steam cleaning or want to experiment across different rooms, a mixed accessory kit with brushes, nozzles, pads and extension pieces, such as a 10-piece brush and nozzle set, is usually the most flexible choice. If you already know you mainly want to tackle one job, like grout, a specialist single tool may be enough.