STEAM CLEANER FOR YOUR CAR | McCulloch vs Wagner vs Harbor Freight

Steam Cleaners are great option when cleaning and detailing your car, as well as for around the house. They can effective clean without chemicals, help to neutralize odors, and even kill some bacteria. In today's video, I will test and compare 3 steam machines that are very similar in size, spec, and price to see which one is the best. Well at-least in my opinion! I have a good amount of experience with the McCulloch Steamer as well as the Central Machinery Steam Cleaner from Harbor Freight, but I was happily surprised with my first experience with the Wagner Steam Cleaner... ENJOY!!!
See the items I use and join the mailing list at: www.DTLRsupply.com
LINKS TO PRODUCTS IN THIS VIDEO👇👇👇
Wagner Steam Cleaner - amzn.to/3FqvvOd
McCulloch Steam Cleaner - amzn.to/42a5Xie
Harbor Freight Steam Cleaner (Central Machinery) - www.harborfreight.com/1500-wa...
TIME CODES:
0:00 - BEST STEAM CLEANER FOR YOUR CAR
1:11 - PRICING
1:51 - SPECS
1:54 - HARBOR FREIGHT STEAM CLEANER
2:29 - WAGNER STEAM CLEANER
3:17 - MCCULLOCH STEAM CLEANER
3:49 - DESIGN
9:21 - ACCESSORIES
16:01 - TESTING
16:18 - TESTING THE HARBOR FREIGHT STEAMER
19:31 - TESTING THE WAGNER STEAM CLEANER
21:18 - TESTING THE MCCULLOCH STEAMER
24:14 - MY FAVORITE STEAMER
#steamcleaner #cardetailing #steamer
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use of the information I share in my videos. (IMJOSHV) assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not (IMJOSHV) or any business affiliated to (IMJOSHV).

[@imjoshv]

LINKS TO PRODUCTS IN THIS VIDEO👇👇👇 Wagner Steam Cleaner - amzn.to/3FqvvOd McCulloch Steam Cleaner - amzn.to/42a5Xie Harbor Freight Steam Cleaner (Central Machinery) - www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-steam-cleaner-kit-63042.html

[@Thrones911]

Can any of these be used for couches?

[@dperk001]

just ordered from your link, hopefully, you get a kick back from it. Thanks for the video, my wife bought this little junky thing, she returned it. I told her always check youtube first! LOL

[@clydestanley4740]

Great video. Seriously you covered everything quickly. I’m going with the Wagner. Thanks

[@sferg9582]

A major point to tell everyone using anything making steam....... USE ONLY DISTILLED WATER!!! NO "drinking water", NO "baby water", NO "filtered" or "spring" water..... and MOST DEFINATELY NO TAP WATER!!! I destroyed a SHARK floor steam cleaner in a matter of 10 to 15 uses from tap water.

[@Jibberish18]

Living in an area with hard water, this advice is a must. If you really want to test how hard your water is, boil a couple of cups with in a pot completely and see what’s left over. Around here you’re ALWAYS left with calcium deposits and such.

[@Leadership_matters]

I use RO water and clean regularly with acid and I've had no problems

[@sferg9582]

@@Leadership_matters RO is okay, but distilled water is better. The messing around with acid and the time isn't worth it. Distilled is about $1 per gallon.

[@Leadership_matters]

@@sferg9582 where? I need me some $1 distilled water!

[@jimhaayy5363]

This is why you buy the karcher

[@btbd2785]

I have the exact same McCullough and it's a great machine. Built well a lot of features and the amount of steam it produces in this little package is fantastic! Well built for a little machine

[@johnniejohnson8026]

Another great video Josh you make everything sound so simple thank you for caring enough to teach us the right way of doing car detailing

[@ronym829]

Hi Josh ! I've been watching your videos for the last 3 months now, this is the first time you reviewing something tha already have, all other my equipments chemicals or anything i need to know to start my mobile car detailing was following your recommendations. Hopefully I'm going to start my business this weekend... thank you thank you and thank you ! 🙂👍🏼

[@LifeStormCreative]

Wow. What a great review. Super informative and very helpful as I am shopping for a steam cleaner. Thank you for the detailed explanation of each unit!

[@farahshaaban2094]

Thank you for taking the time to provide this comparative review mate. Put things well into perspective… I have personal experience with the HF/Central Machinery unit, and was disappointed in its performance, specifically with the excessive spattering of water during steam operation. Will be looking in to the McCulloch and Wagner units, and am tending towards the latter given its design and performance characteristics. Cheers.

[@kakown]

Great presentation with detailed comparison and information. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together.

[@markkempton4579]

Great timing. I've been shopping for one of these to try in the car, but mostly for around the home (shower, tile floors, etc). The larger McCulloch was at the top of my list. I'm now looking at the Wagner. Thank you! This was one of my favorite videos you've done. Your presentation and production continues to get better and better.

[@imjoshv]

Thanks so much!!!

[@vbar66l93]

Great video. I have the Wagner and it’s been a good accessory. I’ve also had a little more time to watch some of your videos while vacationing from Vegas in Carlsbad due to the past 2 days of rain. Can’t get any beach time. My car will need a good detail after I get home. Thanks again for your reviews.

[@chellmcwags6229]

Which did you end up getting?

[@brenthughes9050]

Another great, detailed review. Think I'm going with the Wagner for my home garage. Thanks!

[@AllstarQuestieNBF]

Thank you for the video ! I'm looking for a steamer for at home use and for car detailing, and you really helped with my decision :D We'll be getting the Wagner !

[@jrm523]

Thanks so much for your no nonsense reviews! I sincerely appreciate your hard work!

[@akinoollivierre6661]

Bruh I never leave comments but I’ve been looking for a comprehensive steamer comparison vid. Would love to see high priced options vs low priced options video. Doing great work thank you !

[@iwantparts]

Awesome in-depth review. Think I’ll try the Wagner for car detailing, thank you!

[@dtna]

I use my steamer mainly to sanitize my bathroom and remove grease from my stove and hood. Only occasionally use it to remove dirt from my car wheels and under the hood. Very handy to have.

[@michaelolson419]

What brand do you have? I have the McCulloch and I think it's a great machine. I have to give it a go in the bathroom. Somehow I never thought about it.

[@ronb9901]

Excellent just the review I was looking for! 👍

[@elwinramirez2717]

Thanks Josh, for this video was going back n fourth on Amazon for an hour trying to see which is best, YT was showing me months ago videos which I don’t prefer. Yours came up and was detailed well just ordered my 905. Appreciate you!

[@imjoshv]

Glad I could help!

[@lmCIoudz]

Great work man keep up the reviews and comparisons.

[@morganmiddleton1403]

My McCulloch steamer died recently and I was looking for another...I think I'll give the Wagner a try. As always you make great car detailing content. I appreciate your recommendation!

[@DGYtown]

Great video. I’ll be picking up the Wanger. My wife wants a steam cleaner for the house, I was super pumped because I could use it for the cars.

[@aragon3033]

You did it again!! Thank you!!👏🏽

[@VertigoGTI]

I’m literally steam cleaning my sofa as I watch this… and I’m using the McCullough. Why? Cause you can get them at Kohls and most of their coupons + Kohls cash works with it. I got mine for $44. Have had it 3 days and have detailed 2 cars, steamed a tile floor, cleaned 3 bedroom carpets with it, and just finished my sofa. Almost feel like I need another one 😄

[@pranavm.9513]

does it come with attachments?

[@VertigoGTI]

@@pranavm.9513yes, it comes with a nozzle, a floor pad (which works pretty well), and some small scotch brite-like pad attachments. The SBs are the most useful, but don’t expect them to last long.

[@VertigoGTI]

@@pranavm.9513 comes with a basic steamer nozzle, a floor pas (which is actually quite good) and a set of scotch brite-type pads (which aren't too bad as long as you're not pumping a TON of steam through them and melting the adhesive for the pad). Luckily, the Amazon replacements I bought are holding up much better.

[@mikhailpodushkin5348]

Another awesome video Josh, these reviews have been really making my life way easier hahahah

[@imjoshv]

Awesome thanks

[@kevinmurphy9982]

Great review! Fast, informative and detailed. Well done....Wagner it is for me. First time watcher....new sub

[@davidsizemore2745]

I bought the HF one. Used it once started leaking from the handle where it shouldn't have been leaking. I took it back and got the Wagner. Love the Wagner.

[@imjoshv]

The wagner is great!

[@xgtiguy]

Well I ordered the Wagner 925 B4 watching any videos and after watching your video I never thought I'd be so excited about all the upcoming work I have in,on & around my house.😱😭 😂

[@josh33025]

Just got into shoe reselling and probably going to pick up the harbor freight one. Im sure ill use it for my vehicle too. Thanks for the reviews.

[@stllady1827]

Love this detailed review/comparison, and I appreciate your time in doing do. Just subscribed.😊

[@davidmorse5690]

Thank you for an honest review. I am replacing my Harbor Freight with the Wagner next week.

[@davidsizemore2745]

Great comparison and review.

[@JamesDBuzzard]

Wagner is my favorite being super nice and compact. The storage in the front is my favorite and it carries the exact couple accessories I want. That is the one I carry in the car. The tip (<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="752">12:32</a>) on the front of gun broke from the heat once but it is a simple $10 replacement and is nice that it is replaceable. I carry and extra in the vehicle Incase it breaks again. Other than that it's a great first steamer

[@davestewart9146]

I have a shark steamer that I’ve had for years, not the best but still chugging along, great comparison, thanks Josh 👍😁

[@Vasiu.Cristian]

I`m from italy and i`m using Ariete 4146 XVapor Deluxe, it does the job ... and it`s a must have in detailing :) , i use it for cleaning engines bays more often

[@Mindsaw]

Your videos are always great Josh!

[@imjoshv]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@muchachogrande2019]

There's a pretty good little unit called the Duprey neat that works well and because it's a little cube shape it's pretty easy to fit in a mobile setup or around a home studio.

[@imclcinforzahorizon8951]

Fantastic and detailed Reviews 👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@Outside-In.]

I agree with all comments here. Absolutely awesome review. I was looking myself for a steam cleaner for my truck, and while the McCulloch has more reviews, I do like the fact of the on-board storage of the Wagner, and after your comparison that they all pretty much have the same temps of steam - I believe I will go with the Wagner because of more compact, sleeker, and the storage ability. Thanks so much for this in-depth review - looking forward to getting and using the Wagner for sure - So after saying all that, I will finish with - I just had to subscribe to see more 👍👍👍

[@stephengonzalez99]

Bro this is the best comparison I have seen on anything 👍🏾

[@imjoshv]

Thanks so much!!

[@ryanshutz4748]

Damn, I should have done my due diligence and watched this before I purchased anything. I just got the HF one today, it was 89, but got the 20% off itc discount. I did add the warranty tho, so any issues I’m bringing back for the Wagner. Excellent video as always!

[@bryanfugate2272]

Josh: Thanks for the review, in my research of steamers I hadn’t run across a Wagner. It’s mostly been either McCulloch or Myletee . The Wagner looks to be a good buy.

[@escobih23]

yea ill be purchasing the wagner after this video. thanks !

[@casmithc2]

I caught the Harbor Freight on sale for $89. I have used it on carpeting, my gas grill and to remove trim adhesive off the door of my truck. Other brands may work better, but for the cost, mine works well.

[@PolishedMobileDetailing503]

My harbor freight lasted 15 months of professional use/abuse until it got kicked over and wouldn’t make heat anymore. Incomes the $20 2 year replacement 😂

[@ddautodetailing]

Looks like the shop is coming along!

[@inkgenie9760]

Great Video! I have the McCulloch but ive noticed i dont feel like im getting as much steam.. Makes sense after your test.Ill try out the Wagner! Thanks

[@imjoshv]

Thanks! Yea the Wagner surprised me but its a great unit

[@adamcain4603]

Great review

[@BamaJoeBob]

The Harbor Freight model is often on sale for $99

[@user-rb1yf4he9q]

Harbor freight tools are ALWAYS on sale. The J.C. Penney of tool companies.

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

It used to be $99 normal 😂 so sick of prices ^^^^^^ got mine like 3 years for $79 w/ coupon sadly it’s time to buy another 😡

[@user-rb1yf4he9q]

@@joshymcdaniel9233 Harbor Freight is akin to many Amazon products. Will work for a while but will need replacing quickly if used regularly. If it’s important, better to invest up for a high quality model.

[@meme-tg6hr]

Harbor Freight tools break after the first use or 1 day after the warranty ends.

[@user-rb1yf4he9q]

@@meme-tg6hr You mean they built my Chevrolet ? Haha

[@2down4up]

You must’ve been reading my mind! I was literally looking at these three the other day plus a couple others. Never owned one but I have used a professional one which is far nicer then these but also cost many thousands of dollars. I wonder what sort of performance gain you get by jumping up to something like a Vapor Clean or equivalent price/brand of steam cleaner? Awesome videos as always!

[@tomdean3199]

I appreciate you doing reviews of affordable products. I watch Ammo NYC as well, but his products and tools seem out of my price range.

[@PeteyMcSavage]

Great video

[@MsAdriano7777]

You just made me order the Wagner 915, i think i got it thru your shared linkes. I clean houses and in some showers I have never been able to get hard molds our or tiny areas I can't reach. BUT now I hope to be even a better cleaner and chemical free. The chemical free part is what excites me bc I use a lot of clorox and i sure hell know it isn't good for my health. Thanks fir the reviews

[@tnash2698]

I have it and its amazing

[@thesingingtiggs4781]

Ive had the harbor freight one for about a year now used probably 10times everytime I use it it's usually for a sustained period I don't use distilled water like I should (I also don't live in a city) only problems Ive had are the o rings but everything still functions like it should I've just learned to purge it before steaming....it just need a good pressure relief so I can take the cap off and refill it faster

[@myrsinichondrou7284]

Excellent video, i would like yo ask witch one do you recommend except tiles for carpets and sofa? Thank you ❤

[@kevinkoppes1068]

Great Vid...love my Wagner!

[@hiramsantana744]

Thanks for the best vidios.

[@imjoshv]

Thank you!!

[@dotmars]

Going with the Wagner. Thanks, Josh!

[@imjoshv]

you bet!

[@EUCme]

Great video. Can you provide a link to the thermometer that you wanted to use to measure the temperature?

[@somebodyelse9696]

helpful, thank you

[@tomd720]

Great comparison video !

[@davidmorse5690]

My Central Machinery wand handle definitely gets hot! I often operate using heat resistant gloves.

[@nickmc5100]

For the harbor freight steamer you need the extension piece that has the same style tip as the wand, once you put that on you can put the witches finger piece or the brush attachment on and it'll twist and click and lock in.

[@markmcrarland133]

Nope. You cannot put the witches finger on without the extension it won't fit. It does not lock into place but it's not going anywhere either.

[@tinam5233]

I’ve gone through 4 of the HF steamers in less than a year. Every time the attachment ends up melting into the jet attachment and breaking. There’s no brass in it like you think there should be 🤦🏻‍♀️ Thankfully I got the warranty so they’ve replaced it but I’m definitely going to change to a different one.

[@Dzackman]

Well done Thank you

[@imjoshv]

Thanks

[@user-ks9pg5iq6j]

I will buy now

[@maryholsberry452]

Would you say the wagner is better than the Dupray Neat? Such a great video.

[@hunterburch2675]

youre correct about the hose prematurely falling apart on the harbor fright model. Mine is still kicking after over a year of daily use at my shop, i just have to be cautious with the hose. Also, you kind of look like james pumphrey from donut media haha!

[@KIckAssPinball]

thanks!! you're my go to guy!! AAA++++

[@michaelolson419]

If my McCulloch ever wears out I think I'd check out the Wagner. But I use mine for a lot more than just detailing. Works great for defrosting my freezer and that's a big plus.

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

Freezer idea is brilliant. Thanks!

[@Assimilator702]

My stand alone freezer needs a serious defrost. Great idea! The Wagner is on my short list as well.

[@dant.6364]

Good luck finding parts for the Harbor Freight model. McCullough parts are still easy to get.

[@topstardetailing]

I’m loving my wagner!

[@DavidRivera-is4wp]

Random question my friend. What pressure washer hose do you use for the ryobi 1800? Do you use 1/4 or 5/16?

[@perrybarinowski5901]

Josh - Is there a huge difference between the Wagner that you reviewed and something in the next tier, like the Dupray Home? I'm likely going to buy the Wagner, but I could justify spending twice as much if there's a significant difference

[@E85_STI]

I have the McCullough steamer I forget the model but it spits and the steam isn’t constant it has air or something and has always done it since I bought it and I only use distilled water in it. I’m looking for one that’s not going to spit and pulsate the steam. I think it’s the middle model between these two that you are demoing

[@thestayathomedad4846]

Could you use the Wagner for inside your house also? Like on your couch?

[@Emiliopedo]

Is the Bissell great for do detail, i mean I started my business a year ago and I'm thinking to get a steamer but I was thinking in something like that and I'm wondering is that works too

[@quayquon]

Love my McCulloch. Only issue I had was the on off switch went bad but I changed it out.

[@zacharybritton5259]

How did you change it out?? I called them direct and couldn’t get parts!

[@quayquon]

@@zacharybritton5259 I bought one off of EBay and changed it out myself. . It’s really easy .

[@surinamel5708]

Thanks

[@davidsizemore2745]

I had the same issue with the one from HF. As soon as I pulled the trigger it started spitting water and not steam.

[@unidentifiedbeing8149]

How about a bissell steam shot? Would you recommend that for detailing? Especially due to it being so cheap.

[@Shade_91]

Im torn between the Mculloch and the Dupray Neat, the Neat gets hotter by about 60-70 degrees but the Mculloch has almost 4 more feet of hose. what do you think is more important temp or reach?

[@valledecauca1087]

Josh I got mjjc from your website today the o ring blew on the 1/4 quick connect that connects to the gun and foam cannon what size o ring do i replace it with i cant figure out what size it is

[@AntiBat01]

I like my wagner, but there's no triangle brush! Is it possible to attach something from one steamer onto another? The upholstery tool the wagner comes with doesn't lend very well to using microfiber cloths instead of the bonnet it comes with. Or maybe I'm just using small towels?

[@cesarmorales2940]

The wagner is on sale right now on QVC . Its 99$ for black friday and 20$ off for new customers. I got it for 80$

[@mcham0846]

I ended up getting the wagner but 925 cuz of the mop head. Told my gf thats why i was getting it but its really to detail my truck lol

[@jerrydemas2020]

I have the HF, wish it had a site guage to see the water level. It said not to operate without water, but no way to tell!

[@richsmith3120]

Very informative and great review! How's your Ryobi 1800 PW holding up?

[@imjoshv]

It’s good! I have been using the active 2.0 a lot lately but the ryobi is still working perfect

[@TheOfficialOV]

I followed this video. I got wagner and can verify it also blows out water for the first burst and also amazon reviewers can confirm. I'd say all 3 do it due to them not being able to hold pressure for that long. Aqua steam does good job holding pressure and not getting those burst of water, but for price of 400+ you guys can decide if its worth it.

[@sociopathmercenary]

Water boils at 212° Fahrenheit. It would be pretty interesting if they claimed less than that for the temperature of the steam since steam doesn't exist below that temperature. I assume there's more expensive ones that use some kind of a pressure vessel to superheat the steam to get higher temperatures. Probably wouldn't want to use that on plastic tho.

[@randomstuff53078]

Are there any dangers with a steamer .. obviously it’s very hot. will it burn or melt leather seats? Plastics? Vinyl ? Anything I should know? Is it OK to use the brush attachments on those things or will it scratch certain materials?

[@GetIntoYourLife]

I bought the Aspiron.. is good?

[@bwalsh6992]

And the oscar for product review.....drum roll .....goes to JOSH ....Hands down..

[@gweggslist4460]

Was looking for a low cost steamer for multiple tasks but one use would be to remove window tint. Looks like neither of these machines allow you to lower flow of steam correct? I could never justify buying a Jiffy steamer for the few times I’d need to remove tint and other slower cheaper steamers would not fit in a rear window.

[@zachpieper6957]

Hey man, quick question for you what deionized water tank is

[@joemusic2882]

My big concern is availability of replacements accessories. A buddy of mine bought the harbor freight but couldn’t purchase replacement accessories once they wore out and they do wear out.

[@noelgreer]

Would you consider doing a review on the Dupray steamer? In other words is Dupray better than the Wagner elite?

[@jonathanfong24]

Hi do they sell just the attachments I have the 915e and would like to use it for detailing if so can you send a link for just the attachments

[@fullcustomization]

I just unboxed my Harbor freight steamer, and I was thinking your watery steam issue may be that you used too much water. The directions say to use 27 ounces of water using the measuring cup provided with it. I haven't had a chance to put this to test yet, but who knows?

[@louisacosta8897]

Any way to replace the gun with a new one ik you can take it apart but cant seem to find any replacement parts

[@meme-tg6hr]

Would you do another video on these and use a gauge to get psi?

[@djchess11050]

I have the McCullough. 2 questions, do you have to use distilled water? And do you have to dump water out when your done. Meat thermometer lol

[@philipheilman5413]

thanks for an informative review and comparison. I'm looking for a steamer and I will probably follow your recommendation. I have purchased several items based on your previous videos, including, a foam cannon, pressure washer, soap, and ceramic coating. I have to ask, what do you do with all the products you buy for your videos? return them, sell them, or give them away. It seems like you must have dozens of pressure washers, foam cannons, hoses, etc, etc.

[@imjoshv]

Yea most of the time i do giveaways.