Dry Steam Vapor Cleaners - Information

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Household Steam Vapor Cleaners have been used in Europe for many years.  Indeed, most of the best units used today in the USA are imported from Europe.

How it works:  Steam vapor cleaners produce a low pressure steam that effectively cleans and sanitizes almost any surface very quickly and with no chemicals.  The surface drys almost immediately because the moisture present in the steam vapor is minimal.  The operator usually can control the amount of steam being produced at the nozzle of any particular accessory tool.

Where it is used:  There is a very long list of items that can be effectually cleaned with a steam vapor cleaner:

1. Painted, washable walls & ceilings
2. Some wallpapers
3. Carpets and rugs
4. Upholstery & cushions
5. Hard floors - including ceramic, linoleum, slate, marble, granite, etc.
6. Grout
7. Wood floors sealed with urethane
8. Stoves & microwaves
9. Refrigerators
10. Most kitchen appliances
11. Cabinets
12. Sinks & faucets
13. Toilets
14. Bathtubs & shower stalls
15. Mattresses
16. Windows & mirrors
17. Tires
18. Car engines, lawnmowers & lawnmower engines, etc.
19. Lawn & patio furniture
20. Barbecue grills
21. Silk flowers
22. Etc.

What it looks like:  A traditional steam vapor machine resembles a small, compact canister vacuum with a hose and accessories.  The accessories enable cleaning of various surfaces from corners, edges and grout to walls and floors.  A better unit also includes bristled brushes including ones with stainless and/or copper bristles for cleaning grills and oven racks, etc., and a set of extension wands providing for an extended reach with different tools.  Some of the smaller, later models are self-contained (no hose and/or accessories) and are designed to only clean hard floor surfaces.  Some are even handheld.  Such units are of a very basic design and of no quality - an absolute waste of money and another evidence of clever marketing.

What it does:  A good quality steam vapor cleaner destroys dust mites, bacteria, mold, viruses, spores and other biological organisms.  It accomplishes this instantly and with no harmful chemicals.  A good steam vapor cleaner is a simple, highly effective way to clean and sanitize an entire residential indoor environment.  Generally, water is poured directly into a "boiler" that, very much like a kettle, quickly heats it until it forms steam.  This steam is carried through a hose and dispensed via any particular, selected accessory to immediately clean and sanitize.  A steam vapor unit is safe (the steam a few inches from the accessory merely feels warm and moist on one's hand) and requires almost no maintenance - merely a periodic rinse of the boiler (if even necessary - it depends on the hardness of the water being used) etc., to prevent scale buildup.

The very best steam vapor cleaners provide "continuous fill".  This is an important design feature whereby only a non-pressurized reservoir is filled - the water is then provided upon demand to the boiler where it is heated.  Thus, the unit can be used constantly - 24/7 - without ever being shut down as is the case with regular vapor cleaners when the water runs out.  This latter is very frustrating - the refill and reheat process can easily take 20 minutes and need to be done as much as every 30 to 40 minutes of use.

It is also vital that the temperature of the steam is heated to a necessary level not only to enable quick, effortless cleaning but, also, to ensure that the sanitizing/disinfecting process is actually taking place.  The following figures illustrate why this is so:  at 140⁰F dust mites are killed; at 160⁰F bacteria and mold are killed after a "dwell time"; and, at 180⁰F bacteria and mold are destroyed on contact.  For a vapor cleaner to work effectively, it absolutely needs to heat the water to a temperature in the boiler that  is close to 300⁰F.  This allows for temperature drop through the hose, etc. and yet provides a "tip" temperature (at the accessory tool being used) of 200⁰F.  Now you're "cooking".

The next consideration is that the vapor cleaner have the capability of constantly maintaining this temperature.  It can be quickly understood that, if the temperature and pressure drops immediately when oneself commences use of the vapor cleaner, the needed tip temperature of 200⁰F will be lost.  Then, the user has to wait while the vapor cleaner "catches up" and builds heat and pressure again.  Understandably, this is a slow and frustating way to attempt to clean.  A good-quality unit will always/constantly maintain proper temperature and pressure!

For the above reasons and others, it should be plain that there is nothing to be gained by purchasing any one of the inexpensive steam vapor cleaners that are available.  Not only will they likely be thrown out within the year because they have ceased functioning, they simply don't work properly.  Take your $99 or $199 or $399 and put it towards a good quality unit!

Especially for those who are immunologically compromised, a steam vapor machine is an excellent way to help maintain the cleanliness of their environment.  However, our current stance is that a good quality steam vapor cleaner is such an outstanding piece of equipment that every house should have one.  It takes over where the vacuum leaves off - and, all cleaning is accomplished without any chemicals whatsoever - just water!  We can truly say that your concept of "clean" will be redefined after you begin using a good steam vapor cleaner.

To find out more about a steam vapor cleaner for your own home, go to Suggestions on Vapor Cleaners.