Dry Steam Vapor Cleaners - Suggestions

While we represent several manufacturers of Vapor Steam Systems for Residential use (and, at least one manufacturer of Commercial Vapor Steam Systems), including the Swiss-made Sgt. Steam, we think that the LadyBug XL from Advanced Vapor Technologies is by far and away the very best available unit for home and light commercial use.

Both these manufacturers' units provide the following:

The primary differences between the Sgt. Steam and the LadyBug XL (by far our most popular vapor cleaner) are those of additional heat capabilities with the LadyBug (very important) and , also, a continuous fill feature which is so convenient that it pretty much rules out any units which do not provide it. With the continuous fill, the user simply fills at any time a non-pressurized reservoir from which water is automatically fed into the boiler as needed.  This totally eliminates a shutdown, cool-off, refill and reheat procedure such as is with the Sgt. Steam and most vapor cleaners when they run out of water.  Since, with any use at all the latter units will likely be out of water in 30 to 40 minutes, and since the refill/reheat times average 15 to 20 minutes, it can immediately be seen that this is an awkward, frustrating way to clean using a vapor cleaner.  The LadyBugXL, instead, allows one to clean 24/7.

As mentioned in our webpage Information on Steam Vapor Cleaners, a good Steam Vapor Cleaner is a terrific asset for a concerned family.  The low pressure steam is safe (a few inches from the nozzle the steam is merely warm); because it is low moisture the surface is dry almost immediately; it disinfects, thereby destroying bacteria, viruses, molds, etc.; it eliminates the use of chemicals - by itself a major environmental victory!; and it requires virtually no maintenance - just an occasional rinse of the boiler if necessary to prevent scale buildup.

Steam Vapor Cleaners have been used in Europe for over almost three decades.  In the USA, they are more a "Johnny-Come-Lately" product; however, they have been available here since at least the early 1990s and even some major American manufacturers like Eureka now make a little portable, stick-like unit (in our estimation - a "toy") simply because a vapor cleaner is now a recognized way in the USA to clean and sanitize an indoor environment.

In the USA the traditional method of cleaning is to simply grab the nearest chemical and spray it on. However, it is now being recognized that this is a dual-edged sword - the chemical process will clean; however, another pollutant is being added into the environment -sometimes with significant, negative effects.  Have you ever tried breathing while sanitizing a food preparation surface with a commercial kitchen sanitizer?  You are guaranteed, at the least, to start coughing.  A steam vapor machine, however, sanitizes safely with no harsh chemicals.

The importance of proper cleaning:  As well - perhaps more importantly - it is now being recognized that improper use of cleaning and sanitizing chemicals is resulting in surfaces that absolutely are not being adequated purged of bacteria, viruses, etc. - unbeknownst to the user!  Most sanitizing chemicals, for example, instruct the user to use them on non-porous surfaces (the kitchen countertop, the stove and the toilet, etc. are all porous surfaces) after the soil load has been completely eliminated.  As has been pointed out, even to effectively brush our teeth (relatively, very little surface area) we are told to "scrub" for two to three minutes; yet, with the kitchen counter top, for example, where we just cut up the chicken we probably only give it a quick scrub with a soapy scouring pad.

Then, we spray on our sanitizing chemical and likely wipe it down a minute or two later.  Yet, the instructions on the bottle (read `em) state that the "dwell time" to be effective should be at least ten minutes. The result of all this is that a bio-film is created.  A bio-film is an organic goo within which bacteria can hide and reproduce with impunity.  Tests have shown that straight bleach soaking on a countertop on which a bio-film is present (read "your countertop") for as long as 60 minutes still allows almost all the bacteria to remain alive!  Hoooiiiieee ......

A good steam vapor cleaner will entirely clean and disinfect such a countertop in a few minutes with no chemicals.  The steam penetrates into the pores of the countertop.  The soil is lifted out and all the bacteria are instantly destroyed.  The countertop will feel absolutely smooth and shiny clean as a result.  A good steam vapor cleaner gives an absolutely clean "clean".

For the immune-compromised, a steam vapor cleaner is a preferred method with which to safely clean with no side effects.  For further Information on Steam Vapor Cleaning Machines, "click" here to go to that webpage.  To view or to place an order on the Sgt. Steam Vapor Cleaning Machine go to that page by "clicking" here.  To go to our webpage on the Advanced Vapor Technologies Steam Vapor Cleaning Machines "click" here.