How does steam cleaning work

Steam works well on hard, impervious surfaces, such as countertops and bathroom fixtures, and floors made of vinyl, laminate, polyurethaned wood, or tile. Some models can clean upholstery, mattresses, and curtains, too. Painted walls and unsealed floors, including hardwood, cork, and unglazed tile, may be damaged by the moisture. The heat from steam can also cause cold window glass to crack. Look for a machine with a quick warm-up time; some produce steam in just 30 seconds, while others take 3 minutes or more.

Handheld units provide around 10 minutes of cleaning time before needing a water refill. Larger canister versions can last up to 45 minutes but are harder to maneuver. The high-temperature heat kills fleas, their eggs, and their larva—a steam cleaner will safely eradicate these tenacious pests without the use of harsh, toxic chemicals.

Dust mites , the irritating cousins of the tick and spider, feel quite at-home in your home, or more specifically, in your mattresses, upholstery, rugs, carpets, quilts, pillows, and stuffed animals.

In these soft, plush environments, dust mites feed on the flakes of dead skin that humans and animals shed over time. These critters then leave behind their waste matter which is a major allergen and asthma trigger for many people.

So what does this have to do with steam cleaning? Well, in the same way that steam kills fleas, steam will obliterate dust mite colonies in your mattresses and carpets. Now, take that concept and think about how your body comes into contact with chemicals that you use on surfaces throughout your home: furniture polish lingering on the dining room table, floor cleaner residue that attaches itself to bare feet, the ammonia used throughout the bathroom.

So, would you rather absorb these nasty chemicals, or have contact with the only thing a steam cleaner needs to operate? If keeping your family chemical-free is not enough to convert you to the virtues of steam cleaning, think about how your shopping list will shrink. After your initial investment in a steam cleaner, there will no longer be a need to buy the dozen or more cleaning products that line the shelves in your laundry room or sit under your kitchen sink.

No creams, no powders, no floor cleaners. Using steam is healthy for our planet, too. The chemicals that are found in cleaning products, more often than not, get washed down the drain, like the big bucket of dirty water mixed with floor cleaner, or the blue stuff that swishes around your toilet.

And where do they end up? Your steam cleaner will restore dirty tile and grout, get rid of baked-on grease in ovens or on barbecue grills, and reach grimy, out-of-the-way spots that most people dread to even consider. This allows surfaces to dry almost immediately after being steamed, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. If you are curious, you can read our article right here.

Steam cleaners are primarily used to clean carpets and hard flooring, however, you can also use them to clean many things. In fact, the University of Washington tested a steam vapor system in restrooms and reported labor hygienic improvements over previous methods.

You can use steam cleaners to clean:. As you can see in the list above, steam cleaners are very versatile and can be used in a number of ways. Those are just some of the things you can clean by using a steam cleaner. Nevertheless, while there are lots of uses for a steam cleaner, there are some things you should not steam clean. While steam cleaners are very effective, there are some things you should avoid steaming:.

Do proper research on how to properly clean a specific item to make sure that it will not be damaged when you steam it. Because a clean house is very important, many ask the question: is steam cleaning really effective?

Surprisingly, steam cleaners are very effective and efficient when it comes to cleaning. Because steam cleaning is, bar none, the most effective way to deep clean surfaces, homeowners can:.

Without a doubt, steam cleaning is one of the most effective cleaning methods. Not only does this provide a deeper clean, but it will also extend the life of your steamer as well. So, are there any drawbacks of using a steam cleaner? While steam cleaners are excellent and effective tools to keep your house clean, there are a few drawbacks to using a steam cleaner. Fortunately, the negatives are very few and far between.

The two drawbacks to steam cleaners include:. When using a steam cleaner, individuals should be well acquainted with the machine and be careful not to scald their skin if the steamer is too hot.

Keep small children away from the steam cleaner while it is in use. Additionally, steam cleaners may damage flooring because of the heat if left unattended for too long. Whether you are buying a household steam cleaner or paying a commercial cleaner, both can be very expensive. If you ever consider buying a steam cleaner, consider it an investment for your house.

And there you have it, a simple post to answer the question: how do steam cleaners work? Not only are they environmentally friendly, but steam cleaners are also the most effective at cleaning and sanitizing flooring and items.

Steam cleaners can eliminate odors, dirt, stains, and built-up grime. By using a steam cleaner, you will extend the life of your flooring. For more posts like this, please check out our blog! Does your workplace require a bit of TLC? Get in touch today to discuss your requirements with our helpful team and a FREE quote!

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