How to use a steam cleaner.

mjpowers728 · 07-07-08, 04:50

I was reading about the Shark steamer from Lowe's on here and was thinking about getting to help with my carpet and upholstery.
I was wondering, though, how do I use it? Do I just spray the carpet with steam and then wipe? APC then steam then vaccuum?
I don't want to spend 100 bucks on something and not know how to use it.

Jscort98 · 07-07-08, 04:55

I've personally never used one but there was a video on here recently of a guy using one and he just steamed the carpet and then wiped it off with a MF. Other people will chime in with their methods.

JuneBug · 07-07-08, 05:18

I bought one, returned it the next day - maybe I got a lemon but it didn't have any power, and the claims on the box were way over the top. Funny thing, Lowes took it right back, no questions.

mjpowers728 · 07-07-08, 07:39

Okay, short story...
I found a low-budget handheld steamer I bought from Meijer (like a Walmart in the Midwest) that I put in the basement for the last two years.
I brought it out a couple hours just to play with it and see if it works. I rubberbanded a washcloth around the upholstery-like attachment and steamed the top and screen of my TV, which hasn't been cleaned since I bought it. The white cloth was brown with dust, a little spilled soda, and cigarette tar. Can I expect this kinda result with my car, particularly the upholstery and carpet? What else should I use with it? Diluted APC?

BigJimZ28 · 07-07-08, 07:42

http://www.autopia.org/forum/profess...-pictures.html

jesselyons2002 · 07-07-08, 10:12

There are alot of video at kleencarcare.com under the disero steamer and youtube.

mjpowers728 · 07-08-08, 02:53

Thanks for the input guys : )

BigJim- Would that work as well on carpet, being that it is thicker? Also, what dilution APC did you use?

Quality Leather · 07-13-08, 09:09

I have a Daimer steamer and have used it with decent success to get stains out of my van upholstery. I am not sure that I like it better than my extractor though. I guess I need to test the two. I don't recommend using it on leather.

skylolow · 07-13-08, 11:29

My mother bought me a steam cleaner one year for a gift and I've used it very little (never with the car). Everything I use it on it just doesn't seem to do much. Basically in the end I've found that anyting it will take off/clean any good cleaner can do the same thing without the hassle of using the steamer. So I just use the cleaner.

dazzerjp · 07-13-08, 11:42

practice around the house.

If you get a powerful enough one, steamers make life much easier.