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View Full Version : Vapor steamer in action (6 pics)


602rwtq
07-11-2006, 09:26 PM
What a quality tool! This window jamb would have been a major problem w/ a pressure washer. A PW would flood the interior of the truck with dirt and water and, with my luck, rebound the water into my face!



On interiors, it cleans quickly with no chemicals. The steam has enough velocity to force dirt out of cracks and through vent holes--no fumbling with a rag, a compressed air hose, and several spray bottles. I simply point the steam at the dirt and watch it disolve; closer to the dirt when it`s heavy, further away around sensitive equipment like stereo buttons. On upholstery, I wrap a microfiber around a special large tip. The mf fills with absurdly hot steam, and as I drag the mf across upholstery, the steam draws dirt into the mf. MF gets dirty, flip it around to a clean spot on the mf, and back to work.



Take your interior detailing to a new level w/ a steamer. A good one is around $1k, but worth it.



http://www.rkautorestoration.com/steamer/steamer_before.jpg

http://www.rkautorestoration.com/steamer/steamer_after.jpg



http://www.rkautorestoration.com/steamer/carolla_console_before.jpg

http://www.rkautorestoration.com/steamer/carolla_console_after.jpg



http://www.rkautorestoration.com/steamer/carolla_driver_before.jpg

http://www.rkautorestoration.com/steamer/carolla_driver_after.jpg
imported_truzoom
07-11-2006, 09:41 PM
Thanks for the pics. Are there any cautions to take when using a vapor steamer near interior electronics?
602rwtq
07-11-2006, 10:09 PM
Thanks for the pics. Are there any cautions to take when using a vapor steamer near interior electronics?



Just don`t get the steam too close to sensitive equipment. Wet it with warm steam from a distance, then wipe w/ clean microfiber.
LeadingEdgeDetail
07-11-2006, 10:40 PM
Is a $70 steamer worth bothering with?



I can`t even afford one of those, let alone an expensive one! But damn, I`m freakin tired of making do without one :mad: :sosad
602rwtq
07-12-2006, 12:40 AM
Is a $70 steamer worth bothering with?



I can`t even afford one of those, let alone an expensive one! But damn, I`m freakin tired of making do without one :mad: :sosad



Don`t bother.
Honda Peddler
07-12-2006, 02:51 AM
Dayum! Was that car left abandoned in a forest or something?! I don`t think I`ve ever seen an interior quite that bad!
stilez
07-12-2006, 05:07 AM
Awesome work and I AGREE!



I have been using my steamer (have to get the name) for a couple months now. Only on REALLY bad upholstery do I ever have to use a bit of Oxi-Clean...Everything else just needs steam and an MF.



My model ran about $1300 and is worth every penny. Did I mention that steaming kills bacteria and dust mites which helps with allergy prone clients :) (read: selling point).
jerry@robs
07-12-2006, 05:14 AM
Damn that looks great, im more impressed with how it cleaned the window area.... AE111 Corolla is it?
tustah
07-12-2006, 07:56 AM
Looks great. For $1k, I don`t think it falls into my budget as a weekend warrior though. Any cheaper althernatives?
ahains
07-12-2006, 08:01 AM
Doesn`t it seem like there should be a far cheaper option for a device that essentially heats up water?

I have an extra (fairly decent) espresso machine, I`m tempted to remove the boiler and plumbing from the case and rig something up. It already has temp control for steam function and good steaming power. I paid about $50 for it so I wouldn`t feel overly bad about cannibalizing it :)
stilez
07-12-2006, 08:39 AM
Doesn`t it seem like there should be a far cheaper option for a device that essentially heats up water?

I have an extra (fairly decent) espresso machine, I`m tempted to remove the boiler and plumbing from the case and rig something up. It already has temp control for steam function and good steaming power. I paid about $50 for it so I wouldn`t feel overly bad about cannibalizing it :)





It definately has to do with the quality and performance.





My piece is all polished aluminum, stainless tank, brass fittings, thick/rubber shielded hoses, etc. Everything feels like german engineering (ie: tough as nails). I`ve held a Steam Buggy before, it feels like a Kia in comparison.



Plus, the "pro" models produce higher heats as well as pressures. If you crank it up, it is borderline at the velocity of a pressure washer, just with steam. Pretty neat, but be careful...burns come quickly if you are not smart.
ZaneO
07-12-2006, 08:45 AM
Great examples of the power of steam cleaning!



I`m equally impressed with the mats in that car. What was your process for them?