A system that produces a high temperature, low moisture vapour (VX 5000 Steam Vapor System, approx 750 USD) that contains only 5% to 6% water and is much less dense than air, a steam vapour system is equipped to safely produce thousands of gallons of live dry steam using only about 1.5 quarts of water per hour.



The use of a vapour steamer for the vehicles interior materials is a helpful addition. Steam vapour introduces very little moisture into the fabrics and materials, however wet vacuum ‘extraction for use on heavily soiled fabric, mats and carpets cannot be bettered. Be cognizant that when working with upholstery / foam too much moisture will allow the foam to remain wet deep down and this affects the mild steel within the seat as well and prolonged contact with the stitching, which may cause it to rot.



Steam vapour is also hygienic when used to kill bacteria and germs, disinfect surfaces as it kills mould spores, musty smells, bacteria and the smell of tobacco nicotine and smoke. Steam vapour is able to reach many places that a wet vacuum / extractor cannot access.

Apply a cleaner to a sponge, work up foam and apply to the surface, then pass the steamer just above the top of the area just cleaned and lightly agitate with a micro fibre towel, then wipe dry. Steam vapour helps to emulsify the grime, while the foam encapsulates it. Steam when it cools turns to condensate (water) which helps to re-hydrate leather upholstery



Use the stem nozzle for the HVAC vents and areas of the dash and anywhere that are inaccessible with a vacuum. For carpets, upholstery, dash and the headliner; use the triangle attachment with a micro fibre or terry cloth wrapped around it secured with a rubber band, once towel becomes too soiled change for a clean, fresh towel. Always adjust the steam output dependent upon the material. Most materials used on a vehicles interior do not need a lot of heat; do not hold the nozzles too close



Steam can also be used on the wheel surfaces to remove brake dust and tar deposits, especially useful for hard to reach areas. Steam is a very effective degreaser and lends itself well to engine cleaning. It’s also great to use on wheels that have baked on brake dust that is in hard places to reach. Steam can also be used to clean the exterior paintwork, same guidelines apply, i.e. keep the nozzle moving and do not get too close to the surface, this is especially true around exterior ‘rubber’ seals and trim.

Steam is a very useful tool that can be used for many cleaning tasks, but like all tools if used incorrectly can do more harm than good



Steam Vapour advantages -



• Can access areas that a carpet extractor cannot



• Clean between seats, consoles, dashes, cup holders, vents, door pockets, door jambs, seat tracks and more



• Will not leave moisture to soak materials as the steam vapour only contain 5 - 6% water moisture?



• Steam-vapour dries very quickly (unlike a carpet extractor) and therefore will not cause mould or mildew to form.



• A steamer will clean hard (vinyl, wheel and glass) surfaces that an extractor cannot



• A steamer can be used to clean leather upholstery quickly and more efficiently than standard methods and without the use of chemicals



Finished leather and Vinyl – a slight change in technique is required when working with finished leather. Place a cotton terry cloth towel (micro fibre tends to lift the pigmentation) on the area being cleaned and indirectly apply steam, this will emulsify oils and dirt; do not directly steam finished leather. Remove the towel and use a semi stiff leather brush to get into the creases and etc, wipe area with a clean micro fibre towel.



Alcantara – once surfaces have been vacuumed use a napping brush to raise the fibres. Place a micro fibre towel on the area being cleaned and indirectly apply steam, this will emulsify oils and dirt; do not directly steam Alcantara and do not over wet. Wipe area with a clean micro fibre towel and then use a napping brush to raise the fibres.



Fabric – use an upholstery brush to loosen any dirt and raise the fabrics nap, select a suitable stain removal cleaner (303™ Spot & Stain Remover ) and then use a solution of 20% stain remover and 80% distilled water, shaving cream or foam to remove stains from fabrics. Spray a small amount of the solution onto the stain. Wait for a few minutes, and then lightly scrub the stained area with a soft bristle brush or old toothbrush. Blot the area with a soft clean cloth, and then vacuum thoroughly and then use the steamer to clean the upholstery



Note- Once material has been cleaned use a suitable protection product



Caution - Steam can scald the skin so wear gloves and do not use too much heat (by slow passes) with synthetics materials as it could cause them to melt