Help Picking Steam Cleaner...

J

Jmiller07

New member
I was looking into getting a steam cleaner that will not necessarily kill my pockets, but also be one of the better one's that will be good. I also saw the Tornado that danase and wondered how it was in comparison to a steam cleaner. I was thinking a steam cleaner would be more universal. Please post comments and suggestions here. Thank you...

 
The Tornador is a great tool but a steam cleaner is going to blast away some really nasty stuff that other tool and chemicals might not be able to do. I actually will be carrying Vapor Steamers VERY soon if you decide to go that route.
 
I just picked up one from Steam Cleaners Direct.

It just arrived yesterday.





I spent some time playing with it in the bathroom just to gauge what it can do.

It's too short of a time for me to gauge how clean it will get things, but it sure get's hot and does *blast* stuff here and there ;-)



I tried it on the tiles, grout, sink, sink drain *rim* area, mirrors/glass and even the tub/sink. My tub/sink, etc are blue porcelain which is almost as bad as black paint.



Out of my 1 day use, I don't think it will Replace alot of household cleaning via *cleaning agents-chemicals* but will complement it. I originally thought that the steam cleaner was good enough to use less chemicals, and maybe so in certain areas, but for the bathroom, it wasn't cutting it IMO.....
 
Heat is just one component of cleaning. The others are dwell time, chemical actions, flow of air and water, and mechanical action. A steamer definitely can aid in cleaning tasks, but I am not sure if it replaces items such as cleaning chemicals and brushes or equipment such as carpet extractors.
 
brwill2005 said:
Heat is just one component of cleaning. The others are dwell time, chemical actions, flow of air and water, and mechanical action. A steamer definitely can aid in cleaning tasks, but I am not sure if it replaces items such as cleaning chemicals and brushes or equipment such as carpet extractors.
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I think it could easily replace some cleaners. Like engine degreasers. A good steamer will blast away the grease and grime without the use of harmful chemicals.
 
I hear ya guys on the chemicals. It just that the *ads* state that there's is minimal usage need for chemicals, thus making things more healthy due to the need for no chemicals and just steam.



I dunno about using a steamer in a engine though. Doesn't it do more harm than good as steam can build up in electrical places where generally water rinse would not create stem in *internal* crevices
 
Because of the high heat, steamers definitely help the chemicals work better, which would reduce chemical usage. I just think they are marketed as a cure all for every cleaning task. All of the components I mentioned are important components of the cleaning process. Simply adding high heat does not eliminate the need for the other components.
 
chefwong said:
I hear ya guys on the chemicals. It just that the *ads* state that there's is minimal usage need for chemicals, thus making things more healthy due to the need for no chemicals and just steam.



I dunno about using a steamer in a engine though. Doesn't it do more harm than good as steam can build up in electrical places where generally water rinse would not create stem in *internal* crevices
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I think the days of worrying about water in the engine are about gone. Most companies today make anything that needs to be waterproof waterproofed. Some of the older cars maybe but the steam is so direct and concentrated it is not like spraying the engine with a wide fan hose nozzle or anything.
 
Try it on dried gum in carpet sometime. Mine took about three seconds before it blew the gum across the shop. I am still practicing with my steamer, but will follow with a water only rinse with the extractor. I ordered a new brush attachment for my Vapormaster that allows me to clip a towel on so I can use it on any surface without direct steam. I am also going to purchase the video from Attention to Details when it is out.



Rob Regan
 
WCD said:
Try it on dried gum in carpet sometime. Mine took about three seconds before it blew the gum across the shop. I am still practicing with my steamer, but will follow with a water only rinse with the extractor. I ordered a new brush attachment for my Vapormaster that allows me to clip a towel on so I can use it on any surface without direct steam. I am also going to purchase the video from Attention to Details when it is out.



Rob Regan
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How do you like the VaporMaster ? Also if you get the attachment and like it let me know, thanks.
 
I like it, but have never used another so it would be hard to offer a comparison. I value some opinions of guys that are not on this forum and bought it based on that factor. I know a few other detailers that really love this machine a lot and they've kept track of the money they are saving on chemicals AND the fact that they are saving time on interiors. I am excited about the DVD coming out in May as that will really get me using it more.

Rob
 
I mainly use steamers for light interior cleaning. I have 6 steam cleaners. 3 bissell steam n clean handheld and 3 shark euro steamers. I bought them all used and total spent was maybe $50. Both aren't being made anymore. I had bought a new steamer a couple of years ago and it was terrible. Next day I was at a yard sale and bought the Bissell for $2. It was better than the new one I had so I returned it. I liked the Bissell so much that I picked up 2 more on ebay. I found a shark in a thrift store for $10 one time and thought I'd give it a shot. It worked well and I used it a lot around the house. I found 2 more over the past year dirt cheap so grabbed them. I have considered getting a TR5 or Gaia but can't yet justify spending $400-$700. I'd love the higher output temperature and pressure but not too keen about the warm up times. I like pluging in and using within a minute since most of what I do is just spot work.
 
Danase said:
The Tornador is a great tool but a steam cleaner is going to blast away some really nasty stuff that other tool and chemicals might not be able to do. I actually will be carrying Vapor Steamers VERY soon if you decide to go that route.
Click to expand...



Which one Bob? VaporSteamers, look into: Desidairo, TR5/6, VX5000. Get a QUALITY system, it helps amazingly for so many dirty applications. Interior/Wheels/Engine/Gaps.
 
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