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The Old Grey Whistle Test
Pressure and Temperature
The cleaning power of vapour steam cleaners comes from the high temperature vapour steam and pressure. The high vapour steam temperatures break down dirt, grime and grease as well as killing bacteria and sterilization, the pressure penetrates into the dirt to dislodge it. Look for units with medium - high temperature and pressure that produce vapour pressure (‘dry’ steam). Some cleaning tasks do not require high pressure, so a pressure control is desirable. Low temperature units, such as most handheld units, will allow the steam to condense (‘wet steam’) below the boiling point of water (212ºF) at the output tip resulting in dripping hot water during use that is messy and can scald you.
Capacity - Look for large capacity water tanks. Handheld units only store small quantities of water. Continuous dual tank vapour steam cleaners allow you to refill the unit at any time for non-stop cleaning.
Construction
There are two main construction details in selecting a vapour steam cleaner. The housing material and the boiler material, select a unit with a housing made of stainless steel or heat resistant thermoplastic. Stainless steel will not crack during a hard impact, but is a more expensive option than thermoplastic. Units with painted steel housings should be avoided as these can eventually rust due to exposure to water and moisture from use. Quality vapour steam cleaners use stainless steel boilers. Stainless steel will last longer and not react with water impurities like aluminium, as it can oxidize over time and react with impurities to cause pitting and make it difficult to clean the boiler.
Using dry steam vapour
A system that produces a high temperature, low moisture vapour that contains only 5% 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.
Temperatures should be hot enough to kill bacteria and germs, emulsify grease and oil as well as other surface contaminants.
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 previously 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
Steam Vapour advantages
•Can access areas that a carpet extractor cannot
•Cleans 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% 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
Note- Steam can scald the skin so wear cloves, and don’t use with synthetics materials as it could cause them to melt
Using dry steam vapour
An extractor is used for the deep cleaning of carpets; it forces hot water and detergent deep into the nap of carpet, and then draws it out with a powerful vacuum.
When heated vapour molecules come in contact with cooler surface micro pores it causes them to expand, and it force the dirt and bacteria to the surface, and the steam vapour sanitises interior surfaces and kills germs and bacteria. Steam vapour contains very little water ~ 5%); so surface (seating, hard surfaces and carpets, etc) are able to dry quickly
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, and 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 with synthetics materials as it could cause them to melt
Carpet Extractor
An extraction system process is the choice of professional detailers due to its cost effectiveness, performance efficiency and time saving over conventional methods. Extractors work by using a cleaning solution dispensed from a tank that heats the solution to 200oF+ and is sprayed at medium pressure, high volume from the machine via a cleaning wand; it is then filtered and re-circulated. Extraction also allows the ability to remove cleaning residues due to its high suction power (100-inch water gauge +). Rinsed fabrics look and smell cleaner and resist soiling better.
A heated carpet extractor is a necessity if you're a detailing professional, you should have a hot water extractor for the efficient and labour saving cleaning of carpets and upholstery.
An extractor is used for the deep cleaning of carpets; it forces hot water and detergent deep into the nap of carpet, and then draws it out with a powerful vacuum.
Steam vapour cleans and sanitises interior surfaces, although steam will clean the surface of carpets it cannot achieve the very thorough deep cleaning of its fibres like an extractor.
Hot water extractors outperform wet/dry vacuums many times over. A vacuum can miss sand and sticky or oily contaminants that adhere to fibre. When hot water and detergent is added to the process, this debris is loosened and sucked into the extractor.
Organic stain removal- quarter (1/4) cup Protein Stain Remover (topoftheline) / 1-cup 303â„¢ Cleaner & Spot Remover / one gallon hot water let dwell for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react
Other stain removal / normal cleaning- 10:1 distilled hot water/ P21S Total Auto Wash, let solution dwells for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react
The Sensei Extractor with a sizable 6 gallon tanks, but is only 28 inches high (with handle down). A neat, fold-over handle makes it easy to transport and store. So easy, weight 60 Lbs. empty so you can carry it in the trunk of a car, (7 amps / 110V) which makes it a perfect choice for mobile detail units. Vacuum -120 –INS W.G. lift, 100PSI pump, Internal In-Line Heater provides up to 200.0F heat (approx 1,400 USD 8/2010)
Organic stain removal- quarter (1/4) cup Protein Stain Remover (topoftheline.com) / 1-cup 303â„¢ Cleaner & Spot Remover / one gallon hot water let to remain in place for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react
Other stain removal / normal cleaning- 10:1 distilled hot water/ P21S® High Performance Total Auto Wash, allow solution to remain in place for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react
Note- Run a gallon of distilled white vinegar thru the extractor either weekly, or after every ten fresh fills. Vinegar contains acetic acid, an organic carboxylic that will help eliminate scale, mild mineral deposits etc. from clogging your extractor.
Products - Prochem Carpet Chemicals - Liquid Slurry dilution ratio - one ounce / five gallons of water All Fiber Rinse leaves the carpet feeling soft, not stiff like most extraction chemicals.
Disclaimer-the guidelines for carpet care given in this section are of a general nature and are made in good faith. However, due to the condition, materials, age and other factors, undesired effects or damages might be caused when some of our recommended procedures are used on some automotive carpets/mats, so any procedure or technique you choose to apply is done at your own risk.
Note- Run a gallon of distilled white vinegar through the extractor either weekly, or after every ten fresh fills. Vinegar contains acetic acid, an organic carboxylic that will help eliminate scale, mild mineral deposits etc. from clogging your extractor
The cleaning power of vapour steam cleaners comes from the high temperature vapour steam and pressure. The high vapour steam temperatures break down dirt, grime and grease as well as killing bacteria and sterilization, the pressure penetrates into the dirt to dislodge it. Look for units with medium - high temperature and pressure that produce vapour pressure (‘dry’ steam). Some cleaning tasks do not require high pressure, so a pressure control is desirable. Low temperature units, such as most handheld units, will allow the steam to condense (‘wet steam’) below the boiling point of water (212ºF) at the output tip resulting in dripping hot water during use that is messy and can scald you.
Capacity - Look for large capacity water tanks. Handheld units only store small quantities of water. Continuous dual tank vapour steam cleaners allow you to refill the unit at any time for non-stop cleaning.
Construction
There are two main construction details in selecting a vapour steam cleaner. The housing material and the boiler material, select a unit with a housing made of stainless steel or heat resistant thermoplastic. Stainless steel will not crack during a hard impact, but is a more expensive option than thermoplastic. Units with painted steel housings should be avoided as these can eventually rust due to exposure to water and moisture from use. Quality vapour steam cleaners use stainless steel boilers. Stainless steel will last longer and not react with water impurities like aluminium, as it can oxidize over time and react with impurities to cause pitting and make it difficult to clean the boiler.
Using dry steam vapour
A system that produces a high temperature, low moisture vapour that contains only 5% 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.
Temperatures should be hot enough to kill bacteria and germs, emulsify grease and oil as well as other surface contaminants.
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 previously 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
Steam Vapour advantages
•Can access areas that a carpet extractor cannot
•Cleans 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% 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
Note- Steam can scald the skin so wear cloves, and don’t use with synthetics materials as it could cause them to melt
Using dry steam vapour
An extractor is used for the deep cleaning of carpets; it forces hot water and detergent deep into the nap of carpet, and then draws it out with a powerful vacuum.
When heated vapour molecules come in contact with cooler surface micro pores it causes them to expand, and it force the dirt and bacteria to the surface, and the steam vapour sanitises interior surfaces and kills germs and bacteria. Steam vapour contains very little water ~ 5%); so surface (seating, hard surfaces and carpets, etc) are able to dry quickly
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, and 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 with synthetics materials as it could cause them to melt
Carpet Extractor
An extraction system process is the choice of professional detailers due to its cost effectiveness, performance efficiency and time saving over conventional methods. Extractors work by using a cleaning solution dispensed from a tank that heats the solution to 200oF+ and is sprayed at medium pressure, high volume from the machine via a cleaning wand; it is then filtered and re-circulated. Extraction also allows the ability to remove cleaning residues due to its high suction power (100-inch water gauge +). Rinsed fabrics look and smell cleaner and resist soiling better.
A heated carpet extractor is a necessity if you're a detailing professional, you should have a hot water extractor for the efficient and labour saving cleaning of carpets and upholstery.
An extractor is used for the deep cleaning of carpets; it forces hot water and detergent deep into the nap of carpet, and then draws it out with a powerful vacuum.
Steam vapour cleans and sanitises interior surfaces, although steam will clean the surface of carpets it cannot achieve the very thorough deep cleaning of its fibres like an extractor.
Hot water extractors outperform wet/dry vacuums many times over. A vacuum can miss sand and sticky or oily contaminants that adhere to fibre. When hot water and detergent is added to the process, this debris is loosened and sucked into the extractor.
Organic stain removal- quarter (1/4) cup Protein Stain Remover (topoftheline) / 1-cup 303â„¢ Cleaner & Spot Remover / one gallon hot water let dwell for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react
Other stain removal / normal cleaning- 10:1 distilled hot water/ P21S Total Auto Wash, let solution dwells for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react
The Sensei Extractor with a sizable 6 gallon tanks, but is only 28 inches high (with handle down). A neat, fold-over handle makes it easy to transport and store. So easy, weight 60 Lbs. empty so you can carry it in the trunk of a car, (7 amps / 110V) which makes it a perfect choice for mobile detail units. Vacuum -120 –INS W.G. lift, 100PSI pump, Internal In-Line Heater provides up to 200.0F heat (approx 1,400 USD 8/2010)
Organic stain removal- quarter (1/4) cup Protein Stain Remover (topoftheline.com) / 1-cup 303â„¢ Cleaner & Spot Remover / one gallon hot water let to remain in place for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react
Other stain removal / normal cleaning- 10:1 distilled hot water/ P21S® High Performance Total Auto Wash, allow solution to remain in place for 5-10 minutes to enable cleaners to react
Note- Run a gallon of distilled white vinegar thru the extractor either weekly, or after every ten fresh fills. Vinegar contains acetic acid, an organic carboxylic that will help eliminate scale, mild mineral deposits etc. from clogging your extractor.
Products - Prochem Carpet Chemicals - Liquid Slurry dilution ratio - one ounce / five gallons of water All Fiber Rinse leaves the carpet feeling soft, not stiff like most extraction chemicals.
Disclaimer-the guidelines for carpet care given in this section are of a general nature and are made in good faith. However, due to the condition, materials, age and other factors, undesired effects or damages might be caused when some of our recommended procedures are used on some automotive carpets/mats, so any procedure or technique you choose to apply is done at your own risk.
Note- Run a gallon of distilled white vinegar through the extractor either weekly, or after every ten fresh fills. Vinegar contains acetic acid, an organic carboxylic that will help eliminate scale, mild mineral deposits etc. from clogging your extractor