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If you are looking for a natural and environmentally friendly cleaning system, consider steam cleaning.
Steam cleaners leave no odor, just a fresh, clean smell, free of germs and chemicals. They are suitable for thorough cleaning and disinfection with little effort.
What is steam and how does it work for cleaning?
When water is heated, it evaporates. It turns into water vapor and expands. At 100 degrees it boils and evaporates quickly. An invisible vapor gas is produced at the boiling point.
Vapor molecules penetrate the pores of a surface to remove dirt, grease, grime, and other substances that cause stains. When done correctly, steam cleaning can quickly kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria without the use of chemical-based disinfectants.
Objects, surfaces that you can safely and effectively clean with steam:
• Ceramic or porcelain tiles and grout
• Glass shower doors and rails
• Patio door rails
• Metal cages and bowls for pets
• Ovens and grills
• Garden furniture
• Countertops, sinks and faucets
• Mattress and bed linen
• Curtains
• ceiling fans
• Garden tools
• gemstones
Depending on the type of steam used, you may need special accessories for specific tasks.
Do not steam clean
The results of steam cleaning these surfaces will make you smoke.
• Unsealed, polished, waxed or freshly painted surfaces
• Finished wood: Unless it is polyurethane-based and can withstand heat and moisture.
• Antiques - Most have lacquer or shellac finishes that tarnish the luster or luster and the surface can blister
• Nylon window grilles
• Laminate flooring: The core of the fiberboard can be damaged by moisture seeping through the joints between the boards
• Musical instruments with a unique wood finish
Buy a steam cleaner
There are several types of steam cleaners for home use. When choosing a cleaner, only buy certified equipment with approval ratings from an official certification body such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Portable steam cleaners
Portable steam cleaners are small, light, portable, and inexpensive (starting at under $ 80). They are easy to use and easy to store.
advantage
• Very useful for cleaning oven nozzles, cracks between oven and counter, joints along the counter
• Remove small stains from carpets
The disadvantages
• Not suitable for cleaning floors or large surfaces
• has a small tank that provides limited operating time
Steam mops
Steam mops are designed for everyday floor cleaning and are light and easy to use. Similar to a broom, but with better hygiene.
advantage
• Models start at $ 35
• Ready to use in seconds
• Light and easy to use
• Perfect for cleaning and disinfecting floors
• takes up very little space
The disadvantages
• Hard-to-clean corners or other hard-to-reach areas
• Stubborn dirt cannot be removed
• Special accessories may be required to clean carpets
• Small tank may need to be refilled frequently
Cylindrical steam cleaner
Like a vacuum cleaner, its size is determined by the kettle, which creates steam at high pressure.
Some models can be lighter and more compactly placed during cleaning.
advantage
• Versatile: Ideal for cleaning and disinfecting the entire house in one cleaning project
• large tank so you don't have to stop cleaning with water
• Many accessories available
• Effectively removes stubborn dirt, stains and stains
• Wide price range for all budgets: from $ 99 to $ 659
The disadvantages
• May be more difficult to use than steam mops or portable steam cleaners
Integrated steam and suction systems
This design is ideal for maximum cleaning in the shortest possible time and combines the efficiency of cylindrical steam cleaners with a vacuum function. The result is a single device with which all washable surfaces in the house can be vacuumed, cleaned and disinfected. without the use of chemical cleaning agents.
advantage
• No separate conventional vacuum cleaner required
• Versatile and able to clean and disinfect the entire house
• combined effect of steam and suction
• heats up quickly
• large tank
• Many accessories available
• Effectively removes stubborn dirt, stains and stains
The disadvantages
• Prices start from $ 250
• requires more storage space
Note on tank size: the more water the tanks contain, the longer you can clean before you stop filling and heating. "Continuous Fill" machines come with a reserve tank so you can clean longer.
When choosing a steam cleaner, look for good customer service, a strong warranty and a long product life .
Cleaning tips
• Use distilled water to avoid mineral build-up on cleaner and surfaces.
• Do not use a steamer on delicate fabrics, colors that may fade, or objects that cannot withstand heat and steam.
• When using tools with bags or fabric covers, clean the least dirty items first.
• Change the fabric covers of the steam cooker if it is dirty. Otherwise, dirt will spread over a surface instead of cleaning it.
• Do not store wet rags. They will grow or rot.
• Have all accessories ready.
• Sweep up and vacuum before steam cleaning.
• Clean the door frames and thresholds from top to bottom.
• Keep accessories with a vape bottle for quick access.
• Avoid lingering on sealed wood, painted surfaces, or areas with structures made of paper, wood, plywood, or cardboard. In areas that you are not sure about, test a small area first.
Warning: remember to use boiling water.
• Read the cleaning manual first and use it for what it is designed to do.
• Wear closed shoes.
• Use a portable vaporizer only on surfaces and materials that are sealed and can withstand high temperatures and humidity.
• Be aware of changes in temperature that can break glass or porcelain. For example, do not use steam to clean a glass window in very cold weather.
• Make sure the accessory tools are properly and securely positioned.
• After releasing the trigger, the steam will continue to escape for a few seconds. Do not aim at plants or other objects that cannot absorb moisture or heat.
• Disconnect the device from the power supply before filling it with water and changing accessories.
• Be careful when placing a hot tool.
For more practical tips, visit rosieonthehouse.com . Rosie Romero has been a professional in the Arizona construction and renovation industry for 35 years. She is the presenter of the radio show Rosie on the House from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays on KTAR-FM (92.3) in Phoenix from 9 a.m. 11 a.m. KAFF-AM (930) in Flagstaff and 10-11 a.m. KNST-AM (790) in Tucson.
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