Steam cleaners may be the stars at Tik Tok (what's so satisfying when you see them sucking up dirt?), But they're worth it. These devices use high temperature steam to break up dirt and remove stains . Some have a large water cartridge and various accessories (similar to a vacuum cleaner ), while others are portable and can fit into narrow crevices.
"If you've never used a steam cleaner before you'll be surprised how easy it is. They are so useful that I recommend having one for every home - I think they are just as important as a vacuum cleaner ." . Michelle Hansen, organization expert and founder of Practical Perfection , told TODAY Home . Hansen discovered some amazing things about steam cleaning , including golf clubs and tires.
Steam cleaning is a natural choice for areas with many non-porous surfaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, and sealed hardwood and tile floors (however, when in doubt, it's always best to confirm with the manufacturer). Depending on the material, you can also use steam cleaners for certain fabrics . We asked the experts about the best places to use a steam cleaner in your home.
This is how you steam clean carpets, upholstery and other fabrics
Do your research first.
Before you begin, check the care label on the item (if you have one) or contact the manufacturer to determine if steam cleaning over high heat is appropriate. "When you buy a rug or piece of furniture it usually includes information about the fabric's contents and a care label. Keep it where you keep and hang all of the instruction manuals," said Wayne Edemlan, Meurice CEO . Garment Care , a New York-based dry cleaning company specializing in clothing and interiors.
Plastics love steam.
Edelman said that in general you would get better results with synthetic steam cleaners (Ultrasuede and Sunbrella are two great candidates) than you would with linen, silk, leather, or velvet. Heavy cottons can usually be cleaned with steam. However, you must be careful that the device does not spray water (only steam), as this can cause visible stains.
Vacuum completely.
Always start with a deep vacuum whether you're cleaning a carpet or furniture. "If you don't remove the dirt from the surface before you use the steam to clean, it essentially creates sludge," Edelman said.
Perform spot checks.
Before cleaning the appliance with a steamer, aim it at a towel to ensure that a fine mist is created. "The 'spit' as I call it can leave traces of water," said Edelman. When cleaning the product for the first time, always perform a spot test with steam in an inconspicuous area.
Go to town.
Follow the specific instructions for your steam cleaner. Most have special accessories for upholstery. "I set the steam mop at a 45-degree angle while I have a microfiber cloth on the other side of the stain," said Hansen. "The steam throws dirt and debris on the cloth." Note that some steam cleaners divert dirty water to the device. When cleaning furniture, let the pillows dry completely (a day is ideal) before replacing them so they don't get what Edelman put into "a moldy situation".
Know that at some point you will need soap.
Most steam cleaners are not compatible with cleaning solutions, and Edelman said that water alone is usually not enough for fabrics. "When you use soap, the dirt is released because the surfactant allows the water to wash away the dirt and doesn't get stuck in what you're washing." While steam cleaning can keep your textiles fresh between washes, you still want to machine wash, hand wash or professionally clean your items according to the care instructions.
How to dampen clean floors
As with textiles, vacuuming (or at least a thorough sweeping) will get the best results. "If you have hardwood or tile floors, depending on the accessories, you can easily clean them," said Hansen. There are also specially designed steam mops for floors. Always check with your flooring manufacturer to make sure that steam is safe. For example, some types of laminates can be damaged by high temperatures. You should also test a small, hidden area first.
How to steam clean grout
Many people who steam grout are shocked at the results and often forget about the original color. "Over time, whether you notice it or not, tile grout gets soiled with caked food and other debris like mold, and a steam mop means the one-day process doesn't happen. It takes a fraction of the time," Hansen said. . It is best to clean and rinse the tiles before steaming. The soft nylon bristle attachment is safe on most tiles, and you can use a mop, sponge, or microfiber cloth to remove dirty water. If you're cleaning the tile walls with a steamer, start at the top and work your way down.
How to clean the kitchen with steam
Aside from floors and countertops, there are plenty of places where the intense heat of a steam mop can help break up the dirty, sticky mess that seems to be taking over. "Most people are overwhelmed by the idea of doing a thorough kitchen cleaning , so they just don't do it," said Hansen. "But then it all adds up over time. With steam cleaning, the heat melts the mess with practically no action on your part." Your favorite places to steam and bleach include the behind the stove and refrigerator, the garbage can, your child's high chair (you may need to remove the padding first), the inside of the oven, and the refrigerator. and on the taps to remove hard water stains.
How to clean the bathroom with steam
In this much-visited place, Hansen likes to use the steam cleaner in places with lots of cracks, such as the toilet rail and shower door. Of course, steam cleaning is also ideal for tiled walls and floors, lights, windows and mirrors. While you may prefer to use traditional cleaning and disinfecting products sporadically, steam cleaning will help loosen lather and other grime that builds up in the bathroom .
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