Steam cleaners for the home: what it is, why it is needed and how to use it

A functional novelty has appeared in the arsenal of advanced housewives - a manual steam cleaner for the home. What is this useful household appliance and what is it capable of? How to choose such household appliances, what parameters should I pay attention to? We answer.

What is a steam cleaner and why is it needed

Most of us have already heard about the next miracle of household appliances and its functional capabilities. And, of course, I would like to receive more detailed information about this device and its features. In general, to understand: is such a device needed for the home and is it worth buying? Or is it entirely possible to get along with a mop and a rag?

So, get acquainted: a home steam cleaner is a special device for removing various even persistent contaminants from surfaces using steam, as well as for caring for clothes; disinfection of household items and cleaning the house without the use of harmful chemicals.

The device allows you to remove persistent fatty contaminants without too much effort by treating them with a stream of hot steam, clean or refresh outer clothing, and smooth out wrinkled jackets and suits. You can use it without iron and ironing board to give a perfect look to curtains and clothes made of delicate fabrics. Wash the windows and put a gloss on the floor and much more.

How the steam cleaner works

In all models of steam cleaners there are 3 main units. It is these most important details that perform the main work in a device operating on the principle of a double boiler:

1. A reservoir for water (it is also a steam boiler).
2. Heating element (ten).
3. Flexible hose through which steam or nozzle is supplied.

In addition to the main listed nodes, there is also a system that provides steam under high pressure, and a safety valve. The device is equipped with a telescopic extension and various nozzles, napkins, a measuring cup, a rag for a mop, and in some models there is a steam iron.

To activate the steam cleaner for the house in a special tank, it is necessary to fill in the volume of distilled or boiled water specified in the instructions, close the safety valve and turn on the device in the network. Depending on the power of the heating elements and the volume of the boiler, the device can be ready for operation in 30 seconds, less powerful models convert water into steam from 3 to 10 minutes.

To clean contaminants from hard surfaces, the nozzle of the device is placed at a small distance from the surface and the button (if it is a portable device) or the trigger (in the most expensive models) is pressed, that is, it is necessary to control the steam supply process.

Household steam cleaners work almost silently. The steam at the outlet, although very hot, is completely safe for people due to its leaky structure. Of course, when working, it is necessary to observe safety precautions, do not direct the steam stream at the body, make sure that there are no small children or pets near the working device.

How to choose a good steam cleaner for the house: we study important parameters

To buy best steam cleaner for home, it is important to know what parameters you need to pay attention to. Experts recommend paying attention to the following characteristics of the device:

1. Power. The rate of conversion of water to steam (steam generation), and, consequently, the time of cleaning the apartment as a whole, directly depends on this technical characteristic. If you purchase a device with a power of less than 1000 watts, be prepared for the fact that the cleaning will drag on for a long time. Refuse to buy low-power devices with a very long hose. Perhaps this is the most unfortunate combination. Since the efficiency of the steam cleaner is significantly lower, and wet traces remain on the treated surface.
2. Steam power regulator. It is desirable that the device was equipped with such a function, since it will be much more convenient to use it. So some steam cleaner models for carpets and furnitureare equipped with a dry steam supply function. Carpet, sofa or clothing treated in this way remain completely dry.
3. The volume of the water tank. You should not buy models that have too small a water tank. Since then you often have to add fluid. The Karcher steam cleaner is considered the best in this regard, you can immediately pour 2 liters of water into its tank, which is enough for 1 hour of cleaning.
4. Pressure. For household appliances, a vapor pressure of 3 bar or more will be sufficient. Steam cleaners for a kitchen with less pressure with old pollution can not cope.

Carefully read the documentation with the specifications specified by the manufacturer. If the pressure in the boiler is not indicated, then most likely such a cleaner is not capable of serious work.

It is equally important to pay attention to the intensity of steam supply, which is especially important if you plan to carry out cleaning in the kitchen.

To remove complex contaminants, the device must dispense from 80 to 150 g of steam per minute, that is, provide a high-temperature wet wash.

If the cleanliness of the house is maintained regularly, and there is no need to remove old pollution, a purchase and a low-current device with a steam jet supply rate of 30-40 g / min will suffice.

1. Temperature mode. For high-performance steam cleaners, these figures should not be lower than +135 .. + 140 º C. In this case, cleaning and disinfection of surfaces is guaranteed. Units delivering about +100 º C are only useful for steaming clothescleaning the carpets. These devices are not suitable for serious sanitation or mold removal.
2. Additional functions. Well-known manufacturers complete steam cleaners with many additional functions. If the family has small children, you can purchase a device with child protection. In this case, the child will not be able to turn on the device and cause harm to himself.

What else to look for when choosing a steam cleaner

In addition to the listed characteristics, pay attention to other parameters, such as:

Hose length

In floor-mounted steam generators, the flexible hose is quite long, so you should not go beyond the reasonable limits. With a three-meter flexible tube with a rigid extension cord, you can safely get it from floor to ceiling. Hoses that are too short are not comfortable to use. All far corners, ceiling plinths and mezzanines will be very difficult to handle. Long hoses also have a serious drawback - until the steam from the boiler reaches the nozzle, it will have time to cool down fairly well.

Material of which the boiler is made

In the manufacture of internal boilers of steam generators, steel or aluminum is used. Modern models are equipped with aluminum tanks, which warm up faster, and almost no scale is formed inside them. Those who purchase direct-flow units do not have this choice: the water tanks in them are made only of plastic.

Equipment

The possibilities of its use depend on how varied the equipment of the unit will be.But in order not to spend too much, decide on your own needs in cleaning matters. But it’s also not worth saving too much, you risk limiting the possibilities of this universal assistant.

Here is a list of the most popular nozzles that come in handy at home:

• Brushes.

They are necessary for cleaning relief surfaces, parquet, ceramics and even upholstered furniture. Thanks to the combination of mechanical cleaning and steam treatment, the effect of this effect gives brilliant results. If you choose brushes with scrapers, consider that their use is allowed only on surfaces that are resistant to mechanical stress.

• Terry covers.

It is recommended to use for delicate cleaning of kitchen appliances, washing windows and laminate. Very practical because it can be used repeatedly. Contamination from them is easily removed during normal washing.

• Spout (nozzle).

With this narrow and long conical nozzle, you can easily penetrate the farthest corners of the house. There are varieties with small brushes designed to clean small items, such as kitchen faucets.

• Ironing.

It is used in conjunction with combined cleaners equipped with a steaming function and a humidity controller. With this nozzle, you can easily smooth out the most delicate fabrics, clean the fur coat, and steam off heavy curtains.

The number of complete nozzles is recommended at least 3. Then the acquired equipment will be truly functional.

You can also find out how to choose a vacuum cleaner with a steam cleaner by reading the article here.

Types of steam cleaners

To choose a steam cleaner, you need to know what types of this useful equipment manufacturers offer. Similar devices are divided into the following types:

• manual steam cleaners with compact dimensions and a smaller volume of the water tank;
• floor models with rich functionality and good steam power;
• Vacuum cleaners for home;
• steamers.

Which steam cleaner to buy? Handheld devices have an affordable cost, compact size. But for a total cleaning of the apartment is hardly suitable. Rather, these devices can come in handy for cleaning car interiors, hard-to-reach spots or for processing small surfaces.

Floor-mounted steam cleaners that look very much like a vacuum cleaner, but do not perform its functions, will allow you to use more water and save time on refilling the tank. As a rule, these models are more powerful and often come with a steam iron for ironing and steaming clothes at the same time.

Manufacturers offer devices with function steam cleaner and vacuum cleaner. Dirt after steam treatment, when using these devices, does not need to be collected.

What's better steam generator or steamer? There are models of steamers that can be used to iron clothes, and to clean surfaces from dirt. The power of such devices is lower, but buyers are attracted by their affordable cost and compact size.

Which is better: steam mop or steam cleaner?

It depends a lot on your needs. If you need a universal assistant, choose a steam cleaner, if you need steam technology only for mopping, you can limit yourself steam mop. By the way, it is safer in operation, it is almost impossible to burn yourself with steam when using it: the supply of hot steam is carried out only when the handle of the device is located vertically.

According to the reviews of those who used both the one and the other device, it is better to wash the floors after all with a steam mop. No need to constantly press the steam supply button, it is more convenient to use a compact removable water tank. A thicker velcro nozzle instead of a rag, like with steam generators, allows you to better clean the floor. In combination with working brushes, this significantly increases the cleaning efficiency.

Can a laminate be washed with a steam cleaner

Some steam cleaners for the house are equipped with special nozzles for washing laminate and parquet. It is recommended to put on a napkin folded in half on such a nozzle. It is pre-moistened with steam and then wiped the floors. Linoleum is also cleaned in a similar way.

Attention! It is forbidden to include a constant supply of steam when washing the laminate and parquet! In order not to spoil such coatings, they are wiped with a pre-moistened with a steam cloth.

Popular steam cleaners

To find out which steam cleaner is better, consider the popular brands of such devices.

1. Karcher SC 5. High-quality and functional apparatus from the legislator in the field of production of steam equipment Karcher. According to user reviews, this is the perfect steam cleaner for the home. The high cost of the device is compensated by its wide operational capabilities. This is one of the most powerful floor steam cleaners in its class with a supported vapor pressure of 4.2 bar. Thanks to this, it can be used to destroy about 99.9% of bacteria, including bugswithout using chemistry and other disinfectants. Easily removes the most persistent dirt. A removable 1.5 liter tank greatly simplifies the work with a device equipped with two tanks (a stationary boiler holds 0.5 liter of water). There is a steam regulator and a child lock. In addition to the high price of the minuses of the device, one can note its rather considerable weight - 6 kg.
2. Karcher SC 2. It produces steam with a pressure of up to 3.2 bar. It copes well with various household pollution. There is a steam regulator and a child lock. Of the minuses, users note an inconvenient mechanism for winding the cord.
3. MieBello Floor-mounted steam cleaner, versatile and multi-functional. It is very convenient for cleaning any surfaces: you do not need any brushes, mops, detergents. The appliance cleans everything efficiently with steam: kitchen dirt and a car interior, cleans carpets and children's toys. Included is a nozzle for washing windows. Equipped with steam iron-steamer and professional iron. Of the minuses of the device, it is worth noting the uncomfortable plastic wheels.
4. GM-Q7 Multi-T. A characteristic feature of the device is its heating system, which prevents water droplets from leaving the working device. Included is a very comfortable nozzle allowing clean the carpet. The device is compact, you can adjust the height of the telescopic stand. Of the minuses - the kit does not have a steam iron with an extended hose.
5. Polaris PSC 1101C. Compact handheld steam cleaner with an affordable price. Effectively removes old grease, it can be used to wash windows and mirrors well, refresh plumbing and ceramic tiles, and wash the refrigerator. It is convenient for disinfecting toys and removing dirt from them. A steam cleaner for clothes will help put in order curtains, outerwear, suits, etc. Of the minuses, a small capacity of the water container can be noted.
6. Kitfort KT-903. The device is designed for continuous operation without interruption up to 60 minutes. Reliable and versatile floor-standing steam cleaner with many accessories included. It can be used for efficient cleaning, cleaning of upholstered furniture and toys, washing windows and doors. Minus - a small tank for water and a decent weight of the device.
7. GM—Q7 Multi—R. A device with many additional features that combines the possibility of steaming. The water tank has a convenient self-loading function. Minus - the device does not have enough power, when steaming, not all tissues are 100% smoothed. The device also does not cope with persistent pollution.

When working with a steam cleaner, observe safety rules. Hands should not be exposed under the stream of steam, face. Before cleaning or steaming the item, make sure in a small area that it will not deteriorate from moisture and steam.

Features of operation and maintenance of the steam cleaner

For a steam cleaner, it is recommended to use distilled water, it is allowed to mix it with ordinary water in a 1: 1 ratio. If ordinary tap water is used, the apparatus periodically needs to be cleaned of the resulting scale. The frequency of such cleanings depends on the hardness of the water, usually manufacturers recommend cleaning after 40-50 full boiler refueling.

Chemicals, descalers, flavors and alcohol-containing substances must not be added to the steam cleaner's water tank. This may harm your health and damage the appliance. Disinfectant liquid should be poured into a special compartment for antiseptics.

Before working with the device, carefully read the instructions and clearly follow its instructions.

Finally

So, Do I need a steam generator for my home? If you’re tired of wiping pollution for hours, smoothing a mountain of clothes and using harmful chemicals, then the answer is definitely yes. The device will greatly facilitate the cleaning process, help to tidy up home furniture and carpets, sanitize children's toys, refresh clothes and even clean car interior. Such a universal assistant will save your time and effort, and will allow you to easily make the house clean and sparkling.