Steam cleaners are machines used for surfaces with hot water. Bacteria, allergens, fungus and mold on surfaces could killed by steam cleaners. Usually, steam cleaners used in inns, homes and restaurants, etc. Steam cleaners are used to clean surfaces such as the carpet, in the bathroom and so on. Any surface which is heat resistant can be cleaned by a steam cleaner.
There are two types of steam cleaners:
Traditional steam cleaners
The traditional steam cleaners include a container, boiler, brushes and hose. To make the surface clean, its use warm water. This type is used to clean floors only. The warm water is generated on the dirty surface, after that the revolving brushes rub the surface and collect the dirty water into its container. Cleaning agents needed by some cleaners to remove stains, but mostly depend on steam and brushes to perform this process.
Vapor steam cleaners
The second type; vapor steam cleaners include a container with a hose, a nozzle and a heater. To produce dry steam, water is boiled in the tank. The dry steam is thrown onto the dirty surface via a nozzle and hose. The steam helps to loose the stains and dirt on the surface. Then, vacuum cleaner cleans the surface. The surface will dry as soon as it is cleaned because moisture content is only 6% in the vapor steam cleaner. A vapor steam cleaner can wash any heat resistant surface. Most people who are allergic to chemicals use this cleaner.
There are steam cleaners made specifically to clean carpets surface. They use hot water to clean the carpet, instead of using steam. After the carpet become wet, brushes in the steamer will scrub it, and then dirty water is sucked back into the container. It is good if we use an air conditioner at the same time, as it eliminates humidity from the air. The carpets surface will get dry quickly. When the carpet get dry, make sure that it cleaned properly. A steam cleaner can have an inbuilt water container or a constant water supply. This type is more convenient. You will not need to fill the tank again and again.
We can find various models of steam cleaners. Before shopping, you have to look for the attachments, boiler capacity, user manual, warranty etc. It is very important to through all the manufacture instructions before using a steam cleaner.
Vapor steam cleaners use a boiler to heat tap water to high temperatures (240 to 310 degrees) causing the water to be transformed into a very fine, dry mist. The vapor is made up of about 5 to 6% water, so surfaces dry quickly. The vapor particles are much smaller than steam particles allowing the ability to clean in tighter spaces. In 2005, the University of Washington tested a vapor steam cleaner and said “the steam vapor’s low moisture and high temperature provides deeper cleaning because it penetrates into the pores and crevices better than topically applied cleaners”. Since steam vapor cleaners use no chemicals, there is a benefit to indoor air quality, no hazards or risks from using and storing chemicals, and no harmful chemical residue left after the cleaning process.
Vapor steam cleaners have been in use at hospitals.
Recently, green cleaning has been gaining interest and popularity in the quest to end our reliance on disinfecting chemicals. Technology has provided us with vapor steam cleaners to combat mold, bacteria, viruses, mildew, and fungus without the use of chemicals. In addition, Rona Fried, Ph D. said “the fact that you can achieve sanitation from tap water frees you from chemical-safety concerns.”
Most common messes such as dirt, dust, and mud can be removed by shampooing or steam-cleaning the fabric.
1. First, vacuum the entire surface of the sofa to remove dry, loose dirt.
2. Next, it’s time pre-treat the stain. Using a clean, white, very damp cloth, dab the stain to saturate it with water and loosen stubborn dirt particles.
3. Use your cleaning agent to spot-test the upholstery for colorfastness. To test, apply only the dry suds to a hidden part of your sofa’s upholstery and lightly scrub into the fabric with a cloth or soft-bristled brush. Allow the spot to dry.
4. Steam clean the stain. Apply dry suds from your cleaning mixture to the stain. Using the brush attachment on the steam cleaner, firmly and thoroughly shampoo the stained area in even, circular strokes. Once it’s removed, you’ll likely want to steam clean the entire surface of your sofa to ensure that the fabric wears evenly.
5. Allow the upholstery to dry.
6. Apply a fabric protector. This step will help keep your upholstery stain-resistant and durable.
Cleaning leather upholstery
Most leather sofas are made with finished leather, which is dyed for color uniformity and treated with a clear top coat for maximum durability. Because of this process, many common household stains–especially dirt and mud–can be cleaned with warm water and a clean sponge or cloth. But for tough stains, or to give your leather sofa a thorough cleaning, follow these steps:
1. Vacuum the entire surface of the sofa to remove dry, loose dirt.
2. Remove excess soap with a clean, dry, white cloth and allow the leather to dry thoroughly.
3. If the stain is still intact, try applying a specially-formulated leather stain remover. For extremely tough stains, other methods may work more effectively. Remove the cornstarch with a dry white cloth, and repeat the process as necessary.
Using a dry white cloth, work the mixture into the entire surface after cleaning and once a month to ensure the longevity of your leather furniture.
Weekly dusting and vacuuming, monthly cleaning, and the immediate treatment of stains are the best ways to protect your investment.
Have you ever had dinner guests come over on really short notice? TONIGHT! I was kind of in a frenzy trying to get the house organized and something planned for dinner
that could feed a rugby team. (Go big or go home, right?) It would be fast and feed lots of hungry rugby players.
I also hated to think I would spend the majority of this beautiful day cleaning. Then, I remembered I have my very own miracle machine; my steam cleaner! ?
I took a deep breath, filled my steam cleaner with ordinary tap water, and while it was heating up, I brushed all the loose dirt and char off the BBQ. When my machine was ready,
I started with my patio furniture. I steam cleaned the textured outside with my steam nozzle and 2? stiff brush. I watched the dirt and grime melt away with almost no effort at all! I added a spiral-cut stainless steel scrubber to do the racks and the charred muck on the inside walls and the bottom by the grease catcher. ?
My whole barbecue was clean and sparkly in a total of 20 minutes! The meal was ready to go and my patio looked amazing. I got to sit back and relax until game time. I
enjoyed myself in the sun and came home for a great yummy meal with good friends on my sparkling clean patio. All of this thanks to my steam cleaner.
How can you be absolutely certain that your cleaning service company or private maid is trustworthy? According to Mark Roselli of The Mang Insurance Group, a national survey of insurance companies concluded that 44.6% of all theft claims are derived from domestic cleaning services. In addition, Mr. Roselli states that most cleaning service companies are under insured – protecting themselves from theft of company property but not covering their customers in cases of theft. He also stated that criminal background checks are not required in order to purchase bonding insurance. Before you agree to let a stranger into your home, whether you are hiring a private maid or a cleaning service company, you must be assured that you are not putting yourself at risk.
As the owner of a cleaning service company since 1989, and as a consultant for residential cleaning companies since 2004, I have heard about many experiences. Aside from under insured companies who may have criminals on staff, there are less dire concerns to consider. To ensure that you have an acceptable experience you must do your research before hiring a cleaning company. (Insist that the insurance certificate is sent to you by the insurance company, not the cleaning company.) Proper coverage would be a minimum of a $25,000 third party bond.
A minimum of $1,000,000 is desirable for liability coverage.
• Worker’s compensation insures that any personal injury occurring on your property is not charged to your home owner’s policy.
Inquire about company policies regarding inadequate service, problems with employees and insurance claims. 4. Ask if the cleaning company checks employment and criminal records. Out of the ten applicants invited for an interview, nine are eliminated because of poor work ethics, excessive residences and/or criminal records. Most often the criminal records of applicants are clean; however ten percent include assault, disturbing the peace and serious traffic violations. These are the records of applicants whose applications were above average — can you imagine who will be sent to your home if the company you hire does not enforce the most stringent hiring policies?
6. If you prefer to hire a private maid then be certain that you perform a criminal record check. If you invest $120 to have your home cleaned and are unhappy with the results, then you have the opportunity to see first hand how the internal policies of the company work. Not only should you be assured that the company you have invited to be such an important part of your life will clean your home properly and without incident, but that they will take your concerns seriously.
The labor intensity of the residential cleaning industry is equally rivaled by the communication and management intensity. If the cleaning company does not utilize proper management techniques, your overall experience will not be desirable.
In conclusion, as with any important decision you should educate yourself before making a final choice on which company you’ll allow to clean your home. Make inquires by phone, in person, online, speak to friends and neighbors about their experiences with local cleaning companies.
