Cleaning surfaces using a vapor steam cleaner is not a difficult task; however, it can be done improperly, resulting in damage to the surfaces. Many cleaning professionals offer tips to ensure these machines work better and to make the cleaning process easier for the operator.
Here are some suggestions for yielding the maximum performance from your steam cleaner, without damaging surfaces.
Know Your Steam Cleaner
A steam cleaner ejects dry steam onto surfaces to melt away dirt and stains. Dry steam means superheated water, having a temperature of up to 360°F, with less than 5 percent water content. The high temperatures used can damage heat-sensitive surfaces; so, make certain to test a small portion of the surface first.
A vapor steam cleaner only melts dirt and other impurities into a residue. Either one has to remove the dirt residue manually using a towel or a brush, or use a cleaning machine with an attached vacuum.
Many floor steam cleaner models come with an attached vacuum facility. This added function makes the steam cleaning process easy by enabling users to simultaneously clean extract, thereby cutting down the overall time required for cleaning.
Use Accessories
A well-constructed floor steam cleaner will have some essential and some optional accessories. Such additional tools include detail brushes, squeegee tools, extension wands, and other accessories. Let's look at how these accessories can aid in the cleaning process.
Detail brushes can be used to agitate stubborn deposits, breaking them apart as they are softened by high temperature steam. Nylon, brass, and steel brushes are available, ranging from soft to hard bristles accordingly. Using the most abrasive steel brushes on delicate surfaces can actually damage and scratch the surface. Therefore, it is necessary to match the detail brush to the application at hand. For example, removing gum from concrete requires the strength of stainless steel brushes, while these brushes may damage delicate tiles.
Remember, when selecting a machine, detail brushes wear out quickly and must be replaced frequently. As such, purchasing a machine that requires the use of expensive detail brushes may prove to be extremely costly.
One can use a portable steam cleaner for cleaning window frames and glasses. A squeegee tool, by which one can remove the dirt residues, will make the cleaning process easier.
Use Green Chemicals
Many types of steam cleaning machines contain a detergent tank. These tanks are used for storing detergents, which can be injected onto the surface for improving the cleaning efficiency.
However, using the wrong type of detergent can harm surfaces, as well. Artificial chemical detergents leave toxic residues on the surface that can harm the surface, the environment, and the user. It is better to use green chemicals, which are as strong as artificial chemicals, if not stronger, in terms of cleaning capacity. The real plus of green chemicals is that they are readily biodegradable, plant-based, and non-toxic; they do not harm the surface, people, or the environment.
Find Advanced Technologies
A quality industrial steam cleaner must be equipped with some sophisticated technologies such as automatic refilling technology and anti bacterial technology. The refilling technology makes the cleaning process easier and faster, enabling operators to work continuously without shutting down the machine to refill. Anti bacterial technology, another key feature enables near complete elimination of bacteria and germs that cannot be killed by steam temperatures alone. Both these technologies help in maximizing the performance of steam cleaning machines.
