Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Cleaners Answered

Cleaning without chemicals, with just steam? Sounds good, but how does it work? What has to be taken into consideration when using steam cleaners for the first time? And how safe is cleaning with steam? 

 

Kärcher answers the most important questions related to the use of steam cleaners.

A steam cleaner removes dirt through a powerful combination of steam pressure and high temperature. The microscopically small particles of steam penetrate into the smallest crevices and pores, which allows them to remove even stubborn dirt. Cleaning agents are not required for cleaning. Vapour, which forms in a hot shower, for example, does not have the same effect. Only the duo of steam pressure and high temperature achieve a powerful effect and deep cleanliness.

There may be several reasons for this. Firstly, one must wait for a little before the machine heats up the water completely. Because the steam cleaner's hose is still cold before use, a bit of condensation water comes out of the machine when it is first pushed. The same happens if you take a break during steam cleaning. The remaining steam in the hose cools down, condensation forms and escapes with the next blast of steam. To prevent too much water getting onto sensitive surfaces, Kärcher recommends directing the first steam jet into the sink.

SEE ALSO: Scientific Study Confirms Efficacy of Steam to Kill Bacteria

If cleaning agents have previously been used for floor cleaning, then detergent residues will have collected on the floor over the years. If a steam cleaner is now used, such residues will be dissolved and become visible as streaks. This is why a deep clean should be done first with the machine, where the surface is treated intensively with steam and wiped off with a cloth. If the residues are removed first, cleaning will then go a lot faster.

All Kärcher steam cleaners are certified by international inspection authorities. In addition to this, the machines feature a child safety lock on the steam gun. Once it is locked, no more steam can escape. Furthermore, the safety locks on the steam boiler only open when the pressure in the boiler is low. 

Steam cleaners are all-rounders and, with the right accessories, can be used for many different home cleaning tasks: with the floor nozzle, round brush, point jet nozzle and more, you can quickly clean not only hard floors but also fittings, tile joints or hobs. With an optional steam iron, you can even use the SC 4 Premium Iron Kit and the SC 5 Premium Iron Kit for ironing. 

Grease and encrusted food remain in the oven can spoil the mood of any cook. With the help of the steam cleaner and round brush, the encrustations can be removed without damaging the oven surfaces. The loosened dirt can then simply be removed using a cloth. It is important to disconnect the power supply before cleaning your oven.

SEE ALSO: Why This Multi-Purpose Vacuum Could Be Your New Secret Weapon

Limescale quickly makes shower walls and fittings in the bath unsightly. Limescale residues in the bathroom can be removed using a point jet nozzle and round brush – without time-consuming scrubbing by hand. If the limescale layer is already very thick, apply a little citric acid-based cleaner to the affected area and after half an hour's contact time treat with the steam cleaner. Wet the cement grouting between the tiles beforehand, as otherwise they will be affected by the acidic cleaner.

Larger carpeted areas cannot be cleaned with a steam cleaner – spray extraction cleaners should be used instead. Steam can, however, be used for spot cleaning small stains. Afterwards, dab clean the spots with a dry terry cloth. Always carry out a test on a hidden patch of carpet beforehand to see how the material reacts to the steam and wait until the area has dried. This allows you to avoid any changes in colour and shape. The manufacturer's guidelines sometimes give you instructions for treatment.