Frequently Asked Questions about Handheld Steam Cleaners

What does a steam cleaner do?

A steam cleaner cleans at high temperatures using only water vapors. This means that bacteria, germs and even dust mites can be destroyed.

How does it work?

The grease and chemicals are emulsified and then the hot towels draws the emulsified gunge into it. As only a type of dry steam is used it dries a lot quicker, possibly in seconds. If you are sensitive to chemicals and substances using a steam cleaner is ideal as you are not using chemicals, instead you will be cleaning them away in a lot of intstances.

Are hand held steam cleaners safe?

They are in most cases very safe. However make sure you buy a good system which has safety features built in, for example pressure gauges and switches etc). Also make sure you read the instructions and are vigilant and cautious when using it.

Can I burn myself?

Of course, if you ever don’t take reasonable caution, but the incidence of this is quite rare.

Can a steam cleaner get rid of dust mites?

Steam cleaners kill dust mites but using high temperatures. However it doesn't get rid of the dust mites permanently, you have to clean again in a couple of months time.

Can I use a handheld steam cleaner on vinyl or lino floors?

People use steam cleaners on these floors quite successfully and on hardwood floors too. You must remember to keep the cleaner moving and don't leave it still on the floor or you run the risk of it burning the floor.

Why can professional cleaning services not be as effective for removing dust mites?

A lot of these services uses chemicals when they clean. Therefore the heat won't be high enough to kill of the dust mites. The nozzle needs to be at 130 degrees plus to get rid of dust mites. By using chemicals you are adding chemicals to the process and also if the carpet remains wet for a long tim this can allow mold to increase and therefore encourage more dust mites. This does not happen with genuine steam cleaning without chemicals.

Are steam cleaners useful for washing carpets?

Of course especially for spot removal and for generally revitalizing the carpet.

Is it useful for cleaning up pet accidents on the carpets?

Yes it can clean up after pet accidents very well, the only exception is when the mess has caused a substance reaction in the carpet fibers. Odors in the carpet are dealt with and removed satisfactorily too.

Can you remove dog and cat hair from carpets and chairs?

The heat loosens the hair which makes it simple to vacuum the hairs up afterwards.

Is a steam cleaner effective in cleaning an oven?

It's the high temperature that makes it so good at cleaning an oven rather than the use of scrubbing.

Can it be used to clean grout?

Usually it can, unless the staining has got below the surface of the grout.

Should I put washing fluid into the cleaner to make it perform better?

No! Definitely not. You will not only destroy the device but also invalidate the warranty.

I can buy a handheld steam cleaner costing from $20 to hundreds of dollars. Why should I buy a more expensive machine?

The more expensive products generally have better safety features, the boilers are likely to be made of stainless steel, the wiring and switches may be heavier and of better quality, more and better quality attachments, for example. You can usually expect a more expensive machine to last longer and, in general though that's not always the case, to do a better job.

How long will a steamer cleaner last?

Up to 20 years if you buy a good quality product. During that time you may have to maintain and do small essential repairs to the cleaner but if you buy a quality product then there is a good chance that spares will be available during this time also.