Steam has many uses that most of us don't know about. Modern, mobile cleaning devices are able to generate enormous amounts of steam, which not only perfectly cleans surfaces, but also disinfects them. Is the use of such benefits of technology as steam cleaners completely safe for floors or other materials and will not significantly hit our pocket? Let's take a look at the possibilities of Karcher devices, which are perfect for washing stainless steel, hotplates or a shower cabin.
WHAT IS PRESSURE STEAM CLEANING?
The use of steam for surface care at home or in industry is actually nothing new. For many decades, special devices have been used that heat water and generate steam. But, why is steam cleaning so effective and not so widely used? Let's check all the advantages of steam cleaning:
Disinfection – high temperature causes that all microorganisms, bacteria and viruses die in a split second
Effective stain removal – in most cases, stains that are water-soluble can be easily removed with steam.
No chemicals – there’s no need to use additional cleaning agents or fragrances. Steam disappears quickly, cleans very well even porous surfaces and does not leave any smell. Its advantages will also be appreciated by allergy sufferers, because steam does not sensitize or cause allergic reactions.
Easy access to water – you do not have to run to the store for cleaning agents. All you need to do is to fill the tank of the device with tap water.
Simple operation – most home steam devices do not require any effort to operate them. They do not have moving parts, do not require lubrication or periodical survey.
Versatility – you can successfully clean almost all surfaces in the house using steam. These include parquet floor, a washbasin, a shower cabin, tiles, windows, mirrors and grouts. Thanks to steam, you can also refresh your clothes in a few seconds!
HOW DOES A STEAM CLEANER WORK?
The principle of operation of the steam cleaner is very simple. The water in the device is heated to the boiling point until the steam is obtained, which at the outlet of the steam cleaner has a temperature close to 100 ºC. Preheating time varies and takes an average of 1 to 6 minutes per litre of water. It is very useful to fill the steam cleaner tank with warm water because it shortens the time of heating it. However, it is important not to completely fill the container. This may cause excessive moisture in the steam and adversely affect the surface being cleaned.
STEAM CLEANING AT HOME: HOW TO PREPARE?
Cleaning with steam is quick, easy and fun. However, before we take a steam cleaner or other equipment designed for this, we must be sure that we will not damage the surface with high temperature. Steam will not replace an ordinary broom and will not dissolve hair or sand on the floor.
So, where to start when preparing for home cleaning?
Cleaning floor tiles – for cleaning this type of floor, it is best to use the floor nozzle with a cloth attached to it, which will serve as a squeegee for dirt. It is recommended to use cotton or microfiber cloths. It is a good idea to thoroughly vacuum the entire surface to get rid of loose dirt.
Cleaning parquet and laminate floors – before steam cleaning, make sure that the floor is not additionally oiled or waxed. The high temperature could then damage the protective layer. Karcher steam cleaners have the function of limiting the amount of steam generated and in the case of delicate surfaces such as the mentioned floors, it is worth using it. It is also recommended to use more than one cloth to limit direct contact of hot steam with the floor.
Cleaning the fittings in the bathroom and toilet – hot steam will perfectly tackle limescale on the shower cabin and soap scum. When washing small items such as taps or water taps, it is worth using a smaller nozzle, which will allow for more precise washing. Some surfaces may have visible stains. To reduce their formation, wipe the washed areas with a soft microfiber cloth.
Cleaning windows and mirrors – steam is perfect for cleaning glass surfaces. What is very useful – the windows can also be cleaned in this way in winter. You only need to warm them up a little with steam from a distance of about 5 cm. A window squeegee will be a very useful gadget, thanks to which you can quickly get rid of the condensed steam and possible stains.
STEAM IRONING AND REFRESHING CLOTHES
Steam cleaners are perfect not only for cleaning surfaces, but also for ironing. Interestingly, ironing with the steam iron takes half the time compared to using a classic iron. So, how to iron with a steam cleaner? It is very simple and extremely effective! All you need to do is get the Karcher SI 4 EasyFix ironing station. It has been equipped with an advanced steam extraction system, thanks to which the clothes remain dry after ironing. This system also prevents the formation of water stains. The set also includes the Karcher SC 4 Easyfix steam cleaner.
CAR STEAM CLEANING – IS IT SAFE?
Some people may be intrigued by the topic of washing a car with the use of a steam cleaner. Is the steam safe for most parts of the car body and interior? All in all, car steam cleaning is completely safe, both for the paintwork, plastics and upholstery. There is also no need to use special chemicals that can seriously harm our skin.
Moreover, hot steam will not only clean the car thoroughly, but also disinfect it. An interesting fact is that the car will perfectly tolerate washing with steam also in winter, because unlike traditional washing with warm water, the seals and locks on the doors will not freeze. However, if we do not know whether the steam will accidentally harm the delicate interior of the car or not, it is worth commissioning a cleaning service to a special cosmetic company.
STEAM DISINFECTION – FAST AND WITHOUT CHEMICALS!
Steam is an extremely effective disinfectant that will work in many situations where classic solutions using chemical preparations fail. Pressurized hot steam kills bacteria, mold, fungi, yeasts, bedbugs and viruses. Disinfection with steam should be used by institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, catering facilities, hotels, veterinary clinics as well as industrial buildings serving food and pharmaceutical industries.
RECOMMENDED KARCHER CLEANING DEVICES
Clean even more conveniently and efficiently with professional Karcher cleaning equipment! In our offer you will find not only above steam cleaners, but also electric mops, window washers, electric brushes and sweepers. Check which products we recommend in particular!
KARCHER SC 4 EASYFIX STEAM CLEANER
This is an example of an ideal compromise between the price and usability of the equipment. The SC 4 EasyFix steam cleaner is handy, efficient, functional and does not cost too much. It has a main water tank with a capacity of 0.5 litres and an additional container with a capacity of 0.8 litres of water. This small device has a heater with a power of 2000 W. Thanks to this, it takes only 4 minutes to heat up the water! We recommend choosing this solution for cleaning floors, taps, windows, mirrors, cooktops
and most usable areas.
KARCHER WV 2 PLUS N WINDOW VACUUM
This small device is battery powered and allows for 35 minutes of work on a single charge. The WV 2 PLUS N model guarantees effective cleaning of glass surfaces and window sills without the effect of streaks and stains. It also works well for cleaning mirrors, shower cabins and counters. The set includes a sprayer, a 170 mm suction nozzle, a window cleaning concentrate and a battery charger.
KARCHER PUZZI VACUUM WASHER 10/1
This model of a vacuum cleaner from the graphite line is designed for professional use, but it will also work well for home tasks. The perfect solution for the care and cleaning of carpets and textile upholstery. Its advantages will be particularly appreciated by owners of accommodation places, cleaning companies or holiday farms. The Puzzi 10/1 model provides a vacuum pressure of 254 mbar and an air flow of 74 l / s. The machine is equipped with a transparent water container, which allows you to measure the amount and level of soiling.
