Steam

Steam cleaning involves using steam for cleaning. It's uses include applications in cleaning flooring; bacteria, allergen and pathogen removal and industrial uses in removing grease and dirt from engines.

Steam cleaning is an eco-friendly and chemical-free way of cleaning that excludes the use of any  chemical cleaning product. It is beneficial for people with a weak immune system, asthma or allergies. Doctors advise this cleaning method when their patients have small children or are expecting. Steam cleaning is also recommended in the last months of the pregnancy when the women’s body is the most sensitive.

STEAM CLEANING PROS

QUICK TO DRY FOR HARD SURFACES

If using a steam mop or cleaner on hard surfaces, you will notice how much faster a steam clean takes to dry compared to a traditional mop and bucket. Steam cleaners are great for hard surfaces as the steam is quick drying, making it a great option for places where the area needs to be able to be used within a short time. Areas like walkways in commercial buildings will benefit greatly from a steam cleaned floor.

HIGHLY EFFECTIVE CLEAN

Steam cleaners have a very high temperature output of steam; although this may cause a safety issue if used incorrectly, it actually helps the cleaner to provide sanitation on the surface it is working on. Bacteria is invisible to the naked eye however a steam mop is proven to, with very high temperature steam, kill bacteria and germs. This results in a completely sanitised surface.

LESS CHEMICALS

If you’re cleaning around pets and children, you may be worried about the potential dangers of the chemicals contained in traditional floor cleaning products, however this isn’t an issue when using a steam cleaner. The steam itself is what sanitises the surface without the use of harmful chemicals. 

AIR FRESHENING

Steam is a great sanitiser when used for air conditioning units and air filters and with the addition of chemicals can reduce the bacterium known as legionella, the leading cause ofLegionnaires' disease.

STEAM CLEANERS CAN BE USED ON MULTIPLE SURFACES

There are many different types of equipment on the market that actually allow different attachments to be used in order to steam clean anything from car interiors, kitchens and windows to sliding doors, mirrors and furniture. 

EASIER TO MAINTAIN

Depending on the steam cleaner you choose, cleaning your equipment may be as simple as throwing a reusable pad into the washing machine. Depending on the equipment, many steam cleaners utilise re-usable pads or filters that simply need to be washed before their next use. This means your steam cleaner can last a lot longer, plus you can save a lot of money on not having to buy refills and replacement mop heads.

STEAM CLEANING CONS

STEAM CLEANING MAY COME AT A HIGHER PRICE

Steam cleaners may cost a little more than traditional all chemical application and there associated paraphernalia. caused mostly by the complexity of the equipment, therefore startup cost is higher. Despite the higher initial outlay the long term savings should outway the intial cost. 

THE STEAM IS INCREDIBLY HOT

The steam used for steam cleaning gets to very high temperatures, which in some cases can be a safety hazard until the user is acquainted with the use of the equipment.  

CLEANING MORE OFTEN

You may find that steam cleaning becomes an addition to your cleaning schedule requiring you to clean more often if the larger particle of dirt are not removed during the steaming process. 

WATER DAMAGE AND MARKING

Steam cleaning may result in water marks and damage if the equipment user is not experienced.

LONG DRYING TIMES FOR CARPET

If you’re using a steam cleaner for carpets, you may have to wait up to 24 hours for the carpet to be completely dry and able to be walked on again. This could be inconvenient for some, especially if the carpet is in a workplace or commercial area. 

Steam Floor Cleaning

Most average modern homes in Australia  today have a type of steam mop which is capable of steam cleaning hard floors. Those who are brave have a steam mop which has a carpet slider and will use it to sanitise their carpets. This can be added to a household cleaning schedule with relative ease because of the steam mops simplicity and lightweight.

Carpet cleaning done by professionals in Australia is still leaning towards dry cleaning or chemical cleaning caused mostly by the safety issues and drying times associated with the use of steam. Steam is the only carpet cleaning method known to remove at least 97 percent of dirt and bacteria from carpeting. It is also the only method that reaches deeply into the pile of your carpeting to clean it thoroughly.

Garment and Fabric  Steam Cleaning

A steamer takes the wrinkles out of a cloth without making contact with the fabric. A garment steamer uses hot steam to relax the fibers in clothing. A steamer is much faster than irons. Handheld garment steamers beat irons in terms of convenience because they are lightweight and require little space.

Steaming kills most germs and removes wrinkles from items that aren't best suited to launder or dry clean, a highly toxic chemical process. Your more luxurious garments will last longer if steam cleaning and spot removal are included in-between dry cleans. Steam cleaning is a great way to save money and keep your clothes looking their best.

Steam is very effective when bugs and mites are on the surface of items and can be effective up to 3/4″ into fabric surfaces. In cracks and crevices, steam will kill bugs and mites up to 2-3/8” into a gap. Your couch, lounge, mattress and upholstery will be more hygienic and longer lasting when steam cleaning is included in your cleaning schedule along with spot removal and vacuuming.

Oven and Engine Cleaning

Steam is an effective way of removing baked on  grease and grime from all surfaces that are water proof or water resistant. 

Conclusion

Steam is a great way of cleaning and sanitising all surfaces and can be trusted to reduce bacteria, remove pathogens and kill allergens like dust mites. Steam can be a safety hazard and must be used carefully to avoid burns, scalds and water damage.  When used to clean carpets  steam will require some longer drying time before they can be walked on again, however the steam has a deeper cleaning result.