anyone here with a steam cleaner?

[rdmsgirl]

Hi! Just moved into a new home, and I am looking to a more "Green" way to clean. Any thoughts/advice on steam cleaners?

Thanks!

[joo]

You mean one of those steam mops?

We bought the Shark one from CT a few weeks ago and so far it's been pretty good. It's a bit finicky to fill with water but otherwise does a good job of cleaning the floor (you have to vacuum first). The nice thing is that it doesn't use any chemicals - it generates hot steam and that loosens the dirt. The microfibre pad then wipes it away. Oh, and the floor dries pretty quickly -- much faster than a regular mop.

[3weddings]

I have the Eureka EnviroSteamer and frankly cannot live without it.

The only place I cannot use it is on my sealed oak floors :(, but it's used pretty much on all other surfaces here!!!

[jeall]

I have the Eureka EnviroSteamer and frankly cannot live without it.

The only place I cannot use it is on my sealed oak floors :(, but it's used pretty much on all other surfaces here!!!



Hi 3weddings - what is this envirosteamer? Is it just for floors or can you use it for kitchen counters and bathrooms too?

[hdom]

Got a GE portable (looks like a kettle) one from wal-mart and the only problem is they are too small and stream runs out quickly. ie. to clean a small washroom, you may need 3~4 refills, wasting electricity and time in the process.

So, if you are going to get one, I suggest getting a bigger model and definitely get one with attachment for streaming cloths and say good-bye to your iron. ;)

However, don't expect "magic like" speed clean result like they show on TV, it isn't like that.

[Canucklehead]

If you buy the low-end ones like the Shark or Steam Buggy you won't get as much universal use out of them. The tank capacity is too low and they don't get hot enough to do any serious killing of nasties like bacteria, mold and dust mites.

Steam cleaners (aka vapour cleaners) are the best thing for your house or office. No chemicals to pollute the environment or more importantly your health, nothing to throw way into the garbage like with the Swiffer and it's multitude of variations and a positive effect on indoor air quality.

The problem is that most retailers make 50-70% margin on the disposable accessories and cleaners. Things like the Swiffer pad, paper towels, sticky link pads etc... they don't want to give that up to sell you a $200-$1000 machine that will result in no additional sales.

Using a good steam cleaner also reduces your dry cleaning bill, upholstery cleaning bill and even car detailing expenses. I blast the hell out of anything and everything including my keyboard, flatscreen TV, leather chair, leather coat, and even live plants.

You can clean your bed/pillows and not have to buy those mattress covers designed for people with allergies. With regular cleaning and vacuuming, you can reduce the dust mite population that feasts on your dead skin - nice eh?

The best is the tiles/grout in the bathroom and in the shower stall. No inhaling carcinogens while you struggle to get a clean, mildew and mold free surface. But...if the stuff has been there for years, even the steam cleaner won't get it out - better to cut out the group or silicon seal and redo it...and then REGULARLY clean it with steam to keep it in top condition.

I could go on and on about this (since I used to do some consulting for company that sells them) but bottom line is if you care for your health you're better off investing in something for the long term. Yes it's not as convenient as spraying some chemical on the kitchen counter and wiping it off with a disposable paper towel, but how convenient is it to go in for chemo and radiology treatments?

[Canucklehead]

I have the Eureka EnviroSteamer and frankly cannot live without it.

The only place I cannot use it is on my sealed oak floors :(, but it's used pretty much on all other surfaces here!!!

Why can't you use it on the oak floors? Can you turn the steam setting down so that there's more heat than steam? I treat it like an iron - rapid pass over the surface = no burn :)

[rdmsgirl]

Canucklehead, what steam cleaner do you use?:)

[Canucklehead]

I use a Polti Eco Pro 3000 (got the iron attachment so I can iron my clothes and get wrinkles out of my suits and things too). I've also used the Polti Vaporetto 900 that they sell at RONA but I like the bigger capacity - I'm to lazy to keep refilling LOL.

They're exhibiting at the Home Show this long weekend (sorry for the late post).

[llbgal]

I have a steam cleaner too. It's the large Shark one. I love it. The only thing I think you need to be careful of (other than burns -- lol!) is that you don't leave any moisture behind... I don't find that to be a problem. I love my steam cleaner!

[3weddings]

Hi 3weddings - what is this envirosteamer? Is it just for floors or can you use it for kitchen counters and bathrooms too?

My first one is about 6 years old now, and it has just a flat base. I have done the shower walls with it but it leaks.

I bought the handheld one as well (looks like the Shark only yellow), and it cleans everything else. The most impressive spot is the vents on the front of the over. Until I bought it, I had to wrap a knife in a soft cloth to clean it, now the steam losens it and it pushes it out.


Why can't you use it on the oak floors? Can you turn the steam setting down so that there's more heat than steam? I treat it like an iron - rapid pass over the surface = no burn :)

It does not have any settings at all >:( , so when I pass it over my sealed floors it leaves a white steam burn. More work for me that way, so it's only used on the tiles around the house.

Also does wonders on carpeting that has been pushed in from furniture without worrying that the iron is set to high.

[Canucklehead]

Hey have you tried running it over a terry cloth towel?

I use it to fluff up the crushed carpet fibers too!

[visualk]

Hey any places in Calgary that would sell Eco 3000 Pro Vaporetto?

[turtletom]

Are there any places in Canada (preferably GTA) that sell the higher end steam cleaners?

Mostly I can find them on-line from the U.S.

I saw the Polti Vaporetto 900 at Rona for $258. I thought it was a good deal at first, until I saw that it only had a couple of attachements included. They sold attachements but it was $60 for a two pack of squeegies and $20 for some brushes. It started to add up.

If you have any suggestions on what to buy, or where to buy them it would be helpful.

Thanks.

[dark169]

Why can't you use it on the oak floors? Can you turn the steam setting down so that there's more heat than steam? I treat it like an iron - rapid pass over the surface = no burn :)

it has nothing to do with burning the wood (never mind the physics dont work) it has to do with steaming wood. Its never a good idea to introduce wood to massive swings in humidity (steam being >100%) as it expands/contracts which leads to creaks/cracks/separation.

[jeall]

I just saw an infomercial for the swiffer steam cleaner. . . . anyone tried that one yet? I think it's about $100 and you get to try it for 60 days before you pay.

[mart242]

Where does the crap go when you shoot steam at it? In the infomercials, it seems wonderful because they simply steam whatever has to be cleaned.. but you have to wipe everything after, right?

[gman]

Where does the crap go when you shoot steam at it? In the infomercials, it seems wonderful because they simply steam whatever has to be cleaned.. but you have to wipe everything after, right?

I don't have one but I expect the steam will evaporate afterward.

[mart242]

I don't have one but I expect the steam will evaporate afterward.

Ok, so where does the crap go then? You shoot the steam at the crap so you end up with steamy crap. Steam evaporates and you're left with the crap, no?

[gman]

Ok, so where does the crap go then? You shoot the steam at the crap so you end up with steamy crap. Steam evaporates and you're left with the crap, no?

The cloth of the steamer I believe. You suppose to wash that cloth afterward.
You don't shoot the steam from the steamer mentioned in this thread. These steamer is like an iron.

[turtletom]

Where does the crap go when you shoot steam at it? In the infomercials, it seems wonderful because they simply steam whatever has to be cleaned.. but you have to wipe everything after, right?

I don't have one but I am researching to buy one. This is what I understand.

There are two types of steam cleaners. The inexpensive ones, like you see on TV, that heat the water and produce a fair amount of steam. The more expensive ones have a boiler. They boil the water and produce a much hotter and dryer steam. It is only something like 5-6% moisture.

Either way there are different attachments. Some you attach a cotton cloth to which wipes up the dirt and water as you go. You would have to change the cloth occasionally. Others attachments you follow up by wiping with a cloth.

[xxxray]

Dryer steam??? now that is a new one Steam is 100% wet 100 %humidity, You can super heat water under pressure to get it hotter but not dryer

[turtletom]

Dryer steam??? now that is a new one Steam is 100% wet 100 %humidity, You can super heat water under pressure to get it hotter but not dryer

Are you a chemist or an engineer or just a nitpicker. In the context of this discussion most people would understand that steam is referring to the mist or water vapour coming out of the unit.

[Rockstead]

Hi Canucklehead,

It sounds like you know your steamers.

I've been talking about getting a high end steamer for a long time now and after reading your post, I'd like to go for it. I never wanted to settle for one of those cheap CT tire models but at the same time I had no idea where or what I should be buying.

Does the Polti Eco Pro 3000 and Polti Vaporetto 900 have the exact same features, jsut a smaller capacity? if so, how much smaller.

Would you use either one on oak wood floors that have been stained and varnished?

Does either model come with all the necessary attachments? I want to dodrapes, floors, clothes, suits, bathrooms, kitchen, you name it, there is probably some dirt on me that could use some steaming off.

Do you know where the cheapest place is to buy the Polti Eco Pro 3000 ? I could not find it on ebay, or any store online, and I would not know where to look locally, I didn't find a company website either.


Your help would be appreciated, thanks very much.



I use a Polti Eco Pro 3000 (got the iron attachment so I can iron my clothes and get wrinkles out of my suits and things too). I've also used the Polti Vaporetto 900 that they sell at RONA but I like the bigger capacity - I'm to lazy to keep refilling LOL.

They're exhibiting at the Home Show this long weekend (sorry for the late post).

[anom]

I didn't find a company website either.



check this out:
http://www.polti.ca/new_page_5.htm

[hordosr]

rdmsgirl whats this about you wanting a steamer? PM me please...

[nelsonmp5]

Are you a chemist or an engineer or just a nitpicker. In the context of this discussion most people would understand that steam is referring to the mist or water vapour coming out of the unit.

Well technically the steam you get is a combination of water vapour and water droplets that's already condensed out of the vapour (the part you see). You can heat the water vapour (as a gas) hotter than 100 C but not water as a liquid. So its true that the steam can be dialed back and allowed to cool somewhat. That's like turning a hair dryer to a lower fan speed while the heat is kept constant.
To heat steam higher than 100 C you have to add more heat after the liquid is boiled off.

[RedFlagRobot]

How is steam better than cleaning with hot water?

[napoleon1769]

Which is the best one?

[Sunwater]

Well, I seem to be a little late to the steam clean party but I'm new here. Found this place googling steamers.

I've read all comments with interest. Does anyone have any experience/wisdom on steaming cork flooring? I'm about to buy cork and am trying to research everything before I lay out the big bucks. I'm afraid the cork will soak up the water as do corks in wine bottles. Thanks.

[CINAGRO]

I have tile floors in the whole apartment and I have two dogs so I need to mop very often. Bought the Shark Steamer to help my cause.
Well the steam does clean nice, especially on sticky spots or dried up footprints but to get a "perfectly clean floor" I need to sweep (vacuum even) the whole floor very thoroughly or otherwise there will be "pushing marks" ( I really dont know how you call but i mean those little black dirt lines that stay behind when I push the mop back and forth).
And it takes forever to wash the floors. Plus I need to fill up the tank like 3 times in my small 1-bedroom apartment!
One nice thing I like about it (and now I mostly only use my mop for that) is the carpet attachment: steam-clean the carpet. Leaves the carpet smelling fresh and looking very clean.
And you wouldnt use any chemicals, just water so I guess thats a plus too.