Steam Cleaners For Environmentally-Friendlier Cleaning
Steam cleaners, also known as dry vapor cleaners are relatively environmentally friendly. They provide a reasonably cost-effective and safe way to clean your home so they can be a good contribution to a green living approach.
They are not as environmentally friendly as elbow grease of course! But there are usually no chemicals involved at all and the level of cleanliness achieved is second to none.
They can provide real benefits, particularly for people who suffer from allergies. They are also quick to use. As time is money, they will find a place in many homes as people become more aware of their benefits.
Yes, they use electricity and so contribute to carbon emissions. The amount used is generally between 1000 to 2000 watts, so it's like running an electric heater in terms of electricity use. However, they are quick, and some say, effective. Other users claim that they are fiddly and labour-intensive.
What can steam cleaners do?
Dry vapor cleaners can be used to clean almost everything: floors, curtains and soft-furnishings, kitchen work surfaces, taps, sinks, shower cubicles, windows, mattresses, clothing, tiles and floors. So really they have their uses practically throughout the whole house.
They are particularly good for getting rid of grease and ground in dirt, lifting stains and for de-scaling appliances such as shower heads.
They are favoured by people with allergies because the pressurized steam deals with dust mites. Other dust-borne contaminants such as mould spores and bacteria should also be reduced, so this provides a very effective way of cleaning to high standards without chemicals.
Dry steam cleaners operate at over 240° degrees (100° Centigrade) i.e. boiling point.
They typically come with accessories such as power nozzles, bristle nozzles, floor and hand tools, extension poles, towelling cloths and window squeegees. With some a bio-descaler is also available and some can also be used with chemicals.
Are there any downsides?
Steam cleaners are relatively expensive (but as more people become aware of their benefits, prices are sure to tumble.) In the UK at the moment vapour cleaners are available from around £100 pounds upwards. If you want a fast and powerful one you will be looking to pay in the region of £500 pounds.
In the USA prices range from around $300 through to about $1500 for domestic models. You can also buy even more powerful and expensive models for commercial use.
Time consuming?
Some users claim that they are time consuming and hard work.
To clean different kinds of surface you need to change nozzles; you still need to wipe surfaces down and wring out cloths in some cases; extension poles have to be fitted to reach high places - and then dismantled again. And you have to refill the water reservoir from time to time.
You can buy steam cleaners for specific purposes, which would minimise ...
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