The Buzz About Steam Cleaners

By Michele Blandino

Steam cleaners, while widely used in industrial settings for years, have just recently begun to emerge as a superior alternative to the traditional vacuum as a tool for cleaning carpets. And, considering that steam cleaners do a better job of removing stains, dust, germs and allergens from not only carpeting, but also from bed linens, tile floors, draperies and even clothing, it's almost puzzling that it took this long for steam cleaners to catch on.

And, because steam cleaners work on a combination of high heat and pressure, they don't need additional chemical solvents to be effective. This comes as good news to those who are highly allergic to harsh chemicals. Finally, since there are no chemicals, there is no soap or chemical residue left behind.

The Evolution of Steam Cleaners

Steam cleaners rely on a combination of high heat and a significant amount of pressure to remove stains and other matter. Until recently, the mechanisms required to operate the machines were big, making them better suited for use in large areas. As a result, most steam cleaners were used in industrial settings such as office buildings, automobile plants and laundry facilities. Fortunately, technological advances have made it possible to produce smaller units that are better suited for use within the home.

Choosing the Right Steamer

With so many different steam cleaning products available, how do you decide? The first step is to determine how the machine will be used. If you only intend to clean carpet, you will probably settle on a more basic model. If, however, you would also like to use your machine to clean tile, linoleum, grout and other surfaces, you will want to look for a more versatile machine.

Obviously, another important consideration is safety. Care should be taken to choose a model that has encapsulated heaters which will reduce the likelihood that steam will escape from the unit and cause serious burn injuries. Models that feature continuous steaming are also desirable.

Continuous steaming occurs when the unit uses a secondary, non-pressurized tank to draw and heat the water as you clean, rather than waiting for a re-fill tank to heat up. As would be expected, continuous steaming models are more efficient, and will allow you to complete your cleaning tasks more quickly.

Those who aren't particularly good about remembering to complete routine maintenance tasks may be interested in self-cleaning models. These models clean themselves as they operate and do not require any additional soap or other solvents to remove accumulations of dirt and other deposits.

Finally, you will probably be interested in the model's size and ability to be easily stored. Be sure to handle the unit in the store and be sure you can easily maneuver it before you make your purchase.