The steam cleaning process

Steam cleaning is a safe and effective way to clean just about anything in your home or office. It can not only save you money, but also leave behind a much healthier environment in which to work and play.

The problem with mould

What many people now know if that mould is one of the worst organisms for those who suffer from any kind of lung ailment: asthma sufferers especially. The spores of mould get into the lungs and create no end of trouble.

The usual way to deal with mould is to use harsh bleach-based products to kill the mould and clean the surfaces it stains. Unfortunately, bleach creates its own set of problems, releasing toxic fumes and polluting waterways when it is washed down the drain.

How steam cleaning works

Steam cleaning uses only water to kill mould spores and other stains. Heating the water to around 116 degrees Celsius, the steam sterilises and lifts the stain from the surface. Most dirt and grime has adhesive qualities, so the steam works by lifting the adhesive part of the stain, after which you can just wipe if away with a cloth.

The greatest advantage to a steam cleaner is the fact that it only uses water. This means that there are no harsh chemicals needed to lift stains and sterilise surfaces - which also saves a lot of money on cleaning products.

Cleaning with a steam cleaner

So what can be cleaned with a steam cleaner? Basically, the sky's the limit. Grout in between tiles, soft furnishings, carpets, pet baskets, and even greasy surfaces can all be made new again with a steam cleaner.
Really it comes down to the attachments a cleaner comes with when purchased. Some will come with floor, window and tile attachments, and these will cover most uses, while other will come with a load of attachments you may never use. Steam cleaners are also wonderful for removing stains from clothes, so if you are going to purchase a unit, take a look at the attachments carefully.

Pressure or no pressure?

There is some debate over whether or not a pressurised steam cleaner is better than one that is not. The answer to this lies in both the level of pressure and the effectiveness of that pressure. High pressure cleaners are normally at least 1400psi and use water, not steam. Pressurised steam cleaners, on the other hand, have around 70psi of pressure, which hardly makes it seem worth the effort.

One advantage to the pressurised steam cleaner is the short bursts of hotter steam they provide. The choice over which unit you purchase really depends on how easy it is to use and how much it costs. One last note: if you are going to buy a unit, make sure you get one that has the hand unit and water tank separately placed, so it doesn't quickly get too heavy to use.