Steam cleaner for home
The use of modern technologies in everyday life allows us to make our life convenient and comfortable. To carry out the procedure of cleaning and order in the house, a lot of various chemicals are used. As a result of this process, not only does the floor surface and the premises of the kitchen and bathtub shine, but various health problems and allergic reactions appear. Housewives who keep up with the times use steam cleaners for homework. In the modern market, household steam generators have appeared recently, but have already managed to gain wide popularity. Initially, manufacturers developed steam cleaners for medical units, where it was necessary not only to clean, but also to disinfect the room. In this article, we will consider what a steam cleaner is for a home, and how not to make a mistake in choosing the right one.
to contents ↑What is a steam cleaner and what is it for?
A steam cleaner is a household appliance that can thoroughly clean the contaminated area and disinfect various surfaces.
Device
The device consists of the following main parts:
- closed tank, which is designed for water;
- trigger gun;
- element for heating;
- flexible hose;
- assortment of nozzles;
- a system that serves to supply steam under high pressure.
Important! A steam treatment device includes a funnel, a measuring cup, a special rag for the floor and a set of nozzles.
Operating principle
In order for the household steam generator to start functioning, first you need to fill in the tank with the right amount of water and plug it into the electrical network. Thanks to the internal heating element, a heating process takes place in the water tank. Under the influence of high temperature conditions, water is converted into a gaseous state, and when the valve is pressed on the trigger, a process of steam release under pressure to the outside occurs. A powerful steam jet acts on the surface to be cleaned and helps to dissolve contaminants.
Important! The surface to be treated must have strength and resistance to steam.
The special structure of the escaping steam does not pose any danger to the user, but it is not recommended to leave the steam cleaner turned on for children at home.
to contents ↑Classification and types of steam cleaners
The steam cleaner allows you to clean items from old stains, wash the walls, tiles, windows and other surfaces. There are models that can replace the iron. Using a steam cleaner, you can also upgrade upholstered furniture. Depending on the technical characteristics and functions performed, steam cleaners are divided into several types.
Household steam cleaner for manual operation
For manual steam cleaners, the steam pressure is between 1 and 3 bar. Such models are able to clean the contaminated surface of the tile of the kitchen, wash children's toys, remove the yellowed plumbing or fight against stained upholstery of upholstered furniture. Follow the link and find out how clean furniture with a steam cleaner.
Important! Some manual steam cleaners are equipped with an additional feature, which includes the addition of disinfecting and aromatic substances to the water.
This type of steam generator perfectly copes with a simple cleaning in the apartment.The popularity of this species is due to its low cost and compactness in the process of use.
Floor Steam Cleaning Systems
Compact floor steam cleaners are very effective in controlling pollution. They resemble the device of a vacuum cleaner, but cannot fulfill its functions.
Important! Such systems contribute to cleaning not only the apartment premises, but also cleaning the car interior.
The difference compared to manual steam cleaners:
- The power consumption of floor models is comparatively higher than that of manual steam cleaners. Steam pressure ranges from 3 to 5 bar.
- Floor models use large volumes of water while saving the time required to refill the tank.
- The use of various nozzles allows you to wash glass and mirrors, clean floor and carpet surfaces.
- In addition, the configuration of the nozzles contributes to the processing of hard-to-reach areas in the room, such as: darkened areas from dirt and mold elements at the joints of tiles, corner zones and inaccessible spaces behind the batteries.
Important! In another separate review on our useful tips portal, we described in detail what can be cleaned with a steam cleaner.
Using multi-function steam systems
Multifunctional steam cleaners for the home are an ultra-modern type of this classification. In addition to numerous nozzles, these models come with steam irons and irons for the steaming process.
Applying a series of different nozzles, a powerful steam generator is modified into a powerful iron with a steam cleaner or a steamer device.
Important! As a rule, these are professional devices with very high vapor pressure, which is able both to carry out the process of steaming products from coarse fabrics and to perform high-quality cleaning of various surfaces.
to contents ↑Important! Well-known manufacturers produce vacuum cleaners with a steam cleaner. You will learn about the capabilities of this technique and the best models in our article.“Vacuum cleaner with steam cleaner”.
Advantages and disadvantages
A steam cleaner for home has the following characteristic advantages:
- When processing with hot steam, no harmful chemicals are used.
- On the surface treated with hot steam, pathogenic microbes, fungi, bacteria are destroyed, in addition, unpleasant odors disappear.
- Lack of sound effect during the operation of the steam cleaner.
- Possibility of multifunctional application.
- The use of a steam cleaner allows you to cope with the pollution of windows, and there are no spots or stains on the glass. However, you must remember that you need to use water that has gone through the filtration process.
- Using cold steam, you can clean flowers that are not damaged by this procedure.
- The steam generator perfectly cleans various surfaces without traces and streaks. At the same time, it is suitable for surfaces of both dark and light colors.
- When cleaning the carpeted surface, the interior of the car or the upholstery of upholstered furniture, you can not be afraid of severe wetting.
- When cleaning pile and fur, the effect of steam gives products a beautiful shine and freshness.
to contents ↑Important! The steam cleaner for home has the following disadvantages:
- The weight of such a device is about two kilograms, so it is very difficult to hold such a device in your hand for a long time.
- Not quite a convenient process for cleaning the oven.
Steam cleaner - how to choose?
To choose a steam cleaner for the home, you need to consider the dimensions of the room:
- When cleaning a huge apartment, it is preferable to purchase an outdoor version of a steam generator that moves perfectly between rooms.
- If the cleaning process is carried out every day, then it is necessary to purchase the most durable models that are designed for intensive activity.
There are other characteristic points that can affect the price factor:
- The weight of the household appliance is an important factor when choosing a manual steam cleaner.
Important! The technical specifications indicate the weight of the unit itself, to which you need to add the required amount of water.
- The size of the tank for floor-mounted steam generators ranges from 1 to 5 liters, and for portable units the maximum volume of liquid is 2.5 liters.
- The power consumption of units with manual mode is 1600 watts, but the most powerful steam cleaner can have 2300 watts.
- The indicator of the length of the cord directly depends on the continuity of the cleaning process and the number of hard-to-reach areas that need to be cleaned.
- Heating time - ranges from 1 to 10 minutes. This indicator is determined by the power and size of the boiler. Using heated water saves valuable time.
Important! Manufacturers advise adding distilled water to tap water in a ratio of one to one. If hard water is used, then the heating element is prone to plaque, therefore it is necessary to use sticks from scale.
- Pressure - is one of the important indicators when choosing a model. Steam cleaners for home have a steam pressure of 2 to 6 bar. If the force of the steam jet is less than 3 bar, then the process of cleaning the contaminated surface will be ineffective.
Important! It is worth paying attention that the values indicated in the characteristics relate to the pressure inside the container, so the force of the steam jet will be less.
- The ratio of steam power to hose length must be observed. In a long hose, in the absence of the required power, the steam cools very quickly, as a result - water droplets may remain on the treated surfaces.
- There are two types of heating: steam generation in the boiler and once-through. It is nevertheless better to give preference to the first option, but it is worth paying attention to the material from which the boiler is made. An aluminum container will be the best option, since this way the water heats up much faster and there is practically no scale left on the surface.
Accessories and nozzles for steam cleaners
The kit for a steam cleaner for the home may include such additional nozzles and accessories:
- steam mop - used for cleaning linoleum, laminate, tile and other floor coverings;
Important! The brush nozzle with a scraper will help to get rid of persistent pollution on a strong and not scratching surface.
- nozzle for washing glass, windows and mirrors with terry cloth;
- rotating brushes for cleaning dirt baths, tiles, plumbing;
- triangular nozzle - designed to remove dirt from carpets and upholstered furniture;
- square nozzle - removes old wallpaper from the walls;
- nozzle nozzle, which with the help of a narrow nose increases pressure - is designed to combat old spots;
- point nozzle with brush nozzle - designed for cleaning plumbing taps and chrome-plated products;
- spray gun - suitable for cleaning house plants;
- irons for vertical steaming (with a long and ordinary hose) - useful for cleaning curtains;
- professional iron - designed for steam ironing.
The difference between professional and manual steam cleaners
When choosing a steam generator for an apartment in a multi-storey building and for a private mansion, there is a big difference:
- The apartment has a limited quadrature, quite often a small one. Therefore, for its cleaning, a manual steam cleaner is quite suitable.
- For a private home, you need a professional powerful steam generator that can clean the veranda, garden paths and perform other cleaning work.
The difference between a professional model and a household one lies in many factors:
- The presence of four powerful wheels, which are made of strength steel.The design of the professional model is able to lift the body above the surface of the grass and dirt when the unit moves on the ground.
- Wheels should be reinforced and not fall off. They are usually located in the corners, which helps to increase the support base.
- The next distinguishing feature is maintainability.
- The design features of the steam generator are distinguished by strength properties and long life.
- The presence of high power, which is obliged to supply energy to the internal boiler and pumping device with check valves.
- For proper functioning, the professional steam generator is equipped with a robust housing that resembles a tank device of a square stable shape.
- This unit does not have decorative ornaments. On top is a sturdy handle that allows you to carry equipment. The device is not afraid of shaking, it can be transported.
- The steam generator housing is equipped with a sensor for monitoring the water level in the tank.
- The presence of a variety of effective nozzles. So, the steam generator is equipped with a gun that can clean the seams of window sills and tiles, kitchen hoods and even car devices. Nozzles are equipped in a special case to conveniently carry accessories.
- The steam generator hose is very durable and can be bent with difficulty.
- The cord is made in such a way that it is possible to undock it during transportation.
Usage Tips
To simplify the process of cleaning various surfaces from dirt with a steam cleaner for the home, you need to remember a few rules:
- The nozzle of the unit must be directed at an angle to the upholstered furniture, while blowing off the stain on a cloth.
- After treating the stains with steam on upholstered furniture, it is necessary to wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth, since it absorbs all residual dirt perfectly.
- Steam should be used to clean upholstered furniture regularly, since this procedure not only removes dirt, but also effectively fights germs, bacteria, fungus and moths.
- Use only purified water.
- Do not bring this unit very close to plants.
- For more effective carpet cleaning, after steaming, you need to wait a few hours, and then walk with an ordinary vacuum cleaner.
- You can easily get rid of scotch tape on furniture, if you first steam the surface, and then wipe it with a rag.
- A steam cleaner for home is suitable for cleaning and disinfecting children's toys.
- When cleaning strong limescale, you must first wet the surface with vinegar.
- When cleaning enclosed spaces, cover the gun with a rag.
- After a short pause, it is necessary to drive the water into the washbasin or a rag, and then continue the cleaning procedure.
- If water runs out during operation, you must disconnect the unit from the power supply, release pressure through the gun, and then open it and add fluid.
- When cleaning surfaces from grease, it is necessary to periodically dip the nozzle in the dishwashing liquid, but it is strictly forbidden to add this product to the tank.
to contents ↑Important! Power surges can damage expensive equipment. It is better to prevent such a breakdown than to spend money on repairs later. We will help you deal with everything you need to know in order to choosesurge protector for household appliances.
Model Overview
To simplify the choice of the unit, we consider the most popular options for a steam cleaner for the home and their main characteristics.
MIE Bello
The MIE Bello steam processing unit is able to function with the capabilities of a powerful steam cleaner, advanced steamer, and professional iron.
Characteristics:
- power consumption is 1700 W;
- the unit has a vapor pressure of 5.5 bar;
- the volume of the water tank is 1.7 liters;
- preparation for operation is 3 minutes;
- the presence of 9 functional nozzles;
- there are additional functions - the use of iron and steamer.
Karcher SC1
A steam cleaner for the Karcher house is the best by right. This contributes to the consistently high build quality, reliability, practicality and durability of the device.
Regarding the characteristics of the “Karcher" SC1 - they are as follows:
- power consumption of the steam generator is 2200 W;
- the volume of the water tank is 1.5 liters;
- steam pressure is 4.2 bar;
- after three minutes, the unit is ready to start work;
- the device is equipped with 4 nozzles;
- the kit includes an iron, which can be very easily connected instead of the nozzle to a steam generator.
Ariete Multi Vapori MV7 Hidro
The model of the steam cleaner Ariete Multi Vapori MV7 Hidro is quite new, but has already gained popularity thanks to the quality factor and quality.
Features of this steam cleaner for home:
- power consumption of the unit is 1400 W;
- the device has a vapor pressure of 4 bar;
- the volume of the water tank is 1.5 liters;
- the device is ready for use after 3 minutes;
- There are three nozzles in the kit.
Domena CS6 Ecofiber
An interesting design of the Domena CS6 Ecofibre home steam cleaner has the following characteristics:
- high power consumption of 2200 W;
- the volume of the water tank is 1.2 liters;
- steam pressure is 4 bar;
- the device is ready to start the process in 3 minutes;
- the number of nozzles used in the kit - 9;
- additional functionality lies in the use of iron.
Gorenje SC 1800 R
The Gorenje SC 1800 R steam generator has a unique design and excellent quality:
- power consumption is 1800 watts;
- the unit has a vapor pressure of 5 bar;
- the volume of the fluid reservoir is 1 liter;
- the device is quick to work;
- the device is equipped with three types of nozzles.
Stock footage
This concludes our review. We hope you were able to determine the best steam cleaner for your home and are completely satisfied with your purchase, because now any part of your home can be cleaned quickly and safely.