anyone here with a steam cleaner?

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!

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.

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!!!

Originally Posted by 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!!!

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

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.

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?

Originally Posted by 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!!!

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

Canucklehead, what steam cleaner do you use?

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).

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!

Originally Posted by jeall

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.

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

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.

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

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

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

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.

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

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.