Features of Steam Cleaners

As the name implies, steam cleaners clean various types of areas by ejecting steam onto the surface. One can select the temperature and pressure levels of the steam, depending upon the nature of the surface and the application. The harder the surface and the more difficult the application, the higher the output pressure and temperature levels should be.

Steam cleaner can be used to clean almost all types of surfaces. . However, it is important to beware of surfaces that may not be able to withstand the high pressure and temperature of the machine. The output temperature in the latest models is as high as 360 F and the output pressure level can go up to 150 psi.

Some examples of surfaces for which steam cleaners are not suitable for are those consisting of cloth or paper. The heat and pressure level of the steam might damage the surface. As such, it is important to make sure the material or surface is not heat sensitive before proceeding with cleaning.

Types of Steam Cleaners

One can classify steam cleaners into various categories based on their functionality and the surface for which the device is best suited. You can find vapor steam cleaners, floor steam cleaners, tile and grout steam cleaners, vacuum steam cleaners, and industrial steam cleaners, each of which is ideal for a particular application.

The following are a few of the main features of today's top steam cleaners.

Continuous Refill Technology

Conventional steam cleaner devices contain only one tank, into which the operator pours water. The same tank acts as the boiler, as well. This creates the problem that once all the water in the tank is converted into steam, the operator has to fill the tank again. Refilling the tank and waiting for the water to reheat causes an extended break in the cleaning process. This is time consuming and often frustrating.

The latest models of steam cleaners are equipped with continuous refill technology. These devices contain two tanks - a boiler tank and a refill chamber. The operator pours water into the refill tank, from where the machine automatically transfers the water into the boiler in a controlled manner. This facility allows the operator to refill the tank through the non-pressurized refill chamber even during the cleaning process.

Anti-Microbial Technology

Sanitizing a surface means eliminating the disease-causing bacteria and fungi from the surface. Earlier, the conventional steam cleaner equipment relied on high temperature and chemical detergents to sanitize the surface. However, high temperature is not sufficient for removing up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria and other microorganisms.

Anti-microbial technology is used in modern steam cleaner machines to overcome this problem. This technology was specifically created to eliminate various types of commonly found microorganisms from the surface. Tests have shown that the devices equipped with this technology are capable of killing up to 99.99% of bacteria and fungus commonly found in residential and commercial areas.

Attached Vacuum Facility

Previously, dirt and other impurities needed to be vacuumed and removed from the surface before conventional steam cleaner machines could be used. During cleaning, users were forced to continuously wipe away the residues dissolved by the high temperature steam. This was because the earlier devices could displace the impurities, but could not absorb them.

Some of the latest models of steam cleaner come equipped with vacuum capabilities. This allows the operator to not only displace the impurities but extract them as well. Such devices have a separate tank where one can deposit the dirt residue absorbed from the surface.

When searching for the best steam cleaning machine for your residential, commercial, and industrial applications, understanding these essential features will aid you in finding the right machine to fulfill your needs.

Autor: Lauren Zwiebel

Author describes main parameter of buying a good long lasting steam cleaner as compare to low price steam cleaners. Use eco-friendly steam cleaner with green chemical to boost your environment. Also recommended to go with pressure washers and carpet cleaners.

Added: November 26, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/