How It Works

• A vapor steam cleaner uses an internal boiler in which water is heated to temperatures as high as 300 degrees Fahrenheit or 149 degrees Celsius. The vapor released is 95 percent dry, which leaves very little moisture on the cleaning surface. A vapor steam cleaner is very environment friendly and safe for use for most people, since it only requires tap water and no chemicals to function.
  
  

Uses

• A vapor steam cleaner has both commercial and residential uses. It can be a handy appliance to own when it comes to eradicating pests and deep cleaning various surfaces such as carpets, car interiors, furniture, refrigerators, beds, walls and cupboards. It kills mites, spores, fungi and bacteria upon contact. Unlike traditional steam-cleaning methods, vapor steam cleaners don't leave rugs, carpets and other surfaces dripping wet. Vapor steam cleaners are also useful for people suffering with allergies because it effectively clears out allergens.
  
  

Precaution

• As with all appliances involving use of high-pressure steam, caution must be taken while operating a vapor steam cleaner. The vapor from the vapor steam cleaner dries almost instantly on contact with a surface, but it's best to make sure that any surface requiring a deep clean is not sensitive to heat.
  
  

Care

• Caring for vapor steam cleaners is fairly easy. The brush and the mop are most prone to wearing out on a vapor cleaning system, so it's important to make sure that a vapor steam cleaner is not used on rough surfaces. It's also a good idea to have a few extras on hand in case stores run out of stock. Some newer models come with self-cleaning boilers which eliminate the need for manual cleaning. The boiler should also be checked often for any leaks and signs of stress from being subjected to enormous pressure and high temperatures.
  
  

Cost

• A vapor steam cleaner can be hard to find as home use isn't widespread. Some appliance stores sell hand-held vapor steam cleaners, but these aren't very efficient. You can find a quality vapor steam-cleaning system online. They can cost anywhere from about $150 for a residential cleaner to $2,000 for a commercial-grade vapor steam cleaner. The cost often depends on the functions the cleaner comes with, such as digital control for steam temperatures or the quality of the boiler.
  
  

Other Names

• Most vapor steam cleaners are manufactured in Europe and are known by various names such as steamers, steam cleaners, vapor cleaners or dry vapor steam cleaners.