Posted by Ted
How to Use Your Steam Cleaner
There are a few general guidelines when you use a steam cleaner:
1) If the vapor is hot, let it steam at a lower volume
2) Always start cleaning from the least dirty area. Then, move towards the dirtiest surface.
3) Before handling large areas, use your steam cleaner to do the edging and detail first
4) Remember to look at where you are steam cleaning. Think about how the heat affects the desired surface
Now, we will move on to the different types of surfaces which a steam cleaner can clean:
Floors
For vinyl tile or sheet goods, I found that by sweeping or vacuuming beforehand helps a lot. Nozzle brushes are good for corners and baseboards. Cover area by area using continuous motions.
For ceramic tile grout, it is mostly the same except that to finish, flip a towel beneath the brush to finish the wipe
For smooth concrete, is it the generally the same. Additionally, if your areas are heavily soiled, use a triangle brush.
Carpet
If you are maintaining your rug, a medium volume of the steam cleaner should do. First vacuum, then pre-steam with the triangle brush above the surface. Then attach the towel to the large brush and wipe in two directions (wipe the second at a right angle to the first)
If you are spot-cleaning, a medium-high volume of the steam cleaner would be a better bet. When using steam gun or nozzle on the spots, stay 4 to 6 inches from the carpet surface. Blot immediately until dry but do not overheat!
Walls & Ceilings
For houses with interior from wallpaper, paint, paneling or acoustical tile, use a low volume because they are heat sensitive. Try to use 3 layers of towel on brushes when cleaning surfaces. Do not re-steam the same area but let it cool off in its own time. The key is to work quickly!
For vents, a medium to high volume should be reasonable. Use a large brush and towel to wipe the vent surface. If necessary, pre-clean with extended nozzle.
Kitchen
If you want to clean stove or oven tops, a low to medium volume is optimum. The large nozzle brush with stainless steel pad is great for the surfaces and oven racks while the brass nozzle brush should do just fine for tight areas.
For sinks, faucets or the drain, make the most out of the nozzle to reach into tight areas.
Bathroom
To clean the tile and grout, do not use a towel but use a nozzle brush or the triangle brush to clean the grout, rinse or wipe clean.
For the shower stalls and doors, the triangle brush alone can remove heavy soap scum from glass panels. Alternatively the large nozzle brush can perform just as good a job too!
Remember to rinse your tools often! This will no doubt go a long way in helping you to maximize your steam cleaner!
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