Vapor steam cleaners and carpet cleaners vary in a number of different ways. Each machine presents different features for various cleaning tasks. A vapor steam cleaner relies on the power of heat to dissolve stains and dirt from hard surfaces. These machines may also boat an added vacuum for simultaneous extraction of softened residues to quicken the cleaning process. A carpet shampooer, on the other hand, uses heat, moderate water pressure, detergents, and powerful extraction to remove stains, dirt, pet urine, and other materials from entire stretches of carpets.

Applications

Vapor steam cleaners can work on most surfaces that can withstand such high temperature levels. They do an excellent job of removing odors, stains, marks, and grime from tile and grout, faucets, sinks, tubs, mattresses, countertops, food preparation surfaces, and a variety of other hard surfaces. They may also be used to remove spot stains on carpets. However, steam cleaners cannot cover large areas and are ideal for smaller jobs.

For larger hard surface cleaning applications, such as cleaning concrete, floors, machinery, and vehicles, considers a pressure washer.

For cleaning of large expanses of carpet, a carpet extractor or cleaner is your best bet. Carpet cleaners maintain sufficient power to clean large areas of carpet and upholstery effectively.

Cleaning Power

Most vapor steam cleaners do not require the added power of detergents. They are therefore one of the most eco-friendly and effective methods of cleaning surfaces. Some vapor steam cleaners eject steam as hot as 386°F. The high temperature melts grime and facilitates the removal of dirt and stains. For added cleaning power, however, steam cleaners can be paired with green chemicals. These formulas are safe, non-toxic, biodegradable solutions to maintain the eco-friendly nature of the cleaning process.

Many vapor steam cleaners have inbuilt HEPA filtration chambers, anti-bacterial technologies, and dry and wet vacuum features. Therefore, these steam cleaners can function as vacuum cleaner, allergen remover, and sanitizing machine.

The power of carpet cleaners stems from high hot water temperatures up to 210°F, powerful extraction and agitation, and an added cleaning solution. This combination results in the removal of deeply imbedded stains, dirt, odor, and other residues. It is best to opt for a green carpet cleaning solution for the best, most environmentally safe results.

Features of Steam Cleaners

Look for floor steam cleaners with vacuum extraction capabilities. This lets the user vacuum away the left over dirt and liquid more effectively than manual cleaning. Some types of steam cleaners, particularly machines used for commercial applications, have wet vacuuming features. This enables vacuum extraction of the dissolved grime and water left behind after the cleaning process along with the dirt loosened by the detailing brushes.

To make your task easier, dealers supply different types of detailing brushes. They are made of stainless steel, brass, or nylon. Nylon brushes, being the softest, are used on delicate surfaces, while stainless steel brushes are used on the most durable surfaces.

Low Flow Technology

Invest in low-flow carpet steam cleaners to reduce water usage and drying time. Low flow carpet steam cleaners and non-heated carpet cleaning machines leave less water in the cleaning area. Carpets will dry within a few hours. The faster the upholstery or carpet dries, the less chance germs and mold will form in the area. This is important when selecting a carpet cleaner, as traditional machines often leave carpets excessively wet and require drying times up to 24 hours. This can actually promote the growth of mold and bacteria.

Steam cleaners are inherently low flow, as they generate dry vapor steam. With a low water content of only 5%, these machines can clean without soaking hard surfaces.

For use with carpet shampooers, steam pressure washers, and floor steam cleaners, purchase biodegradable, non-toxic green detergents. These green cleaners replace your usual detergent, and are safer to use and easier to handle. They work by using nano-sized molecules that encapsulate and emulsify the dirt, and prevent dirt from sticking to the surface again.

All of the discussed steam cleaning systems, carpet extractors, pressure cleaners, and green chemicals can be purchased from trusted online suppliers.