How to Choose a Steam Vac
If you need to remove heavy stains from a high-traffic carpet, a steam vacuum may be a good solution. Steam vacuums moisten dirt within the carpet's fabric. The moisture loosens the dirt particles and the vacuum uses suction to remove these particles from your carpet. For stains that resist traditional vacuum cleaners, steam vacuums might be the only tool capable of restoring your carpet to its original look. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Match the type of vacuum to the type of surface you need to clean. For example, some steam vacuums have components that work best on carpet; others have vacuum heads that work well on tile.
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Compare pressure. Manufacturers measure a steam cleaner's ability to deliver pressurized steam by pounds per square inch (psi). Steam vacuums with higher psi deliver steam with more force. Higher force helps permeate carpet and break up the stain. Home models provide 50 to 65 psi. Commercial steam vacuums deliver 100 to 500 psi.
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Determine whether you need a steam vacuum capable of using a variety of chemicals. For example, some steam vacuums accommodate shampoos, chlorine cleaners, or chemical-rinse solutions.
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Compare vacuum quality on a variety of stains. Steam vacuums perform differently on different stains and carpets. For example, dried wine might take several attempts to remove. Soiled dirt might remove easier than pet stains. Make sure the sales representative offers test runs on a variety of carpets and stains.
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Compare watts. Manufacturers measure steam vacuums in watts (w). Watts determine the engine's power and ability to heat water quickly and create steam. Standard-strength models for home usage range from 800 to 2,000 w. Commercial-grade steam vacuums can deliver 1,600 to 8,500 w.
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Compare steam delivery. The effectiveness of a steam vacuum lies in its ability to deliver steam to a stain. Look for a steam vacuum that offers you a manual trigger, so you can provide extended steam delivery to any part of your carpet. More powerful steam vacuums have a nozzle that delivers steam in a burst strong enough to penetrate thick carpet.
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Evaluate durability. Your steam vacuum should have a solid feel. Look for quality construction and connections. The best models have solid plastic and aluminum construction. Cheaper models feel like thin plastic.
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Compare features. Features like dual or triple brushes, multi-length bristles, manual steam delivery, overheat and shutoff detection, dual-tank rinse system or auto-rinse can make your vacuuming more efficient and effective. For use on different surfaces, look for squeegees that can scrub stains and excess water or corner nozzles that can steam and vacuum crevices.
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Consider the warranty. Look for a minimum of 90 days' warranty. High-quality models from respected manufacturers offer a one- to two-year warranty. If you expect to use your steam vacuum often, or if you use it for a small business, extended warranties can protect your steam vacuum for an additional two to three years.
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Consider the costs. Standard models for light use cost $70 to $300. Heavy-duty steam vacuums cost $400 to $1400. Commercial-strength models capable of years of repeated use on the toughest stains cost $6,000 to $27,000. You must also occasionally purchase replacement parts. Vacuum nozzles and wands cost $25 to $100. Hoses cost $20 to $75.
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Read the warranty. Look for 90-day to 1-year warranties for home models, and for one-year to two-year limited warranties on commercial models. Some more expensive models offer a one- to five-year warranty.
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