What Are Steam Vacuum Cleaners?
You might have heard family and friends talking about steam vacuum cleaners and wondered what they are and what makes them unusual. After all, vacuum cleaners that remove dust and dirt from carpets and steam cleaners that deep clean hard flooring surfaces and upholstery have been around for decades. Yet steam vacuum cleaners are a newer, safer version that combines elements of conventional vacuums and traditional steam cleaners into one fairly easy-to-use cleaning machine. Does this Spark an idea?
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About
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Steam vacuum cleaners are a type of household cleaning device that cleans most flooring surfaces and some types of upholstery with heat and hot water. They feature an internal boiler that produces pressurized steam that you manually release from a nozzle as you move the device over a surface just as you would a conventional vacuum. The steam produced by steam vacuum cleaners is considered hot enough to effectively remove dirt and eliminate most germs, according to Consumer Search.
Distinguishing Features
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Steam cleaners use only steam to remove dirt and bacteria from hard surfaces and fabric, whereas traditional steam cleaners use chemical cleaning solutions mixed with water to remove dirt and germs, which makes steam cleaners safer for households with children and pets. Unlike traditional steam cleaners and vacuums that use suction power to remove dirt, steam cleaners emit a fine mist of steam that is then wiped away with a soft towel or brush. Steam cleaners are therefore gentler on surfaces and are less likely to damage surfaces where their use is recommended.
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Use
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Steam cleaners can be used on many types of hard surfaces and fabrics. Use them on concrete, sealed hardwoods, carpet, cotton, bathtubs and countertops to remove stains and leave the surface nearly germ-free. Avoid using them on untreated wood, painted surfaces and soft plastic since the steam is liable to damage them.
Types
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Steam vacuum cleaners come in various sizes, from handheld models to machines that resemble conventional canister vacuum cleaners. They also come in basic and high-end models with high-end models generally providing more cleaning features, such as larger boilers to cover larger spaces and multiple attachments for use on different surfaces, such as tile, carpet and leather. As of June 2010, basic handheld steam cleaners can cost as little as $45, and deluxe, canister machines can cost as much as $1,700, depending on the brand you choose.
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References
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