Purpose and functions
Hot steam (in some devices the operating temperature can reach 150 degrees) softens the dirt, after which it can be removed using a regular vacuum cleaner or a clean microfiber cloth. The high temperature of the steam helps to destroy up to 99.9% of harmful and pathogenic microorganisms, get rid of fungus, mold, dust mites and insect larvae. This is why steam cleaners are used by families with small children or people suffering from allergies. Regular cleaning with such a device helps to maintain the cleanliness of the room at the highest level. In addition, the device is distinguished by excellent maneuverability and a lot of modifications to perform various tasks. What is a steam cleaner for? If we are talking about a household appliance, then for washing floors, cleaning glass and mirrors, processing textiles. In short, for a complete general cleaning of the entire room.
Steam cleaner: purpose and functions
A steam cleaner is a device designed for very thorough treatment and disinfection of any surfaces. The principle of treatment is to clean the surface with hot steam, which is generated by heating ordinary water in the steam boiler of the device. A variety of nozzles included in the basic package help simulate a stream of steam. This device is very maneuverable and can be easily modified for different purposes.
A household (home) steam cleaner is suitable for clothes, curtains, and can be used to clean windows, any kitchen surfaces, different types of floors, including laminate and carpets. You can safely use a steam cleaner on furniture, even those made of chipboard or covered with veneer.
Principle of operation
All devices of this type have a similar structure. A standard steam cleaner consists of a steam boiler, a heating element and a hose with a convenient control panel. The mechanism of operation of such a device is quite simple: water is poured into the tank, which heats up and releases steam, which enters the hose under pressure. With the help of additional attachments, you can treat even the most difficult-to-reach places in the house, including tile seams, wall joints, and relief elements of furniture facades. At the same time, the device is safe to use: rarefied hot steam cannot cause serious harm to humans. Of course, this does not mean that you can expose your hands or feet to the steam cleaner. To avoid possible injury when handling the device, you must strictly follow the operating instructions that come with the device.
Why do you need a steam cleaner: use in everyday life
This device has a lot of advantages: with its help you can not only effectively remove even old dirt, but also remove grease and scale from household appliances, and destroy bacteria and viruses on hard surfaces. Hot steam helps to cope with allergens and dust, and various attachments will help you easily carry out any cleaning action in your apartment. However, not only professional cleaners can use this device. Housewives will quickly appreciate all the advantages of the device. All that remains is to understand how to use the steam cleaner and what kind of work it is suitable for.
For washing floors . A special mop attachment will help you easily remove dirt from any floor covering: from linoleum to laminate. A steam cleaner is even suitable for cleaning carpets: using the device will rid them of dust and insects and restore the original brightness of the colors.
For washing mirrors and glass . Cleaning glass surfaces has never been so easy. Forget about inconvenient telescopic windshield wipers, rags and buckets of dirty water. A steam cleaner will help you easily and simply remove any dirt from mirrors and windows, without leaving drips or streaks.
For cleaning upholstered furniture . The device will not only help to effectively clean sofas and mattresses, but will also eliminate unpleasant odors and return the upholstery to its original color.
For kitchen . Cleaning the kitchen is not an easy task that requires a lot of time and effort. We are talking not only about washing dishes, but also about hobs, ovens, and hoods. This is where fat deposits accumulate and are very difficult to remove. A steam cleaner can quickly solve this problem. You can remove grease without using hazardous chemicals: simply treat the surfaces with hot steam and remove softened dirt with a sponge or a special microfiber cloth.
For the bathroom . It has become easier than ever before to get rid of rust stains, limescale and fungus in joints and seams! Use a Karcher steam cleaner with special attachments that will help remove dirt from even the most difficult to reach places. In addition, the use of such a device will help disinfect the room: families with small children will definitely appreciate this feature.
For plumbing . The sink, bathtub and toilet, as well as faucets and other functional elements need effective cleaning. A steam cleaner will help remove lime deposits and rust without the use of harsh chemicals. At the same time, the device will provide hygienic treatment of plumbing fixtures, killing pathogenic bacteria and dangerous microbes.
For auto . The functions of a steam cleaner are not limited to cleaning the house. It can be used to effectively clean the car interior. For this, it is recommended to use special manual models: they are lighter and more compact, they can be operated with one hand and can be easily worked in confined spaces. As a result of steam cleaning of the interior, you can get rid of old stains and dirt, return the upholstery to its original appearance, and eliminate unpleasant odors. Unlike dry cleaning, steam treatment is considered a more environmentally friendly and safe cleaning method. That’s why you can increasingly find this service at car washes.
For ironing and steaming clothes . Karcher steam cleaners also have this option: for this you need to purchase a special nozzle. The iron operates in steam mode and is suitable for any fabric, including finicky wool and delicate silk. A special nozzle will allow you to steam and iron clothes even in a vertical position.
Types of steam cleaners
To understand which device model is suitable for your purposes, it is worth understanding the classification of this equipment. Models are divided into two large groups according to the principle of their use.
Manual . Portable versions of steam cleaners are characterized by low power, small tank volume and limited operating time. However, they are lighter and more compact, making them easier to use for cleaning car interiors. If you plan to use the steam cleaner regularly to clean your home, this model will not be suitable. But with its help you can easily and quickly wash the oven, microwave, remove mold from joints in the bathroom or clean mirrors.
Floor-standing . Such steam cleaners are similar to a vacuum cleaner: they have the same body on wheels, a convenient hose to which suitable attachments are connected. These are quite large devices, but the wheels make them easy to transport. The handle is convenient for cleaning; there is a control panel on it that allows you to control the maximum pressure. This is the most functional option: it can be used not only by housewives, but also by specialists at car washes and service stations.
Performance characteristics
- The maximum heating temperature is from 100 to 150 degrees Celsius.
- Lightweight design - up to 1.5 kg total weight. Depends on the volume of water poured and the use of a steam cleaner. Minimum weight - from 300 to 400 g.
- Steam cleaners, depending on the scope of application, are either manual or floor-mounted. The first type is light in weight and easily fits in one hand. Used to remove dirt in hard-to-reach places: microwave oven, stove, sinks, tile joints. Hand-held devices have thin, long attachments that make work easier. The only negative is the small water capacity. The second type, on the contrary, has a large tank, so the device is suitable for cleaning larger objects: carpets, curtains, bedspreads. A floor-mounted steam cleaner may resemble a regular vacuum cleaner in appearance.
- A steam purifier disinfects the air. Dirty, dry and dusty air is driven through the mechanism, and the output is fresh and clean. Due to this, the device is recommended for use in homes where there are small children and animals.
- Moisture content - from 4% to 6%.
How to choose the right steam cleaner?
It is important to remember that the devices may differ in the way they heat the steam boiler. Direct-flow heating means that the water warms up as it moves towards the outlet. Pre-steam generation is a more powerful option in which the liquid is first heated to the state of steam and then sent to the outlet. In addition, there are several other important factors to consider.
Steam boiler material . It can be made of steel or aluminum. The second option is considered more practical, since the water in it heats up much faster and scale does not form.
Volume . You should pay special attention to this characteristic when choosing a floor-standing model. The larger the capacity of the tank, the longer the device will work without requiring the addition of new water. Some models are equipped with a double tank, which allows you to add water during operation and not have to wait for the boiler to cool down: this is convenient if you plan to do general cleaning.
Power . The heating rate and maximum steam pressure depend on this indicator. The water heating time can take from 20 seconds to 10 minutes. On average, Karcher devices warm up the liquid in 3–5 minutes, and after this time they are completely ready for use.
Additional functions . Additional functions include the presence of special attachments designed for cleaning mirrors and glass, cleaning floor coverings, processing tile seams and joints.
Cord length . The longer the electrical cord of the selected equipment, the more convenient it is. Models with a two-meter cord can cause some inconvenience during operation, especially if you are cleaning a large room or there are no additional outlets in the room.
Hose length . Since a steam cleaner is not a vacuum cleaner, you should choose a model that has a short hose length. As the steam passes through the pipe, the temperature decreases, so for high cleaning efficiency it is worth using those models that can provide a stable temperature.
Popular steam cleaner models
We list several functional devices that are especially popular among customers.
Kitfort KT-918 is a manual steam cleaner with a power of 1000 W. Maximum steam pressure – 3 bar, water tank volume – 200 ml. Water is heated in 3 minutes. Has a safe auto shut-off feature. Weighs 1.9 kg.
The length of the steam supply hose is 70 cm, the power cord is 5 m. The kit includes a jet nozzle, an angled nozzle, 2 round brushes (brass and nap), a window scraper, a flat nap brush and a microfiber cloth.
Maximum functionality
The steam cleaner is used by housewives and cleaners who value the high efficiency of the device. It allows you to cope with even difficult stains, making cleaning faster and easier. The multifunctional use of the device ensures its quick payback. It is ideal for cleaning any room and will become an indispensable assistant in the fight against dirt and pathogenic microbes. In the catalog you can choose the appropriate device option and buy it at an attractive price. To purchase a steam cleaner in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Volgograd, Kaliningrad, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, Sochi, Stavropol, Surgut, visit. To purchase online, add the selected product to your “Cart” and proceed to checkout. You can clarify all the delivery details and other questions you are interested in by contacting our consultants at the specified phone number.
