Steam cleaners?

Question

Are these Steam cleaners really as good as the hype would have us believe?

Perhaps I could have explained better, my main interest is in the Kitchen/Bathroom aspect but I am also interested in the fabric related answers as I have a lot of carpet and fabric stains in my car from dropped sweets etc courtesy of the kids

Answer 1

I got taken in by the hype on shopping channels and went and bought one a few weeks ago. Great for occasional specialist jobs e.g. cleaning kitchen appliances etc, but it's a faff getting it out and setting up, filling it etc. As far as hygiene goes, you have to wipe the residue off with a clean soft cloth. You don't know what bacteria is on the cloth. However, better than using chemicals in sprays/wipes etc. Mine's got about 20 - 25 mins worth in the tank. I get fed up before that runs out!
Just saw your addition - mine's a mid-price (£50) Morphy Richards and kitchen app.s/bathroom tiles was my main problem. Fantastic for that! And you should see the short work it makes of defrosting the freezer. There are also attachments for small areas on fabrics & glass. Again, though, I could have lived without it!

Answer 2

I have a Polti Vaporetto, it was £399 when I got it, they are probably cheaper now. When I first got it I blitzed everything in my path, however the problem with cleaning the bathroom is it gets so steamy you can't see what you are doing. It is really good for behind radiators it blows out the dust. Don't use it on paintwork though because it strips the paint off. I did the kitchen and everything has a clean grease free feel, especially door handles. When doing the cooker though with the little nozzle it does tend to spray the grease everywhere. The little nozzle is also good for cleaning grout between tiles. Mine also has a steam iron attachment with is good.

The problem is it's all the prep work like getting the thing out from under the stairs etc!

Answer 3

The ones you rent or buy? The rentals do the job but are bulky to handle. I bought a Bissell and it has worked very well although it's probably time for a new one. I've done an entire room but especially high traffic areas are easier to maintain and with the spot cleaner, it's quick to get stain. It goes through belts quickly though. I've been very happy with the results.

Answer 4

wouldn't want to be without one!
I have a VAX 1.6litre one, pretty portable and ideal for using in the bathroom and for cleaning, curtains, carpets and upholstery.
steam ready in 11minutes and 50minutes of usage from a fill, plenty to do a carpet in a medium sized room.

They are great for people with allergies as they kill dust mites that live in the carpets.

Also it's great to give the mattress a treatment once a month too!
the VAX model is about £50-60 from amazon -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000AJLROY/yah.007-21

Answer 5

Funny thing i have steam cleaned my mothers carpets today
I think they are brilliant my mother has a Dirt Devil one I have a Earlex one both are really good
I definitely would recommend them

Answer 6

I had one that was amazing, it picked up anything that was on my rug, but it would break every year. I bought three and then just gave up.

I have a bissel spot jet now and just use it for my upholstery and one 5x8 area rug. it works quite well.

Answer 7

They are ok, i have a big, industrial type one that works wonders but i can just never be bothered to set it all up and use it.

Answer 8

Just plain washing eliminates the mold and mildew. But, you need to eliminate the cause, or they just grow back. Moisture is your problem. You need to eliminate that; then no more mold or mildew.

Answer 9

if you mean carpet cleaners then supposedly the "best" make is BISSELL

i think you should add details to your question

Answer 10

yes - they are brill i had a small one and it broke i used it so much.... must get another soon. great if you have pets cos they kill fleas in furniture and carpets