Vapor steam cleaner

Vapor steam cleaners or steam vapor systems are cleaning appliances or devices that use steam to quickly dry, clean, and sanitize inanimate surfaces. Often the process is effective enough to disinfect or even sterilize the surfaces.[1] The steam is produced in a boiler that heats tap water to high temperatures (240-310F/115-155C) to produce low-pressure (several atmospheres), low moisture (4 to 6% water) water vapor (steam).

The steam's ability to clean is based primarily on its heat. The steam is applied to cleanable surfaces via a variety of insulated tools and accessories, thereby safely providing the energy needed to break soil bonds and release contaminants into water suspension, after which they can be removed by wiping or vacuuming.

This process uses little water (usage is measured in liters or quarters per hour) compared to carpet cleaners or other cleaning devices (whose usage is measured in liters or gallons per minute), which use hot water instead of steam and are incorrectly called "steam cleaners".

The inherent low-moisture characteristics of vapor steam cleaners make them suitable for use inside buildings and residences.

There are several manufacturers of vapor steam cleaners, with products ranging from higher-end industrial products to inexpensive consumer models.[1]

Vapor steam cleaners are cited as examples of "green cleaning" because of steam vapor's ability to kill germs and in some cases disinfect without the use of chemical disinfectants.[2] Steam vapor has also been cited as effective in killing dust mites in carpet, bedding, and upholstery.[3] Additionally, dry steam vapor has shown to be effective for killing bed bugs and their eggs when reaching temperatures of 150-170 degrees.

In 2005, the University of Washington tested a steam vapor system in restrooms and reported labor savings and hygienic improvements over previous methods.[4]

Vapor steam cleaners are frequently used in hypoallergenic environments because they do not require the use of additional cleaning chemicals, which results in better indoor air quality and eliminates the need to handle or store cleaning agents. Steam has been shown effective in combating mold, bacteria, viruses, and other forms of bio-contamination.[5]

References
  1. Delgado, Jesús; Aznar, María P.; Corella, José (1997-05-01). "Biomass Gasification with Steam in Fluidized Bed: Effectiveness of CaO, MgO, and CaO−MgO for Hot Raw Gas Cleaning". Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. 36 (5): 1535–1543. doi:10.1021/ie960273w. ISSN 0888-5885.
  2. Tanner, Benjamin D. (2009). "Reduction in infection risk through treatment of microbially contaminated surfaces with a novel, portable, saturated steam vapor disinfection system". American Journal of Infection Control. 37 (1): 20–27. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2008.03.008. PMID 18834748.
  3. Vojta, PJ; Randels, SP; Stout, J; Muilenberg, M; Burge, HA; Lynn, H; Mitchell, H; O'Connor, GT; Zeldin, DC (2001). "Effects of physical interventions on house dust mite allergen levels in carpet, bed, and upholstery dust in low-income, urban homes". Environ. Health Perspect. 109 (8): 815–9. doi:10.1289/ehp.01109815. PMC 1240409. PMID 11564617.
  4. "Steaming Clean". asumag.com. Retrieved 2016-12-10.
  5. "Steam Vapor: Use 'Dry' Steam Vapor Treatment for Healthier Carpet, Upholstery - HousekeepingChannel.com". www.housekeepingchannel.com. Retrieved 2016-12-10.
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