When you want things really clean, cleaning with steam around the house sounds like a really good plan. It's a way to save a lot of scrubbing and still get the job done. But are there enough benefits to make it worth buying a steam cleaning machine? Let's take a look at the benefits you should consider while shopping for one.
1. Steam kills germs.
That is, hot enough steam kills germs. It cools quickly as it leaves the steam cleaning machine, which is nice, as it cuts down the odds of burning yourself on the steam. But it also means you need to really get close to the mess for the maximum germ killing benefit, and you need a machine that makes really hot steam.
Some machines produce steam over 240 degrees, which evaporates quickly. Others go only to the point at which water becomes steam, 212 degrees F. The hotter the steam, the more effective it will be at killing germs.
2. Deep cleaning with steam.
You know all those areas you have trouble getting clean? Steam can get in there with much less trouble. Just pick the right accessory for the job.
Steam can effectively clean tile grout. It can clean corners you have trouble reaching. It can clean barbecue grills. It can clean certain types of fabrics - but check with your machine's instructions and fabric care instructions to be sure you won't damage the fabrics you clean. Fabrics such as silk can be very sensitive.
You should also be careful with painted or wallpapered surfaces. Steam can be used to remove these and may damage them if you were only trying to clean the surface and not remove the covering.
3. Steam cleaning is fast.
Steam works much more quickly than most other chemical forms of cleaning. Yes, water is a chemical, but it's a really safe one.
The heat of the steam breaks up many kinds of dirt quickly, with little need for scrubbing. Many steam cleaning machines come with accessories to help you with different types of work, as a little friction does help move things along.
4. Steam cleaning is safe.
Remember how I just said water is a chemical? Compare its safety to the usual household cleaning chemicals. It's pretty amazingly safe in comparison. The main danger from steam cleaning is putting the nozzle of a steam cleaning machine right up to the skin. If you don't do something so foolish, you should be just fine.
Compare that to what other chemicals put into the air of your home as you use them. That's particularly important for those who suffer from asthma or allergies.
Then consider any children or pets who might get into your cleaning supplies or get into the residue. Once again, steam is much safer.
5. Steam is economical over time.
Yes, there's an initial investment in your steam cleaning machine. Compare that investment to how much you would spend on other household cleaning chemicals in a year to decide how economical steam could be. How long would it take your machine to pay for itself? The only supplies it needs are water and electricity.
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