Overview
Are you curious about steam cleaning? Or maybe you have bought your steamer already and you want to know more information about how to use it around your home? Steam cleaning is a great way to sanitize your home without the use of harsh chemicals. It is an easy way to clean just about everything in your home! Here are the answers to the most asked questions I have received over the years.
Instructions
Can You Use Tap Water In The Steam Machine?
It is recommended to only use distilled water in your steam machine since tap water contains minerals (especially hard water). If for some reason distilled water is not available, filtered water would be a good second option. Tap water should only be used as a last resort.
If you use tap water on a regular basis, you will need to clean it out periodically. Use 8 oz of white vinegar to 8 oz of water. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse your steamer out with plain water until it no longer smells of vinegar.
Step #1
How Much Water Do I Add to My Steam Cleaner?
How much water you add to your steamer will depend on how long you are going to be cleaning. A measuring cup with a pour spout is provided. 400 ml will clean for approximately 15 minutes. 800ml will clean for 30 minutes and 1200 ml for about 40 minutes. If you need to clean longer than that, make sure to allow the steamer to completely cool down before opening it to add more water.
Step #2
Why is my Steamer Squirting Water?
This happens when you squeeze the trigger before the machine has built up enough pressure. When you first turn the machine on, the red and orange light will turn on. You need to wait until the orange light turns off, which indicates that the steam machine is ready to use. This can take up to 10 minutes.
Step #3
How Do Steam Machines Clean With Only Water?
Steam machines can exceed a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit which is enough to kill most mold, bacteria, viruses, dust mites and a host of other yucky things. Hot steam is the perfect way to clean and sanitize your home without chemicals that you or your loved ones might be sensitive to.
Step #4
When I Steam Soft Surfaces, How Long Is the Dry Time?
When you steam upholstered furniture, pillows, mattresses, rugs, clothing, and other soft surfaces, the dry time will depend on how long you were steaming it and the humidity levels in your home.
Step #5
Can I Add Anything To The Water?
It is not recommended to add anything to the water including cleaners or essential oils. It is not necessary and could ruin your steamer. The hot temperatures of the steam are enough to sanitize and clean your home. If you want the smell of essential oils, you can add drops to the mop pad of the steamer.
Step #6
What can I NOT Steam?
One of my most popular cleaning posts was called 40 Ways To Use Your Steamer. And while it sometimes feels like you can steam clean anything with your machine, there are a few things that you should not steam.
DO NOT use on leather, wax polished furniture or floors,
synthetic fabrics, velvet, Dralon® or other delicate, steam
sensitive materials. Also, while the steamer cleans glass like a champ, avoid steam cleaning your windows and other glass when the temperature of the glass is cold (colder than 32 degrees) or you risk it cracking.
Happy cleaning!
This sponsored blog post was created by Stacy Risenmay with Not Just a Housewife.
Step #7
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