Steam vacuum cleaners: extreme temperatures to protect home cleanliness

Principle of operation

The key feature of a steam vacuum cleaner is the steam generator, which increases cleaning efficiency.
The hot steam that comes out of the device reaches a temperature of 150 degrees. High temperatures cope with any type of dirt, as they easily “melt” it.

In its structure, a steam vacuum cleaner is similar to a washing one due to the built-in water container. But unlike the latter, it works due to three elements:

• Water.
• Air.

• Hot steam.

Expert opinion

Borodina Galina Valerievna

The cleaning option only works with water and air. Because of this, its use in everyday life is limited. To protect the owner of the vacuum cleaner from steam, a program is built into the device. It evaluates the environment and decides at what point to release steam. This intelligent function makes steam devices similar to robotic vacuum cleaners.

Functional

A steam vacuum cleaner is a universal device that copes with all types of cleaning:

• Wet.
• Dry.

• Steam cleaning.

A vacuum cleaner with a built-in steam generator will be a useful assistant in the following tasks:

• Cleaning surfaces without using household chemicals (steam is a worthy replacement for chemicals).
• Getting rid of liquid on the floor.
• Collection of solid waste.
• Disinfection of surfaces.

• Purifying the air in the room and eliminating unpleasant odors.
• Smoothing fabrics (including clothes).
• Cleaning mirrors and windows.
• Removing stains from all types of surfaces.

In addition to its main functions, a steam vacuum cleaner also copes with aromatizing the room. To do this, add a herbal decoction or essential oil to the water for the aquafilter.

Owners of steam cleaners use the devices for alternative purposes:

• Cleaning natural fur.
• Removing fat deposits from hoods and microwave ovens.
• Removing burnt marks in the oven.

• Cleaning the pipeline in the bathroom.
• Cleaning the toilet.

Expert opinion

Borodina Galina Valerievna

The multitasking nature of vacuum cleaners with steam generators gives them a unique status among other cleaning mechanisms and accessories.

Advantages

Steam vacuum cleaners have the following advantages:

• Exposure to high temperatures does not prevent the use of a vacuum cleaner for delicate cleaning. With its help, it is possible to clean plant leaves from dust or insects. The steam will control pests and moisten the soil.
• Work with all materials. A steam vacuum cleaner removes dirt from carpets, tiles, parquet, and laminate. It works with all plumbing fixtures. Since the unit operates only with clean water, it can also be used to clean kitchen appliances.

• The hot steam that the vacuum cleaner produces is self-sufficient. The steam cleaner kit does not require toxic detergents or other liquids with harmful compositions. The cleaning brush combines environmental friendliness and efficiency.
• Constant use of a steam vacuum cleaner kills dust mites and reduces the risk of them returning. Washing vacuum cleaners, on the contrary, contribute to the proliferation of parasites.

Varieties

Steam vacuum cleaners can be equipped with:

• Aquafilter - such devices are equipped with a filter and a steam generator. The two hoses perform two different functions: the first one supplies steam, and the second one sucks up debris.

• The nozzle in the form of a steam generator is a transformer that has two methods of use: steaming and cleaning. Depending on the specific task, the device is used as a regular vacuum cleaner or as a steam cleaner.

Vertical models of vacuum cleaners with steam generators are called steam mops. They are more compact than standard vacuum cleaners and are easy to use.

In addition to the location of the steam generator, vacuum cleaners in this category are divided according to their purpose:

• Manual. Purchased for home use. They make it easy to clean windows, mirrors and car interiors. The small size of hand-held devices makes them light weight. Standard models weigh no more than two kilograms. The manual version does not require searching for storage space - it will fit in any corner. The disadvantage of such devices is their low power. They can't handle cleaning the apartment.
• Compact. Suitable for cleaning large areas due to high power. The device comes with brushes for soft textures (upholstery, curtains, carpet, etc.) and attachments for problem areas (cracks, baseboards). Externally, compact steam vacuum cleaners are no different from standard models. The devices move along the floor, and their ease of use depends on the length of the cord.
• Professional. They belong to the premium segment because they have advanced parameters. They are used to clean large (by home standards) areas, such as warehouses and offices. Professional units work with hot and cold steam. They are large in size and are not suitable for cleaning in an apartment. This category is distinguished by its high price and advanced functionality.

Types of devices

Depending on the power, such vacuum cleaners can be divided into 2 categories.

1. Domestic. This model is suitable for cleaning rooms in a residential area. For frequent cleaning, you can only use the vacuum cleaner function. The turbo brush included in the kit efficiently removes hair from carpeting and lifts carpet fibers. A big advantage in the operation of such equipment is the absence of dust, since dirt gets into the water tank and does not spread throughout the apartment.
2. Professional. This is a powerful unit capable of processing a large area of ​​surface. Treatment can be cold or hot steam. Thanks to the disinfection function, the unit perfectly cleans bathrooms. The equipment is quite expensive and is used mainly for cleaning large office premises or is purchased for the arsenal of a clearing company.

The equipment is presented by manufacturers in different versions. These can be vacuum cleaners with automatic filling of water into the desired tank, or with sound signals that allow you to control supplies. The most popular models are from brands such as Makita, Karcher.

Unlike washing vacuum cleaners, they do not leave streaks on the surface, and after treatment they dry it well.

Vacuum cleaner with steam generator KARCHER SV 7 (1.439-410.0)

Criterias of choice

What steam vacuum cleaner do you use?

ManualCompact

In order for a steam vacuum cleaner to be useful in everyday life, when purchasing it you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

• Power indicator . The degree of power affects the quality of suction and cleaning speed. For home cleaning, it is not advisable to buy devices with maximum power. For complete cleaning of apartments, models whose power starts from 1000 W are suitable.
• Steam humidity regulator . High-quality units are equipped with a function for adjusting steam evaporation. It allows you to choose between wet or dry mist for different types of cleaning. Wet vapors work on stubborn dirt on hard surfaces. Dry steam is suitable for delicate and soft fabrics - upholstery, carpets, curtains.
• Volume of the tank . Devices with large displacements are convenient for cleaning large areas because they do not require fluid replacement. The volume of the tank is directly related to the size of the vacuum cleaner. For small apartments, units with a displacement of 4-5 liters are not needed. One liter of water is consumed by the device in half an hour of cleaning. When choosing tanks, preference is given to aluminum options - they are not prone to scale formation.
• Steam pressure level . Vapor pressure is measured in bars. Devices with a power suitable for everyday cleaning have a pressure of 4 bar. Low-power units do a worse job of removing problematic contaminants.
• Protective functions . Steam can cause burns on the skin if the vacuum cleaner is used incorrectly. Therefore, when choosing a model, you need to be guided by the presence of a valve and steam blocking. These additional parts will reduce the risk of injury to the device to a minimum.
• The water shortage indicator is an optional but useful feature. Steam vacuum cleaners are equipped with light or sound signals. These alerts remind the owner of the device that the tank is empty and needs a new portion of water.
• Filter – in the manufacture of vacuum cleaners with steam generators, different filters are used. The HEPA filter is considered one of the most effective. It effectively cleans the air of dust and is recommended for people with severe allergic reactions (to dust, pollen, wool, etc.). The filter is easy to remove and easy to clean.

Expert opinion

Borodina Galina Valerievna

Buyers often confuse power consumption and suction power. These parameters are not identical, but are related to each other. As the suction power increases, the power that the unit consumes on an ongoing basis also increases.

Criteria for choosing a vacuum cleaner with a steam generator

To effectively clean a room, you need to choose the right equipment. Depending on the types of surfaces that will need to be regularly treated and the nature of the contamination, you can select the optimal functionality of the cleaning apparatus.

It is necessary to focus on the following technical parameters.

1. Vacuum cleaner power. To clean carpets and wash surfaces in the house, it is advisable to choose a household appliance power of at least 1000 kW.
2. Humidity regulator. The wet and dry steam function allows you to clean upholstered furniture and any covering. Supplying steam with high humidity will remove dried or sticky dirt from a hard surface. Dry steam is convenient for cleaning carpets, curtains and home furniture.
3. Steam jet pressure. This indicator plays a role in the treatment of old and complex contaminants and stubborn stains. For home use to clean the kitchen, bathroom and rooms, it is preferable to choose a pressure of at least 5 bar.

4. Volume of the water tank. The larger the water capacity, the larger the cleaning area it will be enough for. For large rooms this indicator is especially important, since 1 liter can provide 25-30 minutes of cleaning. Given the operation of the steam generator, it is important that the tank is resistant to scale formation. The ideal option is an aluminum water container.
5. Safety of use. The choice of a vacuum cleaner with a steam generator is often based on high-quality and safe cleaning in the nursery. It is for this reason that it is important to have a steam release blocking system in case of increased curiosity of the child.

Before purchasing, you should think about where to store it, as it takes up a lot of space.

It is worth noting that the device is quite large and heavy: with a tank filled with water, it can weigh up to 10 kg or more.

You should also remember that after using steam cleaning, you need to wash all nozzles and containers, which will take some time. In order for equipment to serve for a long time, it must be properly operated and stored.

Rating of popular models

Among the manufacturers of steam vacuum cleaners, the following brands stand out:

• Kitfort.
• MIE.
• Polti.

• Clatronic.
• Kärcher.

The products of these companies belong to different price categories and are designed for different needs. The most expensive models are not always the most effective for specific conditions.

Kitfort KT-903

Kitfort vacuum cleaners are manufactured in Russia. This model has gained popularity due to its long continuous operation. A one-liter tank allows the unit to work without interruption for an hour. The vacuum cleaner copes with any dirt even in the most difficult to reach places.

The advantages of Kitfort KT-903 include:

• High-quality and fast steaming of clothes.
• Motor overheat protection.

• Fast heating of water (a liter heats up in one minute).
• Convenient storage due to vertical parking.

MIE Bello

The vacuum cleaner supplies steam at a pressure of 5.5 bar. It defeats not only dirt, but also pathogenic microflora by purifying the air. The compact dimensions of the device are combined with a large tank that holds 1.7 liters of water. Features of the model include a high noise level during operation.

The advantages of MIE Bello are:

• Availability of horizontal steaming option.
• Long cord (5 meters).

• Built-in indicator that notifies you of the readiness state.
• Power regulator.
• Light weight of 5 kilograms.

Polti Vaporetto Lecoaspira Intelligent 2.0

The Italian-made steam cleaner has a high power of 2.6 kW. The steam is released at a pressure of 5 bar. The device effectively removes dirt from all surfaces, including deep-pile carpets. The model is equipped with high-quality filters that purify the air.

The strengths of Polti Vaporetto Lecoaspira Intelligent 2.0 include:

• Aluminum boiler that reduces power consumption.
• The kit includes nozzles and a turbo brush.
• Availability of power adjustment.

• Built-in steam fuse.
• Stable suction power.

Clatronic DR 3280

A universal steam cleaner that has become famous due to its affordable price and quality of work. Equipped with a one and a half liter tank. A tank filled with water heats up in no more than ten minutes. The compact dimensions of the vacuum cleaner make it comfortable to carry.

The Clatronic DR 3280 model is valued for the following qualities:

• Disinfectant effect.
• Anti-drip system.
• Built-in compartment for storing attachments.

• Long steam hose.
• Price from 5 thousand rubles.

Kärcher SV 7

The reliable Kärcher vacuum cleaner has all the necessary qualities of a steam cleaner. It produces steam at 4 bar pressure, contains an anti-allergen HEPA filter and is equipped with a powerful motor (2.2 kW). The main disadvantage of the device is its large dimensions and weight of about 10 kilograms.

Buyers prefer Kärcher SV 7 for the following reasons:

• Convenient cleaning of the tank (due to the brush included).
• FoamStop defoamer technology.
• Long power cord (6 meters).

• Availability of a safety valve.
• 4 modes for dust suction and the same number for steam supply.

MIE Maestro

A high-quality Maestro vacuum cleaner stands out among its competitors due to its professional steam iron. Suitable for cleaning all types of surfaces - from parquet to glass. The model is valued for its ease of use.

The device consumes 2600 W during the cleaning process. MIE Maestro has gained popularity due to the following advantages:

• Large tank with a capacity of 2 liters.
• Several attachments included.

• Light weight of 6.5 kilograms.
• Gentle steaming of all fabrics.

Polti FAV30

The vacuum cleaner is equipped with a spacious tank, which allows for long-term wet cleaning without refilling the tank. The model is sold complete with an extension cord for steam supply. The weight of the unit is 8 kilograms with a tank volume of 1.8 liters.

The advantages of Polti FAV30 are:

• Quiet operation of the motor (noise no more than 79 dB).
• Spacious water tank.
• Effective removal of mold and mildew.

• Quick carpet cleaning.
• Working with complex types of contaminants.

Popular vacuum cleaner models

Vacuum cleaners with a steam generator are represented on the Russian market by many manufacturers. The following brands of vacuum cleaners are the most effective in cleaning.

Zepter

The Zepter vacuum cleaner is positioned as a multifunctional environmental device. The vacuum cleaner is easy to use, shockproof and waterproof. In other words, it has a high degree of security. The device is equipped with 6 devices simultaneously, which allow you to perform the following functions:

• wet and dry cleaning;
• surface disinfection with hot steam;
• possibility of ironing curtains, curtains and bedspreads;
• air aromatization;
• possibility of simultaneous cleaning and steam cleaning;
• air humidification.

Along with many useful features, the vacuum cleaner has a beautiful design.

Vacuum cleaner - steam generator TuttoLuxo 6S

Karcher

The Karcher vacuum cleaner is presented by a German company and is expensive, so it is often purchased for commercial purposes. The manufacturer was one of the first to introduce a steam unit to consumers on the world market. Its main advantages are the following characteristics:

• 5-stage steam flow control, allowing for delicate and intensive cleaning$
• complete set, which includes additional nozzles that allow cleaning of any level of complexity, and an extension cord for the steam regulator;
• Child lock function to protect children from possible injury.

Steam vacuum cleaner Karcher SV 1802

LG

The VK vacuum cleaner models from LG are popular due to their high steam generation rate. Due to the small reservoir, the water heats up quickly: you can start cleaning within 3 minutes of operating the device. The vacuum cleaner is designed for continuous operation for up to 30 minutes, which is quite enough to clean an apartment. The advantage of this technology is its low noise level and speed of cleaning. The device is inferior in power to equipment from Karcher, but is much cheaper and, accordingly, is more affordable for household use.

Buying a multifunctional vacuum cleaner with a steam treatment mechanism is certainly beneficial if there is no other alternative equipment in the house. Having fully equipped equipment, there is no need to select additional devices for cleaning the surface. A vacuum cleaner with a steam generator is effective in cleaning carpets, furniture, and tiles. Given its ability to remove soot, grease and scale with steam, the device will be an excellent assistant for cleaning the kitchen and kitchen equipment.