A
Attachments
Almost all makes and models come with some basic attachments such as a floor tool, a hand / furniture tool, and some form of round bristle nozzle included in the price of the cleaner. Before buying a steam cleaner, check that one or more of the included attachments are tools you require for your particular cleaning tasks, if not, check that they can be bought as an extra from the manufacturer.
B
Boiler capacity
When choosing a steam cleaner, you need to think about the cleaning tasks for which you are buying the cleaner. Is it just for small cleaning / sanitising tasks; for larger area cleaning tasks, such as carpet cleaning; or will it be a combination of both? The larger the area for cleaning / sanitising, the longer the usage time will be, so it will be wiser to buy a model with a large capacity tank. This will save you time because you will not need to fill up the tank so often, and then wait for the steam to reach working pressure before using it again. Inversely, the smaller the capacity of the tank of the cleaner, the quicker your steam cleaner will heat up and will be ready for use. The boiler capacity is thus really down to your own personal needs.
Built In Safety Devices
Any form of high pressure boiler has the potential to explode if appropriate safety devices are not fitted. Steam cleaners MUST thus come with a boiler safety pressure release valve; thermal overload protection and a boiler empty shut off valve.
C
Cable Winder
This is a sprung reel system which allows you to simply press a button and watch the mains cable quickly disappear inside the machine. This is particularly handy if your cable is extra long. Because of the power required by the electric heating element in the boiler there is the potential for the cable itself to overheat in what is known as the 'inductive' effect, caused by the coiling of the cable. You should always therefore fully extend the cable before operating your steam cleaner.
Continuous Heating System
An invaluable feature that enables continuous steam use without having to keep refilling a single tank (as in a lot of models), and then having to wait for it to heat up and reach working pressure again. This is especially useful for cleaning a large area such as a lounge carpet or cleaning other very large and / or dirty surfaces. Steam cleaners with this feature incorporate two tanks for continuous steam. One is the steam tank, the other a refillable tank. Water from this refillable tank is pumped into the boiler tank when activated and tops up the boiler's water level in small amounts as it is required. With this feature, the boiler temperature will stay constant.
D
Descaling Facility
Prevents lime scale build up in the tank.
Dual Power Element
Allows you to select higher power for rapid heating of the water and then an operational setting when performing the cleaning task.
E
Environmentally Safe
A steam cleaner that uses just plain tap water, so no toxic fumes from any chemical based cleaning agents are produced.
H
Hand Held Steamers
These are ideal for the smaller cleaning jobs such as the spot cleaning of stains They are compact and versatile and if you do not have a lot of storage space this is probably the size to buy. The smaller the model and the tank capacity, the lighter it will be to hold and to move around. Some cleaners come with a carry strap, leaving both hands free to tackle the job. Can be used to freshen up clothes if, for example, you have been exposed to a smoky atmosphere. Smaller capacity tanks mean reduced running time so hand held units are not ideal for large area cleaning tasks.
Health Benefits
Steam cleaners kill germs bacteria and dust mites in your upholstery so may represent a health benefit to any asthmatic or allergy sufferer in the family.
Heat Safety Lock
An important feature to prevent the cleaner from outputting steam when unattended, thus helping to avoid scalding accidents, especially if you have young inquisitive children around. That said, it is recommended that you never leave a steam cleaner unattended when in operation.
Heat up time
This is usually referred to in minutes per litre. Once again, this depends on the capacity of the heating tank and the power consumption and output of the cleaner.
Hose Length
Hose length can vary depending on model and make. Take this into consideration if you want to clean a long stairway. Almost all models have extension tubes but can save considerable time and effort if you do not need to use them.
I
Iron Attachment
This allows you to attach an iron for continuous steam output, thus acting as a high powered steam iron.
J
Jet Nozzle
A narrow nozzle, particularly handy for directing the steam into small and inaccessible places.
L
Leak Free Attachments
Something to look out for are attachments that snap lock into place. This will prevent any leakage from the joint during the operation of the steamer and will also prevent any accidental scalding from escaping steam.
Low Water Indicator
A visual aid to allow you to see when the water level is low, preventing your boiler running dry and then potentially overheating (see also built in safety devices above).
M
Maximum Boiler Temperature
Temperatures again vary depending on model and make. The higher the temperature, the more powerful the cleaning effect although be careful that the materials you are cleaning can withstand it.
Multi Purpose Steam Cleaner
These can convert from a steam mop into a hand held steamer. Suitable for the majority of flooring. Another useful feature to be found in some is that they can work upside down, ideal for cleaning windows and any high level surfaces.
O
Operating Time
This depends on the flow setting and the capacity of the boiler tank. Larger or more intricate cleaning jobs will require a greater operating time but there is a trade-off between boiler capacity and the time taken for the steam cleaner to be ready for operation so be sure you size it correctly.
On Board Tool Storage
An invaluable feature for a quick change of tool when needed. With this feature your tools / attachments will always be at hand to tackle each task. Be sure that the tool storage is robust, particularly if you are likely to change tools regularly.
P
Portable Steamers
See hand held steamers above.
Power
The power consumption is measured in watts, so in simple terms, the higher the wattage the more powerful the steamer.
S
Steam Ready Light
Lights up when the boiler has reached operating temperature and the steamer is ready for use.
Steam On/Off Trigger
Usually situated on the handle allowing fingertip control of steam output during operation.
T
Tank capacity
The capacity of the tank varies between models and makes of steam cleaners. In general terms, the larger the capacity, the longer the steamer can be in continuous use.
Tank Type
Bi metal tanks heat up more quickly and help to reduce the problem of valves becoming blocked with lime scale. Other options include tanks made from 18/10 stainless steel. This material prevents any rusting and also helps to minimise lime scale build up.
V
Vertical Pressing
A feature that allows you to operate the attachment vertically. Ideal for cleaning curtains or taking the creases out of wrinkled clothes.
Variable Steam Pressure
Some models have a steam pressure control located conveniently on the machine's handle. This allows you to control the steam output for a variety of jobs, from oven cleaning to the more delicate job of upholstery cleaning. Output can typically vary from 0 to 100g/min depending on the model.
W
Wheels
Larger steam cleaners can be quite heavy. Wheels will make it easier to move the steam cleaner from room to room and / or for example to take it outside to clean your car's upholstery.
Water Level Indicator
A light that comes on to warn you that the water level is low.
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