What is Steam Cleaning?

Steam cleaning is a deep cleaning process that combines the use of chemicals and a high-pressure blast of hot water and steam to remove dirt and grime from different materials and surfaces. While the process of steam cleaning is usually thought to be for cleaning carpeting only, the same process can also be employed to clean jewelry, bathroom tile, and brick. Various types of cleaners are employed for the task of cleaning with steam, depending on the specific application.

When it comes to cleaning carpeting, steam cleaning is a deep cleaning process that helps to dislodge dirt and grime that has ground into the fibers of the carpet. In order to remove the dirt, the cleaner uses a mixture of hot water and some type of cleaning agent. The mixture is routed through high-pressure jets that allow the steamy water to permeate the fibers of the carpeting and loosen the grime. As the detergent dislodges the dirt, the cleaner uses a strong vacuum to retrieve the now dirty water and excess detergent. The end result is a carpet that is clean and will dry in a matter of minutes in most climates.

Along with steam cleaning carpeting, jewelers make use of steam systems to remove film and buildup from the surface of gemstones. Machines used in this type of cleaning action vary from smaller handheld devices that allow for precision work to larger devices capable of cleaning large quantities of gems at one time. In both cases, the steam cleaning equipment uses high-pressure steam and a cleaning agent to gently remove any dirt or residue from the gemstone, making the stones ready for installation in a setting.

In recent years, steam cleaning of walls and other surfaces around the home has become possible with the use of hand held devices. While not employing quite as much pressure as cleaning devices for carpets or gemstones, these devices do make use of detergents and hot water to create a steamy stream that can loosen grime from countertops in the kitchen. Cleaners of this type can easily handle dried food, grease stains, and even wine or fruit juice stains. In the bathroom these hand held steam cleaners can loosen and remove soap scum from tile, bathtubs and sinks. Cleaning the toilet with steam with these devices is thought to eliminate more germs from the home.

Steam cleaning devices can be employed with many types of cleaning around the home. Today, cleaners using the power of steam can be purchased reasonably and kept on hand to handle many common housecleaning chores. In the case of steam cleaning machines for cleaning carpets, it is also possible to rent cleaners inexpensively from supermarkets, drugstores, and other retail outlets.