1st Time Steam User; Tips, Techniques, and Warnings?

kochdalton87

kochdalton87

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As the title suggests I purchased a Mculloch MC1385 this past week to add to my detailing arsenal. I have watched Larry Kosilla's video along with a few others but I don't feel 100% comfortable using the steamer mostly because of the heat levels associated with it. I'm open to any tips, tricks, or warnings that you guys may have to boost my confidence level and to use the machine more effectively. Thanks ahead of time and any help is greatly appreciated!
 
+1! More tips! Thanks for that first, indeed.

Almost ordering one for myself.

Kind Regards.
 
if you want to , try it on your own stuff . maybe some spots on a home carpet? maybe a dirty rag ? start on low if there is a setting, then move up if it does not help… just like polishing, dont start at full blast.
just so you know i got vx500 and had a stain in the carpet from the dogs ( was there last 2 or 3 years, and was treated with all kinds of carpet cleaners)- well the stain is gone now. its hard to mess up stuff with steamer just my opinion. if its not coming out in few seconds it might not come out at all… pre-treat the spot with carpet cleaner. or diluted APC
you see, just try it and you be amazed what it does without chemicals.

not a pro at it so this is my advice.
 
From what I've been reading, steamers have a tip temperature around 200°F. That should be safe to use pretty much anywhere. I also want to buy this steamer, but I just bought a bunch of stuff, so I'm currently in the process of saving up for this steamer.
 
Awesome tips, thanks for sharing. Will follow your thoughts since first use.

Can an 'ordinary' steamer like those ones we are talking about (~$100-$300) be used for exterior cleansing as well?

Any tips on engine cleaning with the steamer?

Thanks again.

Kind Regards.
 
Tato said:
Awesome tips, thanks for sharing. Will follow your thoughts since first use.

Can an 'ordinary' steamer like those ones we are talking about (~$100-$300) be used for exterior cleansing as well?

Any tips on engine cleaning with the steamer?
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It probably isn't going to do a good job of washing a car, it may get off "junk" around emblems and such, or for bug removal.

You can take your time on engines, they are very heat tolerant.
 
Thanks mate.

What about 'humidity' of vapor on engine?

Thank you very much.

Kind Regards.
 
kochdalton87 said:
As the title suggests I purchased a Mculloch MC1385 this past week to add to my detailing arsenal. I have watched Larry Kosilla's video along with a few others but I don't feel 100% comfortable using the steamer mostly because of the heat levels associated with it. I'm open to any tips, tricks, or warnings that you guys may have to boost my confidence level and to use the machine more effectively. Thanks ahead of time and any help is greatly appreciated!
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Great thread... i am on the same boat.. please guys share... thank all of you!
 
Tato said:
Thanks mate.

What about 'humidity' of vapor on engine?

Thank you very much.

Kind Regards.
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Not going to be an issue. Modern engine bay parts are all tested for harsh conditions such as humidity, water intrusion, etc.
 
Sorry insisting on this (I'm in need of self-affirmation on this thread), even that parts I would cover up with plastic / foil if doing a 'water wash' on engine?

Sure I will take care, but I'm talking about accidental vapor hitting.

Again, thanks.

Kind Regards.
 
Tato said:
Sorry insisting on this (I'm in need of self-affirmation on this thread), even that parts I would cover up with plastic / foil if doing a 'water wash' on engine?

Sure I will take care, but I'm talking about accidental vapor hitting.

Again, thanks.

Kind Regards.
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The engine compartment gets wet when driving in the rain, through puddles, etceteras.

Steamer is fine. Vapor will not hurt a thing unless you intentionally miss-use it.
Probably puts out less moisture than when you are spraying it down with APC or degreaser.

I have the Mytee Firebird and have not had a problem.

Many will indicate that modern engines can safely be power washed.
I would add...power washed by someone who has half a brain.
 
Don't use the brush heads that it may come with to scrub any leather or plastic/vinyl, even lightly, or you'll be very upset with yourself... Well of course you can scrub some carpets and upholstery... Scrubbing on anything else should be done with a microfiber I'd say, lightly if you must scrub with it. So far that's my only caution I think!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
 
Thanks again for all tips, very helpful. I'm looking forward to get my steamer this week.

Kind Regards.
 
maybe obvious but dont use anything but distilled water and just keep it moving. I just got a vapamore primo about 2 weeks ago and used it on 2 details so far. Used it on door jambs, plasitc on the interior, and stubborn spots on the carpet and seats and its awesome. I also use it around the house also, the thing is sweet.
 
I have the McCulloch steamer.I keep a bucket near to purge the line so that just steam is coming out. Sometimes you will get a shot of water when stopping for a few minutes and restarting.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using AG Online
 
I have the $200 version of that steamer and I rip through interiors with it. Once you master using it you won't want to go without it. We live in Hawaii so we get a lot of sand in cars, this steam loosens up the fibers in the carpet making sand removal fast and east. Use your steamer for everything, but you will want the upgraded one because it holds more water and lasts twice as long and it has more heat!
 
Love's Auto said:
I have the $200 version of that steamer and I rip through interiors with it. Once you master using it you won't want to go without it. We live in Hawaii so we get a lot of sand in cars, this steam loosens up the fibers in the carpet making sand removal fast and east. Use your steamer for everything, but you will want the upgraded one because it holds more water and lasts twice as long and it has more heat!
Click to expand...

What island are you on bro?
 
Awesome tips guys thanks! I wonder if mike has a steamer video somewhere


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