Critical Details: Lets Talk Steam Cleaners

Don't discount the difference both 10psi and 10+ degrees make. Yes, I'm sure the first will fit your needs fine, but the two should perform appreciably different.

I've only ever used a continuous fill machine, so I can't comment on refill frequency and how often you have to wait 20+ mins for the unit to cool.
 
CriticalDetails said:
That is some serious pressure! What is the cost on one of one of those steam cleaners? I couldn't find a price online but if I had to guess I would say around $3,000.
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It's actually north of $5k:wow: I use my steamer all the time in my main cleaning business as well as auto detailing, so it's worth it to me.
 
Dynamic_Detailing said:
I'm curious about the primary difference between these two models of Vapor Clean units. They are both commercial quality, all stainless, and the non-continuous fill (which I don't think I'd need only doing one/two client vehicles every day?) is only $549: The Vapor Clean Pro5 (300 degree steam, 65psi)

The other model is very similar, but is "continuous fill" and jumps all the way to $900 with just 10 extra PSI (75): Vapor Clean Pro6 Duo

Here are some links if anyone can offer me some real-world advice... it truly looks like the cheaper Pro5 $549 would perfectly work for our needs?

1. Vapor Clean Pro5: HERE
2. Vapor Clean Pro6 Duo: HERE
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The Vapor Clean Pro5 has a 1.8 liter tank while a similar steamer like the VX5000 has a 4 liter tank. If you go with the Vapor Pro6 you will never have to worry about running out of steam. I would spend the extra money and get the Pro6 so you are prepared for any detailing job.

CCC4me said:
Don't discount the difference both 10psi and 10+ degrees make. Yes, I'm sure the first will fit your needs fine, but the two should perform appreciably different.

I've only ever used a continuous fill machine, so I can't comment on refill frequency and how often you have to wait 20+ mins for the unit to cool.
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I have flushed my steam cleaner boiler when the pressure gauge is on 0 and there was still steam inside. Not enough to be serious burn you but enough to scare you. I feel that opening a single tank steam cleaner is like opening a radiator. Sure you can do it but that doesn't mean that it's safe.

CCC4me said:
It's actually north of $5k:wow: I use my steamer all the time in my main cleaning business as well as auto detailing, so it's worth it to me.
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When the company doesn't list the price you know it's going to be expensive lol. It looks like a really nice steam cleaner and ultra capable of cleaning a house or heavy equipment.
 
This video is from my most detail using my steam cleaner.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT86aCFUDUc]How To Clean Upholstery: Hot Water Extraction - Critical Details Premium Automotive Detailing - YouTube[/video]
 
CriticalDetails said:
I feel that opening a single tank steam cleaner is like opening a radiator. Sure you can do it but that doesn't mean that it's safe.
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Ya, I wouldn't want to. A car radiator is under 15 psi and approx. 200 deg water. These steamers are over 100 psi and 300 degrees. That will literally burn you to the bone!
 
CriticalDetails said:
The Vapor Clean Pro5 has a 1.8 liter tank while a similar steamer like the VX5000 has a 4 liter tank. If you go with the Vapor Pro6 you will never have to worry about running out of steam. I would spend the extra money and get the Pro6 so you are prepared for any detailing job.
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Thanks so much!! :)
 
CCC4me said:
It's actually north of $5k:wow: I use my steamer all the time in my main cleaning business as well as auto detailing, so it's worth it to me.
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@ccc4me...thank you for providing such a great info based on personal experience....i am about to start a cleaning business and wud like to seek your advice here and that is there are some steam cleaners with vacuum function, is that worth considering car interior detailing of carper and seats or I shall keep hot water extractor and steam cleaner separately? based on your experience you recommend to have a high pressure steamer typically above 6-8bar for a professional work output considering budget is not issue but work quality and time matters. waiting for your feedback
 
mallic said:
@ccc4me...thank you for providing such a great info based on personal experience....i am about to start a cleaning business and wud like to seek your advice here and that is there are some steam cleaners with vacuum function, is that worth considering car interior detailing of carper and seats or I shall keep hot water extractor and steam cleaner separately? based on your experience you recommend to have a high pressure steamer typically above 6-8bar for a professional work output considering budget is not issue but work quality and time matters. waiting for your feedback
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I am always a fan of keeping separate units for their intended function. The versatility and reliability of a dedicated vacuum and a dedicated steamer is tough to beat, imo. I even combine two separate units (a 500 psi big steamer and a wet vac) into one nozzle for my extraction duties. That's a function of careful used shopping and not convenience though. So definitely a vote here for a dedicated extraction setup and a separate vapor steamer.

Besides, a good performing vapor steamer like we're discussing in this thread puts out so little moisture that I feel like those units that combine a vacuum are masking poor steamer performance.

6-8 bar (~100-120 psi) is well within the range of machines discussed in this thread. At this point the only machine I have experience owning in this range is the VaporJet 2400. It performs well, but there are better values out there--I think they are too proud of their TANCS disinfection system and charge accordingly. I have used a few other units including the smaller version of the one I linked above (my large propane steamer is a Therma Kleen too) and Therma Kleen's performance is second to none. They cost a pretty penny though. For us in the US I find it reassuring they are UL listed and built in Illinois. Referencing pressure in Bar makes me assume you are not in the US and therefore that is a non-issue.

I'm not sure what you're cleaning, but the continuous fill function (or a HUGE boiler which would require HUGE power--three phase) is paramount when you're doing anything that takes more than a few hours such as 2000 sq. ft. of grout or a couple car interiors back to back.
 
CCC4me said:
Besides, a good performing vapor steamer like we're discussing in this thread puts out so little moisture that I feel like those units that combine a vacuum are masking poor steamer performance.
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Very good point. It takes me approximately an hour to use a gallon of water in my steam cleaner. As apposed to when I use my carpet extractor, I can use a gallon of water in a matter of minutes.

On carpet and cloth upholstery, you really need the extra water to flush the dirt from the fabric.
 
CriticalDetails said:
On carpet and cloth upholstery, you really need the extra water to flush the dirt from the fabric.
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Agreed! The dry steam can serve almost like a pre-treat to break up the dirt, but it needs a good flushing after.
 
CCC4me said:
Let's not forget a lot of the performance is based on accessory choice.
Good general guide here: Advanced Vapor Technologies - Commercial and Industrial Home Page

What are your favorite accessories?

I almost exclusively use a horse hair brush attachment, the steam concentrator nozzle, and the "diapered" triangular brush in my auto detailing work.
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I use the steam concentrator nozzle for cleaning door jambs, engine compartment, cup holders and any hard to reach interior crevices. While I use the triangle brush covered with a microfiber towel for cleaning headliners and leather seats. Occasionally I will use the extension poles and the rectangle brush with no towel for cleaning area rugs around the house.
 
CriticalDetails said:
You're welcome. I hope to see some in action steam cleaner shots in the near future.
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SO DO I! I think though... as the season for us winds down and we move into our other business full time in the fall and winter, I'll do some more big upgrades for 2014. This is the ONE thing I am dead-set on, thanks CD! :)
 
I didnt even know Mccullauch was still in buisness. I had a great little chain saw from them.
 
boostgst said:
Has anyone used the Vapamore MX-100? Does anyone recommend it?
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I was curious about this too... but a steam machine for $100-300 just seems like a bad idea to me. I did learn a lot of interesting things writing to the company though, like the fact Mytee's new steam cleaner is the same exact model, with a different color, manufactured at the same overseas factory with a higher price tag. Really cool to know. I think it's called the "Firebird"
 
Dynamic_Detailing said:
SO DO I! I think though... as the season for us winds down and we move into our other business full time in the fall and winter, I'll do some more big upgrades for 2014. This is the ONE thing I am dead-set on, thanks CD! :)
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You're welcome.
 
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