In the market for a cheap, dependable steam cleaner

I also am a part time detailer. Fair enough, I feel like I'd want something that keep the water heated as my lg already doesn't do that and it annoys me
 
Cman8 said:
Im not a full time detailar and do side jobs from time to time. So maybe it wouldnt see as much usage as some of you guys would. But every time I have used it it has performed like a champ. And if it ever does crap out, I have the 2 year warranty (20 bucks) from Harbor freight were I can return it for a new one no questions asked.
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You can always use it at home.:xyxthumbs:
 
I got the cheapo steamer that was available at Costco.

I was the same McCulloch steamer that is available at Harbor Freight but sold under a different name. It cost $49.95

I've had it for five years now and it still works without any failures. Not terribly powerful but it gets the job done. I mainly use it under the hood and for the door jams and hinges.

Just remember, if you do get the Harbor Freight steamer to use one of the 20% off coupons. they are in every car magazine in the world.
 
Man the MC seems pretty good for me for being a weekend detailer.. My uncle wants me to detail his interior and i could really use a steamer. If its not strong enough I'll give it to my sis.
 
Okay...bumping this because I just found a steamer/power washer at Sear's (Craftsman 1700 PSI, 1.3 GPM Electric Pressure Washer w/ Steam Cleaner) that's $215. Seeing as I don't have a pressure washer either, this tool would be very helpful....IF it works well...have any of you heard of this? Thanks.
 
Jomax said:
Man the MC seems pretty good for me for being a weekend detailer.. My uncle wants me to detail his interior and i could really use a steamer. If its not strong enough I'll give it to my sis.
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I picked my MC up from HF on sale $50, I'm just a weekend hobbyist and it does what I need underhoods, door jambs, brake dust and interior good enough for me. $100 give a go for a couple of months if you pick up a better steamer later the little MC would be good to keep in the house made short work of my shower.
 
rcramie said:
I picked my MC up from HF on sale $50, I'm just a weekend hobbyist and it does what I need underhoods, door jambs, brake dust and interior good enough for me. $100 give a go for a couple of months if you pick up a better steamer later the little MC would be good to keep in the house made short work of my shower.
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Do you have a link? Can't seem to find it on HF.
 
I dont i picked mine up at a local one parking lot sale.

Sent from my MB860 using AG Online
 
itsinthedetails said:
Okay...bumping this because I just found a steamer/power washer at Sear's (Craftsman 1700 PSI, 1.3 GPM Electric Pressure Washer w/ Steam Cleaner) that's $215. Seeing as I don't have a pressure washer either, this tool would be very helpful....IF it works well...have any of you heard of this? Thanks.
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I saw it in Popular Science mag today and though it's a cool idea. If you get one, do a review please
 
itsinthedetails said:
The dilemna: I would like to spend max $400 on a steam cleaner (more like 250 if possible). Summer is fast approaching, and with it, time for more car detailing! Using my Bissell LG + folex, while mostly effective, is too time-consuming and doesn't work for some things... like seatbelts! If I had the money, I'd buy a vx5000 AND a mytee lite :P, but for the amount of detailing I do and the money I make it's just not practical. So... my question...any of YOU have a steam cleaner you're not using anymore that you'd be willing to sell to a fellow AG forum member for a reduced price:D? I know it's a long shot but hey, can't hurt to ask. If not, what do you guys think of the vapamore mr-100 or something even a little cheaper like the mcculloch? Ideally, I'd like an hour of steam (I work very slowly & methodically) and would like it for everything from interior to door jambs to wheels, and even hard to reach engine areas. I know my expectations won't be met completely unless I can snag something great quality & used, but thats the deal.
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I just happened to come across this, this morning. I have no knowledge of or relationship to the seller, but the person does have 100% feedback and the price is in the ballpark of what you were wanting to spend. If I had not already purchased a new VX5000, I would probably go for this one myself. :drool:

Used KLEENJET PRO PLUS 300CS Vapor Steam Cleaner with Accessories 14-day Return | eBay
 
inyadreems said:
How much was it with the 20% off?
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$108 total (keep in mind-no S+H though since I picked it up locally)...though I just looked at my receipt and it says "steam cleaner $99.99 saved $30 off $129.99...so I don't know whether they used my coupon or not b/c 20% would be $26 off not $30. The cashier did click the coupon from the cpu though....
 
Update:

So I used the MC on a few cars now and this is what I've found...

The steam seems to have very little power/pressure when used with the larger brushes (triangle brush, rectangle brush etc) so you kind of have to use the small brushes to clean effectively which takes awhile. I was really hoping to use this for upholstery and carpeting at large instead of my Bissel LG but b/c of that it's kind of difficult... I'm still using the lg, but spot cleaning w/ steam 1st to loosen tough stains.

Also, just be forewarned that the green scrubbing pad (looks like green side of a sponge but circular and 1/3" thick doesn't work at all...I used it for two seconds and the green part detached from the plastic (the glue holding it together melted off w/ the heat of the steam...) Additionally, the brush "hairs" on some of the smaller brushes (which I am using the most) kind of got mangled b/c of the steam heat.

I WAS able to clean door panels effectively w/ the triangle brush despite the lack of pressure. Still, this machine, in my opinion, performs optimally when used for tight spaces/small areas/spot cleaning(etc) w/ the small attachments. It also works very well on glass. Surprisingly, my favorite thing to use this for so far is glass. Makes it SO much easier to acchieve a streak free shine when you steam clean>squeegee>wipe w/ one towel>"buff"/get rid of streaks etc w/ another towel.
(btw It also worked great around the house: on the range, in the bathroom sink etc)

OVERALL:

Overall, the McCulloch MC-1275 is a pretty decent machine, just don't expect a powerful jet of steam but more a gentle jet of steam (unless using the smallest nozzles, in which case its pretty powerful). I guess I was expecting something so easy where you don't have to scrub...like they show you in vapor steamer commercials on youtube...guess I was wrong! The machine works well if used correctly. It will clean large surface areas w/ larger brushes, but will probably need a chemical to help it along (ie cleaning leather/vinyl seats...dont just use steam, spray on some apc, then steam & scrub @ same time, then wipe off. W/ door jambs, nooks & crannies, spot cleaning, engines, etc this thing works great. Also, I wasn't keeping track of how long the steam lasted, but it was okay for me and I work very slowly. I'm not sure if you're supposed to wait for everything to cool completely down or not before adding more h20, but I used 2.5 tankfuls throughout my detail & filled up while hot and nothing went wrong. SO...sorry if I'm repeating myself but the BOTTOM LINE is that it works pretty well for an item of it's price, and I'm definitely keeping it. It does cut down a bit on the time it takes me. It ALSO cuts down on the $ I'll be spending on chemicals. Good for the price, but not perfect.
 
mattk said:
My uncle gave me a minuteman gotcha, its portable spotter 50psi and although it doesn't heat the water, if you put hot water in, it will stay hot and it really works great for me so far. He picked it up at a local pawn shop for 250, and they run 1100+ new.
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Not for nothing, but my $100 Little Green Pro Heat will raise the temp 25 degrees. Just pour in warm/hot water. Anything that doesn't heat the water is NOT worth anything. He got ripped off if it doesn't at least heat.
 
I found a lightly used Vapormaster 3000 (I think these are literally the same machine as the vx 5000 under a different name) for $350 on Craigslist! I couldn't believe it!

I love the thing. Never seems to run out of pressure and can detail 2 very dirty cars or a large SUV easily without running out of water.
 
Ive always had a decent force of steam output come from my MC1275. I always waited until it was at a rolling boil before I started work with it though. Carpets & upholstery have never been a problem for me using it and Ive blasted away gum, 4 month old chocolate milkshakes, ground in road tar, amongst other things and they all took less than a few passes.
 
Toy_Cam_Ed said:
Not for nothing, but my $100 Little Green Pro Heat will raise the temp 25 degrees. Just pour in warm/hot water. Anything that doesn't heat the water is NOT worth anything. He got ripped off if it doesn't at least heat.
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I have a LG and WISH it had heat...it would be so much easier if it did...
 
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