Steam cleaner is a versatile machine that we used all around the house to sanitize different surfaces. It is not only effective to remove stubborn stains and dust but is also considered hygienic and eco-friendly. Also used to banish stains from upholstery, carpets, grout lines, and many more. It has endless uses including sanitizing and killing germs and removing dirt and dust.
Steam cleaner hacks are a way of trading harsh chemicals with steam to deep clean your surfaces. But the question is where does the dirt go using steam cleaner? Does it evaporate into thin air or just spread here and there or absorb in the area rugs once again? It actually goes nowhere. To know more keep on exploring this article. Before moving down don’t miss to check our recommendations for the best steam cleaners for tile and grout, the best steam cleaners for bed bugs, and the best carpet steam cleaners.
Where Does the Dirt Go When You Steam Clean
The dirt doesn’t simply disappear into the air. Instead, the steam cleaners loosen the bonding that adheres dirt to on surfaces. It is what steam does – loosens the dirt, and the work of the steam ends here. Now, the dirt can be removed from the surface in any of the three ways. It depends on the type of vacuum cleaner or attachment you are using.
Steam Mop
Once you steam clean the surface you can use a microfiber towel to remove the loose dirt from the surface manually, or if you are using a steam mop then it will remove the dirt itself because the microfiber cloth is attached to its mop head. If you are not using a microfiber pad attachment, it will leave residue behind. After that, this dirty water needs to be wiped down.
Some steam cleaners have a microfiber pad attachment that absorbs the dirt into them. This attachment is commonly found in steam mops. You need to change it more often and keep an extra pad at hand if the first cloth gets dirty. You can also attach any towel or rag for cleaning.
The best handheld steam cleaner also comes with microfiber cloth attachments that absorb dirt.
Steam Cleaner
We use different types of steam or carpet cleaners while cleaning the carpet because you can’t remove the dirt by simply steam cleaning the carpet with a microfiber pad attachment.
To extract the dirt effectively, a different method is used which is called a hot water extractor. The term steam cleaning is also used for the hot extraction method; in actuality, it works on a different principle.
In hot water extraction, the temperature is not as high as turning it into steam. And the method begins by spraying a cleaning solution on the carpet. After that, it is agitated by a counter-rotating brush (CRB). The brush type is chosen according to the material of the carpet.
This hot water or cleaning solution is then applied to the soiled carpet. The hot water loosens the grime, and then a powerful vacuum extracts the dirt. The dirty water is then accumulated in a reservoir. You will notice the full line indicating that it’s time to empty the reservoir which you can flush into a toilet or sink.
Vapor Steam Cleaner or Dry Steam Cleaner
The type of steam cleaning that doesn’t leave behind lots of water except condensation is called vapor steam cleaner. It delivers dry vapor. Here, dry simply means that the steam ratio is significantly higher than water. For example 95% vapor and only 5% water.
And what happens to the dirt when you are using a dry steam cleaner?
The answer is simple: you wipe it down, and it’s fairly easy as it doesn’t leave a lot of moisture behind.
Now, let’s understand the scientific logic behind it.
The steam in a dry steam cleaner depends on the pressure of steam coming out of the nozzle. The higher the pressure, the more volume of steam will be released. Once this high-pressure steam hits the surface, it will create condensation, and you will see the water molecules or dampness on the surface.
If you want a dry surface or less condensation/dampness, you can lower the pressure that is being released from the nozzle.
This dry steam clean cleaner removes dirt from the surface, and you can wipe down the dirt and moisture easily.
Another significant benefit of these steam cleaners is that they are highly effective in eliminating microbial contaminants. It also helps in removing the urine odor of your pets in carpets and couches.
According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) research, dry steam cleaning reduces the level of house dust and mite allergens in carpets.
Bottom Line!
No matter what type of steam cleaner you use, the manufacturers have carefully thought of ways to extract the dirt from the surface. Depending on the cleaning task, accessories, or steam cleaner type, you will either need to wipe away the dirt and moisture. Or the powerful suctioning process will lift out all the dirty water, which you can later dispose of anywhere.
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