How to clean a sofa with a steam cleaner. Steam cleaning of upholstered furniture

Cleaning upholstered furniture using a steam cleaner is an effective and gentle method when compared with using household chemicals.
A steam cleaner removes various contaminants of varying degrees of complexity. Steam removes dust and stains without causing any aggressive mechanical impact on the area being cleaned. Additionally, bacteria, microbes and allergens are neutralized. After reading this article, you will learn the rules for cleaning upholstered furniture with a steam cleaner. Furniture that can be cleaned with a steam cleaner. Any type of surface in the house can be exposed to steam, as high temperatures are not dangerous to their appearance. You can process metal, plastic, ceramic, textile objects and parts. Upholstered furniture, carpets, mattresses, pillows need regular deep cleaning.

This is due to the fact that their fillers may contain mites, which are hazardous to health. This procedure should be carried out at least once a year.

Features of choice

A steamer is a device that simplifies the cleaning process and cleans fabric furniture from deep dirt. It removes microorganisms from the folds of the material using steam, softens and removes dirt from the structure of the skin. The device disinfects and returns a light and “living” color to fabrics. Steam cleaning furniture is a good method to get rid of allergens and stains of varying complexity - soy sauce, juice, wine, coffee.

The structure consists of the following elements:

storage tank;
tubular electric heater (TEH);
control mechanism;
hose;
nozzles

THINK! Traditional approaches to cleaning sofas with detergent and a rag are inferior to the mechanized process. Steam cleaning is faster and more effective. Under the influence of a hot stream, odors and dirt instantly disappear from the upholstery, and after drying there are no streaks.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the power of the steam cleaner. The larger it is, the higher the effectiveness of its use. It ranges from 700 watts in hand-held steam cleaners to 2300 watts in floor-standing ones. The next parameter is the volume of the steam boiler. The larger it is, the longer your device will work without “recharging”.

Keep in mind that one liter of water is enough for thirty to forty minutes of continuous operation.

The next circumstance that requires attention is the number of nozzles. The more of them, the more abilities the machine has. There should be a minimum of three of them; the maximum value is difficult to determine. Manufacturers offer a variety of attachments for different types of flooring, cleaning mirrors and windows, and textiles.

The length of the electrical cord and hose was discussed above. Let us only add that the flexibility of these elements is also important in order to easily clean hard-to-reach places.

When choosing, pay attention to the heating time of the device. Some will be ready to go in 10 seconds, others will be “puffing” for 10 minutes.

So, the choice has been made, it’s time to start cleaning, but first we recommend that you study the operating instructions for the device. This will help eliminate annoying errors in use.

What is a steam cleaner?

Steamers or steam generators are devices that are intended for cleaning and disinsection of various materials and their surfaces. The device operates silently. It copes with dust mites without any problems, but at the same time is safe to use.

A steam cleaner for upholstered furniture consists of the following components:

Storage tank;
heating element, that is, a tubular electric heater;
start button;
flexible hose;
a set of nozzles that have different configurations.

The most popular manufacturers of household steam generators are Karcher, Ariete and Delonghi. These are the companies that manufacture cleaning equipment. Therefore, when purchasing devices from these manufacturers, you can be sure of quality and a long service life.

Let's look at what types of paragenerators exist.

Rules for cleaning a sofa with steam cleaners

Versatile for use on any surface. A steam cleaner can be used to wash almost all hard materials: tiles, mirrors, metal, various types of floor coverings, plumbing equipment, etc.

Effective against most pollutants. Compared to traditional cleaning methods, steam cleaning allows you to get rid of greasy stains, ingrained odors, dust, scale, soap and limescale deposits in the bathroom, etc.

Environmental Safety. The steam cleaner only works with water. The device does not require the use of special detergents and disinfectants. Steam treatment is one of the best solutions for cleaning a children's room, kitchen, or classroom.

Steam cleaners have quickly entered everyday life, greatly facilitating all cleaning procedures, be it hard surfaces or upholstered furniture. So cleaning the sofa with steam becomes much easier and takes a minimum of time. With a steam generator, there is no need to dilute soap solutions, rub the upholstery and wait for it to dry, because with it any dirt disappears before your eyes.

Cleaning upholstered furniture with a steam cleaner has many advantages:

minimal time spent on the process;
there is no need for prolonged drying of the upholstery;
disinfection - destruction of all parasites, including pathogenic microbes;
removal of unpleasant odors and all types of contaminants;
does not require the use of household chemicals;
cleaning does not involve physical activity;
leaves no marks or streaks;
steam penetrates deep into the structure of the fibers and cleanses them from the inside.

As for the disadvantages, there is only one - the high cost of the device.

Important! Use only purified water for the steam cleaner. Otherwise, tap water can cause stains on the sofa and scale on the heating element.

The pieces of upholstered furniture we love, along with their undoubted advantages - attractive design and comfort, have a significant drawback: their upholstery quickly becomes dirty and loses its original appearance over time, and dust constantly accumulates in the folds of the fabric and recesses. Therefore, such furniture requires not only regular, but also, periodically, “major” maintenance, and one of the most effective actions in this direction is cleaning the sofa with a Kärcher steam cleaner. You will learn about the benefits of this procedure from this article.

To achieve maximum results, it is important to pay attention to 3 key points of the process, these are:

Steam temperature.
Humidity.
Nozzle angle.

Important! The action of water vapor aimed at cleaning surfaces is determined by the combination of its pressure, temperature and speed. It is thanks to these indicators that steam molecules are able to penetrate into the smallest recesses and crevices, effectively cleaning them from most contaminants.

Before you start cleaning your sofa with a steam cleaner, prepare several microfiber cloths in advance so that you always have them on hand.
Fill the steam cleaner reservoir with only clean, preferably pre-filtered, water.
First, use a steam cleaner on an inconspicuous piece of upholstery, look at the result - if the fabric is not damaged, proceed to the main cleaning.
Treat small areas, then immediately wipe them thoroughly with a microfiber cloth - it absorbs the dirt softened by steam.
If you are cleaning individual stains, point the nozzle at an angle to the surface, as if blowing the stain onto a rag.
Clean your sofa regularly with a steam cleaner to prevent contamination and disinfection. Do not wait until your sofa is completely dark - otherwise it will be very difficult to return it to its original appearance.

Important! You can see how to clean upholstered furniture with a steam cleaner in the video. You will see that this is indeed a very simple procedure, and the quality of the result can be seen directly during surface treatment.

Cleaning is a routine process that haunts us throughout our lives. This almost everyday work takes a lot of time and effort from housewives. But they could spend this time playing with children, meeting friends, watching a movie. Therefore, most women in the world use various household chemicals to speed up the cleaning process.

Nowadays it is difficult to imagine high-quality cleaning without the use of chemicals. They have firmly entered our lives. But this type of cleaning also has a downside. Cleaning products, by affecting stains and plaque, also affect our skin, eyes and internal organs. And this can lead to unpleasant consequences over time.

Today, many modern manufacturers of cleaning equipment, including the Karcher company, taking care of people's health, have offered a gentle alternative to cleaning with detergents - cleaning with steam. This is the simplest and most environmentally friendly way to remove household contaminants of varying degrees of complexity. Steam cleans the surface no worse than chemicals. At the same time, it does not have any mechanical effect on the surface.

One of the devices that can clean almost any surface from dirt using steam is a steam cleaner. The steam supplied under high pressure not only dilutes grease and removes dirt, but also disinfects the surface being cleaned, eliminating most bacteria, microbes and allergens.

However, I would like to make a small disclaimer: hot steam is not a magic wand, with a wave of which you will remove even 10 years of dirt, and a steam cleaner is not a device that can clean your apartment in 5 minutes. Although it will allow you to bring shine and cleanliness to your home 2 times faster.

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In general, the steam supplied by a steam cleaner works well against greasy or food stains in the kitchen, mold and plaque in the bathtub and toilet. It also quickly removes simple stains from upholstered furniture, refreshes textiles and leaves of indoor plants, and also disinfects children's toys.

If you have a steam cleaner in your home, getting rid of stains on upholstered furniture will be much easier. The devices are different: hand-held, compact, and there are also steam vacuum cleaners. Their essence is the same - cleaning properties are ensured by supplying hot steam under pressure. It is able to penetrate even the most difficult to reach places, providing high-quality cleaning.

The steam cleaner allows you to reach even the most difficult to reach places

Thanks to hot steam, surfaces are disinfected simultaneously with cleaning. The effectiveness is very high even without the use of chemicals.

The benefits of cleaning with a steam cleaner include:

Simplicity and ease of use of the device.
Safety for household members, since chemical detergents are not required for such cleaning.
The steam cleaner provides deep cleaning from dust and stains, as well as from dust mites, allergens, and pathogenic bacteria.
Disinfection of soft surfaces of furniture occurs.
After steam treatment, there are no streaks or stains on the upholstery.
The efficiency of the device is equally high for any type of contamination.

Wipe the area treated with steam with a microfiber cloth

Before starting work, you need to find out how the upholstery will withstand exposure to hot steam. To do this, select the least noticeable area, for example, where two sections connect, and try the action of steam on it. If it has deformed the upholstery or discolored it, it is better to use other methods for cleaning.

In other cases, you need to proceed in this order:

Preliminary processing. Vacuum the furniture thoroughly. If there are large stains on it, be sure to remove them with special chemicals or folk remedies.
Preparing furniture. Products consisting of several sections should be disassembled to make them easier to process.
Filling with water. Pour water into the reservoir. You can take regular water from the tap, preferably filtered. But if it is too harsh, use distilled one. If the sofa or chair is very dirty, add detergent.
Cleaning furniture. Place the special attachment on the device. Start cleaning the sofa by positioning the nozzle at a slight angle to the surface. The movements should be smooth and long.
Drying. Wipe the steamed area with a microfiber cloth. If the steam cleaner has a built-in vacuum cleaner, use it to dry the surface. Otherwise, you will just have to wait for the upholstery to dry naturally.

If the furniture contains varnished and polished elements, the jet should not be directed at them. Hot temperatures and moisture can cause blistering and fading.

The furniture store staff has not only prepared for you a description of how to clean a sofa using a steam cleaner, but also compiled a list of the advantages of this method. Using Karcher is useful because in the process of such cleaning:

the device will be able to replace several types of household appliances and clean glass, metal and fabric products;
the air is purified and humidified;
steam removes stains from dyes, grease, wax, kills dust mites, eliminates mold;
will allow you to penetrate the most inaccessible areas.

Steam appliances do not require unnecessary physical and resource costs. Their advantage is the cost-effectiveness of water and electricity. They are simple and easy to use - you can choose the size to suit your strength. The devices improve the indoor microclimate: they bind dust and remove pathogenic microbes and bacteria.

To understand how to perform the procedure and whether it is possible to clean a sofa with a steamer to its original condition, our experts have prepared a short guide and video for clarity.

For the desired cleaning effect, it is important to take into account the angle of the nozzle, the intensity and strength of the steam pressure. Make sure that the fabric surface is resistant to hot flow.

Benefits of steam cleaning

the device will be able to replace several types of household appliances and clean glass, metal and fabric products;
the air is purified and humidified;
steam removes stains from dyes, grease, wax, kills dust mites, eliminates mold;
will allow you to penetrate the most inaccessible areas.

Steam appliances do not require unnecessary physical and resource costs. Their advantage is the cost-effectiveness of water and electricity. They are simple and easy to use - you can choose the size to suit your strength. The devices improve the indoor microclimate: they bind dust and remove pathogenic microbes and bacteria.

Models and differences

Well-known brands of equipment for steam dry cleaning of sofas are Karcher, Ariete, Kitfort, Clatronic. The devices differ:

The power of the electric heater is from 2 to 4 Bar.
The mechanism is equipped with a steam supply regulator, auxiliary functions, a flexible hose or a stable tube.
Tank volume – small models with a capacity of 1 liter and overall 5 liters.
Steam pressure levels.
Sets of nozzles.
Dimensions. A steam cleaner for sofas can be manual with small-sized shapes, compact with medium dimensions, or stationary with high power to service large volumes of furniture. Suitable for offices, large premises and homes.

Choose a steam generator for cleaning furniture so that it is comfortable to use and performs the assigned tasks.

In order to efficiently organize the cleaning of a sofa or carpets with a steam cleaner and spend a minimum of time and effort on it, you should purchase a model that will fit comfortably in your hand and be relatively light in weight. For these purposes, steam cleaners from the Kärcher SC series are best suited, such as:

SC1 is a compact hand-held steam cleaner designed for quick cleaning of small surfaces, cleaning seams and recesses.
SC1.020 is one of the most popular and affordable devices; the kit also includes the necessary accessories - a hand nozzle, a cover for it, a terry cloth, etc.
SC2 is a budget option with good technical characteristics and a full set of basic functions; it exceeds SC1 by about 4 times in terms of continuous operation time.
SC3 - heats up in just 30 seconds, you can add water to it without taking a break in operation, and has an anti-scale protection system.
SC4 - cleaning a sofa with a Kärcher steam cleaner of this model brings a lot of pleasant moments. It is especially convenient to use, as it is equipped with a removable tank for refilling water and a contactless napkin replacement system.
SC5 is one of the most powerful devices in the series, with the innovative VapoHydro function, thanks to which you can remove the most stubborn stains.
The SC952 is a lightweight handheld steam cleaner, weighing only 1.2 kg, for quick cleaning with a round brush included.

Important! In order to choose the right model, decide what exactly and how often you will use it. Most of these devices are multifunctional, which makes it possible to use a steam cleaner not only for upholstered furniture, but also for many other surfaces. When purchasing, consult with the seller - he will help you choose the best option. Before first use, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and strictly follow the recommendations contained therein.

If you prefer multifunctional devices, you will be interested in our review of vacuum cleaners with steam cleaners.

Types of steam cleaner

A steam cleaner is a device that allows you to effectively and thoroughly clean and disinfect various interior elements.

There are three varieties of this “wonderful helper”:

Manual. This species is small in size.
Compact. The device is of medium size. There is a small vacuum cleaner available.
Stationary steam vacuum cleaner. The device has a large size, enormous power and efficiency.

The most popular manufacturers of steam cleaners are Karcher, Clatronic, ARIETE. The set of each type of device additionally includes multifunctional attachments that make cleaning even easier. Each attachment or accessory has its own scope of application.

Using attachments

Each nozzle is used for specific purposes:

Nozzle designed for floors (tiles, stones).
Another nozzle is used for washing glass surfaces (windows, mirrors).
A nozzle with a brush attachment. Used for cleaning chrome elements and sanitary fittings.
A nozzle with enormous power. Used for cleaning sewer drains.
Spray. Thanks to this attachment, you can treat plants. This must be done at a distance of 25 centimeters.

As you can see, the steam cleaner attachments can be used in various applications, which greatly simplifies the overall cleaning and cleaning procedure.

This article will help you learn all the nuances when choosing a vacuum cleaner with a steam cleaner.

What is the operating principle of this device? Let's take a closer look.

Using a steam cleaner on different surfaces

To clean laminate and varnished parquet, reduce the steam supply by half. Attach two napkins to the steam cleaner nozzle or fold one napkin in half to protect the surface from thermal effects. When cleaning, it is recommended not to stay long in one area so as not to over-wet the laminate. The water dries quickly after cleaning, leaving no streaks. A few recommendations:

vacuum the floor before steam cleaning;
Clean only on well-laid and glued laminate flooring;
fold the napkins on the attachment so that you get at least 4 layers.

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The main problem with tiles is soap and limescale deposits. A steam cleaner allows you to get rid of dirt without damaging the tile surface. To work, use a point nozzle, which is brought close to the coating and moved slowly, waiting for the plaque to completely dissolve. If the deposits have hardened, it is necessary to further treat the problem areas with a brush.

How to use a steam cleaner

A steam cleaner is a compact device designed to remove stains and clean various surfaces. The equipment is used indoors and outdoors on any materials that can withstand temperature and steam pressure. Treating surfaces with such a device allows you not only to get rid of dirt, but also to destroy up to 99.99% of bacteria when thoroughly cleaning hard surfaces. The result was confirmed by research from the Enders Laboratory in Stuttgart. A wide range of models allows you to select solutions for everyday use at home or powerful devices for removing stubborn dirt. Why do you need a steam cleaner and how to use it? Let's try to figure it out.

Operating principle

The configuration of the device is similar to a vacuum cleaner and works using the same technology, only the basis of functionality is hot steam. If you are wondering how to clean a sofa with a Karcher steam cleaner, then the company’s specialists have described in detail the operating algorithm of the device:

The water in the tank is heated to a boil and turns into steam. Heating time ranges from 1-6 minutes, depending on the model.
Steam under pressure in the form of a strong jet is supplied from the steam boiler through a tube or hose to the connector (the place where the nozzle is fixed).
The hot stream penetrates into recesses and hard-to-reach areas of the skin.
Dirt dissolves under the influence of temperature and moisture.
The surface is quickly and easily cleaned of dirt; even a greasy sofa regains its original shine.

The answer to a frequently asked question is whether it is possible to clean upholstered furniture with a steam cleaner - yes, it is possible if the material can withstand interaction with steam. This method is suitable for dense, soft fabrics, flock, velor.

HEALTHY! The procedure does not require additional detergents. The device disinfects the surface using an environmentally friendly method. The sofa becomes not only “fresh” and clean, but also safe for health.

What furniture can be treated with a steam cleaner?

Many devices allow you to keep your apartment in good condition. The steam cleaner is used for deep treatment of upholstered furniture, removing difficult stains from surfaces that can withstand high temperatures. Steam under pressure penetrates into the surface being treated to a depth of 1 decimeter.

Metal, plastic, ceramic and fabric interior items can be treated with steam . Steam penetrating deeply into upholstery, pillows and mattresses destroys parasites dangerous to human health. Steam is capable of destroying and removing deposits of organic origin. Grease stains, stuck hair, dust clots, stains from juice and watercolor paints can be easily removed with a steam cleaner.

The following types of fabric upholstery are well tolerated by the device:

velor and velvet;
jacquard;
suede
suede;
tapestry;
made of synthetic materials and eco-leather;
made of genuine leather;
artificial fur;
chinchilla fur;
from matting.

Important! For natural fabrics such as wool, silk or linen, steam cleaning is contraindicated.

What should you consider when cleaning a sofa with a steam cleaner?

Prepare the sofa by vacuuming up any dry matter from the upholstery.
Install the upholstery nozzle.
You must first treat the area with detergent if there are stubborn stains.
Wait until completely dry.
Fill the tank with water and start heating.
Slowly move the device over the surface, capturing small areas step by step. Soak the treated areas with soft wipes to remove excess moisture.

ATTENTION! Avoid direct contact of the steam jet with varnished and wooden structural parts of the sofa to prevent the products from swelling. Ensure that the furniture is completely dry if the steam cleaner does not have a vacuum cleaner built into it for drying. Clean covers and pillows separately.

Fill the reservoir with filtered water. The steam mop can be damaged by hard water in the pipeline. It is also prohibited to clean leather furniture with a Kitfort steam generator or other models. Furniture made of leather, tapestry, silk, leatherette and velvet requires gentle cleaning methods.

Ironing is an additional bonus that a steam cleaner equipped with an iron provides to its owners. The steam generated by the steam generator enters the iron through a practical hose and from there it hits the fabric under high pressure. Moreover, the effect of steam is so strong that you will not need to iron your clothes from several sides.

The indisputable advantage of a steam iron over a regular iron is that it acts on the fabric not with a hot steel sole, but, as already mentioned, with steam. It creates an air cushion between the sole and the textile, which protects delicate fabrics (velvet, silk, guipure) from damage.

Also, with a steam iron, housewives will need much less time ironing. Unlike the traditional version, the steam iron does not need to be refilled with water as often. After all, the steam cleaner from which steam comes into it can hold up to approximately 3 liters of water. This, in turn, should be enough to iron a mountain of things.

Selection rules

In order to choose the right steam cleaner that is ideal for cleaning upholstered furniture in your home, you should learn more about the types of such devices. Today you can find several varieties of such devices on sale.

The first and most popular option is manual. It has a compact size and is easy and comfortable to hold in your hand. As a rule, the tank of such models has a maximum volume of up to two liters.
The second option is a compact steam cleaner , the tank volume of which can be from a liter to three. As a rule, such a medium-sized device has several different attachments included, it is convenient and easy to use. Often the kit may also include a small vacuum cleaner.
And another option is a stationary model. Of course, the cost of this option is much higher, and it also differs in its dimensions. This device is perfect not only for cleaning furniture, but also for washing windows, tiles and other surfaces. As a rule, such options are distinguished by high power, large tank volume and the ability to heat water in just a minute.

When choosing a modern device for cleaning various surfaces, be sure to pay attention to the power of the unit. On average, the electrical power of steam cleaners should be 1.5-2 kW. Devices with lower power will not be able to efficiently clean furniture. As for the pressure of the escaping steam, this figure should be 3–4 bar (kgf/cm2). It is quite possible to choose models whose tank volume is a liter or one and a half. These models are not too heavy, which will allow you to clean easily and quickly.

Plumbing

When cleaning the bathroom, it is important not to scratch the chrome surfaces of metal fittings. A point nozzle is placed on the steam cleaner, through which the contaminants are exposed. Soap and limescale dissolve under a stream of steam. If sufficiently hard deposits have formed on the surface or a grease film has formed, steam cleaning is combined with mechanical wiping with a brush. Recommendation: thick layers of limescale can be pre-moistened with diluted vinegar or citric acid to dissolve.

Preparing the sofa for cleaning

Before you clean your sofa at home, you must first prepare it. Furniture should be vacuumed to remove debris that usually gets caught in corners and between upholstery. If the sofa has removable bolsters or pillows, they can be unfastened. The covers of various parts of the sofa and its covering are washable in a washing machine.

To steam your sofa well, it is important to choose the right nozzle. Round brushes are used for cleaning large surfaces, flat brushes are ideal for removing dust from crevices, and cone-shaped brushes are designed for hard-to-reach areas. To remove water and dirt, you will need a highly absorbent material - ideally microfiber.

The sofa cannot be cleaned if there are greasy stains on the surface. First, special cleaning agents should be applied to them. Dishwashing detergents, ordinary shampoos, and those preparations that break down fats are also used as such liquids.

Expert opinion

Sofia Kovalevskaya

Experienced housewife.

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Before the cleaning process, you need to check the device in a small, inconspicuous area. If the fabric is not damaged or the color has not changed, you can begin cleaning.

Kitchen appliances

A modern kitchen has a large number of smooth, shiny polished surfaces. The formation of fatty deposits and the settling of soot make them dull and untidy. A steam cleaner with a special cover and a yellow microfiber cloth will help restore your kitchen appliances to a sparkling appearance. Under the influence of steam, the fat dissolves.

Dried-on dirt can be further treated with a brush without stopping the flow. The covering is changed as it becomes saturated with fat. To ensure that no streaks remain on the cleaned surface after drying, the equipment is rubbed manually using a napkin. Steam cleaners are equally effective and safe for both metal and glass ceramics, from which modern kitchen stoves are made.

As you can see, the devices are quite simple and easy to use. Anyone can clean the carpet, sofa, upholstered furniture, and windows in the house. You will find additional information on how to properly use the Karcher steam cleaner in the instructions for the device.

How to choose and use a furniture steam cleaner?

Recently, such a modern device as a steam cleaner is gaining great popularity. Modern housewives use it to easily clean tiles, glass surfaces and even upholstered furniture. We’ll tell you right now how to choose a steam cleaner for furniture and how to use it correctly.

What can't be cleaned with a steam cleaner?

In principle, any upholstery can be cleaned with steam if it is not afraid of high temperatures. This also includes armrests, pillows and other decorative elements of the sofa. A steam cleaner will refresh the appearance of the fabric, restore its cleanliness, and also destroy all parasites inside the filler. In addition, with the help of steam, not only stains such as grease and dirt are effectively removed, but also unpleasant odors, namely mold, urine, mustiness, and dampness.

To the question: “Is it possible to clean a sofa with a steam cleaner?”, the answer is yes, but it all depends on the upholstery. Acceptable to clean:

eco leather, leather, arpatek;
natural fabrics: cotton, matting, suede, jacquard, silk, velvet, velor, flock, chenille;
tapestry;
artificial fabrics.

It is not permissible to use a steam cleaner on upholstery made of linen or wool.

To effectively clean a sofa with a steam cleaner, you will need several attachments. Typically, round brushes are used for smooth upholstery because they have a larger reach. But for hard-to-reach places, a narrow nozzle is more suitable.

Any surface that is not afraid of high temperatures can be exposed to steam. And in an apartment you can’t count such surfaces: stove, burners, oven, microwave, extractor hood, refrigerator, sink, tiles, joints between tiles, plumbing fixtures, bathroom and toilet, radiator, radiators, windows, mirrors, glass coffee table.

With a steam cleaner, the housewife will spend significantly less time cleaning these objects. In addition, the steam generator is capable of washing almost any floor, except waxed parquet (exposure to hot steam will lead to deformation of the wax). Nowadays, many people, having suffered from cleaning carpets, are switching to parquet or laminate flooring, which requires wet cleaning.

The steam cleaner comes with many more attachments. Burners, handles, taps, seams between tiles, radiators, baseboards are washed with a nozzle with a round brush.

A wider nozzle is suitable, for example, for washing shower stalls, stoves, doors, and kitchen cabinet doors. The kit even includes microfiber wipes. When the surface is treated with steam, the dirt lags behind and transfers to such a napkin. By the way, these napkins are very easy to wash in the washing machine.

Many people ask this question before purchasing a steam cleaner. The answer is simple. Surfaces that can be deformed under the influence of high temperatures should absolutely not be cleaned with a steam cleaner. First of all, this is, of course, parquet covered with wax. Textiles are products made from natural wool and linen.

But for those who are afraid of excessively moistening surfaces, a solution has nevertheless been found. You just need to set the steam cleaner to a lower steam level and you can start cleaning. If you have to wash parquet or laminate, it is best to choose the minimum level.

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Also, this device cannot be used to clean electrical appliances and soft plastic products.

Using tap water will cause scale to form on the boiler of the steam cleaner over time. To get rid of scale, the steamer and other attachments come with special anti-scale sticks that dissolve in cold water. These sticks are absolutely harmless to human health and the environment. The frequency of descaling of the steam cleaner depends on the hardness of the water. On average, the device is cleaned once or twice a year.

In 2015, Karcher introduced two new models of steam cleaners (SC 3 and SC 3 Premium), which do not have a heating boiler. In them, water is converted into steam using a flow-through heater. To maintain the functionality of such units for many years and protect the heating element from scale, these models use special cartridges rather than anti-scale.

According to experts, a person spends about 5 years of his life cleaning. A steam cleaner allows you to speed up the cleaning process. This device strives to solve all the issues of maintaining cleanliness and order in our apartments and houses. Thanks to him, we have more free time to spend with family and friends.

The main thing is that we do not use any chemicals during the cleaning process. Therefore, it does not remain on the surface, and neither we nor our children breathe it. Steam treatment will cope with all the problems on the way to cleaning.

Steam can be used to clean almost any surface. The main thing is that she is not afraid of high temperatures. This means that you should not use a steam cleaner on sofas that are covered with material such as silk or linen.

The device is very useful when cleaning surfaces in hard-to-reach places. This way you can deep clean your furniture. A steam cleaner is also suitable for combating mold.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

vacuum the surface;
prepare the necessary nozzles;
if there are stains on the surface that are difficult to remove, it is recommended to first treat the contaminated area with a cleaning agent;
The steam cleaner can only be used after the surface has completely dried;
Before starting work, fill the reservoir with water;
cleaning should be carried out slowly, working for a long time in the same areas;
If the sofa has removable parts, they should be cleaned separately.

To prevent scale from appearing in the tank, it is recommended to fill it with filtered water. You should not fill it to the very edge, as the surface of the sofa will be too wet. When the water in the device runs out, it should be disconnected from the power supply, release the steam that still remains, and only then add water.

Device Features

Cleaning a sofa quickly and efficiently when there are small children or pets in the house is not an easy task. Using conventional detergents and traditional methods for cleaning upholstered furniture can ruin the fabric. In addition, stains may remain and the presentable appearance of your favorite sofa or chair will be completely ruined. To return your furniture to a clean and fresh look, it is better to clean the upholstered surfaces using a modern and multifunctional steam cleaner.

The modern device is a device that easily cleans and even disinfects any surfaces. A steam cleaner easily copes with harmful bacteria, dust mites and other microorganisms dangerous to human health. Using the device is quite easy: you just need to pour the required amount of clean water into the tank, wait for it to heat up and you can start cleaning any surface with steam. Due to the fact that most models come with a wide variety of attachments, you can easily and quickly clean the surface of any upholstered furniture.

The main feature of this device is that thanks to the steam cleaner you can easily and carefully clean the soft surface of a sofa or chair. This device can easily handle any type of fabric and does not damage even delicate types of materials during the cleaning process. The modern device easily copes with even old stains. After all, thanks to hot steam, which penetrates deep into the fabric under pressure, delicate and effective cleaning occurs. After treatment, the upholstered furniture becomes clean, there are no stains or odors left. In addition, as mentioned above, a steam cleaner not only cleans, but also disinfects the surface. Also, thanks to steam cleaning, you can rid the covers of folds and creases and return them to a neat, well-groomed appearance.

And another feature is that while using this device you do not need to use any chemical cleaning agents. Therefore, cleaning furniture is economical and safe for health.

How to steam a sofa

Before cleaning, you need to prepare everything you need:

actually, a steam cleaner;
a brush to sweep away small debris from the sofa;
microfiber cloth to remove moisture.

Next, the entire process of cleaning a sofa with a steam generator looks like this:

Clean the upholstery with a brush or vacuum with a regular vacuum cleaner. This is necessary to remove small debris and dust.
Lightly treat old stubborn stains with soapy water, although this is not an urgent need, since steam will completely cope with the contamination.
Fill the steam cleaner tank with water, plug it in and wait until it warms up (usually up to 5 minutes).
Clean the sofa, treating it partially, in small areas. It is very important to control the steam power so that the upholstery does not get too wet. Once the surface has been treated, blot it with a microfiber cloth and move to another part of the sofa.
Dry the furniture a little, providing it with good ventilation.

Step-by-step algorithm for steaming upholstered furniture

Before you begin full cleaning, you should check the upholstery fabric for sensitivity to steam. If, when processing a small, inconspicuous area, the upholstery fabric has not changed its structure or color, you can begin the process.

Collect dust, debris and other debris using a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth.
Preparing the steam cleaner for use. You need to pour filtered water into the device’s reservoir. Detergent can be added if the manufacturer allows this possibility in the instructions, and there is a need to use chemicals.
Modern furniture is usually modular. Therefore, it is recommended to process removable elements separately.
Place the appropriate nozzle on the nozzle, and, turning on the device, begin processing the main part, removable sections and hard-to-reach places. Periodically you need to turn it off to wipe the steamed area with a microfiber cloth, as well as replenish the reservoir or change the nozzle.
To prevent fabric upholstery from becoming overly saturated with moisture, it is necessary to monitor the steam pressure. Also be careful when steaming areas near wooden or metal decorative elements. Steam that gets on their surface should be immediately eliminated with a dry cloth.

When working with a steam cleaner, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and handle the device correctly so as not to cause damage to interior items.

Regular steam treatment helps keep upholstered furniture tidy and protects the health of household members from harm caused by the proliferation of dangerous microorganisms and dust mites.

Folk remedies for upholstered furniture

If there are strong stains or grease, you can use special products that are sold in household chemical stores. They are poured into the steam cleaner in pure or diluted form. Products must be selected strictly according to the type of upholstery.

Important! Regardless of what material your sofa is upholstered in, you should avoid products that contain aggressive chemical components.

Detergents enhance the effect of hot steam. It is advisable to use them when steam or chemistry alone are powerless. There is no chemistry as such for steam cleaners, because the principle of the device is based on heat treatment. However, you can use detergents for vacuum cleaners.

The most suitable compositions:

Thomas ProTEX 787502 is easily soluble in water. Very economical concentrate. Helps remove stains from coffee, grease, and greens. Does not leave whitish marks, refreshes color. On carpets, the pile becomes fluffier and softer.
Vanish Gold does a good job of cleaning and leaves a pleasant aroma for a long time.
Kärcher is a professional product intended for Kärcher vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, and windshield wipers. Created taking into account the characteristics of devices operating under high pressure. Perfectly penetrates deep into the upholstery, removing stains and dust. After processing it crystallizes and can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner. Economical, safe for humans. Contains lemon-scented fragrances to provide a pleasant aroma.
Mitex is a detergent for upholstered furniture and carpets. The main feature is hypoallergenicity and the absence of aggressive components. However, this reduces the effectiveness against stubborn stains. Helps fight dust mites.

Household chemicals for cleaning upholstered furniture should be safe. When choosing a product, make sure that it does not contain chlorine - this component destroys the upholstery fabric and fiber structure, and destroys the color.

Inexpensive and readily available at-home methods can be just as effective when cleaning upholstered furniture. If you don't have a steam cleaner, try removing dirt with what you have on hand.

Laundry soap effectively removes blood, tea, and beer stains.

Vinegar in combination with ammonia (1:1) removes traces of berries and juice.

Table salt sprinkled on marks from red wine, fat or vegetable oil will definitely remove them. After the salt has absorbed the dirt, these places need to be wiped with a cloth soaked in a soapy solution, and then in clean water.

Advantages of cleaning with a steam cleaner over alternative methods

Of course, there are many alternative means and methods for caring for upholstered furniture - your favorite sofas and armchairs, but this device is considered the most effective.

Cleaning in the usual way using napkins soaked in a detergent solution helps to some extent cope with the problem. But when it dries, unsightly streaks and stains remain on the upholstery. However, this method is suitable, but only for upholstery made of leather or leatherette.

Furniture upholstery can also be cleaned using a washing vacuum cleaner. It will remove dust and light dirt, but will not be able to disinfect the surface. For sofas and carpets, there are detergents that are diluted to a paste, applied for a while, and then washed off. This cleaning method has a right to exist, but only for minor stains.

Cleaning with a steam cleaner is more effective and also does not require much effort. The device provides gentle surface treatment. Penetrating deep into the upholstery and filling, a jet of steam cleanses the fibers of the materials from dirt and dust mites. The fabric itself is not damaged by steam.

There are many factors that speak in favor of treating upholstered furniture and bedding with a steam cleaner.

Removing old shiny stains, degreasing the surface.
Disinfection: steam successfully fights parasites, germs and mold.
Elimination of unpleasant, musty odors.
After steam treatment there are no streaks on the surface.
Elimination of folds and lint on fabric covers and decorative elements.
Convenience and ease of use. Thanks to its attachments, the steam cleaner allows you to treat hard-to-reach areas in the interior.

A special nozzle allows you to clean hard-to-reach places

What is a steam cleaner and how does it work?

A steam cleaner is a household appliance that is used to effectively clean and disinfect almost any surface: floors, ceramic tiles, windows, doors. The steam cleaner for upholstered furniture has proven itself especially well. The principle of its operation is quite simple: in a reservoir (steam boiler), water is heated to boiling temperature and above, which is supplied to the surface in the form of a strong jet of hot steam through various nozzles of the device. In a separate review on our useful tips portal, we described in detail what can be cleaned with a steam cleaner.

How to order?

To order steam cleaning of sofas, contact our managers at one of the phone numbers or fill out an online application on our website. We work 7 days a week, we go to the site around the clock by appointment, in all areas of Moscow. For urgent orders, you need to consult with an employee. They offer you an adequate price tag - from 100 rubles. one seat (60 cm). The final price depends on the total scope of work - size, degree of contamination, presence of difficult stains.

Advantages of a steam cleaner

Cleans upholstery from dust and dirt.
Disinfects fabric - removes pathogenic microbes, bacteria, allergens.
Degreases the surface.
It does not require the use of chemicals, therefore it is environmentally friendly and harmless to health.
Leaves no traces of scale or streaks.
Some types are quite compact and leave a wide space for maneuvers, which allows them to be used even in various hard-to-reach places.
Simple and easy to use.
Universal - replaces several household appliances at once.

Important! There are now a lot of appliances with a steam function on the household appliances market. We talked about one of them in detail in our special review “Steam mop-vacuum cleaner”.

How to clean a sofa with your own hands using Vanish and Steam Cleaner

I have an old corner sofa that is many years old. The color on the sofa has already faded slightly, there are many stains of unknown origin. In its entire long life, the sofa has never been professionally cleaned. From time to time he was pampered only with regular vacuuming. I really wanted to clean it properly. Finally, I decided to clean the sofa and purchased Vanish antibacterial carpet shampoo for manual cleaning at the nearest store. With a discount it cost me about 200 rubles. Before this, I wanted to buy Vanish for cleaning upholstery of upholstered furniture and carpets, as well as floor coverings, but I didn’t have it, so I bought Vanish for carpets , since my sofa upholstery is velor. Now that the worst is behind us, I would like to share some observations, tips and experiences.

When is it better to do without a steam cleaner?

Porous surfaces - wallpaper, decorative brick walls - can absorb dirt when exposed to steam. This is called stain conservation. You should not steam anything that could be damaged under the influence of hot air and water: parquet, electrical appliances, soft plastic.

Contaminants that contain protein become persistent at high temperatures. It is impossible to delete them later. For example, blood stains, many food contaminants such as eggs and milk, especially textiles, cannot be cleaned with a steam generator. It also will not remove traces of glue and cement.

How to use?

Let's start with the fact that the polished part of upholstered furniture or part of a sofa with wooden trim cannot be cleaned with such a device. Therefore, when cleaning, try not to touch the armrests and other wooden parts of upholstered furniture. You can cover them with something to prevent steam from getting on them. Before you start cleaning the sofa and armchairs, you should first clear the furniture of small debris.

Having prepared the furniture for cleaning, you should select the desired nozzle. As a rule, round or cone-shaped brushes are used to clean sofas and armchairs. Also, prepare a rag in advance, preferably microfiber. It will be useful for you to quickly and accurately remove excess moisture during cleaning.

If the surface of the furniture has strong stains, for example, old grease stains, then it is quite possible to use the most common shampoo or cleaner for carpets and upholstered furniture. Try to use neutral products that will not damage the upholstery when cleaning. To clean furniture with light upholstery, it is best to use filtered or settled water so that there are no yellow stains left on the surface. It is quite possible to add a small amount of a special product to the water, which is intended for cleaning upholstered furniture.

During cleaning, you need to monitor the steam supply and do not linger in one place, otherwise the furniture will become wet, and after drying, stains or stains may appear. In addition, during the procedure you need to be extremely careful and careful not to burn your hands with hot steam. Try to regularly clean upholstered furniture using a steam cleaner.

To learn how to choose a steam cleaner for furniture, watch the following video.

Rules for caring for armchairs and sofas

The most comfortable parameters in a room for upholstered furniture are considered to be a temperature of no lower than 2 °C and a humidity of no more than 70%. It is advisable to keep a distance of at least 40 cm between heating appliances and upholstered furniture. Sofas and armchairs should not be placed in direct sunlight.

Upholstered furniture should be cleaned regularly, without getting too dirty. At the same time, avoid exposure of the upholstery to aggressive liquids: acids, alcohol, solvents, as well as abrasive substances. Use exclusively soft brushes, sponges, and wipes.

Vacuum upholstery regularly, except for plush or velvet covers. This will prevent dust particles from penetrating deeply, making cleaning easier and preventing the formation of stubborn stains.