A steam generator is a universal device that is used not only for cleaning the house, but also for cleaning the car.
It can remove even stubborn stains in a short period of time.
Let's consider the pros and cons of using a steam generator to clean the car interior, the sequence of cleaning actions, and tips for choosing a household appliance.
Device efficiency
Using a steam generator eliminates:
- ingrained dirt,
- lubricant
- fat,
- rust,
- petroleum products from the surface of the car.
During high-temperature exposure, the adhesion of dirt to the car coating is disrupted. High pressure removes dust. The advantage of steam washing lies in the combination of high temperatures and pressure, and minimal water consumption.
The steam generator is indispensable in the following cases:
- If you cannot use water, for example, to clean the fan, engine, car interior.
- If there is a need to disinfect the surface.
- During an on-site car wash.
- For greasy, greasy stains.
After steam washing, the coating remains not only clean, but grease-free and dry . During cleaning, rapid evaporation occurs, and there are no problems with wastewater disposal. The steam jet that comes out of the device pipe affects hard-to-reach areas of the car.
The conical nozzle allows you to remove dirt from corners and crevices. With the help of steam, dust mites, bacteria located in the chair and fabric are destroyed.
The steam generator allows you to wash your car without using chemical detergent.
Benefits of use
Steam dry cleaning of car interiors has many advantages over other types of washing. Using the device, the duration of contaminant removal is reduced by 2 times.
Advantages of using a steam generator for a car:
- Convenience and ease of use. The steam generator takes 2-5 minutes to turn water into steam.
- Having purchased the device once, you can use it for cleaning things and cleaning around the house.
- The use of chemical compounds is not required. Steam cleaning is carried out using water. If the interior is very dirty, you can use chemicals.
- Environmentally friendly. All microbes are killed by hot steam. The car interior is cleaned of dirt, seats and other surfaces are disinfected.
- With the help of steam, they reach the most hidden corners of the cabin.
- There are no streaks left and unpleasant odors are removed.
Manual car cleaning with a steam generator pays attention to every detail; this is a comprehensive professional care that you can carry out yourself.
The cleaning method has some disadvantages. The method is not suitable for glued ceiling coverings and other parts glued together. Under steam pressure it weakens and the ceiling begins to sag.
Cons of car cleaning
Cleaning with a steam generator has not only advantages, but also disadvantages :
The car ceiling is treated with care. Since it contains a large amount of glue, which can weaken under the influence of high temperatures. This will cause the ceiling to sag.- It is difficult to remove paint and ink stains using a steam generator.
- You cannot steam treat leather interiors. High temperatures lead to skin tightening, swelling, and microcracks.
- Plastic should be handled with caution when using a steam generator. Otherwise it will become dull and unsaturated. If there are foam elements under the plastic coating, they can swell and become deformed when exposed to high temperatures.
Steam treatment requires good ventilation and subsequent cleaning with a vacuum cleaner . The main disadvantage of the steam generator is its high price category.
Using a steam generator you can remove even the unpleasant smell of tobacco.
The essence of the steam generator and its types
The device produces steam. The steam cleaner consists of a telescopic tube, nozzles and a water tank.
The container is filled with distilled liquid (so that scale does not form inside). When exposed to high temperature, water is converted into steam.
The device sets up a powerful steam jet, thanks to which the car is cleaned.
Professional equipment can be used to clean a car with steam if the interior is leather, plastic, velor or fabric. The steam generator is good with capricious and delicate materials.
Dry cleaning the car interior is more effective than simply washing it. With the help of modern equipment, you can remove dirt from glass using household chemicals or without resorting to its use.
Industrial steam generators are considered the most powerful and productive. A clothes steamer is also suitable for cleaning the interior with steam.
Electric, gas and liquid fuel devices are purchased for cleaning. The first ones are used at home, they are more economical and convenient. The latter are used in car washes; they are more convenient for cleaning many cars; they are mainly used in car washes.
It is not necessary to buy a car steam generator. The device is rented at a service station.
Choosing a device for the car
There are many steam generators for cars on the modern market. In order for the device to be useful, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:
- Volume. If there is a need to clean a large vehicle, you should opt for a large water container. To wash a light car, a volume of about 2.8 liters is required;
Power. A stronger installed heating element allows water to boil faster and turn into steam.
Power affects pressure. At low power, a small amount of steam will be produced. For a light car, 2000 W is enough;- Humidity. If you have humidity control, you can choose the most optimal cleaning mode for the car body, trunk, and interior;
- Apparatus material . The best option would be an aluminum product. Since this coating heats up quickly, it resists scale;
- Pressure. It is better to choose a device with a working pressure of 6 to 8 bar. Otherwise, it will be difficult to remove old stains and dirt;
- The presence of nozzles of different configurations allows you to clean even hard-to-reach places;
- Regulating the type of steam . For example, with dry steam you can treat a car seat without getting it wet.
For home use, it is better to choose a compact, lightweight steam generator; this will make it easier to use and will allow you to treat the interior in the garage.
You can get by with a household appliance. Typically, professional models are used for car wash services.
What you should pay attention to when choosing a steam cleaner for your car
Steam and high temperature can remove grease stains, rust, dirt, oil products, even tobacco smell. There are a large number of models on the market that can be used to clean the inside of a car or at home.
Product power
The efficiency of operation depends on the heating element installed in it. The higher the power indicator, the faster the steam will be formed, the greater its volume will be. For passenger cars of class A, B, C, you should purchase a device with a power of 2 kW. Owners of large crossovers, SUVs, and premium-segment sedans will need a more powerful steam cleaner for cleaning.
Humidity level
The presence of such an adjustment will allow you to set the desired operating mode for cleaning the interior or trunk, body or secluded places of the car.
Operating pressure
For high-quality cleaning of the interior, you need to purchase a device that creates a pressure of 6-8 bar. Devices with lower values will be less efficient.
Number and types of nozzles
The presence of these products in various shapes will help the car enthusiast get into hard-to-reach places and facilitate the cleaning process.
- Hand nozzle.
- Point nozzle.
- Extension tubes.
- Terry napkin.
- Terry covering for hand nozzle.
- Round brush.
Device body material
The steam cleaner becomes hot during operation. A durable heat-resistant case will prevent damage and ensure a long service life.
In addition, when purchasing, you should also pay attention to the volume of the water container and the availability of adjustment of the type of steam. When choosing, you should carefully study the information about the manufacturer.
Preference should be given to well-known, trusted companies. Products from fly-by-night companies, which are especially numerous in the Asian region, may not last long. The low cost of such a product will not help save money.
Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the car interior
Experts give the following step-by-step recommendation for cleaning a car with steam:
- First of all, you need to clean the car of debris.
- Vacuum the interior.
- Cleaning starts from the ceiling, blowing out even small amounts of dirt, dissolving it. For this purpose it is better to use dry steam. If after the first time it was not possible to remove the contamination, the procedure can be repeated. Ceiling cleaning should be done with the utmost care. Because it contains adhesive which may loosen and cause the ceiling to sag.
Next, the rear shelf is cleaned.- The seat can be cleaned with detergent. After removing the foam, you should go through the device again.
- The ventilation hole in which dust from the street accumulates is cleaned.
- To dry the interior faster, you can open the car doors or leave the heater on.
- The cleaning ends with the floor, plastic surfaces, and rugs.
- After steam treatment, the floor with rugs must be cleaned using a washing vacuum cleaner.
- Next, the dirt is removed from the trunk.
A standard steam cleaning of a car takes at least 5 hours. After which drying is required, which takes 2 hours.
Top 3 popular models
There are many models of steam generators on the market. The following are the most popular.
Karcher
These models are distinguished by increased power and pressure generated.
This allows you to eliminate different types of contaminants. Some types additionally have scale protection and a safety valve. The device has a minimum set of attachments . Often there is a need to purchase additional attachments separately. The price category of the Karcher steam generator, depending on the type of model and configuration, varies from 7,000 to 30,000 rubles.
Wagner
The manufacturer offers compact models equipped with many attachments of various sizes. The devices of this brand are safe, as they are protected against high steam output .
The devices easily cope with oil and grease stains. Clean the car trim and panel well. The average price category is from 10,000 to 25,000 rubles.
McCulloch
McCulloch is a device designed to work with different types of equipment . This is a more maneuverable version of the steam generator, equipped with the necessary functionality. The set includes many attachments of various shapes and wheels for easy movement.
Powerful steam production allows you to remove old stains. These devices cost between 6,000-11,000 rubles.
