Repsol YPF

These cleaners, invented more than twenty years ago in Italy, use unique technology which is very different to other machines: the steam is heated to over one hundred degrees centigrade. That way, the appliances clean and disinfect the surfaces that need it most, because there are many corners and items which are difficult to clean regularly. 

The temperature and pressure of the steam can remove the dirt and make cleaning easier. Their advantages include, in addition to their efficiency, that steam cleaners do not require the use of chemical substances, only water. 

A few characteristics 

There are two main types of steam cleaner. The classic model is a bulky appliance equipped with various accessories. Its functions include the possibility to use it as an iron. The other models are smaller portable pistols which release the steam. They are more comfortable to use but have far fewer features. 

The better these cleaners are, the drier, more powerful and hotter the steam they emit will be. The top of the range models only release 5% water in the steam whilst the less powerful models, generally the cheaper ones, generate more humid stream.

These cleaning systems vary depending on the pressure and temperature the steam reaches, the size of the boiler, the water tank, etc. The better steam cleaners offer a pressure of at least 65 psi, and can reach temperatures close to three hundred degrees. The high temperature need not present safety issues if the appliances are used correctly. Nevertheless, whilst they are in use there is a risk of burns from both the steam jet and if the lid of the water tank is opened when it is subject to pressure.

The accessories must also be evaluated. A brush for cleaning even floors, round brushes for other softer surfaces, a glass scrubber and various scrapers are essential. A problem with many steam cleaners is that you need to vacuum afterwards, since the steam kills mites and even sterilises, but it does not pick up the dirt.

As such there are appliances which in addition to releasing steam are also vacuum cleaners. They are very useful for cleaning anything from upholstery to rugs as well as the grooves in windows, blinds, etc. In any case, these steam cleaners are not used every day, but for more thorough cleaning.

Fundamental parts

One of the most important parts of steam cleaners is the boiler, which is usually made of aluminium or stainless steel, the latter being the metal which works best due to its durability. When choosing a model, it is advisable to opt for an appliance with a replaceable hose, since if they are permanently attached to the body of the machine, you would have to send the whole appliance off for repair in the event of a malfunction.

It must also be taken into account that the water in steam cleaners has to be refilled. With some models it takes over twenty minutes to depressurise, add the water and heat it up again. The ease of use of the steam cleaner is paramount. As such, it must have wheels.

The body of the steam cleaner must feature other important qualities: it must be resistant and not rust. Top of the range cleaners have either a resistant plastic or stainless steel covering or a combination of the two. 

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