Karcher Explain How Steam Cleaners Work

According to test findings by Karcher’s research and development department, three factors play a decisive role in how steam cleaners work: the steam jet’s mechanical effect, high temperature and the condensation of steam particles as they hit a surface. The mechanical energy of the jet of steam emitted is generated by excess pressure in the boiler at a temperature of up to 140˚C. The jet hits the surface to be cleaned at a speed of up to 50 metres per second (180 km/h) and thereby overcomes the adhesive power of any dirt.

Temperature is another critical factor for producing a good cleaning result. The higher the temperature, the lower the mechanical energy required for dislodging dirt. Furthermore, when the steam collides with the surface and the dirt, the two heat up at different rates. These thermal strains loosen the bond between surface and dirt. Lastly, steam has microscopic particles which penetrate beneath the dirt and, unlike a brush penetrate into small pores that even brushes and small-diameter fibres cannot reach. As steam condenses there, it instantly dislodges the dirt.

With these characteristics, steam cleaning has many advantages for the user. There is no need for detergents, which is especially good news for people with sensitive skin and/or allergies. Steam is a general-purpose medium, so there is no longer any need for the special cleaning agents to be kept for particular applications. Because steam cleaners always use fresh water, they are more hygienic than scrubbing brushes and buckets. What is more, the cleaned surfaces are ready for use again soon after cleaning because hot steam is not very wet and dries quickly.

Kärcher NZ currently has five different steam cleaners on the market ranging from the SC1 up to the SC 4.100 CB. The SC1 Premium is a small, handheld steam cleaner with a heating time of just three minutes and only weighing 1.5kg so it’s great for those smaller cleaning tasks around the home. The SC 1.020 which will soon be superseded by the SC 2 is great for cleaning all types of hard floors with the floor nozzle and the crevice tool and detail brush for areas such as the bathroom sink or kitchen. If you have quite a large house to clean, the step up from there is the SC 2.500 which has a two tank system which can be continuously filled without the need to interrupt your work ideal for homes with larger hard surface flooring.  The SC3.000 and SC 4.100 CB are part of Karcher’s ‘Homeline’ range available through appliance stores. The SC4.100 CB is the top of the range, high spec steam cleaner, again with the two tank system for continuous cleaning and also comes with a steam iron.

For more advice on steam cleaning and for more information on Karcher products, please visit the website at http://www.karcher.co.nz .