Traditionally, steam cleaners were often overlooked for auto detailing. However, that has changed, particularly after a host of new and sophisticated types of steam cleaners hit the market. Apart from the utility and features of these new products, there is another reason for the popularity of steam cleaners for auto detailing.
Options for Auto Detailing
Many auto detailers consider only two options for cleaning their cars, trucks, or vans. The first is carpet cleaners, which are useful for cleaning carpets and upholstery. This type of cleaning equipment cannot clean engines, wheels, dashboards, and side glasses, and other hard surfaces.
The second option is to use a pressure washer. These provide water output with high pressure and temperature. These are ideal for cleaning hard surfaces such as automobile body, engine, and other components. But, these are not suitable for cleaning carpets, upholsteries, interiors, and other delicate components of a vehicle.
Steam cleaners, however, are ideal for many applications in auto detailing. Spot cleaning automotive upholstery, floor mats, and headboards is easy with high-temperature, “dry” vapor steam, up to 360°F. With the addition of a squeegee tool, steam cleaners can be used for cleaning glass surfaces in a vehicle. Grime, dirt, mud, and other residues on the dashboard, steering wheel, tires, rims, and other surfaces can also be removed quickly with steam cleaners.
Though steam cleaners are theoretically suitable for auto detailing that does not qualify all the steam-cleaning products for cleaning automobiles. The features vary from product to product. Here are the key questions to consider shopping for steam cleaners for detailing automobiles.
Does It Have An Attached Vacuum?
Older models required the use of a towel or other external tools for removing deposits once they are softened by steam. Newer models are equipped with a vacuum. This additional extraction capability enables steam cleaners to simultaneously extract and dissolve substances, resulting in complete removal of deposits from vehicle surfaces.
What Are the Pressure and Temperature Ratings?
Steam cleaners for auto detailing use dry water vapor for cleaning automobile surfaces. The temperature and pressure of the output vapor can vary depending on the power of the equipment. Normally, these devices can provide a pressure up to 150 psi and a temperature up to 360°F.
Is Continuous Refill Option Available?
Continuous refill is a handy feature in steam cleaners, particularly for auto detailing. This feature allows continuous use of the machine. Other machines require users to stop, refill, and reheat to generate more steam. This can take up to 30 minutes out of the cleaning process each time an operator must refill.
Is a Separate Detergent Tank Available?
Sophisticated steam cleaners allow detergents to be pumped along with the steam. This helps to remove set stains and dirt. Some advanced steam cleaners use anti-bacterial technology to remove harmful microorganisms from the surface.
Despite their effectiveness for spot cleaning carpets and upholstery and cleaning dashboards, windows, steering wheels, tires, and more, steam cleaners are ineffective for cleaning the entire exterior of a vehicle. This is because steam cleaners do not offer sufficient pressure levels and flow rates. Additionally, they require constant wiping, which can scratch a vehicle’s painted surfaces.
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