Tools of the Trade – Steamers
I love my steamer. I would be lost without it. I didn’t even know what a steamer was before I got my start in the cleaning industry, and now I just can’t imagine life without one. When faced with dirty grout, a soap scummy shower, sticky baseboards or other tough messes, it is a lifesaver.
For example, just last week the grout in my kitchen was black. Fed up with looking at it, I pulled out the steamer. Here is the after pic:
No nasty chemicals, just my steamer and a grout brush.
Steamers are easy to use, melt away grease, dirt, grime, and soap scum effortlessly, and are relatively inexpensive. They clean with the power of dry steam – usually heated to between 240 and 275 degrees – sanitizing hard surfaces using only water.
We have two:
The “big steamer” for large jobs will run continuously for 45 minutes without refilling. We paid around $100 on Amazon.
The “baby steamer” is for quicker jobs, running around 15 minutes at a time. I think I picked this one up for around $30 at Walmart one day when big steamer was being repaired.
Please keep in mind steamers should not be used around small children or pets! They are safe to use on most hard surfaces, but always be sure test a small area first. Happy cleaning!
Posted in 6 Responses to “Tools of the Trade – Steamers”
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Hey Laura. Have you run into any situation particular in a tile floor like a kitchen or dining area where the steamer did not produce the results you had expected. I’m asking as my business is strictly dedicated to grout cleaning and restoration and I have found myself in a position where my cleaning tools and chemicals did not remove stains in the my clients grout.
Marx,
Honestly I have never steam cleaned anyones kitchen grout but my own. It is just not a service we have ever offered. It does a great job on my grout though! There were a few spots that wouldn’t come completely clean, but they are 12 year old floors.
Thanks. Was this article from another company and you posted it. I have some ideas that may eliminate the stains in your kitchen but it is not a green or natural alternative.
Nope, I wrote the article. Thanks for the offer, but nothing that isn’t natural gets through my door!
I will just re-grout eventually!
I understand. Have a great evening
I’ve cleaned grout with vapor steam. Discoloration is just that and even though vapor steam gets a lot of it out it may still remain. I hate to tell you this but vapor steam is not ideal for cleaning unsealed grout. But, neither are chemicals. So once grout is clean seal it well. That way next time the soil will come out easily. Also, educate the customer about unsealed grout and how it may never clean back to its original color befor the job. Manage customer expectations. I had a client that was extremely picky that it all look new. That was very unrealistic.