If you haven’t heard about eco steam cleaning, we’ve got you covered. Environmentally friendly, this method uses high-temperature steam in order to clean and sanitize any given surface. It is highly effective method, but without the pressure and dangerous habits of harsh chemicals.
If you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint and be the greenest version of yourself, while maintaining your home clean, learn more about our eco steam cleaning service. Let’s dive in!
What eco steam cleaning actually is
Eco steam cleaning is a non-toxic method that relies on water, that is heated to create steam. This method combines effective cleaning with sustainability, making it a go-to option for eco-conscious households and businesses. Let’s list some of the key features:
– High-temperature steam – between 100C – 148C is the perfect temperature to create a steam that can easily lift up any dirt, dust, and bacteria from the surfaces.
– Chemical-free – Making it safe for people, pets and environment, this method only uses steam.
– Versatile cleaning – Eco steam cleaning can be used on verity of surfaces, including tile, grout, carpets, upholstery, kitchens, and bathrooms. It’s also great for cleaning car interiors and hard-to-reach places.
– Sanitizing Power – the heat from the steam kills bacteria, viruses, dust, dirt, and most kinds of stains that can be seen in a households or business offices.
– Reduces allergens – If you are prone to allergies, traditional cleaning methods can worsen your symptoms as they spread dust and other allergens into the air. Steam cleaners are proof to be the best because they eliminate allergens from surfaces without using chemicals or Harsh scrubbing. Here, heat and moisture work together to remove legendary particles, relieving you of allergies and enhancing your indoor air quality.
When you choose this chemical-free method, tile, grout, carpets, upholstery, kitchens, and bathrooms. It’s also great for cleaning car interiors and hard-to-reach places.
Types of eco steam cleaners
1. Handheld Steam Cleaners
Handheld steam cleaners are small, portable devices ideal for cleaning smaller surfaces, such as countertops, windows, or grout. They are lightweight and easy to use, making them great for quick touch-ups around the house.
2. Steam Mops
Steam mops are designed specifically for cleaning hard floors, such as tiles, laminate, or hardwood. They resemble traditional mops but use steam instead of water and detergent, making them perfect for sanitizing floors while minimizing water use.
3. Cylinder or Canister Steam Cleaners
Canister steam cleaners are larger and more powerful than handheld models. They come with various attachments for cleaning different surfaces, from floors and upholstery to kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. Canister steam cleaners are ideal for whole-house cleaning or tackling tough jobs like deep-cleaning carpets or grout.
4. Vapor Steam Cleaners
Vapor steam cleaners produce dry steam, which contains very little moisture. These cleaners are perfect for areas where excess water might cause damage, such as hardwood floors or fabrics. Despite using less moisture, vapor steam cleaners are still highly effective at killing bacteria and removing dirt.
Applications of Eco Steam Cleaning
Residential Use
Eco steam cleaning is perfect for households looking to reduce their use of chemicals and maintain a high standard of cleanliness. It’s effective for:
- Kitchens: Steam cleaning can degrease stovetops, ovens, microwaves, and countertops without the need for chemical cleaners.
- Bathrooms: Steam is excellent for cleaning tiles, grout, bathtubs, and sinks, sanitizing these high-humidity areas without harsh products.
- Living Rooms and Bedrooms: Soft surfaces like carpets, curtains, and upholstery can be steam-cleaned to remove dirt, dust mites, and allergens.
Commercial Cleaning
In commercial settings such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and offices, eco steam cleaning offers a powerful, eco-friendly way to maintain hygiene standards. It’s ideal for:
- Restaurants and Kitchens: Steam can be used to clean commercial kitchen equipment, floors, and food preparation areas.
- Healthcare Facilities: The sanitizing power of steam makes it suitable for disinfecting surfaces in hospitals, dental offices, and clinics.
- Hotels and Hospitality: Steam cleaning can quickly refresh carpets, upholstery, and bedding, ensuring rooms are clean, allergen-free, and ready for new guests.
Automotive Cleaning
Steam cleaning is also popular for detailing car interiors. It can clean upholstery, dashboards, air vents, and carpets, removing stains and odors without damaging materials. The sanitizing effect of steam is also ideal for reducing allergens or contaminants inside vehicles.
The Science Behind Steam Cleaning Technology
At the heart of eco steam cleaning is thermodynamics—the transformation of water into steam through heat energy. But not all steam is created equal. Here’s a deeper dive into the different types of steam used in cleaning and how they vary in efficiency:
1. Wet Steam vs. Dry Steam
- Wet Steam: This type of steam contains higher moisture content and is most commonly produced by lower-temperature steam cleaners. It’s excellent for dissolving dirt and grime on hard surfaces like tiles and countertops. However, it can leave surfaces slightly damp after cleaning.
- Dry Steam: Produced at much higher temperatures (usually above 300°F), dry steam has significantly less moisture, making it ideal for cleaning sensitive surfaces like wood floors, upholstery, and electronics. Dry steam can evaporate almost instantly upon contact, leaving surfaces dry and ready for use immediately.
2. Vapor Steam Cleaners
Vapor steam cleaners are at the cutting edge of steam cleaning technology. They produce extremely high-temperature steam, with very little moisture, which penetrates deep into surfaces. The steam can reach microscopic pores and fibers, lifting contaminants and killing germs in hard-to-reach places. This makes vapor steam cleaners particularly useful for:
- Deep-cleaning fabrics like mattresses and upholstered furniture.
- Sanitizing surfaces without damaging sensitive materials like wood or leather.
- Reducing water consumption while maintaining cleaning power.
3. Superheated Steam
Superheated steam goes beyond the regular boiling point of water. By increasing the pressure inside the cleaning device, the temperature can be pushed beyond the standard 212°F (100°C). Superheated steam is more effective at melting stubborn residues like grease, making it an advanced option for industrial or commercial cleaning environments. This technology is used in sectors like:
- Food and beverage industries where sanitation standards are crucial.
- Medical facilities where sterilization is necessary.
- Heavy-duty degreasing operations in factories or garages.
The Role of Steam in Indoor Air Quality
One often overlooked aspect of eco steam cleaning is its positive impact on indoor air quality (IAQ). Conventional cleaning products frequently release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can contribute to respiratory problems, allergies, and long-term health issues. These chemicals can linger in the air, even after cleaning.
1. Eliminating VOCs
With eco steam cleaning, you eliminate the use of chemicals entirely, reducing the presence of harmful VOCs in your home or workspace. This leads to better air quality, which is particularly important for:
- People with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
- Environments with children or elderly residents who are more vulnerable to air quality issues.
- Workplaces where staff may be exposed to cleaning agents for extended periods.
2. Reducing Dust Mites and Allergens
Regular cleaning often stirs up dust, pet dander, and allergens, which can remain airborne for hours. Eco steam cleaning captures and removes these particles rather than pushing them around. Steam cleaners equipped with HEPA filters can further trap small particles, ensuring they are not released back into the environment. This makes steam cleaning an excellent option for improving IAQ, especially in:
- Bedrooms and sleeping areas.
- HVAC systems, air ducts, and vent cleaning.
- Office environments where clean air can improve productivity and reduce sick days.
Innovations in Eco Steam Cleaning Devices
The technology behind eco steam cleaning devices has evolved significantly, resulting in more efficient, powerful, and convenient tools. Here are some of the latest innovations in the industry:
1. Multi-Function Steam Cleaners
Many modern steam cleaners come equipped with a variety of attachments and nozzles that allow them to handle different cleaning tasks. Some models combine vacuuming, steaming, and mopping in one unit, which not only saves time but also increases efficiency. These machines are designed to:
- Steam and vacuum simultaneously: Useful for deep-cleaning carpets, upholstery, and rugs where you want to remove both dirt and moisture at once.
- Steam mop: Use this for hard floors like tile or wood, where steam loosens the dirt, and the microfiber mop head captures it without leaving streaks.
- Steam irons: Some steam cleaners double as garment steamers, useful for quickly removing wrinkles from clothing while sanitizing them.
2. Adjustable Steam Settings
Not all cleaning jobs require the same intensity of steam. Higher-end models often allow for customized steam levels, letting users adjust the pressure and temperature according to the surface being cleaned. For example:
- Low steam for delicate surfaces like wood or fabrics.
- High steam for stubborn grime or bacteria-laden areas like kitchen tiles or bathrooms.
This versatility means users can safely clean a wider variety of materials without risking damage.
3. Self-Cleaning Technology
One of the most significant drawbacks of early steam cleaners was the buildup of mineral deposits, or “scale,” inside the machine, especially in hard water areas. Modern eco steam cleaners now feature self-cleaning and descaling systems, which automatically flush out minerals and keep the device functioning optimally. This extends the lifespan of the machine and reduces the need for frequent maintenance.
Eco Steam Cleaning and Sustainability
1. Water Conservation
One of the standout eco-friendly features of steam cleaning is its minimal water usage. Traditional cleaning methods, particularly in commercial settings, often involve copious amounts of water for rinsing chemicals off surfaces or mopping floors. Eco steam cleaning uses as little as one liter of water to clean an entire house. This reduction in water consumption is significant for:
- Regions facing water shortages: Eco steam cleaning contributes to global water conservation efforts.
- Businesses aiming for sustainability: Lower water use can reduce operational costs, especially in large-scale cleaning operations such as hotels or restaurants.
2. Energy Efficiency
While steam cleaners require electricity to generate heat, modern units are becoming more energy-efficient. They heat water quickly and maintain steam for extended periods, minimizing the power required for reheating. Some advanced units come with standby modes that conserve energy when the device isn’t in active use but can quickly reheat when needed.
The Importance of Hygienic Cleaning in Public Spaces
Eco steam cleaning is becoming a preferred method for cleaning public spaces due to its ability to sanitize high-traffic areas without the use of chemicals. Steam cleaning is frequently used in:
- Public transportation: Buses, trains, and taxis can be hotbeds for bacteria and viruses. Steam cleaning helps maintain cleanliness and public health by sanitizing seats, handrails, and floors.
- Schools and daycare centers: These environments require frequent, deep cleaning due to the presence of children. Steam cleaning eliminates bacteria and viruses, reducing the spread of illness without exposing children to harsh chemicals.
- Fitness centers and gyms: Locker rooms, gym mats, and shared equipment can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi. Steam cleaning provides an effective way to disinfect without leaving behind chemical residues that could cause skin irritation.
Industrial Applications of Eco Steam Cleaning
Eco steam cleaning is not just for homes and commercial businesses; it’s making significant strides in industrial settings as well. Industries where hygiene is critical have adopted steam cleaning as part of their standard cleaning protocols, including:
1. Food and Beverage Industry
Steam cleaning is used to sanitize food preparation surfaces, conveyor belts, and machinery in production plants. Its ability to eliminate bacteria and pathogens without chemicals makes it ideal for ensuring food safety while complying with regulatory standards.
2. Pharmaceutical and Medical Facilities
In pharmaceutical production and healthcare facilities, maintaining a sterile environment is critical. Steam cleaning effectively sanitizes surfaces, equipment, and tools without introducing harmful chemical residues, ensuring that spaces are safe for medical use.
3. Manufacturing and Warehousing
Factories and warehouses often require cleaning of machinery, floors, and production lines, where dust and grease buildup can lead to inefficiencies or safety hazards. Steam cleaning is a highly efficient way to degrease and clean large areas, reducing downtime and improving the working environment.
Eco Steam Cleaning in the Context of COVID-19 and Beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened global awareness about hygiene and cleanliness, making steam cleaning more relevant than ever. Its ability to kill viruses and bacteria without chemicals offers a safer way to disinfect surfaces in homes, businesses, and public spaces. Many cleaning professionals have turned to eco steam cleaning to meet higher standards of disinfection, particularly in high-touch areas like door handles, counters, and restrooms.
Even as the pandemic subsides, the trend toward non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning methods is expected to continue as people prioritize both their health and the environment. In today’s world, maintaining a clean and healthy environment is more important than ever, but so is protecting the planet. At CleanDay London, we specialize in eco steam cleaning services that are not only highly effective but also environmentally friendly. Here’s why you should choose us for all your cleaning needs.
