How long does it take steam to kill bacteria?

[ShineTimeDetail]

Just curious how long do you need to hold steam on an item to kill the bacteria on it?

[Bates Detailing]

Just curious how long do you need to hold steam on an item to kill the bacteria on it?

Good question - I figured somewhere between 1.5 sec and the time when the surface melts.

[ShineTimeDetail]

Lmao good logic!

[pickles]

Steam will denature the protein in bacteria pretty quickly.

[Robert8194]

Depends on the bacteria. But most need temps less than 140 F. To survive. Your Optima should be putting out 300 F plus and temp at 4-6 inches is still around 160. You should be able to kill a lot of bugs in a short period of time.

[ShineTimeDetail]

Depends on the bacteria. But most need temps less than 140 F. To survive. Your Optima should be putting out 300 F plus and temp at 4-6 inches is still around 160. You should be able to kill a lot of bugs in a short period of time.

Do you have an optima?

[mark58]

Steam will kill bacteria on contact. Most of bacteria will be killed at 180F for 3 minutes. These are the specs required for commercial dishwashers. For household dishwasher If I am not mistaking Kitchen Aid Superba model is the only one that brings final rinse cycle to 180F. or at least it was few yrs ago.

[Robert8194]

Do you have an optima?

No. I have the Dupray Hill Injection. But, when you got the Optima, I did a lot of research. I have the VX5000 but I wanted something that could steam the exterior. The Optima looked great but a little pricey for an enthusiast. So, I went with the Dupray. I have steamed the exterior of two cars and tires and wheels on three. Steam is amazing.

[ShineTimeDetail]

What's your process on the exterior?

[Robert8194]

What's your process on the exterior?

I hit a panel with low pressure steam, spray Optimum Opticlean, let dwell. Hit with steam again and wipe with MF turning frequently. On the wheels and tires I have started using Mother's and steam with a little brushing. Then use the hot water injection to rinse.

[ShineTimeDetail]

No marring?

[ShineTimeDetail]

Are these dirty cars also?

[Robert8194]

No marring?

Haven't had a problem with marring. I'm very gentle with the cloth. It works like Opticlean on steroids. I don't have the nerve to try it in real dirty cars. What all are using the Optima for?

[ShineTimeDetail]

I bought it for the exterior but 'dirty' cars I just picked a hot water pressure washer.

[Robert8194]

I bought it for the exterior but 'dirty' cars I just picked a hot water pressure washer.

Is that working for you? I did a fairly dirty car today and used some hot water injection to knock off some of the heavy dirt. But didn't have to worry about marring because the paint was fairly trashed already. Did a quick AIO with the PE 14 and it looked OK.