Another question on steamer for the pros.
We all agree not all cars need steaming.
In what aspects would a steamer help you clean an interior faster?
Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
Printable View
Another question on steamer for the pros.
We all agree not all cars need steaming.
In what aspects would a steamer help you clean an interior faster?
Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
Carpets and upholstery that aren't so dirty that they need an extractor (light surface dirt).
You can use it on door jambs. It's not necessarily quicker. But if you have it out anyhow...
Headliners in some cases - especially the solid one piece ones. Just have to be very careful if you use it around glued in place ones.
I've never used it to remove gum. But it's supposed to work well. I would watch a video of a pro carpet cleaner doing this before trying myself. Plus, I would have the right chems to assist.
I know some guys post that they use one on plastics. But, that's dicey because if you have one that gets really hot, you run the risk of overheating the plastic and discoloring it. I've never owned a cheap one. But, plastics are the one place I think a cheaper one that runs cooler and wetter might be better. Don't go with my advice on that, it's just a guess. Personally, I don't use mine on plastics.
The outside of a steering wheel where you put your dirty hands. Maybe, but realize...
I almost always use my steamer with a MF or cotton rag wrapped around it. They're just so hot, they can do damage.
@Ducksfan are you in Oregon by chance?
I agree with you on everything you said especially discoloring some plastics, it’s a risk honestly. And also the part being hot and damaging something unless you have a MF?
Does steam kill any bacteria at all, if so which ones? In case a client ever ask me?
Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
No, I'm in SoCal.
Steam is a good disinfectant. So, yeah most germs/bacteria should be killed by it. But, I'm not a scientist. So, if you want specifics you should research it or talk to someone more knowledgeable than me.
Thanks Ducksfan, don’t discredit your abilities. You know more then you might know.
Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
Not sure I'd say "faster" as a benefit but mainly because they involve set up and break down and waiting for them to heat up, etc. I'm sure some of the pricier ones heat up faster or are "instant" but you know what I mean.
The key benefit I see is they do make short-work of nasty dirt on door panels and the fact that they can blast out a stick cup holder certainly can save time. Steamers work great on lightly soiled carpets and seats too. They won't by scientific or legal definitions allow you to use words like "disinfect" but you can safely say "sanitize" and be okay legally. They tend to leave fabrics smelling fresher too as they will kill off some bacteria that cause odors.
I push them as an ability to clean without using harsh chemicals that many of my customers seem to like hearing. Just be careful on interior plastics and leathers. Don't hold them in place too long. If a few seconds doesn't break the dirt loose don't think 15-20 seconds will do it as to do so will likely cause damage. On worn leather they can also pull off the dye and coatings so again, move quickly and wrap the end of the steamer with a microfiber rag.
Hope the above helps. This was a pretty dirty 8yr old minivan the customer bought used. Here the steamer was great at cleaning up the lighter interior.
https://pbase.com/timothylauro/image...1/original.jpg
https://pbase.com/timothylauro/image...7/original.jpg
I use them in conjunction with a really nice newer style Microfiber Mitt.
https://pbase.com/timothylauro/image...2/original.jpg
Thanks Tim, the other day I used it to clean an interior and it took forever to warm up.
I honestly was debating whether to use it again, hence the question.
What are you opinion on IK foam sprayers?
Maybe 1 for wheel and tires?
Another one for interior?
Are these IK foam sprayers efficient in anyway?
Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
Tim good work I’m the interior van, I may try your methods next time
Looks well cleaned and results are beautiful.
Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
haha! now you know why I replied that saving time.....maybe not so much.
I like them a lot. I have an IK9 and use it but not too often. The small one for wheels is nice but honestly, I bought the larger one as if I'm going to foam wheels, I'll just do the whole car.Quote:
What are you opinion on IK foam sprayers?
Maybe 1 for wheel and tires?
Another one for interior?
Are these IK foam sprayers efficient in anyway?
Interior wise, I'm not a foam guy. I use a Solor 456 sprayer. The reason being is that it's commercial grade and has a Schrader valve built in so I can pressurize it to 45psi with my compressor and not have to pump it up. I actually installed one on the IK9 too :) The 456 is super quality and worth the money. I use it to spray my pre-treament on interiors. There are smaller versions too but I bought the larger so even on small interiors where I may not use as much chemical/cleaner, I have room to keep the pressure up high and not run it down.
https://pbase.com/timothylauro/image...7/original.jpg
Thanks Tim, very good advice.
Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline