Did you know that you can use steam cleaning to clean almost every surface in your house?
When you have a new baby, your house might seem a lot dirtier than it did before. Harsh household cleaners can affect a baby’s eyes, airways, skin, and more. There is good news. By making simple changes and practicing child-safe cleaning, you can keep your home clean without exposing your baby to unnecessary risks.
In fact, there are lots of advantages to steam cleaning that might make you wonder why you haven’t included it in your house cleaning routine before. Here’s a handy summary of how you can use steam to clean your home:
Reasons to Use Steam Cleaners
There are several reasons why steam cleaning might be good for you to use in your home:
- Steam cleaning is eco-friendly – no chemicals are involved.
- Steam cleaning uses heat to disinfect or sanitise nearly all household surfaces.
- Steam evaporates quickly, so surfaces dry faster than when cleaned with water.
- Steam cleaning is excellent for those difficult-to-clean cracks and crevices.
- Steam can dissolve hard-to-remove substances like ground-in wax, glue, and chewing gum.
Most household surfaces can benefit from steam cleaning, but you should always pay attention to the material you’re cleaning and think about how it will react to direct water and heat. Always remember to test a small area of the surface first to see how it will react to the process.
What Can You Benefit from Steam Cleaning?
Most household surfaces can benefit from steam cleaning, but you should always pay attention to the material you’re cleaning and think about how it will react to direct water and heat. Always remember to test a small area of the surface first to see how it will react to the process.
Upholstery, Mattresses, Curtains and Carpets
- Steam kills dust mites and removes stains from these surfaces.
- Use a dry steam cleaning machine and an upholstery attachment for these surfaces.
- For carpets, you should use a steam cleaner only for spot cleaning – use a carpet cleaning machine for large surfaces.
- Test an inconspicuous area first to make sure the material you are cleaning is colour-fast.
- Keep the machine moving so you don’t soak the fabric.
Floors, Tiles, and Ceramic and Metal Fixtures
- Steam kills germs, mould, and fungus.
- Steam is good for cleaning grout (but not epoxy or caulking).
- Steam should not be used on porous floor surfaces such as paving stones, limestone, marble, or unsealed hardwood.
- Use a dry steam cleaning machine and a floor attachment for these areas.
- Keep the machine moving and avoid pressure in one area for too long.
Glass and Mirrors
- Using steam to clean glass and mirrors helps you avoid streaks.
- Use a dry steam cleaning machine and a window attachment.
- Lay a towel below the surface you’re cleaning to catch any drips.
- Drag from the top to the bottom in stripes.
Kitchen Appliances
- Handheld dry steam cleaners can sanitise rubbish bins, cutting boards, and work surfaces.
- You can also use a handheld dry steam cleaner to clean the fridge and defrost the freezer.
Other Items
You can steam clean other items in your home, as well, including the following. Be sure to follow the directions on the steam cleaner for advice on how to clean these items.
- Filters and grills (air-conditioning, cooker hood, barbecue)
- Bathroom
- Car interiors
- Golf clubs
- Pet beds, cages, and litter boxes
- Children’s toys and baby changing areas
Items to Avoid when Steam Cleaning
Some items should not be cleaned with steam, including the following:
- Paper and cardboard products.
- Delicate fabrics like silk.
- Walls and anything covered in water-based paint.
At Total Cleanz we provide professional cleaning services at most reasonable prices. Check out our rates here for Steaming & Sanitation.
