Steam Cleaning Maintenance: How To Clean Your Steam Cleaner

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I’ve been using my steam cleaner a lot, but it doesn’t work right. I’m not sure if this machine is still under warranty. If I do steam cleaning maintenance, does it get better? I’ll try to figure this out.

Cleaning your steam cleaner is an essential part of maintaining it. Without regular cleaning, dirt will accumulate inside and eventually cause clogs, and it won’t work properly either. Knowing how to clean your steam cleaner properly will keep it working efficiently and save you money.

In today`s blog post, you will learn the processes for cleaning your steam cleaner, the materials used, and why steam cleaning maintenance is essential. So, what are you waiting for? Keep on reading until the end.

How to Clean Your Steam Cleaner?

A steam cleaner is a versatile cleaning tool that can be used on a variety of surfaces, from carpets and upholstery to tile and hardwood floors. However, steam cleaners must be cleaned regularly to maintain their performance.

Although the process may vary depending on the model, most steam cleaners can be easily cleaned with a few simple steps: First, empty the water tank and refill it with warm fresh water.

Next, add a teaspoon of vinegar (1:10 vinegar to water) to help dissolve calcium buildup. Run your machine for about five minutes to loosen and remove all of those nasty deposits. In some instances, you may need to add limescale remover.

You can do this by using the limescale remover included with your steam cleaner or by making a solution of one and a half ounces of baking soda and one quart of water. Put the mixture inside the tank of your steam cleaner. Start the steam cleaner and let it warm up the mixture.

Let it run for about five minutes so the mixture can process and clean your machine. Finally, rinse out the tank with clean water and dry it thoroughly before storing the steam cleaner away.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your steam cleaner in top condition and ensure that it will work properly when you need it most.

Picture of cleaning products.

Materials Used In Cleaning Steam Cleaner

It is crucial to use the appropriate materials to preserve the machine’s safety and efficiency to get the most out of the powerful tool that steam cleaners can be when it comes to thorough cleaning. When cleaning your steam cleaner, it is essential to use substances that will not cause the device to break and will not leave any residue on the surfaces you clean.

What you need:

  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Scrub brush or toothbrush
  • Cloth

Because harsh chemicals within the steam cleaner could potentially damage the water tank, I strongly advise against using any that aren’t recommended by your manufacturer. Utilizing equal parts water and white vinegar solution is the most efficient cleaning method. 

The outside of the machine and the brushes and attachments can be cleaned using this solution, which can also be used to wipe them off. Vinegar serves as a disinfectant and is also an ingredient in a wide variety of cleaning products.

Before applying the vinegar solution to the interior of your steam cleaner, fill a glass spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar (450 milliliters of water and 50 milliliters of vinegar), then shake the bottle thoroughly. Give this solution approximately 15 minutes to rest on all the areas you sprayed it on.

After that, rinse everything well using clean tap water until there is no trace of vinegar anywhere within reachable locations like hoses. Then, dry everything entirely by blowing hot air through the machine.

You can also use a gentle scrub brush or a toothbrush for filth and buildup that is more difficult to remove. The vinegar solution or hot water should be used to regularly clean the steam cleaner’s filters. It is recommended that before each usage, a tiny amount of essential oils be added to the water to avoid odors from developing in the future.

You can assure that your steam cleaner will always function to its full potential and that the results will be spotless if you properly maintain it with these supplies.

Why Is Having Steam Cleaning Maintenance Important?

Maintaining a steam cleaner is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe environment. Steam cleaning offers numerous benefits in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Steam can penetrate surfaces, removing dirt and bacteria without harsh chemicals. 

Steam cleaners also can sanitize and disinfect surfaces, making them especially useful in healthcare facilities or food service establishments. In addition, using a steam cleaner can save time and labor as it requires less scrubbing and wiping than traditional cleaning methods. 

Overall, a maintenance steam cleaner is essential to any successful cleaning program.

Picture of a shark steam mop

How Often Should I Clean My Steam Cleaner?

Most steam cleaners are self-cleaning, but even steam cleaners can get dirty. Depending on how heavily you use your steam cleaner, you may need to clean it every month. 

Clean your steamer at least twice a year or after each season of heavy use (E.g. winter). Even if you use it infrequently, you should always wash it thoroughly after each use so that it is always ready for the next time.

If you fill the steamer with tap water and don’t empty the water tank after each use, you will need to clean the appliance more frequently. Steam cleaners are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Steam Cleaner?

If you don’t give your steam cleaner a thorough cleaning at least once a month, limescale and hard water scales may build up inside of it, reducing the steam cleaner’s efficiency.

Repairing a business steam cleaner typically results in a cost of $125 on average. Therefore, if you maintain it properly, you can cut down on the amount you spend on repairs.

When the water in the steam cleaner is allowed to evaporate and dry out, limescale, also known as calcium scales and hard water scale areas, is generated.

The calcium or lime deposits are then deposited on the surfaces of your machine, blocking up any small holes that may already be there, which will impact how well it functions.

Vinegar is an acid that can dissolve deposits; therefore, it is possible to use it as a preventative measure against limescale and scales caused by hard water.

Vinegar can also assist in removing any odors and bacteria from your machine that may have been generated by a buildup of dirt or grime over time. This may have been the case because dirt and grime had accumulated over time.

Find out if steam cleaners are really worth the money despite their maintenance.

Wrapping up – Steam Cleaning Maintenance

Regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your steam cleaner functioning at its best. By following these simple tips on cleaning your steam cleaner, you can keep it running smoothly and prolong the life of your investment. 

If you’re looking for more information on how to care for your specific machine or if you have any other questions about steam cleaning, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

We would be happy to set up a discovery call with you so that we can discuss your needs and find the perfect solution for you. Thanks for reading!

Watch the YouTube video below to learn how to unclog and clean your steam cleaner with vinegar.

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