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Faq

Steam Cleaning Faq

Below you will find a list of common questions, if you do not see your question answered below please contact us at 1.800.881.8482 or contact us by email.

Steam Cleaner Questions

Steam Cleaning Questions

Other Questions

What is a Vapor Steam Cleaner?

A vapor steam cleaner is a machine that produces relatively dry (5% water), saturated, and superheated steam to help you clean better and faster. It usually is as small as a residential vacuum cleaner but it uses only tap water to clean any surface, making the process the most effective and ecologically friendly method of cleaning. Vapor Steam Cleaner technology originates from Italy, as they were the first to build high quality steam boilers. Vapor steam can reach temperatures from 290 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. As a rule of thumb, the higher the temperature, the better you will clean. A good vapor steam cleaner allows the user to deep clean, sanitize, remove odours and stains in one easy operation without using any chemicals. Steam cleaning can also be used to remove mold, bedbugs, allergens, fungi and dust mites because these organisms are very sensitive to heat. Many difficult tasks are made easy when using a steam cleaner, like oven and refrigerator cleaning, car cleaning, floor cleaning, grout cleaning, bathroom cleaning and other household tasks. Steam cleaning also deodorizes and improves the air quality of your house, which is a major benefit for allergy sufferers.

Why "Dry" Steam or Vapor Steam? Why are they more expensive than ones seen on TV or at the store?

Dry vapor steam cleaners will produce high temperature steam that contains only 5% water, which is almost dry. While some carpet cleaners and carpet extractors manufacturers will call their hot water units as steam cleaners, they shouldn't, because the technology behind dry vapor steam cleaners is completely different. So don't be fooled by the terms "steam machine or steam cleaner". If the machine uses a lot of hot water, it is simply not steam and it will leave a lot of water in your carpets, which can create mold and other problems. These hot water extractors are also only made for carpets and don't come with brushes and different attachments to clean virtually any surface. Vapor steam cleaning machines operate completely differently. They will use only a very small amount of water (as low as 1 litre per hour) to produce a powerful jet of dry steam.

Steam cleaners : continuous use, continuous refill or simply pressurized?

Very good question. Pressurized vapor steam cleaners means that you put tap water directly into the pressurized boiler. That water is then boiled and steam is produced. The main disadvantage of pressurized units is the down time. When you are out of water, you need to release the pressure slowly and carefully and let the remaining steam come out. Once this is done, you simply refill the steam cleaner boiler with tap water and boil the water again. An average user can lose up to 20 minutes before they are ready to steam clean again! Continuous refill or continuous use steam machines are dual-chamber units with NO PRESSURE CAP. That gives the user the ability to refill the water tank at any time, without down time and without interrupting the machine. The water is simply poured into a tank and then automatically pumped into the boiler. With continuous use technology, the user can get continuous steam 24 hours a day, as long as you keep adding water when the tank is empty. Steam cleaners with continuous refill capabilities are usually better quality and better built. We strongly recommend a continuous use unit like the Dupray Hill Inox or Hill Injection.

What pressure – temperature should I look for in a decent steam cleaner?

A good vapor steam cleaner that will be outstanding in any task should operate at a minimum of 65 psi. Do not be fooled by buying low quality chinese made steam cleaners that usually only cost a few hundred dollars. Invest in a solid and powerful one and you will not regret it. A good steam cleaner should also allow you to adjust the pressure and regulate the steam, as more delicate tasks need less pressure. The low-pressure feature is important in getting the job done without making a mess and spraying dirt all over the place.

How can I know if a steam cleaner is well-made?

There are a lot of things and features to look after before you make your decision on a certain steam cleaner. For example, you should look at the overall quality of construction and the material used in the casing. Stainless steel is a big plus for durability. But most importantly, you should look at the boiler, the heart of any steam cleaner. It should be made of stainless steel and carry an excellent warranty. The top of the line steam machines will even have replaceable heating elements, allowing you to simply replace a low cost part instead of the whole boiler in case you have a problem. The boiler should be auto-cleaning to prevent scale build up. And remember, the better grade vapor steam cleaning systems allow for continuous refill of water without allowing the system to cool down between fills. These boilers heat the water fast, which is discharged as "dry steam" which contains 5% water or less. Here is a list of the main features you have to look for when you want to buy a steam cleaner :

  • Steam temperature : for residential units, never go under 280 degrees F. For commercial use, go as high as you can.
  • Stainless steel boiler with replaceable heating elements
  • Try as much as possible to get continuous use. You won't regret it.
  • Casing : solid stainless steel, try to avoid plastics.
  • Bigger water capacity means more stable steam production.
  • Ability to regulate the steam outflow.
  • Ability to get spare parts.
  • Cost of the brushes and accessories.
  • Length of the warranty (3 years on parts is recommended. Lifetime on the boiler is a big plus).
  • The machine should have a handle to carry it around or a trolley for bigger units.
  • Length of the hose and power cord.
  • The steam cleaner should come packed with different accessories, brushes and towels.
  • Accessories should be solid and durable.

Should I buy a commercial grade steam cleaner over a residential steam cleaner?

Yes you should, but it mostly depends on your budget. Don't go for a real cheap steamer, unless you won't get the real cleaning ability of this technology. Investing around 1000$ or more IS reasonable, but do remember that the vapor steam cleaners currently sold on Dupray.ca are designed for commercial use. They are designed to withstand the rough daily use of commercial users so they are clearly enough for a residential environment. There are good reasons why the higher priced vapor steam cleaners cost more. First, they work better because they produce more steam at higher temperatures, there is not doubt about that. They also come with higher quality accessories, which help in the ability of the machine to do an effective job. Please do not use residential machines for commercial uses. Commercial vapor steam machines are more rugged and long lasting, this is one of the reasons they cost more, apart from performance reasons.

There are a number of different vapor steam models available on your site. How do I know which is the right one for me?

You should contact a Dupray sales representative or any other supplier. Your supplier should know what he is talking about and the sales rep should have personal experience with the steam cleaners. You do not want to be pushed into buying a steamer by a guy who doesn't have a single idea how to work with the unit. The models vary with the number and types of accessories, their tank capacity, and a variety of control features. In general, we see people as being more satisfied with the higher end multi purpose models.

What is the purpose of a pressure gauge?

A pressure gauge or temperature gauge is helping in knowing that your machine is in proper working order by seeing that it reaches close to it's maximum pressure or temperature. This let's you know that everything is working well.

What is the difference between the pressure knobs and switches?

When your machine comes with a pressure control it is either located on the machine in form of a knob or in the very high end machines it comes included on the handle of the hose, meaning you're able to adjust the steam cleaner's pressure at your fingertips while cleaning.

Should I avoid machines with built in hoses?

Yes you should! These machines risk needing more repairs, as they're easier to damage. Detachable accessories and hoses also make it much easier to store your machine.

Do the steam machines operate on 110V or 220V?

The majority of our machines operate on 110V and are available on 220V. Industrial machines are either 440V or 600V.

What does BAR mean?

Bar is a unit of measure for pressure 1 Bar is equal to 14.5 psi

What is overheated water injection?

Overheated water injection is a technology allows boiling water to be injected into the steam to allow for rinsing the surface you're cleaning.

Are vapor steam cleaners safe?

Yes, quality steam cleaners are very safe and easy to use. Of course, like any other tool, you need to use it the right way. Ask your representative for instruction on how to use your machine and its accessories.

Can I burn myself?

Yes and no, it depends. Because of the accessories design, it is very hard to burn yourself. Of course the beginning of the steam jet, the tip and the brushes will definitely get very hot. Please exercise caution when using your machine, like any other power tool.

Can I put a cleaning solution into the machine to make it work better?

No, not in any circumstance should you add chemicals in your machine except when the machine has a specially designed detergent tank. You will damage the boiler and void your warranty.

Why are some machines so expensive? I've seen some inexpensive machines advertised.

Basically, you get what you pay for, expensive units usually have more safety features, quality stainless steel boilers, heavier wiring, better switches, more insulation, with the heating unit mounted inside the boiler, more attachments, better quality accessories, fewer repairs that will be needed, and life span.

How long will my Dupray vapor steam cleaner last?

Of course like a quality automobile with the proper maintenance and cleaning procedures followed your steam cleaner can last you well over 10 years.

Do you offer HEPA filters?

Yes, they are available on certain models with little modification to the vacuum unit.

Do I have to empty the tank from my steam cleaner after each use?

No you certainly don't have to. Only drain the boiler (when the machine is completely cold) if you won't be using the machine for a few weeks.

Can I use a dry vapor steam cleaner to clean carpets?

Yes you can, but vapor steam cleaners are not carpet extractors. Carpet professionals will sometimes prefer the extractors to cover more area even if they over wet the carpet and leave a lot of soap residue behind. Dry steam machines can only be used to clean and refresh small to medium sized carpets. The powerful dry steam jet is excellent to remove the hardest stains on any carpets, putting the strongest chemicals to shame. Using a vapor steam cleaner to clean your heavily soiled carpet (while killing dust mites), you should first vacuum up all loose dirt. Then use a good quality vapor steam cleaner (the lower priced ones and under 290 degrees F ones are simply not up to the task) over the carpeted area and gently rub with a towel to absorb dirt. The last part of the process is to vacuum over the carpeted area, which will now have the carpet fibers opened up by the heat and more accessible for vacuuming .You should leave it to dry for a few minutes(15 to 20) before using a hepa vacuum cleaner to collect dead dust mites and extra loosened dirt. Or you can use Dupray's Carmen Super inox to Steam and Vacuum at the same time!

What are the main cleaning applications for a vapor steam cleaner?

There are so many cleaning applications that a vapor steam cleaner can do that I don't know where to start! The technology is phenomenal on almost any surface. In fact, there is a method and a tool to clean ANYTHING without damaging the surface. The only surface that you have to be careful about when you are steam cleaning are some silks (clothing and Persian rugs), and anything really sensitive to water. For these surfaces you should use a LOW setting and insulate the steam with a cloth around your favourite tool. High quality steam cleaners will come packed with accessories to accomplish the most difficult household and commercial cleaning jobs. Many cleaning problems can be tackled easily with dry steam and the right tool or brush. But remember, when you are in doubt, you should always contact your sales representative who knows exactly how to use the steam cleaner on a certain surface.

An endless list of steam cleaning uses :

    Removes :
  • Stickers
  • Wax spots or mopping residues
  • Posters
  • Adhesives
  • Gums on carpets, concrete or any other surface. Chewing gum removal is a growing market!
  • Graffiti
  • Ink
  • Paint
  • Stains on any surfaces like carpets, fabric chairs or furniture.
  • Residues around sink and faucets
  • Wallpaper (use a special attachment when available)
  • Wrinkles (Some vapor steam cleaners come with an optimal steam iron- a quantum improvement over a traditional iron)

    • Degrease :
  • Ovens and stoves
  • Kitchen equipment: steam removes grime and baked foods easily.
  • Tools
  • Motors and machinery
  • Wheels on carts
  • Entranceways

    • Disinfect:
  • Floors (steam clean any type of floors, without exception)
  • Any surface and tool
  • Toys: steam clean pillows and children stuffed animals to remove bacteria and smells
  • Mattresses
  • Kitchen tools
  • Hot tubs, sauna, pools, showers
  • Clinics

    • Restore :
  • Grout lines and dirty ceramics (grout cleaning is one of the most visual steam cleaning application!)
  • Rust on surface
  • Metal door steps
  • Industrial production lines
  • Vents, grills and ductwork entries: these areas always collect grease, dust, hair and allergens. Steam clean whenever possible.
  • Dirty golf clubs: use a nylon brush over your clubs and they will never look so clean!
  • Bar-B-Q grills: use a detail brass brush and remove any burned residue.
  • Boat decks and deep clean the hull.
  • Jewellery. Try it. You'll be amazed.

    • Deep cleans and sanitize:
  • Bird and animal cages, excellent for cat litter boxes or pet odour laden areas.
  • Furniture and office chairs
  • Patio doors sliders: just look at the dirt in those corners. Simply remove everything in less than 30 seconds with a powerful jet of dry steam.
  • Walls and ceilings: we do strongly recommend the unique Steam Mop, because it is a amazingly powerful, easy and manoeuvrable tool.
  • Mattresses: remove allergens and living organisms in your mattresses. Exterminate naturally and remove bed bugs with steam!
  • We say it again : sanitize your kitchen! This room contains the most bacteria in your house. Use the steam plunger to clean your kitchen drains.
  • Mirrors and windows. Use the window attachment and windows sparkle without using soapy water.
  • Bathrooms : steam clean the toilet, seats, grout lines, bath surrounds to get rid of odours, mould and germs.
  • Car interiors (use a steam cleaner for car detailing and car interior cleaning- upholstery, carpet, infant seats, engine wheels, any hard surface and greasy areas. You can even use it on the outside with the proper technique! You can degrease the car engine without solvents or toxic fumes. Brake dust is easily removed from car wheels with the steam lance.
  • Carpets : steam cleaners are used to clean and refresh any carpets, specially the most sensitive ones. Always vacuum first the carpet to remove the debris. Use a cloth over your floor tool to insulate the steam and catch all dirt, grease and stains on that cloth.
  • Conveyor belts

    • Kills :
  • Allergens
  • Dust mites in bedding, upholstery, carpets and clothing.
  • Any eggs and fleas are killed without the use of any chemicals
  • Germs and viruses
  • Mold spores (removes mold spores from bathrooms, refrigerators, windows encasements and other areas.

Can you combine a vapor steam cleaning with a vacuum? How does the steam cleaner works to remove dirt?

Yes. Some steam cleaners on the market are already combining a steam cleaner with a vacuum to allow steam cleaning while extracting at the same time. This technology can be interesting but truly there are few applications that you really need both tools at the same time. The dry vapor steam part will use only little water to obtain hours of steam cleaning, leaving the cleaned surface almost dry. For example, a carpet will be completely dry in less than 15 minutes, leaving no possibility for mold spores to start proliferating in a damp environment like with other cleaning methods. Remember, it is the heat of the vapor steam itself, combine with the steam pressure and a little light agitating action that does all the work. The vacuum is an interesting feature when people want to extract as much moisture as possible after or during the steam cleaning process. The 2 technologies are very different : while the vacuum will suck out dirt into the reservoir, the steam cleaner will loosen dirt on the surface or in the fibers and this dirt will stick or be absorbed by a towel or cloth fixed on the attachment.

When steam cleaning, where does the dirt end up?

It really depends on what you are doing. During carpet or floor cleaning, a removable towel is used on the end of an accessory. The cloth will absorb a great deal of the surface dirt. Some jobs will require you to wipe out the dislodged dirt with a cloth in your other hand.

Can a steam cleaner replace a mop and a bucket? What about a Steam Mop?

Buckets, mops and the need to carry and empty dirty water are inexistent when using a decent steam cleaner. Because of their versatility, steam cleaners will deep clean without the use of any chemicals. Because no chemicals are involved, no residues will be left behind to attract dirt afterwards. This means less cleaning, and less often! Steam cleaning is also a "mess free" process. For very heavy applications, all you need to do is wipe out the dislodged dirt and grime with a cloth and throw it in the washer. Good quality Steam Mops are rare in this world. Most cheap steam mops will produce very little steam and won't do good work. Look and test the only truly Commercial Steam Mop, sold by Dupray Industries. This tool will let you clean floors, walls and ceilings in no time, with no mess and without leaving a dangerously slippery floor!

Can I put chemicals in my steam cleaner? Can I add chemical to the steam cleaning process?

No you can't. Not even for cleaning the machine. A steam cleaner uses only tap water to do the job and the boilers are built for water only. Certain commercial models have built separate detergent chambers to allow specific applications like chewing gum and graffiti removal. What you CAN do, is include natural soaps to your steam cleaning process by spraying it directly on the surface that needs to be cleaned. Let it work a few seconds and steam it! We recommend using natural surfactants on heavily soiled and stained carpeting to improve your cleaning. Also some greasy areas may need some extra help from natural cleaning products.

Why should I use a steam cleaner over normal scrubbing with chemicals?

Here are a few reasons : steam cleaning is faster, greener, healthier and more effective than regular cleaning methods. Dirt is loosened up amazingly fast and the dry steam penetrates the pores of surfaces. Steam cleaning is detail cleaning. You won't believe how clean your house or car can look after you use one of these machines. It is great for people suffering from allergies and for sanitizing around pets and children.

I would like more information about vapor steam cleaners?

You can find a wide selection steam cleaners on our website, accompanied by client testimonials, user guides, videos and more.

Is it possible to clean effectively using only tap water?

Yes! When using a vapor steam cleaner, the heat produced by the steam emulsifies the grease and dirt and then the attached towel collects the residues. You simply have to feed your steam machine normal tap water to produce superheated steam.

How does a steam cleaner kill bed bugs and dust mites?

Superheated steam produces extreme heat. Bed bugs, dust mites and their eggs are very sensitive to extreme heat. In fact they start dying at 130 degrees F and the temperature at the nozzle is about 210 degrees F (insulated steam with a cloth goes up to 300 degrees F and more).

What tool do I use to kill bed bugs and dust mites?

You can either use the triangle tool with a thick cotton or microfiber cloth clipped on it to insulate the heat. Move the tool slowly; only one pass is generally needed. You'll have to repeat the process a few times to ensure complete eradication.

How does the Steam plumbing tool work?

The superheated steam build up pressure and acts like an air hammer to dislodge dirt, the heat helps melt away grease.

Does steam work on vinyl, linoleum and hardwood floors? Will it remove polish or wax?

Steam does indeed clean very well these surfaces and many other traditionally hard to clean surfaces. Use low pressure for dryer steam (higher pressure creates more moisture because of condensation) and keep the tool moving and you won't remove any polish or wax.

Can you clean carpets with a dry vapor steam cleaner?

Yes, it is an incredibly powerful spot and stain remover, and you can sanitize, deodorise and revitalize your carpet using the rectangle tool with a microfiber on it. It is ideal for interim cleaning but it's not designed to replace an extractor for very muddy carpets or to clean up major dirt.

How can vapor steam cleaners help in removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery?

The heat removes the static charge present in all hair and allows the hair to be easily vacuumed afterward. Any pet odours will also be vaporized and removed.

How do I order ?

Please visit our Order form. We do not accept online sales due to the fact we want to provide you with the personal service of selecting the appropriate machine for your needs.

I am a extremely happy user of your products and would like to distribute them in my region, who might I contact?

Firstly we thank you for your continued support and interest in our products. Please contact us at info[at]dupray.ca for further information regarding business opportunities.

I'd like to join your sales team.

We are always searching for dynamic individuals who are motivated to join our team. Please fax your CV to 514.800.1276 or email it to info[at]dupray.ca and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Are delivery costs included in the price?

Delivery is included to the USA (except Alaska and Hawaii) Canada for machine purchases, the cost of shipping for accessories and detergents is extra.

Are all models in stock?

The majority of our model line up is in stock, certain models and options are special order.

Do you sell outside of Canada and the USA?

Of course, please contact us at sales[at]dupray.ca or 1.800.881.8482 for more information.

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