Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hello all,

I know this is a vac forum but does anyone recommend a good floor steamer?  I once borrowed a Eureka 300A upright steamer and enjoyed using it.  Thanks for the help!

Hello Simonette:

I have 70 percent Mohawk ceramic tile floors and use the HOOVER Floormate for cleaning and drying.  Works very well.  I'm in the market for the ORECK Steam-It but not for the ceramic floors.  Steam heat is not recommended on these floors.  The HOOVER FM, without the liquid cleaning solutions, is.  I have found that the HOOVER FM leaves my floors almost completely dry after using the dirty water pick up mode.  And a good thing.  I have a lab that likes to help with the job and walks over the floor as soon as I clean an area.   The lab and the 3 grand daughters are the main reasons for the FM.  So far so good.  Over 3 years of use with the HOOVER FM and still going strong.  One difference is that I use an ORECK XL upright to completely vacuum the tile floors before using the FM.  I found using the dry vacuum mode of the FM is not as good as the ORECK.

Carmine D.

Simonette wrote:
Hi Simonette,

A good steam cleaner should do a fine job on tile. Floors with well-sealed grout should be easy to care for. Vacuum thoroughly before cleaning (fill and allow your steam cleaner to heat while your sweeping). Ceramic tile wiht properly sealed grout is generally tough but use your device's brush or only a non-metallic scouring pad or very mild cleanser to get up hard to rout scuff marks.

Please note a good steam cleaner only produces steam when triggered and its steam rate is adjustable.

Following is a link to Oreck's user guide page. Look for and click on "Steamer 100":

http://www.oreck.com/customer-service/owners-guides.cfm#

Venson

Hi again Simonette,

Here is a URL for a PDF of the less expensive Bissell Steam Mop's user guide. Click on the link at teh right side of the page:

http://www.bissell.com/Products/c/bare+floor+solutions/p/1867-7/product.aspx

Best,

Venson

Hello Venson, Simonette:

Before moving into our new home, my son-in-law was gracious enough to seal the ceramic tile flooring [we were out-of state].  It's a one time occurence.  Unlike the granite counters which require sealing yearly with a liquid especially for the purpose.

Converstions with the contractor who installed the Mohawk floor advised against steam and cleaning solvents, recommending instead just likewarm tap water.  I've followed his advice and so far so good.  Tho, I note that some homeowners have had somee issues with cracks developing in the grout and tile. 

Question: Do you think the floor contractor was being overly cautious with his advice and my ceramic tile floor? 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
Hi Carmine,

Definitely yes, as I have a strong feeling the contractor spends more time building than cleaning. As well, though long in use in Europe, steam cleaners and the way they work are not well-known here despite the sudden burst of advertising. The following URL is for ceramic tile dos and don'ts and no caveats for steam cleaners are offered.

http://www.mohawkflooring.com/ceramic-tile/care/dosanddonts.aspx

The next is part also about tile care but note that there is mention of semi-annual treatment of grout:

http://www.mohawkflooring.com/ceramic-tile/care/default.aspx

Venson

Venson wrote:

Thanks Venson.  Looks like I have some additional work to do every 6 months not to mention my new steam cleaner, whatever it ends up to be, is going to get more than the workout I thought.  Who said retirement is the life of Riley?

Carmine D.

Thank you, Carmine and Venson. I appreciate the great information. It appears I have more work to do!

Sorry, it's me...again. Most of the steam cleaners I have researched have the watts indicated in the specs. The Oreck gives water pressure PSI. Is one more important than the other?

Simonette wrote:
PSI has to do with steam output. Wattage ratings concern electrical draw. A steam cleaner with high output may do better at really grungy work but as well may be overkill if all you need it for is regular duty on floors.

The numbers game should be about how long the machine takes to heat the water it holds, how much water for steaming it will contain, how long it will produce steam and warranty time.

Venson

Venson wrote:

Here are the specs for the ORECK Steam-It.  In recent years, more mention is also being made of amps rather than watts.  I believe in part due to the concerns about energy consumption and usage. 

Carmine D.

Oreck Steam-It™ Specifications:
Weight with floor appliance	9.4 lbs.
Weight without floor appliance	8.1 lbs.
Warranty	1 year.
Cord Length	16 ft.
Included Accessories	Two washable microfiber towels, two bonnets, universal cleaning clips, and 6 attachments.
Water Pressure	50 to 60 PSI.
Heat Up Time	30 seconds.
Color	White and black with yellow accents.
Water Capacity	1 Liter.