Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Frequently asked Questions

• What is Steam Cleaning?

  Steam cleaning is the latest cleaning technology available that provides deep penetrating cleaning ability without the dependant use of chemical additives.

• How does steam clean?

  It’s very simple really. Dirt and grime have adhesive qualities that enable them to stick onto all types of surfaces. The heat of the steam melts the adhesive and the dampness of the steam dilutes the adhesive. A wipe with a cloth quickly clears the dirt or grime away.

• What are the benefits of steam cleaning?

  Steam is a natural source using just clean water to create a powerful cleaning force. The absence of potentially harmful and expensive chemicals makes it an extremely easy, safe and cost effective way to clean your home. Steam leaves no toxic residues on surfaces and won’t stain clothing. Steam reduces well known bacteria such as e-coli, staph, and salmonella. And using only water means it's environmentally friendly.

• What is Steam-It?

  A Steam-It “All Purpose Steam Wand” may look like a vacuum – it is not. It is not the conventional "steam" cleaner nor is it a pressure washer. It is a new appliance that uses only a little water and a little electricity to clean virtually any surface – without using chemicals. The Steam-It is also quiet and portable so it can be used anywhere at anytime.

• How does it work?

  Using less than one liter of tap water, the multi-purpose Steam-It creates a low moisture vapor that carries heat to the surface you wish to treat. The heat combined with light agitation does the work for you. Steam-It comes with a variety of accessories creating a system that can be used on an unlimited number of applications.

• What is "Dry" Steam?

  An oxymoron? Perhaps. This describes a system that produces a high temperature, low moisture vapor. The vapor contains only 5% to 6% water and is much less dense than the air we breathe. It is mess free with temperatures hot enough to reduce bacteria and germs, emulsify grease and oil as well as other surface contaminates.

• What can I use it on?

  Besides the obvious steam mop activities such as cleaning tile floors, linoleum, and sealed hardwood the Steam-It can be used in hundreds of ways! From basic kitchen cleaning to golf club cleaning and everywhere in between. It has many uses around the home including bathroom tile/grout, upholstery, and carpet. It is excellent on floor surfaces for a deep down clean without chemicals. Additionally, the Steam-It can be used to defrost freezers and thaw frozen pipes.

• Is there anything that I shouldn't clean with Steam-It?

  The Steam-It is practical for any surface with the exception of those surfaces that are extremely heat sensitive. We recommend NOT using it on fine silks, delicate materials such as velour, some very thin plastics, unsealed hardwood, and exterior paint of automobiles, electronics or items using electricity. If ever in doubt, test a small hidden area before beginning extensive cleaning.

• Can I use a Steam-It to clean wood floors?

  We strongly suggest that you check the use and care instructions of your wood flooring manufacturer before using Steam-It or any steam cleaner. Do NOT use a steam cleaner on any unsealed flooring. Use of steam on an unsealed surface can cause warping and other damage to the finish on floors. We strongly suggest testing the Steam-It on an isolated inconspicuous area of your wood floor (in a corner or inside a closet if available) prior to overall use on any floor surface.

• Where does the water go?

  The water is put into a special tank that heats the water and changes it into a hot "dry" mist or vapor. The unique benefit of this system is that it produces low moisture, and high temperature vapor that carries only about 6% (six percent) water. We like to call this a "Dry" Steam Vapor because so little water is left behind and so little is used. Carpets are dry within minutes. Floors are also dry within a few minutes. This reduces the time and effort required for many tasks.

• Where does the dirt go?

  The final destination of the dirt depends largely upon which tool you use to clean a surface and also the capability of the vapor steam cleaner you are using.
  For example, if you were using the mop attachment with a micro-fiber cloth, the vapor would pass through the head making the cloth moist. The moist cloth would then absorb everything that was removed during the cleaning process. When using tools without an absorption cloth, you would simply remove any excess moisture from the cleaned surface with a terry cloth or other cleaning towel.

• Can I use regular tap water in my steam cleaner?

  Regular tap water can be used, however, be aware that if the water in your area is considered 'hard', mineral deposits can be left inside the tank. Mineral deposits built up over time will limit the amount of steam that can be released. Please be aware that malfunction caused by mineral build up is not covered under warranty. For this reason we suggest using filtered or even distilled water. Steam-It comes with two unique tools to clean out mineral deposits and disassembles easily. Please see the User’s Manual for further instruction.

• Do I have to put chemicals in the Steam-It?

  No. The wonderful thing about steam cleaning technology is the fact that only water is used for incredible cleaning results. You do not have to add any chemicals inside the Steam-It to see considerable cleaning results.

• How long does it take to heat up and produce steam?

  In 30 seconds, the Oreck Steam-It is ready for use. Other steam cleaners can take up to 15 minutes before they have sufficient steam for operation.

• How much pressure does it produce?

  The Steam-It produces only low pressure, usually in the range of 50 to 60 PSI. The low pressure creates a very safe and easy to use system. The work is done by the heat concentrated at the desired cleaning surface. The heat dissipates quickly once the vapor expands into the atmosphere.

• Why don’t I just scrub away with soap and a sponge?

  Our existing cleaning regimen consists of applying a chemical or abrasive cleaner, then wiping or scrubbing the surface until the contaminant appears to be removed. This method is superficial at best, requires physical effort, often degrades the surface, exposes our skin and lungs to harsh or toxic fumes and leaves behind chemical residue which dull and attract dirt to the finished surface. The Steam-It removes surface contaminants without degrading the surface. The heat combined with very fine water particles penetrates even the pores – whatever the surface. This proven process thoroughly removes contaminants plus leaves the surface free of residue.

• What does the Steam-It weigh?

  With floor appliance and water: 9.40 lbs
  With floor appliance no water: 6.95 lbs
  Floor appliance: 1.30 lbs

• How long is the Steam-It cord?

  16 ft.

• What is the Oreck Steam-It Warranty?

  1 year