Many detailers are curious about dry-vapor steamers, or “steam machines.” They have heard of steam’s cleaning capability and the advantage of not over-wetting the interior of the vehicle, while also substantially cutting down on the use of chemicals. However, many detailers are still skeptics, either because they don’t believe that you can effectively clean without chemicals, or they have tried some of the cheaper, TV-advertised versions of the steamer and have had no luck. I fell into both of these categories.

While most professional detailers have adopted the use of carpet extractors over the “old school” bucket-and-brush method of cleaning interiors, many detailers are still leery of “newer school” technology such as steamers. Years ago, I heard that the use of steam was a great way to clean, and that it had many other advantages. The hype seemed too good to be true, so I decided to give steam a try. My mistake back then was not researching the machines and being too cheap to buy a good unit. I bought one of those as-seen-on-TV units that claimed you could accomplish everything with this little machine for the low, low price of... Well, as it turned out, the low, low price was just a waste of money.

The machine was basically a toy that really did nothing but slow me down — and it did not clean very well. So, I closedmindedly wrote off the use of steamers for a couple of years and went back to using my trusty carpet extractor and compressed air, and manually cleaned the trim panels and areas where you simply can’t use the extractor.

Right: When using a steamer, there are various attachments that you can choose for different areas of the vehicle.

WHAT DOES STEAM DO?

After hearing some detailers report success with commercial grade steamers, as well as having people ask me questions about them, I figured I needed to revisit their use. I did not want to waste money again by buying another cheapo unit, but I did not want to spend thousands on a steamer either. I simply did not know anything about steamers.

I must admit I did not fully understand what steam actually does in the cleaning process either, so I decided to find out
what this is all about. This is what I learned.

All steamers have a boiler. The water inside the boiler is heated and pressurized which will produce steam — or more precisely, hot dry vapor, which is a gas. As all gasses do, when vapor contacts the atmosphere it expands violently and dissipates. Vapor molecules are extremely small and are able to penetrate the pores on any surface. When the hot vapor molecules come in contact with the cool surface in the pores, they violently expand and force all dirt, debris, and bacteria to the surface. Also, because the vapor is so hot, bacteria — as well as anything else — are killed. The results are surfaces that are free of any substances that were not originally on those surfaces. In addition, the surface dries extremely quickly because you are cleaning with hot vapor, which has a water content of only about 5 percent. When using steam on the interior of a vehicle, the overall interior will be almost totally dry upon completion of such use.

I HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT

After doing some research, I purchased a commercial-grade steamer and started experimenting with it. I wanted to see whether there were certain things it would do to merit further use. I wanted to be able to safely clean surfaces and not damage leather, plastic trim, fabrics, etc. The steamer not only was safe but very effective. It was also very quick in eliminating some stains and grease, and in cleaning tight areas.

I was able to nearly eliminate harsh cleaners while using only steam. Doing so prevents the creation of chemical residues, which can attract more dirt. The result is a surface that looks brighter and is actually cleaner. The absence of chemicals, and some harsh odors they leave behind, will help to satisfy many customers who may be very sensitive to chemical smells. The cost savings will also have an impact on your bottom line.

When using a steamer, there are various attachments that you can choose for different areas of the vehicle. A small wand attachment can be used to get into seat tracks, cup holders, ashtrays, door pockets, and more. Various brushes can be used for carpeting, seats, door panels and so on. The hot dry vapor basically incinerates the dirt and blows any remnants out, leaving the residue to simply be wiped off. As I got more familiar with all the attachments and the unit itself, I found myself using the steamer almost exclusively over the carpet extractor.

There are many advantages to using a steamer over brushing, or cleaning with carpet extractors. We’ll examine these advantages in next month’s issue of Auto Laundry News. Are there any disadvantages to using a steamer? We’ll provide this answer, too, next month.

By Kevin Farrell.

Kevin Farrell owns and operates Kleen Car (www.kleencarauto.com), a fullservice auto-detailing business located in New Milford, NJ. USA. Kevin is also an instructor for a detailing program he developed for, and in conjunction with, BMW of North America. His background includes auto dealership experience and training through DuPont, General Motors, and I-Car.