Things You Should Know About Steam & Water-Based Cleaning

Water Can Be a Powerful Cleaning Agent

Steam cleaning as a concept has been around for years, but only recently with the arrival of new technology has its popularity seen such rapid growth. This is due in large part to the Green cleaning movement, and the widespread demand for processes that will replace traditional methods with cleaner, safer technology.

In case you’re unfamiliar, the basic functions of steam cleaning are as follows: water is heated to above boiling, usually around 300 degrees fareinheit, then blasted into surfaces, bringing dirt and grime to the top where it can easily be removed. Steam cleaning can be used on a variety of surfaces, and has been found to be especially effective on porous or textured surfaces. Steam is able to penetrate deeply into these surfaces, expelling dirt that chemical treatments may not be able to reach.

The benefits are manifold: reduced chemical exposure makes it safer for cleaners and building occupants, and may help qualify a building for LEED certification; it can be used on a wide variety of surfaces and often removes stains in high-traffic zones such as those found in restaurants or schools; it can be a labor-saving device by reducing the amount of trips cleaners make to refill their chemical solutions. The list goes of accomplishments goes on. But perhaps most impressive is that everything on this list requires but one resource: tap water.

Of course, skepticism over the effectiveness of steam cleaning abounds, and that’s understandable. Consider, for example, how a cousin of steam cleaning—electrolyzed water treatment—is said to work. In his article on water-based cleaning systems, Nick Bragg of CleanLink writes,

The way it works is the tap water first passes through an electrified screen in the machine’s oxygenation chamber, creating highly oxygenated microbubbles. Next, the oxygenated water is sent through a water cell where an electric current is applied, creating a stream of blended, highly charged acidic and alkaline water that has the same attributes of a general purpose cleaner. In this activated state, the electrically charged water then breaks down dirt into small particles, removes it from the floor surface, and about 45 seconds later, the water returns to its original state and can be handled and disposed of safely.

So you can see why facility managers might think all this sounds too good to be true. Proponents of steam and water-based technology, however, are eager to bring their products in for demonstration. Confidence is certainly not lacking. But assuming the product is as effective as advertised, is it worth the higher price tag? This might be an easier question to answer. Nick Bragg cites Mike Gosson (President of Parish Maintenance Supply) who says yes, over the course of approximately two years a steam cleaning or electrolyzed water system pays back its investment in reduced chemical and water usage alone.

It’s likely that the cleaning industry will continue to have its reservations, but it steam and other water-based cleaning methods will continue to grow in popularity if for no other reason than their “green” appeal. A cleaning method that cleans as well as, if not arguably better than, traditional methods, without the related hazards to human and environmental health—this surely is one piece of technology that plans to stick around.

Additional Resources:

An article with information on disinfecting with steam cleaners.

For information on why steam cleaners are preferred for the removal of allergens look here.

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