Use a Steamer to Kill Household Dust Mites, Bacteria, and Mold

Deep and thorough household cleaning for some means harsh chemicals and antibacterial cleansers. Killing common allergens such as dust mites and mold can be a difficult task. However, by using vapor steam cleaning throughout the house, this can be accomplished by simply using tap water.

A Vapor Steam Cleaner Produces Hot, Dry Steam

A dry vapor steam cleaner is much different than what is typically referred to as a steam cleaner. Steam cleaners which are used for carpet cleaning actually use hot water extraction, not true steam. They inject water and shampoo into the carpet and then extract the solution back out.

A vapor steam cleaner works by heating up plain tap water to 240-280 degrees, hotter in commercial machines. A very dry vapor is produced, with a moisture level of about 6%. Using the applicator, steam is applied at a low pressure onto surfaces, loosening dirt and oils. Even very porous surfaces become extremely clean, as the steam penetrates deeply. Since the moisture level is so low, areas are left essentially dry.


Household Areas are Sanitized Instantly

Perhaps the most useful benefit of a dry steam cleaner is that molds, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses are killed as a result of the high steam temperature. Typical cleaning does not usually kill all of these allergens. Additionally, cleaning agents and antibacterial soaps that are often needed to produce a thorough cleaning are not necessary. With a vapor steam cleaner, surfaces are sanitized immediately without use of chemicals.

The santizing aspect of a vapor steamer is beneficial all over the house. Children's stuffed animals, which often contain a disturbing amount of dust mites, can be steamed to eliminate all offending organisms. Bedding and rugs can be steamed, removing allergen causing dust mites and even pollen. Pet areas such as cat litter boxes, bird cages, and dog beds can be steamed to remove bacteria and eliminate odors.

Use a Dry Vapor Steam Cleaner All Around the House

Vapor steam can be used to thoroughly clean a variety of surfaces in a house. Countertops and kitchen sinks, which may harbor bacteria and mildew, can be sanitized instantly without the use of harsh chemicals. The steamer is an excellent choice for hard-to-clean places like the slider of a glass door, furnace vents, and kitchen stovetops and ovens. For tiled surfaces, the vapor steamer excels at cleaning grout, and may be a good alternative to a bleach pen or grout brush.

For carpet cleaning, vapor steam is effective for sanitizing and loosening dirt and oils within the fibers. However, this method does not tend to work well on highly soiled areas. Additionally, it is important to remember that there is no vacuum attached to a vapor steam cleaner. Steamed areas must be vacuumed or wiped down to remove remaining dirt or allergens. Carpeted areas or upholstery which is steamed will be dry and ready to vacuum in about 15 minutes.

Ladybug Steam Cleaner Good Household Machine

There are companies that offer dry vapor steam cleaning as part of a "green" cleaning process, since there are no chemicals necessary. Vapor Squad is one such company, offering services such as mattress sanitizing, bathroom and kitchen sanitizing, and tile and grout cleaning, to name a few. Their commercial machines heat water to 320 degrees, producing a vapor with 5% moisture and killing 99.99% of all bacteria and mold.


Steam cleaners can be also purchased for home use. They range in price from about $300 to around $2000, depending on the model. A popular and highly rated brand is the Ladybug Vapor Steam Cleaner. The Ladybug comes in a wide variety of models, some featuring continuous fill tanks and multiple attachments. These are on the upper price end, starting at about $1000. A good alternative may be a steam mop, which can be purchased for under $100, and many come with attachments which will sanitize areas besides just floors.

A vapor steam cleaner cleans and sanitizes by using extremely hot, dry vapor. It is able to accomplish a deep cleaning without the use of chemicals. For those who suffer from allergies, the steamer will eliminate allergens, making it even more appealing.

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