steam cleaning Steam vapor technology, a green alternative to toxic chemicals. By: Rick Hoverson T Rick Hoverson is the principal of Advanced Vapor Technologies, Edmonds, WA. The popularity that steam vapor and steam vapor machines have long enjoyed throughout Europe is rapidly gaining momentum in the U.S., particularly as more and more attention is being paid to green cleaning methodologies and the poten-tial hazards that exist when cleaning with solvents and other chemicals. It’s important to understand the fundamental principles involved in using steam vapor technology effectively. away from the intended target. To keep the steam trapped, microfiber or ter-rycloth towels often enclose the cleaning head; brush arrangements also exist that trap the steam at the surface in a similar manner. Don’t be misled There is no shortage of videos and infomercials on tele-vision showing off the apparent ease and versatility of various units (“just aim, pull the trigger and voila!”), but these can be misleading. Quite often, the television demonstrations have a model or actor holding the nozzle one or even two feet away from the kitchen or other surface; when they engage the steam, the grease and grime melt away almost instantly. Steam vapor does not work that way. This is not a high-pressure cleaning system. In order to be effective, the steam must be trapped at the surface of the area to be cleaned. For this to occur, the tool must be in very close proximity to the surface, not held a foot or more for more info Visit www.cmmonline.com and type in search keywords: Steam vapor . For more information on related products, visit www.cmmonline.com , select SUPPLIER SEARCH from the main navigation bar, and enter keyword: Steam . 16 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • February 2009
CMM – Archives Feb 2009: 16
