Steam cleaners are pressurised units and so the steam loosens more of the inground dirt. The pressure means that you can use it vertically. The range of tools allows you to clean floors, windows, bathrooms, kitchens (even the oven), lawn mowers, cars.....the list goes on. The contained unit means that you can control the steam including the volume you release. The higher temperatures will sanitise more effectively and will dry quicker. Steam Cleaners will even kill dust mites.
With a standard steam cleaner the dirt is wiped away with a cloth which can be attached to some tools, or with a squeegee. Our steam cleaners do not require special cloths because of the peg system: you can use old towels, nappies, rags...
Wash the cloths and re-use them.
Steam cleaners with vacuum do not require cloths. They can be used as a wet or dry vacuum with water filtration and in combination with steam. Steam cleaners with vacuum are ideal for a deep down clean for soft furnishings. Sanitise mattresses or lounge/dining furniture. Can be used for air filtration to remove dust and odours.
Q. Don asked for "INFO ON DUST MITE % KILL RATE"
A. There is some info on the following site that may help:
"The decreases in dust mite allergens following a single vacuuming did not last as long as decreases following dry steam cleaning and vacuuming. We believe that the hot dry steam kills the mites, and the vacuuming removes them from the carpet," Dr. Zeldin said.
IF YOU SUFFER FROM DUST MITE ALLERGY THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IS WORTH READING.
NOTE: I steam my son's mattress with the steam iron attachment because it reheats the steam before it is released.
If you set the iron on Linen the mattress will dry very quickly and I assume the Kill Ratio will be higher because of the higher temperature.
Other sites that I have discovered on dust mites (thank you Don for prompting me to look this up):
Steam cleaning in the home
