User:Omarzwrt/sandbox/Steam Cleaning

Introduction

Steam cleaning technology is a cleaning method which provides users with a safe environment. It is a chemical-free and eco-friendly method of cleaning. Most hospitals use this cleaning method in order to provide their patients with a safer environment. Steam cleaning is also used to resolve issues with dust mites and bed bugs. A steam cleaner can cost from approximately $800 - $1,200.

How it Works

Mechanism

Before beginning to use a steam cleaner you must first fill its container with water. A steam cleaner works by heating water past its boiling point and forcing it out as steam through a nozzle, brush, or any other attachment. The vapor loosens dirt and kills most unwanted rodents and harmful bacteria. Suction is not required in the device because the high-heat moisture dries quickly. A steam cleaner may reach temperatures as high as 212 - 230°F (or 100-110°C). Different steam cleaners vary in the time it takes to heat the water and how long the water will last while .

Effectiveness

Steam cleaning has been utilized to remove unwanted rodents from a household. An experiment was done to see the effect that steam cleaning would cause on dust mites. Steam cleaning proved to be useful by eliminating all of the dust mites in the treated carpet squares, while those that weren't treated had an increase in the density of dust mites. In addition to dust mites, the steam cleaner has also been used to control bed bugs (Note: to kill bed bugs effectively, the surface must reach temperatures of at least 160 - 180°F). Getting rid of bed bugs using a steam cleaner can be effective up to three quarters of an inch into the fabric.

Steam cleaning was introduced to the operating suite of Moorabbin Hospital on August 2013. This cleaning method proved to be beneficial to the Moorabbin Hospital due to the fact that it reduced the costs of clean from $10,093 a year to $3,016 a year. In addition, cleaning results have been better while maintaining the same amount of cleaning hours due to the hospital implementing the steam cleaning technology. This cleaning method has also improved occupational health and safety. There were no slips and falls or allergies and chemical irritations since this cleaning method was introduced to the hospital.

Steam cleaning has proven to be useful in many areas; however, it does have its flaws. Inhalation of the steam produced by the cleaner may cause breathing problems to those who are more vulnerable. Steam cleaning works well on most surfaces, but not necessarily on electrical equipment. Furthermore, steam cleaning may still leave water residue, resulting it in not being safe for people to walk on instantly and may result in slips and falls, making it a safety hazard.Due to high temperatures produced by the steam cleaner, it is a safety hazard to operate and have near children.

Pros

• reduced cleaning costs
• reduces allergy problems and chemical irritation
• decreases the chances of slips and falls
• assists in keeping away unwanted rodents such as dust mites and bed bugs
• easy to use

Cons

• steaming cleaning does not work well with electrical equipment
• steam may still leave water residue, causing a safety hazard
• inhalation of steam may cause breathing problems
• the heat produced by steam cleaner is a safety hazard (230°F)
• expensive