What is the difference between a steam cleaner and a steamer

Steam processing of things, furniture and carpets in the house has long gained popularity among housewives and cleaning companies. This way you can get rid of dust and stains, refresh colors without damaging the surface and destroy many harmful bacteria and insects. Which device is suitable for home, let's try to figure it out

Principle of operation and functional features of the steam cleaner

For complex cleaning with the help of steam, a steam generator was created - a special device for supplying heated water vapor. Manufacturers produce different models:

1. Compact steam cleaners for a car or home are like an electric kettle with a long nose. In its capacity there is a ten, which heats the water, and the nozzle on the nozzle sprays and directs the steam. The device is lightweight and comfortable to hold in your hands while cleaning.
2. Multifunctional models are available for complex cleaning in the house. They are more like a vacuum cleaner, where instead of a dust bag there is a container with water. Such appliances can wash windows, clean carpets and upholstered furniture, steam clothes or do wet cleaning. Each operation has its own nozzle, which is included.
3. Professional steam generators are designed specifically for cleaning companies. They are distinguished by their solid size, high power and a variety of operations. Such devices are designed for cleaning large areas and are able to work on different surfaces.

IMPORTANT! Never point the nozzle at yourself or other people; serious burns may result.

Principle of operation and functional features of the steamer

For work with fabrics and upholstered furniture, a steamer is better suited. It resembles an iron, but does not have a heating sole that can damage the surface. You can work with it vertically, placing the thing on a hanger, both horizontally and on an ironing board. The device is simply indispensable for working with delicate fabrics, as well as for steaming leather things (raincoats, jackets, sheepskin coats).

IMPORTANT! Under the influence of hot steam, not only wrinkles are spread on the fabric, but also feather and dust mites living in pillows and down jackets are destroyed.

After the steamer, outer clothing looks no worse than after dry cleaning: suede and fur pile straightens, creases and greasy pestles in sheepskin coats disappear, the color freshens, and the unpleasant smell disappears.

Differences between the steam generator and the steamer

Steam generators are more advanced in functionality than steamers. They are suitable not only for working with fabrics, but also for cleaning throughout the house. Today, there are combined devices that combine the functions of both devices.

The advantages of the steam cleaner, in addition to versatility, can also include a variety of models (from compact handhelds to massive professional ones), the ability to not only process places of pollution, but also to collect dust and dirt. This can be done with the help of a compressor, as in a washing vacuum cleaner, or with the help of special brushes and cloth, as in a steam mop.

Among the shortcomings can be called the high price of multifunctional models, and the limited functionality of low-cost manual steam generators.

In addition to the above, the difference between the two devices in dimensions. The steamers are more compact, they are easy to place on a shelf or ironing board, while steam cleaners need a place in a closet or pantry. Although modern manufacturers produce more bulky models of steamers, equipped with a special bar and shoulders for clothes. Such models are outdoor, they are more often used in clothing stores or ateliers.

When working with any of the devices, it is necessary to observe safety precautions, namely:

1. Before connecting the device to the mains, inspect the wires and make sure they are intact to avoid electric shock.
2. Check the integrity of the water tank. The slightest crack during heating can lead to rupture of the tank and burns with boiling water.
3. Do not touch the heated surfaces of the appliance, do not bring the nozzle to your skin or clothing.
4. Do not direct steam at people or animals; keep the nozzle away from you.
5. Do not leave the appliance turned on unattended for a minute, even if there are no children or pets in the house.
6. Use filtered soft water, and preferably distilled, to avoid scale formation on the heating elements and steam vents.
7. Strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations set forth in the instrument manual.
8. Install floor units only on a hard, smooth surface so that they do not swing and cannot fall accidentally.

To work in the house, the housewives will need both a steam cleaner and a steamer. You can choose either a universal model two in one, or take one device more expensive, the second - cheaper, depending on which one you will use more often.