The strong cleaning power of dry vapor steam

The strong cleaning power of dry vapor steam

SAN DIEGO —This equipment’s low water content helps to avoid damp mats and carpets.

SAN DIEGO — An industrial-grade dry vapor steam machine produces super-hot steam, typically above 300° F. This heated vapor has strong cleaning power but extremely low water content. Additionally, the steam will kill microorganisms on contact, so you are essentially sanitizing while you clean (a great fact for marketing).

The biggest benefit to the express customer is that the carpets and seats are virtually dry upon return. There are two reasons for this. First, the steam machine is only infusing moisture into the top of the carpet or cloth fibers. Second, the amount of water used is a fraction of what is used by an extractor.

Here’s how it works: The typical industrial steam machine will include a large, triangle-shaped nozzle over which a non-dyed towel is wrapped. As the technician moves the nozzle over the surface to be cleaned, the steam pushes through the towel and emulsifies dirt and grime, which is then caught by the towel. Steam is also a great way to quickly clean and sanitize leather seats.

The steam machine’s limitation is that it is not going to be good for deep cleaning or heavily-soiled carpets. In truth, the time it takes to process such carpets should really disqualify them from an express service. However, I know it’s hard to say no to these customers, so keep the hot-water extractor around.

Here’s another advantage of using steam for express carpet cleaning. Because the mats do not have to be removed to allow them to dry, the mats can be cleaned in place. Since the mats can be cleaned in place, the carpeting immediately underneath the mats does not have to be cleaned. I recommend that express carpet and mat cleaning services only include the mats and exposed carpeting around the mats. This makes a lot of sense in the express world because the carpeting under the mats is rarely in need of cleaning and is seldom seen by the customer. Since the carpets under the mats are not cleaned, they don’t have to be dried; so the mats can stay right where they belong. And, the customer no longer has to worry about reinstalling the wet mats that have been thrown in the trunk.

This section was pulled from Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s July feature, “New innovation in interior express detailing.” You can read this article in its entirety here.

You May Also Like

Turbo Tint opens newest franchise in Kennesaw, Georgia

ORLAND PARK, Ill. — The brand has added eight new stores over the past year. This is the first store in Georgia and the 11th location in the country.

Turbo Tint opens newest franchise in Kennesaw, Georgia

ORLAND PARK, Ill. — Moran Family of Brands announced in a press release its newest franchise location with a Turbo Tint store in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The new Turbo Tint franchise opened on Jan. 23 and is located in the Mack Dobbs Point Shopping Center at 2953 Cobb Pkwy. NW.

Army Reservist opens Tint World location in Tennessee

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — The store opening marks the company’s sixth Tennessee location.

Owner Gamaliel Martinez brings valuable military experience to the state’s sixth National Automotive Styling Centers franchise store
MPE Partners, Appearance Technology Group acquire P&S Detail Products

CLEVELAND and BOSTON — P&S offers a comprehensive portfolio of cleaners, dressings, polishes, waxes and coatings across its Pro Series and Double Black collections.

MPE partners logo
Tint World opens new location in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Owners Scott and Susan Hellervik open Tint World Louisville, while planning two additional area locations.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Owners Scott and Susan Hellervik open Tint World Louisville, while planning two additional area locations.
Tint World opens 22nd Texas location

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — Owned by Kevin and Allyson McBreen, the new store will offer services to the northern San Antonio area.

Other Posts

Water works

Best practices to ensure quality wash results and customer satisfaction at professional carwash sites.

10 points to understand about your Unlimited Wash Club

Learn the 10 keys to creating a better experience and increasing unlimited wash club membership.

10 points to understand about your Unlimited Wash Club
Ziebart installs new corporate leadership team

TROY, Mich. — Automotive aftercare franchise announces three strategic promotions, including creation of chief growth officer and COO roles.

Quality over quantity

Focusing on improving carwash operations will drive overall value.