Problem of choice: a washing vacuum against a steam cleaner

The technique, which used to be strictly professional, is increasingly being introduced into everyday life. So, washing vacuum cleaner It has long ceased to be something amazing: today it helps every third owner to look after the house. Steam cleaner - the device is less well-known, but already actively conquering its buyer. If you have a choice between a washing vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner, then do not rush to do it. These two devices perform completely different tasks! But first things first.

The device is a washing vacuum cleaner

To understand the principle of operation and the scope of the device, consider what is inside it.

What is the difference between a regular vacuum cleaner and a washing one? Normal work on the air, and washing - on the water.

Inside of any washing vacuum cleaner two tanks for liquid are installed. Clean water is poured into one. It is fed to the brush, and from there it is sucked back along with the dirt into the container for the waste liquid. Thanks to such a scheme of work, a washing vacuum cleaner differs favorably from floor washing with an ordinary mop. A rag will not be able to completely collect all the dust and dirt from the surface, and a washing vacuum cleaner will be able to.

The principle of operation of the washing vacuum cleaner can be understood in the video.

Vacuum cleaners vary:

• by design (vertical, horizontal);
• in power;
• by volume of water tanks;
• by used filters.

Vertical more bulky, but also water in them is located more. And this means that they will work longer without “refueling”. Pay attention to installed filter class. If this HEPA is greater than 12, then you can be sure that 99% of the contaminants will remain inside the vacuum cleaner. The disadvantage of washing vacuum cleaners is the high level of noise - it will be quite difficult to get out while the children are sleeping.

Scope of application

As you already understood, they can perfectly wash the floors.And for what else is such a unit useful? He will help:

• clean carpetscarpet and other fleecy coatings;
• freshen upholstery;
• get rid of animal fur.

When choosing a washing vacuum cleaner, consider the area of ​​your home. For larger homes, a larger volume of water tank is required, allowing operation without refueling.

Cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner can be carried out both with clean water and with the use of special means. It should be noted that each manufacturer recommends "its" detergent, which is ideally suited to the type of vacuum cleaner. This is a regular additional cost. In addition, consumables in washing vacuum cleaners are means for dry cleaning. These are special dust collectors, with the help of which a washing vacuum cleaner works like a normal one, according to the “dry” principle.

Minuses

The disadvantage of these units is the need to purchase consumables. And what else disadvantages has a washing vacuum cleaner?

• Bulky design. Due to the presence of two water tanks inside, such a vacuum cleaner simply cannot be compact.
• The need for complete washing and drying of all components of the vacuum cleaner after each cleaning.
• High cost compared to “dry” brethren.

But despite these drawbacks, washing vacuum cleaners are simply necessary if you have a lot of carpets, upholstered furniture, if animals live in the house. This will allow less access to dry cleaning services, which in the end will provide significant savings.

There are some restrictions at the use of washing vacuum cleaners. For example, they cannot be used for:

• parquet and floorboard;
• natural carpets.

With parquet, everything is simple: moisture can get into small cracks in the floor surface, and it will begin to swell. Natural carpets are not recommended to be cleaned, because they dry hard. The base of the carpet of natural fabric (wool, viscose) is prone to the appearance of mold with insufficient dryness. But if you have the opportunity to make the carpet to dry on the street, under the sun and wind, the problem is settled.

Device steam cleaner

Inside the unit is a steam generator. Water poured into a special tank is heated, and under pressure goes through the steam generator hose. The hose can be put on various nozzlesdesigned for specific tasks.It works much quieter than a vacuum cleaner, which can be attributed to pluses. Also, the device does not require additional chemicals: cleaning is due to high temperature and vapor pressure.

Steam cleaners are different:

• manual;
• floor standing

Manual models are compact, and are intended for occasional use and spot processing. The water tank in them is small and the power is less compared to the floor ones. But the cost is much lower!

Manual steam cleaner has one significant drawback: it must be kept on weight during processing. The hand gets tired of it.

Outdoor in appearance resemble vacuum cleaners with a long hose. Steam cleaners of this type are characterized by high power and price. They are used to treat large surfaces: floors, walls, doors, etc.

When choosing a steam cleaner you need to pay attention on its weight (if it is a handheld device), the length of the hose and cord. Insufficient length will make it difficult to handle curtains and make access to remote locations problematic.

Scope of application

The steam produced by the device can kill bacteria, germs and allergens.Due to this property, the device was initially used exclusively in medical institutions: it is used for disinfection. From there he came to our daily life. Today, many people suffer from allergies, and for them the steam cleaner is simply indispensable. What can be cleaned with steam?

• curtains, curtains;
• clothes;
• window;
• tile (in particular, the gap between the tiles);
• mirrors;
• plinth;
• floors;
• vehicle interior.

As you can see, the scope of the steam cleaner is similar to a washing vacuum cleaner. How the steam cleaner works, and what can be cleaned with it, is shown in the video.

disadvantages

Despite the wide scope, these devices have disadvantages, due to the characteristics of the device device. These include:

• the need to use rags to wipe the surface after steam treatment;
• cheap models can "spit water", leaving stains;
• can not cope without additional funds with the old carbon and rust.

Advertising steam cleaners makes believe that they will remove any dirt once or twice. This is not entirely true. Steam dissolves dirt and soot, but does not do it instantly. Then the dissolved dirt needs to be removed with special napkins. To work with the device you need to adapt: ​​how to hold, at what angle, at what distance from the surface (for more details, see the article you bought a steam cleaner: how to use it). Not every housewife gets used, it is much easier for many to use caustic chemicals and brushes to clean the dirt.

Difference of a steam cleaner from the washing vacuum cleaner

As you can see, the design of these devices are similar. They both have a water tank inside, both let it out. But there is a big difference: the vacuum cleaner draws in the dirt back, but the steam cleaner does not. Therefore, you cannot collect crumbs and other debris scattered on the floor using a steam cleaner. But he will perfectly cope with such tasks as:

• removing plaque and rust;
• window cleaning;
• removal of traces of glue from surfaces;
• cleaning upholstered furniture; curtains;
• disinfection.

There are models working in cold mode - These are suitable even for washing fresh flowers on the windowsill. In addition, the steam cleaner does not leave stains after work. But for cleaning the carpets, a washing vacuum cleaner is more suitable, since it is able to pull in all the dirt that has accumulated between the villi.

Which unit is better to choose?

To make a choice, you need to understand what tasks you face. If there are animals in your house, as well as a lot of carpets, you need a washing vacuum cleaner. If you have children or allergies, you will have to purchase a steam cleaner. After all, he cleans without chemicals and disinfects. It is even better to purchase both devices, and each will perform its own area of ​​work.