An extractor is used for the deep cleaning of carpets; it forces
hot water and detergent deep into the nap of carpet, and then draws it out with
a powerful vacuum.
When heated vapour molecules come in contact with cooler surface
micro pores it causes them to expand, and it force the dirt and bacteria to the
surface, and the steam vapour sanitises interior surfaces and kills germs and
bacteria. Steam vapour contains very little water ~ 5%); so surface (seating,
hard surfaces and carpets, etc.) are able to dry quickly
A system that produces a high temperature, low moisture vapour (VX
5000 Steam Vapour System, approx. 750 USD) that contains only 5% to 6% water and is much
less dense than air, a steam vapour system is equipped to safely produce
thousands of gallons of live dry steam using only about 1.5 quarts of water per
hour.
The use of a vapour steamer for the vehicles interior materials
is a helpful addition. Steam vapour introduces very little moisture into the
fabrics and materials, however wet vacuum ‘extraction for use on heavily soiled
fabric, mats and carpets cannot be bettered. Be cognizant that when working
with upholstery / foam too much moisture will allow the foam to remain wet deep
down and this affects the mild steel within the seat as well and prolonged
contact with the stitching, which may cause it to rot.
Steam vapour is also hygienic when used to kill bacteria and
germs, disinfect surfaces as it kills mould spores, musty smells, bacteria and
the smell of tobacco nicotine and smoke. Steam vapour is able to reach many
places that a wet vacuum / extractor cannot access.
Apply a cleaner to a sponge, work up foam and apply to the
surface, then pass the steamer just above the top of the area just cleaned and
lightly agitate with a micro fibre towel, then wipe dry. Steam vapour helps to
emulsify the grime, while the foam encapsulates it. Steam when it cools turns to
condensate (water) which helps to re-hydrate leather upholstery
Use the stem nozzle for the HVAC vents and areas of the dash and
anywhere that are inaccessible with a vacuum. For carpets, upholstery, dash and
the headliner; use the triangle attachment with a micro fibre or terry cloth
wrapped around it secured with a rubber band, once towel becomes too soiled
change for a clean, fresh towel.
Always adjust the steam output dependent upon the material. Most
materials used on a vehicles interior do not need a lot of heat; do not hold
the nozzles too close
Steam can also be used on the wheel surfaces to remove brake
dust and tar deposits, especially useful for hard to reach areas. Steam is a
very effective degreaser and lends itself well to engine cleaning. It’s also
great to use on wheels that have baked on brake dust that is in hard places to
reach. Steam can also be used to clean the exterior paintwork, same guidelines
apply, i.e. keep the nozzle moving and do not get too close to the surface, and
this is especially true around exterior ‘rubber’ seals and trim.
Steam is a very useful tool that can be used for many cleaning
tasks, but like all tools if used incorrectly can do more harm than good
Steam Vapour advantages -
•
Can access areas that a carpet extractor cannot
•
Clean between seats, consoles, dashes, cup holders, vents, door
pockets, door jambs, seat tracks and more
•
Will not leave moisture to soak materials as the steam vapour
only contain 5 - 6% water moisture?
•
Steam-vapour dries very quickly (unlike a carpet extractor) and
therefore will not cause mould or mildew to form.
•
A steamer will clean hard (vinyl, wheel and glass) surfaces that
an extractor cannot
•
A steamer can be used to clean leather upholstery quickly and
more efficiently than standard methods and without the use of chemicals
Finished leather and Vinyl – a slight change in technique is
required when working with finished leather. Place a cotton terry cloth towel
(micro fibre tends to lift the pigmentation) on the area being cleaned and
indirectly apply steam, this will emulsify oils and dirt; do not directly steam finished leather. Remove the towel and use a
semi stiff leather brush to get into the creases and etc., wipe area with a
clean micro fibre towel.
Alcantara – once surfaces have been vacuumed use a napping brush to raise
the fibres. Place a micro fibre towel on the area being cleaned and indirectly
apply steam, this will emulsify oils and dirt; do not directly steam Alcantara
and do not over wet. Wipe area with a clean micro fibre towel and then use
a napping brush to raise the fibres.
Fabric – use an upholstery brush to loosen any dirt and raise the fabrics
nap, select a suitable stain removal cleaner (303™ Spot & Stain Remover ) and then use a solution of 20% stain remover and 80%
distilled water, shaving cream or foam to remove stains from fabrics. Spray a
small amount of the solution onto the stain. Wait for a few minutes, and then
lightly scrub the stained area with a soft bristle brush or old toothbrush. Blot
the area with a soft clean cloth, and then vacuum thoroughly and then use the
steamer to clean the upholstery
Note- Once material has been cleaned use a suitable protection
product
Caution - Steam can scald the skin so wear gloves and do not use too much
heat with synthetics materials as it could cause them to melt
Current Information
To
be of real practical use, a subject like automotive detailing requires a great
deal of research, and updating as new products become available. The advent of
materials like detailing clay, micro fibre technologies and finely milled micro
diminishing abrasives, suitable for ceramic nanotechnology paints are examples
of why it’s so important to monitor the industries new products, chemical
technologies and ideas that are constantly being introduced, as are the
techniques for applying them, hence all of the in-depth articles will be
up-dated and revised on a regular basis
Always be willing to learn;
because the more you learn, the more you’ll realize what you don’t know. You
should never stop learning, and your quest for information should be part of
your everyday process. It
is said that knowledge is power, with the caveat that it includes access to a
reliable information sources. I would
like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to
detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to
advance their knowledge.
I detailed my first vehicle
at the age of fourteen forty plus years later I started to write detailing
articles to share my experiences. For about fifteen years or so I started to
contribute to various detailing forums answering questions posted by
neophyte’s, enthusiasts and professionals alike. My mantra has always been Experience
Unshared Knowledge Wasted.
About the author - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/about-author.html
This is not a product
vendor’s catalogue, nor am I a vendor pretending to be an educator, as there
are a lot of companies that are now sponsoring detailing forums, giving advice and
preaching that only the product they sell or manufacture are suitable. In reality
they are just advertisements, with the appearance of educators, mere salesman.
Those who have something to sell can be very persuasive, often using marketing
pseudo-science (i.e. blurring the
distinction between science and fiction) to make a great case while completely
ignoring meaningful facts, like their product adds nothing of real value.
I purchase all the products
I use, so the endorsement is entirely personal and commercially unbiased, the
product recommendation is based on "Does exactly what it says on the
box" and it suits my detailing goals. The products mentioned have been
personally subjected to extensive laboratory (using state of the art
instruments and methodologies in some of the world's most prestigious labs) as
well as field testing, and I have found that they will perform the task more
than adequately, hence the personal recommendation, using the methodology and
tools cited, which may or may not be the same as those recommended by the
manufacturer.
I
hope these articles are informative. They are based on the current status of
technical development as well as my experience with the products.
By
having some understanding of the ‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along
with a little science to help you understand how the chemicals we use react,
you can achieve the results you desire.
I would appreciate it if you
would share these articles as it helps other detailers further their knowledge.
As always if you have
questions, I’ll do my best to answer; bear in mind the only stupid questions is
the one that was unasked. Questions and/ or constructive comments are
always appreciated
Copyright
© 2002 - 2015 TOGWT® (Established 1980) all rights reserved
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