Is it possible to wash windows with a clothes steamer: use the equipment correctly

Many housewives doubt whether it is possible to wash window glass with a steamer. But those who use this useful device unanimously declare that it is possible to wash windows with a steamer, and much easier than with conventional detergents. Let's figure out how to wash window glass clean and whether you need to buy a special steam cleaner or you can get by with a clothes care device.

How does a steamer work?

The principle of operation of a household steamer resembles an ordinary iron with a steam generator. A small amount of water is placed in a special container, which is heated to a boil using an electric heating element. The jet of generated steam is sent forward in a powerful stream from the bell of the device, destroying any dirt and helping to easily remove dirt from the glass.

To ensure that the device lasts a long time, use only distilled or softened water for refilling. When heated, calcium salts contained in hard water become insoluble, forming scale. A crust of insoluble scale deposits can damage the heating element even within 1 year.

A distinction is made between steamers designed for clothing and steam cleaners for cleaning. Although the operating principle of these household appliances is similar, there are many fundamental differences: different operating pressure, hose length, steam humidity. Additionally, cleaning steam cleaners usually have a more varied range of attachments.

Is there a need to purchase a special unit for washing windows?

Many people doubt whether they need to buy a separate machine for each task or whether they can wash windows with a clothing steam generator. This question can be answered this way: there is no fundamental difference between the models that would prevent them from being used for an undeclared case. However, the length of the steamer hose is often shorter than that of a steam cleaner for cleaning, because for their intended purpose they only need to reach clothes on hangers.

The steam pressure of a clothing steamer is less than that of a professional cleaning steam cleaner. The range of attachments is also usually small. This reduces the effectiveness of window cleaning, although it does not make it impossible.

If you do not clean professionally, you can get by with one unit for different household tasks. The main thing is that it meets several requirements:

• power – from 0.7 to 1.3 kW;
• tank volume – from 0.2 to 1.5 l (there is no point in buying a container of a larger volume: 1–1.5 l is enough for work, and a larger volume will only increase the weight of the device and the boiling time of water);
• pressure level is about 3 bar.

It is also desirable that the device includes a measuring cup for determining the volume of water, a funnel for pouring, nozzles for steam supply and napkins for cleaning.

How to properly wash windows?

The process of cleaning glass with a steamer is simple: just spray a stream of steam on the glass, and then wipe off the excess liquid with a scraper. Steam not only cleans the surface of the glass from dirt, but also ensures disinfection of surfaces. In addition, if the technology is followed, there are no threads, lint, or streaks left on the glass.

Be careful!

A powerful jet of steam can cause severe burns if it gets into the skin or eyes.Follow safety rules when working! Particular care must be taken when handling the steamer if there are small children or pets in the house.

To prevent the window from being damaged by steam, certain precautions must be taken. Do not bring the bell too close to the glass or press hard on the hot glass with a scraper. Also avoid exposing areas with glass defects (scratches, cracks, etc.) to hot steam.

Brief exposure to steam on frames made from quality materials usually does not cause problems. But if the manufacturer has “saved”, there may be troubles: the plastic turns yellow, the rubber seals crumble. Before starting work, try steaming a small area in an inconspicuous place.

Despite the ease of use of the steamer, there are certain subtleties in this matter:

• It is better to wash windows not in the heat, but in cloudy, cool (but not rainy!) weather. In the heat, moisture evaporates from the glass too quickly - you will have to make several passes to achieve perfect cleanliness.
• The order of work is as follows: from the top of the windows to the bottom, from the outside to the inside. Cleaning begins by cleaning the frames so that dirt does not flow from them onto the glass.
• Despite the temptation to speed up cleaning by pouring hot water into the appliance’s reservoir, you should not do this! This may damage the device.

By following these simple tips, you can easily and quickly clean your glass of dust and dirty stains.

What else can a steamer do?

Using a clothes steamer, you can not only clean window glass from dirt, but also wash the stove and microwave. It is also useful when cleaning the bathroom and restroom: the steamer will remove dirt from tiles, plumbing fixtures, pipes and heating radiators.It is also indispensable in caring for furniture. A household steamer is a multifunctional tool that can become a useful assistant for any housewife.

Thus, it is quite possible to clean the windows until they shine using a clothes steamer. Of course, you will need more passes than using a professional steam cleaner, but the difference is not so critical that you need to buy a separate device.