A steam cleaner basically works like a pressure cooker. The water is heated in a closed boiler of the steam cleaner until it boils, so that steam is created. You can dispense this steam in doses via a steam gun or nozzle, for example. The higher the steam pressure, the higher the speed at which it is released and the more effective its power to loosen dirt.

Stubborn and greasy dirt is loosened and liquefied by the steam in seconds. In particular, you can influence the pressure with the help of suitable accessories, so that you can optimally use the steam flow and the high temperature for cleaning.

Using a steam cleaner does not require any effort and you clean surfaces without chemical additives. Many steam cleaners allow you to set different pressure levels to suit the cleaning power and protection of the material to be cleaned.

It is best to use distilled water for your appliance, as limescale and particles from tap water can build up and clog the steam nozzles.

Before using it, you should pay attention to the heating time of the steam cleaner, because the steam needs a few minutes to work effectively. Once your unit has warmed up, you spray targeted hot steam with pressure and carefully go over the area to be cleaned with the cleaning brush or similar device.

After treating the dirty area, you'll need to pick up the loosened dirt with the mop cover on your cleaner or a separate cloth, depending on the power of your steam cleaner.

That depends on the device and the manufacturer. With many cleaners designed for domestic use, the steam in the tank is heated to between 100 and 150 degrees Celsius. In the nozzle itself, the temperature is usually about 20 degrees Celsius lower.

When it comes out of the nozzle, the steam has a temperature of about 80 to 100 degrees Celsius, so you can easily loosen dirt with hot steam. However, with steam cleaners that are used professionally in industry, the temperatures can be higher.

Extension tubes or attachments for the cleaner extend the distance to the hot steam, so you don't have to worry about burning yourself on your appliance if you use it properly.

In addition to industrial descaling agents on a chemical basis, you can use simple descalers that you also use for coffee machines or other household appliances to clean them.

Alternatively, you can also choose household vinegar to remove limescale deposits from your steam cleaner. To do this, pour vinegar into the container of your steam cleaner and leave it in for 24 hours to allow the vinegar to work its magic. Afterwards, rinse the steam cleaner thoroughly with clear water several times.

If you don't want to bother with descaling, you can also buy a steam cleaner that cleans and descales itself automatically. With the help of a descaling cartridge, the water is automatically and effectively descaled.