Steam cleaning has emerged as a highly effective and versatile cleaning method, favored by both professionals and homeowners alike. Its popularity stems from not only its ability to clean surfaces thoroughly but also its remarkable capacity to eliminate a wide range of harmful substances. In this article, we will explore, from a professional steam cleaner’s perspective, exactly what steam cleaning can kill.
Understanding Steam Cleaning Basics
Steam cleaning works by harnessing the power of high – temperature steam. Water is heated to its boiling point, typically 100°C (212°F) at sea level, and then converted into steam. This steam is forced out of the cleaning device under pressure. The hot steam softens dirt, grime, and stains on surfaces, making them easier to remove. But more importantly, the high temperature of the steam has a lethal effect on many unwanted organisms and substances.
Killing Microorganisms
Bacteria
Bacteria are single – celled microorganisms that can be found everywhere, from our homes to our bodies. Some bacteria are beneficial, but many are pathogenic, meaning they can cause diseases. Steam cleaning is extremely effective against bacteria. The high temperature of the steam denatures the proteins in the bacterial cells. Proteins are essential for the proper functioning of bacteria, as they are involved in processes such as cell structure maintenance, metabolism, and reproduction. When the proteins are denatured, the bacteria lose their ability to carry out these functions, and they die.
For example, common bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), which can cause food poisoning, and Staphylococcus aureus, which is associated with skin infections and other illnesses, are highly vulnerable to steam cleaning. In a professional setting, such as a hospital or a food – processing facility, steam cleaning is often used to sanitize surfaces and equipment. In hospitals, it helps to prevent the spread of infections between patients. By using steam cleaners with appropriate attachments, every nook and cranny of a room, including bed rails, doorknobs, and medical equipment, can be effectively treated. In food – processing plants, steam cleaning ensures that surfaces are free from bacteria that could contaminate food products, thus maintaining food safety standards.
Viruses
Viruses are even smaller than bacteria and are composed of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. They are not technically alive as they cannot reproduce on their own but instead hijack the cells of living organisms. Steam cleaning can also be effective against many viruses. The high – temperature steam can damage the protein coat of the virus, rendering it unable to attach to and infect host cells.
Take the influenza virus as an example. Steam cleaning can be used to sanitize areas in schools, offices, and homes where there is a risk of flu transmission. By directing the steam at surfaces like desks, keyboards, and doorknobs, the virus particles present on these surfaces can be inactivated. In recent times, with the global concern over the spread of coronaviruses, steam cleaning has been considered as a supplementary cleaning method in public spaces. Although specific studies are needed for each virus strain, the general principle of using high – temperature steam to disrupt the virus’s structure holds true. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness may vary depending on the type of virus and the duration of steam exposure.
Fungi
Fungi include molds, mildews, and yeasts. Molds and mildews, in particular, are common problems in homes, especially in areas with high humidity such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Fungi can cause allergic reactions in some people and may also damage building materials over time. Steam cleaning can be a great solution for dealing with fungal growth.
The heat from the steam not only kills the visible fungal colonies but also penetrates into porous materials where the fungal roots (hyphae) may be growing. For example, on bathroom tiles with mold growth, steam cleaning can reach deep into the grout lines. The high temperature disrupts the cell membranes of the fungal cells, leading to their death. In addition, the steam can help to remove the spores that fungi produce for reproduction. By eliminating both the active fungal growth and the spores, steam cleaning can significantly reduce the chances of future fungal outbreaks. However, it’s important to address the underlying humidity problem in the area to prevent new fungal growth.
Parasites
Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism (the host) and obtain nutrients from it. Some common parasites that can be targeted by steam cleaning are dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that thrive in warm, humid environments and are often found in bedding, mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture. They feed on dead skin cells shed by humans and animals.
Steam cleaning can be very effective against dust mites. The high – temperature steam penetrates the fabric of bedding and carpets, killing the mites and their eggs. The heat also denatures the proteins in the mites’ bodies, just like with bacteria. In a professional cleaning of a hotel room, for example, steam cleaning the mattresses and carpets can help to reduce the allergenic impact of dust mites for guests. This is especially important for people with allergies or asthma, as dust mite feces and body parts can trigger allergic reactions.
Eliminating Other Harmful Substances
Allergens
Allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. In addition to dust mites, other common allergens such as pet dander and pollen can also be affected by steam cleaning. Pet dander is made up of tiny flakes of skin shed by pets. Steam cleaning can remove pet dander from furniture, carpets, and floors. The steam helps to loosen the dander from the surfaces, and then it can be vacuumed up.
Pollen, which is a major allergen for many people during certain seasons, can also be reduced through steam cleaning. When pollen lands on outdoor furniture, car interiors, or windowsills, steam cleaning can wash it away. The high – pressure steam not only dislodges the pollen grains but also can clean the surface more thoroughly than just a simple wipe, ensuring that fewer pollen particles remain in the area.
Chemical Residues
In some cases, steam cleaning can also help to remove chemical residues. For example, if there are pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables, a gentle steam cleaning can be used to reduce the amount of chemicals present. The steam can help to break down some of the chemical bonds in the pesticides, making them easier to wash off. In a home environment, if there are cleaning product residues on countertops or floors, steam cleaning can help to rinse them away without the need for additional harsh chemicals. This is beneficial as it reduces the exposure to potentially harmful chemicals for both humans and pets.
Factors Affecting Steam Cleaning’s Efficacy
Temperature
The temperature of the steam is crucial. As mentioned earlier, water boils at 100°C (212°F) at sea level, but in some high – altitude areas, the boiling point is lower. The higher the temperature of the steam, the more effective it is at killing microorganisms and removing contaminants. Professional – grade steam cleaners often have the ability to reach and maintain high temperatures for extended periods. However, it’s important to note that some delicate surfaces may not be able to withstand extremely high temperatures, so a balance must be struck.
Exposure Time
The length of time that the steam is in contact with the surface also matters. For some stubborn stains or deep – seated microorganisms, a longer exposure time may be required. In professional cleaning, we often adjust the cleaning process based on the type of surface and the level of contamination. For example, when cleaning a heavily soiled carpet with a lot of bacterial growth, we may spend more time steaming each section to ensure that the bacteria are effectively killed.
Pressure
The pressure at which the steam is emitted can also impact the cleaning and killing power. Higher – pressure steam can reach deeper into porous materials, such as carpets and upholstery, and can more effectively dislodge dirt, grime, and microorganisms. Professional steam cleaners are designed to provide a range of pressure settings, allowing us to customize the cleaning process for different surfaces and cleaning tasks.
Conclusion
Steam cleaning is a powerful tool in the fight against a wide range of harmful substances. From bacteria and viruses to fungi, parasites, allergens, and even some chemical residues, steam cleaning offers a relatively safe, non – chemical alternative for sanitizing and cleaning various surfaces. By understanding the principles of how steam cleaning works and the factors that affect its efficacy, both professionals and homeowners can make the most of this cleaning method to maintain a clean and healthy environment. Whether it’s in a medical facility, a food – service establishment, or our own homes, steam cleaning can play a vital role in keeping our surroundings free from unwanted and potentially harmful organisms and substances.
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