best (affordable) steam cleaner

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 9:39 pm

ello

am pondering whether to invest in a steam cleaner, both to renovate my engine and to use each year to clean off the underside of the van for inspection.

Anyone got one they would recommend? Budget is a consideration (isn't it always

) but I'd rather spend a little more and get a good one!

All comments, experiences and tips v welcome, as ever!

wibble

Post by **paulhumphries** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 11:34 pm

I also fancied a proper steam cleaner after having access to one at a local HGV garage where a friend worked.
If you are after decent, and new, budget for well over £1000 and more like £1500.
If you look you will see hot pressure washers cheaper (say around £500) but they aren't the same thing as a steam cleaner.
Forget the small DIY steam cleaners that are meant for household cleaning - they are a waste of time even in the house.
I made a lance to attach to a wallpaper steamer and although it worked in a fashion a pressure washer cleaned more gunge off !

My advice is just get a decent pressure washer.

Paul Humphries.

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 9:50 am

cheers paul

sounds like an item to be hired, as and when needed

Post by **aupickup** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 10:18 am

i have a kirsher pressure washer, and these seemed to work very well

, but then if it gets muddy then best to wash off straight away and not leave it

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 10:22 am

true, true.

i was thinking more of the less routine cleaning, eg cleaning engine block and gearbox casing, which are currently still out of van

Post by **aupickup** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 11:08 am

ah ok in that case get some engine degreaser, and then just brush down with water, cheap and easy

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 12:26 pm

yeah think i will do that

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 4:43 pm

A cheapo pressure washer will be fine - mine was ~ £50 several years ago and still works a treat - cleans up the slabs each year too. Important of course to be sure it is stored where it cannot FREEZE during winter!

Post by **Kevin** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 1:38 pm

If you want an annual steam clean its going to cheaper to find a local garage to do it for you.

Post by **Rob_Jennings** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 12:41 pm

seen a few engine bays steam cleaned, only to rust shortly after! Always make sure you dry it out and paint on some sort of preserve after the clean

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 1:11 pm

thanks, rob